Helen Mirren offers an outstanding performance in a war movie triumph.
This movie in essence is quite sad, yes it has uplifting and at times humorous moments, but overall it really tugs on the heartstrings. What I think is the most ingenious thing about this film is it is a war movie that uses no explicit violence to evoke emotion. It is set in the 1990s with frequent flashbacks to World War II and these flashbacks are certainly intense and fear inducing, they definitely make you fear for the characters’ safety – but no violence is used or needed. I think that in itself is a remarkable feet!
Helen Mirren’s performance is captivating and certainly Oscar worthy. Her counterpart for the film is Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds is a good actor, but his performance and his belief of what he’s performing just doesn’t come through in the same way. Rather surprisingly they work quite well together and have a genius comedic rapport that develops throughout the course of the film.
Overall this is one of the best war films of all time and it features a sublime performance from leading lady Helen Mirren.
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas
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