At the start of this movie we're given the definition of the word Sisu, which essentially means determination take to the next level.
The movie is pretty graphic in the way it displays violence and I found it simultaneously gritty and disturbing, so isn't for the faint hearted. It's quite a good story though I think much more could have been done to enhance the tension and suspense which are sadly lacking. Additionally the investment in characters was not exploited and the movie felt a little thin and unsubstantial in execution.
Allow me to explain. The focus is primarily on the protagonist and his plight and purpose. Even though other characters are featured, we're given very meagre insight into them and their perspective. Their involvement in the unfolding story is scant at best. As an example, there is a group of women who are only utilised to further elaborate on our protagonists objective. We can guess they've had a pretty hard time given the condition they are in and the little regard their captors have for them, but that's about it. The opportunity to use them as an anchor for emotional involvement in the screenplay is never really taken, and this is the same with much of the other characters. They are all one dimensional participants in a story that seems to have only one avenue as its sole point of focus. This narrow field of vision leaves the movie wanting.
The film is well shot and I loved the camera and location shots. The acting is all top notch and the direction is on point. In fact there isn't too much to pick apart, though as the story goes, it's a very simple one and there is no attempt to sell you anything else.
The other issue with the movie is the exaggerated nature of the violence, particularly regarding the level of physical punishment our protagonist manages to receive without any apparent lasting impairment. This is a little ridiculous. There are much more effective ways to portray challenging fights and gruelling physical encounters while keeping it realistic. Here realism has largely been disregarded in favour of the dramatic, and the result is a production that sits very firmly in the realms of fantasy.
That said, I still found the movie enjoyable, and though I can't say I was engrossed in the story, I did find it entertaining, and after all, isn't that ultimately the point of a movie.
I think 7/10 is a fair score.
The movie is pretty graphic in the way it displays violence and I found it simultaneously gritty and disturbing, so isn't for the faint hearted. It's quite a good story though I think much more could have been done to enhance the tension and suspense which are sadly lacking. Additionally the investment in characters was not exploited and the movie felt a little thin and unsubstantial in execution.
Allow me to explain. The focus is primarily on the protagonist and his plight and purpose. Even though other characters are featured, we're given very meagre insight into them and their perspective. Their involvement in the unfolding story is scant at best. As an example, there is a group of women who are only utilised to further elaborate on our protagonists objective. We can guess they've had a pretty hard time given the condition they are in and the little regard their captors have for them, but that's about it. The opportunity to use them as an anchor for emotional involvement in the screenplay is never really taken, and this is the same with much of the other characters. They are all one dimensional participants in a story that seems to have only one avenue as its sole point of focus. This narrow field of vision leaves the movie wanting.
The film is well shot and I loved the camera and location shots. The acting is all top notch and the direction is on point. In fact there isn't too much to pick apart, though as the story goes, it's a very simple one and there is no attempt to sell you anything else.
The other issue with the movie is the exaggerated nature of the violence, particularly regarding the level of physical punishment our protagonist manages to receive without any apparent lasting impairment. This is a little ridiculous. There are much more effective ways to portray challenging fights and gruelling physical encounters while keeping it realistic. Here realism has largely been disregarded in favour of the dramatic, and the result is a production that sits very firmly in the realms of fantasy.
That said, I still found the movie enjoyable, and though I can't say I was engrossed in the story, I did find it entertaining, and after all, isn't that ultimately the point of a movie.
I think 7/10 is a fair score.