And sometimes so do movies. I can forgive the flaws though, because the message, the acting, and the call to action the film inspires are more than worthy of watching.
I gave it a 10 to counter the people unjustly giving it 1 or 2 stars, but I would rate it a 9 otherwise. There were a couple of script choices I would have liked tightened up a bit, or made more obviously relevant to the scene. There were some characters that could have been a bit more fleshed out. But the beauty of being the director is that you get to tell your story, your way. I can respect that, and I didn't let those things distract from the underlying story.
Denzel was phenomenal, and Colin Farrel was very good as well. It was so interesting watching the parallel of their existential journeys, and witnessing the truth that we can simultaneously be an inspiration to others while privately losing our own way. To know that even if the mighty fall, there is always something redemptive we can and should do. That forgiveness, and self-forgiveness heals the soul.
Unlike other reviews, I didn't mind the ending. It left me wanting more, at first. But I watched that final scene one more time, and I had an epiphany: WE are the rest of the story. Colin's character is all of us. We are left facing the clerk of court, because WE are the change we seek. And there are many whose shoulders we can stand on to do so. Many whose work remains unfinished unless we pick it up and finish it.
This movie has an indie vibe in that not every single thing is spelled out for you, but it also has excellent cinematography, excellent acting from all - but especially the 3 main characters, but most importantly, this film gently knocks on your internal convictions and sense of self.
I do highly recommend this movie for the deep thinkers out there. If you're more into action/adventure/comedy, this is not the Denzel movie for you.
I gave it a 10 to counter the people unjustly giving it 1 or 2 stars, but I would rate it a 9 otherwise. There were a couple of script choices I would have liked tightened up a bit, or made more obviously relevant to the scene. There were some characters that could have been a bit more fleshed out. But the beauty of being the director is that you get to tell your story, your way. I can respect that, and I didn't let those things distract from the underlying story.
Denzel was phenomenal, and Colin Farrel was very good as well. It was so interesting watching the parallel of their existential journeys, and witnessing the truth that we can simultaneously be an inspiration to others while privately losing our own way. To know that even if the mighty fall, there is always something redemptive we can and should do. That forgiveness, and self-forgiveness heals the soul.
Unlike other reviews, I didn't mind the ending. It left me wanting more, at first. But I watched that final scene one more time, and I had an epiphany: WE are the rest of the story. Colin's character is all of us. We are left facing the clerk of court, because WE are the change we seek. And there are many whose shoulders we can stand on to do so. Many whose work remains unfinished unless we pick it up and finish it.
This movie has an indie vibe in that not every single thing is spelled out for you, but it also has excellent cinematography, excellent acting from all - but especially the 3 main characters, but most importantly, this film gently knocks on your internal convictions and sense of self.
I do highly recommend this movie for the deep thinkers out there. If you're more into action/adventure/comedy, this is not the Denzel movie for you.