Phoenix (2014)
Stars: Nina Hoss, Ronald Zehrfeld, Nina Kuzendorf
Runtime: 98 minutes
Synopsis: After undergoing facial reconstruction surgery due to injuries received in a concentration camp, a woman decides to look for her husband in post-WW2 Berlin.
- Performances: 8/10
Why? Every performance was special in its own way. But the actress that truly blew my mind with her range of emotions shown was Nina Hoss without which I'm sure the film wouldn't have worked in the slightest.
- Screenplay: 8/10
Why? A beautiful and original concept handled with care, "Phoenix" is not your typical cheesy romantic flick. It beautifully examines how love can also have a blinding dark side that will affect the people involved as well as their entourage. All that was made easier by the way the characters were fleshed out, which despite not being perfect, I found to be pretty interesting and easy to relate to.
- Costumes/Makeup: 4/10
Why? My main issue with the film, and it's kind of a big one. I found it hard to believe, and even forgot at times, that the movie was taking place in post-WW2 Berlin and was centered around a Holocaust survivor with severe facial injuries. This lack of realism was in big part due to "clean" costume design, makeup, and set design. In a movie with a theme as real and poignant as the one studied in "Phoenix", I have to say that this problem annoyed me quite a bit.
- Editing: 6/10
- Cinematography: 6/10
Why? Nothing really special about it. The movie looked good, but I never felt that its cinematography elevated its quality.
- Score/Soundtrack: 6/10
Why? While the soundtrack definitely had its moments, it was pretty forgettable for the most part. I really loved the delivery of one particular song sang towards the end, though.
FINAL GRADE: 7/10
Comments
Post a Comment