Civil War (English) Review {3.0/5} and Review Rating
Star Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Kailey Spain, Wagner Maura, Stephen McKinley Henderson
Director: Alex Garland
Civil War Movie Summary:
Civil war It is the story of a group of journalists in a war zone. In the near future, a civil war breaks out between the authoritarian United States government led by a dictatorial president (Nick Offerman) and various separatist movements like the Western Forces, Florida Alliance, New People’s Army, etc. Famous war photographer Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) covering war events in New York. She and her colleague Joel (Wagner Maura) plans to travel to Washington DC to interview the President before Western forces take over the city. They are joined by veteran war journalist and mentor Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and 23-year-old aspiring photojournalist Jesse Cullen (Kaylee Spaney). Lee had saved Jessie’s life during the protests in New York. Lee is not in favor of Jessie joining them but insists on taking her after Joel woos him. 600 miles more travel begins. Along the way they face many challenges and dangers. What happens next sets up the rest of the film.
Civil War Movie Story Review:
Alex Garland’s story is incredible and fictional. Alex Garland’s screenplay is a bit dry in places but overall it is full of many charming and riveting moments. The dialogues are good. Unfortunately, with the film lacking subtitles and a lot of sound, some of the one-liners are hard to decipher. It is sad that PVR Pictures refuses to follow suit when most studios in the country are releasing Hollywood movies with English subtitles.
Alex Garland’s direction is great. He has a winning plot in hand but that’s half the battle won. One needs to judge so that the desired result is achieved. In this regard, Alex succeeds. He chooses to focus on the war reporters, and this makes for a nice touch. It is interesting to see the life these people lead. While portraying his story, the director also makes a significant comment on morality and how the award-winning image takes precedence over everything else. There are some interesting moments in the first half but the best moments are reserved for the second half. The kidnapping scene of the terrorist (Jesse Plemons) is nail-biting. The climax is very gripping and the film ends wonderfully.
On the contrary, the makers do not provide any backstory on how the civil war started. The various separatist movements and who is leading them are also not well known. Similarly, no information is given about the President’s dictatorial decisions and working style which led to madness. So it becomes difficult to know which side is right in the end. Perhaps, this was not the idea of the creators. Still, a little background would have helped a lot.
Civil War Film Screening:
Kirsten Dunst gave one of the best performances of her career. She doesn’t go overboard and is a natural when playing a famous journalist struggling with PTSD. Cailee Spaeny is a great find and a well-written character with panache. Wagner Moura is impressive while Stephen McKinley Henderson shines. Nick Offerman is rarely there but T. Jesse Plemons is good in that part. Nelson Lee (Tony) and Ivan Lai (Bohai) are decent.
Civil War Music and Other Technical Matters:
At least the background score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow is impressive. Rob Hardy’s cinematography is very captivating. There is a feeling of being one in the gunfight between the troops. A special mention should also be made to the sound design team who add to the tension and realism. The action is very bloody. Jake Roberts’ editing is slick. The way he juxtaposes scenes of cross-firing with black and white photographs adds to the appeal.
Civil War Movie Conclusion:
Overall, Civil War is a compelling dystopian flick based on a powerful story and performances. At the box office, awareness is limited but a novel storyline, positive word of mouth and absence of exciting releases can be an advantage.
