"The Revenant", Leo's best work yet
By Daniel Yam,
December 2015
Combining style and a phenomenal cast of talented actors, "The Revenant" is sure to be an upcoming blockbuster. Centred on real life hero Hugh Glass, the film explores themes of survival, revenge and human spirit.
Video credit: 20th Century Fox
Life over death
“I ain't afraid to die anymore. I'd done it already.” This sentence uttered by Hugh Glass, the main protagonist, perfectly sums up the nature and tone of “The Revenant”. Already labelled by critics as one of director’s Alejandro González Iñárritu finest works, the blockbuster is on course to be a hit in the box office. Starring Hollywood A-listers Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, "The Revenant" takes viewers on a gritty journey of survival, revenge and most importantly of all, a celebration of life over death.
A journey made, a legend created
Inspired by true events in 1823, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, an experienced hunter in an expedition party to the American wilderness on the search for pelts. He is joined by the brash and conniving John Fitzgerald. While scouting ahead for the party, Glass was attacked by a wild grizzly bear. Left mortally wounded and on the verge of death, Glass becomes a burden to the party, who were already being chased down by hostile native Indians. In an attempt to quicken their progress to civilization, Fitzgerald suggests to kill Glass for the sake of all their lives. Swayed by his own conscience and convinced by Hugh Glass’s son, the captain offers a reward for three volunteers to stay behind to allow Glass a proper burial. Glass’s son, Fitzgerald and another party member volunteer. Not long after, Fitzgerald buries Glass alive and kills his son. Motivated by pure rage and the desire for retribution, Glass survives his ordeal in order to extract vengeance on his tormenter.
A man on a mission: The film features some of Leonardo DiCaprio's best acting as he portrays Hugh Glass
Photo credit: 20th Century Fox
Power of will
The movie deals with themes of survival, revenge and the power of the human spirit. The director successfully portrays the gritty American wilderness and the impeccable acting brings out the struggle of man against nature. It was DiCaprio’s acting that stood above the rest. The forty-one year old Hollywood veteran channels his role with passion and conviction, with his physical acting style capturing a real thirst for revenge. His character’s journey shows the audience just how powerful raw willpower is.
Blockbuster
Though dark and violent at times, the Revenant’s core focus celebrates life over death with the main character overcoming near-death situations and reaching a state of spiritual-like self-belief. I would rate the movie at a high 8 out of 10 and strongly recommend it to those looking for a film that invokes motivation to overcome their own predicaments. So the next time you are feeling bogged down by life, remember that Hugh Glass crawled 200 miles in the wilderness to civilization after fighting off a bear. What’s your excuse?
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy
Ratings: R
Running Time: 156 Minutes
Score: 8/10
This movie review piece was done as part of one of my modules.
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