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First, let me get something out of the way: I'm a brainless Wes Anderson fan and couldn't possibly offer you an actual review of this movie. I'm a hipster twit who would love this movie even if it were just a blank screen for 2 hours, etc., etc. If you don't like Wes Anderson's films, and he is entrenched in his style enough that you know what that means, please save yourself the frustration of reading my review...because I do like Wes Anderson and I won't respond to any comments along the lines of the above.
I don't think Anderson is a one note director even though there is no debate that his films all share a particular feel, style, and tone. When the opportunity presents itself in this film, quite a bit of it takes place outside in larger spaces, his typical meticulous mis-en-scene is showcased. The dialogue is as spare, direct, and tight as ever. Some people apparently find this off-putting since the two leads are children...I think this betrays a lack of familiarity with Anderson (maybe more, but at least this) since he has always handled children /as they are/ - as young adults. I mentioned RT in the title because I think it is the closest to MK in terms of emotional tone. There is a desperation in all of these characters that cuts through my defenses as a viewer. I won't deny being a willing audience, but I have no trouble finding my way into each moment. Finally, to wrap up the general stuff, there is a touch of the fantastic in Moonrise Kingdom that seems like a holdover from the Life Aquatic - but I don't think it is central to the film and it doesn't change the overall tone.
This is an adventure story, and a love story, and an escape story...at times it's tragic, at times funny, at times awkward, and it's almost always exciting. In short this is a movie about being a young (pre-)teen. The leads are in that embarrassing moment in which hormones, desire, and passion meet with inexperience. They are isolated from the world in many ways and alienated from their peers and most of the adults around them. It's the two of them against the world. And the really lovely thing about this film is the way they succeed.
The adults are all disconnected from the children to different degrees (for different reasons), but one of the many exceptional things about the film is the way that each adult is a foil for the leads. One easy example is the failed marriage of Suzy's parents contrasted with the feverish and indomitable love between Suzy and Sam. As is always the case with Anderson, not a moment or exchange is wasted or empty.
I'd like to say more about the movie, but it would really be best for you to just see it.
Product note and two tangents:
- The blu-ray release is very fine in terms of picture and sound, but many fans will find the lack of additional features somewhat disappointing. I am sure that a future release (Criterion maybe) will include such features. In the meantime this bare-bones release will either sate your appetite for the film, or just seem like a money grab, etc. I'm not disappointed enough, or cynical enough, to feel cheated...and besides, I don't want to wait...
- If you're on the fence about this film because you've heard that there is something voyeuristic, pornographic, or indecent about Suzy and Sam's relationship (a particular scene really seems to have bothered some viewers)...please do yourself a favor and put that out of your mind. I have no idea how anyone could find this so offensive...I could venture a guess, but it would be very mean...if you live in a world in which teenagers do not think sexual thoughts, utter sexual sentences, or do sexual things, then you may very well be offended.
- Along the same lines, if you're on the fence because you've heard there is gratuitous violence against an animal...please put that out of your mind also. If you think a good film CANNOT portray an animal being harmed, then you will not think this is a good film. If, instead, you think that a film can portray an animal being harmed as part of a larger story, as part of a particular moment in a character's development, then you should not hesitate to watch the film on this account. For anyone suggesting that the death is unnecessary, callous, or in poor taste, I implore you to watch the film again and consider this moment more carefully. Some people have pointed to RT - since an animal dies in that movie as well - and drawn a larger conclusion about Anderson's lack of concern/care for animals. I worry that these people are not watching the films...these deaths are catalysts for the story, triggers for changes in certain characters, and are deeply emotional moments.
Of course, this film is not for everyone. The leads are children, but the film is not for most children. If you have a strong opinion about Wes Anderson, let that be your guide. I think this is Anderson's best since the Royal Tenenbaums and I cannot break the tie between them for my favorite of his movies.
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Reviews with images
Tasty Times ;3
My mom doesn't love me anymore, but that's ok because I watched this movie, and now colors aren't dull and I don't have to clutch my fists at different intervals to keep the devil at bay.
