This movie was recommended to me by many different people. Today, on my last day before restarting school, I saw Place Beyond the Pines. I don't really tend to watch art-house movies (which I'm sure this one is), but after viewing this I may give a few others a try..
This movie is probably best if you go in watching it knowing as little as possible. Obviously, it would be hard for me to review this without giving away a few plot-points within the movie. I won't spoil anything- you know that's not what I do. But I will try and summarise the plot for you.
The Place Beyond the Pines is a story that intertwines between a handful of people and begins with Ryan Gosling's character being reunited with a former lover. In order to help provide for his new-born son, he finds the necessary funds by performing several bank robberies. His story links in with Bradley Cooper's character; a rookie cop who's trying to work his way up in the police force. That's the basic premise of what is a pretty awesome movie.
The plot itself is well pieced together and is quite obviously split up into 3 segments. In a way, it feels like you could be watching 3 45 minute movies but it doesn't because the stories all link in perfectly with each other. The accolades have to go to the editing team for this, fantastic job.
I think the best way to talk about this movie is if I talk about the 3 segments of it individually. Starting with the first one.
The first segment of this movie follows Ryan Gosling's character who happens to be a stunt motorcyclist. I've already said that his motive for doing the things that he does is for his family. Automatically, that makes his character very relatable to most of the movie audience. He is a fantastic actor no doubt about it. In this movie he solidifies that claim. Not only does he nail the calm and cold side of his visibly damaged character but he also nails the emotional side to his character. Whatever he did, no matter how illegal, I would always route for him.
The first segment of the movie is perhaps the most exciting. This is because all of the bank robberies and the bike chase scenes are within this act of the film. The bank robberies are realistic and intense. The same can be said about the bike chases. This is where I have to say that the cinematography in this movie is just stunning. There are so many unique panning shots during the bike chase scenes! Also, there are some cameras positioned in the front of the police cars so you can view the chase scenes from an officer's perspective! Yes it's shaky, but it excites you and fully engrosses you in what's going on. It's well shot, well edited plus is unique.
The visuals in this movie are absolutely beautiful and were achieved using minimal special effects. Its so clear and concise, fully involving.
The second part of this movie follows Bradley Cooper's character. The first and second parts of the movie transition very effectively and does in no way feel forced. Now, I know Cooper can act because of Silver Linings Playbook. But, this movie came out last September at TIFF before Silver Linings Playbook. Imagine being sat in that audience and witnessing "the guy from The Hangover" deliver a stellar performance like he does in this movie. He is truly incredible in this film.
Also, Cooper's character is the one I was most emotionally connected to, even more than Gosling's. I felt for the guy, sympathized with him. When his character was treated unfairly even I felt hard done by. That is just testament to how good and convincing a performance he delivers.
The third and final part of the movie is by far the most intense part of the movie. At centre stage are the children of Ryan Gosling's character and Bradley Cooper's character. They are played brilliantly by 2 kid actors. Rarely I say that about kids/teenagers in a movie but these 2 were fantastic! The conclusion of this film, let me tell you, is so intense! The reason I felt that is because the acting and the script allow me to easily form an emotional connection to all of the characters in the movie. It's truly marvellous.
The rest of the supporting cast, including Eva Mendes, all bring their "A games" to the table. All are great with not a single weak link.
This movie is well written, well acted, well spoken, well shot plus has such a realistic emotional tone within it. The characters, whether it was through their speech or posture, were so convincing I genuinely thought they were real people. The movie does such a fine job at making it so engrossing because it is very realistic.
I also like how this movie illustrates that actions you do can have consequences for many people other than just yourself, even years after the event actually happened..
I haven't felt so connected with a group of characters or been so intense towards a movie's conclusion for a very long time!
My only complaint about this movie has to be that it is a very long ride. I really have to gear myself up to watch it. However, that isn't a real complaint towards the movie is just I'm not a huge fan of really long movies.
The Place Beyond the Pines is in my eyes a modern day masterpiece of cinema. It's also probably my favourite movie of 2013. Which is why I would rate Place Beyond the Pines like this:
Rating - A+
1 sentence summary - A modern day art-house classic, with some masterful acting performances, a realistic script and beautiful cinematography.
My first ever A+!!! It was worth it though. If any movie deserves it its this one! Also, I am aware this movie came out in September 2012 at TIFF, but it came out in cinemas in March 2013 so I'm counting it as a 2013 movie. It is my favourite 2013 movie!
How did you find Place Beyond the Pines? Are you going to pick it up on DVD or Blu-ray? I would love to hear back from someone...
Thanks for reading,
Matt
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