An artistic depiction of a tiny story about family dynamics
By Tejas Nair
Featured in IMDb Critic Reviews
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| Force Majeure (2014) - By Ruben Östlund |
IMDb Ratings: 7.7
Reviewer Rating: 78 %
Reviewer Rating: 78 %
Genre: Drama
Cast: Johannes Kuhnke, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Clara Wettergren
Country: Sweden | France | Norway
Country: Sweden | France | Norway
Language: Swedish | French | English | Norwegian
Runtime: 118 min
Color: Color
Summary: A family on a ski holiday in the French Alps find themselves staring down an avalanche during lunch one day; in the aftermath, their dynamic has been shaken to its core, with a question mark hanging over their patriarch in particular.
Just as punching as the Swedish house music, Force Majeure embraces a topic that
will powerfully compel any sensible viewer to sit down, take note, and
introspect his own actions (perhaps familial, too).
The
title itself explains what the film is about and what one should expect.
Although, the film surpasses one's (if one is not Swedish, of course)
expectations, it is in the underlying message where the gist of the drama lies.
A family goes through a life-threatening situation (an avalanche in the Alps)
which ends in questions arising over the behavior and the role as a master of
the father of the family. It throws (white?) light into how each member, mainly
the wife, of the family perceives this awakening.
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| A Still from Force Majeure: The Family |
While
the story takes a stand in the first twenty minutes, what follows is a careful
perception of the members' complexes that causes further disorder in the
foundation of the family. What may look like a petty issue turns out to be a
defining matter that needs to be resolved. And with how fast the world is
moving right now, we anticipate the solution and its outcome.
Beautiful
photography colors the frames that have more of diluted humor & black
comedy than melodrama. Of course, there are scenes which sincerely become monotonous;
they don't look gimmicky at all. After all, it is primarily a story about real
people falling into real situations. The principal cast acts so well that it
increases the entertainment factor. But, Force Majeure should be considered
simply because of the mind-blowing effect that Antonio Vivaldi's Summer
Concerto brings in the film, throughout. If not the director himself, I would
like to meet the person behind the decision of playing Vivaldi's tense piece in
parts. It adheres so well into the story, you will feel a ting every time (at
least six) the piece plays in the film. Wonderful!
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| A Still from Force Majeure: The Avalanche |
The
film leaves a question to the audience and coaxes them to find an answer. The
pre-ending sequence is the most humorous sequence in the whole film which is
where the thought of familial paradoxes emanates into a viewer's mind.
Situations can involuntarily turn people selfish. The irony is remarkable.
Good
direction and dialogs that never go out of bounds. The makers base the story on
small incidents that govern the members to act in a certain way; that is where
you relate your life with those of the characters. And if you pardon the
snail-paced narration, this drama succeeds in invoking thoughts. One of the
best films of 2014!
BOTTOM
LINE: This is how you capture a pure drama and this is what you call an
artistic depiction of a tiny story. Recommended!
Can
be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
About Author -
Tejas Nair is a writer, film critic, and Engineer from Mumbai, India. When he is not watching films and reviewing them on IMDb, he can either be found reading or blogging. Sidney Lumet’s “12 Angry Men” is his favorite film. Tejas blogs at nairtejas.wordpress.com.
Readers, please feel free to share your opinion by leaving your comments. As always your feedback is highly appreciated!
For more information on the title, please click on the following links:
Force Majeure (2014) Trailer
Readers, please feel free to share your opinion by leaving your comments. As always your feedback is highly appreciated!
For more information on the title, please click on the following links:
Force Majeure (2014) Trailer
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