Cast: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Sarah Paulson
Director: Steven Spielberg
The story: The Post is a biographical film describing a tough battle of two newspapers, The Washington Post and The New York Times, and their efforts to publish a top secret report called the Pentagon Papers that showed America's involvement in Vietnam. A lot of silly details about the report and some uncertainties force publisher of The Washington Post, Katharine Graham, and its editor, Ben Bradlee, to declare war on the government and risk their own lives so that people can learn the truth.
Opinion: The Post is one of the best films I've seen in a long time. This film is not for everyone, but you only need to be interested in modern history a little or in journalism. And even if history and journalism aren’t your interests, Steven Spielberg fans will enjoy the movie as well! There are some critics who say that the movie doesn't correspond to reality 100% but in my opinion this doesn't really matter because Spielberg was yet again able to create a masterclass piece of work that chained me to the couch for two hours. I wasn't bored even for a second. It is also caused by magnificent performances from Meryl Streep (who was appreciated by her Oscar nomination) and especially Tom Hanks who was, in my opinion, the most important part of the film and his performance of as an ambitious workaholic that is interested only in his job and reports in his newspapers made the film even more attractive and more thrilling because you just had to be a fan of The Washington Post thanks to Tom Hanks. And don't worry, you don't even have to be a history expert to understand all of the historical contexts in the film, you just have to know that there was a war in Vietnam that wasn't the brightest event in USA history. And, in the USA there was a president, Nixon, who wasn't the biggest fan of newspapers that just wanted to publish the truth. Because the truth at this time was so cruel, which you will understand at the end of the movie. But despite this fact, you will definitely enjoy the movie. The Post is fit for every lover of thriller, big drama or journalism (but Spielberg couldn't count on the fact, that only journalism fans will watch his film, so don't worry if you are not a journalism fan; you can love this film as well). To me it's just an incredible shame, that The Post hasn't received any Oscar or Golden Globe (in spite of the nominations) because at least Tom Hanks and Josh Singer for the screenplay would deserve one. And this film would have been otherwise perceived by the public, now it's unfortunately just a biographical drama, that anyone who is not interested in journalism or Spielberg fan would actually watch. And that's a shame because this movie deserves more.
Recommendation:
This film will tell you a lot about that time and you will definitely be tense how will all this end. If you love these kinds of films, you will love The Post. Notwithstanding I still love Spotlight even more, this is magnificent film. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Review by Alex
Cast: Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, Lucy Boynton as Mary Austin, Gwilym Lee as Brian May, Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon
Director: Bryan Singer
The Story: The film Bohemian Rhapsody,or "Boh Rap" for short, is a music documentary that shows the journey to fame of the famous British rock band, Queen, from the early 1970's to the mid 1980's. The film focuses mostly on the vibrant life of Freddie Mercury, the band's lead singer.
Opinion: "Bohemian Rhapsody" is nothing short of a two hour synaesthetic spectacle. This film will make all your senses stand up as the music of Queen vibrates through your soul.
I should start by saying that I am a bit biased towards this film as I have been a long time fan of Queen's music. Back in the U.S., my parents kept Queen in the background of my childhood, playing their greatest hits albums during Sunday morning breakfasts and long car rides. Their music has always made me feel a sense of energy and I feel that Bohemian Rhapsody captured that spirit quite well.
Although the documentary does not follow a perfect timeline of the band's progression (actually, many events are shown out of chronological order) I still believe the film did a good job of touching upon all the important parts of Freddie Mercury's life. We are able to see his transformation from a young, rather peculiar man living in London to an unprecedented superstar, celebrated by the entire world for his unapologetic and bold confidence. In the film, Freddie Mercury, played by the wildly talented Remi Malek, reminds us to live our lives to the fullest and never settle for less than our worth. Many scenes in the movie make the audience feel as if they on stage with the band at a live concert, offering a very real sense of the music's electric intensity and the brazen persona of Freddie Mercury.
Bohemian Rhapsody is a movie fit for any music lover and it will leave you with a strange feeling of confidence and a desire to explore all of your own talents. Its hard to put this effect into words but I guess you could say... its a kind of magic.
Recommendation: I saw this movie twice (maybe I'll make it three times). It left all my senses tingling and made me want to travel back to 1985. 11/10 would recommend to a friend.