Khairudin Lee // Creative Hub

Movie Review - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Sunday February 15, 2009

I saw the poster, trailer and read about the reverse aging concept but wasn’t enthralled by it – it seemed like a sappy drama / period film, well it is actually. I went in with little expectations and was immediately swept away by emotional whirlwinds.

Review

My reviews are always (at least I try to be) spoiler-free. Don’t worry, I’ll warn if there’s any.

If you love and appreciate well made films, then please do yourself a favour and watch this touching tale. Cinematography is absolutely beautiful, the different period sets and lightings are gorgeous. Moving score. Brad and Cate (looks really stunning and beautiful!) pairing is again superb (as in Babel) in acting + screen chemistry, so are the supporting cast, their makeup and special effects is top notch (Brad really looks 10 years younger like in his earlier film Meet Joe Black!), nice little comic relieves from time to time to break the almost-monotonous feel, and it really helped alot.

I would have enjoyed more interaction and background plots with supporting/secondary characters (maybe the dvd directors cut might show some) though, but it would’ve lengthen the timing. It is without its flaws though, the ending might seemed rush as well and you don’t really get to see the reverse aging, plus it might not make much sense. But the thing is, it doesn’t have to make much sense cos there’s just so much more to Benjamin, you actually feel throughout.

Comparisons have been made to Forrest Gump and I noticed the similarities too once I came out from the theater. Like how Forrest and Benjamin both are born with defects, experience the world through different people, places and period just to name a few. Though there are similarities to be drawn, it is best not to compare. Conceptually, both are very different films and stand well on their own. (both are rated 8+/10 in imdb.com)

Overall, I love the concept and it’s message/s portrayed (it is not romantic-love movie per se so please don’t go in expecting it). It really widens your perspective/s on life as well (not many movies do this while entertaining). All thanks to the wonderfully written script.

Summary

Don’t watch it when you’re really tired or after a tiring day at work. Bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cinemas. I had only 2 hours of sleep prior to watching this yet I stayed fresh for the whole time. The pace was just right for me. Changeling (feat Brad’s other half Angelina) was far more draggy and slower than this, really. I can understand why it’s nominated in the academy, and rightly so! One of the best film of 2009 in my books, and I’m so glad we have another 10 months for more great films!

Verdict

Rating: 8.5/10
Good film to test whether you’re cold and heartless, or not.

// Filed under: Media

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