Film Review: The Immigrant

The Immigrant
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Renner, and Marion Cotillard
Released May 23, 2014
A touching story of a young woman who comes to America with her sister to make a new life with their aunt and uncle. Unfortunately things begin to go awry when her sister, Magda because ill and they are separated; Magda is brought to the hospital while Ewa (Cotillard) is taken out of line to await being deported from whence she came.
It seems Ewa's luck has turned when she meets Bruno (Phoenix). He pays for her to remain in the states and reside with him. Her mission is to reunite with her sister as well as find her aunt and uncle. The downside is she needs money to get her sister back.
In an act of desperation, Ewa agrees to prostitute herself for money under the watchful eye of Bruno (her pimp if you will). After a time, Ewa reveals her true hatred for Bruno, setting off to find her aunt and uncle. Her uncle betrays her, reporting her to customs causing her to be sent back to Ellis Island for deportation. Again Bruno comes to her aid, rescuing her from her terrible fate. However she caught the eye of another gentleman, Orlando the Magician (Renner). Orlando is every bit charming as he is dashing. Ewa was captivated by him but never lost sight of her goal: to free her sister and be reunited. As it would be, Bruno and Orlando are cousins with a dangerous history. I feel the role of Bruno is one of Joaquin Phoenix's strongest performances. Bruno is a complicated character whom you find yourself liking and hating at the same time. Orlando is one of the dashing hero who meets a tragic end. Ewa is one of innocence that regardless of what she resorted to for money, remains innocent through out the film because her journey is a gallant one. She only wishes to be at peace in America with her sister. Truly a great film and one of great inspiration to watch what others still do today; struggle to make a living, to free themselves and those they love from poverty yet doing anything to survive.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Music Review: Jerad Finck Criminal EP

Image
Artist: Jerad Finck Criminal EP The first review for Jerad was the "Criminal" single. This review for the "Criminal" EP. Before I get into the review I want to define what an EP is for those that don't know. An EP stands for extended play. It contains additional tracks than the single but the track list is too short to be considered a full album. It's like a sneak peek into the artist's potential full album, a teaser if you will. Now onto the review. I was ecstatic after listening to Criminal  that when my boyfriend, Jeff returned from work I made him sit down and watch the video with me (my 20th time watching it that night, his first). I started playing the EP this morning and he immediately joined me in the living room asking me, "Is this the guy you're reviewing?" I said "Yes" and with that Jerad gains another fan. Jeff loves the music. This is what I love about music like this. It brings people together and infectious. T
Read more

Music Review Single: Leslie Becker "Slow Burn"

Image
Artist: Leslie Becker Single: Slow Burn In the beginning of this video we see Leslie walking down the street at night looking classy and ready for some fun. This song and the video reminds me a lot of the opening credits to a James Bond film. The song as well sounds like the next title track to the next James Bond film. It's hot, sultry and Leslie's voice is hypnotizing. What I like about the song is how the woman is in control. You see the men looking at her and she decides whether they get her attention or not. It's interesting because within the song and video there is a tease of mystery. She's not putting herself completely out there. This is apparent even through her vocals. It's like a "come and get me" but she decides when it goes further. I love how she sings, "I'm worth the wait" because it's an empowering statement. She knows her worth. The "slow burn" is the excitement building up to that incredible firework fee
Read more

Music Review: Whitty Whitesell

Image
Artist: Whitty Whitesell Album: Gift of the Middle I first encountered Whitty on Twitter. I truly enjoy meeting/connecting with artists no matter their craft. He messaged me encouraging me to check out his album. *Note: It is always a great first impression when you personally reach out to people to check out/review your work. Moving on, I went right to his sight whitty.bz to check out his songs. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. In a world where it seems that the music has gotten lost in the image, his music is refreshing. It's that raw talent that has everything to do with the music and artistic expression. With the first tracks, St. Lucy Flyin' High , Firm Embrace, and Dying Myself, I can hear the stylings of the Beatles in songs such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds . There's just something about Lucy. This album takes you on a musical journey starting with what I call the "birth" mood of the first three tracks. You feel carefree, calm, and unst
Read more