Given the cushion sofas of extreme comfort, it would be very easy for someone like me to fall asleep in a war film. Believe me when I say that I have NEVER watched ' Black Hawk Down' ( I would be down) or 'Saving Private Ryan' (I would need help!). Surprisingly, as someone who hates seeing flying body parts, blood and exploded chunks of meat, I actually enjoyed the movie thoroughly.
The movie can actually be summarised into a line:
A group of prostitutes and money-grubbing mortician, who sought refuge in a church, found themselves uniting and discovering the humane and selfless side of them in their quest to save a group of young convent girls from the Japanese and the harshness and inhumanity of the war.
However, despite its length of 160 minutes, the show was amazingly captivating despite it being shot in almost one single location - the church most of the time.
My movie company for the night commented it was the most graphic war film he had ever watched, and indeed it was. But that made the whole experience so real and breath-taking that I had lost track of time and reality in the movie. I could feel every limb being blown off, every ounce of pain felt and every bit of nobleness of the heros and heroines and every bit of hatred for the Japanese.
The actors and actresses portrayed their characters so well that I felt like a lizard crawling around the church all the time witnessing the whole ordeal. It felt really well.
Thumbs up to one of my favourite Academy Award Winner actor Christian Bale. His amazing acting abilities once again did not disappoint me. In fact most of the time he made me cry (but I still Love you, Chris!!!). His transformation from a materialistic, heartless, drunk and lecherous mortician to a noble, empathetic and self-sacrificing priest-in-disguise was brilliant and so well-played it didn't feel drastic or unreal.
The young actors and actresses were also very impressive for their age and could break the heart of any lady or parent with their tears.
The filming was excellent, capturing every detail, expression and grandeur.
All in all, it was a great show. It reminded me of my late great grandmother. Great granddad was killed in the Japanese Occupation and she had been single and raising the kids every since then. Though it is a sad thought but I almost felt her pain, terror and loneliness through this film.
Great Grans, you had been through so much and I hope you are happy at where you are now. Still wish you are here.
Thanks, Omy.sg. You gave me that moment of escape with this great film.
And for all of you reading this, go and watch it and if you like it as much as I do, I hope you will come back and like my post.
