Considering this is the last Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and by extension Black Friday, I find this week's releases to be a little underwhelming. That said, there are still a few titles that are worth your time and money, whether that be purchasing the DVD to add to your permanent collection, or using Netflix to rent it, or whatever.
Considering the vast number of titles released each week, most of which are not worth your time, I have once again combed the list for the select few that I feel like talking about. I hope these rambles will assist in your viewing choices.
If you are looking for an adventure film that is powerful, moving, downright thrilling, and free of any attempts at a twist, this week's top pick may be the one for you. The film is Rescue Dawn and, quite frankly, it may be one of the best films of the year. It tells an extraordinary tale of spirit and survival, the story of one man and his desire to escape a terrible situation that he never suspected he'd be in. It engages the viewer, drawing you in and holding you at complete attention for its duration.
The movie is based on the story of Dieter Dengler, whose story was previously told in the documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly (also directed by Werner Herzog). Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a German-born American, was a child in Germany during World War II when he became determined to become a pilot. His family emigrated from Germany to the US where he joined the Navy for citizenship and the opportunity to fly. Fast forward to 1965, Vietnam is fast escalating and Dengler is taking part in a top secret bombing run over Laos. In this, his very first mission, he is shot down and captured. Taken to a prison in the middle of the jungle, he quickly learns that the flimsy bamboo fences are more for aesthetics than detention. The real prison is the jungle surrounding them.
The film moves along at a nice, even pace. This is no action film nor is it about sensationalizing the tale into some grand adventure. Rescue Dawn unfolds, giving us a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the captured, the relationships that develop between them, and Dengler's unwavering spirit. To go into too much detail would rob you of a great experience. It does not offer any new direction in the war genre, but I do not believe that was Herzog's intent. I have a feeling that this was more about Herzog wanting to tell the dramatic story of the man he befriended while making Little Dieter Needs to Fly. The result is not an accurate portrayal of events, but is likely more accurate in tone.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
If you are looking for a film that is terribly paced and anti-climatic, Rescue Dawn may be the one for you. A bunch of great acting doesn't help the boredom since the ending of this almost true story is already known. Herzog's documentary, 98's Little Dieter Needs to Fly, is supposed to be much better. It might be different if you go in knowing nothing about the story, but certainly not the best film of the year or the DVD of the week.