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ARRIVAL (2016)

Vic Sage Nov 14 2016 03:33 PM

Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Prisoners) has adapted a great SF short story (“Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang) into a great film. A dozen alien ships land in random places around the world, but the aliens remain unseen, within their stone-like monoliths. Countries bring teams of linguists and scientists in to try and communicate with them, as people start to panic. In the US, the military (Forrest Whitaker) bring in a team (Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner) and they may yet uncover a truth that will change humanity forever. It’s a thoughtful, dreamlike film about causality and free will, and, despite its intellectual conceits, it is deeply moving. It is a contemplative film, not an action movie, and its deliberate pacing can put some people off. But i found it emotionally satisfying and I recommend it. I also recommend Ted Chiang's short story collection where i originally found the story, called "Stories of Your Life and others" https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Your-Lif ... bc?ie=UTF8

Vic Sage Nov 28 2016 02:21 PM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

has anybody else seen it?

smg58 Nov 29 2016 09:47 AM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

I want to, but I haven't gotten the chance.

RealityChuck Dec 19 2016 08:19 PM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

Saw it today. It is the best sf film since 12 Monkeys. Sophisticated storytelling, real sf problems, and amazing emotional depth. Nice use of suspense, and nothing but smart characters. Ted Chaing, who wrote the original story, is an amazing writer and the movie takes all the strengths of his story and uses it perfectly. Fine acting, too, and the ending gives you a lot to think about. Definitely see it.

sharpie Jan 03 2017 04:11 PM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

Saw it on Christmas. Liked it. Liked that the aliens had no human characteristics.

Ashie62 Jan 20 2017 05:22 PM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

b-o-r-i-n-g

MFS62 Feb 08 2017 06:10 PM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

Its being rereleased for those of us who missed it. Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 23 2017 10:03 AM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

I thought it was pretty good... 3.5 stars? Quiet and atmospheric. The weather was cloudy every time they were outside and you could barely make out the creatures through similarly cloudy glass. The whole thing was dreamy.

Vic Sage Feb 23 2017 10:47 AM Re: ARRIVAL (2016)

Exactly. The movie floats like a dream.