So let's get to it.
In actuality, the film is an adaptation of a novel with the same title by Kazuo Ishiguro, a Japanese-British author. The film follows the lives of Tommy, Ruth and Cathy, three students of Hailsham, a boarding school situated in East Sussex, England. The school seems normal enough, until it is revealed to the students that they are raised for the sole purpose of becoming organ donors. And that they would cease to exist after all their vital organs have been donated.
In spite of this, the friendship between the three becomes a mixed love triangle. As kids, Cathy develops deep feelings for Tommy and it is clear he fancies her as well. But when she reveals her love for him to Ruth, Cathy is betrayed as Ruth and Tommy become a couple soon after.
Eventually as they've grown, Ruth and Tommy finally part and he and Cathy are given a chance at love. But reality rears its head and their lives change drastically.
As weird as this may sound, I really enjoyed the use of drab colours and gloomy settings throughout the movie. What does that mean you might ask. Well, everything was really subdued. The colours were were mainly blues, greens, grays etc., nothing overly colourful. I think it helps to convey the melancholy atmosphere that surrounds the plot. It's a little depressing, but the colours bring so much more meaning to the movie.
Colours are an additive, but what brings meaning to a script is the delivery of the lines. The actors essential. Films would not exist if there wasn't anyone to star in them. Director Mark Romanek cast 3 extremely talented actors; Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightly and newcomer Andrew Garfield (swoon). All of whom have prestigious award nominations to their name. Mulligan and Knightly have both received Oscar nominations, and Garfield is well on his way to one as well. But for now, I'm sure he's content with his Golden Globe nod.
With talents such as these, the film can't go wrong. The trio has great chemistry and the love triangle is strikingly believable. I'm a huge fan of Keira Knightly, and it was crazy to dislike her character in a movie. Ruth is a sullen, jealous girl and I believe Keira embodied the character fully. I'd like to think that she's not actually like that in real person, but damn, she played that role with ease.
Andrew Garfield played Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network which was his most memorable role to date. It was different to see him in a romantic scenario -- definitely a change, but a refreshing one. It just goes to show that he will not be typecast to one genre, which will soon be made apparent once his portrayal of the new Spiderman hits theaters.
This was the first film I'd seen Carey Mulligan as a lead role. I had seen the most recent Pride and Prejudice but had no idea that she was one of the Bennett girls till I IMDb'd her later. So I'll be writing as if I never knew that and this was the first film I'd seen her in. I think she is a strong actress. Knowing that she had been acknowledged by the Academy, I'll admit that I had a pre-instigated notion about her. But she did not disappoint. She has proven that she is someone to watch for, as she shows a lot of promise.
Drama, Romance, Andrew Garfield. Seriously, what more could you ask for? Hahaha.
In all seriousness, decent film -- I was pleasantly surprised. May even read the novel.
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