Breathe
2017
Action / Biography / Drama / Romance
Breathe
2017
Action / Biography / Drama / Romance
Plot summary
Based on the true story of Robin, a handsome, brilliant and adventurous man whose life takes a dramatic turn when polio leaves him paralyzed.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
This is a delightfully photographed depiction of the
A breath of fresh air
Have a lot of fondness for films based on true stories and real people. Especially the inspiring ones, where the characters in question have to overcome a lot of adversity and obstacles and succeed. This is coming from someone who's been there myself, who has had and still has a lot of difficulties yet had the willpower to carry on and reached goals that seemed impossible to reach.
This is the case with 'Breathe'. It is not a perfect film but is something of a breath of fresh air, being a film that is not just well crafted but also a film with brains and heart. Something that was not the case with a fair share of films released last year. It is a film generally that is deserving of a lot more credit than it gets, though it is lovely that there are others who feel the same.
'Breathe' does get a little too syrupy towards the end and the dialogue also doesn't feel as tight or focused around this point. Perhaps the music could have fitted a little more too, it's decent enough on its own but within the context of the film someone like Patrick Doyle would have suited more. These faults are vastly overshadowed by everything else that 'Breathe' does right and splendidly.
It looks beautiful for starters with the period detail evocative, the scenery a feast for the eyes and the photography is simply gorgeous with lots of colour and atmosphere. Andy Serkis' directing debut is a very credible and assured one, with little signs of inexperience and out of his depth-ness.
Generally, 'Breathe' is thoughtfully and deftly scripted and there is a real sense of purpose without being rambling. The story is truly inspiring, both with how the love story is portrayed and how the obstacles are portrayed and overcome, but the film is much more than just that. There is whimsy, some amusement but above all a sensitivity, honesty and huge emotional wallop.
Really admired Robin and Diana, found myself truly rooting for Robin while loving Diana for her unconditional love, steel, compassion and strength. They are both beautifully written and the characters are well written without being too neatly black and white.
Andrew Garfield gives a heart-wrenching, nuanced performance and Hugh Bonneville is admirable support but for me it's an outstanding Claire Foy who stands out the most.
Overall, a beautiful film and a breath of fresh air, that has sadly been overlooked amidst films that were hyped a lot more, the kinds of films that are more popular for audiences or films audiences are more likely to watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox







