It’s hard to imagine that the modern world is now seeing heroines, making more appearances on the big screen rather than heroes. It’s a good thing to see, especially if you are a keen fan on action or sci-fi. Insurgent is one of these films, but it’s one that gave me mixed reviews after watching it in the cinema.
Two weeks ago, I was invited by a good friend of mine to watch this film with me at the cinema. I was unsure, at first but after thinking about it, I decided to go. To be honest, I have never read the Divergent Series, nor watched the first film. However, my friend gave me a brief storyline, explaining what happened in the last one, who the characters were and so on. I tired to fit everything in, but somehow my brain didn’t want to function properly. As for the film, I sort of enjoyed it; most bits were good, but some were just too slow or confusing.
First negative point I have for Insurgent is the scenes. There are most scenes, especially the beginning that are boring; why did the characters come to Amity territory? Why is Jeanine so obsessed with capturing Tris? These are the pin points that I just don’t understand or get. Second, the violence. There’s too much of it! I’m alright with some action, but watching it is like playing a console game on a Playstation all day. I certainly wouldn’t like see half of a movie with violence in it all the time. Why not give a storyline to go over it, or have a proper action scene between the heroine and the villainess? Surely, that bring an interesting picture. Thirdly, some of the side characters. I cannot stand some of them, especially Caleb. Personally, I don’t like winy characters who think they’re better than others; it’s so cliché. But, I like how Tris has a spot for him, just because he was with her group before the beginning of the film. In a way, his background is good, despite his personality.
Let’s move on to the good points. I love the interaction between Tris (played by Shailene Woodley) and Jeanine (played by Kate Winslet); their time onscreen together is amazing. It’s well executed, fast paced and simply entertaining. It’s almost like being in a boxing ring; you got the blue corner, treating people like they are trash, and can take on anybody because the can. And there’s the red corner, who is the opposite, facing many struggles and trying to do what’s right for others, as well as herself. Both, head-to-head; both have different views on life. It’s simply mind-blowing. I also love the scenes between Tris and Four (played by Theo James). These two are a perfect example of a teenage to young adult couple. Both have struggles in their individual lives, which I won’t give away and they deal with it but supporting and loving one another. And when Tris goes into action, Four risks his life to save her and she risks her life to save him when he’s in danger. I applaud Insurgent for this; it is new and fresh that a modern couple, on the big screen, are helping, sharing and loving each other equally. Why can’t other movies do that? It’s simply romantic, in a cute, yet modern kind of way.
The cast was good; I liked Woodley’s portrayal of Tris. I actually gave my heart out to her throughout the film. She delivers Tris’ character so well and I believed her performance. James’ character of Four did a pretty good job too; he made me jump a couple of times and gave me reactions while he delivered his lines, like when he tired to save Tris from opening the box for example. However the person who stood out for was Winslet’s character. In all the films I’ve seen, I’ve never seen Winslet play a villain. But goodness me, what a performance! Even my friend believed in her; that’s something you don’t hear from every day in the cinema. I can say is “bravo; somebody give this actress the damn Oscar already?” Truly, a masterpiece.
Like “Cinderella”, I was a fan of the costumes. I liked how they mixed in ordinary clothes and military together, especially Tris’ sleeveless leather jacket which she uses instead of a T-Shirt. I also like Jeanine’s blue dress; for me, this costume give a really clear message as a member of the audience. Looking at the dress, you can tell that throughout the movie, Jeanine is a powerful leader and a respectful too, but no one knows (not until the end that is, apart from our main characters) that she is a blood thirsty villain who wants nothing but power, glory and her city all under her control.
I’m not a huge fan of the music. I like Come Back to Me by Les Friction, but that’s about it. In my opinion, there’s too many pop songs and not enough instrumental, like “Fifty Shades of Grey”. It doesn’t do the film justice much, as it distracts me from the story plot.
In conclusion, I would say that Insurgent is properly not my cup of tea; it might be because I haven’t seen the first film yet or read the books, but most of it, didn’t draw me in much. You don’t like slow story lines or a lot of violence, I wouldn’t recommend this movie but if you are looking for amazing acting and wonderful action sequences, this is the one for you. I don’t know if I want to watch the first film but I’m thinking about it. Who knows, it might be good but I guess we’ll wait and see.
