NOAH DVD (2014)

SYNOPSIS: Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster "300," this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield - on the sea - as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. "300: Rise of an Empire" pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

MOVIE REVIEW:

The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.

The above warning was issued by Paramount during its theatrical release. In other words, Noah is not based on the story told in the book of Genesis but director and writer Darren Aronofsky’s version of it.

It’s always tricky to attempt a religious movie, just ask Martin Scorsese who helmed The Last Temptation of Christ (still banned in Singapore by the way) and Mel Gibson who did The Passion of the Christ. While both certainly have its fair share of detractors, the two titles in essence can’t escape the labeling of being a religious movie. Noah on the other hand can. There’s never any significant or in-your-face reference and basically it’s a movie about a man tasked by the Creator to build Noah’s Ark. In short, it’s a movie about humans’ faith and it’s up to individual interpretation of what Aronofsky is trying to convey in the end. 

You can even describe Noah as a movie that contains an eco-friendly message. Yes it preaches environmentalism besides issues of sacrifice, temptation, persistence and morality seen through the eyes of Noah and his family of five including his two sons, Shem (Douglas Booth), Ham (Logan Lerman), Japheth (Leo McHugh), his wife Naameh (Jennifer Connelly) and a young adopted girl who later becomes his daughter-in-law, Ila (Emma Watson). His grandfather Methuselah played by Anthony Hopkins adds much greatness to the epic while Ray Winstone plays Tubal-cain, a selfish bastard who in turn represents the evilness of humans.    

If religious philosophical is too much for you to bear, Aronofsky with the help of ILM create the climatic moment of the arrival of the floodwater with huge realism. Even the many animals seen onscreen are reimagined and tweaked by the digital artistes and the battle between the Watchers (fallen angels) and Tubal-cain’s army will definitely set your heart pounding.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a firm believer of the gospel, Noah can be treated as any Hollywood blockbuster albeit one with hidden meaningful messages. It’s debatable when you talked about the treatment of the source material but cinematically it’s a triumph after all.    

SPECIAL FEATURES:

NIL

AUDIO/VISUAL:

The sound of torrent rain and crashing waves are dynamic and thunderous just of the few examples why the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is impressive. Visually, details and textures are stunning though the overall palette is dark and bleak.

MOVIE RATING:

DVD RATING :

Review by Linus Tee