Woman in Gold Movie Review

Women in Gold is a historical movie based on a true story. BBC Films and Origin Pictures are the production company. Simon Curtis, directed the film and producer is David M. Thompson with Kris Thykier. Alexi Kaye Campbell wrote the script. The cast includes Helen Mirren She is known to be one of the superstars that main >> Read More... , Ryan Reynolds He is one of the dashing debonair of Hollywood. He >> Read More... , Daniel Brühl, Tatiana Maslany Tatiana Maslany is a popular Canadian actress who >> Read More... , Katie Holmes Born two months premature, Katie Holmes is the dau >> Read More... , Tatiana Maslany, Max Irons, Charles Dance One of the renowned actors of all time and true Re >> Read More... , Elizabeth McGovern Elizabeth McGovern was born on 18th July 1961 in E >> Read More... , Jonathan Pryce Jonathan Pryce also known as John Price is a Welsh >> Read More... , Moritz Bleibtreu, and Tom Schilling. Ross Emery wrote the script and Peter Lambert Peter Lambert is an American film editor known for >> Read More... did the editing. Martin Phipps Martin Phipps is a British music composer, who was >> Read More... and Hans Zimmer German-born musician Hans Zimmer is known as one o >> Read More... produced soundtracks.

Plot

Maria Altmann is an Austrian woman. One day she recalls the destruction of lives and properties caused by Nazis in Vienna. She remembers how Nazis looted people in Austria and while she, along with her husband successfully fled to America, her parents were left alone in Austria. The scene shifted to 1988 when Maria entered her 50s or 60s. After her sister's death, she discovers a property that belonged to her family but was taken away by Nazis, a portrait of her aunt Adele Bauer which is famously known as 'Women in Gold'. Maria hire a lawyer and presented her case in court; however, the Austrian government refused to give the painting back as now it has become a symbol of national identity. After years of struggle she took her case to the US government, which announced the result in Maria's favour. Afterwards, the Austrian court too rules in her favour and the government returns the painting.

Star performance

The movie revolves around two characters, Maria who is a Jewish refugee. Her character is played by Hellen Mirren and Randol Schoenberg's character. Ryan Reynolds played his character. Hellen gave an outstanding performance. Her portrayal of Maria adds depth to the script. She successfully captures Maria's complexities. Randol, a young lawyer who helps Maria in turns and twists of her case. Ryan also delivered a notable performance. Hellen's and Ryan's chemistry on the screen and understanding between characters is appreciable.

Analysis

Woman in Gold has a historical plot. It is based on the true story of Maria who undergoes an eight years long quest for justice to claim her identity. It also comments on World War II, destruction caused by it, and its long lasting impact left on mangmy generations. Narrator used flashback techniques to give insights into the past of Maria. Through her character, a parallel is drawn between one's past and present.

However, the plot is fragmented and divided into two parts; the second one is more interesting and filled with climax. The theme of family dynamics and relationships is also there. Within the script there are many scenes that required actors to perform with authenticity, with raw emotions. Actors like Hellen and Ryan successfully delivered what is expected from them. It comments on one's determination for justice. Using Maria's character, the tone of regret is shown. Overall the movie has adorable cinematography, visuals, and uptight soundtracks.

What's there?

• The cinematography and visuals are impressive. For instance, the scenes of Vinnea are pretty realistic.
• The film gives historical insights. It shows the impacts of World War 2.
• Using the character of Maria gives emotional reassurance regarding fight for justice.
• It has a compelling story as it is based on a real story. 
• Strong performances delivered by actors.

What's not there?

• At some points, the plot of the movie is predictable which makes one lose interest.
• For a character like Ryan there should be better character development. He was a young lawyer and handling such a difficult task is quite challenging.
• The plot is uneven as in some cases it is prolonged and in some cases it is fast forwarded.

Verdict

To get a better insight of war impacts, one should watch this fantastic historical story.