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nov. 9, 2016
tribal entertainment
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Hacksaw Ridge a graphic depiction It doesn’t matter what you think of Mel Gibson. Put it away. The film Hacksaw Ridge is the true story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss [Andrew Garfield], who served as a medic during the bloodiest battle in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II: the Battle of Okinawa. The battle was located on the horrific Maeda Escarpment, located atop a 400-foot cliff dubbed Hacksaw Ridge. When Doss registered as a medic, he went with the goal to save lives, not take them. After numerous trials and tribulations, he entered the battlefield with nothing but his Bible and his faith in God. He left with an honorable discharge, and upon his return to the States became the firstever Conscientious Objector to receive the Medal of Honor. He never fired a shot. Instead, despite a retreat by his battalion, he stayed and ran into enemy fire and single handedly carried and lowered wounded men down the side of Hacksaw Ridge. By the end of the night he had saved 75 men. Now, if you’re the type of person who always buys candy and popcorn when you go to the movies, don’t. Trust me. Because this film is graphic. Immensely so. Mel Gibson -- the direc-
tor -- did not shy away from the blood and gore of war and, though disturbing, I’m glad for it. Okinawa is considered the largest land-air-sea battle ever So, the film is separated into two parts: the first introduced the audience to Doss, showing his motivations, his family and wife, and his devotion to God and peace. The second is the war, a sharp contrast to the first half. The film transformed into a ballet of explosions, violence, and death. However, it still kept Doss’ neverending faith, which later became a beacon of hope and light for the troops there. As a writer my job is to put things into words, yet as I sit here in front of my computer, words escape me. I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie so impactful and I can’t comprehend how someone can still have so much faith after witnessing so much tragedy. This film earned a 10-minute standing ovation at its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this September. I’m still giving it one. --Alessia Boland
Doctor Strange doesn’t follow through Doctor Strange is definitely a Marvel movie. Paired with classic Marvel humor and comicbased storyline, I enjoyed the movie while managing to keep my drowsy eyes open for almost all of the movie. Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a former neurosurgeon turned powerful sorcerer who is, for a prominent period of the movie, a very arrogant magician. He is smart, powerful and cocky, yet he can’t seem to show an ounce of humbleness in the duration of the first half hour of the movie. Of course, he is preoccupied while driving and inevitably crashes into a car, and his expensive-looking car ends up sinking in the water of a dark port. After the accident, Doctor Strange loses his hands and in turn, his life. Not literally -- he still has a physical set of hands, but symbolically. His hands -- the most important part of a surgeon’s body -- is ruined and his career is ruined. I thought wow, he’ll finally learn to be grateful for all he has and maybe for once show some appreciation for everyone and everything in his luxurious life but alas, his hubris still shines brightly through the most tragic of tragedies. I have an automatic inclination towards favoring Marvel movies. They’re my favorite. However, Doctor Strange didn’t hit all the right
notes with me. The graphics for such mind-boggling and illusory movie didn’t fail me -- a lot of work was obviously put into the work, and I have to give kudos for keeping the magic look so realistic and believable. The action part was lacking a bit compared to many of their other movies, but it makes sense as it is more of an introduction to the mighty and magical Doctor Strange. The acting was believable enough -- the fact that half of the scenes had to probably have been filmed with a green screen everywhere has to be pretty off-putting for even the greatest of actors. The movie felt like dejá vu and I realized the movie would most likely be a Spiderman repeat: in need of a few series before they get it right. The plot in itself was a bit predictable, a couple of twists presented in a clever manner. Because of the fact that this was the introduction movie for Strange, I was lulled to sleep every so often. Overall, Doctor Strange was a great movie considering how different it is compared to the other Marvel-esque movies. The acting, plot and interest are decent enough for Marvel to film a sequel. -- Einah Park
What to listen to: Here
What to watch: This is us
What to stream: Amanda Knox/Netflix
Here features the artist Alicia Keys in her first album in four years.
“This Is Us” features actors including Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore and Justin Hartley.
Directed by Brian McGinn and Rod Blackhurst, the documentary traces the story of Amanda Knox. The footage features interviews.
WILL REMIND YOU OF
The musical lovechild of Amy Winehouse and Fifth Harmony.
Focus on family relationships are close to One Tree Hill
The high profile case and court setting will remind you of Making a Murderer.
WHY NOW
In Here, Alicia Keys moves away from a pop star persona, reaching out about new social issues including body image and race.
“This Is Us” follows the story of three children -- two surviving members of triplets and their adopted brother.
Amanda Knox is a true story about a woman who is falsely accused of the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher.
Released on Nov. 4
Tuesday nights on NBC
Stream it on Netflix.
WHO’S IN IT
WHEN YOU CAN SEE IT