Hell or High Water (2016)
2016
R
102 Minutes
A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's farm in West Texas.
User Review
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Awards season has truly begun now, Hell or High Water is about two brothers robbing small bank branches whist being pursued by two rangers across Texas. This film was not in my anticipated list at all, I was not even remotely excited to watch this when the first trailer came out...then the reviews came in. With such high ratings, I had to see what all the fuss was about and I can honestly say the high ratings are justified. Hell or High Water is so close to perfection, so close! What brings this film to those heights you ask? The acting. All three main actors in the film are perfect and to be honest all deserve nominations for atleast one award in any ceremony. Jeff Bridges? A Legend. Chris Pine? Finally getting a chance to show his acting chops. Ben Foster? Whoa now, completely transformed himself (2016 has not been a bad year for him). What helped them was the script which had me transfixed from the first section of dialogue, it had everything from witty humour and banter between the characters to emotional tension between the brilliant brotherly bond (dare you to say that ten times in a row!) of Foster and Pine. The direction from David Mackenzie was solid and the cinematography was sublime with some really creative shots when following vehicles. Excellent wide shots to let the audience take in the Texan environment. I won't spoil the film, but there is a scene in the movie that is what I call an "Oh My God!" moment (a scene so shocking, I literally mouth those words out), did not see it coming whatsoever and I don't think anyone else did, brilliantly executed. The score was also appropriate, with country vibes that suit the Texas locale. I say it is close to perfection, the only flaw I found was that the script allows the characters to have too many conversations that do not further the plot. Whilst this is good for character development, too much of it and it starts to slow the pace down. Overall, Hell or High Water is a near perfect crime/drama with powerhouse performances (particularly Ben Foster) and a sublime script, even if the dialogue is bit excessive at times.1 member likes this review.
