Recent Reviews for Battle in Seattle
-
MCT:November 14, 2008A surprising first film from actor and now director Stuart Townsend, Battle in Seattle is a sad and well done film based on true event, the movie mixed real footage with some fictional characters.
Worth of watch! -
MCT:October 30, 2008
Battle in Seattle covers a very important event in American history, but it's message can connect with the rest of the world perfectly. Since it's such an important topic, it takes quite the talent to bring it to life and it seems that actor Stuart Townsend met that challenge in his directoral debut, and he's got a bunch of fine actors leading this powerful mesh of artists.
I'm just gonna get the negative stuff out of the way, because the good outweights the bad in this film. When watching Battle in Seattle, don't expect a whole lot of deep characters who you feel like you've known forever by the end. The film has to cover a lot of ground in under two hours, so there wasn't a whole lot of time to create memorable people. But I'll tell you why this actually isn't too bad of a thing after all, later. Battle in Seattle is also one for the patient folk, especially because of the third act. The movie is intense throughout, but it stretches just a tiny bit too long in my opinion to keep that intensity the whole movie.
I mentioned above that the fact there are a whole bunch of characters in it that we really don't know much about them, and that actually helps the movie in total. Battle in Seattle would've been slow with the narrative focusing on only one point in the conflict, and these multiple storylines not only shed more light on the subject, but it helps keep the story moving along and keeping it interesting. Each story is also extremely fascinating, especially the one of Charlize Theron's character, who represents the bystanders who did nothing wrong, but were still hurt for it. Of course, hers is even more dramatic than the casual person, but it's still quite relatable and devestating to watch. The protestors and cops stories are also great too. but the person who's caught in the middle is usually more interesting. Battle in Seattle also maintains this gripping and intense feel to it, creating an authentic feel to the experience. The way how it's filmed is tremendous in scope and extremely powerful, sometimes a little too hard to handle, to realise that happened not too long ago.
Battle in Seattle is an important film to watch, it tells of something that needs to discussed and does that with a bang. Thanks to the right director and cast, it goes farther than I could've imagined and should not be missed. -
MCT:October 26, 2008
A really political drama which doesn't quite delve to deeply into the politics... which I think was criticised by some, but I found it was probably better off without.
The story is based on the 1999 Seattle riots over the WTO meeting. While the characters are not factual, they are built up quite well, especially Martin Henderson's character who was outstanding I think.
The cast is an ensemble of familiar faces, from Hollywood A list to TV stars, Veterans and Young stars, international and domestic. This is a great ensemble, they pulled it off so well, I was suprised by the efforts of the young and up coming stars like Henderson, Andre Benjamin and Channing Tatum and expected no less from the likes of Liotta, Sherbedziga, Neilsen and Woody Harrelson, whom Ive missed in the movies' and they all delivered some of their best performances. The movie was about the characters and the emotional and physical trauma of the events of the battle, and they did great. A near perfect cast for a movie which I think can appeal to a wide audience.
The secrets of this movie?
First of all, it opens up interestingly enough around 10 stories high. XD! Yep, protesters doing their job. And within 20 minutes, the movie had sped up to the start of the main event. No lounging around, no beating around the bush or whatever people use terms for boredom. This I really appreciated, as these type of movies tend to have a slow start. A speedy entrance could have spoiled the quality and left blanks, but in this case, it began simply and effectively, the movie exploring the events of 4 days of turmoil through the eyes of protesters , police and the embattled Mayor played excellently by Liotta. The movie's pace only begins to slow down in the final 25 mins, which I guess is appropriate, as the excitement and drama subsides, and to a clear and cut ending of half week turmoil.
The cast and their respective roles were tailor made and fit like the proverbial gloves. You cannot help but sympathise with, laugh, cry or feel the anger, pain and other emotions they bring out, the movie brings out and raises your awareness tenfold.
The script is absolutely outstanding. Everyone in their pivotal moments said the right words perfectly. They were simple, straightforward, easily comprehensible and very effective. My favourite lines was Sherbedziga losing his cool at the leaders walking out on his speech for introducing better medical for third world nations, and the awesome ownage delivered at the end by Isaach De Bankolé (made famous in Casino Royale) a scalding attack on the First World representatives at the WTO meeting which led to the fall out of the event.
The simplicity of how a politically tense, natured and really confusing issue was well done. I don't see how anyone can fail to understand the messages and the different views being delivered here. I guess the high energy and emotions coupled with the great script made this possible.
Choosing your side or view. the multi viewpoints from the Mayor of Seattle to the government, the police, the protesters whether peaceful or violent, the innocent, portrayed by Charlize Theron, the confused or simply, just don't care. But one way or the other, you will have decided on a view by the end of this movie. To have a movie giving you so many choices to understand, to see the characters making those choices themselves only brought me further into the movie, engaging me on all levels from entertaining to intellectual. Greatly appreciated this subtle viewer engagement by the director.
The vivid and sharp camera work was good. Not particularly great, but good enough so you don;t miss any of the action and drama. Based on real events, some great real life footage is thrown in, and the slide show at the end was amusing, thoughtful and eye opening as well. Gotta love movies based on real events.
For Stuart Townsends directorial debut, this is a complete surprise and a wonderful effort for anyone. The topic and issues, interesting and original. The clear messages of the WTO and Townsend's views do come through clear, but I don't mind. The movie is a work of art, and each artwork is biased, opinionated and delivered. what makes a good work of art is how it is portrayed and delivered... and this is definitely well delivered.
The music score I was indifferent about, it was not as engaging as the rest of the movie. I guess Massive Attack doesn't engage me any more, or he was probably the only real mistake of the film. I just didn't pay attention to the music, it didn't click. Not to say it didn't work for the movie, but I appreciate a good score to the movie, and I guess this is where it failed for me. it did take the shine of what is probably a great movie.
I don't know how, but this became one of my favourite movies of the year, and its going on my favourites list. I don't think many would react as I would to this, but Im a fan of ensembles and fast paced movies, and the realism probably was the thing that made up my mind to watch this. I remember the Seattle Riots back in High School, and I remember in latter years coming to understanding it and the issues better and better, and its great to see this come to the big screen.
One reviewer said he thought it was a bad TV movie.... but Townsend made it awesome. Luckily this didnt become a mini series, it would have just been inundated with useless facts, issues and scenes which would have made it boring, dull, and no entertainment value.
Two thumbs up and a must see. -
MCT:October 19, 2008Battle in Seattle is based on the true story of how protesters stopped the WTO meetings seen threw the eyes of a bunch of different people the protesters as they fight to be heard while being attacked and arrested by police, the police trying to stop the protesting and do what it takes to calm the city, the mayor of the city as he tries to keep things from getting out of hand and the representives of the countries in the WTO meetings. A really well done movie with a perfect cast should be checked out.
-
MCT:October 14, 2008
I absolutely loved the movie. The movie was so original and the acting of the actors in the film were fantastic. The movie is about a real event which is about a peaceful protest against WTO in Seattle during the WTO summit. Go watch it... um sure you will love it!!
-
MCT:October 9, 2008First of all an impressive job by Townsend! Good choise of actors, interesting story with a great screenplay.
A fascinating picture ;) -
MCT:October 9, 2008
Highly interesting, well made film based on shocking and frustrating real events (the violence I mean). Great story.
-
MCT:October 6, 2008
Based on true event of protests and demonstrations in Seattle at WTO meetings in 1999, it is a fictionalized account of the events. I remember seeing this in the news. I liked the movie very much. Lots of drama, billy clubs and tear gas. The best thing I've seen Michelle Rodriguez since Lost. Charlize Theron's role was pretty small but very powerful.
-
MCT:October 4, 2008A true events film. They always do well when it comes to Oscar time so I might as well see it. Plus it looked good. And I remember this happening since I was in the 8th grade.
-
MCT:September 27, 2008
It presents both viewpoints somewhat, more so at the beginning, and all the pieces were there but a typical L.A. douche bag audience nearly ruined it for me.
-
MCT:September 24, 2008
Early buzz is extremely positive, looks like Townsends future is behind the camera. Loving the trailer, pushes all the right buttons.
-
MCT:August 27, 2008
it looks really good since im not from the states i don't really know about this...and it looks kool....but if it has to much politics stuff forget it
-
MCT:July 27, 2008Såg denna i en amfiteater i Kroatien :) Bra film som visar bra och dåliga sidor från båda håll i ett annorlunda krig - mellan staten och folket typ.
-
MCT:January 24, 2008
Why are Michelle Rodriguez and Martin Henderson always getting pushed back in the promotion for this movie while they are the lead characters? I know Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson are more known and good for the promotion, but they're only supporting actors in this one while sometimes Michelle and Martin are not even mentioned.
Anyway, already heard some really awesome reviews about this and can't wait 'till it hits cinemas. Well, even a trailer would be nice! :P -
MCT:December 8, 2007
THis has got to be the most interesting film (WITH A CONSCIOUS) yet to come. Can't wait to see this!
-
MCT:November 17, 2007
haha. So excited for this movie!!! Joshua Jackson is entirely too cool for words. Why doesn't he get his picture with the rest of the actors on this website???? But no worries. I'm sure this movie is a bunch of political awesomeness.
-
MCT:October 20, 2007
Entertaining and at times intense. The cast is great. The characters could have maybe used a little more development. Overall a great movie that surprised me. (B+)
