Running Length: 1:52
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson, Clancy Brown, Carlos Sanz
Director: David Gordon Green
Screenplay: John Pollono, based on the book “Stronger” by Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter
STRONGER is a true story of the recent Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman (Gyllenhaal, in another Oscar worthy performance). It's about the struggles he has to go through to rebuild his life after losing both his legs in the ordeal.
Thanks to the main cast' grounded performances and the details given to re-tell the story, the day-to-day challenges Bauman faced; both physically and emotionally, are so believable I could't help but teared many times throughout the course of the film. It shows plainly the good, the bad and the ugly of what he goes through without manipulating the movie-goers' emotions.
What I really like about this movie is how real and intimate it feels. While the media and everyone in Boston portrays Bauman as a symbol of hope #BostonStrong, but behind closed doors, he is a flawed individual just like everyone else. And the rest of his loved ones are relatable because they too are on a journey themselves and is just trying their very best to do what's right. Thankfully, there are no rousing music score to showcase those moments of hope.
As good as Gyllenhaal is, it's Maslany's naturalistic performance as Bauman's girlfriend, Erin, that really touched me. You can see she's trying really hard to support him but at times, we're not sure whether she's with him because she loves him or because she feels guilty/pity for him. A big nod of approval too for Miranda Richardson's performance as Bauman's mother.
What I learn from this inspiring movie is that God has a purpose for everyone, but coming to terms with it is not an easy journey.
RATING: 8.5/10
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