Cinema Voyage - Michael Pearson

This blog is PRIMARILY about movies. Some dvd and some that are still in the theater. Also, links are provided on some movies if you decide you want to purchase it. Also, I write and read quite a bit. So, you may, from time to time see a book review here from an up-and-coming author or an interview with one. If you have a book that you have written, please don't hesitate to contact me if you want an unbiased opinion. I would be happy to read and review what you've written. We should value our creative people more.

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Review - Transsiberian

February 5th 2009 07:42

Transsiberian initially appealed to me because I had once considered catching the infamous train from Beijing through to Moscow. A nightmarish 30 hour train journey in China put me off wanting to catch trains for quite a long time - but that is another story altogether.

Transsiberian stars a mismatched Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer as an American couple, Roy and Jessie, who are looking to travel to Moscow from China after participating in mission work in Beijing. Roy, a self confessed train spotter is keen to take the train and manages to convince his amateur photographer wife that the journey would be good thing for them to do as a couple. Jessie, a reformed party girl and alcoholic married kind hearted Roy despite their differences. At one point she says "Kill off all my demons, Roy, and my angels might die, too." highlighting the strain that is apparent in their marriage.

Sharing their already cramped cabin is a young couple - Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby (Kate Mara) - who seem as mismatched as Roy and Jessie. Jessie finds herself drawn to the attractiveness of Carlos but is also well aware of the risks and trouble that this would cause to her relationship and to herself.

During a routine stop on the train journey in Irkutz, Roy disappears and this is where the fun begins. A good thriller is one that manages to keep you guessing and admittedly this was half the fun with this movie.

Ben Kingsley also appears in the movie as Grinko, a Russian detective, who is on a mission of his own. His path crosses with that of Roy and Jessie and the couple become mixed up in his search for drugs and criminals.

At the beginning of the film the Minister states "Under the bright light of truth, it’s a world of clear contrasts, black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. There is always a choice. With faith, the choice is easy.” But as the characters discover, the choices they are faced with are not particularly easy and their faith is put to the test. Brad Anderson directs this taught thriller which doubles as a morality play and as shown in The Machinist with Christian Bale, he has an eye for interesting characters and creative plotlines.

Transsiberian is beautifully shot showing the stunning wintry scenes in Russia to great effect contrasting that of the cramped spaces on the train. And admittedly after watching it, I am still not quite ready to jump back on a long haul train yet either!

Voyage Review: 3.5/5

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Thriller

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Comments

4 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Aimzster

February 5th 2009 09:12

Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum

wow, I can't remember the last time Woody Harrelson was in movie. I love psychological thrillers and I'm beginning to be a fan of Emily M.

Comment by Michelle Sweeney

February 5th 2009 13:38

Competition Queen

Woody has been appearing in a variety of different movies. I last saw him in the recent Seven Pounds and before that No Country For Old Men. Talk about versatile!

Emily also has some great roles. I loved her in Lars and the Real Girl although one of my favourite roles of hers was in Lovely and Amazing back in 2001.