Akito HirataReview - Transsiberian
February 5th 2009 07:42
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.
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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Comment by Aimzster
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Comment by Michelle Sweeney
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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.
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Michelle Sweeney
Competition Queen