Tag Archives: Tahar Rahim

Review: Napoleon (2023)

Nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design.

I won’t be writing a long review for this because I fear that if I do, it would sound like I’m just a hater. This nearly three-hour odyssey offers glimpses of Napoleon’s brilliance amidst a sea of sluggish storytelling.

I’ve read a few accounts about Napoleon, and naturally, I’d expected some epic battles and grand conquests, only to find myself tangled in a web of sexual repression, marital infidelity, and the mundane daily life of our characters.

While the movie’s visuals and production design dazzle, the narrative just falls short for me. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a commendable portrayal of Napoleon, despite the distraction of his noticeably older appearance and weird accent.

My main issue, as I’ve mentioned earlier, is its pacing. The film just drags on. Period drama enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed by the sluggish pacing and the lackluster performances overall. 

Though the movie captures some elements of Napoleon‘s complexity, it falls short in historical accuracy and fails to prioritize the most significant aspects of his life and career. While it may entertain those looking for a fictionalized take on history, history buffs may find themselves frustrated by its deviation from the truth.

In the end, “Napoleon” offers glimpses of greatness but ultimately fails to deliver a truly captivating cinematic experience. Two stars for effort, but I truly believe that this character deserves better treatment.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam, Joaquin Phoenix
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Ben Miles, Ludivine Sagnier, Matthew Needham, John Hollingworth, Youssef Kerkour, Sinead Cusack, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Phil Cornwell, Édouard Philipponnat, Jannis Niewohner, Miles Jupp, Edward Bennett etc…

Film Review: Mary Magdalene (2018)

This isn’t on my initial must-watch list this month mainly because it’s obviously all religious and stuff. See, I tend to veer away from the crazy topic that is religion. The thing is, its trailer got to me. I loved that they picked Rooney Mara to play the titular role and it’s been ages since I’ve seen Rooney on the big screen.

Garth Davis’ Mary Magdalene is one that is almost free of misconception. One that contradicted previous portrayals of Mary of Magdala in pop culture. Mary here is a strong-willed woman with unwavering faith to her God. ‘Shaming’ her family by defying an arranged marriage, Mary decides to leave them and follow Jesus of Nazareth (Joaquin Phoenix).

The film easily cultivated Mara’s greatest strength as she is thoroughly affecting and her eyes speaks to you – no long dialogues necessary.

I loved that we see Phoenix’s Jesus here as more human – grittier in a way. I loved that aspect of humanizing (normalizing) such a divine being.

Tahar Rahim played Judas like an uber-eager puppy invoking sympathy like no other Judas in the past films. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Peter was surprisingly too strong here almost to the point of being unlikable. I find it interesting that the usual personality depicted in films’ past got switched here.

As a controversial and mostly misunderstood figure in the bible, the Mary Magdalene that we got here is a symbol of power. It could be an eye-opener for so many devout but perhaps not in the spiritual level. It wasn’t as visually strong nor very thought provoking but it trudge our thoughts about believing and faith in more ways than one.

Director: Garth Davis
Cast: Roonet Mara, Joaquin Pheonix, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tahar Rahim, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Hadas Yaron, Lubna Azabal, Lior Raz, Ryan Corr, Shira Haas, Uri Gavriel, Charles Babalola, Tawfeek Barhom, Tzachi Halevy, Zohar Shtrauss, Michael Moshonov, Ariane Labed, Giovanni Cirfiera

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars