First things first - how about a best supporting actor oscar for Wilson? The volleyball Tom Hanks befriends whilst stranded on a tropical island for 4 years has taken over the crazy man on the boat in Waterworld to become my favourite character in a movie ever.
WARNING - THIS OPINON REVEALS CERTAIN DETAILS OF THE PLOT OF THIS FILM. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO KNOW THESE, PLEASE RATE IT VERY HELPFUL ANYWAY SINCE YOU CAN TAKE MY WORD FOR IT THAT IT IS. THANK YOU.
Right, back to the movie itself. I know many people have dismissed this film as boring but even though Hanks only talks about once every half an hour on the island it is his ability to keep the viewer entertained that should definately be rewarded with an oscar. The story centres on a FEDex field manager (Hanks) whose plane crashes at sea and he is washed up alone on a tropical island. As the film goes on we see how Hanks copes on the island, and how his only companion is a volleyball named Wilson. Hanks is brilliant at keeping our attention even though he hardly says a word for about half the film.
Hanks survives by using the parcels the plane was to deliver, which washed up on the beach with him, to do everyday things, like cutting up coconuts, and also some non-everyday things, like DIY dentistry! He keeps one package which he doesn't pen, as a kind of reminder that he will eventually get home. None of my simpleton friends could understand this and all they can say is "What was in the parcel?" I know it doesn't matter what is in the parcel, but one of them ( I won't name you Jamie) (oh whoops) even went as far to say it might have been a satellite phone! I don't think so somehow!
Eventually, a plastic door is blown onto the island and, after about 4 and a half years on the island he decides to make a raft using the door as a sail to escape. He uses ingenious things as rope, such as saplings and video tape reel, and eventually his ride to freedom is ready. He launches it and starts out on his route to civilisation again.
The journey on the raft sees him drift 500 miles over open sea and encounter many things like storms and whales. There is also a heart-wrenching scene when he loses Wilson to a storm. Why does he not just take a risk and swim the few metres to save his friend? Why oh why? Eventually he is picked up by a ship but his return to his old life is not a happy one. Everyone he held dear to his heart has moved on and he is devoid of loved ones. The film ends with Hanks finally delivering that last package he didn't open on the island, and the last view is of him standing at a crossroads, wondering which path to take.
This is easily one of Tom Hanks' best roles and has already become one of the best fimls of the 'noughties'. I urge everyone to go see it, whether they are a Hanks fan or not, as it is compelling viewing. Now, what about that oscar for Wilson?
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Production Year: 1945 - Drama - Director: David Lean - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymond
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Advantages: brilliant acting, great special effects, tonnes of special features, cheap Disadvantages: feels as if special effects are prioty over acting, storyline wasn't as good
![Cast Away [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/80615837.jpg "Cast Away [DVD] [2001]")
Feb 20th, 2001
very helpful by (75%):
helpful by (25%):
![Cast Away (2 Disc Set) [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78548822.jpg)
