What a fantastic film! I just can't stop watching it! Its got a fantastically gripping plot for a "desert island" movie, because theres not much you can do with a remote island, is there? The characters are well thought out and have deep personalities which help you bond with them. One thing i must say is Tom Hanks' amazing commitment to his character-he went on a 6 month diet in which he hardly ate anything for him to look "stranded".
Tom Hanks plays Chuck Nolan, a very precise and controled FedEx systems engineer. He is ruled by the clock.
He spends lots of time away from home, travelling all over the world for his job (the opening credits, finds us in Moscow, following Nolan as he desperately struggles to get a consignment of parcels to the airport) He misses his partner (played by Helen Hunt) and through the little dialogue they share at the beginning they are practically unseperable.
Chuck receives news that he is going to be accompianing a shipment on board a plane, which unfortunately leaves him missing Christmas Day. So, in the car on the airstrip he exchanges presents with his kelly He gets a priceless family heirloom, in return for his hand towels, and pager.
It turns out to be the last time they see each other. Ah, the crash! Fantastic sound, make the most of it though GET SURROUND SOUND. Digital remastering gets the floors shaking, and you imagine the plane falling apart around you. -Sorry theres not more here, but its soooo good i can't explain it!!
Chuck ends up the sole survivor, Castaway on a remote island, FedEx packages wash up along the shore, to which Chuck uses these as survial tools, not forgetting Wilson, a volleyball with a bloody handprint for a face. The only person Chuck has to talk to, the only person he can confide in.
The tides are too rough for Chuck to swim out, his life raft is burst and the island is no way near any air or shipping routes. He strugggles to survive, his fishing skills are somewhat limited, and the only other source of food are coconuts (a natural laxative)
The film then cuts four years forward, where his survival skills have improved, he has shelters dotted about the island and he is used to life alone. He has marked a calender on a cave wall, with the help of a hole and the sun. He times the tides looking for the perfect window to sail away in seatch of civilization.
^^I hope thats not given too much away^^
Sets
There are some fantastic sets, Moscow's Red Square, St. Peters Cathedral and of course, the island itself. A lush tropical paradise, with coconut tree forests.
The Score (Music) Not too much music, some hints if Elvis at the beginning, orchestral classical Russian music, and some background music on the island, but nothing spectacular.
Camera Shots
For all the fantastic sets there are Long, establishing shots, giving you time to respect the scenery, and especially with the island, the complete desolation and isolation. Apart from that you will find there is nothing out of the ordinary, with mainly medium shots, although they do change quite regularily, so its not boring.
The Acting
The acting is of the highest standard, and Tom Hanks is outstanding. I really did feel that he was stranded and i felt sorry for him. Fantastic! The supporting actors/actresses did not bring the quality down either.
Special Features
Commentry by the Director (Robert Zemeckis) & Crew
The Making of: HBO 'First Look'
Documentary 1: S.T.O.P: Surviving as a castaway
Documentary 2: 'Wilson:The life & death of a hollywood extra
On Location: 'The Island'
Focus On Technical Effects
Storyboard To Film Comparison
Conceptional Artwork
Trailers
Subtitles English-Deaf and hard of hearing German Dutch
Soundtrack English Surround Sound 5.1 German Surround Sound 5.1
16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
Running Time 138mins (2hrs 18 mins) apprx
Anything else you want to know, just ask!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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I thought this film was incredible - Tom hanks really wrenches the sympathy from deep inside you, especially at the "Wilson, come back!" part! I hate the comparisons with desert-island style Big Brother, otherwise known as Survivor... some people are obsessed with bloody programs like that... anyway! Good review! Steve.
Delicate_Orchid 09.08.2004 09:01
Yep, this was a good film. And a good review!
Bollinger28 09.08.2004 08:20
I loved this film - I thought it would be boring but it was absolutely great. Regards Lexy
Cast Awayreunites star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis in their first collaboration ... more
since the heavy-handed sentimentality ofForrest Gump. Thankfully, this time their film's life-affirming message is delivered with more subtlety, attributable bot...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Discover the unforgettable journey of hope, courage and survival.Tom Hanks as Chuck ... more
Noland, a FedEx systems engineer whose ruled-by-the-clock existence abruptly ends when a harrowing plane crash leaves him isolated on a remote island. As Chuck struggle...
Cast Awayreunites star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis in their first collaboration ... more
since the heavy-handed sentimentality ofForrest Gump. Thankfully, this time their film's life-affirming message is delivered with more subtlety, attributable bot...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Cast Awayreunites star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis in their first collaboration ... more
since the heavy-handed sentimentality ofForrest Gump. Thankfully, this time their film's life-affirming message is delivered with more subtlety, attributable bot...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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]")
Aug 9th, 2004
very helpful by (71%):
helpful by (29%):
![Cast Away (2 Disc Set) [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78548822.jpg)
