Never Let Me Go: Reviewed

May 14 2015.

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Never Let Me Go, sung along with in spirit, body and soul. 

Moving forward with our reviews, each month will have one classic movie review, for the folk in us who just sometimes want to grab an old title and zone out to.

Don't we all question life, do we have a plan, is there a grander scheme, or do we just exist and then pass away. What is this thing called being a human, what it entitles us to and what we gain from being one. It’s a question I believe I'll spend my entire life figuring out the answer too and at the same time know that it's impossible to. But the beauty of life exists in the journey or path to solving this question that has no answer.

Sometimes movies affect you, they deeply root themselves in you making you question everything. Never Let Me Go was that for me, it makes you shudder at the concept of humanity and society and what it means to be human, but it also marvels you for those very reasons.

Let’s discuss the movie in detail.

Never Let Me Go based on the book of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro is beautiful. The novel being shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2005 which Ishiguro won for an older book of his titled 'The Remains of the Day' in 1989. The book is a marvel and utterly affecting on its own, but how does it compare to its adaptation? Well! Never Let Me Go is one of those rare movies that's been brilliantly adapted, yes there are changes to the story but for the most part it sticks true and manages to keep the vibes of the novel, and excellent feat by screen writer Alex Garland, known mostly for his previous movie ‘28 Days Later' (2002), 'Sunshine' (2007) and this year's 'Ex Machina'.

From a plot point of view, this movie cannot be spoiled for its payoff is good. The story revolves around our protagonist Kathy and her friends Tommy and Ruth, as they live in a boarding school as kids and move forward with their young adult lives, and that's about all I can say.

Directed by Mark Romanek, the movie is breathtaking in every scene that unfolds, bringing you along the ride through Kathy's life. Romanek quite known for his previous movie 'One Hour Photo' with the late Robin Williams. And the film's score by Rachel Portman and the design just scream authenticity and brilliance. It's a dull yet calming mellowness that plays out through it all, utterly affecting.

What can I say about the casting? Well thought and put together. Here's a set of Young Actors giving some of the most mellow, affecting and beautiful performances in their entire career. Kathy played by Carey Mulligan, Tommy played by Andrew Garfield and Ruth by Keira Knightley. Mulligan channels Kathy in such a beautiful way it takes you on an emotional ride. Knightley embodies Ruth in a way that showcases the capacity of her acting in a different light, but most impressive on this list would be Garfield, this brings him out in a whole new light, and it’s amazingly impressive.

Never Let Me Go is a movie that needs to be watched, as well it being a book meant to be read. They both lend to create such a beautiful piece that marvels. And this little indie gem should not be missed. Grab some comfort food on a warm Sunday afternoon and give this movie a shot, better yet, read the book beforehand.

Reviewed by Aasif Faiz



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