Gravity

Gravity is not about its story, which is practically non-existent. We learn minimum information about the only two characters and we’re able to build an emotional connection to only one of them. Gravity is about conveying a feeling. It’s a space survival drama where you dodge flying debris, save oxygen and try to get hold of something. It is a distinctive and unique film in the filmmaking respect, one of a kind. But how long will it resonate within us given that it lacks a more powerful message or a more surprising ending? Thanks to Sandra Bullock, who acts as if her life depended on it, it resonates longer than it would have without her. There is no sense in seeing Gravity anywhere but on the big screen. (24/09/2013)

Gravity is simply excellent. The premise, interpretation, acting performances and shots that are sometimes literally breath-taking are simply excellent. Alfonso Cuarón proved that even now a movie can be created which is able to overcome all kinds of film boundaries. Almost the whole movie takes place in zero gravity and creates a new atmosphere, which I haven’t experienced before. I admit that this movie would be even better in IMAX. I have to admit that after a long time there is a movie where 3-D makes sense. The only issue might be with the story, but personally it did not bother me at all. I will spoil a bit now, but I have to add that the movie 127 hours also proved how a coincidence can create a perfect celebration of life. So why it couldn’t be the same here? (16/10/2013)

Alfonso Cuarón perfectly attacks the closest emotional impression, but after the first immediate danger fades, he inevitably slows down and only sporadically dramatizes. And at that moment, it struck me for the first time how perfectly constructed Gravity is as a space attraction. With the requisite plot development, excellent cast, and explosions, impacts, and accidents, and a well-deserved climax. In every escalating catastrophic moment, I felt like I was on the highest roller coaster at the point when it almost comes to a stop before plunging headfirst downward. Which is essentially somewhat simplistic, but it doesn't change the fact that the audiovisual aspect is amazing, and when Alfonso delivers one breathtaking moment after another, it is not unnecessary repetition but rather deserved boasting. Therefore, even though the survival space trip didn't completely blow me away due to its obviousness, thanks to its form and the obvious message about the power of human will, I can only wish it the best. (18/10/2013)

The saying of finding solid ground under your feet will never be the same again. A visually ingenious, revolutionary, liberating experience of overcoming loneliness and finding gravity (hope). With the exception of the deus ex machina and the overly literal emancipation scheme in the last third, this was an absolutely brilliant and captivating experience that moved me to tears in the middle part through the image of endless solitude. Bullock took my breath away. A juicy variation of brave babes in spacesuits. Clooney as a space trucker is economical and charismatic in every line of dialogue. It's not revolutionary in terms of ideas, profound and dizzyingly metaphysical, yet at the right time it got to me like nothing else could this year (and very few in recent years). A pure visual celebration of the fragility of existence. Somewhere out in space. One of the best sci-fi films of all time, which can easily withstand its admitted simplicity (who needs more metaphysical diarrhea from The Tree of Life? I don’t). A Space Odyssey for the new millennium. Goodbye... I'm drifting forever and only answering the phone when Ed Harris calls from Houston. [90%] (25/09/2013)

Together with Man of Steel, the most intensive movie experience of the year. Where the new Superman banged with its hectic and endless action, Gravity amazes with the visuals. But not only that, it also makes you root for the fragile protagonist in her struggle against crushing loneliness and the feeling of utter hopelessness. I was expecting a slow, philosophical and depressive movie, but Cuarón surprised me delivering a brisk sci-fi survival that’s very, very far from philosophical boredom. (22/10/2013)