In life, we all, one way or another, try to connect with someone. We seek someone who will understand us the way we want to be understood, who will be there for us no matter what. This connection could be with a friend, a partner, or even a relative—it doesn’t matter as long as we connect. You will feel it more deeply after watching Moonrise Kingdom.
Moonrise Kingdom Detailed Review
Moonrise Kingdom is a movie where two 12-year-olds are in pursuit of finding solace in someone. They both are troubled in various ways. The boy, Sam, is an orphan who is brave and far more talented for his age. On the other hand, Suzy has parents, siblings, and everything, yet no one understands her, and she is somewhat rebellious. You can see how they are a match made in heaven. Despite being very young and immature, they design their path in a way that it intertwines, and we, as the audience, are in for a bittersweet, nostalgic ride.
When you watch a Wes Anderson film, you expect it to be visually captivating, and Moonrise Kingdom is no different. The usual Wes Anderson-esque long shots and centered framing are there. Pastel colors pop everywhere, the sets are beautiful, and the dialogue is delivered in a deadpan manner. The characters are odd, flawed, yet likable. The storytelling is quirky, and the overall mood and ambiance of the movie are full of nostalgia, melancholy, and innocence.
Minor Spoiler Alert…
Main Plot:
Sam and Suzy meet during a church play and form a very unusual romantic bond, probably due to their shared feeling of isolation from the world. When Suzy’s dysfunctional family and Sam’s scoutmaster discover their disappearance, it is already too late.
Most Beautiful Part:
Sam and Suzy embark on a mission, setting up a tent far from home and naming it Moonrise Kingdom. Suzy reads stories to Sam, they cook together, and they survive in the hills for a week. Think about it—two 12-year-olds out in the woods, doing all of this. The scenes in this part of the story are beautifully crafted. There’s an iconic moment where Suzy says “I love you,” and Sam responds with a twist. Afterward, they dance on the beach and kiss for the first time. You need to watch it—here’s a 7-minute clip that covers everything I’ve mentioned.
Second Half:
The second half of the movie is intense and darker.
The dream run of Sam and Suzy ends when the rescue teams finally discover them. Remember, the whole story is set in 1965, so communication was tough, which makes the movie twice as enjoyable. After returning to the scouts and home, respectively, they aren’t happy. They feel caged, and their only hope of feeling connected seems bleak at this point.
However, in a strange turn of events, they decide to run away again. This time, it’s epic. A huge storm is brewing, and everything is against Sam and Suzy. Yet, with Sam’s sharpness and the help of other scouts, he manages to rescue Suzy from her house, and they begin their escape.
Ending:
What happens at the end is bittersweet. I won’t disclose it here, and trust me, no writing can do justice to the original viewing. Just go and watch it for yourself.
At first glance, the movie might sound like a clichéd teenage love story. But anyone who has watched Moonrise Kingdom will vouch against it. Moonrise Kingdom is a beautiful portrayal of how even the tiniest of human beings can long for connection. It’s a movie that will stay with you for a long time. It feels like a dream for the most part—it’s beautiful.
Powerful Actors:
The film features big names like Bill Murray, Edward Norton, and Bruce Willis. Still, the two unknown main characters are the standouts. Their acting is flawless, and the direction is quintessentially Wes Anderson.
Common Misconception:
Careful! Some people might call it a teenage movie. If they do, you might want to reevaluate your relationship with them! Just kidding. I think people who watched it casually or only parts of it might label it as a movie for kids. Otherwise, it’s a movie you can reflect on, and it’s highly re-watchable.
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