Arrival

9

TheShrike222Feb 20, 2017

This movie is all I yearn for in science fiction and so rarely find. Its not about fabulous technologies, or operatic galaxy wide conflicts of good versus evil. That's just sparkle and glitter. The best science fiction challenges us to ask.This movie is all I yearn for in science fiction and so rarely find. Its not about fabulous technologies, or operatic galaxy wide conflicts of good versus evil. That's just sparkle and glitter. The best science fiction challenges us to ask. Who are we? How do we see and understand the world around us. How do we balance joy and loss. And this movie does it all without drowning ideas with the usual sci-fi pitfalls. All the creatures, tech babble, stunts, CG work and the rest are firmly tethered to the plot. No, wow I designed a wicked cool spacecraft, it's got to go in somewhere. Science fiction has so much potential as a genre. It's nice to see a movie that delves into that potential for once.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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9

SomePersonaJan 1, 2017

This movie feels like a giant metaphor for communication and language and how each of those changes and affects all of our lives. I really enjoyed this film (especially the ending), and if I had to name any problems, it would probably be someThis movie feels like a giant metaphor for communication and language and how each of those changes and affects all of our lives. I really enjoyed this film (especially the ending), and if I had to name any problems, it would probably be some of the editing (they don't change a shot for more than fifteen seconds) and some tonal issues.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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9

DaBlazeyekFeb 19, 2017

It should really have Oscar! It was without the big explosions, destroyings, lasers and big pieces of fire, but it was the best kind of science-fiction film. Plot was very nice, Amy Adams is very good (and very beatiful of course). AndIt should really have Oscar! It was without the big explosions, destroyings, lasers and big pieces of fire, but it was the best kind of science-fiction film. Plot was very nice, Amy Adams is very good (and very beatiful of course). And simple, but very interesting history, which tricked spectator. But without history of aliens, film will be beatiful too.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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0

yashdanMar 5, 2017

I don't understand how this movie got such good reviews!!!
This movie is incredibly stupid and boring!
Not worth watching even if you have time to spare!
Acting - 8
Plot/story - 0
Suspense - 2
Action - 0

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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9

FuturedirectorFeb 21, 2017

A smart, dark, brilliantly entertaining, wonderfully interpreted and surprisingly unforgettable mix of impressive storytelling and magnificent drama. Sci-fi fans will not be disappointed.

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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7

JMalikFeb 8, 2017

the film was a little too long. there were some bore parts and some interesting parts. amazing performance from amy adams as per usual. it kinda sad how the film ends once u get the picture of how the main character's life and the aliens arethe film was a little too long. there were some bore parts and some interesting parts. amazing performance from amy adams as per usual. it kinda sad how the film ends once u get the picture of how the main character's life and the aliens are linked. pretty damn original story but there were some over repetitive things on the script and some scenes could be edited in order to get a smaller runtime… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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0

nellic07Jan 17, 2017

This is not movie about aliens. Aliens are just framework for drama story about woman and her sick future kid.Aliens are extras,there is no suspension in the movie, there is no pace, the end is rushed and without any meaning. Chinese andThis is not movie about aliens. Aliens are just framework for drama story about woman and her sick future kid.Aliens are extras,there is no suspension in the movie, there is no pace, the end is rushed and without any meaning. Chinese and Russians are showed as stupid and those who want war and Americans are showed like smart people.This is movie for pseudo intellectuals.This movie is boring as hell.Don't waste your money for this "look at me, I am 'smart' movie. 0/10… Expand

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9

samuel_92Feb 27, 2017

La mejor película de temas espaciales desde Interestelar. Sin duda un gran espectáculo unipersonal, sobre como un evento MACRO define lo MICRO. Lo mejor del año en Sci-Fi

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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8

sanyrubApr 16, 2017

Surprisingly calm film about a fascinating encounter with intelligent alien life that takes place on Earth. The film doesn´t have big visual showings and the pace is pretty slow. But it doesn´t take away from the quality. The theme of theSurprisingly calm film about a fascinating encounter with intelligent alien life that takes place on Earth. The film doesn´t have big visual showings and the pace is pretty slow. But it doesn´t take away from the quality. The theme of the film is language and how difficult it would be to communicate with such strange forms of life. Above all that, the film is an emotive story about a woman´s life and passion for her job and her loved one (you´ll have to see to know who I am refering to). Amy Adams does amazing as always. And you can expect a few twists. But nothing too big. It is about emotions and making us think. We have to improve and educate ourselves more and more, and especially be more sympathetic with others, including other species (go vegan!). A solid 8 out of 10.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

CovieHuman55BFGMay 20, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love the fact that this is about first contact with an extra-terrestrial live form minus the repetitive Hollywood action frag fest when everything blows up as if it was Michael Bay-ized stashed together with a bunch of product placement (*cough* TF4 *cough*)

Instead, it concentrates more on a more grounded sci-fi concept of communications as two different civilizations are trying to understand each other. Some people may dislike it to the core for the lack of action. And yet, they don't realize that 'Arrival' focuses on the concept of time as a sort 'loop' rather than the normal linear perception (being the default order of Past-Present-Future) Furthermore, what was considered the highlight of the show was that the flow of the story is almost representational to the alien glyph, in such a way that 'the ending of the turns out to be its beginning', like a sentence arranged in
a circular pattern without a full stop. Given its strength, however, the movie is not without some of its weaknesses. >>> SPOILER ALERT… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

Termin8terNov 18, 2017

When I saw this film earlier this year, I had heard it was good by a few people, so I gave it a watch. I loved it. The soundtrack fits the tone of the film very well. And I'm glad some of the soundtrack ideas were carried over into BladeWhen I saw this film earlier this year, I had heard it was good by a few people, so I gave it a watch. I loved it. The soundtrack fits the tone of the film very well. And I'm glad some of the soundtrack ideas were carried over into Blade Runner 2049's score. The visuals are awesome too. The CGI feels very polished and well done, which is great. The acting is very good, from pretty much the entire cast you can tell they are trying their best. The script that the film is drawing from is a very good script too. The plot makes some interesting twists and turns during the film's run-time. And the directing is interesting and clever too. So, overall, a great movie that I would recommend to anyone who likes movies.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

hugoferreiraSep 13, 2018

Such a complex beautiful creation perfect delivered by a rising talent that's Dennis. With Jeremy and Amy's consistent performance make this a 2016 best film contender. Enjoy.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

MetachevitaFeb 20, 2018

Well acted, superbly directed, poetic story, amazing score and soundtrack, film editing was great! A movie wirth seeing again and again.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

miccaelApr 5, 2019

quite interesting movie, I like it very much because it is "alien" movie but it focuses more on how we communicate with them, not shoot them.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

PluutozzMay 29, 2017

Thoughtfull and moving Scifi from Denis Villenueve. The movie centres around the idea of communication. In this case with visitors from beyond. It sets up as a "Independence Day" like scenario but plays out very different. Great visual shots,Thoughtfull and moving Scifi from Denis Villenueve. The movie centres around the idea of communication. In this case with visitors from beyond. It sets up as a "Independence Day" like scenario but plays out very different. Great visual shots, good acting, nice twist towards the end. Overall very well made movie.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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3

Christopher715Feb 16, 2017

I really had high hopes for this movie. While Amy Adams "acted her heart out", this somehow missed the mark. Being a HUGE science fiction/space sf, this was slow and just didn't do much for me. Great concept and not directive, I justI really had high hopes for this movie. While Amy Adams "acted her heart out", this somehow missed the mark. Being a HUGE science fiction/space sf, this was slow and just didn't do much for me. Great concept and not directive, I just didn't find it interesting in the least. Perhaps this had appeal for some, but just didn't do it for this particular viewer.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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1

ALexA182Feb 19, 2017

How on earth are people giving this boring mess of a movie such high scores? I guess it just tells you have bad the average movie is today. This is a convoluted, boring, poorly acted contrived mess that has neither originality or a realHow on earth are people giving this boring mess of a movie such high scores? I guess it just tells you have bad the average movie is today. This is a convoluted, boring, poorly acted contrived mess that has neither originality or a real story line. Thankfully I saw this on a DVD so I could fast-forward through the plodding mindless scenes.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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2

yvriMar 21, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Extremely slow paced and boring. Could see the ending came a mile away. Everything about the human experience is extremely unlikely when it tries to portray the real world response to first contact.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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2

RBdave274luvApr 10, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have watched Arrival four times to find any redeeming qualities to it. I felt the acting was fine but over rated since the movie was so low key and not particularly entertaining. My first problem with it was the way they portrayed the aliens. It is the same old thing, make them look like monsters who have no hands ect., making it totally unbelievable they could build anything to travel anywhere. The movie is more about time than anything else. It is unlike any other movie I have seen so saying there were cliches I found to be inane and won't use that. The soundtrack droned and was very distracting sometimes eclipsing what the actors were saying. The language shown would have been impossible for a linguist to figure out in such a short time. A friend compared it to a Tibetan circle language yet upon investigation, the linguist that created it said nothing about it being anything more than made up. It's a love story in a way but done in a very boring way. I didn't find the movie interesting or thought provoking because the subject matter within it...time isn't linear is old news. Amy Adams did a good job with what she was given but it wasn't much. The movie simply is not entertaining and leaves one with unanswered questions. Unless one is very cerebral this will not be able to hold the attention of most viewers for long. I was very disappointed and have watched hundreds of science fiction movies. I have also read a number of reviews around the net and no one person got the same thing out of this film. Good luck to anyone who tries to sit down and make heads or tails of it without extrapolating on it like most critics have done.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

UnskyJul 24, 2017

Not your typical alien movie. The climatic suspense was well built and the plot twists were kinda "reasonable". I liked how it was all focused on the communication issue. Nothing to say about the visuals.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

bdjudeDec 25, 2017

It's talk and talk not eccentric as a alien plot. Means the plot is new and fresh.But as a whole project, it's got vibrate pulse you will feel for long !

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

PejmurdeJan 6, 2019

We must ask ourselves before asking to aliens,: "What is our purpose on Earth?"

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

EpicLadySpongeNov 11, 2016

Arrival tries to improve what's seen on the screen by doing whatever it takes from the plot to read the fellow person's mind and flood it with sci-fi events happening on the screen. It's foolproof.

6 of 25 users found this helpful619

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10

coughlin48Nov 14, 2016

Having read the story on which the movie is based, I pretty much knew what to expect. I thought the treatment of the complex language issues at the heart of the story was excellent. I didn't mind the action inserted at the end of the movie,Having read the story on which the movie is based, I pretty much knew what to expect. I thought the treatment of the complex language issues at the heart of the story was excellent. I didn't mind the action inserted at the end of the movie, even though it wasn't in the original story. 10/10 for me.… Expand

6 of 25 users found this helpful619

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9

SnoracksNov 21, 2016

One of the best of the year so far. This is one of the most engrossing films I've seen in years -- kept my eyes absolutely glued to the screen. I had a few issues with the film lingering too much on the ending and not trusting the audienceOne of the best of the year so far. This is one of the most engrossing films I've seen in years -- kept my eyes absolutely glued to the screen. I had a few issues with the film lingering too much on the ending and not trusting the audience to figure out certain things, but as far as major sci-fi releases go, this is one of the greats.… Expand

5 of 21 users found this helpful516

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10

WaltexNov 21, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such a beautiful, well-directed film.

This director knows what he's doing and it shows. Nearly every moment hits it's mark/purpose.

Amy Adams shines and her genuine, unguarded loving was surprising and refreshing ... it taught me something new about acting (for example when she plays with her daughter near the start of the film).

The science man isn't as good, but he's ok in terms of acting. He's a bit distanced ... I can't really connect with him somehow ... I'm not really sure what he offers to the mission actually (it's mainly Amy who does it all).

I was a bit irritated that they had a bird tweeting all the time, when what Amy Adams was trying to do was listen to the sounds the aliens made, so why have a bird tweeting away interfering with the noise? Can't they get a species of bird that doesn't tweet, as their oxygen-monitor?

I didn't really understand the bit where there was gunfire outside the alien ship, but I can look past that, as the rest of the film was so awesome.

I loved the bit at the end where you see Amy rewarded for her work ... good on her.

Beautiful low-key lighting sometimes in the defence base... beautiful directing and creative choices there.

I like how they mainly hide the shape and look of the alien object until Amy actually ventures to it.

Nice beautiful pacing ... I like how they immediately go into the ship soon upon landing.

I would really like to congratulate the director… Expand

4 of 17 users found this helpful413

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9

EliascJan 15, 2017

'The Arrival' is a science fiction film based on real science like Chris Nolan's 'Interstellar'. The basic story is that aliens arrive on earth. The aliens are truly alien and look like creatures that astrobiologists have already suggested'The Arrival' is a science fiction film based on real science like Chris Nolan's 'Interstellar'. The basic story is that aliens arrive on earth. The aliens are truly alien and look like creatures that astrobiologists have already suggested might look like and that communication with is almost impossible. Humans react with both wonder and fear as the two lead characters played by Amy Adams and Jeremy Remmer attempt to find a method of communication. Their communication attempts hide another discovery about the aliens and human beings which will not be apparent until the film's ending. The film is complicated by film editing which will confuse viewers until the end of the film, but will make perfect sense if you have been paying attention or if you watch it again.… Expand

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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0

BitashMar 21, 2017

I just watched the movie and frantically looked for my iPad leaving my comfy bed to leave a review, why? To save others from watching this horrific movie and save people . I want my money back. I want the two hours of my life back. We watchedI just watched the movie and frantically looked for my iPad leaving my comfy bed to leave a review, why? To save others from watching this horrific movie and save people . I want my money back. I want the two hours of my life back. We watched the movie since it had good review on metacritic.....now I think reviews here are fake. No one in their right mind would write a positive review for this cheesy none sense and boring movie. I won't ever reply on metacritics again . Reviews could be paid for, this movie was horrific and on,y one person to blame, the DIRECTOR for even thinking the writing is good enough to put these poor actors through it. Such a waste of time. I've hyped for no reason!!!… Expand

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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0

abcd123Dec 5, 2016

As other have commented, Villeneuve is a good director but this is a step in the wrong direction for him. I hate to use the B word {boring}, but Arrival is a real endurance test even for fans of serious, thought provokingAs other have commented, Villeneuve is a good director but this is a step in the wrong direction for him. I hate to use the B word {boring}, but Arrival is a real endurance test even for fans of serious, thought provoking movies.qweqwedwqeqweqweqweasdasdasd… Expand

5 of 22 users found this helpful517

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10

migdalorguyNov 13, 2016

Arrival is, if you'll pardon the expression, one the best cinematic mindf*cks I have received in a while. It's a truly cerebral film, which might not be to everybody's taste. If you're looking for action/adventure Sci-Fi look elsewhere. IfArrival is, if you'll pardon the expression, one the best cinematic mindf*cks I have received in a while. It's a truly cerebral film, which might not be to everybody's taste. If you're looking for action/adventure Sci-Fi look elsewhere. If you are looking to be engaged, asked to think, pay attention, and read between the lines, you'll find this a plot worthy of your time and effort.… Expand

6 of 27 users found this helpful621

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9

MalifixNov 28, 2016

This was surprise at how good it was. I entered the movie thinking "how could they make another alien encounter film and make it good?". But they did! It had a fresh approach, keeping within the behaviors you would expect from military andThis was surprise at how good it was. I entered the movie thinking "how could they make another alien encounter film and make it good?". But they did! It had a fresh approach, keeping within the behaviors you would expect from military and professionals, and then threw in great plot twists that reminded me of Nolan's Interstellar.… Expand

4 of 18 users found this helpful414

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4

shoulderoforionJan 20, 2017

Cheap time travel as memory tricks doomed this only passing scifi flick with trite explanations, ignoring gaping logic holes dealing with the two main characters. I wouldn't recommend this movie. Style (& not all that much of that) over substance.

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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9

TLHGDec 4, 2016

Powerful! This movie is really powerful. I can understand some people might not like it because, for most part of the film, you have no idea of why some things are happening or being shown to the audience, but neither do the characters in thePowerful! This movie is really powerful. I can understand some people might not like it because, for most part of the film, you have no idea of why some things are happening or being shown to the audience, but neither do the characters in the movie, it is like we are trying to solve the big puzzle about what the aliens are doing on Earth together. If you are like me, that is very engaging. I felt so immersed in the events of the movie that I did not see time passing. Then you finally starts to figure and it is awesome! Everything fits together very well! And of course, for the slow ones, they literally draw what is the answer of it all at some point... I loved it, and I must say that, because of the reviews and the trailer, I had tremendous expectations, and still I was not prepared for it this feature offers. Now, to be fair, there are a few things (nothing important for the story, just minor details) that kinda turn you off, such as lines by the scientists/academics that just reveal that those characters were written by people who don't really know how academics really are... However, these are just minor pieces that I could totally forgive at the end because it was so good! RECOMMENDATION FOR THE VIEWERS: don't look to much into what the movie is about, and avoid spoilers. I would not say that the twist is that surprising and mind blowing like the 6th Sense, but the experience of watching it as a blank page is very nice. Piece!… Expand

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

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9

madmoviemanNov 29, 2016

This is a very special film. A hugely unique take on first contact, Arrival is one of the most intense and cerebral experiences you’ve ever had at the movies, requiring full concentration, an open mind, and patience for a slow-moving, butThis is a very special film. A hugely unique take on first contact, Arrival is one of the most intense and cerebral experiences you’ve ever had at the movies, requiring full concentration, an open mind, and patience for a slow-moving, but utterly enthralling story. Featuring exceptional performances, astonishing directing from Denis Villeneuve, a near-perfect screenplay, and a mesmerising score, this is a truly exhilarating film to watch, and one that will leave you thinking and pondering long after the credits have rolled.

First off then, suppose the most important thing to say about this film is that you have to have your brain turned on. This is not even in the same league as the likes of Independence Day or even Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, but is instead a dark, heavy-going drama that only uses a science-fiction setting to tell a gripping and emotionally powerful story about humanity.

Much like all of Denis Villeneuve’s films, Arrival is at times a soul-destroying experience, portraying some utterly devastating forecasts of how people around the world would deal with first contact, but that’s one of the reasons that it’s such an arresting watch.

Villeneuve himself does an exceptional job at directing this film. It’s the first massive-scale project we’ve seen from him, but his astonishing ability to create a stunningly eerie and tense atmosphere at every single moment in this film, whether it be in the unnerving sweeping shots of the alien spacecraft, or the smaller, more claustrophobic moments centring on the human characters’ efforts to deal with them, is testament to what a talent he is.

And that tense eeriness carries over brilliantly into every other part of the film. For me, one of the most memorable elements of Arrival was the score by Jóhann Jóhannsson. Staying effectively silent for so much of the film, Jóhannsson takes an incredibly unique and experimental approach to the music of the film, often making it appear as if it is sound coming from the real world.

At times, the aliens’ cries and speech become pieces of musical score, adding significantly to the sense of danger and tension, which was stunning to see. At others, however, he uses some powerful instrumental tunes to heighten the drama of the characters’ emotions, and although this is a film in which you can hear the score, it plays such a significant role in shaping your experience that it’s a huge positive.

Along with the music, the performances are another key element that make this film so stunningly intense. At the centre of it all is Amy Adams, who is astonishing from start to finish. Dealing with a very complex character and story, she brilliantly powers through and portrays a huge range of emotions, from her character’s crushing depression early on in the film, to her determination and strength whilst attempting to communicate with the alien beings. It’s not the normal Amy Adams we know and love so much, but a far more battle-hardened and intense performance, but that deviation from her more typical roles is spectacular to watch, making this easily one of her best ever performances.

And finally, we come to the screenplay. Based on a short story, the writing here is an exceptional display of ingenuity and intelligence. The heavy-going and slow-paced nature of the movie becomes a virtue because of the writing, giving you as a viewer the time to think about everything that is going on and understand it deeper, whilst also taking on some incredibly complex ideas and themes and making them work almost perfectly in the context of a science-fiction film.

In the end, however, this film isn’t so much about the aliens as it is about its human characters. The story is very difficult to talk about without spoilers, however I can say that the way the film’s narrative unfolds throughout is genuinely one of the most unique and brilliant things I’ve ever seen, and it makes for an astonishingly powerful development of emotions towards the finale. It does require an open mind, but with that comes a truly incredible and thought-provoking story.

Overall, I was blown away by Arrival. A masterpiece of directing, scoring, acting and writing, it’s a truly exhilarating watch that will take you on a devastating rollercoaster of emotions, but with an ingenious and utterly enthralling story that you will not forget in a long time.… Expand

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

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8

GinaKNov 22, 2016

Congrats to the scriptwriter, director, and Amy Adams for making an extremely sentimental film that didn’t make me want to throw up in my popcorn. Amy Adams is really quite amazing as she pulls off a role where she is part brains and partCongrats to the scriptwriter, director, and Amy Adams for making an extremely sentimental film that didn’t make me want to throw up in my popcorn. Amy Adams is really quite amazing as she pulls off a role where she is part brains and part feeling – and she manages to make them mesh and make sense. It’s almost a miracle. As usual, Villeneuve has made an original film that is also an interesting genre film with an excellent cast. Unless you only like blood and guts or only like real weepies, you should see this film.… Expand

4 of 19 users found this helpful415

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9

ddaltontnNov 11, 2016

This is a deeply philosophical movie, so many parallels to life. I thought it was ingenious and inspiring.
When I watch a movie, I'm not watching it through a "critical" eye, like what I like and don't like about the movie, but I'm weighingThis is a deeply philosophical movie, so many parallels to life. I thought it was ingenious and inspiring.
When I watch a movie, I'm not watching it through a "critical" eye, like what I like and don't like about the movie, but I'm weighing my own experience, my goal is always a vicarious experience. I got that with Arrival. I give the movie a solid 9. I've only give a few movie a 10 in my life, so a 9 is really high for me.… Expand

5 of 25 users found this helpful520

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9

SpangleNov 11, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is official. Denis Villeneuve is my favorite working director. This could change, but my Lord is Arrival brilliant. Incendies, Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario, and now Arrival are all some of the best films of this decade - no, century - and each has an indelible respect for the audience. It trusts that we will follow along as Villeneuve spins a web that, though it may not make sense initially, will craft a gorgeous vignette of some element of existence. Arrival is most certainly a part of this collection now and is one of the best science fiction films in a while with stunning visuals, chill-inducing brilliance, and incredible performances.

Admittedly, however, Arrival missed the mark for the first half or so. It seemed so different. So unique. Nothing truly made sense from the opening with this daughter that seems out of place for the film I expected to receive, plus the weird narration scene by Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner). It just seemed so haphazardly put together that it seemed wholly indigestible. However, after this halfway point, the film is pure brilliance. Even better, it opens up the world of the first half to the point that you realize that - even if the narration is still a moment that I cannot wrap my head around - everything else adds up. In this second half, Arrival soars with the grace and beauty previously only experienced by eagles.

A confusing, nonlinear film, Arrival follows Louise Banks (Amy Adams), the country's best linguist in the aftermath of the arrival of extraterrestrials. In the interest of determining their purpose, Louise is tasked with cracking the code of the heptapods (the aliens). What transpires is film that can often mirror Dances with Wolves in its respect for language (Close Encounters of the Third Kind as well to a degree for this) and Contact for its similarities regarding the military and its approach to, again, language. In many respects, Arrival is a science fiction film, but it is also a film about destiny, free-will, and the beauty of language.

Through language, worlds open up. One can weave a beautiful sentence that can move readers to tears. Others can craft a speech that sways people to believe one thing or the other. Language allows people to express feelings, emotions, thoughts, or simply converse with others. Language, as discussed in the film, is the foundation of a civilization. In many ways, it is the foundation of humanity. Arrival delves into this sheer beauty of language throughout the picture. Villeneuve brilliantly allows this elegance to take centerstage with long drawn out sequences of nothing but communication between Louise and the heptapods.

Yet, the film hardly stops there. Through showing the possibilities the language of the heptapods can reveal, Arrival hits a peak. Once we learn that the heptapods language allows the speaker to see the future, Arrival's philosophical explorations really take hold. This is the part where many will be lost and why I am skeptical as to film's acceptance amongst general audiences. However, the film's nonlinear storytelling is incredibly revealing and really works. Through the nonlinear storytelling, we know the end of Louise's story. We do not know that we know this, but by the end, it is clear what her future is. Louise knows it and though she keeps it to herself in the present, we know the future is something that is simulatenously her past. It is already a part of her and one she cannot escape. However, it is clear she does not wish to escape her future. It is one filled with challenges, but filled with equal joy and love. Films have previously discussed the concepts of free-will and destiny (hell, Oedipus did this in the BC's) and yet, Arrival brings a warmth to the discussion. Though Louise may know her future, she chooses to head into it with no hesitation. Yes, it will bring her unspeakable pain and tragedy, but it will also bring sheer ecstasy. For Louise and many others, this is more than acceptable. However, Arrival does not hesitate to ask: If you know your future, would you try to change it? This is certainly a fallacy, as I believe Arrival showcases. The heptapods knew Louise's future. How? Because it already happened. There is no time, there is no free-will, there is only destiny. For the world of Arrival, the possibilities of the world are not endless. You are on a path and destined to complete this path.

Arrival often mirrors the language it discusses, not just the heptapods' language, though. Language, as Louise states frequently, can be messy and confusing. Yet, it opens doors to the world that were previously locked tight. This is very similar to the film as a whole, as it is a complex puzzle and my initial hesitation to the film's world was because I only received small pieces of a large puzzle. Once they started fitting together and the image became clearer, the film became a truly awe-inspiring, striking, and beautiful experience.… Expand

4 of 20 users found this helpful416

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9

propyl21Nov 16, 2016

I truly enjoyed this movie. Everyone will take away a different meaning from this movie due to their own current life circumstances.

The movie is well paced with the right level of tension and suspense building throughout, and the cast do aI truly enjoyed this movie. Everyone will take away a different meaning from this movie due to their own current life circumstances.

The movie is well paced with the right level of tension and suspense building throughout, and the cast do a great job in portraying the scenario to the viewer.

Ultimately, the movie is about language and meaning. The notion that we humankind are living on the brink of war day-to-day, due to the division of language, and yet we use language to bring meaning to our lives as well as using it to convey our humanity. This speaks on many levels and Villeneuve has managed to capture the essence and importance of language. The very same language that changed minds of millions of people to elect a new president. The same language that brings peace to millions worldwide through prayer. That same language that can be both beneficial and destructive to humanity.… Expand

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9

yezoNov 11, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I enjoy the movie. However, I could not help but thinking the theme has been repeatedly used for the past 2 months. Miss Peregrine, Doctor Strange, and now Arrival.
I enjoy the way the movie is being shown with constant 'flashback' and it did set me up.
As a research student, I understand the pain how the character Dr Bank has to deal with the military, it is pretty much what happens to scientists (to deal with politics, admin and such) on a daily basis.
The deep philosophy behind the movie is also interesting as it demonstrates the conflicts within a human which comes into contact with 'new' things (and or world). In addition, because I am a bilingual from two very different cultures, Chinese and English. I understand the frustration of being an interpreter. And indeed, the more you understand the language and cultures of both sides, explaining a sentence or phenomenon to one side of people can be difficult because it takes time to think a way to translate the meaning and be able to deliver the concept which is indeed harder than you think. Because there is something more than the factual meaning on those words but the interpretation which is the key of a communication.
(Let me give you an example below.)

Back to the movie, note the general public is scared in such situation as they recall history and they are aware they are on the other side of civilisation, some of them would like to bring peace, some of them would like to fight them off.
As a scientist, we are naturally curious, understanding of something new would be the greatest achievement of all, and hence explain how Louise and Ian approach the alien.
I understand in most sci-fi movie, physicists are often involved as the part of movie since it involves paradox and time, but it would be nice to get an organic chemist role because it would be interesting for organic chemists to learn new organic molecules from alien if they exist.
If anyone reading this comment and happen to know physics, could you tell me where can I learn more about time, event horizon, general relativity on a conceptual level coz I don't know much maths, thanks! Ok, the example of language and culture.
For those who don't know Chinese, here is an example.
One of Australian friends used to learn Chinese, he told me what he learnt. The first thing he learnt is 'How are you?' in Chinese which is fine.
But here is the problem. Most Chinese do not greet with 'How are you?' Chinese ask all kind of questions from 'Where are you from?' (stranger/new friend) to 'How is your family/work?' (close friends/relatives)
My understanding at that point is, there is no harm learning those phrases, but it is not particular helpful if you really want to interact with a Chinese. I quickly suggested I could teach him Chinese, but because there are tests and exams so I understand he would rather stick to whatever the teacher taught him.
In contrast, for whose who do not know too much English, 'How are you?' is greeting, and they actually don't care how are you, it is in fact pretty meaningless.
From my understanding, learning a language systematically (through a book/class) is quite ineffective. I argue the best way to learn a language is to interact with that person who is speaking in that particular language. Learning from items, to phrases, to sentences (like how a baby learn a language). And one day, your brain will 'click' and understand, like how Amy Adams understand a new language in the movie.
I can tell you from my experience. I have learnt English for almost 20 years of my life, until I have interact Australians for an extensive period of time, I realise what I have learnt from my textbooks back from Hong Kong is virtually useless. Same thing if someone feel like learning Chinese, go interact with a Chinese, learn and practice and you will pick up the language and understand how they think fairly quickly.… Expand

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9

Jack101Jan 9, 2018

"Everything happens for a reason" is the exact moral of the story.
A film like this was not what I expected, and I couldn't be more amazed. Something you may have to watch twice to fully get the story, but boy, does it melt your brain on how"Everything happens for a reason" is the exact moral of the story.
A film like this was not what I expected, and I couldn't be more amazed. Something you may have to watch twice to fully get the story, but boy, does it melt your brain on how brilliant and unique the whole thing is.… Expand