Serena

Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: March 27, 2015

5.2	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 49 Ratings

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dpredragNov 7, 2015

I usually write a review only when my opinion drastically differentiates from what I find already contributed - when there's a dire need to tip the scale. And there is one here, to save this incredible film from the lynch mob.

ThisI usually write a review only when my opinion drastically differentiates from what I find already contributed - when there's a dire need to tip the scale. And there is one here, to save this incredible film from the lynch mob.

This atmospheric dark period romance set in an unusual stage has a lot of human drama to offer. And this is what S. Bier is known at excelling. And pouring it on, which obviously irritates some part of the audience. But it is all done with a lot of taste for timing, with a good and fresh modern editing which disposes of most needless parts of the action and instead rather reserves that time for us to think about it all during the breaks of foggy Smoky Mountains scenery. (Obfuscation plays a leading role here, and this landscape couldn't be a better choice.)

Film is layered with appropriately somber music used/mixed with subtlety, and likewise it gorgeous photography has been wonderfully appreciated by the edit which understands its visual potential. This is one of those rare instances where a pattern of handheld closeups doesn't seem gratuitous, but does manage to bring us closer to the characters. Beside this being the result of the strong characters themselves, it is also a combination of a slower, not-frenetic pace, with a lot of static masters too.

While there might be some unbelievable decisions the characters make in this story, we need to remind ourselves that instead of treating this as a negative, these are the emotional extremes we should be welcoming, in an emotional rawness which needs appreciation. At the end, it is an emotional and symbolic theatre in which all the elements and symbols have and live to deliver their wonderfully intertwined meanings.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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nosmaJul 7, 2016

I am surprised and dismayed by the bad and lukewarm reviews this movie got. My expectations were very low and i was pleasantly surprised. I liked the movie the story is quite emotionally involving and I've been a Bradley Cooper fan for quiteI am surprised and dismayed by the bad and lukewarm reviews this movie got. My expectations were very low and i was pleasantly surprised. I liked the movie the story is quite emotionally involving and I've been a Bradley Cooper fan for quite a while. The movie is certainly not mindblowing but I was thoroughly entertained and I enjoyed every moment.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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StaticSpineNov 7, 2015

An okayish drama which tells how everything can go wrong and turn out as a total trainwreck. You can miss the movie entirely if you are not a fan of Lawrence or Cooper, it's nothing to write home about.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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knowmoviesnoseFeb 16, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Coming out of a time when the law ruled less than a man's conscience, and a poor man's wages were as valuable as were the trees that the ruling class wanted to protect, so we find George Pemberton and Serena. Together, they become a rock solid team: partners as much as lovers, to many men's guarded disapproval, especially that of Pemberton's old and dear friend, Buchanan, whose life proves to be the first chink in the couple's armor. The rather alluring and human aspects of this story, is about that armor, and what holds it together. Each character has their own personal ambitions and demons. In an opposing yet matrimonial way, they each resemble the other in this way. Pemberton learns of Serena's demons, full of death and ash, as he watches her ride a horse, looking totally alive and beautiful; Serena learns of George's demon the moment they step onto the North Carolina property, and a rather earthly, somewhat homely woman with a round belly is staring back at both of them. While their passions collide, there is a foreboding feeling that we, nor they, will ever get a glimpse of Brazil. This tale runs only as deep as the person watching it, that is, you must be in the right space to allow yourself to go down this road. Taking away from it that no matter how strong you make a bond, that same bond is as weak as the weakest link becomes (and hoping for recovery during the movie), but truly realizing in this that we all, ultimately will live, and die alone, with our very selves, meaning, our choices, our sins, our losses, our gains, and left to wonder which ones were worth the risk and which ones we should have risked more for... I thought of that as Pemberton watches the train holding his child move away from him, separating them eternally. Finding that narrative within while watching the movie will indeed make it all the richer an experience and leave you thoughtful afterward. If a movie can unnerve you a bit, of course you must be willing to allow that, then I'm sure the writer, directors, and actors would feel they have done well. If a movie can become a full discussion over an evening amongst family or friends that widens the scope to real questions about time, life, change, and where our weaknesses lie then it deserves to be commended. I forgot these were the same actor and actress from "Silver Linings Playbook" and "American Hustle" as well! Points off because despite its richness in those 109 minutes, it isn't a movie that I want to add to my permanent library as it is unnecessary to go back and watch again and again in order to find anything a second or third time, nor do I really care to visit those feelings, while very moving, again with the same movie.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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auragngxJan 5, 2022

Many people seem to dislike this movie but I actually really enjoyed it. The characters and story line are well written in my opinion and the actors are incredible too.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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