The Revenant
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: December 25, 2015
7.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 1813 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
1,511
Mixed:
195
Negative:
107
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
TheApplegnomeDec 30, 2015
*Spoiler free review* Leonardo DiCaprio's endless hunt for the future Oscar comes to an end with a stunning performance in this realistic, dark and overall stunning cinematography-masterpiece.

We follow Hugh Glass in the late 1820s of*Spoiler free review* Leonardo DiCaprio's endless hunt for the future Oscar comes to an end with a stunning performance in this realistic, dark and overall stunning cinematography-masterpiece.

We follow Hugh Glass in the late 1820s of America and his endless fight for survival. It's a suffering journey towards redemption, revenge and of course the continuous passion for living. The realistic direction by Iñárritu, who also directed Birdman, is a present aspect. Just the long, smooth & realistic close-ups and overall sequences are stunningly shot! We see our characters react and express their inner self in a true way that, thanks too the once again great camera work, makes the film something extraordinary and very rare in todays-filmmaking. Even when characters are in real danger and much intensity are a present thing, we still get close and detailed scenes, we even experience the condensation of water from the breath on the camera lens! Wow! The tone of this always-intense, non-stop movie is extraordinary, they went for a real, shoot on location-only flick and we got exactly that. Fingers, body parts and blood are flying wildly and all over the camera and it feels real. It feels like it really did happen. That's how good 'The Revenant is'; never boring.

DiCaprio continues to impress, and he really does have a spectacular performance as Glass. His great passion for acting gives his character much power, and combined with a wonderful and deep writing, we have a very understandable antagonist! Alongside with DiCaprio does Gleeson have a major role, and he steals it! Both ant-and-protagonist are very understandable and it's not a very complex chemistry, which could have been more explored yes I agree, but it didn't have to be that way. The father-son relationship though, could have been much more developed and emotionally-bonded. There wasn't anything unique nor anything 'that very' special about it. It's good yes, but it's just a small aspect that could have been more explored for a better emotional impact. The dialogs are another minor aspect, there's nothing wrong with them but some out there will probably find them a bit boring, and if that's the case I think this movie isn't perfect for you.

This really is a real and slick survival film that made oneself aware of how dark and dangerous the world can be, while at the same time being barely watchable due to the intense and horrifying moments of this Oscar nominee.

Personal rating: 83/100
Critical rating: 92/100… Expand
21 of 37 users found this helpful2116
All this user's reviews
10
Compi24Dec 25, 2015
In what might very well be Inarritu's best film, "The Revenant" delivers in every way imaginable. You get immaculate cinematography that bridges the gap between the majestic and the phantasmagorical. You're delivered brilliantly designed setIn what might very well be Inarritu's best film, "The Revenant" delivers in every way imaginable. You get immaculate cinematography that bridges the gap between the majestic and the phantasmagorical. You're delivered brilliantly designed set pieces, featuring ornate choreography and stunning practical effects. You get household-name actors, virtually disappearing into their vivid characters. A simple, yet powerful score. And an endlessly fascinating narrative dwelling in the film's heart. "The Revenant" is easily one of the year's best films. In fact, simply calling "The Revenant" a "film" is a severe understatement. It truly is a breathtaking event to behold.… Expand
39 of 74 users found this helpful3935
All this user's reviews
0
sun20890Dec 26, 2015
overlong...overacting.....over direction....only cinematography is breathtaking....plot lines(that arent in novel) seems heavily oscar bait. Lead actor seems to supernatural as recovery duration is unnatural
15 of 34 users found this helpful1519
All this user's reviews
9
beingryanjudeFeb 18, 2016
Between Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Chivo Lubezki, THE REVENANT is one of the most visually striking masterpieces of the 21st century. The spectacle does not end at visual storytelling—but continually astounds audiences with its tale ofBetween Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Chivo Lubezki, THE REVENANT is one of the most visually striking masterpieces of the 21st century. The spectacle does not end at visual storytelling—but continually astounds audiences with its tale of survival and revenge. The filmmakers chose not to sugarcoat the wilderness of the 1820s, but rather vividly show its extreme brutality and rawness. Above all, Leonardo DiCaprio gives the finest performance of his career – to finally, hopefully, secure his well-deserved Oscar.… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
All this user's reviews
9
NotoriousFraudFeb 18, 2016
The Revenant has been getting oscar recognition and is also doing great at the box office even unseating Star Wars. Alejandro González Iñárritu directs this film with utter brilliance, topping Birdman. the leads Leonardo DiCaprio and TomThe Revenant has been getting oscar recognition and is also doing great at the box office even unseating Star Wars. Alejandro González Iñárritu directs this film with utter brilliance, topping Birdman. the leads Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy are fantastic in this wild west revenge story based on true events. The Revenant is my personal favorite movie of 2015.… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
All this user's reviews
9
Pw77Feb 15, 2016
I think DiCaprio deserves the upcoming Oscar, after another well chosen role and polished performance. The acting , scenery and scope add a further dimension.

Tom Hardy also delivers a fantastic villain, to the point, you want him to payI think DiCaprio deserves the upcoming Oscar, after another well chosen role and polished performance. The acting , scenery and scope add a further dimension.

Tom Hardy also delivers a fantastic villain, to the point, you want him to pay for what he did.
As animal attacks go, the bear scene is one of the most realistic and brutal caught on film.
A very well rounded, if not slightly somber experience. Great stuff!… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
All this user's reviews
8
CineAutoctonoJan 31, 2016
The Revenant was an incredible movie , was waiting for her all this time , as the work of Alejandro G. Inarritu has not been easy but it was great, besides Leonardo DiCaprio, was not very easy for him, but his work was excellent and gave manyThe Revenant was an incredible movie , was waiting for her all this time , as the work of Alejandro G. Inarritu has not been easy but it was great, besides Leonardo DiCaprio, was not very easy for him, but his work was excellent and gave many fruits , Golden Globe, the Critic Choice , SAG , and hope for an Academy Award, an amazing story and powerful.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
8
MCPozziFeb 1, 2016
Evidentemente ci voleva Innaritu per consacrare definitivamente Di Caprio. Esaltante la sua prova affiancata da un sempre piu ispirato tom Hardy- Decisamente un bel film
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
9
futurespielbergMar 7, 2016
One of DiCaprio's best films, a truly epic tale of man vs, nature. Leonardo deserves an Oscar for all the hard work he went threw, and so should Tom Hardy for a great supporting role. This film has some of the best visual shot I have everOne of DiCaprio's best films, a truly epic tale of man vs, nature. Leonardo deserves an Oscar for all the hard work he went threw, and so should Tom Hardy for a great supporting role. This film has some of the best visual shot I have ever seen. For my conclusion this is a truly great film with great camera work, great acting, and a very good story. I will say the only down side to the film is the plot does kind of drag on but in the end the film was great.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
7
pureshoresMar 25, 2016
My only problem is it's obvious the Academy knew they should've given Leo the Best Actor trophy for the Wolf of Wall Street, gave it to him with this instead. He's good but he didn't convince me as a father from which the whole movie somewhatMy only problem is it's obvious the Academy knew they should've given Leo the Best Actor trophy for the Wolf of Wall Street, gave it to him with this instead. He's good but he didn't convince me as a father from which the whole movie somewhat stood upon. As far as acting award goes, Tom Hardy should've gotten one. If he continues to make good choices, we're looking at a living legend right now.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
7
HolioEscobanApr 15, 2016
A film with just as many vistas as there was to make up for lack of dialogue and true character progress. The film was indulgent in every sense of the word, however the performances across the board we brilliant. Realistic and honest. AA film with just as many vistas as there was to make up for lack of dialogue and true character progress. The film was indulgent in every sense of the word, however the performances across the board we brilliant. Realistic and honest. A tiring but good movie to watch… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
9
quincytheodoreFeb 3, 2016
A harsh winter for beast and man.

While having Tom Hardy and Leonardo DiCaprio is a definite boon, what really makes “The Revenant" a splendid cinematic experience is the utmost care for visual and cinematography. It's a series ofA harsh winter for beast and man.

While having Tom Hardy and Leonardo DiCaprio is a definite boon, what really makes “The Revenant" a splendid cinematic experience is the utmost care for visual and cinematography. It's a series of immersive events taken with extreme care, minimal editing and a continuous shot after continuous shot of wintry landscape as it witnesses revenge and ordeal of savages.

It tells the story of Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he fights against beast, nature and fellow man to stay alive. There are a couple of other subplots though Glass' perspective takes the focus. One can argue that this is Leo's closest chance at Oscar in recent years, and it's hard not to see why. He's an expert on conveying emotions with sheer gestures and psychical attributes alone. If this movie is advertised as actual survival show, Leo would make people believe it.

On the other spectrum Tom Hardy as Fitzgerald is just equally amazing. He presents a much different persona than his other roles, I admittedly didn't recognize him for half of the movie. This is a brilliant act on his part to showcase the brutality of the time. Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter round up the crew nicely as duty bound captain and the more inexperienced frontiersman. The average length of scene is demanding and the cast delivers pleasantly.

The other subplots happen simultaneously as Glass' predicament, they could be highlighted more but this is just a slight scratch on the narrative and also not to impose on the main story line. Its visual is certainly a triumph in film making. There's no shortage of refinement on the sequences, whether it's dialogues or action. It's a precise, deliberate and unwavering presentation, captivating with its pronounced details as well as slight whisper or howl of the winter.

Few other movies manage to allure the audience into the world of the movie with stern excellent production and acting, "The Revenant" is truly breathtaking.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
Iky009Mar 4, 2016
The new work Iñárritu is phenomenal, incredible epic in every way, visually the beauty of the scenery is breathtaking, the performance of DiCaprio is magnificent and of course not to mention the bear attack scene is eerily amazing.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
FranzHcriticMar 5, 2016
It is a directorial, cinematographic, and actor's triumph of a film. It's clear to see why they finally awarded DiCaprio the Oscar for this role, for he captivates all the pain and suffering in his main character. 'The Revenant,' while beingIt is a directorial, cinematographic, and actor's triumph of a film. It's clear to see why they finally awarded DiCaprio the Oscar for this role, for he captivates all the pain and suffering in his main character. 'The Revenant,' while being at its core but a simple revenge story, is elevated by the rich, natural visuals, cold realism of its stars, including Hardy, who plays the villain with superb talent. Alejandro González Iñárritu pulled off a visual masterpiece here.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
43in2014Feb 4, 2016
Pros: Great acting, directing, cinematography and sound mixing were used in this film to show how tough life was in 19th century North Dakota, considering the winter, the Indians, bears and people in your own party who wish you dead. That'sPros: Great acting, directing, cinematography and sound mixing were used in this film to show how tough life was in 19th century North Dakota, considering the winter, the Indians, bears and people in your own party who wish you dead. That's from the perspective of the new settlers. It's not much better for the native Indians. The film tries to be very realistic and is very gruesome many times.

Cons: None, I suppose... except that this seems like Oscar bait...

Who should NOT watch this? This is an R-rated film due to the violence. A couple in the early stages of their relationship, any person who cannot bear gruesome violence, young teenagers and children should not watch this.

Score: 4/5 (no half score). Worth watching in the cinema.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
7
JamesIrish68Mar 15, 2018
Leo finally gets the Oscar he deserves with The Revenant. Di Caprio gives the performance his heart and soul and you can see it plain as day on the screen his commitment to the role. Top class production qualities, cinematography, costume,Leo finally gets the Oscar he deserves with The Revenant. Di Caprio gives the performance his heart and soul and you can see it plain as day on the screen his commitment to the role. Top class production qualities, cinematography, costume, lighting, editing etc. The bear scene is a stand out and will be what is remembered about this movie, that and the opening long shot. The weakness is that the story is a bit grueling and long drawn out to watch. Tom Hardy is nearly impossible to understand which was frustrating..Still a very good movie if not a great one..… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
TributeManFeb 5, 2016
Alexander Gonzales Inarritu wspaniałym reżyserem jest.

Zjawa tak samo jak poprzedni film reżysera, zachwyca wykonaniem. Dosłownie, każde ujęcie jest wykonane z arcymistrzowską dokładnością. Co chwila przyłapywałem się, na oglądaniu pleneruAlexander Gonzales Inarritu wspaniałym reżyserem jest.

Zjawa tak samo jak poprzedni film reżysera, zachwyca wykonaniem. Dosłownie, każde ujęcie jest wykonane z arcymistrzowską dokładnością. Co chwila przyłapywałem się, na oglądaniu pleneru i nie skupianiu się na akcji. Muzyka i kostiumy są także perfekcyjne. Ma się wrażenie, że ogląda się prawdziwych ludzi, a nie aktorów.

Na oddzielną pochwałę zasługuje duet Hardy - DiCaprio. Nie wyobrażam sobie kogokolwiek innego w rolii Fitzgeralda i Glassa. Pierwszy raz widziałem postać graną przez DiCaprio, a nie jego.
Dawno już nie oglądałem tak brutalnego filmu. Palce są odcinane, skóra rozrywana, brzuchy przebijane…
Wszystkie najbrutalniejsze sceny są na jednym ujęciu i sprawiają wrażenie bardzo realistycznych.
Zjawie brakuje bardzo mało do Arcydzieła. Jej największym grzechem jest bycie pustym w środku filmem. Jest wspaniała wizualnie, ale nic po za tym. Nie mogę jej z czystym sumieniem polecić każdemu. To film ciężki, gdzie akcja rozwija się z prędkością pełznącego ślimaka. Sami zdecydujcie.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
UltimateBubFeb 7, 2016
A visual spectacle, The Revenant manages to tell a thrilling, exciting story for its lead. Leonardo DiCaprio gives his best acting and it shows, while the supporting cast is all but amazing. A movie about revenge, but mostly survival, TheA visual spectacle, The Revenant manages to tell a thrilling, exciting story for its lead. Leonardo DiCaprio gives his best acting and it shows, while the supporting cast is all but amazing. A movie about revenge, but mostly survival, The Revenant is, simply, a very great movie.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
horizonbtsFeb 15, 2016
Best in this genre since "Dances with Wolves"!! If you liked the scope, story, and overall picture in DWW you will love this movie too. The Cinematography in "The Revenant" is over the top, absolutely beautiful. The film itself can be aBest in this genre since "Dances with Wolves"!! If you liked the scope, story, and overall picture in DWW you will love this movie too. The Cinematography in "The Revenant" is over the top, absolutely beautiful. The film itself can be a little bloody and graphic so if you can't handle that sort of thing then its probably not for you. True depiction of the era and the hardships of the time. I thought as with DWW it shows the Indians could be compassionate, and most of the time we as white men were the ones taking advantage of them. We were on their land and treated them badly. Everyone in the theater was glued to the screen, might have been a tad long, but so enjoyable and well written that it didn't seem all that bad. Great movie and glad to see they are making some movies in this genre again. I really enjoyed the movie and was money well spent. The only thing I could be critical of is perhaps the super human feats that the character managed at times, but you have to figure that happens on the big screen to make it more appealing!!… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
CMoviesFeb 17, 2016
What a beautiful movie, this film has some of the best cinematography I have ever laid my eyes on. Keeping dialog to a minimum lets you feel the environment and atmosphere quite well. God this movie is great!
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
JuanLuisGG14Apr 10, 2016
A technically stunning drama filled with extremely gruesome but awesome special effects. Aside from that, Di Caprio's performance is stellar, and plot is strong.
Though that, I would say it isn't perfect, so that i give it a 9/10
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
TrackerDeviceMar 18, 2016
This is hands down the best movie of 2015!!! Although The Revenant suffers from its run time, it is a beautifully shot film, with fantastic acting, and a fabulous score.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
pythag0rasApr 2, 2016
Wow. What a ride of a movie! Certainly has one of the most gripping scenes I have ever seen in a movie (no spoils but you'll know it when you see it, makes your jaw drop. ) Amazing movie. They get right to it too. Not a lot of buildup. HighlyWow. What a ride of a movie! Certainly has one of the most gripping scenes I have ever seen in a movie (no spoils but you'll know it when you see it, makes your jaw drop. ) Amazing movie. They get right to it too. Not a lot of buildup. Highly recommended!… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
EctsoplasmFeb 3, 2016
This movie was nearly my favorite of last year. The acting was great, which it very well has to be if the movie going to be great. The movie has an easily graspable plot. Sure, there wasn't too much character development, but there was a lotThis movie was nearly my favorite of last year. The acting was great, which it very well has to be if the movie going to be great. The movie has an easily graspable plot. Sure, there wasn't too much character development, but there was a lot of isolation, so it didn't need character development. My favorite part, however, was the villain. They did a perfect job of making us HATE the villain, with everything he did.

This movie is more than worth a watch. Or two.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
TaylorgFeb 7, 2016
Recently saw this film, at first I was hesitant because of hearing it was very violent and gory. At times it was hard for me to keep watching, but I enjoyed it for the most part. It was entertaining to watch, they captured beautiful sceneryRecently saw this film, at first I was hesitant because of hearing it was very violent and gory. At times it was hard for me to keep watching, but I enjoyed it for the most part. It was entertaining to watch, they captured beautiful scenery and it was good acting. Any movie with Leo is never a disappointment. I will say the story in itself was very sad, almost depressing so it was sort of painful to watch in my opinion. Overall the movie was very real, filmed well with good actors. I was glad I decided to see it and recommend others to do so as well.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
whompy17Feb 17, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Revenant isn't a very complicated film by any stretch of the mind. It's a revenge story focused on survival and overcoming the worst possible situations imaginable. We'll start with the best thing about this film. The cinematography. WOW does this film look AMAZING. Every shot is done with natural lighting and it really shows in the film. This movie is brutally realistic, from the bear attack to the final showdown between Hugh Glass and John Fitzgerald. This film is violent and dark and it's realism and amazing cinematography make the film a true delight to watch even if some of the scenes are very brutal. Now to the story, while good, isn't complicated at all and is very easy to follow. The characters are simple, you have the strong leader, Hugh Glass who is very looked up to by most in his group, Tom Hardy who plays the antagonist that leaves Hugh Glass for dead and murders his son right in front of him. While simple, these characters are portrayed very well by Leo and Tom Hardy and both men deserve a nod for their performances in this movie and while everyone screams for an Oscar for Leo, Tom Hardy did an amazing job in this film as well. What more is there to say about the story? Long story short, Glass is mauled by a bear, left for dead by John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) who murders his son and now Glass must rise above the elements and survive a harsh and unforgiving environment with some aboriginal tribes thrown in as well along the way. It drags on way too long and made the film feel much longer than it really was and by the last 10-15 minutes it was feeling like it was never going to end. As a movie, The Revenant would receive maybe a 5 or 6. It's simple, drags on a little too long, but the characters are interesting enough to keep it going strong. As a film, The Revenant really shines. To the atmosphere, cinematography, and how realistic it is, it's one you have to see. It'll leave you thinking "how did they do that? how could they get that shot?". The bear attack in particular gave me chills and it tried to do that and it succeeded in doing so. It's one of those movies you can watch maybe once or twice a year, but it is an amazing film even with a long run time.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
JingerJakeFeb 22, 2016
DiCaprio warrents himself another Oscar nomination, but I have to admit he doesn't deserve the win. Though his talent is undeniable he's simply got too little to work with here. Despite being the main attraction, his dialogue is so far apartDiCaprio warrents himself another Oscar nomination, but I have to admit he doesn't deserve the win. Though his talent is undeniable he's simply got too little to work with here. Despite being the main attraction, his dialogue is so far apart and and between so much action that he's given little opportunity to win our hearts. Even when these opportunities do present themselves the writing is unfortunately much thinner than what you'd expect from a role played by the best actor of the year. For these unfortunate reasons we shall all prepare ourselves for yet another March full of "Leo has no statue" memes. Perhaps one in which the Oscar is mauling him instead of a bear. Hardy however, is outstanding, making the best of every scene and warranting himself a nomination of his own, though it's doubtful he'll get it. Even Poulter does nobly in what must have been a daunting list of co-stars. The only role I found distasteful is that of my fellow ginger's. Though Gleeson made my list of those to watch after Ex Machina, this performance makes it two in-a-row that I've felt he was miscast and for largely the same reasons (the other being Star Wars). Gleeson seems to be stepping into roles suited better for men twice his age. Though he looked the part here much better than in space, he still lacks the authority to create a conviction from within a leader.

If you didn't catch the hints in the trailer, this film is not for the faint of heart. It's absolutely brutal. In the end, we've seen a lot of things, most not short of sheer beauty, and for what? A simple payback story riddled with unmoving flashbacks of a loss we're led to care little about. Unfortunately, for all the incredible visuals and one hell of a survival picture, we're left with undeveloped characters and back stories that left too little off the table to have truly connected with the plot. It's an absolute tragedy to have come all this way and feel next to nothing inside.

However, from start to finish the screen is never void of absolute beauty. On every technical aspect the Revenant is a true masterpiece. The score is solid, the direction is Oscar worthy, the setting is gorgeous, and the cinematography is breathtaking. Many scenes are so beautiful they make it worth the watch despite everything I've said negatively thus far. Honestly, if for nothing else, this film is worth the watch just to see a bear attack that is one of the best cinematic experiences I've had in front of a big screen in my entire life. The technical feat can't override the lack of character development and paper thin plot, but despite all it lacks, it lacks not one single shot that isn't completely and indisputably beautiful.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
RodrigoFernetyFeb 23, 2016
Gross! but it seems like that i'm seeing a documental for a parts... it was lost sometimes the history was weak and cliché... luke did it first and thats all... but sometimes i felt like i was there sufering
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
GreenBastardFeb 23, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Anyone calling The Revenant boring went into this movie thinking it would be another shoot-em-up western, while the only western I can think of comparing it to would be Jeremiah Johnson. If you haven't seen that, check it out, its a less gory version of this film except the protagonist is after Crow Indians instead of Tom Hardy.

Aside from that its hard to know where to begin with this movie. The cinematography is amazing. The setting is excellent. The performances by everyone are stellar. The sound editing is incredible. And the bear attack is all too real, seriously well done CGI.

I rated it an 8 because I fear if I go any higher Leo won't get the Oscar he deserves.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
ThatGoonerMar 27, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've checked this for spoilers but it's predominantly a vague - non-spoiler - review, so if you haven't seen this and you only care to watch it with a certain half-heartedness, then this is the one for you. I digress...

Oh, if only you could give more specific ratings because this would certainly be heading for an 8.5 from me if this was the case.

After a start that left me somewhat confused as to how the rest of the film may continue and maintain a certain quality, then came the bear. The big killer who rather ironically struck life into what would've been a long two and a half hours. Having witnessed, and continued to witness, the stunning cinematography pulled off throughout in order to add a real open effect to the film, there began a revenge story between the two on-form actors; Hardy and DiCaprio. Everything about this revenge plot had me gripped. The way you knew there was an air of tension between the two main characters, and the fact that you knew Fitzgerald had it in for Glass foreshadowed the state he ended up leaving him in, and it really did help this story flow and with some luck along the way, the inevitable ending seemed oh so dramatic. From the dummy dead body to knife fight on the icy floors besides the forest, it had me tense all the way through. DiCaprio's star-studded performance now seems to be well-worthy of the Oscar for Best Actor as the grit and determination of the character just kept on going and going, and I'm glad he did. I'm new to doing these reviews so I'm unsure of whether this was written 'acceptably' but nevertheless hope you enjoyed this and I *thoroughly* recommend you watch this film.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
c_avdoMar 28, 2016
Movie earned all rewards except for best actor. Leo should receive it earlier, but however. The Revenent is amazing. Fantastic directing, picture, Tom Hardy, every scene is done perfectly, so big respect for one of the best directors today,Movie earned all rewards except for best actor. Leo should receive it earlier, but however. The Revenent is amazing. Fantastic directing, picture, Tom Hardy, every scene is done perfectly, so big respect for one of the best directors today, Inarritu. He has done a big job with this, and it was a very hard task, just like with Birdman. Great soundtrack and everything that makes you feel like you are in the forest with Leo, does that. One of the best movies in 2016., and one of the best with such a little dialog I watched.

ps. scene with the bear didn't actually impress me that much as others. But respect on braveness.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
peterbelbitaApr 8, 2016
"Revenge is a dish best served cold" is the most fitting adage here, seeing as how DiCaprio spends nearly the entire film in freezing conditions, fueled only by his fiery rage and insatiable desire for vengeance. The scenery is amazing; the"Revenge is a dish best served cold" is the most fitting adage here, seeing as how DiCaprio spends nearly the entire film in freezing conditions, fueled only by his fiery rage and insatiable desire for vengeance. The scenery is amazing; the graphics of the bear mauling impeccable; the intermittent gnashing of teeth (DiCaprio's) punctuate scenes like the icy blast of winter's first freeze, cutting the viewer to the core. No doubt, his performance was impressive, and he committed to the role with an intensity that skewers the viewer's soul, much as the computer-generated bear did to DiCaprio's nearly frozen limbs. The story itself misses the mark historically, as the real Hugh Glass did not have a son; however, the overlying, timeless theme of righting someone's wrong rings as true in the 1820's as it does today. It is that drive to make someone accountable for his actions that keeps the viewer glued to the screen from start to finish. One can't help but wonder what he or she would do in a similar situation, and how he or she at one time has also felt like Hugh Glass, wishing to make someone pay for another person's wrongdoing. In addition to DiCaprio's performance, Tom Hardy proved a force to be reckoned with, chewing each scene as hard as he did the wad of tobacco he slid carefully between his teeth and cheek intermittently. It was his performance that was perhaps the most overlooked, and the final reckoning between Hardy and DiCaprio was a cinematic masterpiece.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
thatcriticmahaApr 20, 2016
Alejandro González Iñárritu takes you on a journey through a man`s struggles in 1823 America. Leonardo DiCaprio in what could be hist best role yet completely amazes you in every scene he is in. The Revenant is easily one of the deepest andAlejandro González Iñárritu takes you on a journey through a man`s struggles in 1823 America. Leonardo DiCaprio in what could be hist best role yet completely amazes you in every scene he is in. The Revenant is easily one of the deepest and most intriguing films of this decade. It is a film that excels at everything it does, from the breathtaking scenery to the grueling stunts. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy`s performance are so mesmerizing that you forget your watching a film, and instead a Biopic. The clear determination from both actors to excel at their roles is made very evident in every scene they are in. The tone of the film is dark and gritty, perfectly describing the times with which those men lived in. The cinematography in this film is on a completely different level. The choice to use natural lighting instead of artificial is a gamble that pays of massively. Overall this is a fantastic film that deserves all of the countless awards that are inevitably going to come its way.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
7
JoeCoolMar 3, 2019
Lots of great vistas, superb acting but somewhat tiring to watch. Still a movie worth seeing, it's just too long. The story could have been brought better if it had been at least half an hour shorter.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
Voodoo123Dec 23, 2019
The Revenant is emotional, well paced, intense and cinematic. This movie feels like a rare case in this day and age where a production like this is able to use every tool in the box to truly capture the 'feeling' of being present in itsThe Revenant is emotional, well paced, intense and cinematic. This movie feels like a rare case in this day and age where a production like this is able to use every tool in the box to truly capture the 'feeling' of being present in its world. The use of longer shots with minimal movement and noticeably allowing digital effects to enhance sequences as a tool and not overwhelm the viewer stand out here. The acting is superb on this grit worn thrill ride. From start to finish, I was completely enamoured with each sequence on this epic journey across the Dakotas. THIS is what film as an artform is all about.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
BitashMar 29, 2020
What a movie, I just rewatched it again 2020, amazing cinematography, you have to rewatch to appreciate the scene art, acting and shots. Leonardo is a genius but the acting in this movie is superb. I loved him in Wolf of Wall street and IWhat a movie, I just rewatched it again 2020, amazing cinematography, you have to rewatch to appreciate the scene art, acting and shots. Leonardo is a genius but the acting in this movie is superb. I loved him in Wolf of Wall street and I love him in this.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
8
TheFormalReviewFeb 4, 2016
Check out the Formal Review episode on the Revanent and full review here:
https://youtu.be/dxZEgPh6SIo

Enjoy, comment, and subscribe!

-Classy Guy in a Bow Tie
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
The3AcademySinsAug 20, 2018
The Revenant is a film that attempts to reach great heights, and makes it most of the way there. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy give great performances, and there is a solid supporting cast, but the biggest problem with the movie is that weThe Revenant is a film that attempts to reach great heights, and makes it most of the way there. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy give great performances, and there is a solid supporting cast, but the biggest problem with the movie is that we are never really able to get in Glass's head and connect with him. There are a lot of weird, out-there scenes, and the final battle, while cool, really does not feel like a good payoff. Still, it is worth a watch from me!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
maninderkaurMar 16, 2018
This is not the first time that we saw Leo doing mind boggling stuff, he is a great actor, by far the greatest actor working currently I suppose, but this time he really took the things to the limits and a act for which he really deserve anThis is not the first time that we saw Leo doing mind boggling stuff, he is a great actor, by far the greatest actor working currently I suppose, but this time he really took the things to the limits and a act for which he really deserve an Oscar. Love you Leo… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
6
mahdimeshkateeMar 23, 2020
dont get me wrong, this is definitely a movie to watch, and dicaprio plays extraordinary as always and the cinematography is revolutionary. but its the screenplay and the whole story that seems irrelevant to such brilliant acting and cinematography.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
realjaytheboomMar 8, 2022
One of the most beautifully shot, emotionally acted, character study's of all time I adore this movie. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is emotionally driven has he is trying to get revenge on his sons killer played brillantly by Tom Hardy.One of the most beautifully shot, emotionally acted, character study's of all time I adore this movie. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is emotionally driven has he is trying to get revenge on his sons killer played brillantly by Tom Hardy. Everything about this movie is just masterfully well done.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
Rutles55Aug 8, 2022
This film was so beautifully filmed because it was all filmed in ambient light. No extra lights, just with the light around them, and reflectors. From a photographer's perspective, this is extremely hard to do so this film is absolutely phenomenal.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
sebititospoDec 20, 2022
This movie was absolutely perfect, I loved everything about it. The soundtrack, the story, the characters ando the ambientation. I really DO recommend this film.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
6
Unladenswallow0Jan 19, 2016
Was okay, plenty of action, and the bear scene was terrifying, but the rest was just leonardo going prone through the woods, swimming, observing the local bison population, and performing Grand Theft Equine before reaching the final bossWas okay, plenty of action, and the bear scene was terrifying, but the rest was just leonardo going prone through the woods, swimming, observing the local bison population, and performing Grand Theft Equine before reaching the final boss room. A lot happened in this movie, but parts of it were drawn out and laborious, a shame when you see how brilliant the first 10 minutes were.… Expand
8 of 9 users found this helpful81
All this user's reviews
6
musicforallJan 17, 2016
This movie was pretty cool but it was a little over-the-top. All the actors were compelling and the scenery, wardrobe and music were great, too. I loved the grizzly bear scene and the first fight scene.

But it got a little ridiculousThis movie was pretty cool but it was a little over-the-top. All the actors were compelling and the scenery, wardrobe and music were great, too. I loved the grizzly bear scene and the first fight scene.

But it got a little ridiculous with the constant grittiness. Reminded me of how the standard of gore keeps getting pushed from Braveheart to Gettysburg to Saving Private Ryan, etc. SPOILERS AHEAD. About the time he rode the horse off the cliff and then proceeded to live in it like a tan-tan, I started to get tired. It stopped being interesting and started being more formulaic revenge fantasy with stuff like a convenient side-kick who conveniently dies.

Basically, they could have done better with what they had. Great actors, beautiful imagery, creative chapters but it seemed like it ran off course in the last 1/3 of the movie.… Expand
9 of 11 users found this helpful92
All this user's reviews
8
diogomendesJan 24, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I haven't posted many reviews on this website recently, as I was focused on my daily studies, but I took the time to see this movie, and it was surprisingly great. I knew I was going for a slowly paced movie, but it actually didn't hit me as one. It never got boring, nor too slow for me. The violence is so awesome in this movie. Either the bear scene, or Leonardo DiCaprio's character covering himself inside of a horse's dead body, it was friggin brutal. The bear attack was especially frightening. What I like about this scene is how the bear interacts with Glass. He first attacks him, smells him and goes away for a few seconds, than Glass grabs his gun and shoots the bear, although the bear attacks him again, and shakes the poor guy like dogs do to the rugs. Then the bear stops one more time, and few seconds later, the bear takes his shot one more time, but Glass stabs it, and they both fall off, with the bear on top of Glass's body. It's amazing how they edited and choreographed this particular bit.

These excellent scenes aside, I can understand people having problems with the "revenge thriller" trope that gets a little predictable in the end, but I liked the symbolism, as Glass used his strength and his memories about his family to stay on his feet and seek punishment for the man who killed his son. Cinematography, just great. There was parts where Glass must have wondered: "Wow, if I die, at least I die watching this God's masterpiece". It sounds silly, I know, but that's the effective way I can describe it. It's purely amazing.

The camerawork is fantastic. I don't quite remember if it had one-take action sequence, but there parts where shots last very long, and I loved that. The shot where the horse and Glass fall down is fantastic. This movie also needs praise for its sound design. Seriously.

"The Revenant" is a pretty good December film. If anything, I think DiCaprio should win that Oscar. While I liked Matt Damon's charismatic performance in "The Martian", Leonardo really stood out here, as the icing on the cake. And Tom Hardy was great here too.

Final Score: 8/10… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
All this user's reviews
7
moviescriticnetFeb 2, 2016
Is The Revenant the best movie of the year? Surely not and in fact it's doubtful if it's a great movie at all.
Ok, so Alejandro Inarritu wanted to be realistic, moved to Argentina for more snow, had actors crawling naked in it and other ****Is The Revenant the best movie of the year? Surely not and in fact it's doubtful if it's a great movie at all.
Ok, so Alejandro Inarritu wanted to be realistic, moved to Argentina for more snow, had actors crawling naked in it and other **** like that, but seriously what is the point of the film? And what is so realistic about getting almost raped by a giant bear and attacked by uncountable Indians and elements of nature but still managing to survive to get revenge? Inarritu is a great director, perhaps the best (along with Christopher Nolan) of our time and the movie is technically and artistically perfect. If he hadn't already won the direction Oscar last year with Birdman, he would certainly get this one. DiCaprio's performance is brilliant but so is each and every of his performances. Still they'll finally grant him an Oscar for his crawling and growling in the Revenant but in reality it will be an Oscar for his entire career. Tom Hardy's performance is even better and he deserves it even more than DiCaprio but he is going to lose to ... Stallone (Jesus Christ Academy, you suck!). Nevertheless and despite some very impressive scenes (namely the entrance scene, the bear scene, the horse scene and the final revenge scene and that's it) and artistic beauty, a movie should have a ... script and this one has none. So it ends up being a Cast Away clone without the emotional touch of the last.… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
All this user's reviews
6
foxgroveJan 20, 2016
Leonardo DiCaprio suffers with grim determination in this long and brutal story of betrayal, survival and revenge. However, this very physically demanding performance does not wow as it should. The almost total lack of dialogue for theLeonardo DiCaprio suffers with grim determination in this long and brutal story of betrayal, survival and revenge. However, this very physically demanding performance does not wow as it should. The almost total lack of dialogue for the character results in viewer alienation and a lack of empathy. One watches the horrific events unfold, but with a dispassionate detachment and some distaste. Director Alejandro G Inarritu creates a wonderful atmosphere environmentally. The locations, beautiful but forbidding, are awesomely captured by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki whose work here is just stunning. The film is worth seeing for his achievement alone. Also many scenes have a visceral quality to them, none more so than the Indian and bear attacks which both happen within the first half an hour and are excitingly and shockingly staged. Visual effects for the bear are incredibly good. After this events meander from one bloody scene to the next leaving one somewhat anaesthetised to the grisliness of it all. Suspension of disbelief is also a requirement in accepting just how quickly DiCaprio is back on his feet after his mauling by the bear, let alone scaling mountains (one sequence shows him at the top of a mountain unable to walk; the next scene shows him drinking from the lake below!). In support, Tom Hardy also disappoints, but this is once again mainly due to a vocalisation of his character that is often unintelligible. As we all know DiCaprio will win his long overdue Oscar here, and there is no denying that he is a deserving recipient. It’s just a shame that he will be rewarded, as happens all too often by the conventional and short sighted Academy, for this performance over one of his previous more deserving roles.… Expand
7 of 9 users found this helpful72
All this user's reviews
5
City8grlJan 22, 2016
Entertaining and visually interesting.However, when making a movie about survival in nature it would be prudent to consult with a survivalist and/or a naturalist.I was quite distracted by the unrealistic portrayal of the events and theEntertaining and visually interesting.However, when making a movie about survival in nature it would be prudent to consult with a survivalist and/or a naturalist.I was quite distracted by the unrealistic portrayal of the events and the scenery. You have people walking in valleys,forests,on rocky mountaintops in winter,in no particular meaningful order, let alone with no realistic timeline for anyone to have covered that much ground or altitude.Foothills,plains and high rocky mountain terrain all look really nice but it makes no sense. At one point you even have people walking in a rainforest type biome that in no way corresponds to the others(environments both on east and west side of the Rocky Mountains).Most of the scenes,supposedly in the remote wilderness, have disturbed/trampled snow all around. There are many scenes of people tramping around in the water and then presumably surviving outside,with no shelter in wet clothes? Ten minutes in cold water and muscle function is lost so the scene where the protagonist floats down the river in winter and then sleeps on the bank when he crawls out is just ridiculous.The seeming ignorance around portraying the events in a somewhat realistic manner detracts from this movie greatly for me.… Expand
9 of 12 users found this helpful93
All this user's reviews
7
provenhumansJan 25, 2016
This movie is so manly I grew a beard halfway through. Joking, but do not take women to see this movie. They will ruin it for you and will not enjoy it themselves. I loved the acting, story-line, fight scenes, gore... Really makes you feelThis movie is so manly I grew a beard halfway through. Joking, but do not take women to see this movie. They will ruin it for you and will not enjoy it themselves. I loved the acting, story-line, fight scenes, gore... Really makes you feel like a man. I loved this movie, but it did not get a 10 for one reason. The sound score was absolutely atrocious. Painful to listen to. During an extremely dramatic fight scene we hear 4 vibrato notes through out the whole movie. Who hires a first time, contemporary composer to make a film score for such a high rated movie with such high standards for excellence? I love Leonardo DiCaprio, and hope he gets that Oscar.. and for his acting in this movie I believe he should receive it. However, this movie deserves no other recognition because of the terrible decisions made by whomever decided to hire such a terrible composer.… Expand
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
All this user's reviews
7
JacobFeb 27, 2016
While I appreciate all the effort that went into the visual aspect of the film Its hard to enjoy it. The characters are shallow, the wandering segment goes on too long, and the glorious tracking shots are absent. This film will no doubt winWhile I appreciate all the effort that went into the visual aspect of the film Its hard to enjoy it. The characters are shallow, the wandering segment goes on too long, and the glorious tracking shots are absent. This film will no doubt win an Oscar for its visuals and directing but unfortunately I won’t remember it much after that. Just give Leo his Oscar already so we can stop with films like this.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
8
oDjentoFeb 4, 2016
The Revenant is an incredible cinematic journey that really encapsulates you in the insolation and savagery of wilderness, and promotes an endearing message that does not preach itself too heavily.
Innuritu has created a vastly differentThe Revenant is an incredible cinematic journey that really encapsulates you in the insolation and savagery of wilderness, and promotes an endearing message that does not preach itself too heavily.
Innuritu has created a vastly different film from his last (Birdman) that really shows his range, in a change from a dialogue heavy to a physical dialogue film in which we feel DiCaprio’s feelings and suffering not through words but through his physicality in the project. Half the film probably isn’t even in English, delving between native Indian and French to really give this feeling of the unknown to the audience. It even shows how the “developed” cultures are more savage than the “underdeveloped” ones with rape and traitors being exposed in their midst.
The demonic and biblical imagery dotted throughout the film exposing Fitzgerald’s twisted and distorted take on a sacred religion is a nicely woven in theme along with the Native Indian respect one - which can in turn be woven in and out of each other.
DiCaprio does a great job in the physical acting side and we really do get to see a man suffer on screen. It is heart-breaking yet incredible to watch. Hardy on the other hand gets the more dialogue driven acting and does it incredibly well. Everyone has been going on about how great DiCaprio is in this film but really Tom Hardy plays his part just as well if not better. You really come to loathe the man.
The direction and cinematography of the film is incredible. The tracking shots really immerse you in the gritty and dirty scenes and makes the battles and action sequences feel alive and not just adapted from a piece of paper. It makes them feel like they were actually captured as they happened. The scene is also the most visceral and scary bear attack scenes I have ever seen, it was impeccably paced and gut-wretchingly brutal. I winced at a few parts of it.
Incredible film making, but pacing throughout can wither at times due to lack of dialogue. A beautiful piece of art, with amazing cinematography and poignant messages.
8.5/10… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
7
Q8MarrongGlaceMar 22, 2016
Not bad movie but after the awards I was expecting to see more of acting motion a good long speech rather than the gore scenes and suffering makeup

Overall I really enjoy it
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
10
michael1208Jan 30, 2016
Unlikely the complexity in his previous masterpiece Birdman, Iñárritu has approached a straightforward story without much dialogues but enriched with metaphors about vengeance and redemption. It is an unresistant hypnotic drama that combinesUnlikely the complexity in his previous masterpiece Birdman, Iñárritu has approached a straightforward story without much dialogues but enriched with metaphors about vengeance and redemption. It is an unresistant hypnotic drama that combines revenge, survival, violence and desperation intensely that would certainly chill audiences both physically and mentally. Each and every single detail of the film is taken care perfectly, death and evilness of the characters are well captured with beauty and horror thanks to the cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki, the setting of the stranded nature background and the powerful orchestral scores add on the sombre effects which all contribute to the impressive technical aspects of the cinematic experience. Leonardo DiCaprio amazes again with his brutal and anchoring performance struggling to survive while the commitment between him and Tom Hardy into their respective roles have successfully turned the director's artistic visions into an immersive life of death journey. Although it seems to be a strange film with striking images of blood soaking ground, animals and humans, it is an inspiring wild expedition about humanity and inhumanity that is elegant in its own simplicity.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
7
drambuie_Feb 14, 2016
i dont really like Iñárritu. he is a show off . same at birdman , same here.the story was short but sentimental and strong and it could just take 1,5 hour or 2 if there were not those endless yet beautiful-breathtaking scenes when no one wasi dont really like Iñárritu. he is a show off . same at birdman , same here.the story was short but sentimental and strong and it could just take 1,5 hour or 2 if there were not those endless yet beautiful-breathtaking scenes when no one was talking or even doing something .Yes the cinematography was spectacular, the costumes too,the lack of music and the reliance on the natural sounds was one of a kind . Οscar for best actor , for best supporting actor (i loved tom hardy once again) , and for director (he's a show off yet genius i have to admit ) but no Οscar for best movie from me , i need a really good story for it.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
8
DanielwWhiteJan 29, 2016
The Revenant is very long movie but has an incredible scenery. The plot is a little weak and the characters are fully developed but LD does a good job acting.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
10
mikethejustJan 30, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An absolute masterpiece. I admit some bias in my rating because I love wilderness survival, and this film's era greatly appeals to me.

Anyway, I'll start with what I believed was the best element of the movie: the cinematography. The natural lighting creates the perfect atmosphere for this movie. From the orange glow of torches in the dead of night, to the beautiful light of the rising sun on the rocks in the final battle, every scene is stunning. The use of gory, uncensored practical effects were very realistic, and the CGI held it's own with motion and appearance.

The story started of with fast-paced action but then led to a tense quest for revenge leaving me at the edge of my seat at some of the most thrilling encounters. It's a story of suffering, survival, and bloodthirsty revenge. The villain, Fitzgerald, plays a unique role in which, unlike the typical bad-guy, isn't necessarily evil. He is just a selfish man concerned mainly with his own self preservation. Hugh Glass, the protagonist, borders on godliness with ridiculous, yet not completely unscaving, feats such as riding a horse off of a cliff into a fur tree. The drive for revenge in Glass pushes him throughout his journey into intense action balanced by calm points of travel. I've heard some complain about the movie being slow, but I believe some of the slower scenes really help to calm down from the heart-pounding intensity.

Overall this movie, even if one doesn't care for it's genre, is a beauty to see, especially in theaters. The acting was solid, and the dialogue, while minimalist, suited the environment of bitter, unfriendly cold. I don't often give movies a perfect score (this is the first movie review on this account though), but the thrills, beauty, and brutality of this movie combine to create the most epic frontiers movie ever. Then again, I may just be overly obsessed with survival and the outdoors, so take this amateur review with a grain of salt.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
7
VideoJuegosComFeb 4, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is all you can expect from an Iñarritu movie. If you liked Birdman, you will like this one. Bad thing is that, if you got bored with Birdman, you will feel the urge to get out of the theatre on this one. Many elements of the movie are great, but others feel very irreal, like the fight with the bear. It is not possible that a normal human being could survive that fight. Also extreme freezing and hunger conditions. Many other characters die quick, but not the main one, so, that will make the story feel kinda empty.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
10
ramregFeb 4, 2016
The Revenant’s story is simple. a man is attacked by grizzly bear and left for dead by his greedy team of fur trappers who have been promised money if they stand vigil with his mangled body until he (supposedly) dies. They leave him to aThe Revenant’s story is simple. a man is attacked by grizzly bear and left for dead by his greedy team of fur trappers who have been promised money if they stand vigil with his mangled body until he (supposedly) dies. They leave him to a fate that seems inevitable, so when against all odds he lives he must then avenge the death of someone he loved, murdered by those who abandoned him.. That’s the basic story but The Revenant is more than that .

It is an epic, visceral cinematic ride that give you the most beautiful scenes and also the most cruel trip one men can do.
The Revenant, like the best films ever made this year
the Revenant was a risk worth taking, a film worth making, and one of the most beautiful and breathtakingly rendered works cinematic art of the year.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
9
MovieMasterEddyApr 7, 2016
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a man struggling to survive in the wild in Alejandro G. Inarritu's bloody, bruising frontier epic.

A traditional Old West survival-and-revenge tale assumes the dimensions of a harrowing voyage to the AmericanLeonardo DiCaprio stars as a man struggling to survive in the wild in Alejandro G. Inarritu's bloody, bruising frontier epic.

A traditional Old West survival-and-revenge tale assumes the dimensions of a harrowing voyage to the American frontier's heart of darkness in The Revenant. Pushing both brutal realism and extravagant visual poetry to the edges of what one customarily finds in mainstream American filmmaking, director/co-writer Alejandro G. Inarritu, cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and a vast team of visual effects wizards have created a sensationally vivid and visceral portrait of human endurance under very nearly intolerable conditions; this is a film that makes you quite glad to have been born in a century with insulation and central heating. The combination of stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, the director and critical enthusiasm in most quarters will make this Fox release a must for audiences in search of cinematic red meat (something the story offers up in abundance, and mostly uncooked), although vegetarians and viewers with otherwise delicate constitutions could spend half their time squirming with their sweaters pulled up over their eyes.

For a director who normally takes several years between films, Inarritu has remarkably turned around his most ambitious physical production within just one year of his awards-laden Birdman. Even the untutored eye would quickly recognize this as the work of the same key talents; The Revenant may use plenty of cuts and is set nearly entirely outdoors, but the fluid, prowling, sometimes gasp-inducing camera moves, along with the great depth of field, are the same. And both films are about men on the brink, in severe extremis, a condition that helps justify and sustain Inarritu's artistic high-wire act. It's Jeremiah Johnson meets Apocalypse Now.

Set in 1823 in the Rockies, less than two decades after Lewis and Clark led their map-altering, continent-opening expedition through the territory, the story is based on actual people whose real names are used in the film as well as in Michael Punke's 2002 novel, upon which the script is quite accurately described as being "based in part." In a way, the biggest difference between the novel and the film is that the former is aided by a map, very specific descriptions of the proximity of rivers, forts and other landmarks, which provide clear indications of how far the gravely injured hero must travel to get to what might pass for civilization in this context but certainly not in any other.
Inarritu shares screenplay credit with Mark L. Smith, whose prior creative endeavors lie in the realm of low-budget horror (Séance, the Vacancy duo, The Hole), and the script immediately ups the story's existential ante by deliberately not revealing how long a journey mountain man Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) might be facing, or whether he has any realistic hope of finding any place with a roof over it. On top of this, any temptation to provide the central character with interior monologues to reveal his anguished thoughts and feelings has been resisted; for most of the running time, he is limited to expressing himself via painful grunts and cries and very heavy breathing.

Their ranks decimated and with winter closing in, the white men decide to head back, which brings on the scene, 25 minutes in, that which no one who sees it will soon forget (and which will certainly pass through the mind of any viewer who in future takes a hike through bear country). While taking a rest in the forest, Glass is charged by a mother grizzly bear. The man injures her with the one shot he gets off from his long-barreled rifle but then can do nothing as the incensed creature slaps, claws, bites, rips open and steps on him with her giant paws before retreating. Beyond the sheer terror she provokes, the bear's behavior is fascinating to observe; for a good while, she sniffs and assesses her adversary closely, both in the manner of a cook judging the seasoning of a dish and a kid deciding about whether to play with a toy any longer. She retreats ... and then comes back for more.

The score by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto, with additional music by Bryce Dessner, is effectively ominous and grim.

It has been noted before, but The Revenant indicates, more than any film Lubezki has shot, the influence of the Russian team of director Mikhail Kalatozov and cinematographer Sergei Urusevsky on his work.

A brutal and gripping pre-Western.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
5
Jgieske347May 15, 2016
Beautiful scenery, Leo is wonderful, but 2 1/2 hours was 2 hours too long for me. Artsy film but not entertaining to me. On the bright side I leveled up on angry birds and caught a nap during the film.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
6
FredinTorontoFeb 15, 2016
This is the most over-rated film of the year.The cinematography is gorgeous and unrivalled by the other films released in 2015. Other than that, I can't think of anything else complimentary to say. The plot is basic and the movie plods along.This is the most over-rated film of the year.The cinematography is gorgeous and unrivalled by the other films released in 2015. Other than that, I can't think of anything else complimentary to say. The plot is basic and the movie plods along. DiCaprio moans and grunts his way through most of it.… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
All this user's reviews
7
CandyVAJan 27, 2016
It was compelling but not inspiring. Made you appreciate modern conveniences of civilization but I'm not sure if t represents amazing acting by DiCaprio just because his character was torn up so much. There is rage, plenty of agony and pain,It was compelling but not inspiring. Made you appreciate modern conveniences of civilization but I'm not sure if t represents amazing acting by DiCaprio just because his character was torn up so much. There is rage, plenty of agony and pain, but it's not as if he actually endured it. The best performance is by Tom Hardy who I couldn't tell was playing the role until they ran the credits at the end. I was amazed that this actor could transform himself with a heavy southern accent and acting that truly made you hate him. I had seen him play a young Patrick Stewart in a Star Trek movie and couldn't believe this was the same person in this movie. Totally believable as a redneck with a southern twang, when in reality he is English with a heavy English accent. Few actors amaze me like that. Hardy deserves his Oscar nomination and deserves to win, but they'll probably give it to Stallone for sentimental reasons.… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
All this user's reviews
6
MarxonJan 16, 2016
It started out great with a decently paced introduction to the setting but as time went on you start to notice one or two moments of stupidity and worst of all repetitive and pointless scenes of walking and sleeping. The ending was OK andIt started out great with a decently paced introduction to the setting but as time went on you start to notice one or two moments of stupidity and worst of all repetitive and pointless scenes of walking and sleeping. The ending was OK and helped make up for the tediously boring middle sections.

To clarify on my earlier comment about 'stupid' scenes;

#1 - For whatever reason our hero decides it is a good idea to eat raw liver when their isn't just one but three perfectly good fires around him.

#2 - About half way through the film the cause of all the problems faced by our hero is revealed, I won't say what but really when you consider they meet these guys before and had men walk about the camp they failed to notice the one person the natives we're looking for?… Expand
7 of 10 users found this helpful73
All this user's reviews
5
EdeltraudJan 12, 2016
If Christian Bale had made this movie he would've dropped 50 pounds to play the role that Leo DiCaprio took on. That's just one of the suspension of belief issues that cropped up in The Revenant. I did enjoy the movie, I love outdoorIf Christian Bale had made this movie he would've dropped 50 pounds to play the role that Leo DiCaprio took on. That's just one of the suspension of belief issues that cropped up in The Revenant. I did enjoy the movie, I love outdoor adventures, but so many technical issues cropped up, it became laughable after a while.
Not to mention, the director added a good 30-45 minutes of "preciousness" with a lingering camera on a bloody patch of snow. (Nevermind the gory, gory, and gorier porno stuff. Really,close ups of nasty consumption of raw whatevers? Not necessary!)
Without spoilers, but with cues that those who've seen the movie will get, here are the fact-based, technical issues:
A bear mauling might not kill you but the encounters with cold definitely would do you in -- especially some of the dunkings, right?
A starving indigenous person waiting around in a camp for a white guy to deliver a sandwich? HUH? This person knows how to track, hunt, survive etc.without a Subway delivery.
When you rip the entrails out of a freshly killed animal when the weather is cold, there's a lot steam. (This was a big miss on the part of the director.)
No one builds a 700 pound litter to haul a guy out of the woods. Ridiculous.
How many men do you send out on a posse to catch a bad guy? One guy & an invalid? I never saw a posse that wasn't 5, 6, or 7 guys.
You get the idea ... interesting concept, nice to have drama without a lot of technology, but so many cliches, poor outdoorsmanship and waaaay too long.… Expand
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
All this user's reviews
10
SEROJFeb 25, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. MASSIVE SPOILERS!!! I'm a bit shocked how people criticize this movie just because of some "unbelievable" scenes. Why don't you just accept the fact that some people (especially back then) where a lot stronger, immune and natural. Also, the idea of revenge kept him alive for his last mission! It's not very often when i give 10/10, but let me tell you why i'm doing it! This is one of the greatest movies about surviving and revenge! Fitzgerald killed his son, so he killed him! He killed the Grizzly mother, so nature took him (the final breath on the end)! I believe this movie is a true masterpiece and Leo should finally win his Oscar!… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
All this user's reviews
5
ahnehnoisJan 28, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The technical achievements are impressive. The gorgeous cinematography and a hardcore central performance cannot be denied. But the film is dragged down by two problems.

The first, somewhat unavoidable, is that there aren't enough surprises. You pretty much go in knowing that the guy is getting mauled by a bear and going through a harrowing journey of survivalism. The movie would have played much better if one went in for a story about early America without knowing this, but of course, most people who even passingly read news had already heard the story, and the promotional material gave away a lot.

The second, worse, and far more avoidable problem is that the writing is far more lost than Hugh Glass ever was. The story has been embellished, Hollywood-ized, and the entire point of it has been changed. Where the true story is morally ambiguous, the movie invents a son that his teammate pointlessly murders, all of which is completely unnecessary. Silly dream sequences detract from the main character's perspective. Entire Native American storylines have been added to pad the runtime, where it would be better to make another movie separately about them. A silly and gratuitous rape was added, and a rescue invented where none really happened. And perhaps most importantly, where the real man let the people who left him behind live, this movie degenerates into a Quentin Tarantino revenge flick.

All of this serves to take a nuanced story about real people in tough circumstances and impose modern moral values and politics over it in an effort to create a more palatable narrative. This movie did not need good guys and bad guys, but yet they were manufactured anyway. Take the same skill in production and stick to the real story and you've potentially got a great movie. As it is, you've got one that looks nice, but frustratingly insults the audience's intelligence.… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
All this user's reviews
4
DatamariJan 22, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie in my honest opinion isn't very impressive.
The Revenant does a lot of good things. It has great scenery and some intense action scenes; I especially like the grizzly bear scene. However, that's all I can really say good about this movie. The characters didn't really seem interesting, and the main character just seemed stupid. I can understand trying to take out a grizzly bear, but after getting back to commendable help, he proceeds to throw himself off of a cliff. I know the common argument is that he was being chased, but it still seemed like a dumb idea to make your main character injure himself over and over and OVER again. Plus the story really didn't seem engaging. The classic "get revenge for my dead son/wife" shtick didn't move me into the film. Also, this movie is SLOW. It's a few plot points, then heavy breathing while trying to survive, rinse and repeat. I didn't think it was a bad film, it just seemed boring to me. If you like this film, that's great; good for you, i'm sure many others will agree with you. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

The Revenant gets MY score of a 4/10.… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
All this user's reviews
7
amohammed1975Mar 6, 2016
Beautifully filmed movie, overall great performances by the actors/actresses. That being said, the movie itself is definitely not the best movie of the year, could have been cut down significantly. In short, The Revenant is way too overhypedBeautifully filmed movie, overall great performances by the actors/actresses. That being said, the movie itself is definitely not the best movie of the year, could have been cut down significantly. In short, The Revenant is way too overhyped for the final product that we get.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
9
WheelzFourReelzMar 29, 2016
The Revenant is an unflinching, brutal, hard to watch at times thriller with great performances, breathtaking cinematography, all with natural lighting, and an exhilarating story on revenge. It's a phenomenal movie that finally got Leo hisThe Revenant is an unflinching, brutal, hard to watch at times thriller with great performances, breathtaking cinematography, all with natural lighting, and an exhilarating story on revenge. It's a phenomenal movie that finally got Leo his Oscar. Took him long enough!… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
10
PipeCFeb 6, 2016
" The Revenant " direct to the Academy Awards.

Why is there betrayal? Has always existed the revenge? What is survival? Does God exist? These are some of the millions of unknowns that the director Alejandro G. Iñárritu allows us to" The Revenant " direct to the Academy Awards.

Why is there betrayal? Has always existed the revenge? What is survival? Does God exist? These are some of the millions of unknowns that the director Alejandro G. Iñárritu allows us to experience with his cinematic gem. "The Revenant" a visceral but artfully delicate piece that surpasses his previous project (Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and marks a new era in the survival movies.

Based on the 2002 novel by Michael Punke, chronicles the life of a man of the 19th century that after a couple of misfortunes must survive and seek revenge in a risky and hostile, territory, discovering that the more dangerous is not abroad, the more dangerous is where can reach.

It is a survival story, It's an ancient epic, It's a drama, It's a western, It's a teaching and explanation of the spirituality of a human being, It's all. Mark L. Smith and Iñárritu manage to create perfect DNA between a frozen forest and a frosted heart questioning the human potential to its maximum splendor.

Although a little invisible, the spiritual concept of God is often present in the development of the main characters (forgetting the Indians red skin) around the film, hidden in some scenes but in others this fully explicit (the analogy of Hardy between God and the squirrel). Literally this movie is "in the hands of the creator", any being that breath has reflected on their forehead the concept of a God, for Glass his son and his wife, for Fitzgerald a profitable future, for an Indian the loss of his daughter, In general are based on the physical, making stress upon the strong Glass wounds, creating a very temporary container to enter the presence of God. A measure that advances added more and more injuries in the metaphysics of the protagonist, but this only creates more strength in his head.

DiCaprio is the touch of any movie, it has been part of Quentin Tarantino in "Django Unchained", it has given it hand to Martin Scorsese in "The Wolf of Wall Street" but not even "Django" or "Wall Street" or "Titanic" Leonardo has made a physical, mental, psychological and spiritual performance so overwhelming and complicated as did with Alejandro. Walk dragged all the time, eat unimaginable things, murder, fight, pretend, and burn in locations devastated, have few hours of shooting, enduring cold, and experience work more complex (in all senses) of his career.

DiCaprio is a master, even when doing something as simple as a bath naked, rimmed his physical scars and emotional in below-zero temperatures. Will be this the Leonardo year? Hardy has not lost his talent, especially coming from the infernal desert "Mad Max: Fury Road" and the double performance of the gangsters in "Legend". He is alive, again. Hardy takes part to give a bit of testosterone and to demonstrate the customs of the (mostly male) Indians where kill, eat, shoot, hunt and rape was the only thing that could make a few heads, but that well was the 19th century.

Inarritu assassinated our minds, ears, eyes and hearts with a close-up images uncomfortable and bloody but both tense and exciting Open our auditory canals with a battle with arrows, shooting and adrenalin and close our eye focuses with blood, cold and fight. Number of elements are used in the film, forming the perfect union of the director and the crew a product with 12 nominations in the Academy Awards.

"Birdman" most striking point was the apparent recording in only one take, now, the point most visually striking was the Emmanuel Lubezki stunning decision in record fully with natural light for once again generating something new in the Hollywood world.

Auditory and visual accompaniments are perfectly incorporated, resonating strings and the ashes of a campfire is a clear example of the excellent work done by Ryuichi Sakamoto , Alva Noto, and others, having some results quite compelling. It is interesting that if we think, usually all the films nominated for a statuette from the Academy have such cohesion.

DiCaprio, Hardy, Inarritu and the team effort is analogically in the shedding of blood in the Glass front. Alejandro is breaking schemes, limits and stereotypes of Hollywood. It is all proud to see that a Latin American triumph in the most top of the podium. It makes me dream, the show me that it is possible.
"The Revenant" has shattered its competitors and Gonzales stands out more and more, but, Have already done so with "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)"? "The Revenant" closes a year deepest with a flourish, being terribly shocking and perfect, visceral, tremendous, real, spiritual, human, natural, exceptional. And care!

- "Alejandro González Iñárritu continue breathing"… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
2
BellbirdFeb 10, 2016
A video game played by Di Caprio with real actors and settings. Begin game with massacre. Dodge enough arrows and buillets to reach the boat. Set off down river. Clever moves are rewarded (escape down freezing river but of course noA video game played by Di Caprio with real actors and settings. Begin game with massacre. Dodge enough arrows and buillets to reach the boat. Set off down river. Clever moves are rewarded (escape down freezing river but of course no hypothermia, this is a game not the real world) mistakes mean you have to acquire major wounds and injuries. Gain points with boosters (e.g. catch a fish, eat half, gain enough power to climb a mountain with symphonic backing)
Continuity disastrous - wounds on face kept opening, healing, moving around. But is is only a game after all.
A very silly movie, unless you are a gamer, in which case you'll love i when it is released.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
2
fatburgerMar 16, 2016
Completely unbelievable after the bear mauling. And I was rooting for the bear. For an experienced woodsman the idea that he doesn't VERY quickly understand that seeing unattended bear cubs is a very bad thing and that he should departCompletely unbelievable after the bear mauling. And I was rooting for the bear. For an experienced woodsman the idea that he doesn't VERY quickly understand that seeing unattended bear cubs is a very bad thing and that he should depart immediately also lacks credibility. Shooting the bear after the first mauling is incredibly stupid as well. Even that doesn't strain credibility as much as the repeated immersions in icy water which he somehow survives or his amazing ability to keep his head out of water while wrapped in sodden clothing and bearskin. I've done winter camping and I just don't buy it - get that wet and particularly in that state of injury and you're toast - or ice cubes really. Then it's just one cliche' and deus ex machina after another. Is there ANY survival cliche' that's not thrown in here? Miraculous buffalo and a miraculous Indian. Miraculous rescued native maiden who will ALMOST keep him for sartin' death later. A mumbling evil Texan. A wide eyed boy. And the acting ... the Oscar was most definitely a career Oscar. Let's not forget the cinematography which is in love with itself to the point of pain. How many shots up through the trees with sighing wind can you take? My limit is considerably less than I got here. The splitting open of the horse to stay warm - followed by the dressing in clothing that has to be either frozen or sodden depending on how much of a thaw we're supposed to believe that really is. This guy has to have an interior nuclear reactor to thaw himself out again. Yes, after the bear mauling I became increasingly bored and angry. One of the longest and most disappointing experiences I've had in some time.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
3
VagabundoJul 28, 2016
First the good news. The cinematography is stunning - stark, bold, lumnescent. It owns the screen in a way I seldom see. Now for the rest. Based on a true story covers a multitude of sins. To keep it short and sweet, the plot isFirst the good news. The cinematography is stunning - stark, bold, lumnescent. It owns the screen in a way I seldom see. Now for the rest. Based on a true story covers a multitude of sins. To keep it short and sweet, the plot is ludicrous and unbelievable and totally dependent on one outlandish coincidence after another. The character development is foolish, people made out of cardboard. All this leads to a climax out of a pulpy comic book. My one question to tye screenwriter. In this vast and frigid, white expanse of emptiness, how is it that all of the principals inevitably camped within a few hundred yards of each other and came across each other without fail for any of the action scenes? Gve me a break. If you can't see this on the wide screen it deserves, don't bother.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
6
TheWaffleJan 14, 2016
This is a great movie for masochists. Fairly early on you'll come to the realization that this is going be be a long, brutal slog. Beautifully shot and acted, The Revenant is certainly a good movie. Unfortunately, it just doesn't know when toThis is a great movie for masochists. Fairly early on you'll come to the realization that this is going be be a long, brutal slog. Beautifully shot and acted, The Revenant is certainly a good movie. Unfortunately, it just doesn't know when to move on. Our hero is pushed through one brutal encounter after another to the point that it begins to feel an awful lot like a torture fetish. There is an on-going side-plot that is of little relevance to the overall storyline, except for introducing just a little more brutality into what is already a violent world.

Tom Hardy is the real star of the film, and we see him play at different levels, whereas Di Caprio is constantly turned up to 11. There isn't a scene where he's not suffering, brooding, or murdering. He endures difficulties that make Watership Down look tame, and the whole film plays like a marathon of pain with never a moment of respite. The very sparse moments of relief feel more like a sigh of exhaustion rather than moments of triumph.

I would have liked to see the filmmakers go a little less conventional with their approach to Hardy's character Fitzgerald. In some ways he's the obligatory racist villain cast against Di Caprio's earnest, heroic, damsel-saving protagonist. But with slightly different choices the film could have been less one-dimensional, and Hardy and Di Caprio could have been pitted against each other by fate and not because Hardy is just evil. Hardy's justifications for his actions make sense, and it's not clear why he needed to be lying for them.… Expand
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
All this user's reviews
5
gfnyJan 18, 2016
The film was shot in Alberta Canada and the scenery is beautiful. It is well acted and well directed. That being said, it is 2 ½ hours of imaginable brutality and suffering to the point of boredom. The storyline is weak and there shouldThe film was shot in Alberta Canada and the scenery is beautiful. It is well acted and well directed. That being said, it is 2 ½ hours of imaginable brutality and suffering to the point of boredom. The storyline is weak and there should have been more information upfront about who, what, when, where, and why to set up what the film was about. That would have given it a point of focus and make it easier to understand and endure. It was a disappointing experience . . .… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
All this user's reviews
9
crow4evaJan 28, 2016
This movie was just great! From the start to the finish. The more I see of DiCaprio and Tom Hardy the more I fall in love with them. Angelina Jolie, take a look at how a movie is REALLY made!!
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
All this user's reviews
9
TheWhoDoctorJan 21, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Revenant performed in ways I couldn't imagine,it was well paced for the most part, the story drove me to the edge of my seat,and it processed amazing scenery. I felt that the film had great character development as well, like I felt like I was really attached to Leos character. we see him fight off bears and survive countless times in situations that would definitely kill a normal human being. That was a downpoint of the film because the bear attack would have paralyzed Leos character for sure, let alone him being able to walk,crawl,swim,or basic activities a person has to do to survive. I overlooked this mistake though since it was when the main plot was introduced into the story, that this might be one of my favorite films of 2016 so far. Leos son gets murdered by Tom Hardy's character(Fitzgerald), and throughout the film,DiCaprio, struggles to survive but is influenced by revenge that he pushes through. The only thing about this movie is that it was really great film, but its defiantly a one time watch and a MUST SEE.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
All this user's reviews
1
TgExpressJan 27, 2016
I really didn't like this movie. And I seriously considered walking out of the theatre. A beautiful landscape cannot make up for no storyline whatsoever, undeveloped characters and an emotionally manipulative plot. The critics will go nutsI really didn't like this movie. And I seriously considered walking out of the theatre. A beautiful landscape cannot make up for no storyline whatsoever, undeveloped characters and an emotionally manipulative plot. The critics will go nuts for it because it's 'arty' but really this is a waste of a movie.… Expand
8 of 13 users found this helpful85
All this user's reviews
8
BikerjamesJan 19, 2016
First and foremost, it's great to see Native Americans in a film again. Not sure why we only see Native Americans in period pieces, but I'll take it. The soundtrack for this film is exemplary. Music and sounds that enhance the movieFirst and foremost, it's great to see Native Americans in a film again. Not sure why we only see Native Americans in period pieces, but I'll take it. The soundtrack for this film is exemplary. Music and sounds that enhance the movie experience rather than detract from it like most movies. The cinematography is breathtaking. The acting is great throughout and DiCaprio might even be upstaged by Tom Hardy's excellent portrayal. Although I've never witnessed an actual bear attack, this one looked realistic enough to make it very uncomfortable to watch. The battles also looked realistic. There are a few things in the film that didn't work for me, especially the posse at the end composed of only two people going after the bad guy, and whether or not someone could actually survive the freezing cold in his condition, but overall I enjoyed the film.… Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
All this user's reviews
4
hdbflyJan 15, 2016
The most overrated film of the year. Slow, overlong, lifeless--except when Tom Hardy is on the screen, and then it's electric. About halfway through, I wondered why I was supposed to care about this guy, beside the lightly-handled (andThe most overrated film of the year. Slow, overlong, lifeless--except when Tom Hardy is on the screen, and then it's electric. About halfway through, I wondered why I was supposed to care about this guy, beside the lightly-handled (and beautifully shot) annihilation of the native village he lived (?) in with his very pretty (in white man's terms) wife at some point, and his, frankly, weird relationship with his son--I felt no love between them at all, didn't believe they were even related. I guess because his family was murdered we're supposed to immediately feel for him. Except that familial relationship was never established, simply hinted at in dreams and visions, and when he barked at his son to shut up.

I actually felt for Fitzgerald, Tom Hardy's character, because we knew something about him, we knew what he wanted, we knew what his job was, what his contract was for, we know he was getting screwed no matter what. And Tom Hardy imbued his character with amazing depth in just how his expression changed when people would talk to him; he was a desperate man in desparate times. Which I suppose the Glass character was too, but his journey just started becoming totally improbable--I thought of the old silent film serial, remade in the 30s, called The Perils of Pauline, and thought this could be called The Perils of Paul . . . and yes, I know that's not his name. It became a series of coincidences that started to feel writerly and not organic. He flew off a cliff after everything else and was like, let me gut this horse!

And how did the French guys not see the sweat lodge as they were killing Glass's Pawnee bison tartare eating friend? And why didn't anybody wear hats? And how could he not have been hypothermic after being in that cold cold river for so long? And how come he couldn't place the bear right away? He could smell smoke in the air for a fire that had been put out hours ago but he couldn't hear that there was a bear behind him, as he looked all over the place?

A half an hour could have easily been cut. Easily, but none of Tom Hardy. Overrated pseudo-art.… Expand
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
All this user's reviews
4
brewsterJan 24, 2016
Expectations have a lot to do with perceptions, and movies are no exception. My expectations were high, based on Metacritic reviews and all the Golden Globe awards. First the kudos: yes, a stunningly realistic performance by De Caprio. HeExpectations have a lot to do with perceptions, and movies are no exception. My expectations were high, based on Metacritic reviews and all the Golden Globe awards. First the kudos: yes, a stunningly realistic performance by De Caprio. He will probably win the Oscar. But while physically challenging, his character wasn't deep nor difficult to portray. And the bear attack: incredibly realistic. If you watched the infamous bear attack in the German zoo, they learned well. But this 2.5 hour movie was 1 hour too long. The ending so very predictable from the outset, even though the real ending between Glass and Fitzpatrick was absolutely the opposite of what we saw: see Hugh Glass on Wikipedia. Finally, lovely scenery. But, trust me, this movie was boring with a capital B.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
All this user's reviews
6
StevieGJDJan 22, 2016
The acting is very good in this film. I will be surprised if DiCaprio does not win the Oscar this time. The supporting performances are all very good. The cinematography is beautiful and, at times, breathtaking. But this movie is far tooThe acting is very good in this film. I will be surprised if DiCaprio does not win the Oscar this time. The supporting performances are all very good. The cinematography is beautiful and, at times, breathtaking. But this movie is far too long and self-indulgent and the end is terrible. This movie is based on a true story that ended differently. There was also an earlier version of this story that, while not as pretty as this film, was more consistent with the real story. Iñárritu can apparently do wrong in the eyes of Hollywood. But while I liked Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel, I thought Birdman had a dumb ending and the annoying artifact of the faux continuous shot was pretentious. The Revenant, while beautiful and well acted (much like Birdman was well acted), is also pretentious and far too long.I know nobody in Hollywood is going to say it, but the emperor is wearing no clothes.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
All this user's reviews
4
papadrew7Jan 11, 2016
This is one of those movies where you watch it and at the end you're like 'why does everyone like this movie?' The movie was too long and I mean the movie really didn't even need to be made. There are far better survival movies out there likeThis is one of those movies where you watch it and at the end you're like 'why does everyone like this movie?' The movie was too long and I mean the movie really didn't even need to be made. There are far better survival movies out there like the edge ect or better revenge movies like the count of monte cristo etc. The dialogue was hard to hear/understand for me from the loud background nature or just the mumbling hard accent of the soldiers. I mean over half of the movie is mute with just dicaprio trying to survive and it just was not interesting or entertaining. I gave the movie the benefit of the doubt becauese dicaprio is an amazing actor but this movie fell flat for me. If you really want to see it just wait for it to arrive on redbox because it is not worth wasting a night out on.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
All this user's reviews
5
Doktor_Vehicl3Jan 11, 2016
A mixed bag. Though The Revenant is an exceptionally well presented visual showpiece, it is also entirely nonsensical, ham-fistedly delivering its narrative, which like its protagonist's quest, is entirely devoid of any deep significance whenA mixed bag. Though The Revenant is an exceptionally well presented visual showpiece, it is also entirely nonsensical, ham-fistedly delivering its narrative, which like its protagonist's quest, is entirely devoid of any deep significance when it's through. This is mostly due to a disconnect in logical proceedings, which wouldn't be too big a deal if the film wasn't attempting a realistic portrayal of the world. From the moment of the bear attack all suspension of disbelief is totally gone, leaving you only to shake your head as Glass survives countless fatal situations, and crosses roads with so many people important to plots surrounding him purely by coincidence. Oh, it's because he's the best tracker that side of the country, now it all makes sense -- except for the part where he's been shredded to ribbons by a bear with only wet clothes on his back and in the forty below nights of the frontier. While the visuals and soundtrack accompanying the dream sequences were some of the highlights of the movie, I felt they became a bit heavy handed, adding different visual themes without any real substance. Some leaps in logic cast doubt over the final events of the movie, which really sticks out over whatever symbolism the filmmakers were trying to achieve with those scenes. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the climax of the film is well executed, which is good since it was the only really big payoff to look forward to. As good as it looks, it's never as immersive or as symbolic as it wants to be with its cliched and nonsensical plot, as well as few noteworthy performances. Special commendations go to Tom Hardy, who excellently portrays the only well established character in the entire film. His character is the only one I found to have inspired any curiosity, and that's a shame since he's the villain. Some great visuals aside, it's a miserable experience that strains your senses (particularly your ability to hear what characters are saying - my experience seemed to have a very poor sound mix with muffled, mumbling voices).… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
All this user's reviews
3
Mike_MJan 11, 2016
The Revenant's story is flat and difficult to accept as realistic or mythic. It may be magic realism but that doesn't make this particular story an effective narrative- its strengths lie in the visual trip it takes you on. However, what storyThe Revenant's story is flat and difficult to accept as realistic or mythic. It may be magic realism but that doesn't make this particular story an effective narrative- its strengths lie in the visual trip it takes you on. However, what story it does have ruins that visual trip, unlike in the best works of Malick or Tarkovsky, where the natural imagery and the dreaminess better compliment the narrative, and vice-versa.

It's not realistic, despite being 'based' on a true story, because it keeps the main character alive past all biological possibility. (For those who would quibble with the 'true story' factor, the actual story of Hugh Glass doesn't have the main character defy death ten times over. Furthermore it's a 'true story' of a mountain man doing something extraordinary. This usually means it's a tall tale.)

And if Glass' death-defiance is meant to subtly show the main character as a kind of undead or supernatural being (or ambiguously or liminally so), that idea is not developed interestingly. Even worse, if Glass' endurance and death-defiance are supernatural, then his determination is irrelevant and the theme seems to be: 'family love powers magic revenge'. That's an F for story to me. I suppose that there could be some sort of grand allegorical meaning, but since the story doesn't work on the literal level, that potential is irrelevant to me.

Although others may see it differently, the highest score I can give a narrative film with a zero for story is a 3 out of 10. I find it sadly amusing that after Birdman, with its examination of the perils of ego, Inarritu follows with an egomaniacal stunt of his own.… Expand
14 of 25 users found this helpful1411
All this user's reviews
7
AxeTJan 20, 2016
Gripping, visceral, brutally violent, unforgiving realism. As expected DiCaprio is superb as is Tom Hardy. Leo's performance is as great and Oscar worthy as his last in the other end of the spectrum urbane "The Wolf of Wall Street" (I rateGripping, visceral, brutally violent, unforgiving realism. As expected DiCaprio is superb as is Tom Hardy. Leo's performance is as great and Oscar worthy as his last in the other end of the spectrum urbane "The Wolf of Wall Street" (I rate 10 and best of 2013), and the best scene in that movie had him crawling along the ground which I thought was good practice for all his crawling on the ground in this. As for Hardy, I've seen him in half a dozen major movies now and I still do not know what he really looks like, what he really sounds like or who the hell he really is! Talk about a chameleon.
This film is much more experiential than conventional movie. I also couldn't help but think of the films of Terrence Malick in the way he visually and sonically puts the audience into the setting in a way unlike any other and creates the experience via purely cinematic means with little if any dialogue. Malick's work however poetic is short on plot (often to its great detriment), and so is this to an extent. There is no question the filmmakers here are influenced by his work, which is not to say they aren't original in their own right. This movie is stunningly photographed and expertly edited. The score is subtlety, hauntingly effective without being over-bearing. The surround sound is more pronounced than in most movies, even the biggest. The visual effects are of perhaps the best variety, you don't even realize the extent to which you are seeing them. There is a marked punctual intensity to the action that is disturbingly effective and a wonder to how they orchestrated it all.

If sentimentality is the enemy of great art, and this film is low on sentiment but not devoid of it, then does a higher amount of sentimentality ruin a movie? It is a very fine line. "Dances with Wolves" (rating 10) came to mind while watching this as it's the same kind of story, same broad period, and also features great awesome spanning western landscapes. To me that was the very best a big Hollywood movie can be because it got me completely swept up in the emotion of it. It's ultimately always emotion that wins at the end of the day. Emotion is art's greatest aspiration and achievement. While there is some here certainly brought forth by the fine actors, it's not the kind of emotional experience that stayed with me long after leaving the theatre which is ultimately the only true test of a great movie whether it's funny and you're telling jokes about it later or haunted in your sleep thereafter. I'm not saying it hasn't stayed with me, just that it's scaled comparatively to what I know is possible.
Another movie this made me think of was "First Blood" (10) in that it features a similar kind of relentless chase for the duration and a will to survive against the harshest environment and maybe even harsher people.

Note to filmmakers: Look at this film style wise in how it uses a moving camera. The camera is almost constantly moving in rugged exterior environments yet is always smooth. It isn't shaky even amidst rough, intense action. It's called steadicam and there is never, ever any excuse if you have any kind of budget to have that stupid shaky handheld camera style! It is only acceptable used as POV and for short durations, not as style for an entire feature! As I continually rant, our eyes do not see that way contrary to the mentality of those who choose that method, so it is not more real but less so! You can cut fast but don't ever go both handheld shaky and cut it to ribbons for extra intensity when really all you are doing is losing the viewer in something that can't be followed and is subliminally known to be cheated (like the second two Bourne movies which someday will appear very dated I believe). It's not more effective, it's ineffective. Let this 'action' movie even if not the most frenetic possible be the example.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
All this user's reviews
6
YorkManDec 25, 2015
Beautifully shot film, showing the harshness of the freezing environment and the struggle for man to survive and attempt to make a living.
Leonardo DiCaprio should be at least Oscar nominated for his performance as the man left for deadBeautifully shot film, showing the harshness of the freezing environment and the struggle for man to survive and attempt to make a living.
Leonardo DiCaprio should be at least Oscar nominated for his performance as the man left for dead seeking revenge against Tom Hardy's character, but I don't think he should win.
Best Director Oscar, most definitely, but the actors in the film are secondary to the gorgeous cinematography and breathtaking scenery.
As for the film, as a piece of 'work'... It's far too long, and ultimately unsatisfying as a movie. It's all visual, with no character depth at all.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
All this user's reviews
5
OsamamahJan 2, 2016
The movie filmed well! The cinematography was breathtaking, And the story message is good ( that revenge makes you stronger and whatsoever) but the plot was so bad, it was really boring and some sense there was nothing to watch! the movieThe movie filmed well! The cinematography was breathtaking, And the story message is good ( that revenge makes you stronger and whatsoever) but the plot was so bad, it was really boring and some sense there was nothing to watch! the movie it's just too long with no reason.. Feel like it was only to show off Leonardo di caprio for trying to win the Oscar! Loved Tom hardy though he was dope! Overall they just needed a good screenplay!… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
All this user's reviews
6
BHBarryJan 9, 2016
"The Revenant" stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy in this "based in part on a true story" of mountaineer Hugh Glass and his fight for survival in the South Dakota wilderness after an almost fatal encounter with a bear. The film was"The Revenant" stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy in this "based in part on a true story" of mountaineer Hugh Glass and his fight for survival in the South Dakota wilderness after an almost fatal encounter with a bear. The film was directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Innarritu ("Birdman") who, with Mark L. Smith, co-wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Michael Punke. Although shot in Canada and Argentina, the film attempts to depict the challenges of a South Dakota winter n 1823. The word "revenant" is derived from the French word "revenir" (i.e. to return) and literally means the return of the spirit from the dead. This is the plight of Mr. DiCaprio’s character as he struggles across the barren icy wasteland for over 2 and ½ hours of viewing time. The audience also feels his pain and anguish since it too has to suffer through this ordeal as it is forced to endure a tedious and overlong excursion through the cold and unforgiving wilderness. The difference of course is that Mr. DiCaprio was paid for his suffering while the audience was not. Mr. DiCaprio’s character is enmeshed in a thin story line and basically has a non-verbal role as the script requires him to do a great amount of crawling and some groaning but, unfortunately, these do not necessarily rise to the level of great entertainment.
One must acknowledge the haunting and vitally important original musical score created by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto and the spectacular photography of Emmanuel Lubizki. That being said, I found myself looking at my watch at least 3 times during the film in hopes that it was nearing its conclusion and wondering why I saw what the editor didn’t. I give the film a 6.0 rating for it proves once again that advertising and hype will not always make a film great but a quality screenplay and strong acting performances will. In my opinion, this film is lacking in both.… Expand
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
All this user's reviews
4
TomHugJan 9, 2016
Tedious, well-acted, interminable, beautifully filmed, failure as a story. I came in with high expectations. Problem is, there's no real story here and no character development. No character changes from their initial depiction in the story.Tedious, well-acted, interminable, beautifully filmed, failure as a story. I came in with high expectations. Problem is, there's no real story here and no character development. No character changes from their initial depiction in the story. It is beautifully filmed, and both DiCaprio and Hardy are excellent. But I was bored by this story. I can see why this movie is getting the art-house Oscar buzz, but I think you can have artistic elements and still have a well-paced story with actual development in the story line.… Expand
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
All this user's reviews
6
WiscoJoeJan 11, 2016
Mad Max: Oregon Trail

An impressive technical exercise that is often beautiful to look at and easy to admire, this is a surprisingly superficial and simplistic look at survival and revenge in the wilderness. Leonardo DiCaprio tortures andMad Max: Oregon Trail

An impressive technical exercise that is often beautiful to look at and easy to admire, this is a surprisingly superficial and simplistic look at survival and revenge in the wilderness. Leonardo DiCaprio tortures and degrades himself for your amusement for two-and-a-half hours, which is an impressive act of commitment, but doesn't do much to develop a character or tell a story. This is the 'Blair Witch' school of acting, where the exhaustion and annoyance of a real life actor is used as lazy short hand for some sort of transcendent terror that the film is too slavish to it's capital C 'Craft' to ever achieve. Again, Emmanuel Lubezki proves why he's one of the greats, but even his impressive use of natural lighting here can seem like a stiffing gimmick as one over-cast grey landscape bleeds into another. You'll keep hoping for some sunlight to eventually break through the monotony and add some dimension to both the scenery and the story.… Expand
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
All this user's reviews
3
NikolayGJan 10, 2016
A pointless drawn out exercise in continual extreme violence.

Blood all over people's faces as they tear raw flesh out of bison and eat it, or eat fish alive as they wriggle in their hands; flesh being torn off human bones up close inA pointless drawn out exercise in continual extreme violence.

Blood all over people's faces as they tear raw flesh out of bison and eat it, or eat fish alive as they wriggle in their hands; flesh being torn off human bones up close in detail, skulls being blown off. A woman being dragged into the woods and raped. A hot burning stick being applied sizzling to a neck wound. This is the single most violent movie I have ever seen - Tarantino is a walk in the park compared to this. Revenant is easily far and away the longest stretch of up close detailed granular violence of any movie in history. You would have to be either completely anesthetized or a sociopath not to find this film totally and completely disgusting.

The story - is there a story? - barely. The story is as simple revenge story. Twenty years ago it would have starred Mel Gibson. But it would not have dragged on for over two and a half hours. I wanted to leave halfway through but I stayed because I was with a friend.

I should add that the beating DiCaprio takes gets to the point where it is just so unbelievable, at one point, where he falls off a cliff but an evergreen tree breaks his fall, it was so much like Wile E. Coyote, that the audience burst out laughing. It wasn't supposed to be funny. It was just so ridiculous.

From now on I'm going to be much more careful about what I see in theaters. I feel that Revenant not only wasted 4 hours of my life (door to door) but took something from me. I left feeling abused, broken, dispirited. And for what? This movie had no true drama. No true characterization of anyone, not even of Dicaprio's character, and it had no point.

Yes some of the cinematography was nice. That's why I give it a 3. Otherwise it would get a zero… Expand
13 of 24 users found this helpful1311
All this user's reviews
0
mboner1Jan 10, 2016
Boring, long and most obnoxiously pointless. I could have lived without seeing this story. I don't feel like it needed to be made.. which is the sign of a terrible movie i guess.
14 of 28 users found this helpful1414
All this user's reviews
3
TSTINKERSJan 8, 2016
When I saw the previews a month ago I really wanted to see this movie. I saw it pretty much opening day (Friday jan 8). The first 30minutes were good... the next 2hours was boring as hell. So many scenes were so fake. The movie endingWhen I saw the previews a month ago I really wanted to see this movie. I saw it pretty much opening day (Friday jan 8). The first 30minutes were good... the next 2hours was boring as hell. So many scenes were so fake. The movie ending was predictable. I went with some family members and they said that its the last time I get to pick the movie. I heard Leo suffered a lot during the making of the movie. I suffered more sitting through it.… Expand
10 of 20 users found this helpful1010
All this user's reviews
3
hotfromcauldronJan 8, 2016
Thirty minutes and two shock and awe moments into the Revenant I am out of it. Maybe because having the “leads” in “do or die” situations is meaningless or the abundance of cuts to icy rapids and tall timbers is surprising from the man whoThirty minutes and two shock and awe moments into the Revenant I am out of it. Maybe because having the “leads” in “do or die” situations is meaningless or the abundance of cuts to icy rapids and tall timbers is surprising from the man who shot “Birdman”. Ironically, it left me cold. Granted, production values are good - performances good - and for a re-enactment trimming sixty minutes might have been better.… Expand
10 of 20 users found this helpful1010
All this user's reviews
3
shoulderoforionDec 31, 2015
Dreary & dull, best part is the bear, i'll say no more in way of spoilers but found myself looking at the clock after the first 30 minutes, would not recommend
10 of 20 users found this helpful1010
All this user's reviews
3
olkowatyJan 14, 2016
This is a trash movie for trash people. It's basically the Grey set in the past. I literally fell asleep for a few seconds before someone woke me up. The only Oscar this movie is worthy of is "Only movie to have 90% of the audio be LeonardoThis is a trash movie for trash people. It's basically the Grey set in the past. I literally fell asleep for a few seconds before someone woke me up. The only Oscar this movie is worthy of is "Only movie to have 90% of the audio be Leonardo DiCaprio breathing. Oh, and what a HORRIBLE choice of actor! "Oh hey, we need a rough survival man who makes it against all odds and actually ignores wounds that would get infections that would kill him dead without antibiotics" "Emma Watson isn't answering her phone" "Oh get Leonardo DiCaprio then" this movie was so boring and so shallow when it seemed like it would end but kept going I actually groaned. So predictable and so fake. Oh, look at us, look at all the blood and emotionless deaths we're so deep and realistic and Oscar worthy! (Meaningless Spoiler)Oh wow, I was NOT expecting that the good guy would catch the bad guy! What a twist! Oh, and they had a knife fight when both their guns were knocked away, what an original and exciting idea!
Seriously. I would usually not even be this mean to the movie if people would just admit it's not good. Why did it get all those nominations? I literally don't understand. I hope Leo doesn't get the Oscar, he deserves better than this embarrassment to the film industry.… Expand
10 of 20 users found this helpful1010
All this user's reviews
1
boland7214Jan 17, 2016
This film is very much over rated. It is violent over and over and over. It is painful to watch people being slaughtered, listening to gross language, very boring story, just an ugly film. If you are a member of ISIS or a wanna be, thisThis film is very much over rated. It is violent over and over and over. It is painful to watch people being slaughtered, listening to gross language, very boring story, just an ugly film. If you are a member of ISIS or a wanna be, this film is for you!… Expand
9 of 18 users found this helpful99
All this user's reviews
5
ProsmoothJan 5, 2016
While I certainly admired it (greatly, oh so greatly) on a technical level--I just can't quite recommend it unless you're a film geek who wants to admire a director and cinematographer shooting a film using only natural light sources. ThatWhile I certainly admired it (greatly, oh so greatly) on a technical level--I just can't quite recommend it unless you're a film geek who wants to admire a director and cinematographer shooting a film using only natural light sources. That must have been a nightmare to pull off. On a screenplay level, this film just doesn't work. Sitting through this slog made me long for the fun filled times of Schindler's List. Oy vey. Leo will probably get an Oscar nod for being miserable for 2 hours. He should share it with everyone who sits through the entire exhausting thing. 5/10… Expand
7 of 14 users found this helpful77
All this user's reviews
prev
Page:
More From This Movie

76 Critic Reviews

7.9 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL