The Sea of Trees

A24 | Release Date: August 26, 2016

5.1	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 38 Ratings

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XenogearsDec 14, 2017

The elitism spewing out of the American paid reviewer community is mind boggling. Do everyone a favour and go cure cancer, then at least your efforts would have substance. I saw this from a completely different angle than the reviewers - inThe elitism spewing out of the American paid reviewer community is mind boggling. Do everyone a favour and go cure cancer, then at least your efforts would have substance. I saw this from a completely different angle than the reviewers - in which I found the plot and direction to be solid, but casting to be really off. If some solid indie actors that were not tainted by trying so hard to please the oscars panel were put in the leading roles - it could have been understated, eerie and profound. I dont give a damn about some over thought and over done performance - subtlety, true subtlety, was missing from the American cast. Maybe my view on this film being an eight is only due to the shyte show the professional reviewers created but I enjoyed the plot, enjoyed the message and appreciated the non linear angle. Just the acting really let this down for me - a perfect example of trying too hard to be subtle to appease the ridiculously shallow and overhyped hollywood "overlords" hell bent on inducing extremes.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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ExperiencesAug 31, 2016

What's in a movie ? - That it makes you think and feel in meaningful ways. Well, this one did, for me. I think it is an important movie, with distinct character. For me, it was immersive. I dont know much about "Film Theory", and I think muchWhat's in a movie ? - That it makes you think and feel in meaningful ways. Well, this one did, for me. I think it is an important movie, with distinct character. For me, it was immersive. I dont know much about "Film Theory", and I think much of the down-nose critique reflects the writers' own phobias.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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Eilidh2Sep 1, 2016

I watched this on VOD. I expected to be bored stiff or infuriated or even laugh - given the reviews.

I don't know why the film inspired such vitriol. The ending was Shymalanesque so it was somewhat annoying, or would have been butI watched this on VOD. I expected to be bored stiff or infuriated or even laugh - given the reviews.

I don't know why the film inspired such vitriol. The ending was Shymalanesque so it was somewhat annoying, or would have been but McConaughey totally sold it. The Shinto religious undertones were probably disturbing to Western critics. If the film had been made in Japanese by a Japanese director, I assure you it would be proclaimed a masterpiece!

Ken Watanabe and Matthew McConaughey work very well together and give great performances and the scenes of them wandering lost in the forest are powerful (and beautifully photographed). Hats off to the cinematographer.

The film has flashbacks to McConaughey's life with Naomi Watts (whose character has died before the film begins). Some of these work well, others less well and the screenwriter introduced a silly, soap operaish plot contrivance that the film could have done without.

If there are films focussing on suicidal ideation, I've never seen them. It's a topic which could be very depressing (and did it disturb the critics more than they would openly admit?) or enlightening. Sea of Trees addresses the issue honestly for the most part.

The story is original. The plot is original. The setting is original. The acting is superb. It's not a masterpiece, but it's among the best films I've seen during this horrible-for-movies summer.

The film is far more successful than the critics gave it credit for.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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LeZeeNov 23, 2016

In an attempt to end life, discovering the life itself!

Actually, this was a better film than what I have heard of it. It is like another version of 'The Constant Gardener'. About a man who never understood his wife, feels guilty whileIn an attempt to end life, discovering the life itself!

Actually, this was a better film than what I have heard of it. It is like another version of 'The Constant Gardener'. About a man who never understood his wife, feels guilty while finding some answers after her depart. During his attempt to kill himself in the famous Aokigahara forest, also known as suicide forest, he meets a Japanese man who got lost and befriends. While trying to help him find his way out, they face some unexpected obstacles. Beside, the flashback stories were narrated alongside, piece by piece to reveal earlier account.

From the director of 'Good Will Hunting', the film is about the survival and fighting the loss and depression. Too slow, so patience is the key to watch it. A bit long narrative, but in the end it is worth. The developments were not that interesting, though the final twist which is kind of simple and predictable makes us a little happier. Great cast, particularly McConaughey, though Naomi and Watanabe in the fine supportive roles.

For me this is a good film. I think some people, as well as the film critics got all wrong. I'm not saying it is a must see, but it is a different and a decent film even for the average people. The problem with this is the weak screenplay. Familiarity is the right word here, because you could foresee the direction of the progression before every scene. Still, the performances, beautiful locations, all make it an alright film. Normal people should think twice before try it, but the film fanatics should not hesitate to go for it. That means this film is for the selected viewers.

7/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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