Woman in Gold (2015) Movie Review

Summary

In the review of *Woman in Gold*, the film is praised for its powerful portrayal of an elderly Jewish woman, played by Helen Mirren, seeking to reclaim a stolen painting from World War II. The review highlights the emotional weight of the story and strong performances, particularly from Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, who plays her lawyer. While acknowledging some clichés and narrative manipulation, the reviewer appreciates the film's themes of loss and justice. Despite minor criticisms, the film's impactful ending and its basis in true events lead to a positive recommendation, earning a rating of 3.5 out of 4 stars.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film 'Woman in Gold' stars Helen Mirren as an elderly Jewish Austrian woman seeking to reclaim stolen art from her past.
• 😀 The story is set in the late 1990s and revolves around the protagonist hiring a lawyer, played by Ryan Reynolds, to help recover a valuable painting.
• 😀 The film is based on a true story, highlighting the personal impact of the Holocaust and the ongoing fight for justice regarding stolen properties.
• 😀 The dynamic between Mirren's character and Reynolds’ lawyer is central to the narrative, showcasing an unlikely partnership fueled by shared heritage.
• 😀 Despite some cliches and emotional manipulation in the storytelling, the film delivers a powerful message about loss and identity.
• 😀 Helen Mirren's performance is praised for its authenticity, while Ryan Reynolds is encouraged to take on more dramatic roles in the future.
• 😀 The review notes some inconsistencies in the film's historical accuracy, particularly with modern elements appearing in a 1990s setting.
• 😀 Supporting performances, including those by Daniel Brühl and Tatiana Maslany, contribute significantly to the film's impact.
• 😀 The ending of the film is described as one of the best of the year, evoking strong emotions and reflections on the past.
• 😀 Overall, the reviewer rates the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, recommending it for its emotional depth and significance.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the film 'Woman in Gold'?

The central theme of 'Woman in Gold' revolves around the quest for justice and the emotional struggle of reclaiming lost identity and heritage, particularly concerning the art and property stolen from Jewish families during World War II.

Who are the main characters in the film?

The main characters include Helen Mirren, who plays an older Jewish Austrian woman seeking to recover her family's stolen painting, and Ryan Reynolds, who portrays her lawyer.

What motivates Helen Mirren's character to pursue legal action?

Helen Mirren's character is motivated to pursue legal action to recover a painting of her aunt that was stolen during the Nazi occupation of Austria, reflecting her desire to reclaim a piece of her family's lost history.

How does the review describe Ryan Reynolds' performance?

The review describes Ryan Reynolds' performance as convincing and effective, suggesting he should take on more dramatic roles, although the reviewer felt that his character's family dynamics were not fully developed.

What criticism does the reviewer have regarding the film's structure?

The reviewer criticizes the film's structure for feeling uneven, particularly when it switches back and forth between different time periods, which may disrupt the narrative flow.

How does the reviewer feel about the film's emotional impact?

The reviewer finds the film emotionally powerful and effective, noting that it successfully evokes feelings about the loss of family and property due to historical injustices, despite some manipulative moments.

What specific elements does the reviewer mention as potential flaws in the film?

The reviewer mentions movie clichés and tropes that detracted from the experience, as well as some anachronistic details, such as the presence of modern posters in scenes set in the late 1990s.

Who plays the younger version of Helen Mirren's character?

Tatiana Maslany plays the younger version of Helen Mirren's character, adding depth to the backstory through flashbacks.

What is the reviewer's overall rating for 'Woman in Gold'?

The reviewer rates 'Woman in Gold' three and a half stars out of four, recognizing its significance and emotional depth while acknowledging its flaws.

What does the reviewer suggest about the historical context addressed in the film?

The reviewer suggests that while 'Woman in Gold' presents a hopeful story with a happy ending, it also reminds viewers of the many real-life cases where Jewish families have not been able to reclaim their stolen property, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice.