The Wolf of Wall Street (REVIEW)

A shocking spectacle from start to finish, Scorsese’s gripping biopic is pretty much perfect. There is a brilliant blend of hilarious and ‘oh shit’ moments. The fact that it’s a true story makes it all the more interesting. You'll find yourself in awe of the crazy world in which Jordan Belfort lived.

A young and innocent Leonardo DiCaprio starts his first job on Wall Street, mentored by the quirky but wise Matthew McConaughey. After a few small setbacks he begins his journey to the top, recruiting an odd assortment of friends and starting his own business.

Success seems to come easy and with it comes perks. The fabulous antics of Belfort and company make for exciting viewing. With enough sex and drugs to film a Mötley Crüe video (three full hours worth in fact) there's certainly never a dull moment. 

DiCaprio’s performance in this film is without a doubt a sight to be beheld. He gives this highly flawed character a subtle good side that some people question exists. His acting is so authentic and pained at times, giving Belfort the many dimensions he deserves.  

Similarly, Jonah Hill’s supporting role is so vitally important to the success of this film, complimenting DiCaprio perfectly. His character plays a pivotal part in Belfort’s story; you just know that half of the crazy shit wouldn't have gone down without his influence. It’s the first semi serious role I’ve seen Hill in and he plays it remarkably. His acting has matured to such a level that he is Oscar nominated for his performance.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a rare film that captures the attention of a variety of individuals. It’s hip and trendy enough with its huge stars and provocative trailer to lure in the young audience, yet it’s based on an incredibly newsworthy biographical story. Well it certainly does justice to the subject matter. It gives us a behind the scenes look at life on Wall Street and ensures we’ll never look at stock brokers without a jealous glint in our eyes again. 

12 Years a Slave (REVIEW)

Never have I been so glad to have witnessed something so brutal and horrifying. There is something so terribly uncomfortable about this movie; it’s the discomfort that comes with guilt. Knowing that you can never truly imagine the horror and pain that human beings were subjected to by other humans. Even now that guilt does not pass. Even for those with no connection at all to the atrocities; the simple fact of knowing they occurred serves to make our skin crawl.

Solomon Northup is a free black man living in New York with his wife and children. When his wife goes away for a few weeks, he is tempted to make some money by playing violin for a travelling circus. He goes to Washington D.C. with the men offering him the job, and from there is abducted, shackled and kept in a dark room with other abductees. Their captors ship them south to Georgia in the most degrading way possible, and from there Solomon is sold and passed from owner to owner. He’s given a new name and told to forget all that he knows.

Raw emotion, sympathy and sorrow are all brought to the forefront by this masterpiece. Solomon never gives up hope, despite making concessions in order to survive, with the goal of one day living again.

In terms of performance, you cannot fault Chiwetel Ejiofor. He portrays a broken, humiliated and defenceless man. Yet he gives off a sense of strength and integrity that no other character possesses. With amazing realism he shows emotion and pain. Michael Fassbender is a true talent. He is so believable that you feel pure hatred for him, but also pity, for you see the reality of his character and that he is a product of circumstance just like all of the others. Benedict Cumberbatch is a shining hope, his character being fair and just. The only thing lacking was his accent. Similarly, Brad Pitt’s Southern drawl was atrocious, but this is conveniently explained by his character originating from Canada.

Every detail of the movie serves a purpose, there is no frivolity. It’s pure, simple and straight up shocking. Such a tragic tale to be told, and so magnificently done.