Review of Cast Away (2000) by Luke N — 24 Jan 2014

There are many people who prefer to hate such a movie as this one. A movie where the audience is encouraged to emote with the characters, to laugh and cry as the hero triumphs and blunders. A movie that isn't afraid to feel, and indulge in that critically loathed weapon of sentimentality.

Both Zemeckis and Hanks are infamous for these sorts of movies, and if people want to turn their backs on such films as 'Cast Away' and 'Forrest Gump', they're more than welcome to.

But I've always loved both films, and I feel strongly that Hollywood needs films like this to remind its audience that sometimes special effects and epic violence doesn't ensure a perfect movie.

Admittedly, 'Cast Away' isn't a perfect movie, and to be honest, the overly sentimental ending - while not exactly intolerable - does feel slightly unnecessary and out-of-tone. But for all its minor flaws - all its lapses into sappy tear-jerker conventions - this is still one marvellous film.

Zemeckis is more adept than ever in bringing this poignant movie to life, and when complemented with Silvestri's heart-wrenching score, I find it hard not to cry at certain parts of this modern classic.