Review of Everything Is Illuminated (2005) by Jamie I — 25 Jun 2016
This story begins with a touch of humor as Alex and his grandfather agree to act as translator and guide to Elijah Wood's "demented" vegetarian obsessive collector, Jonathan, in Liev Schreiber's adaptation of the novel by the same name.
Most of said humor arrives in the form of lost in translation as Alex attempts to censor Grandfather's true words to the English speaking only Jonathan who proudly sports perfect hair and Coke bottle glasses.
More humor also appears as "what is wrong with him" vegetarian Jonathan exclaims he doesn't eat meat. The server in the restaurant proclaims Jonathan can only have a potato with the meat.
When the potato comes it is peeled boiled and otherwise sans topping. Jonathan knocks it on the floor. Grandfather promptly picks it up and divides it between Alex, the dog, Jonathan and himself.
The dog, Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. also provides much comic relief as she is "demented." However, when they arrive in Trachimbrod comedy turns serious very quickly. The shot as our travelers look over the small monument marked in remembrance of those who died in 1942 is heartbreaking.
There is no comedy left. I can only say you must see this movie. Don't worry I didn't spoil too much.
This review of Everything Is Illuminated (2005) was written by Jamie I on 25 Jun 2016.
Everything Is Illuminated has generally received positive reviews.
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