Review of Everything Is Illuminated (2005) by Andy S — 12 Apr 2012

This movie has a very confused feel that goes along w/ it. The lost in translation dialog is very funny while the story is quite serious and a somewhat creepy performance by Elijah Wood completes a medley of opposing feels.

The film looks amazing pretty much from start to finish, and although the soundtrack sort of adds to the mishmash of emotional temperature that the movie produces, it was appropriate and definitely added something to the experience.

Everything is Illuminated is definitely a character piece which was well acted by Hultz and Leskin but perhaps a bit over-acted by Wood. Still, Wood's performance wasn't bad. The story is definitely a moving one and builds in intensity as the plot moves forward.

I thought the part the grandfather played in the plot was perfect and reflected the story quite well. The movie was a little on the slow side, and although it was interesting I wouldn't call it fascinating.

Still, though it was a very good movie that I would recommend to those who can deal with a movie that is basically all dialog and cinematography.