Review of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) by Gina W — 30 Jul 2009

After the absolute shat that was "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" and Shatner's appalling directorial bungle, it's immediately obvious with "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" that we are back in the hands of a master with Nicholas Meyer. In fact VI is immaculately directed, beautifully scripted with rich and witty dialogue, and a crew of regulars on top form, who all rise to the occasion to give beautifully nuanced performances (this being the final adventure of the original series crew). Despite this it's disappointing that, as a whole, it lacks excitement, and gets bogged down in rather dull political drama. Perhaps, after all the excellent reviews, I was expecting more.

It is quite clearly a direct parallel to the cold war, the us and them mentality between the Americans and the Soviets, with the Federation and the Klingons in the respective roles. This does offer a rich vein to tap for Kirk's character especially, drawing on his distrust and prejudice against the war-like species due to the death of his son at their hands. Thematically it abounds with concepts of the ending of things, ageing, and death ("The Undiscovered Country"), and in that respect it feels epic and grand. Though the self-referential Shakespearian quotes become entirely embarrassing by the end (Christopher Plummer's General spouting them like a loon during the final battle). That the film tries to be a political drama, a murder mystery, a prison escape movie, and a character study, and damn well succeeds on all levels is an indication of the sheer control and assurance that Meyer brings to the proceedings.

The acting stakes are high, though surprisingly it is Kim Cattrall as the efficient, sneaky Vulcan, Valeris, who is most impressive. Nimoy has settled comfortably into the role of Spock and made it so much his own that he can get away with the little "human" illogical oddities. DeForest Kelley as grumpy, sarcastic but compassionate Doctor McCoy is still a great treat to watch. It's also great to see George Takei as the underutilised Sulu get Captaincy of his own ship, and perform just as ably as Kirk. Shatner, looking terribly old which works marvellously for the film, is like an old familiar comfortable jacket, but manages some real moments of gravitas and pain. Everyone gets ample screen time for us to satisfactorily say goodbye to such beloved characters.

After the horrid special FX of the previous film (apparently outsourced to the lowest bidder) the duties have been handed back ILM who create majesty once again (the opening Praxis explosion is immensely impressive). The music, too, by Cliff Eidelman, is really rather effective without being too bombastic or cheesy.

This really is a very well structured, well written and lovingly crafted film, with barely a scene that isn't necessary. Though it does still smack of insufferable smugness in the self-congratulatory ending (a typical Star Trek trait). It's just unfortunate that, for the final film, it couldn't have been more thrilling or daring or entertaining. Then again, the next one would have all that in spades.