Review of The Railway Man (2013) by Danielle C — 17 Jan 2016

A true story that in the telling conveys to the viewership the suffering of our brave soldiers and that they don't suffer alone, for the effects or war are felt by all they come home to. This film can be seen, in a way, a training for civilians, an awareness program that goes beyond mere entertainment, important in its message and impact for all families and communities that take in their vets.

Many have complained about the film being disjointed, that there's a problem with the ending, and other issues. But one must remember that this is not fiction, it is based in fact, and, to a great degree, the film stays true to the original story.

It begins as a nice romance, engagingly played by Firth and Kidman, but soon turns raw as Lomax's (Firth) trauma is made evident. And the only way it is resolved is by a chance meeting with his great tormentor, Nagase. At their encounter the only thing holding Lomax back from killing Nagase is his love for Patti, his wife. It's as if the universe has sent her and Nagase to fulfil his promise made to his friend Finlay (Stellan Skarsgard, who also gives a great performance, as per usual) that they would survive the prison camp, return to England and live. But for many years they do nothing of the sort, only existing day by day reliving the horrific events restricting any and all joy. But it is Patti's love and providence that brings Lomax his eventual peace as tormented forgives tormentor.

An important and well played film stem to stern.