Review of The Railway Man (2013) by Jason T — 04 Jun 2014

The railway man, adapted from the autobiography of the same name, the movie focuses on Eric Lomax, and his tenure as a British officer se ring during WW2, who is captured, along with his fellow servicemen by Japanese officers and are sent to work in a Prisoner of War camp to build the Thai-Burma Railway. During his time, Lomax builds a radio to receive commentary on the progression of the war, only for it to be discovered and he is subsequently tortured by the Kempetai. A large portion of the film follows Lomax years after these events and shows that he is still haunted and tormented by the memories of what he experienced. Eventually, he tracks down his captor Takashi Nagase and finally confronts his tormentor.

Colin Firth doesn't disappoint in his role as the older Lomax, the range of emotion and detachedness he portrays as someone suffering from PTSD is delivered superbly and handled with care. It doesn't go overboard or forces it down the viewer's throats, but is shown as a progression that brings friction not only to himself but his relationship with his wife Patti (Nicole Kidman). Her performance is a bit spotty and can be argued, is miscast. Originally Rachel Weisz was down to play this role and honestly, I could see that working. However, as has been pointed out by many, and I concur with them, Stellan Skarsgard playing Lomax's friend and former serving officer Finlay sticks out like a sore thumb in terms of miscasting. At times he doesn't even attempt an English accent and often looks wooden.

Hiroyuki Sanada (old Takashi Nagase) has minimal screen time but does well with what he's given and Tanroh Ishida (young Takashi Nagase) is solid as the young Japanese officer whose presence is intimidating and empowering whenever he's on screen.

The movies pacing is done well but it does feel that it drags its heels in making sure it reached its near two hour running time. Some scenes do feel like they're there to fill the time and does almost make you clock watch.

The flashback sequences are told well, go into the right amount of detail and are harrowing, not so much in terms of violence or torture, but the conditioning of the captured who are working on the railway. In fact, taking out of consideration the waterboarding scene in the last thirty minutes, the conditioning of the officers at work is devastating to look and makes for uncomfortable but powerful viewing. On an emotionally level, the moments of reconciliation between Lomax and Nagase is a touching, sentimental moment that brings the movie to an all-round heart-warming conclusion in a movie that is filled to the brim in bleakness.