Review of Titanic (1984) by Mimi S — 30 Jan 2014

Titanic is a truly spectacular and unforgettable film, a big thumbs up to James Cameron. He may have been a nightmare to work with but if he had never pushed the cast so hard and have worked so relentlessly on the movie as he did it wouldn't be what it is today. Titanic tells the story of two lovers, Jack (played by Leonardo Di Caprio- he's my biggest crush of all time in this film)and Rose (Kate Winslet), whose different social standings threaten their chances of being together. Rose is an upper class girl who is pressured by her mother into marrying cruel and arrogant Cal (Billy Zane). Jack is a free-spirited and optimistic third class boy who turns Rose's life around. Both Jack and Rose fall madly in love, but when the Titanic sinks, it jeopardises not only their love, but their survival. The story may seem pretty predictable, ship sinks, people die, the end etc etc. It's so much more than that, Titanic is an experience that has you sitting at edge of your seat. Titanic is something that makes you think and feel; I found myself emotionally involved with the characters.

Titanic is the best romance since Romeo and Juliet; the chemistry between Winslet and DiCaprio is astounding and so natural and genuine, something which is rare in Hollywood films. I think it helped that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet developed a close friendship during the filming and felt at ease with one another. You can feel the love and connection between them. Rose and Jack easily make the top movie couple. It's just a shame that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet aren't a couple in real life. All of the actors were so well cast for their roles. The acting is phenomenal; you couldn't have chosen anyone better for the role of Cal, who plays Rose's condescending and calculating fiancee, than Billy Zane. Cal is one of the best movie villains of all time. Billy Zane was just bloody brilliant. Kathy Bates and Victor Garber amongst many were also incredible and really played their respective roles so well. Kathy Bates is exuberant and full of energy as Molly Brown, who is one of the few characters based on a real life person and Victor Garber is humble and gentle as the kind ship builder Thomas Andrews.

The story is so gripping and it really takes you back to the Titanic. I have the say that the movie is also a visual masterpiece; Cameron makes the screen come to life! You really feel as if you've been transported to 1912 and you almost start to believe that Jack and Rose were real. It may be a whopping 3 hours long, but every minute is worth it; I promise you. I can't find fault with this film apart from the ending, come on there was room for two on that piece of wood! However the ending isn't enough to put me off. Titanic certainly deserved all those awards it got! Titanic is the best romantic movie ever; I've never seen such a beautiful and touching romance nor such chemistry and passion between two leads. Also the whole story of Titanic is heart-wrenching and tugs at the heart strings. Usually movies with strong special effects don't always focus on the heart and emotion of the film, but Titanic is just so cathartic and mesmerising. Titanic will forever remain a classic and one of the best blockbusters in the world. However Titanic is quite a heavy and long movie, so you really have to be in the mood to watch it. I've seen Titanic way too many times though :P.

Grade: A*.