Moonlight is a stunning character study of a boy named Little who grows into a man named Black. Jackie reveals a new perspective on the mythical First Lady: one that is humanist and sympathetic, highlighting the extreme political and societal navigations Mrs. In one moving scene, Portman paces the White House residence, manically chain smoking and trying on every single gown she owns. Small moments serve to display the sheer desperation of grief. It's unafraid of shining a light on selfish missteps or vacillations in judgment. Natalie Portman's portrayal of Jackie Kennedy, in the wake of JFK's assassination, is elegant, nuanced, and roiling with the tension of her conflicting obligations. But in the film's 100 minutes, the search for these answers is deeply felt. How could a woman possibly mourn the death of her husband-and process the trauma of witnessing his brutal murder-while simultaneously tending to the media, societal expectations, and government protocol? It's an impossible task, and there are no answers, says Pablo Lorrain's Jackie. Due to a beautifully written backstory and excellent performance, every move she makes is both believable and gripping. In other hands, The Handmaiden could have easily been an opulent melodrama instead, it is grounded by Lady Hideko's rich character. Instead, she'll marry him for a lethal dose of heroin. And indeed, she has: in one particularly chilling moment, Hideko convinces a suitor that she cannot be swayed by love or money. She manipulates men and women, rich and poor, with the exacting coldness of someone who's been through it all. Hideko will do anything to possess her freedom, whether it comes in the form of death or love. Min-hee Kim, who plays Hideko, does so with elegance and a deft maneuvering across the spectrum of her character's lies and facades. She is an imprisoned heiress who appears sheltered and naive but is quickly revealed to be a cunning and ruthless agent of her own liberation. Chan-wook Park's The Handmaiden is rife with drama, and at the center of it all is Lady Hideko. 'The Handmaiden' Credit: Magnolia PicturesĪbuse. They touched us as if we knew them ourselves-and left us wanting to know them even more. Of the various characters who took to the silver screen this year, these seven captured our imaginations. 2016 has been exceptional for film, with many diverse voices entering the industry for the first time. From Greek mythology to Scorsese to Campion, character is king.Įvery year, filmmakers challenge themselves with creating fresh yet relatable heroes and heroines. The best stories revolve around complex leads with flaws and hypocrisies that serve to reveal greater human truths. Traditional storytelling is rooted in character: while a poorly written character does not always bring down a film, a great one will always lift it up. From vengeful heiress to soul-searching drug dealer, these characters stood out in 2016.
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