It is the season of “Oscar bait” films. Some consider it a pejorative term. But it can be a compliment. To me, it means that the producers were willing to take a risk on a film that wasn’t necessarily made to entertain. Perhaps they are more interested in creating candid, meaningful, reflective art than merely appeasing the masses. Nomadland fully embodies the essence of this term. Released today in theaters and on Hulu, it is a profound film. The camera work and panning are groundbreaking. The score is absolutely magical, sprinkling bits of musical heaven throughout the screenplay. Moreover, another impressive facet is that Nomadland essentially plays like a documentary. Frances McDormand, one of the most talented actors alive, and David Straithairn are the only known actors; the rest are real people carrying out real lives. Therein lies an ample discharge of economic and social commentary. This film is an ode to the forgotten, those who lost everything in the great recession of 2008, and to anyone else who pursues nomadic living. I’ll admit that I was bored for many chunks of the opus. It is like a cubist painting. It first seems like a waste of time—but once you have experienced it fully, you begin to see its genius. It lingers in your head long after the credits roll. So, don’t be surprised one bit if Nomadland wins Best Picture and Chloé Zhao wins Best Director at the Academy Awards. To me, those are locks. I also expect Frances McDormand to win for Best Lead Actress.
Rating: 8.5/10
Just saw the previews and wasn’t sure about it till I read your review. Will definitely be checking it out now. Thanks! Really enjoying seeing the movies you have reviewed. I love that you have throwbacks mixed in with some new stuff. A few that I now want to check out. Thanks!
I appreciate this so much. Sometimes I think I’m wasting my time and that my reviews aren’t actually helping that many people, but comments like these revitalize me. You made my day!
Also, if you’ve enjoyed seeing the movies I’ve reviewed, feel free to click on my menu and click on Favorites if you want to see my fav films that I’ve reviewed. Helps narrow things down!
Thanks I will. 😊
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Sometimes my favorites don’t have the highest scores and sometimes the ones that have the highest scores aren’t my favorites, but they generally go hand in hand. 🤠
https://nandkishoresingh278386417.wordpress.com/2021/02/12/%e0%a4%ac%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%a1%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%97-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%87%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%ab-%e0%a4%8f%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%9f%e0%a5%80%e0%a4%ae-%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%87/
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Who the hell has Hulu? What a missed opportunity.
Haha so true. They have a free trial offer though. Also a $2/month membership if you’re a student. I opted for the latter deal but will probably cancel soon.
Appreciate the share. Thank you!
… and Frances McDormand best actress. 🙂
So true. I was reluctant to write that down since you know how it goes with people who’ve already won Oscars being a bit less likely to win again, but it would make sense if she did get another for this!
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😜
^One of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a while.
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Hah never get tired of it. Best emoji! 🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠
a picture is worth a thousand words hehe
RT. Miss ya (assuming this is the Rach l know)!
Thanks for the recommendation. Shall watch it !
Cheers!
didn’t like it, your review is compelling still, beautiful writing as always
I appreciate the compliments. Thanks!
P.S. Shoutout to Zhao and all other great female directors who don’t get the recognition men do.
Quit the B.S. politicals please. I like your blog. Not the liberal propaganda
You serious?
Well, I appreciate your support! I hate to not be diplomatic for a second, but how is gender inequality in film a political issue—much less “liberal propaganda.” I figured a rant would be inefficient, so I’ll just send a few links to prove that this issue is REAL and needs attention.
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2018/01/the-brutal-math-of-gender-inequality-in-hollywood/550232/
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3065232/how-gender-inequality-film-and-entertainment-isnt-just
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/women-directors-shutout-oscar-best-director-nominations-1203463491/
Those are just a few, but there are obviously countless examples. As evidenced in the third of those links, this is even more of an issue in terms of female directors not getting award recognition (which is why I brought it up). To me, it is undeniable and very concerning.
wtf
Haha seriously. ^
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Thank you luke. Screw this dude fr. Think I’m speaking for all women in both of those lol
Thank you! Honestly I don’t blame him though. I blame the system for normalizing such views. So many men have similar beliefs—we need more men to step up and educate them. If they aren’t going to listen to women in the first place, how can we change them without men who side with women in fighting gender equality, you know? Looks like this will be a big year for women at the Oscars, which obviously helps!
(Sorry for mansplaining obvious truths, but I just wanted to get all of this out now that we’re here.)
<3
😉
slow
not a fun movie
Sorry you feel that way, but I get it. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea—that’s for sure!