***SPOILER ALERT***

On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the “Miracle on the Hudson” when Captain “Sully” Sullenberger played by Tom Hanks, glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career.

I thought at first the introduction of the movie was quite abrupt but then I realised that it was a key element on how the story unfolds. It’s as if there was this intense anxiety and uneasiness at the beginning and then gradually it tones down but maintaining a thrilling drama. This made the storytelling of the film quite compelling throughout the end.

I also took note of the flashbacks that were very timely and effective. It’s as if as a viewer, I was Sully for a moment. This particular scene where he was waiting to be interviewed and he was standing in front a window looking out with his thoughts far away and thinking what if they crashed into the city? This scene was quite gripping and intense. I felt what Sully was feeling that moment, very doubtful and frightened to lose his job. As well as thinking that this was supposed to be a good thing but it seems as if he is being criticized for it.

It’s rare now that we get to see films like this. But whenever we do it’s unforgettable! This was what I think about SULLY.  Genuinely inspiring, simple yet captivating at its best! When the story itself is based on real life how truer can it be. I am greatly applauding Clint Eastwood for directing it so well that as a viewer, I was  transported to a place where I got to witness pure greatness in humanity. It felt like I was there and not sitting in a cinema consciously watching a movie. But it was like I was experiencing it firsthand, all of Sully’s thoughts, feelings as well as the people around him in and out. It was indeed engaging at high levels of thrill and a raised heart rate.

This is definitely a film to watch! With all exceptional performances especially Tom Hanks playing the lead role of a good-hearted and sincere Captain Sully. There is no doubt that this movie had all the good elements from material, director, actors and cinematography. But,with all these things mentioned, the humility and straightforwardness is the main reason why I love this movie. 

Saving 155 lives is amazing but remaining grounded and modest is what I admire about Sully, as he was portrayed in the film. When humanity is brought together by a crisis it brings about the best in all of us and that is what’s unique about us human beings. 

IN NZ CINEMAS TODAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016