Short Synopsis:
Kenny Wells, a prospector desperate for a lucky break, teams up with a similarly eager geologist and sets off on a journey to find gold in the uncharted jungle of Indonesia.
Film Review:
A film inspired by true events tells a story that we are all familiar of-a story about passion, greed and betrayal. Director Stephen Gaghan did so well in showing the process how gold is found from earth and made into something that can be used for making things that glitter. This story, although same as the ones we have already seen before such as “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Big Short” all of them remind us that money isn’t everything. However in this film, the lead characters Kenny Wells (Matthew McConaughey) as well as Micheal Acosta (Edgar Ramirez) were not portrayed as the greedy ones but the people around them were. These people were either the already millionaires, corrupt politicians and Wall Street brokers. These two main characers were the ones who were really passionate about gold. And believed that the gold is out there and that they would keep searching for it even in the jungles of Indonesia. When almost dying from Malaria and running out of money, both of them fought for their dreams of finding that gold mine. But there is more to it than meets the eye.
Tapping on McConaughey’s transformation in this film as a dirty looking, alcoholic with a beer belly, he sure did well in this. As for his role’s personality, he may have a big tummy but he also had a big heart for his long time girlfriend Kay, played by Bryce Dallas Howard-the only person who cared for Kenny and tried to put some sense in him. She was the one who brought balance in their roller coaster ride life, that can be too extreme sometimes. One minute they’re struggling with money and the next minute they are living like royalties. Gaghan did however tamed it a little bit and was still quite modest in showing Kenny’s grand life. I guess because it was from Kenny’s point of view.
“Those people cared about money,I cared about gold. That’s different.” - Kenny. This film emphasizes that there is a thin line between going after your dreams and living it. The film’s plot twist is definitely a plus to the whole story. It makes you believe somehow, like you can almost touch it but then it’s suddenly taken away from you. Just like that. It’s like being in a dream then you wake up and realise it was just a dream. Nevertheless, you haven’t lost everything, you still have your family and friends. What matters is what will be your next step for the remaining of your life.
In NZ cinemas February 9, 2017.