Synopsis:
Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
Written by Twentieth Century Fox
Film Review:
“If we strive but fail, and the world remains armed against itself, then we’ve been divided, because of the hunger for peace, is in the hearts of all.”- Ceasar
A film about the great battle for survival, War for the Planet of the Apes holds a gripping and mesmerising story with strong visuals that will leave you in awe of how far CGI has come. There are multiple long shots, focusing on the apes’ facial expressions and everything looked realistic. It’s captivating enough to get lost in the film and sympathise, even more, identify as an ape.
Throughout the movie, there is that presence of moral dilemma- a known general theme for Planet of the Apes Franchise. And in this instalment, you will observe how humans and apes are both different and alike in many ways. It is a little confusing at times, identifying as both human and ape, but it is what makes the film very interesting. The realisation that there is that switching of human characteristics between the ape and the humans. The people were becoming more violent than the animals. And the animals more capable of showing mercy and forgiveness. This element is probably one of the franchise’s unique characteristic that pulls the audience.
This particular instalment mainly focused on the heated war between Ceasar (Andy Serkis) and The Colonel (Woody Harrelson), who both played their roles exceptionally good. The two lead characters who represented man and ape as they fight for survival is the core of this film. Almost all of their confrontations were dramatic and intense, making the film engrossing. Also, the film score and soundtrack were brilliant and made the scenes more effective.
Overall, War for the Planet of the Apes is an astonishing reboot of the original film series. This movie brings us a whole new experience that is more compelling and visually stunning.
In NZ Cinemas July 12, 2017
Rating: M Violence & content that may disturb