One Battle After Another.
I fully ignored my dislike of Paul Thomas Anderson going in and had an open mind ? and I loved it.
The main character (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a domestic terrorist, so Im not surprised by the fact that this movie has already become politically divisive, especially given whats happening in the country right now. He is part of a revolutionary militia called The French 76. While it is obvious the group is a radical left-wing organization, their ideology is kept pretty vague, and the politics in the movie are not heavy handed. PTA, unlike many writers these days, wasn?t look to lecture the audience ? which I appreciated.
Its kind of sad that this movie is being looked at by mainstream media so closely through a political lens ? because, above all else, it?s just an astonishing piece of filmmaking. It effectively blends comedy and suspense and kept me captivated for 3 hours. I can?t remember the last movie I saw in theaters that made me feel that way.
While DiCaprio gives an engaging performance as always, it was actually Sean Penn who stole the show, playing one of the most memorable villains Ive seen on screen in years. It reminded me that hes one of the best to ever do it and why I have been a fan of his since Fast Times.
9/10. Highly recommend.