INCEPTION
Movie Review
by June K. Wilimas
There is almost always a breakout film of the year and I would venture to say INCEPTION is that film. While it has dazzling special effects and extraordinary settings, the best thing about this film is the story and how it is revealed layer by layer to the audience, often with multiple layers unfolding simultaneously.
The acting and directing transformed INCEPTION from an above average action/thriller to a deeper story that leads us to question the nature and fabric of reality. The protagonist played by Leonardo DiCaprio is like a moth who has danced too close to the flame and now with the tips of his wings singed doesn’t know if he can break free or if he should plunge into the heart of the fire. He is guilt driven and longs for freedom from guilt that he can neither share nor is he willing and able to forgive himself. To make matters worse, his desire to be free has ensnared him in an espionage project that only furthers his fall from grace. Hubris, deceit and pride have brought him to where he is and while his ego may be somewhat deflated by the pain and loss it has brought him, we wonder if he is ready to let go in favor of reality. INCEPTION is a cautionary tale and one that has been touched on before in films such as Flatliners, Fight Club, and the Matrix.
We live in the present but our minds can reach to the stars or the lowest abyss. The ability to transcend the here and now has been both a joy and a peril for mystics through the ages from those who studied the Kabala to Yogi Masters. The degree of maturity to do so without harm requires a maturity possessed by few and can’t be had by popping a pill or chanting a mantra. At the end of this film we are left with a question that insures there could easily be a sequel if this one is successful. No doubt by the time you read this the box office numbers are enough to make that into a reality…no dreaming necessary.
by June K. Wilimas
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I saw this the day it came out and want to go back to see if I missed anything. You are right, this is the best non animated movie to come out in quite awhile. During the previews before the show I saw there was ANOTHER M.Night Shyamalyn movie coming out. Hey, if Hollywood is giving away money would they please send me a few million. I promise I’ll make a better movie than Shyamalyn for a whole lot less money.
Flatliners, Fight Club, and the Matrix? That’s pretty heady company. So, OK, I’ll see it this weekend
Yeah this movie turned out better than I thought it would. There aren’t that many that keep me guessing about how things will turn out and with this one there where times when I was really starting to wonder. Plus anytime I leave arguing with my friends about how the movie ended I know it will be watched again just to try and prove a point.
This movie was long. I was a little confused at the start with the sub dreaming. I did fall alseep 4-5 times during it. Worth a second look for sure.
I liked this movie. I didn’t expect much out of it, which was a good thing!
The effects MADE this movie, but would I buy it on DVD/Blueray? probably not.
I am not a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s a capable actor and maybe I haven’t seen him in the right film, but the one’s I have seen were not stellar. However, I did see Shutter Island and he was good in that one, but the story, cinematography, direction, and other actors greatly contributed to my liking the film. Perhaps because of my low expectations the bar was so lowered that when it was not as bad as I thought it would be, I actually liked it. So I am somewhat dubious about Inception. Nevertheless, the previews I have seen and the review above have definitely convinced me to see the movie.
While occasionally melodramatic, Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” did a good job of holding suspense and keeping me entertained. Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt play well off each other, while the supporting cast played their roles admirably. Nolan’s twisting and turning plot keeps the audience captivated as we travel deeper and deeper into the human psyche. An excellent, imaginative visual portrayal of the human psyche, Christopher Nolan does a great job with a large summer blockbuster budget.
I got to admit, I’m a big fan of Inception!!!!
Omg, I totally liked this movie!!! Inception really is great!!!!
I recently re-watched this great movie and I agree with everything written above. The storyline and character development were very nicely crafted. Astonishingly good. The action package more than decent. But what actually sold the movie for me was its interesting, and only occasionally inaccurate take on the concept of lucid dreaming… However weird put, this is a compliment. I’d even go as far as to say that Inception is exceptionally accurate, for a movie in the “blockbuster genre” with a human consciousness-related theme. When I watched it for the first time, I didn’t know as much about lucid dreaming as I do know. Still, watching it after some time, I don’t feel like I’ve grown out of it or anything. It’s too good.
) then I think there’s a chance you might find it at least see-worthy, if not life-changing (I did!)
I wonder how many people get to experience their first lucid dream after this movie?
Having said that, if there’s anyone willing to explore the topic further, I recommend the 2001 movie “Waking Life”. In terms of accessibility, this one is on the opposite end of the spectrum. What I mean is that the average movie-goer won’t get it at all. But if you’re curious and open-minded (why wouldn’t you be?
Thank you Greta for your thoughtful reply. I myself have only passing knowledge on the subject of lucid dreaming and so find it interesting to see you give Inception rather good marks from a technical point of view. For me any piece of fiction is mostly about the characters and their growth (if any) as well as the background story and Inception gets high marks on that as well.