When you think of the most moving and emotional stories ever put on screen, The Good Lie may not come to mind. But it really is an unforgettable journey into the lives of Sudan refugees and their many obstacles not only into survival, but once they reach America how they interact with an unknown world.
The film starts off by telling the story of the refugees as kids. I was originally skeptical because it's always incredibly difficult to find child actors who are suitable for the big screen. The kids were fine, but it was when the characters grew older that we really started to care about them. Finding out during the credits that most of the lead actors and actresses were actual refugees made it that much more special. They do a great job of portraying that difficult but grateful transition to a new life. There are even several comedic moments when these men and women are put in places and situations that they have never heard of even existing.
I was also pleased with Reese Witherspoons performance. Even though her face is all over the cover, she didn't outshine any of the films lead characters. Her fame didn't force the filmmakers to give her more to do or more to say. I think her character arc may have seemed a bit forced and unnecessary but it didn't change the films quality. It's an emotional ride that is led with surprising great lead performances and I recommend it to all.
+Lead performances
+Using surviving refugees
+Isn't Hollywood-ized
-Forced supporting character arc
7.7/10
The film starts off by telling the story of the refugees as kids. I was originally skeptical because it's always incredibly difficult to find child actors who are suitable for the big screen. The kids were fine, but it was when the characters grew older that we really started to care about them. Finding out during the credits that most of the lead actors and actresses were actual refugees made it that much more special. They do a great job of portraying that difficult but grateful transition to a new life. There are even several comedic moments when these men and women are put in places and situations that they have never heard of even existing.
I was also pleased with Reese Witherspoons performance. Even though her face is all over the cover, she didn't outshine any of the films lead characters. Her fame didn't force the filmmakers to give her more to do or more to say. I think her character arc may have seemed a bit forced and unnecessary but it didn't change the films quality. It's an emotional ride that is led with surprising great lead performances and I recommend it to all.
+Lead performances
+Using surviving refugees
+Isn't Hollywood-ized
-Forced supporting character arc
7.7/10