one of the years best

Rating: 9/10 (6 December 2001)

Tom Hanks gives another Oscar worthy performance as a time obsessed Fed Ex worker who, after a stunning plane crash, gets stranded on a deserted Island for about 4 years. During this time wee see Hanks become self-sufficient and more mature. He learns to forget about the unimportant things in life and focus on the most important, like trying to survive. He also begins to lose his mind, the only thing keeping him alive is the thought of being reunited with his girlfriend, Helen Hunt. Cast Away is a truly unique film. The hour and a half of Hanks on the Island contain practically no music and very little dialog. In fact Hanks' only company is that of a volleyball with a face on it. This may sound a little dull, but it isn't. The film runs about 2 hours and 40 minutes but it zooms right by and I felt it wasn't long enough, and that more time needed to spent on the island. The most interesting thing about this movie is just watching Hanks try to survive. To see how a person adapts to conditions they have never experienced is always a fascinating thing. The film is also beautifully shot and director Robert Zemeckis does a wonderful job of showing Hanks' isolation. Not only is this one of the best films of the year, but it will probably be loved by anyone who sees it.