Over-zealous and under-achieving

Rating: 5/10 (16 February 2017)

With a 3 hour film directed by Martin Scorsese, there was nothing but anticipation and excitement for his latest creation. Knowing it was a passion project, and that it's the first film Scorsese is credited for writing since Casino, expectations were high. However, as Silence screens, whilst the cinematography and the music really help bring a world to life, the story drags and never results with a pay-off or any truly in-depth substance. Silence is filled with "on the nose" material, blunt to every point, and little subtlety. Garfield and Driver are average at best, but at no point, do their characters bring vibrancy or depth to the story. Funnily enough, or ironically maybe, the Japanese and their goals are more relatable than the "heroes" of the story.