Demonstrating Integrity

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2016)

Clint Eastwood is still going strong in his 80's, and Tom Hanks has high standards for performing. Having those two legends together is always a treat, and Hanks' portrayal of the modern hero is among his best work. Everyone knows about the captain who saved the lives of his crew and the entire passenger load. He achieved the impossible by landing a plane in the middle of winter on water that could have easily resulted in drowning or freezing to death. He became and hero, and most mortals were grateful he had saved many from certain death. There was still an element out there who wasn't looking for the positive and tried really hard to discredit Sully.
The film is designed in a very interesting way, showing snippets of the day when the landing took place. There are also alternate scenarios; some created by the anxiety in Sully's mind after the event took place. Then, we have simulations ordered by the investigative body to show that Sully's choice might have not been the wisest. It didn't seem to matter that he was successful. It feels vindictive and irrational, and the movement almost succeeds in dragging our hero into a big mess.
Hanks' Sully is a quiet and a bit of a surly character. One doesn't seem to see much of an extrovert there. He does his job, the best he can, and he displays plenty of heart and integrity, a quality that comes in full display when he faces the investigative panel. He's sure to remind them that there is more to the aviation industry than relying on machines. He reminds us of the stars of the past, and if you think it's impossible to show another Hanks' character who shows what it means to show the best of humanity.
The film is short but packs plenty of emotions. We see the torture and self-doubt, the aftermath and the trauma that Sully undergoes. The slow revelation of who his character really is. We see his exchanges with his family, with his colleagues, and with his opponents. We see subtle changes, but all of them are just facets of a complete person.
The technical moments of the film are perfect reproductions of the event. We see the moments before, during, and the crucial rescue moments after the landing. We become completely aware of the pain, the fear, and the horror that the impending threat of death feels like. It's Eastwood's at his best, showing a drama, a thriller, and a character study, all in one.