Brutal yet magnificent!

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2016)

The Revenant tells the story of frontiersman, Hugh Glass(Leonardo DiCaprio). In the 1820s while on a fur trading expedition, Glass gets severely mauled by a bear. His companions on the trip decide that, even though he's alive, he's struggling to remain that way. Therefore, due to the difficulties of lugging Glass around in the bitter cold, they decide to leave him behind. Now, Hugh Glass begins to battle for his survival in the extreme climatic conditions, while also plotting his revenge against all of the people who leave him to die.
The Revenant is not only an outstanding film but also, a one of a kind experience on the big screen. Director Alejandro G. Inarritu strikes gold yet again, with this revenge drama. What is staggeringly brilliant is, how different this movie is, compared to Inarritu's previous movie, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014). Inarritu & cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki have yet again adopted revolutionary shooting techniques for this film. Just like how Birdman was shot in one continuous take, this film uses only natural lighting throughout its run-time. The locations are breathtaking. The thing that has to be appreciated the most is that, not an ounce of all the various locales, were shot in front of a green screen. The CGI rendered animals are extremely realistic, with the highlight being the bear, of course. The music by Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto is haunting & divine, at the same time. Though this film is flawless, there is quite a lot of gore, which some people might find disturbing. The performances are one, among the various highlights of the film. Leonardo DiCaprio has given one of the best performances in Hollywood history, as Hugh Glass. DiCaprio portrays a variety of complex & subtle emotions, just through his eyes. This is because DiCaprio is on his own, for the most part of the film. Tom Hardy is spectacular as John Fitzgerald. Domhnall Gleeson is great as Captain Andrew Henry. Will Poulter is superb as Bridger. Forrest Goodluck is amazing in his Hollywood debut, as Hawk. The supporting cast is awesome too. The Revenant is a must watch. It deserves all the accolades & praise it has received & is yet to receive. Go, grab that Oscar, Leo!