Masterful in every sense

Rating: 10/10 (5 July 2016)

This is a masterful, thoroughly engrossing epic of the first order, the kind of film that simply doesn't get produced anymore. Kudos to a victorious DiCaprio and an always reliable Inarritu for their dynamic teaming as actor/director. DiCaprio gives a nuanced, layered performance as a tortured soul in search of redemption and revenge, and Inarritu stages his journey as a soul-searching quest for salvation where man faces obstacles from nature, animal, and the worst beast of all... fellow man himself. Tom Hardy should also be acknowledged for delivering a solid, villainous portrayal as a treacherous, back- stabbing brute. Overall, this is a gorgeous, sumptously photographed meditation on the perseverance of the human spirit.