Definitely Worth Seeing in Theaters

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2016)

The intensity of The Revenant can be tortuous at times, watching what that poor man went through (the character AND the actor). DiCaprio deserves Oscar consideration alone just for dedication to the hell he endured to play the part. The cinematography was astounding as well. Hauntingly beautiful, tragic, cruel...when a film can capture your imagination, steal your soul, and take you on a powerful, provocative journey, it deserves to be seen and recognized. Stories from the American frontier are often romanticized, but this is no Dances With Wolves... I recall thinking to myself, how did anyone ever survive in those conditions? After I came home, I did a little research and discovered that Hugh Glass was a real person who actually accomplished some of what is described in the film, which was stunning. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I would ask people to understand this film is about imagery and emotion, not dialogue or music. There are many layers, some of them subtle, all of them poignant. I was surprised by the sound editing and effects, the music was used minimally in many places, but effectively. I also particularly enjoyed the use of language and breathing as a counterpoint to scenes as opposed to music...we heard the sounds of life in that particular wilderness... stark, bleak. Like the film. Thumbs way, way up. If you have any inclination to see this film, it deserves to be viewed on the big screen. Sit close, and prepare to be taken back in time to a place where all you can rely on is whatever skills you have and survival instincts you may posses.