User Reviews

Sem senso algum da geografia do local, e dispondo de uma direção de corpos sofrível (mais parece um tatro amador, algumas vezes), se não fosse o talento do elenco em conferir dramaticidade e peso às falas, isso aqui seria ainda pior, mas não salva a bomba que é.

'The Return' takes an unusually intimate approach to Homer's epic. It works when Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche do their magic together, but it falters throughout the rest of the film, also displaying considerable technical shortcomings and veering closer to a more television-like production. Although there is a relatively interesting exploration of the consequences of indulging in violence and guilt, the film often digresses. We'll have to wait and see what Nolan does next with the same material.

A raw depiction of Odysseus's return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. It will appear spartan and move too glacially for most, however I enjoyed it as an avid reader of historical fiction and a fan of The Odyssey. Kudos to the filmmakers for giving it a shot (through the proverbial axe-hole).

Unfortunately, this film is as bland as it's title. DRAMATIC - SLOW - FLAT - LIMITED The Return picks up the story of Odysseus at his lowest point: washed up on the shores of his island home Island, near death. One would think this is a great place to start a character arc... but it doesn't really go anywhere from there. Even with a stellar actor at its helm, The Return suffers from a snails pace and lack of excitement. Not every moment has to be Hollywood's high speed standard, but the story should have some ups and downs (Twisters is an excellent example of this). The Return flatlines, with little variation. Going in blind, I was expecting a bit more epic scale to this story of Odysseus. It didn't have to live up to those expectations, but its energy was fairly even all the way through. A different score and more dynamic cinematography would have helped introduce some levels and liveliness. The script is the real issue here - elusive with details and lacking character development. Odysseus is FLAT until the very end, rising from his stupor to give the thugs of Ithaca a bloodbath. Antinous was a far more interesting character as the antagonist than Odysseus himself. Fienne's acting felt limited by these character constraints in the script. From a production design perspective, they were on the right track. This film had the right style to fit the time period (except - what was that German guy doing there?!), but again it needed to be more epic. There were not enough inhabitants of the island for me to believe that he is a king. We needed to see more people then just a small village. Overall, The Return is not very dynamic. No doubt the cast gave it their all in each performance, but the story wasn't quite there to bring it all together.

The Return is a rather dull film up until the part where Odysseus confronts the suitors. However, the confrontation sequence manages to redeem the film. Unfortunately, when the story strays from its mythological elements, it feels quite awkward and out of place.

I want to like it but it's too damn slow. Re-edit the movie to move the story along. Better explain the island's situation. Tell the story better. Don't put people to sleep.

This mythological tale begins 20 years after Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) left Ithaca to conquer Troy. Back home, his wife (Juliette Binoche) waits for his return, while numerous suitors (many of them with gym bods) threaten the island's security and future. This is an intense story told with gravatas, which also translates to SLOW! The tedious pacing makes it feel like the film is running in slow motion. On the positive side, there are lovely locations captured by Marius Pamduru's beautiful cinematography. As expected, the performances of Fiennes and Binoche are subdued, yet powerful. Director Uberto Pasolini has created some compelling moments, but his allowance for such a dreadful pace keeps the story from being as effective as it could have been.