My First Review – 12 Monkeys

Plot

Twelve Monkeys opens in a post-apocalyptic world, where a deadly virus has wiped out the majority of the human race, leaving the rest to live underground with only animals roaming the surface. It goes on to follow James Cole (Bruce Willis) back in time to find the original virus in order to allow humanity to find a cure and repopulate the surface. On going back in time Cole is seen as mentally unstable and is admitted into a hospital for the mentally ill, where he meets Jeffery Goines (Brad Pitt), who later turns out to be the leader of ‘The Secret Army of the Twelve Monkeys,’ the group suspected of releasing the virus.

Review – * * * * *

From the moment Twelve Monkeys opens, you will be instantly intrigued by this original and very intelligent plot, in which Willis offers a fantastic performance in creating a believable, three-dimensional character. From the word go the plot is shrouded in mystery. What caused the virus, who are ‘The Army of The Twelve Monkeys,’ and why is Cole forced to go to the surface? It soon becomes apparent that Cole has been chosen because of his good ‘observational skills.’ He is tasked with finding the original virus in an attempt to save humanity, but gets sent too far back and is accused of having a mental illness. He is then forced to travel through time until he reaches 1997 when the virus was actually released. Cole’s lack of control in his fate is part of what makes him such a tragic character that the audience can easily empathize with. Willis performs the role perfectly, portraying the determination, exhaustion, rage, fear and desperation of Cole so convincingly that it is impossible not to empathize with him. Madeleine Stowe also offers a great supporting performance as Cole’s skeptical but caring psychiatrist.

The beautifully crafted script allows the cast to shine while maintaining focus at all points, never losing grip on the complex nature of the time-bending plot. Terry Gilliam manages to get the point of the difficult story across without ever descending into the realm of nonsense and confusion. This is a great achievement for a film whose focus is on traveling through time to alter the past.

The dramatic and emotional resolution is one to be remembered for years to come, and although tragic, leaves the audience with a great sense of hope. The emotion that this film leaves behind very much resembles The Shawshank Redemption, in that despite all the pain and torture endured throughout the duration of the story, there is hope and comfort in the knowledge that everything achieved will not be wasted. Cole achieved his goals and will be seen as a hero.

In a Nutshell

Twelve Monkeys is an original and thought provoking movie, with an incredibly intelligent story; beautifully written and equally well acted. Definitely one to pick up if you didn’t catch it in its earlier life cycle. 5 Stars.

* * * * *

Tags: Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, cinema, dvd, movies, review, Twelve Monkeys