Train Dreams

I hope that whoever has a high sensitivity will see this movie. I never write reviews, but this movie touched my soul. With hypnotic visuals and a minimalist score, it blends gritty realism and dreamlike fragments. The film's slow-burn tension and raw performances create an intimate portrait of fragile hope.

I haven't read the book. Thank goodness because by the sounds of the other reviews I might be disappointed.

But honestly I'm not sure how you could be with a movie like this. It is real and deep and so so sad but in such a wonderful and human way.

Memories of hugely inspiring books and movies from my youth such as "on the black hill" by Bruce Chatwin or "into the wild" the story of Chris Mcandless come flooding back as we follow simple woodsman Robert as he strangely appears in the world and navigates life, death, friendship and loss and generally wonders what the hell is it all about?

It is a beautifully woven film full of intense colours and shades of the natural world, you can feel the warmth of the fire, the glow of the sunset and the crisp notes of the snow. Incredible camerawork make every scene a visual experience.

The cast are equally good. Joel Edgerton has long been a favorite of mine since his directorial debut "the gift" and he just gets better and better. Wonderful to see william H Macy in such a perfect role too.

I know sad movies are not for everyone and to be honest they are a bit of a time and place for me too. But this was the time and the place and it encapsulated how I was feeling and helped me get a view on that by making me realise that I am not alone in being alone.

We all have our moments of loneliness and loss and sorrow. It is the one thing that makes us all equal as humans. We all have to deal with it sooner or later and no one's pain is greater or more important than any others. It is the true leveller of people in this world.

Robert doesn't understand this or pretend to he just lives this. He embodies this ideology quietly and stoically. He goes about his business and stays out of people's way as much as he can trying to make life work and aware of how risky it all is..He is a good man but he is lost emotionally and is trying to find his way through the world.

I loved it. I don't care if no one else loves it. It touches a very deep nerve with me and for that I am truly thankful for the people who made this film possible. Bravo.

The calmness we deserve in today's pacing cinema. Loved it. We should have more of these. It's a whisper when everything else is shouting. A deep, soulful meditation on simple survival, memory, and the vast, quiet beauty of passing time. This one stays with you. It lingers, a quiet, profound ache of humanity.

Robert's live is gently lived and not without deep tragedy. The film evokes our own memories, little joys and sadnesses, discoveries, losses, and hopes to bring grace to our self reflection. The film is heartbreakingly beautiful. Acting, editing, direction are just right. Looking forward to more performances from Edgerton.

I think all filmmakers should take the medium seriously, but most don't. It's an artform. I'm not saying make an art film, just be mindful. Take it seriously. Do honest work.

This movie isn't for everyone. There's no antagonist/protagonist face off with a satisfying conclusion. It's just a story.

That's all I'm looking for. A life that isn't mine, in a time and place I'll never know, told by someone mindful of the work they are doing.

Every couple of years, someone does this kind of work and I'm thankful for it.