Marine Drive has truly delivered! This being PRUVE's first feature film makes me excited for what more they have in store.
Decided to share a review that taps into all the different aspects of the movie. So here goes.
Audience Compatibility:✅Film Buff ✅Casual Viewer ✅Action/Adventure Fans ✅Artsy/Indie Lovers ⬛Family-Friendly: The movie contains some violence and profanity which might not be suitable for all viewers.
Visuals: ⬛Poor ⬛Basic ⬛Decent ✅Stunning: Marine Drive has truly taken cinematography in Sri Lankan cinema to the next level. All these places in Sri Lanka that they've filmed in, places I've casually frequented in my everyday life, I would have never imagined to be places that would provide such perfect backdrops for some of the best action in this movie ⬛Groundbreaking
Soundtrack / Score: ⬛Forgettable ⬛Serviceable ⬛Good ⬛Memorable ✅Exceptional: The soundtrack takes this story to a whole other level. From keeping me on the edge of my seat to making me shed tears, the music in this movie perfectly glued everything together for a spectacular experience. The end credits deserve special recognition. Thanks to a hauntingly beautiful theme song and imagery that truly speaks to the average Sri Lankan, it was a wonder to see the entire theater glued to the screen while the credits were rolling.
Storyline: ⬛Nonexistent ⬛Weak ⬛Average ✅Engaging: An extremely engaging Story that kept me at the edge of my seat. Everytime I thought 'oh, this bit doesn't make sense' I was soon proven wrong since everything was addressed in due time in the story. The creators didn't leave out ANY details! Plot holes pretty much nonexistent. ⬛Masterpiece
Pacing: ⬛Dragging ⬛Slow ⬛Steady ✅Engaging: Very well paced. The story was continuously engaging. The intensity of the story isn't overshadowed by the humour and all the bits and pieces that tug at your heartstrings just blend perfectly into the movie. ⬛Fast-Paced
Complexity: ⬛ Very Simple ⬛ Easy to Follow ⬛ Moderate Depth ✅Intricate: The story contains several details with some well needed complexity that truly provides the experience that the story and the message from the movie deserves. ✅Requires Multiple Viewings: The story with its twists and turns is fully enjoyable the first time itself. But re-watching will help you catch some of the minute details that the creators have added into the story, that you may have missed the first time.
Performances / Acting: ⬛Amateur ⬛Decent ⬛Good ⬛Excellent ✅Award-Worthy: The entire theater went through a major emotional roller coaster thanks to the exceptional performances by the entire cast. You get attached to the characters. And if you're Sri Lankan, you get attached to their causes. The cast puts out their best performances and you're left with a much needed heartache and awakening.
Length: ⬛Very Short (<90 minutes) ✅Short (90-110 minutes) ⬛Standard (110-130 minutes) ⬛Long (130-150 minutes) ⬛Very Long (150+ minutes)
Rewatchability: ⬛One and Done ✅Worth a Rewatch: The movie contains many twists and turns. To catch all the minute details the creators put into the story, it'll be worth a rewatch. ⬛Rewatch Often. ⬛Endless Enjoyment
Overall Value: ⬛Only for Die-Hard Fans ⬛Wait for Streaming / VOD ✅Worth a Theater Visit: Watching this movie in a theater will allow you to experience all its action, the cast's performances and the amazing soundtrack in all their glory ✅Watch ASAP (highly recommended) ✅A Must-Own Classic: This movie is a whole new step in Sri Lankan cinema. PRUVE seems to be on the path to do many great things in the future. I believe they're capable of creating things for audiences around the world. Owning a copy of their first feature film (if and when it's out) will surely reserve some bragging rights.
Finally, I cannot say this enough, Marine Drive is a must watch!
