The Return

This screen adaption of the Odyssey - or rather just the part of it - is a modern take and is rather good.

Both Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche are excellent, as is to be expected, and they are supported by a good cast. Charlie Plummer, in the role of Odysseus and Penelope's son, is equally good.

What stands out most from this short and low budget film is how good it is: Fiennes portrays Odysseus with PTSD with utter believability, and it makes you wonder (though you already know) what really happened to his men after the war.

The fights are also well choreographed, without many of the quick edits that hide an actor's lack of skill. In fact, Fiennes is so fit that that even the edited actions (with the bow) are believable. I wouldn't be surprised if he really did learn how to use it.

Even if you've never read the Iliad or the Odyssey, watching this movie might pique your interest in these classics.

One of the great works of Western Literature, Homer's THE ODYSSEY has been told on film many times in many ways. It tells the story of Odysseus's attempt to get back home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. He is beset with obstacles from the beginning in the form of monsters, a sorceress, sirens, lotus eaters, cannibals, etc. The previous versions of this story have focused on the spectacular and sensational elements, most notably 1954's ULYSSES starring Kirk Douglas. (For that film Odysseus was rechristened Ulysses for some unknown reason.) This version is different in that it focuses on the human elements of the story when Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca after 10 hard-fought years, only to find his kingdom in severe decline and his wife at the mercy of hoodlum men trying to marry her to get her money and the kingdom because everyone thinks Odysseus is dead. They are threatening to take her and Ithaca by force if she does not choose one of them for a husband. After 10 years, Odysseus is unrecognizable and needs to assess the situation before planning his strategy to get rid of these vile men who are bleeding his land, and to take his rightful place as king. He disguises himself as a tramp until he can reveal himself and take action.

This is not a film laden with CGI special effects and aimed at teenage boys; it is aimed at intelligent adults with adult emotions and rationality. The literate script by the late Edward Bond, John Collee, and Uberto Pasolini is a joy to hear, especially when spoken by first-rate actors. But a great deal of the film has no dialogue at all. The actors do a lot with "sub-text," especially the brilliant Juliette Binoche as Penelope. She gives a fine, complex performance. Ralph Fiennes gives the best performance I've seen him give to date. Mr. Pasolini is also the director of the film and he does a fine job of keeping it focused and suspenseful. Cinematography is by Marius Panduru, who is aided wonderfully by the gorgeous locales on the island of Corfu. Effective and unintrusive musical score is by Oscar winner Rachel Portman.

In case such things bother you, I will warn you that the film has a lot of blood and violence, and some nudity (including a lengthy full Monty by Mr. Fiennes fairly early in the film).

I'm so grateful to the producers for having the courage to make a film aimed at intelligent adults. I hope it gets enough audience support to encourage others to do the same.

This is one of those great epic stories that could have been a fantastic film instead of this terrible script and horrible directing.

Luckily the island of Corfu keeps you enjoying the beautiful scenery so go in with low expectations and remember it's been 20 years since Ralph Fiennes disappeared from the island.

The only reason to watch it is Ralph Fiennes who puts a phenomenal effort into building his body to look like a real warrior and he still has the A star acting chops.

Juliette Binoche does her best yet her costumes are pathetic and look like a Flash Gordon costume and the make up artist makes her look like she is in a play rather than a film.

The supporting cast is a terrible mistake of mostly b level clowns that have either bad English modern accents or 20 something gen x that are way too clean and boring to live in a supposed Greek world.

The son played by Plummer is a decent actor yet comes across as an imbecile except in the 3rd act suddenly out of the blue the director turns the father/ son team into a Tarantino Caligula kill fest that is almost laughable.

Spoiler The funniest part is the kill area is cleaned of all blood including the pathetic son - but mysteriously somehow Fiennes remains all bloody and stays in character. It is so disjointed that it makes the scene feel mostly like a comedic play.

The director unfortunately creates a b movie with 2 stellar actors and the Greek village looks like a student film with a motley crew of extras that appear to be from some North African country rather than local Greeks.

It almost appears that the DEI office in hollyweird stipulated that half the crew must be from outside of Greece.

At least the movie Troy got the casting right but this one is a joke so enjoy the comedy show esp the blonde actor with a crew cut. And almost all of the actors look like they play video games and never once lived outside in the Sun or lifted a sword contrasted with Ealph Fiennes that looks like he was cast in a completely different movie.

The slow pace is not worth the wait even with Ralph Fiennes brilliant acting and the only saving grace is that you get to watch him shoot arrows into these pathetic lame actors.

The Return deserves a better script, casting and director and it's a shame to see Ralph Fiennes talent wasted - but he deserves an Oscar nomination for his efforts.

5 stars for Ralph Fiennes.

The Odyssey has been adapted many times, often focusing on the fantasy and adventure elements of Odysseus' journey. This is not one of those. Starting off when Odysseus lands home on his native island kingdom, the film deals with Odysseus' inner journey of wrestling with his guilt, anxiety, PTSD, and longing to reconnect with his family after being away for 20 years. Fiennes and Binoche are superb individually and enthralling when together on the screen. Watch for their eyes, so much is said with them alone. Don't believe the low ratings, this is a fine adaptation of the deeper and human parts of The Odyssey. Not for those expecting a fast action flick.

"The Return" offered a deeply human perspective on the timeless tale of Odysseus, blending the epic grandeur of Greek mythology with a raw, emotional core.

This 2024 adaptation breathed new life into Homer's Iliad, focusing on one of its most iconic narratives-Odysseus' long-awaited return to Ithaca following the Trojan War.

What set this film apart was its decision to strip away the traditional heroism that's often associated with Odysseus. Instead, I saw a man burdened by guilt, exhaustion, and the scars of war-more flawed and vulnerable than the larger-than-life figure of legend.

This Odysseus was not the triumphant warrior of old but a soul-weary traveller grappling with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future.

The story unfolded against a backdrop of simmering tension in Ithaca. Penelope, Odysseus' wife, was trapped in a precarious position, besieged by suitors vying for her hand and the throne.

Her portrayal as a "prisoner of peace" added layers of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the struggles of a woman navigating a world dominated by men.

Meanwhile, their son Telemachus faced his own danger caught in the island's web of political peril-a nod to the brutal logic of ancient Greek storytelling, which has since resonated across cultures and time.

The film's emotional depth was elevated by its stellar cast. Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reunited on screen and delivered powerhouse performances as Odysseus and Penelope (resp.).

Their realistic chemistry captured the fraught dynamic of a couple separated by decades of war and longing.

The love they once shared had faded, replaced by misunderstanding and resentment, but their journey of reconnection felt achingly real.

Fiennes embodied Odysseus' internal conflict with quiet intensity, while Binoche brought a steely resilience to Penelope, making their scenes together quite compelling.

"The Return" was not a film driven by action or spectacle. It was a slow-burn character study, rich in atmosphere and emotion.

The pacing felt deliberate, but it served the story well, allowing me to empathise with the characters' struggles.

The tension built steadily, culminating in a climactic finale that delivered both emotional and narrative payoff.

What made "The Return" truly remarkable was its ability to feel both ancient and modern. While it stayed true to the spirit of the original epic, it also explored themes of trauma, identity, and redemption that will resonate with contemporary viewers.

Watching this movie felt like peering through a time-travel window, and the emotions the script evoked felt timeless. Instead of serving the role of a flashy blockbuster, "The Return" stood out as a poignant and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

The film continues to linger in my mind, a testament to the enduring power of Odysseus' story. If you're looking for a fresh take on a classic tale, this is one ship worth boarding.

--- --- --- Laudable contributions from Charlie Plummer (as Telemachus), Marwan Kenzari (as Antinous), Claudio Santamaria (as Eumaes), Tom Rhys Harries (as Pisander), Amir Wilson (as Philetius), and Jaz Hutchins (as Hippotas).