Hugo (Martin Scorsese, 2011): USA

Reviewed by Sofia Nagel. Viewed on DVD.

Hugo19

It’s difficult to think of a more romantic and bewitching setting for a film than magical Paris in the 1930s. From the awe-inspiring scenery to the luscious flowers being sold by vendors, this truly is an enchanting film. In this imaginative film, a peculiar young boy with very blue eyes, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), resides in the walls of a train station. From his beloved and brilliant father, he has learned to operate machinery and has inherited the responsibility to keep the train station clocks running. Hugo shares the tale of a brave young boy whose only remnant of his father is an automaton that he is constantly trying to fix. He believes that his father has left him a message in this strange mechanical man yet to uncover this message, he must find the special heart-shaped key that is missing. Being the only connection he has to his father, finding the key becomes his mission. While on his journey, Hugo never fails to meet fellow, fascinating characters. Among the people that will assist Hugo include Ben Kingsley’s character George Melies, a shopkeeper who has a secret of his own and his beautiful young, god-daughter, Isabelle (Chloe Grace Mortez). Isabelle, an adorable and feisty avid-reader, who is always quoting literary geniuses, such as Christina Georgina Rossetti, will be with Hugo all of the way, making him believe again in the goodness of people. Sasha Baron Cohan also gives a noteworthy performance as the trouble-seeking, persistent Station Inspector. Robert Richardson, the director of photography for Hugo, does a superb job. The vivid colors help bring the film the life. Hugo reminds one of what it was like to be a child and to have hope resurrected. One recalls what it feels like to be awed at this beautiful world and to be full of wonder. If any readers have ever wanted to go into the film industry, Hugo will remind you why you wanted to in the first place. Martin Scorsese beautifully illustrates the magic of film and how that will never cease to be.

 

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Published:
07.11.13 / 1pm
Category:
DVD, Films