Enchanting blend of steampunk and dystopia
IAM never really a fan of the dystopian genre because it always paints a picture that is undesirable and kind of frightening. It bothers me that these films always portray the future in a negative way. Does it always have to be like that? Why are people always unhappy in the future?
I had my doubts with Mortal Engines but I went along with it anyway. After all, the film, directed by Christian Rivers, did receive quite a bit of hype.
The beginning is a little slow. I recall thinking how weird the setting is. But I soon realise it must be a big-budget film, given its remarkable visuals.
The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world where London is now a “carnivorous” city on wheels which drives across barren landscapes.
It hunts for smaller cities and devours them to gain resources for survival and to fight for total control in a twisted and unforgiving future.
The man behind the wheels is Thaddeus Valentine (played by Hugo Weaving), notably the most powerful man in this London-onwheels.
He seems noble at first, as many admire him. But as the story progresses, it soon becomes apparent that this well-intentioned man is not the gracious individual he claims to be.
This, after a girl by the name of Hester Shaw tries unsuccessfully to assassinate him.
The plot thickens as her attempt is thwarted by a young apprentice historian, Tom Natsworthy (played by Robert Sheehan).
As the story develops, Thaddeus kicks Tom and Hester out of London and into the barren landscape.
This is where their adventure begins, with Hester still adamant on killing Thaddeus.
This is also where Tom learns some hard truths about the actual world that they live in. His previous belief that cities devouring cities equates to civilising them is put to the test.
He has to work with Hester, who is a tough and relentless young woman, no thanks to her dark past which involves dealing with the murder of her beloved parents.
They are both likeable characters but Hester is a little more interesting and mysterious.
I didn’t read the book that the movie is based on so it’s not fair for me to make judgements but I do like the movie’s storyline even though it gets predictable towards the end.
The director does a good job by keeping the action flowing to accompany the straightforward and utilitarian plot.
There are no unnecessary scenes where the heroes go back and forth to try and figure out how to take down the bad guy.
I think the most incredible aspect about the movie is the stunning visuals. Everything is grand from the very beginning.
From the vivid colours to the gripping cinematography, as well as the futuristic period costumes, the retro and modern production designs, it is all really elaborate, fancy and exciting.
The ideas are imaginative and incorporate many different concepts. Some may find it a hodge podge of contrasting ideas but if you let your imagination take reign, it will be an enjoyable experience.
Somehow, the film also manages to sneak in a reference to the Minions as one of the United States’ best-kept treasure in the movie world. Some may find that funny, others scary, depending on one’s disposition.
Most of the cast are promising newcomers and they thankfully delivered decent performances.
The story also focuses on Katherine (played by Leila George) who discovers many (not so) good things about her father.
A character named Anna Fang (played by Korean actress Jihae) stands out among the good guys. I liked how she portrays a fearless and skillful resistance leader. She is pretty badass and she makes it look easy beating the bad guys.
She stalks around in a bright red coat wielding a shotgun, looking nonchalant and elegant at the same time. It is hard not to love her charismatic performance.
At the end of the day, this fancy film does not manage to convert me into becoming an instant fan of dystopian films. But I feel that it’s still worth watching.
Fans of the book should give this a go just to see how it measures up to their own expectations.