Film Study

The English Patient

The English Patient is a romantic drama based film directed by Anthony Minghella, who was also the screenwriter. The cast includes, Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas, Willem Dafoe and Colin Firth.

A burn victim, a nurse, a thief, and a sapper find themselves sharing eachothers company during World War II. Through a series of flashbacks, the life of the burn victim from a plane crash, and the story of his passionate love of a woman are revealed. The choices and sacrifices he made for her ultimately changed the life of somebody else living in the villa. This film focuses on the idea, that individuals will go through extreme consequences to get what they so badly want. The dark, sneaky side of the characters were sometimes revealed, and some dealed with incredible regret.

It's hard to believe the characters were only playing a role, from a written script. They displayed each and every emotion spot on. From fear and heartbreak, to the point of anger where you're shaking, to the invincible feeling when in love.The expectations of the actors, and actresses were exceedingly full-filled.

Watching this movie, you would never have guessed it was a movie. Film techniques extremely enhanced the settings through vicious sand storms, rainy scenes, and dangerous battle moment. The place crashes could have not been any closer to reality. The clever shots and angles of the camera was one of the main reasons the film carried so much emotion. The background music was carefully chosen to add to the mood and themes of each scene.

There is no doubt you won't be able to leave the film once you begin to watch, as the film constantly battles between the right and wrong of the human condition. As the story takes place during World War II, the soldiers objective of war is always questioned, as they fight and kill other human beings only to keep peace between humans as well. Humans are capable of the kindest, most noble things, but are also capable of the most horrible acts. The characters continuously lie, cheat, and steal, but still only want love and affection in return. It is guarantied you will deeply relate to this film, while the terrific acting and film techniques evoke emotions from even the individuals with such a tough exterior. Put The English Patient on the top of your to do list, as it is a film that will change your perspective on the people you quickly judge, the people you love with all your heart, and it will even make you question why you to and say the things you do.