Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Raiting: 
7,9 /10
Genre: Comedy
Director: Wes Anderson
Stars: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward and Bruce Willis
Country: United States
Release date: 16 May 2012
Length: 94 minutes
"Moonrise Kingdom" (2012), directed by Wes Anderson, is a whimsical and heartfelt coming-of-age story set on the fictional New England island of New Penzance in 1965. The film follows two twelve-year-olds, Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop, who fall in love and decide to run away together, sparking a local search party that includes various quirky characters.
Sam is an orphan and a Khaki Scout attending a summer camp led by the well-meaning but strict Scout Master Ward. Suzy lives on the island with her lawyer parents, Walt and Laura Bishop, and her three younger brothers. Unhappy with their lives, Sam and Suzy, who met the previous summer and have been pen pals since, make a secret pact to run away together.
When Sam and Suzy's disappearance is discovered, a search party is formed. It includes Scout Master Ward; the local police captain, Sharp; and the Bishops. The Khaki Scouts, initially hostile to Sam, eventually have a change of heart and decide to help him. Meanwhile, Social Services plans to take Sam into custody once he is found, intending to place him in a juvenile refuge and treat him with electroshock therapy.
Sam and Suzy spend several idyllic days together, camping and exploring. They are eventually found and captured, but not before they are unofficially married in a ceremony officiated by a local boy nicknamed the "Bishop of the island." After their capture, a violent storm strikes, causing a flood that destroys the Khaki Scouts' camp.
During the storm, Sam and Suzy attempt to escape again, this time with the help of the Khaki Scouts. They climb to the roof of the church, where they are joined by Sharp. The church steeple is struck by lightning and collapses, but they survive. After the storm, Sharp decides to become Sam's legal guardian, thus saving him from Social Services. The film ends with Sam painting a landscape of their adventure on a small canvas, which is displayed in Suzy's room, symbolizing their enduring bond.
"Moonrise Kingdom" is an ode to young love and the spirit of adventure, imbued with Anderson's signature style, humor, and emotional depth. Its story of rebellion against adult conformity and its celebration of childhood innocence make it a unique and memorable film.
Top cast - Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Trailer - Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
"Moonrise Kingdom", directed by Wes Anderson, is a delightful and visually stunning film that captures the innocence and turmoil of young love. Set against the backdrop of a quaint New England island in the 1960s, the movie is a meticulously crafted tale of two precocious tweens, Sam and Suzy, who rebel against their disillusioned and disengaged adults by running away into the wilderness.
Anderson's signature style is evident in every frame of the film, with its symmetrical compositions, vibrant color palette, and an attention to detail that creates a world that's as idiosyncratic as it is immersive. The director's penchant for the eccentric is balanced by a genuine affection for his characters, making their journey not only visually arresting but also emotionally compelling. The use of music, particularly Benjamin Britten's compositions, further enriches the narrative, adding layers of complexity to the story.
The performances in "Moonrise Kingdom" are exceptional. Newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward bring a combination of earnestness and resolve to their roles as Sam and Suzy, making their characters' determination to be together both believable and endearing. The supporting cast of seasoned actors, including Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Bruce Willis, and Edward Norton, provide a humorous counterpoint to the children's solemnity, each delivering memorable performances that contribute to the film's quirky charm.
What makes "Moonrise Kingdom" particularly special is its ability to evoke nostalgia for the innocence of youth while also acknowledging the complexity of growing up. The film doesn't shy away from the darker elements of its characters' lives, including family dysfunction and social isolation, but it handles these themes with a light touch that's both respectful and poignant. Anderson's film is a celebration of the awkwardness and intensity of first love, and its power to challenge the status quo.
In conclusion, "Moonrise Kingdom" is a cinematic treasure that stands out in Wes Anderson's oeuvre. It's a film that works on many levels, offering a rich visual experience while also telling a sweet and moving story. It's a film that's both a joy to watch and a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of adolescence. With its perfect blend of style and substance, "Moonrise Kingdom" is a film that resonates long after the credits roll.