5. Manchester by the Sea

I'll start with my honest reaction of what I thought Manchester by the Sea was... I received an email from Cineworld inviting me to an advanced screening for the film, and I hadn't seen much advertising for it (I don't watch telly, and generally walk around without managing to pay attention to anything). Due to this, I assumed it was a one off documentary about my surrounding areas, probably touching on the canals, as a play on words with the 'sea'. However, a week later I realised that I was very incorrect and in fact it was a film up for award after award... whoops. I then saw the trailer when I was at the cinema, and kicked myself that I had ignored my advanced screening invitation.

There's a reason why this film has so many nominations, it is so captivating, and the way the story unfolds really keeps your attention, alongside breaking your heart (I cried 3 times). The story is based around Lee (Casey Affleck) and his new-found guardianship of Patrick (Lucas Hedges). The plot follows the past and present relationships of the characters, and as the story unfolds, we learn about their impact on the current situation. The scenes between Michelle Williams and Affleck were devastatingly tragic, and I really felt the emotion between the characters. I really enjoyed the way you view Lee in the film, and how that changes and/or heightens as we learn more about him. Hedges is also brilliant in this film, and I think he really embodies teenager resilience and grief, as well as adding humour to the film - it's not all doom and gloom.

I normally add in comparisons of different films in my reviews, but I can't think of anything this particularly is like. This could be a tribute to the innovation of the plot and acting, or just the fact that I have seen very few films. I liked the way the story switches between the past and the present, and keeps you waiting to find out key bits of information. I found both the main, and sub-plots really enthralling, despite their devastating nature.

I also thought the cinematography and soundtrack really delivered in this film, to add to the emotion and the viewers experience (not that I know anything about either of these things!). The music added to the sentiment of the plot, and again, helped you to empathise with the characters.

I will be expecting a number of Oscar nominations for this film, it really was so brilliant. If you want to have a little weep, I would definitely recommend this film! As I mentioned before, there are pockets of humour and I think this really helped to bring it to life. For the emotion, the acting and the plot, I give this film a 9.5/10 - a must watch !