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The Revenant: Oscar-worthy brutal yet touching story of survival

Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) standing among the frozen American wilderness during a scene from The Revenant

Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Wed, February 3, 2016

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The Revenant: Oscar-worthy brutal yet touching story of survival Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) standing among the frozen American wilderness during a scene from The Revenant. Inspired by true events, The Revenant tells the survival story of American frontiersman Hugh Glass during an expedition into the American wilderness, in which he is attacked by a bear and later seeks revenge after being betrayed by one of his hunting team members, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). (Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox) (Leonardo DiCaprio) standing among the frozen American wilderness during a scene from The Revenant. Inspired by true events, The Revenant tells the survival story of American frontiersman Hugh Glass during an expedition into the American wilderness, in which he is attacked by a bear and later seeks revenge after being betrayed by one of his hunting team members, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). (Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

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span class="inline inline-center">Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) standing among the frozen American wilderness during a scene from The Revenant. Inspired by true events, The Revenant tells the survival story of American frontiersman Hugh Glass during an expedition into the American wilderness, in which he is attacked by a bear and later seeks revenge after being betrayed by one of his hunting team members, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). (Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

Leonardo DiCaprio has already collected two trophies for this movie, one Golden Globe and another from the Screen Actors Guild. But, one question remains, will he finally bring home an Oscar?

Inspired by true events, The Revenant tells the survival story of American frontiersman Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) during an expedition in the American wilderness, in which he is attacked by a bear and later seeks revenge after being betrayed by one of his hunting team members, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy).

Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who won three Oscars for Birdman only last year, presents brutal scenes from the very beginning of the movie: people getting shot by arrows, the skinning of beavers, and the bear attack. But the most talked about scene is arguably that where Glass strips naked and climbs inside a horse carcass to maximize his chance of survival after being left for dead by his team members.

Fortunately, cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's sleek technique is able to intensify the harsh 'reality' in detail: from the close-up of the bear's saliva dripping, its foggy breath as seen through the lens, and the bloody encounter between animal and man.

Much as in a high-quality wildlife documentary, the landscape scenes are beautiful: from the green forest and cold rivers to the icy mountains.

Composers Ryuichi Sakamoto, Carsten "Alva Noto" Nicolai and Bryce Dessner should also be applauded for the harmonious film score that correctly matches the main characters' struggles: from fear of death, to sense of danger and spiritual journey.

Glass' relationship with his son, Hawk (Forrest Goodluck), seems like tough love at the beginning, but then gradually builds into a touching connection as Hawk refuses to leave his battered father and, for Glass, his son is his reason to live.

As Glass is badly injured in the neck, he is left with no voice thus is silent most of the time or simply grunting yet DiCaprio is able to portray strong expressions through his eyes and mouth.

Hardy as the bad guy Fitzgerald also offers a convincing role in keeping the hatred alive throughout the movie. Whenever he throws out dark humor, the thought "this man is crazy" crosses one's mind every time.

All in all, the movie is well made and very entertaining and DiCaprio may indeed bring home an Oscar this time around. (kes)(+)

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