Director – David Gordon Green
Starring – Jake Gyllenhaal; Tatiana Maslany; Miranda Richardson.
Running Time – 119 minutes (1 hour 59 minutes)
★★★★★
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Based on the inspiring true story, Stronger follows Jeff Bauman (Gyllenhaal), an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and world becoming the symbol of hope following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. After losing both his legs in the attack, Jeff tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of his ex-girlfriend Erin (Maslany) and family. It’s Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that test’s a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inner courage to overcome devastating adversity.
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For the second time this year we've got a film centred on the Boston marathon bombings with Patriots Day centred on the police investigation and manhunt and in Stronger it focuses on the human struggle.
Stronger centres on the incredible performances of Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany and Miranda Richardson.
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Gyllenhaal was a tour de force (first and last time I'm ever saying that) highlighting the personal struggles many of the people experienced after the bombings but I think Jeff had a harder time being the face of "Boston Strong" and you can see the pain in his face whenever that word was said and doesn't want the attention.
The film always doesn't shy away from showing Jeff was a bit of a prick at times and you do want to shake him whilst always urging him on to walk again.
The film also highlights the struggle the partners go through as they centre their lives around their injured spouses. Maslany was able to match Gyllenhaal and their chemistry was unbelievable.
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The film itself was incredibly emotional, compelling and the injection of humour helped a lot and David Gordon Green did a brilliant job with the direction.
The fact they do show the flaws and raw emotional struggles makes you invested even more in these characters.
This award season could see Gyllenhaal nominated for every Best Actor and could win the Oscar and the same goes for Maslany in the Best Actress and Richardson in the Best Supporting Actress categories. The film itself will be nominated and maybe one (or two) director nods for Gordon Green.
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This would be a hard, but superb double bill with Patriots Day but maybe give a few hours between viewings.
Verdict
Powerhouse performances from Gyllenhaal and Maslany in this emotional, personal story.
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