BOM: In our own world, we debate the ethics of stem cell research and endlessly argue over what should become of unwanted human embryos. In the universe of Never Let Me Go, Mark Romanek's adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's Booker Prize-nominated novel, society has moved past that to a world that unapologetically regards some humans as something less than others. For three young people (three points of a lifelong romantic triangle), that attitude has shattering implications. Screening at the Toronto International Film Festival just ahead of its US release, the drama boasts a stellar cast, exquisite performances and a tense atmosphere.
Ruth (Keira Knightly – Love Actually), Kathy (Carey Mulligan – An Education) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield – The Social Network) have been brought up in an idyllic English boarding school deep in the country and have had very little experience of the outside world. As they mature they deal with strong emotional feelings towards one another that complicate their friendship. Kathy has always loved Tommy but Ruth saw him first. As they grow older a stark and bleak future looks to be laid out in front of them as they learn of their true purpose in life.
David Weaver from Home And Theater writes: Director Mark Romanek's film based off the novel by author Kazuo Ishiguro is not a very uplifting feature, but don't let that deter you. While it may start out with a somewhat optimistic look at the lives of three particular friends (whom we follow from the 1970's up into the 1990's), that optimism slowly turns to bitter realism as they and us begin to understand what the future truly holds for them. The strange sensation I got while watching the film though was one of a celebration of life. Even when things don't go the way we think they should (as life often does) there is always a sense of things turning out OK in the end. Never Let Me Go is an odd film in that it filled me with a deep feeling of melancholy while also impressing upon me that no matter how bleak things can get that we should never give up on our hopes and dreams.
Andrew Garfield is in this? I have the film and did not know that. Makes it a must watch for me after seeing him in Social Network.
I love this though lol "Neutral: Keira Knightly" that's how I usually feel.
David Weaver from Home & Theater writes: This weeks episode is unbelievable. I start things off with showing some love for the unarguably fantastic "Never Let Me Go" and how it depicts the life of a clone destined to be a human organ donor. The unclassifiable Miguel talks about "The Runaways" and how great it is to see Dakota Fanning mature into a full blown adult actress. Finally we see if "Unstoppable" is as undeniably great as everyone seems to think it is. Here's a hint, we thought it was an unforgivable disaster. This weeks music is from the unquestionably impressive "The Runaways" & "Never Let Me Go" motion picture soundtracks.
