and it became the youngest Academy Award nominee for her marvelous performance here. Thumbs up for Quvenzhané Wallis in Benh Zeitlin's first feature film. This was one of the big winners once the nominations were announced. Apart from Wallis and a screenplay nod, the film also managed to get in for Best Picture and Zeitlin as director over notable competition from Bigelow, Nolan, Affleck and Hooper. To me the film almost felt like a documentary about the little girl's life and interactions with people, mostly her father, played competently by Dwight Henry. Maybe this was also as Hushpuppy did not speak much in the film itself, but narrated it. These people are maybe the most interesting thing about the film. They have their very own mentality, unique ways of life and survival constantly battling dangerous water. The early firework scene with Hushpuppy running is one of the most memorable shots.
Another thing I found interesting was the way how these people interacted with nature, with water of course, but also with plants and animals. The film's audio effects are nothing short of great from start to finish: ringing bells, sparkling fire, wild water and many more. As I witnessed a flood not too long ago, this film also had a bit of a different impact than the first time I watched it. The relationship between Hushpuppy and her father is pretty memorable. Even if he is rough, slaps her at one point (well, she burnt down the house) and scares her at another, he is a loving father who only wants the best for his daughter. He is very rough, but also very caring. I remember one scene where he tells her that she will be the king of the Bathtub one day. Pay attention how he does not say queen. He really isn't about her being a playful little girl, but more a practical human being. Her hair fits that characterization nicely too. When they are at the hospital later on, she looks like a girl, but obviously she won't act like one.
After the introduction to Hushpuppy's world, the film is basically all about the fights of the people. But at the same time, it is also about how the strength of their community helps them to cope with these issues. One fight is against the water. One is against those who want them to go away. And the last one is against sickness. And even if this one is lost, the ending is very hopeful and uplifting after the truly sad farewell scene thanks to Hushpuppy's final words and the music when the closing credits roll in. It's also interesting that there is really no bad people in this movie, only people who act like they are supposed to or in order to have what (they think) is best for them, even the hospital employees who mostly want to help, even if the group around Hushpuppy doesn't really see it and refuses their help, especially Hushpuppy's dad. I also really liked the song that played when little Hushpuppy was dancing with the waitress. The lyrics fit their dialog perfectly.
"Beasts of the Sounthern Wild" is a good film with more strengths than weaknesses and lots of interesting metaphors (the auroxen in particular) and I recommend watching it.
Another thing I found interesting was the way how these people interacted with nature, with water of course, but also with plants and animals. The film's audio effects are nothing short of great from start to finish: ringing bells, sparkling fire, wild water and many more. As I witnessed a flood not too long ago, this film also had a bit of a different impact than the first time I watched it. The relationship between Hushpuppy and her father is pretty memorable. Even if he is rough, slaps her at one point (well, she burnt down the house) and scares her at another, he is a loving father who only wants the best for his daughter. He is very rough, but also very caring. I remember one scene where he tells her that she will be the king of the Bathtub one day. Pay attention how he does not say queen. He really isn't about her being a playful little girl, but more a practical human being. Her hair fits that characterization nicely too. When they are at the hospital later on, she looks like a girl, but obviously she won't act like one.
After the introduction to Hushpuppy's world, the film is basically all about the fights of the people. But at the same time, it is also about how the strength of their community helps them to cope with these issues. One fight is against the water. One is against those who want them to go away. And the last one is against sickness. And even if this one is lost, the ending is very hopeful and uplifting after the truly sad farewell scene thanks to Hushpuppy's final words and the music when the closing credits roll in. It's also interesting that there is really no bad people in this movie, only people who act like they are supposed to or in order to have what (they think) is best for them, even the hospital employees who mostly want to help, even if the group around Hushpuppy doesn't really see it and refuses their help, especially Hushpuppy's dad. I also really liked the song that played when little Hushpuppy was dancing with the waitress. The lyrics fit their dialog perfectly.
"Beasts of the Sounthern Wild" is a good film with more strengths than weaknesses and lots of interesting metaphors (the auroxen in particular) and I recommend watching it.