CIVIL WAR

Civil War is a product of the Jan 6 United States Capitol attacks which reflected polarization and divisiveness in American politics. In that context, Civil War takes these ideas of totalitarianism, and divisiveness and takes them to their logical conclusion with bitter cynicism, meditating on a world shattered by its own worst impulses.

Its apolitical stance might come across as a copout and disappointing to certain people but it still speaks to nuances of war and violence and exploring the human condition to suffering. There's character-driven drama with inherent traits and growths(especially Spaeny's character). Its road movie structure comments on the nature of war and discrimination left in the wake of such deep-seated trauma.

The nuanced acting with a mixture of restrained yet intense emotions provides nuance and depth to these characters accentuating the stakes. There's motivated exposition, relatable levity, and setup/payoff. Hence Civil War is a unified front of spectacle and drama.

Civil War conveys synergized tones, and tension on a grand scale. The war-torn imagery conveys lighting, framing, focus, and angles. Its editing propels momentum, montages, inserts, and flashbacks. The restrained sound uses combat, silence, and smash cuts. The music is moody, restrained, haunting, and diegetic.

The production design is dystopian, apocalyptic world-building, lived-in, and realistic. The cast combines talent, recognizability, rising fame, and diversity. The effects add CGI, blood, and makeup for the visceral action. Overall Civil War is a timely cautionary tale and skillful.

Writing:9/10

Direction:10/10

Cinematography:9/10

Acting:10/10

Editing:9/10

Sound:8/10

Score:7/10

Prod design:8/10

Casting:8/10

Effects:8/10

Overall Score:8.6/10