The Sea of Trees (2015) Reviews

• Give it a Chance

  jbarber-355182016-09-13

  This was a very good movie. Yes, it starts slow but if you have the patience to watch until the very end you will find the writer and director did a wonderful job at tying everything up together. It shouldn't have been booed, as it was a heart warming story that had excellent acting. This movie deserves an opportunity at redemption in the world of movie downloads, and cable movies. So sad to see it destroyed by critics without having been given a chance. This is not a movie that I would watch over and over, but it is a very good one time watch. The use of flashbacks may be a turnoff for some as it drags out the movie a little longer than some may be comfortable with. The filming was different but captured the essence of the film, emotions and desperation. Trust me, do yourself a favor and give it a view on a weekend when you are bored... so no loss in the event you agree with the film festival crowd and critics.

• Don't let others influence you to not watch this movie

  esteemdancers-12016-08-27

  I don't understand why this movie was booed at the Cannes Film Festival. This is a beautiful story. It is a story in which we learn so many lessons about life's most difficult moments and how one can find the courage to survive. Excellent acting and beautiful script. The cinematography is beautiful. An American man, Arthur Brennan, played by Matthew McConaughey travels to the "Suicide Forest" (Aokigahara forest) to kill himself at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, the site of numerous suicides. There he encounters a Japanese man, Takumi Nakamura, played by Ken Watanabe, who wants to kill himself as well, and both men begin a journey of self- reflection and survival. But more than the suicide theme, there is the story of Arthur Brennan and his relationship with his wife, Joan, played by Naomi Watts, which is told to the viewer with a series of flashbacks. The core problems that exist in so many marriages are brought to the surface and examined during the unfolding of the story. It is a stark reminder of how easily we sometimes let love and relationships deteriorate when we don't have to. Thinking we will one day have time to fix the problem. Beautiful story and excellent acting from all. I loved this film.

• Ignore the critics. This film is worth the watch!

  julian-640-5440582016-08-27

  OK, so the critics panned this film as boring and lack luster with some very harsh comments, but my curiosity was sparked by the unusual plot so I gave it a go. Ten minutes into the film, I was near ready to give up on it and agree with it detractors, as it was very slow moving at the start, however, as the story developed I became interested in the 'why' and committed myself to discover the answers. Matthew McConaughey offers a very good performance as does Ken Watanabe, both of whom demonstrate their desperation, frustration and hopefulness with convincing commitment. Naomi Watts completes the group of well matched, well directed talent. I found the cinematography to be excellent as well. I did figure out the plot twist before it was revealed, but the way the director exposed it, I thought, was quite brilliant, and, just when I thought the film was over, we are presented with still another surprise that actually made me smile. All and all, Sea of Trees delivered as both entertainment and a moral study from which every observer can benefit. I enjoyed it, and, given a chance, I think most views will as well.

• Near perfect pacing, writing & acting lead to a great movie. One you have to be in the mood for & be emotionally ready to handle

  cosmo_tiger2016-10-17

  "I don't want to die, I just didn't want to live." Arthur Brennan (McConaughey) is tired of his life and is just flailing and decides he only has one option. He flies to Japan in order to visit the mysterious Aokigahara forest to end it all. When he begins to carry out his plan he notices Takumi (Watanabe) who has changed his mind about suicide and is trying to find his way out. Arthur decides to help him escape, and along the way the two begin to discuss their lives, and find reasons for living. This is a good movie but one you must be in the mood for. This is not super depressing, but its not a very happy movie either. The acting is great, as would be expected, and that really carries the movie. Little by little you find out more and more about Arthur's story and why he is in the position he is. The pacing and writing of the movie is near perfect and the acting only adds to the emotion needed for a film like this. There was a movie called The Forest that came out a few months ago that dealt with this area as well, I liked that one better but the movies are just so different its almost hard to compare the two. Overall, near perfect pacing, writing and acting lead to a great movie. That said, it is one you have to be in the mood for and be emotionally ready to handle. Since the re-watchablity (for me at least) isn't there, I give this a B+.

• Don't let unjustified bad reviews stop you from seeing this film

  mojomoc2016-09-02

  This film was truly well done, all three main characters were real. Regret, guilt, love buried in a challenging relationship. A soul journey that couldn't have been told any better. Matthew McC. had me in tears which really only rarely happens. He got me all through. The film led you step by step towards the whole, you could follow each revelation, lesson of Arthur's journey as if you were with him, there. An atypical Gus Van Sant Film sure. BUT he was able to capture the fine in between the lines way of the Japanese culture which talks in symbols more than direct expression, in a beautiful and still GVS-creepy surprising different way. Go see it if you had regret in your life, you won't regret it ;-)