malakia2966

Sadly the 'source material' in this, as in the Chernobyl series, is 100% based in reality. While this means the base story is very similar, the human spirit and self-sacrifice is what makes these similar though different events/series very easy to watch.

Once the catastropy begins we immediate see Pride as a controlling factor in how the incident is communicated, and in the beginning, even defined or denied...

The acting is spectacular...The sets and cinematography (I thought) we really excellent and perfectly represented what I would imagine was the reality on the ground.

It is always amazing to me, when a director/writer can make me feel the anxiety/stress of the event, even when knowing how the story ends.

I can't help but think that the consequences/impacts of this disaster are still being minimized by prideful, image focused reporting by the Japanese government. I say this because the unfolding of the story, damage to the reactor and magnitude of events were so significant that I am still shocked/surprised by how low the human toll seems to be.

Lastly, and quite selfishly, one of the things I enjoyed more with Chernobyl was the "english speaking Russians", which made for no subtitles. This series is fully subtitled which meant reading all dialogue through all eight episodes. It definitely diminished some of the visual impact of the cinematography as the subtitling was very fast at several spots in the series and require much of my visual focus, but in the opposite way, all that reading may have made if feel like I was watching the actual event vs. The reenactment.

With all of that, I would highly recommend this series. It is a really captivating retelling and was definitely able to hold my entire attention through all episodes.

A lot of the middle rated reviews pin their opinion on the fact that the "core" of the story is taken from Groundhogs-day. While this is true, the more accurate statement is that both movies explore the idea of learning/realizing what's moments are important in life.

If you accept this, then you can appreciate each movie completely differently, much like a musician or artist can interpret and present their "take" on a song or art.

This movie, in my opinion, explores both the naivety of Youth and the complexity of Fear.

The actors, for being young (and unknown to us) really do an excellent job. It was shot really well, continuity was well maintained and the story itself progressed at a very comfortable pace, just when it might have felt like an arc was running long, the movie evolved past it.

The Writer/Producer(s) were able to elicit some laughs, a few moments of introspection and a sense of satisfaction with the conclusion.

Groundhogs-Day is classic, as is Bill Murray, but as I said above, this isn't a remake; and as such, it's definitely a movie that deserves (and earns) your 2hrs.

This movie succeeded in all aspects.

It was well produced, shot and scripted.

And it was very well 'acted'. The ENTIRE cast really gave their all, with powerful and believable performances.

I genuinely enjoyed Woody Harrelson, like no other movie I've seen him in. I would hope, that he understands what an inspiring movie he has been a part of here.

There is obviously going to be some "predictability" when the story line becomes clear so quickly in the movie. But with that, I still would need 2-hands to count the 'goosebump' moments, even though you could see them coming.

This innocent movie articulates, then demonstrates and finally PROVES that winning in Life, rarely requires a trophy.

I watched this randomly one Saturday afternoon, and now feel guilty that I didn't watch it with my Wife and Kids, it's just that GOOD!

Highly recommend. Will watch again.

PS. Watch 'til after the credits for one final scene.