News of the World

The plot to "News of the World" is pretty simple and it's a leisurely paced film...somewhat like Clint Eastwood's "Cry Macho". It is set in 1870 in the Reconstruction Era in Texas. Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks) is a Civil War veteran who happens upon a head man and a wild blonde girl in the wilderness. There are papers with the dead man's possessions indicating that the girl, Johanna, was abducted and raised by Kiowa Indians after her parents were killed. She was discovered with the Kiowa and the US Army sent her with an agent to return her to her extended family. But he's dead...and no one seems willing to help...so Kidd finally agrees to take her the 400 miles to Castroville, Texas (near San Antonio).

As you'd suspect, this won't be easy since the child really wants to be with the Kiowa and she doesn't understand English. Her family were German immigrants...so she understands some German...but Kidd only knows a few words of the language himself. The film shows them on their journey across the Plains to her family.

This is a most enjoyable film and a nice change of pace for Tom Hanks. It also talks about a seldom discussed problem which happened on rare occasions...white kids being abducted and raised by various tribes. Interesting and never dull.

Tom Hanks is a 19th century newsman who reads newspaper stories to townsfolk in Texas. On his route of numerous locations, he comes across a young German-born girl who has been living under the care of native Americans who have been slaughtered. He takes it upon himself as her new guardian to escort her across the countryside to safety in the hope of finding her a new home. Along the way, they achieve an expected bond as two lonely souls in a treacherous world of danger of adversity.

Hanks is great as always, as the film is told from his weary, anguished eyes. But newcomer Helena Zengel steals the film from right underneath him with a mesmerizing performance as a young girl traumatized by personal tragedy, untrusting of the world around her and just beginning to learn her communication. Together, they bring this rugged journey to life. Director Paul Greengrass makes a vivid recreation of 19th century American wilderness, a land of difficult terrain and occasionally bitter climate. Through it all, it becomes a battle for survival for both the old man and the child he is protecting. An old school tale of American grit, this one is expertly crafted and highly recommended.

Two excellent leads ably supported by a great cast. You can almost taste the dirt and sweat of the period that the story is set in. Great direction and cinematography. If you like your westerns guns blazing then this film will not be for you. This is a simple story very well told. A fascinating study of what life was like back then and the hardships. Well worth watching

The combination of Tom Hanks in top form, as always, and director Paul Greengrass providing a visual delight and you have one of these joyous heartfelt films that often slip through the cracks. The story may be predictable but it is told with such warmth and feeling that I truthfully didn't want the film to end. A movie to gladden the heart in these difficult and depressing times.

I am not sure why some people rated this movie below 7 but I really enjoyed it. I was thoroughly entertained because I felt the connection with the characters. Tom has the ability to make the viewers connected to the characters regardless of what role he is playing in a movie as he had done very nicely here in the News of the World. If you are a fan of Hanks, it's worth checking it out...it was worth my time/money...a good recommend and a solid 7 stars.