The Rescue

Anyone claiming to have sat through this cringeworthy moment after cringeworthy moment junk without rolling their eyes endlessly must be reviewing the wrong film. I mean this is the most trope filled junk I have seen in a while.

Seeing reviews giving this movie a 6 or lower is sad. I feel it's a 7 minimum, and a lower score would be a disservice to everyone that worked in it and the amount of effort put into crafting the end result. Is it because it's a "state-sanctioned" movie? Because China wanted to make the people that rescue others for a living in their country look good?

Anyway.. It is visually impressive (stunts, action, locations, camera-work, etc.). It's a very technical movie, and it teaches you a bit about the REAL world of rescue teams that are ignored by many (the discipline, preparation, actions, you name it). It's tense, well acted (the lead portrays a character that would make you respect anyone), sound editing is great (music choices, or lack of sound at certain times) and editing in general. It is perfectly crafted to be an immersive movie. I'm not used to movie-structures that aren't particularly conventional.. but these are the kind I enjoy the most, the ones I don't know what to expect.

Still, it is a bit charged with drama, but it's tasteful and doesn't undermine the plot. CGI is noticeable at some points (never ugly), but on the other hand, it helps in most scenes.

Personally, I really enjoyed it. At times, I forgot I was watching a movie, which is more than I can ask for.

If you are interested, give it a shot and don't be deterred by the low score and other reviews!! Expect realism and humanity, but more importantly, don't forget it was written by someone with an objective in mind.

If you are a fan of this type of movie(s), you are in for a treat. And this looks as good and awesome as anything Hollywood can put out these days. The personal stories are kept to a minimum (thankfully), but you get to see certain cliches between all the action (the thing you are most likely to be here for).

And when the stunts begin ... well not sure where you are going to watch this or have watched it the first time, but the bigger the screen and the better the surround system, the greater the experience will be. Don't get it twisted: no one wishes people to have to go through the things they are going through ... but it is a movie and we have something and someone to root for ... even if it doesn't always turn out to end well ... just like in life. Of course this is overdramatized so comparisons to real life might be a bit too much ... still more than well done.

While I won't call this a great movie, there are some fun to be found in it. The story is good with it being personal and professional lives of members from the China Rescue & Salvage. We see their daily life with their love ones and how these operations effect them. The movie contain too many plotline with the rescue mission, the romance between the main character and the new female worker, and his sone having a brain tumor. It feel like they try to added in things into the movie and it somewhat works. I do think the characters are build up pretty well and give them backstory to them. The action scenes are entertaining with their jobs on rescuing people from disaster and the risk they take to complete it. But I found the romance part to be not that interesting and is predictable on where it goes with it. And even the son with a tumor is obvious on what going to happened to him. The movie also contains some comedy bits which isn't that funny at all. But it does have a good climax to it.

The Rescue is a decent action movie that is enjoyable, but needs to be trimmed down.

It's a good action movie with well-executed and thrilling action scenes. The main lead is likable, the main sort-of love interest is also likeable, and the kid character is adorable - but in a milk toast-y kind of way, because ultimately none of them are very memorable.

I think, however, that the story would probably have been more effective in showcasing the Chinese Coast Guard, if the movie went in-depth on one single rescue mission rather than go for multiple rescue missions. A missed chance, in my opinion.

All in all, recommended mostly for fans of action movies of the rescue team variety. Also good enough for a one time watch for anyone else, who has a slow day.