Many great directors have been attracted to war movies – or, as is the case with Australian auteur Justin Kurzel, a war-themed series, adapting Richard Flanagan’s novel The Narrow Road to the Deep North.Film-makers of a certain calibre seem to view this genre as a rite of passage. Some productions – including the recent Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air – have a retrograde flavour, painting war (perhaps problematically) as a great big adventure. Many lean into spectacle, attempting to recreate the smoke and fury of battle, but in the process running the risk of celebrating or ennobling war. “Every film about war,” declared François Truffaut, “ends up being pro-war.”But The Narrow Road to the Deep North feels quite different from most war narratives, with a deeply layered central character and a heavy, morose tone of contemplation. There’s very little battlefield action, the war elements mostly taking place in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, where many soldiers, including Australian medical student protagonist Dorrigo Evans (Jacob Elordi), are forced to work on the Burma railway. There’s nothing remotely glamourous here.Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morningView image in fullscreen‘Throughout, the show is deep-thinking, eschewing myopic patriotism.’Photograph: Ingvar Kenne/Curio/Sony Pictures TelevisionThe story takes place in three time periods: pre, during and postwar. In the latter, Dorrigo is played by Ciarán Hinds. He has become a venerated, surly Sydney-based surgeon with a fierce glare and powerful turn of phrase. In one early scene he’s questioned by a journalist about his description of the Japanese as “monsters,” saying she’s spoken to Japanese survivors who’ve lost everything, citing the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Throughout, the show is deep-thinking, eschewing myopic patriotism.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toSaved for LaterFree newsletterCatch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tipsEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotion‘We were all in it together’: Jacob Elordi on his wartime epic The Narrow Road to the Deep NorthRead moreNeither side is championed or vilified – although the show certainly doesn’t turn a blind eye to the horrors committed by the Japanese in the camp, with several confronting and cinematically staged scenes, including one in which a prisoner is beheaded. The camp has both a tyrannical, horrifically violent colonel (Taki Abe) and a major (Shô Kasamatsu) who develops a fraught friendship with Dorrigo. There’s an aching feeling that war pulls everybody in terrible directions.View image in fullscreenComplex relationships with women … Elordi with Olivia DeJonge as his fiancée in The Narrow Road to the Deep North.Photograph: Ingvar Kenne/Curio/Sony Pictures TelevisionThe way Kurzel depicts Dorrigo’s relationships with women is also quite complex, not condemning him for the kinds of behaviour often viewed as moral mistakes. Before the protagonist is shipped off to war, while engaged to a woman (Olivia DeJonge) from a well-to-do family, he has a deep, intense sexual relationship with Amy (Odessa Young), the wife of his uncle Keith (Simon Baker). In the postwar timeline, he has an affair with Lynette (Essie Davis), the wife of his colleague Rick (Dan Wyllie).Elordi and Hinds’ finely balanced performances, as the young and older Dorrigo, really feel like different reflections of the same person, strikingly distinct in some aspects but inseparable in essence. The three timelines are smoothly integrated – less a mosaic than a river current – swirling, overlapping, forming and unforming.Narrow Road has a stately aura, stiffer and more formal than most of Kurzel’s work, with less of his signature tone – which is scuzzy and elegiac while somehow also elegant and poetic. You never doubt the show’s realism, or the compassion underpinning it. This is less about the theatre of war than the psychological stain it leaves.The Narrow Road to the Deep Northis streaming on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada
The Narrow Road to the Deep North review – Jacob Elordi’s fine turn in complex, confronting war drama
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"The Narrow Road to the Deep North: A Complex Exploration of War and Humanity"
The Guardian
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
The Narrow Road to the Deep North, directed by Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel, adapts Richard Flanagan's novel into a war-themed series that deviates from conventional portrayals of conflict. Unlike many war films that romanticize battle, this series takes a somber approach, focusing on the experiences of Dorrigo Evans, a medical student and prisoner of war portrayed by Jacob Elordi. The narrative unfolds across three distinct timelines: before, during, and after the war, with the latter section featuring Ciarán Hinds as the older Dorrigo. The series emphasizes the psychological toll of war rather than glorifying it, as Dorrigo grapples with complex moral dilemmas and the haunting memories of his time in a Japanese POW camp. The show carefully avoids promoting a narrow sense of patriotism, opting instead for a nuanced exploration of the human condition under duress. It depicts the horrors of war realistically, showcasing the brutalities faced by prisoners while also highlighting the moral ambiguities present in the relationships formed during this tumultuous period.
The portrayal of Dorrigo's relationships with women adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Engaged to a woman from a privileged background, he engages in an intense affair with his uncle's wife, Amy, before being thrust into war. Post-conflict, his life remains fraught with emotional turmoil as he begins an affair with Lynette, the wife of a colleague. Jacob Elordi and Ciarán Hinds deliver powerful performances that capture the essence of Dorrigo at different life stages, reflecting the character's evolution while remaining fundamentally the same. The series is structured with a fluidity that allows the three timelines to intertwine seamlessly, creating a cohesive narrative flow. Kurzel's direction imbues the work with a stately presence, contrasting with his previous films, while maintaining a commitment to realism and a deep compassion for the characters' struggles. The Narrow Road to the Deep North ultimately serves as a meditation on the psychological scars left by war, focusing on the profound impact it has on individuals and their relationships, rather than merely the spectacle of combat.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The review of "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" delves into the complexities of war narratives and their portrayal in film. It highlights the distinctiveness of this adaptation by Australian director Justin Kurzel, particularly in how it diverges from traditional war films that often glorify conflict. Instead, it presents a more somber and introspective exploration of war through the eyes of a deeply developed central character, which can shape the audience's understanding of the human condition in times of conflict.
Intent Behind the Article
The review aims to shed light on the thematic depth and moral complexities of the film, encouraging viewers to engage with a narrative that challenges conventional depictions of war. By emphasizing the film's contemplative nature and the absence of glorified violence, the article seeks to promote a more nuanced understanding of wartime experiences and the psychological toll on individuals.
Public Perception Goals
The piece encourages a critical examination of war films and the narratives they perpetuate. It invites audiences to reflect on their perceptions of war and its aftermath, potentially fostering a more empathetic view towards those affected by such conflicts, including the Japanese survivors mentioned in the article.
Potential Concealment of Information
While the review is predominantly focused on the film's narrative and themes, it may gloss over the broader implications of war in contemporary society, such as ongoing conflicts, military policies, or the impact of war on current geopolitical landscapes. This omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the film's context and relevance.
Manipulative Elements
The review employs a critical lens that challenges traditional war glorification, which can be seen as a form of manipulation in terms of steering public sentiment towards a more pacifist viewpoint. The language used suggests a moral imperative to reconsider the narratives surrounding war, which could influence audience perceptions significantly.
Truthfulness of the Article
The review appears credible, providing insights into the film's themes and character development. However, its interpretation is subjective and may reflect the reviewer's biases regarding war and its representation in media.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates more with audiences who appreciate thoughtful cinema, particularly those interested in historical narratives and character-driven stories. It may appeal to communities focused on social justice, anti-war sentiments, and those seeking deeper emotional connections with storytelling.
Impact on Financial Markets
While the review itself may not directly influence stock markets or financial performance, the film's reception could affect related sectors, such as streaming services and film production companies. Positive critical acclaim might boost interest in similar projects or adaptations, potentially impacting investments in the entertainment industry.
Relevance to Current Affairs
The themes explored in the review are pertinent to ongoing discussions about war, memory, and representation in media. As global tensions persist, narratives that critically engage with these topics may become increasingly significant in public discourse.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in writing this review, as it exhibits a personal voice and subjective analysis typical of human critique. Any potential use of AI would be more about supporting the writing process rather than dictating thematic direction. In conclusion, the review of "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" provides a thoughtful exploration of war narratives, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the human experiences behind such conflicts. Its intent to challenge conventional portrayals of war and foster critical thinking makes it a compelling addition to discussions surrounding film and history.