The terminal

"The terminal".

Watched English movie "The Terminal". This movie is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Tom Hanks as Victor Navorsky, Catherine Zeta Jones as Amelia Warren, Diego Luna as Enrique Cruz, Stanley Tucci as Frank Dixon, Zoe Saldana as Dolores Torres, Kumar Pallana as Raman Gupta and Chi McBride as Mulroy. This film released in 2004.

Victor Navorsky, a citizen of Republic of Krakozia (An imaginary east European country) lands at JFK. While he was in air,  there was a military coup in his country and government was overthrown. New government has cancelled all passports and visas. So now, American immigration is in a fix. They can neither allow him to enter nor send him back. To add to it Victor speaks almost no English. He is stranded at The Terminal. 

How long can Victor stay at The Terminal? How will he survive without money? Why had he come to New York? Who will he meet? What lives will he affect?

It's an interesting seed. The idea of a man stranded without passport and visa at a terminal is fantastic. How he gradually develops relationships, what drives him, what are his skills? this and such questions are answered as the story unfolds. Almost entire movie happens in The Terminal. Steven Spielberg handles the story delicately and tactfully. Even when the story slows down, he does not lose the audience, they stay with him. He also adds small special touches to the movie like the airport staff playing poker with lost and found items. The characters at the airport are conceived thoughtfully. They bring in variety and their own stories to the movie but don't overshadow the protagonist. 

Tom Hanks is fabulous. He portrays a man on mission who doesn't understand English but gradually picks the language. Although he is stranded he doesn't lose hope, he perseveres. Catherine Zeta Jones displays that she can act well. Kumar Pallana plays a memorable character. Others are also very good. 

The revelation of why Victor comes to New York gives the movie a shift. The light movie becomes emotional. With this the story and movie become whole. 

Recommend watching!