The Railway Man (2013)

Having taken a break from the world of film for a couple of months I don't think that there could've been a better film to welcome me back than heartwarmingly heartbreaking The Railway Man. The film- based on a true story- follows Eric Lomax- Colin Firth-, a old war veteran who still has cripplingly terrifying recollections of his time in the second world war, in which his rank surrendered to the Japanese and he was forced to help built the well nicknamed Death Railway. When Eric one day discovers that one of his torturers-Hiroyuki Sanada- still lives, he embarks on an unforgettable tear-jerking journey to find the man that committed such a war crime. There is little that I can say to criticise this film, Jeremy Irvine's portrayal of the young Eric Lomax was captivating and thrilling, he truly captured the pain and suffering of such a time in his incredible acting. The fascinating repetitive parallels of the storyline, reminded me that often the war is not in the fighting but in the aftermath. Showing the true cruelty, brutality and madness of the human race, through amazing cinematography the film reminded me of how we must never forget the crimes or criminals of war. The underlying messages of love tied this emotional roller-coaster of a film together- the love of soldiers, the love of partners, the love of enemies. Would you stand by your loved ones whatever they do, whatever they go through? I definitely would recommend this film and I am now very eager to read the acclaimed novel, written by Eric Lomax himself. Powerful and moving, The Railway Man showed me the true meaning of courage- forgiveness.