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INTRODUCTION.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023) is a gripping western crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Featuring a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, it’s a mesmerizing tale of love and betrayal based on a true story.
This epic film, born from the collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, weaves a tale of unimaginable secrets set against the backdrop of 1920s history. Premiering at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and later released in the United States, it has already made a significant mark, grossing over $49 million worldwide. Get ready to be transported to a time where untold secrets collide
WHAT IS KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON MOVIE ABOUT?
From Killer of the Flower Moon. Beneath the vast, sprawling Oklahoma sky, the movie bursts to life with the chants of the Osage elders, their ancient words filling the air. In the heart of a secluded hut, a mystic ceremony unfolds, shrouded in secrets. The pipe used for the ceremony was taken out of the hut and buried in the earth. Unseen forces stir, and the ground trembles with anticipation.
Then, in a breathtaking scene, the very land itself seems to weep liquid gold, gushing forth as if the earth’s soul awakened. A jubilant crowd gathers around, their wild dances and jubilant cheers celebrating the mysterious liquid’s touch. Little do they know that this elixir is the key to unimaginable wealth, a beacon heralding prosperity and change in these lands.
Fast-forward to the year 1919, a time when the echoes of World War I still resonate. Ernest, a battle-hardened hero, returns to his homeland, his eyes wide with wonder and confusion. “Who owns this land?” he asks. The Osage driving him simply replies, “It’s our land.“
He is driven to a rancher, his Uncle William King Hale’s house. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Ernest reveals the scars of war, a reminder of the sacrifices made. His uncle listens, curious about his tastes in women. Ernest responds with an intriguing list, “I like white, I like red, I like blue, I like old…,” an enigmatic smile playing on his lips.
Their exchange deepens, as his uncle presents him with a book, an enigmatic portal to the rich tapestry of Osage history.
Amid the vibrant Osage community, Ernest’s uncle told him about the ancient wisdom of the Osage people and their remarkable intellect. Hale, the cunning reserve deputy sheriff, known as “King.” He posed as a benevolent friend to the Osage, speaking their tongue and offering gifts, all while harboring a nefarious plan to steal their riches through murder.
Intrigue enveloped Ernest as he drove his taxi through the Osage territory. Hale, the mastermind entrusted him with a chilling task: keep a watchful eye on Mollie Kyle, an Osage heiress with oil riches flowing through her veins. A passionate romance ignited between Ernest and Mollie, leading to a union that blended Catholic and Osage traditions in a captivating ceremony.
However, secrets darkened the horizon. Hale revealed to Ernest that the more Osage family members met their demise, the greater Ernest’s share of the oil wealth would become. Unbeknownst to Mollie, Hale had orchestrated the deaths of several wealthy Osage, and his sinister plot continued. He ordered the slow, poison-induced demise of Minnie, Mollie’s sister’s husband, disguising it as a wasting illness. Tragedy struck again when Anna, Mollie’s rebellious sister, met a gunshot-inflicted end.
As tension mounted, the blame fell upon the white residents of the Osage reservation. The Osage council called for their tribe to take a stand, setting the stage for a gripping and suspenseful showdown. But the tension escalates further, drawing the watchful eye of the FBI.
As the story races on, the FBI’s involvement looms large. What can they do to bring justice? What daring actions will they take to unravel the web of deceit and bring the malevolent conspirators to justice? The pulse-pounding journey to uncover the truth and seek retribution begins, promising an electrifying and suspenseful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER (2023) MOON FILM REVIEW.
First of all, I would like to say that this film is too long. Way too long. Though the storytelling was good, I just couldn’t help but look at my watch in anticipation that the film would end. Now that you know my initial thoughts on the film, let’s talk about other elements.
CHARACTERS’ PERFORMANCE.
Let’s talk about the stars Molly, Ernest, and King Hale. Their performances are nothing short of phenomenal, as expected from such big names. Ernest, a seemingly simple man, holds deep desires but can be easily swayed. He’s like a leaf in the wind, and his wife Molly, the emotional epicenter of this tale, is truly its heart and soul. Molly has weathered storms of pain and loss, yet remains unwavering in her devotion to family and love.
Meet King Hale, the sinister force driving this gripping tale. Hale is a man on a relentless quest for wealth, regardless of whether he’s deserving of it. His motives are nefarious, solely driven by self-gain, with little care for anyone else, not even his nephew.
DIRECTION AND CINEMATOGRAPHY.
In a masterful stroke of direction, Scorsese’s unique style shines through. His prowess as a director is evident throughout, from his expansive cinematography that plunges you into the vivid world of 1920s America to his inventive framing that provides a distinctive perspective on each scene.
THEMES.
This film presents a brutally honest narrative of moral decay, corruption, and the ruthless exploitation of a tribe by local landowners. However, this story is far from the typical settlers-versus-tribes narrative. Here, conquest is achieved through cunning marriages, sinister murders, and cunning inheritance. The film’s cinematography is impeccable, and the performances are of the highest caliber, considering the material.
While there’s much to praise about this movie, let’s not overlook its drawbacks. One recurring issue I have to emphasize is its excessive length. The film could benefit greatly from some judicious editing to trim down certain events. If only it had a touch more tension or suspense, it might have justified its length, but alas, it simply keeps on going and going.
CONCLUSION.
Killers of the Flower Moon is a really interesting crime drama that makes good use of the characters involved as they bring out the good in this film and elevate it above base level. Killer of the Flower Moon is rated R for violence, sexual content, and strong language. Would I suggest it? Of course, I would. It keeps you focused at first, and then you learn about things that will either keep you watching or make you want to give up. That is all up to you.
You can watch Killers of the Flower Moon in select cinemas near you!
People also read – No Country for Old Men (2007).
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