Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris, August Diehl, Simon McBurney
Rating: 12A
Running Time: 124 minutes
Release Date: 25th November 2016
ALLIED is the latest release from acclaimed director, Robert Zemeckis (FORREST GUMP, CAST AWAY) and takes place during the second world war. The story follows American intelligence officer, MAX VATAN (Brad Pitt) through missions in Africa, where he meets French resistance fighter, Marianne Beauséjour (Marion Cotillard). They later reunite in London, where their love is put to the test.
The production on this movie is outstanding all round. The audience will feel the intention behind every single shot and camera angle, bringing to life even the simplest of scenery. The screen oozes with different colours, each representing a new location, whether it be the yellows of the desert or the dark greys of the city in wartime. Not to mention the action scenes. The action brings a thrill to this movie that at other times is missed. They are filled with well-choreographed gun battles and intense chases, topped off with just the right amount of power felt in each death that often films fail at achieving.
The writing was almost perfect. Almost. Characters are likeable, charismatic people and you want everything to go as planned so they can live their lives, however, the pacing is all over the place. During the opening acts of the movie, I felt as if a large majority of the scenes were not needed and were just there to pad out the running time. Unfortunately, they over padded. With a running time of 2 hours, which is about average for a modern movie, ALLIED just seemed to drag on a bit too long.
The story, on the other hand, is where the writing shines. Following the unconventional couple through their lives, filled with conspiracy and betrayal creates fantastic to watch tension from scene to scene. This movie also succeeds where so many fail and create a believable loving, lived in relationship between our two leads. You believe their love and the steps they are willing to take, rules they are willing to break, to protect it.
Adding to the stunning cinematography and great story writing are two fantastic performances from our leads, Pitt and Cotillard, with especially Pitt creating some of his best work in recent memory. There is never an unbelievable moment between the two actors as they both show off exactly how they got to where they are in their careers today, and I strongly suspect they will be seen at the Oscars this year. They play a very important role in the believability of the relationship, where this movies foundation lies.  It’s just unfortunate that they are given a bit too much to do.
The score does what it needs to do. It carries you through each scene, building tension when it needs to and creating a rush during the action sequences. It won’t blow you away but it also won’t disappoint. The score sits completely in the background to the point where audiences won’t even acknowledge they are listening to it. But isn’t a bad thing, it just isn’t a good thing either.
Overall, ALLIED was an enjoyable thrill ride I am glad I got to see. Stunning performances and mostly stellar writing kept me interested throughout. It’s just a shame that some slow pacing dragged the film out longer than it needed to be. This movie is worth the watch, whether it be in cinemas or at home.
Verdict
ALLIED hits cinemas November 25th 2016
