G20 - Movie Review

‘G20’ is set against the very real and tense background of an international summit. When terrorists launch a surprise attack and take over the G20 summit meeting place, President Sutton played extremely well by Viola Davis is forced to summon internal and external policies and military strategies in her Government. The film ably conducts a parallel between the demanding boardroom bargaining sessions and the concerns that personally affect the Sutton family, and a countdown for the story is implicit. In some ways, alliances are strengthened and weakened; leaders emerge and disintegrate: as such, the G20 Season Four: is about the female power, leadership breaking and making, and interconnectivity of nations. The picture being painted in the narrative shows the morale, and political as well as personal courage when lives are stake. This is nicely done and heightens the overall tension, while not swallowing the soap much of the time. There is nothing tabooed in the picture about the machinations of power and governance, and more so, when wreathed in a highly efficient, Afro-American female character.

Viola Davis is at her best as President Sutton, a female lead, a progressive character in a male-dominated field. She also gives a charming and touching performance and captures all the inner conflict, resilience and vulnerability of a woman who became a leader on the battlefield. There are great performances owed by the lead actors each of which brings out an element of surprise; Antony Starr who plays one of the main antagonists is superb in his acting, and we also have Elizabeth Marvel and Ramón Rodríguez who have portrayed their characters well and with depth. Each member of the cast plays his or her part to tell a story that is portrayed as timely and crucial. Pacing in the movie is well managed by Riggen with the audience hooked to the screen all through the film’s duration while at the same time capturing the moments of human drama together with the mechanical set-up. She also envisions possibilities, compelling power, and personal integrity within the emerging crises.

The musical score featured in the movie complements all the intense scenes adding on to the beat of the film and enhancing the feeling heavy moments. It intensifies the story and also creates an appropriate mood to the ordeal taking the characters through. The sound complements the fact that the environment of the film is claustrophobic, the feel of negotiation rooms is akin to the vastness of the world in the wider shots symbolized by the flags in the conference halls. The visuals also add depth and build upon what is narrated in the script, making the movie visually interesting as well as impactful. Each shot appears designed to build the suspense and drama that is present in the story line.

The setting is established to accurately portray the G20 summit and is vast in proportion. Of these two aspects the Tables and Negotiation tables have Micro scale View clip Political upheaval with Macro scale set pieces, The use of special effects are remarkably low key yet effective in the film ‘G20’ but they stand as stark supporting element that is localised to ensure the viewers are brought back down to the actual feel of getting a human story into the movie. The effects effectively enhance scenes of tension and excitement and provide it with moments that are believable and thrilling. The editors do a great job of establishing a fast pace that does not let the viewers get bored but also allows storyline arcs breathe enough. Another thing that is impressive is the way in which the film transitions from moments of intense action and explosions to more realistic interactions.

G20 is a fast-paced movie, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats and still being able to develop characters. It does not drag unlike most sequels as it rushes the audience through its duration which is well in line with the events of the film. This pacing is important because of the show’s high stakes and it also has multiple plots it has to juggle. It gives the viewer a glimpse into the life of an intense international politician and at the same time, shows personal struggles that the characters go through. The interactions are intense and at moments quite emotional.

One has to appreciate that ‘G20’, in most aspects, is a fine show that sometimes falls back on cliches typical of political thrillers in an attempt at ratcheting up the drama. Perhaps, there could be more driving forces behind main characters revealed and made good for the purpose of evoking an emotional response or satisfaction for the audiences. However, all these are just a few strikes that do not affect greatly the overall impression to those who chooses to watch ‘G20’ as an action-film with deeply grounded human emotions and feelings. From the outstanding performance of Viola Davis to the gifted direction of Riggen, it presents a view of a society in a state of disarray what with leadership being a key issue in the society. The film should entertain and make short work of its viewers while making them think about power and diplomacy.