Lee - Movie Review

‘Lee’ enshrines the facinating details of life of Lee Miller, the fashion model who turned into war correspondent during the World War II. The story is told in a flashback as Miller rises from being a vivacious model in New York to becoming a war photographer for Vogue capturing important events of WWII including the liberation of Paris and the discovery of concentration camps. Due to the focus on the theme of psychological changes a character undergoes as a result of war and internal psychological struggle, ‘Lee’ has an introspective, rather sad tone. It explores the human tenacity in the eye of the storm, and also challenges the culture of the time. It is also refreshing because she embodies all the toughness and frailty of the character. The supporting cast is pretty good; Alexander Skarsgård and Marion Cotillard do a great job, and the portrayal of friendship and conflict during the war is quite realistic.

Ellen Kuras does a good job at directing ‘Lee’ as to show subtle details that make it feel more realistic. Her way of directing makes the story build the historical context that is as exciting as as truthful and weaves personal story with historical events masterfully.

The film is supported by the lease and music that adds to suspense as well as sentimental appeal. The music enriches specific scenes enhancing the emotionality of the film.

The film is visually filled with stunning angles and powerful shots that reflect reality of war and strength of human spirit. It underlines dual contrasting themes and, thereby, amplifies emotional impact which is beneficial in this case.

The movie is visually stunning, accurately capturing the spirit of the given period. In addition to the stimulating shooting and appropriate music, the settings provide a true-to-life environment with substantial references to the period’s peculiarities.

Not overusing special effects, ‘Lee’ manages to depict wartime atmosphere concretely and emotionally, thus, the element of these occurrences remains more human than fantastic.

Brilliant editing helps to explain the concept of incitement while giving the narrative a steam, with which viewers would never get bored The present and the past are combined due to the use of the flashback technique.

The movie consistently describes the events and accompanies it with intense scenes. It is able to provide the character reflection without slowing down the action of the storyline.

Historically accurate and the dialogue is written perfectly and strikes an emotional chord. But still, ‘Lee’ is a gripping story that occasionally suffers from excessive historical setting; character building contributes to the notion forbidding readers to treat Miller’s experiences frivolously. Now and then, character developments appear quite hurried, and some secondary plots could use a much better expansion. However, these are but a minor quibble in an otherwise interesting picture.

Casts and Director of ‘Lee’ present a poignant account of the life of a remarkable woman in the wartime. It truly set a chord with me at a feeling level, while being informative, it wasn’t just the story about historical events, but the narrative of an event that could evoke a sense of feel, of an essence that defines human spirit. The idea how war is presented as something black and white stayed with me and I was again reminded of how human side of a conflict is not always presented thoroughly.