Director: Paul King
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins and Julie Walters
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actresses in Britain have created a legacy as strong as Sally Hawkins. Following her rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Hawkins has become a strong icon. Whether it is bold political leaders, bare caretakers or grieving mothers, Hawkins has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Hawkins’ finest strength as an actress has always been commitment to craft. She is one of those rare actresses which has often poured her heart and soul into each role. A British icon, Hawkins has proven to be an actress that audiences cherish. Through an ability to portray strong characters that prove compelling, Hawkins has built a legacy which is lasting. Throughout her career, Hawkins has made many unforgettable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Hawkins and admire all the movies she has made in her career. However, “Paddington” is my favourite. Following its release in 2014, Paul King’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the greatest films ever made about a talking animal. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance from Sally Hawkins, who portrays a compassionate woman which seeks to take care of a talking bear. Ultimately, what makes “Paddington” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about talking bears, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A captivating classic about a talking bear, there are several strong reasons why “Paddington” is a movie which is worth seeing.
Set in London, “Paddington” tells the story of a talking bear that faces tension. Ben Whishaw portrays Paddington, a young Peruvian bear in search of home. Paddington has often sought to find a generous owner which will treat him with affections. However, Paddington’s life is forever changed when he is given a home by the Brown family. Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins) is a kind woman that offers Paddington home with compassion. Mary is determined to care for the talking bear that’s rarely a burden to bear. Paddington soon forms a strong bond with the Brown family whom he regards with affection. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Paddington becomes to wonder if it’s possible to find a generous owner. Faced with a dilemma, Paddington wonders whether he can survive in a catastrophic world causing trauma.
Paul King is a newcomer towards the stories of bears that are inspiring. Before he had made “Paddington”, King had never made a movie about talking bears facing tension. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a legendary book about bears enduring adversities but he succeeded tremendously. Using breathtaking cinematography, King captures a talking bear embarking on a journey to discover its identity. King successfully uses montages to capture a talking bear embarking on a perilous journey. For instance, montages enhance the families scene. During this heartfelt scene, Paddington is introduced to the Brown family on their first ever meeting. Through captivating montages, King creates a strong portrait of bears that’s compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” suggested, montages often enhance fantasy films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Brown captures the tensions talking bears are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Paddington that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. King effectively uses production-design to capture lives of talking bears that decline. Throughout the movie, Paddington’s costumes showcase his transformation into a bear taken care of by a family. For instance, costumes elebaye the family shopping scene. During this unforgettable scene, Paddington is given a fresh pair of clothes to wear by the Brown family. Through captivating costumes, King constructs a talking bear that audiences easily relate to. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Nick Urata’s music is key toward the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burden that bears bear. Through breathtaking production, King captures the lives of bears experiencing tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Paddington” is a movie about talking bears which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively employs voice-over narration to capture the lives of talking bears facing tension. For instance, the voice-over narration elevates the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, Paddington reveals his opinion on his life as a bear through using narration. Through narration, King creates a bear that audiences can relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to use in most films. As Rob Marshall’s “Mary Poppins Returns” suggested, narration enhances movies about the lives of nannies. The Wachowski’s “Cloud Atlas” did prove that narration enhances science fiction movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, King captures the lives of talking bears facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Sally Hawkins delivers one of her best career performances as Mary Brown. Hawkins first earned appreciation for portraying lovers in romance dramas. With “Paddington”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a woman that seeks to take care of a talking bear facing adversity but she pulled it off successfully. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charming and emotional in her most iconic role. Hawkins has often thrived at playing emotional women under stress, and “Paddington” showcased her strengths as an actress. With captivating expressions, she captures the angst, grief and compassion of a woman seeking to care for a talking bear under tension. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most celebrated actresses today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Hawkins, the supporting cast is exceptional and worthy of praise. Ben Whishaw is brilliant, bringing compassion to a talking bear facing a burden to bear. Nicole Kidman is spectacular, bringing tension to a woman seeking to care for talking animals which are under immense tension. Lastly, Hugh Bonneville is worthy of appreciation. As a father seeking to raise his family, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Paddington” would earn appreciation of ebeyrone for capturing bears experiencing tension. Unlike most movies about children’s characters, it tackles themes which everyone will relate to. It discusses compelling themes of identity, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Paddington books to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message regarding family which would definitely resonate among everyone. Therefore, “Paddington” is one of those rare movies about bears that everyone would adore.
Fans of Sally Hawkins would definitely enjoy “Paddington” and so will audiences seeking heartwarming entertainment. A captivating classic about talking bears, it celebrates an actress that’s inspiring.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about a talking bear that faces a heavy burden to bear, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated British actor that has built a successful career by portraying compelling characters in memorable movies about which audiences always deeply care.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 