Film Review #017 - Insurgent (2015)


Insurgent (2015) is a sci-fi action movie based on Veronica Roth's novel. It's the second movie after Divergent. It continues the story about Tris Prior (played by Shailene Woodley) fighting for her freedom and the freedom of her Divergent allies.

The first film in the Divergent series, Divergent (2014), was directed by Neil Burger. However, the second film in the series, Insurgent (2015), was directed by Robert Schwentke. Neil Burger was about to direct the whole series of Divergent, but he had to step down due to scheduling conflicts. Robert Schwentke, who has directed only 7 action and sci-fi movies at that time, was hired to take his place.

The beginning of the movie creates a futuristic feeling, with a powerful soundtrack by talanted Joseph Trapanese that matches the intense story. The sound design, including reverbs, swooshes, and reverse effects, boosts the film's visuals, making it more immersive. The cinematography of "Insurgent" is really good. It shows Robert Schwentke's skill to use such shots as round transitions and close-up shots that is similar to what Martin Scorsese does, yet it's executed in a manner that's more gentle and thoughtful rather than aggressive. Moreover, I liked how mount shots were incorporated in the movie like in Christopher Nolan's works in "The Dark Knight" and "Interstellar," adding a unique touch to the film's visual storytelling. It also features stunning drone shots that showcase the beauty of nature. I liked the color grading approach in this movie. It was vibrant and gently saturated. The action scenes in "Insurgent" are exciting and well-made, with impressive acting that keeps viewers engaged. The actors' emotional performances, especially Theo James as Tobias "Four" Eaton, add depth to the story. In addition, the parts with the rebels were really exciting. The tension is strong, primarily because of the film's score, which is similar to the "The Hunger Games" series in telling the story and evoking emotions. The villain reminds me of President Coin in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay." The villain in "Insurgent" pulls viewers into the drama. I am not a fan of CGI but I saw no other way how the director could use less CGI, especially with important scenes which should stay in the facts with the book's narrative. Nevertheless, the environments looked surreal which added a layer of visual intrigue to the film. Overall, "Insurgent" is a movie that succeeds in many ways, with its impressive visuals, powerful soundtrack, engaging characters, and intense action scenes. This movie is both enjoyable and had an emotional impact, making it a great addition to its genre and making the film a more adrenaline-fueled experience.


Rating: 9/10

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