The Terminal: Not Spielberg’s best work but Tom Hanks comes to the rescue

If you’re looking for a tear jerker this weekend, The Terminal could be an optimal pick. It does cater to the masses and not just a select few, but at the same time has important  connotations to it, which will give you a sense of political relevance too. 

Steven Spielberg is an ace filmmaker and director known for films like Catch Me if You Can and Schindler’s List, and even for this one right here. But in this case, there’s not as much cinematic excellence but a very simple and human story, that is glorified due to undertones of crisis some ethnicities face in the US.

The Terminal is the story of Victor Navorski, a Bulgarian resident on this very visit to the United States. He is held at the New York airport terminal because while he was in the air his home country declared a military coup which essentially means his citizenship is now of a country that is not recognized in the world map. This leaves him stranded on the airport.

This seemingly political story is unfolded rather humanly. Spielberg aims to capture hearts here, and not make any political statements. Although, the latter also keeps happening if you look closely. Through the X number of days Victor stays at the airport, he discovers means to earn some cents, meet a flight attendant and fall in love, learn English by reading books in both Bulgarian and English, and manages all this with the help of people from different races and ethnicities but white.

Why is it important here?

Because Spielberg wants to throw light on the subconscious threat minorities experience from white people. This sure isn’t generalization. This is an anecdote and a rather simple one at that, in the face of so many real lives affected by political situations in their countries and casual racism that tends to push them off the edge. 

I’ve been waiting my whole life. I just don’t know what the hell for

– Victor Navorski, The Terminal

You will find some familiar faces like Diego Luna (Narcos: Mexico), and Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers). It’s always reminiscent to spot such established actors in their prime. 

The Terminal is a light hearted watch and is but obviously recommended by me. But again, if you look for cinematic excellence, like breathtaking shots, camera movements, montages, exciting twists etc, when you look at Steven Spielberg’s name, you can be rather disappointed.

Finally coming to the obvious and adorable high point of this film, Tom Hanks.

He is officially one of the most suited actors to be taking up roles that demand explosion of emotions, expressing your ordeals and forcing the audience to be swayed along. 

As Victor, he is charming, compassionate and true to his character. In an initial sequence from the film, as Victor first looks for a place to sleep, Frank Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night plays in the background, something so emotional and appropriate. Watching him break chairs to make a bed with this romantic classic in the background, is like poetry that points out to how romanticism sometimes misses the point.