Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Fifty Shades of Grey tells the story of how Anastasia, an inexperienced college student tasked with interviewing enigmatic billionaire Christian Grey, is swept up in Christian’s lavish lifestyle and begins an unconventional romance with the billionaire – where she discovers his secrets and unique desires.

Overall Review Score

8.5 out of 10

Review

Based on the 2011 best-selling novel of the same name by E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey thrusts sadomasochism into the spotlight as billionaire Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, a young, naive, and inexperienced college student, mix business with pleasure to create a raunchy, fast-paced erotic drama. While the film appears on the surface as a series of dialogue sequences that end with Christian either tying up, whipping or otherwise pleasing Anastasia with a variety of rides (car rides, helicopter rides or glider rides...among others), in reality, it is actually extremely well made. It blends a subtle soundtrack with clever cinematography and good acting from Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dorman, which effortlessly carries the film from one scene to the next while its well-crafted script injects a natural tension into Christian and Anastasia relationship. Overall, Fifty Shades of Grey is a film that carefully conveys certain concepts, such as, consent and the complexities of identifying individual’s desires into a drama that feels organic and real. While the film is occasionally let down by silly clichés, poor supporting cast members and inconsiderate piano playing when people are sleeping, it effortlessly brings E.L. James’s novel to the big screen without any major issues. Its, occasional, erotic scenes do not distract from the story but instead help the audience understand the hesitance of Anastasia and the want / need of Christian without coming across as too overbearing or distracting. Sam Taylor-Johnson, the director, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dorman should be proud of this adaption as it blends rich characters with a good script and sound premise. The film is enjoyable and will easily leave a lasting impression on everyone who watches it.

Reviewer 1's score & comments:

Score: 9 out of 10

Comments:

Fifty Shades of Grey manages to maintain all the elements expected of a entertaining, thrilling and engaging film. Namely that of a good enticing story, really detailed and professional acting that portrayed a range of emotions, fantastic camera work, set design and cinematography as well as subtle plot development. Though often cited as nothing more than a ‘smutfest’ and a Twilight rip-off, Fifty Shades of Grey will have some audience members coming back time and time again for another glimpse into Christian’s red room of pain.

Reviewer 2's score & comments:

Score: 8 out of 10

Comments:

Chains, ties, plugs, and contracts are no longer just the staple offerings found in most DIY stores thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, which redefines their uses with surprising effect. Whether Fifty Shades of Grey is a Twilight rip-off or simply a soft-core ‘smutfest’ is unimportant, it is a reasonably decent film with a surprisingly good script. Fifty Shades easily elicits responses from the audience, whether through raising their heart rate, causing them to giggle or roll their eyes. It will educate even the most buttoned-up prude through its risky, and somewhat questionable, bedroom antics and leave audiences wanting more. Overall, Fifty Shades of Grey is a film that while based around eliciting punishment for pleasure, is actually enjoyable and fun to watch. The main cast do are particular good job of carrying the script from one scene to the next, while the supporting cast float in and out like Christian Grey’s...umm...mood swings. Ultimately, it is a film that audiences will want to either re-watch or try out for themselves, once the credits have rolled.

#drama #romance #dakotajohnson #jamiedorman