If you’re ever in the mood for a modern film that feels like an older film, a classic, then look no further. Here’s a sweet, tender movie about a good-hearted guy, set in a cold, callous environment. Tom Hanks stars as Viktor Navorski, a man who flies into NYC only to find out that his country collapsed during his flight. Now considered a man with no home, he is trapped in the legal system and the airport international terminal. Read on to see why it’s worth watching.
Steven Spielberg directed this little-seen movie 6 years ago, hard to believe it’s been so long. What is so striking about it is it’s tenderness and sweetness. Every scene shines a bittersweet, a bit of joy, a bit of pain. It reminds me of a favorite photograph, we all have them, it makes us sad that we aren’t “there”, but happy to have had that experience. Viktor’s hungry, lonely, confused, and unable to understand most of what he hears. But his honesty, integrity, ingenuity, and genuine goodness help him break through all of his obstacles. By the movie’s end, he is “successful”, full of food, learns English, and is surrounded by friends ready to die for him.
Not only is the story beautiful, but the character of Viktor, played by Hanks, is so genuine and likable. The “romance” that he experiences with a flight attendant named Amelia, is not a typical one, but a realistic one. The real hook/reason for liking this movie, comes to light during that romance, and after, as Viktor reveals why he came to America in the first place, and why he can’t leave until he does what he came to do. I won’t give it away, I hope that you will check it out!