As I've said many times about one-location films in the past, they can be very hit or miss for me. When done well, they're some of my favourites, but one that's not engaging can also just be boring from start to finish. Breaking is one of the latest films to basically take place in one location, and while it may not be the best one I've ever seen, it's still one of the best films I've seen this year. Breaking is so well-crafted that the run time felt non-existent to me. Here are some of the many reasons I believe this film deserves way more attention than it's getting.
Based on a true story, this film follows Brian Brown-Easley (John Boyega) as he returns from war and tries to become a regular citizen again. Having to deal with not being paid what he's owed for his trauma/disability, he decides to try and publically get himself heard by holding up a bank. The majority of the film takes place in a bank, with just himself and two bank tellers. He is not a bad person in the slightest which makes the film that much more compelling. There were multiple sequences where I forgot I was even watching a film and that's due to how good John Boyega sold this performance.
I've always been a fan of his since Attack the Block and have also enjoyed him in the Star Wars franchise, as well as Detroit, but this is easily the best he's ever been. You can tell he was passionate about this project and the story being told and it very much shows on-screen. From the subtleties he brought to the character to the downright powerful lines of dialogue he says throughout the film, he kept my eyes glued to the screen. I had no idea how this story played out in real life either, so I was floored by the time the credits rolled. It's an eye-opening experience.
In the end, the pacing, overall message, great editing, and amazing central performance all sold this film for me. Having not directed much before this, Abi Damaris Corbin is someone I will always be on the lookout for, from here on out. Her work here and the performances she was able to get out of everyone involved just blew me away. Breaking is a special kind of film that has kind of gone under the radar, but I believe it's worthy of much more buzz. I personally believe Boyega deserves some award consideration for this film, but I don't know if he will be recognized. Aside from a couple of scenes that I felt were needed to flesh out a couple of things more, this movie completes its mission of impacting its audience.
Based on a true story, this film follows Brian Brown-Easley (John Boyega) as he returns from war and tries to become a regular citizen again. Having to deal with not being paid what he's owed for his trauma/disability, he decides to try and publically get himself heard by holding up a bank. The majority of the film takes place in a bank, with just himself and two bank tellers. He is not a bad person in the slightest which makes the film that much more compelling. There were multiple sequences where I forgot I was even watching a film and that's due to how good John Boyega sold this performance.
I've always been a fan of his since Attack the Block and have also enjoyed him in the Star Wars franchise, as well as Detroit, but this is easily the best he's ever been. You can tell he was passionate about this project and the story being told and it very much shows on-screen. From the subtleties he brought to the character to the downright powerful lines of dialogue he says throughout the film, he kept my eyes glued to the screen. I had no idea how this story played out in real life either, so I was floored by the time the credits rolled. It's an eye-opening experience.
In the end, the pacing, overall message, great editing, and amazing central performance all sold this film for me. Having not directed much before this, Abi Damaris Corbin is someone I will always be on the lookout for, from here on out. Her work here and the performances she was able to get out of everyone involved just blew me away. Breaking is a special kind of film that has kind of gone under the radar, but I believe it's worthy of much more buzz. I personally believe Boyega deserves some award consideration for this film, but I don't know if he will be recognized. Aside from a couple of scenes that I felt were needed to flesh out a couple of things more, this movie completes its mission of impacting its audience.