EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

This is not a story about September 11th. It is about every day after.

Director: Stephen Daldry

Actors: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Max von Sydow, Viola Davis and others

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Duration: 129 minutes

Plot: a troubled young boy searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 (written by IMDB editors).

Analysis: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (big title, i know) is indeed a story about the events of September the 11th. But it is not just an another story. It is something quite different. It is the desperate struggle of a young boy to solve the last riddle that his late father left to him. It is a restless quest throughout the city of New York, a sequence of unexpected meetings, unforeseen revelations and strong feelings. The whole cast is enjoyable in their roles, however, Thomas Horm is simply stunning, offering us a great performance which manages to overshadow even famous oscar-winning actors such as Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. The direction is plain and solid, spreading with success and elegance all the emotions that the magnificent script bears. 

      All in all, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a great and meticulous combination of drama, mystery and adventure, as it contains and describes with detail, gentility and persuasiveness not only the well-known reality of September the 11th but also the unsuspected pain and the unthinkable reactions of normal, everyday people through their agonizing effort to confront and finally overcome the sorrow in their souls. A movie that will sweep you aw to its intricate paths, making you laugh, cry and think about the important values in life.

Things to notice:

• the excellent performance of the young protagonist Thomas Horn,  
• the greatly interesting atmposhere which is the result of the succesfull compination of mystery, adventure and drama and
• the different perspective under which the tragic events of September the 11th are presented.

Oscar awards (2012): 

• two (2) oscar nominations for:

a) Best Motion Picture of the Year and
b) Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.

Personal Evaluation: 8.7/10 

Should be watched tonight if: you want to discover what miracles the power of love can offer to the people around us.

Trailer