2012 Movie
Dir. Wes Anderson · United States of America · English
Two twelve year olds: Sam, an introverted Khaki scout (Jared Gilman) and the sharp yet sassy Suzy (Kara Hayward), fall in love and run away to their own personal paradise they call “Moonrise Kingdom.” The young girl’s parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) call the authorities. A search party compiled of the local Sheriff (Bruce Willis), Khaki Scout Troop Leader (Edward Norton) and his scouts along with an assortment of other characters try to track down the young runaways through the wilderness. The characters are as bright, quirky and colourful as their surroundings. The film’s trademark stylistic handmade art direction (Wes Anderson) and clever camera choices add character to the storytelling. Even with its sweet and playful demeanour, major real world issues such as bullying and infidelity are touched upon. Moonrise Kingdom is a delightfully charming film with a meticulously executed plot and sophisticated humour.
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.
"We may look back on Anderson's works as we do on the boxes of Joseph Cornell -- formal troves of frippery, studded with nostalgic private jokes, that lodge inexplicably in the heart. In Moonrise Kingdom, that lodging is already under way."
— Anthony Lane
"Moonrise Kingdom makes a winning appeal to the precious joys of the pre-teen imagination circa 1965."
— Nick James
Oscars
1 nom
Cannes
1 nom
Golden Globes
1 nom
BAFTA
1 nom
Spirit Awards
5 noms
WGA
1 nom
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
NYFCC
1 nom
LAFCA
1 nom
Christina Ienna is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch and an Italian-Canadian filmmaker and cinematographer. Her writing brings a craft-focused perspective to film and television reviews.
The definitive Wes Anderson masterpiece.This movie is a love story about an orphan boy and a girl with a difficult childhood. With the artistic landscape and the captivating music score by the great Alexander Desplat, this movie is a must watch. The ensemble cast includes two talented child debutantes along with veteran Wes Anderson regulars. (Bonus: Bill Murray and Bruce Willis are awesome here!!)