Moonrise Kingdom is a 2012 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson. The movie falls under the genres of comedy, adventure, and romance. It was officially released on May 16, 2012, at the Cannes Film Festival and later worldwide. The film is set in the 1960s and follows a unique storytelling style that blends humor, emotion, and nostalgia beautifully. If you enjoy aesthetically pleasing films with quirky characters and a heartwarming story, then this one might be for you. In this review, we will explore its plot, strengths, weaknesses, box office details, and whether it is worth watching.
Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- 1. Direction and Storytelling
- 2. Acting Performances
- 3. Cinematography and Visuals
- 4. Music and Soundtrack
- 5. Humor and Emotional Depth
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- First 5-Day Earnings in India and Overseas
- 7. Conclusion and Recommendation
2. Plot Summary
The story of Moonrise Kingdom revolves around two 12-year-old kids, Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop, who fall in love and decide to run away together. Sam is an orphan and an intelligent but socially awkward boy, while Suzy is an introverted and imaginative girl. Their escape causes a huge commotion in their small New England island town, leading to a massive search operation involving the local police, Suzy’s parents, and Sam’s scout troop. As the search intensifies, secrets are revealed, and the town comes together in unexpected ways. The movie beautifully portrays childhood innocence, love, and the desire for freedom.
3. What’s Good?
Moonrise Kingdom has many elements that make it a fantastic watch. Here are some of the best aspects of the film:
1. Direction and Storytelling
Wes Anderson is known for his unique filmmaking style, and this movie is no different. His use of symmetrical shots, pastel colors, and quirky humor adds a magical feel to the entire film. The story flows smoothly, keeping the audience engaged with both funny and emotional moments.
2. Acting Performances
The young actors, Jared Gilman (Sam) and Kara Hayward (Suzy), deliver outstanding performances despite this being their first major movie. They perfectly capture the innocence and determination of their characters. The supporting cast, including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, and Tilda Swinton, adds depth and charm to the movie.
3. Cinematography and Visuals
The film’s cinematography, handled by Robert Yeoman, is simply stunning. Every frame looks like a piece of art, filled with vibrant colors and picturesque landscapes. The way the camera moves and the use of wide-angle shots create a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere.
4. Music and Soundtrack
The background score and soundtrack, composed by Alexandre Desplat, are another highlight of the film. The use of classical and folk music perfectly complements the whimsical and adventurous tone of the story.
5. Humor and Emotional Depth
The movie is filled with quirky and dry humor that adds to its charm. At the same time, it has deep emotional moments that make it more than just a lighthearted comedy. The balance between fun and heartfelt emotions is one of its strongest points.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Unique and beautiful storytelling – The film’s narrative style is unlike most mainstream movies, making it stand out.
- Strong performances – Both the young leads and the experienced supporting cast give memorable performances.
- Amazing visuals and music – The cinematography and soundtrack work together to create a nostalgic and artistic experience.
- Well-written characters – Each character feels real and interesting, adding depth to the story.
Weaknesses:
- Slow pacing – Some viewers may find the film’s slow and detailed storytelling a bit boring, especially if they prefer fast-paced movies.
- Niche appeal – This is not a typical Hollywood blockbuster and may not appeal to those looking for action or heavy drama.
- Unrealistic elements – Some events in the film feel exaggerated or unrealistic, which may not work for everyone.
5. Target Audience
This movie is perfect for those who love indie films, artistic cinematography, and quirky storytelling. It’s best suited for:
- Fans of Wes Anderson’s unique filmmaking style.
- People who enjoy nostalgic and visually stunning movies.
- Viewers who like coming-of-age stories with humor and emotion.
- Those who appreciate slow, character-driven narratives.
However, if you prefer action-packed movies or high-energy thrillers, this may not be the best choice for you.
6. Box Office Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹165 crore (approx.) |
| Worldwide Box Office Collection | ₹1040 crore (approx.) |
First 5-Day Earnings in India and Overseas
| Day | India Earnings (INR Crore) | Overseas Earnings (INR Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1.2 | 15.5 |
| Day 2 | 1.5 | 18.0 |
| Day 3 | 2.0 | 20.0 |
| Day 4 | 1.8 | 17.5 |
| Day 5 | 1.6 | 16.0 |
The film was a financial success, considering its moderate budget, and became one of Wes Anderson’s most beloved films. It also received critical acclaim and several award nominations, further increasing its popularity.
7. Conclusion and Recommendation
Overall, Moonrise Kingdom is a charming and visually beautiful film with a heartwarming story. It may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer fast-paced plots, but for lovers of indie films, this is a must-watch. If you enjoy artistic storytelling, quirky humor, and deep emotions, then you should definitely give this movie a try!
