When a group of formidable women come together as a team to save the world from a dangerous and powerful internet technology likely to start a third world war, then it's a film worth watching! I've had this film on my PC since last year and forgot about it (gasp). So when I searched for a weekend watch, I found The 355 (2022) among other films that I've not seen and jumped on.
What is it with film critics? I'm yet to understand how their minds work because their negative reviews of this action thriller are downright sad. It's no easy feat to produce an action thriller flick and what's more, bring on these A-class actresses (Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong'o and Fan Bingbing) in a collaboration. After seeing the two-hour film, I have to disagree with the negative reviews and it's not because I'm female.
The 355 is mainly about five tough ladies who are international spies from organisations like the CIA, MI6 and such. A mercenary got a powerful internet technology during a raid and looks to sell it for a meagre three million dollars. It's discovered that this device can bring down planes, and satellites and cause power outages in any part of the world. In other words, this device can crash the world and in the wrong hands, it's armageddon.
https://youtu.be/SV0s2S9reT0?si=8hUvb-KGUS41Nm2eSource: YouTube
These international spies set out, pursuing the movement of the device singularly until they meet during a volatile shootout and decide to work as a team rather than antagonise each other. They almost succeed in getting this device then something unexpected happens. You'll have to see this film to know what it is.
Review
I love action thrillers like this film, especially one involving conspiracy and espionage. It's like a cross between James Bond and Charlie Angels. The plot is straightforward about a device capable of turning the world upside down but what catches the attention of the audience is the female-led adventure and their energised acting. I enjoyed the feminine spin on this genre and can say director Simon Kinberg did great with this film. He adds some delicious spice with the inclusion of Marvel star, Sebastian Stan.
I'm impressed with Jessica Chastain's performance especially when she mixes her emotional and tough-spy sides. I think she was perfect for the role. Diane Kruger got a rise out of me for playing the part of a standoffish, crazy spy while Lupita Nyong'o as the British agent with great field and unique cyberskills gave a stellar performance that is believable.
The arrival of Fan Bingbing in a later part of the film is unremarkable. The way the scene is written to include her in the spy work is lacking in flavour and should have been done better. Also, Penélope Cruz deserves better and I feel her talents were not put to good use. Playing the teary, soft mother-therapist part who suddenly becomes comfortable handling a gun and shooting people is unrealistic.
The scene I enjoyed most was the market scene in Africa where the women teamed up, dressed as Moslems to ambush the mercenaries and take the device from them.
The cinematography is good but could have been better. The explosive action sequences were adrenaline-pumping and left viewers on the edge of their seats. But the camera work and editing appear shaky and obscure in some parts.
Overall, The 355 is an enjoyable watch especially for a relaxing weekend because it's well done and doesn't take itself too seriously. The strong cast performance is solid and the actions are thrilling. I'll give it 3 stars out of 5.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie
Posted using CineTV
