Movie: The Terminal

Actors: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta Jones, Stanley Tucci, Kumar Pallana
Director: Steven Spielberg, Producer:

Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a visitor from Eastern Europe, arrives in New York only to learn that his country has fallen victim to a revolutionary coup and that he is left with no working passport. He is a resident of nowhere, cannot enter the USA and has to spend a day at the terminal to wait for news from his country. Stanley Tucci plays the security chief Frank Dixon who watches over Victor as his solitary day extends to 9 months at the terminal. During this period, Victor learns to speak English, makes new friends, finds a job and helps a stranger, flight-attendant Amelia Warren (Catherine Zeta Jones).

Tom Hanks shines as Victor Navorski, with a masterly done thick Russian accent and body language that complements it perfectly. There is a vivid, yet strange humour about his entire persona. He teams up with Spielberg for the third time and like before, the combination seems to bring out the best in him. The movie is not a taxing dramatic piece, it rather moves gently. Viktor`s character is too engrossing to let go as he stutters to learn his English, discovers ways to earn pennies at the airport to satisfy his hunger, shaves, baths, sleeps, plays matchmaker... all at the airport!!

The storyline is catchy, with subtle humour in mixed with moving drama. Kumar Pallana plays Gupta Rajan, an airport janitor who initially thinks of Viktor as a spy due to his prolonged stay at the airport. The little man pulls off a blinder with some catchy humour and, once, with his juggling talents!! Amelia is a rather confused character, entangled between men and her destiny. Apparently, Viktor falls in love with her and their relationship breeds. Viktor, it turns out, is in New York for a purpose... for a dream... something that is not revealed until the end of the movie... and it is touching!! Frank Dixon watches bedazzled and with hostility all that Viktor achieves at the terminal. There comes a point when he tries to trick him out of the airport, fed up. All other characters in the movie too seem to complement the flow.

The entire airport was BUILT for the shooting of this movie. That is right... it is a set. Amazingly realistic and detailed, it never gives the impression of being a fake terminal. Spielberg and his set designer have worked their magic.

Spielberg brings out the variations inside him as a director. After movies like 'The Minority Report' and 'Catch Me If You Can', this one is certainly a change. For those who like movies touching the warmer side of life, this is a no-miss-must-see flick!!