Stronger

Stronger is a rather average mainstream drama that doesn't offer much more than just a glimpse into the backstage of Jeff Bauman's family circle, a victim of the Boston bombing, and his dilemmas and struggles after this event. Jake portrays it excellently, I shed a tear over his performance. However, the directorial baton sometimes feels overly American, so don't expect too much depth from it. (08.02.2018)

Stronger is the third ambitious film focused on the terrorist attack during the Boston Marathon, following Marathon: The Patriots Day Bombing and Patriots Day. Instead of a mosaic reconstruction of the event from different perspectives, Gordon Green chose to take a more limited approach and shot a very intimate portrait of one man. ___ The first hour in particular is excellent, as it depicts, in a very raw way almost in real time, the medical procedures that Jeff has to undergo (thanks to Gyllenhaal’s acting, the removal of the bandages is one of the most painful scenes I have seen this year). We see the various stages of his treatment and his deepening depression, the incomprehension of his loved ones (who, unlike in similar films, are not always kind and helpful in every way) and his ingratitude (as he is humiliated by his dependence on the assistance of others), and we get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for triumphant moments like the opening of an NHL match. Instead of the pathetic celebration of heroism that was presented to the public, we see pain, shame, fatigue, uncertainty, resignation (in its thematisation of what makes a man a hero and at what cost, Stronger is reminiscent of some of Clint Eastwood’s later films). ___ Most sick-flicks tell the story of protagonists who, thanks to their loving friends and family and solid material security, don’t have to struggle with anything other than their medical condition. As a member of the working class whose girlfriend isn’t sure if she wants to stay with him (they had basically broken up before the attack), Jeff has a lot of other things to worry about and instead of gaining strength and spreading love, he’s sliding to the bottom. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt makes extensive use of (physical) close-ups and shots with little depth of field, so, like Jeff, we don’t properly know what’s going on around him; his and our “reach” is severely limited, which deepens the frustration. ___ The second half of the film isn’t as cohesive, as Green fails to find the key to connecting the three levels of the narrative (Jeff as a man with personal trauma, Jeff as a partner, Jeff as a man who inspires others), and the final minutes are filled with a cheap pathos that this otherwise likably factual film had mostly managed to avoid. Manchester by the Sea thus remains the most complex and truthful drama about relationships and trauma of recent times, but if you want to be moved without feeling that someone has taken advantage of you, Stronger is also a good choice (and Gyllenhaal deserves at least an Oscar nomination, which he should have gotten for Nightcrawler). 75% (13.12.2017)

About a year ago, we saw a nearly documentary-style portrayal of the Boston Marathon bombing by Berg, focusing primarily on the criminals and the subsequent manhunt and capture of the terrorists. It didn't emphasize the impact on those most affected by the explosion. Stronger approaches it from a different angle, presenting a more civilian perspective and illustrating how a person's life can suddenly change. Jeff Bauman was just an ordinary guy who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and lost both of his lower limbs in the blast. I was particularly impressed by Gyllenhaal’s performance (how was he not nominated for anything?), as his empathy for the main character was crucial. The film explores the protagonist's internal struggle, which could be likened to a rollercoaster. Initially, after the explosion, he tried to live despite his limitations, but gradually fell into deeper and deeper depression, making it seem like it could end in suicide. However, his eventual resilience and determination to face his fate is almost inspiring. I must commend all the actors for their incredibly realistic portrayal of family relationships. The film is not about anything optimistic, but the positive energy of the main character is something worth reflecting on. I give it 84%. (26.03.2018)

Jake does what he can, but his (real-life) character’s story simply doesn’t provide fertile ground for celebrating the values on which he wants to stand. Whether it’s his family background or uncertain and indecisive attitude toward his relationship with his girlfriend and physical convalescence, none of the motifs take the film anywhere meaningful. And the flag waving at the stadium doesn’t really elevate it either. I’m just barely giving this an above-average rating only because of Jake. (07.12.2020)

A story written by life itself. Unfortunately, the film version is no better or worse, and it's a pretty decent endeavor, and the only thing that stands out is Jake Gyllenhaal and his take on the character, whom he makes believable. I have to admit that, at least in this version, I don't envy Jeff his family, and at times you don't know if anyone is even capable of empathizing with him. (31.01.2018)