Camp X-Ray Reviews
An in-depth understanding about the enhanced interrogation tactics (aka, torture) used against terrorists and suspected terrorists might help better to better appreciate the film's motivations. Whatever you bring to the picture, you will likely walk away appreciating the acting.
"Camp X-Ray" showcases a beautiful, unlikely friendship between a small-town Guantanamo Bay guard and a good natured, misunderstood detainee. It explores the depths of a corrupt system, one-sided stereotypes, unfair power dynamics and inhumane treatment of other people - in this military scope. It's truly eye-opening and heart-wrenching, yet at the end of the day, there is hope. Kristen Stewart and Payman Moaadi exhibit a natural and enigmatic repertoire and bond amongst the backdrop of a raw, unforgiving landscape. Highly recommend.
As a fan of Kristen Stewart, Camp X-Ray felt like an intimate exploration of her ability to embody complex emotions. Stewart's portrayal of Private Amy Cole was nothing short of captivating-her quiet strength and vulnerability brought the character to life, making her moral dilemmas deeply relatable. Watching her navigate the challenging environment of Guantanamo Bay, you could feel the internal conflict that defines her journey. One of the standout aspects of the movie was the chemistry between Stewart and Peyman Moaadi, who played Ali Amir. Their interactions carried much of the emotional weight of the film, adding nuance to the otherwise stark contrast between a soldier and a detainee. Moaadi's performance was poignant, offering glimpses of humanity and resilience, which made you wish the film delved deeper into his character's story. This brings me to the one significant shortcoming of the movie-the missed opportunity for better pacing and more balanced storytelling. With nearly two hours of runtime, the film focused heavily on Cole's perspective while leaving the detainees' backstories and character development underexplored. Given the rich potential of such a setting, this felt like an oversight. It wasn't just a missed narrative opportunity; it also impacted the emotional depth of the film, which could have been much stronger if we had seen more of the detainees' humanity and struggles. That said, the production and direction were solid, creating an authentic and immersive portrayal of life in Guantanamo Bay. The setting felt real, and the atmosphere added tension to every interaction. The film's quieter moments, though slow at times, were effective in highlighting the isolation and monotony that defined the characters' lives. Overall, Camp X-Ray is a film worth watching, particularly for Kristen Stewart's heartfelt performance. While it could have been a more well-rounded story, the themes of connection, humanity, and moral ambiguity still shine through. It's a movie that lingers in your thoughts, not for what it achieved, but for what it could have achieved with a more balanced approach.
very powerful. there is a grey, not just a black and white
I have no idea why this movie got 75%.. I'm no movie guru but the scenes feel like an hour long throughout the whole movie. Basically just two people talking the entire movie going absolutely nowhere ..Also horrible acting.
"Camp X Ray," with its deliberate pace and lack of hyperbolic action, may not appeal to some viewers. But as an actors' movie, it excels. Kristen Stewart is Amy Cole, an Army private assigned to monitor the detainees at Gitmo (known as Camp X Ray among the residents). Virtually all, of course, are middle easterners suspected of terrorist activity, or at least having information about it. They are "detained" in tiny cells, some for many years. Peyman Moaadi is Ali, a detainee who tries to get under Amy's skin with taunts and insults. One insult is particularly sickening, but we can't help but understand his anger, even though we have no idea if he is guilty or withholding terrorist information. Little by little, the two begin a cautious relationship, carried on through the small glass window in Ari's cell. At one point, Amy looks through the reports on Ari, which show that he has been mercilessly tortured. Stewart's performance is a study in restraint and containment. We can see that she develops some pity for Ari, who has been imprisoned for eight years, but as a good soldier, she can't show it. It sets up a tension that is sustained throughout. Moaadi's performance is equally impressive. Is he trustworthy? Is he a terrorist? He complains that he can't get a copy of the seventh Harry Potter book, one small thing to break the monotony of his interminable detention. Filmmaker Peter Sattler, who wrote and directed, avoids the temptation to wallow in sentiment and employ a lot of glaring symbolism. When he does use symbolism, it's simple and effective, as in a scene near the one hour mark in which the detainees are lined up kneeling and praying to Allah, while outside the building, the American flag is being raised and the soldiers are saluting it. Two different sets of beliefs: Is one superior to the other? Thankfully, Sattler doesn't take sides or preach; he just presents the facts. "Camp X Ray" has no swelling soundtrack music or exaggerated melodrama. It's focused on a relationship between two people who are ostensibly enemies, and that's it. The lack of Hollywood thrills will frustrate some action-hungry viewers. But those who appreciate intelligent script writing and committed acting will be rewarded.
Hard and emotional ending which gives the film and characters more strength. Just perfect for this movie how it should end
One of my fav of all time. A beautiful, powerful and unpredictable story. Kristen Stewart is impeccable.
A missed opportunity. The plot was simplistic and failed to explore the themes being discussed in sufficient detail, there was too little character development, there were barely any likeable characters, and the pacing wasn't brilliant because a large portion of the film felt repetitive - e.g. just watching people wandering around a small room looking through windows. Then the ending was pleasant but unrealistic. However, the acting was decent, and the cinematography, visual effects, and soundtrack were well done.
This movie is definitely one to remember! So deep in a subtle way like gosh it’s good! The cast is awesome and so is the script. If you are someone who thinks that all Kristen Stewart does is show no emotion and only plays damsels in distress then you should watch this movie right now!!
Great performances, powerful story. The film will stick with you. Unfortunately this is extremely believable as well.
Incredible movie. Kristen Stewart acted just perfect. Payman Maadi is a great actor that he had proven time and again. If anyone wants to see his acting, watch his movie "Separation".
Camp X-Ray tem uma proposta interessante, arriscada e nos leva a refletir sobre muitas coisas. Desde o principio, o filme tenta construir sua personagem principal, e devo dizer que estou surpreso aqui. Como qualquer pessoa que já assistiu algum filme da saga crepúsculo, é completamente natural que haja um certo tipo de preconceito. Mas ainda bem que isso não comprometeu minha experiencia, já que Kristen Stewart entrega o necessário para que a personagem evolua na trama. Pontos como Insegurança, medo, exclusão social, ceticismo as próprias crenças, adaptação ao lugar - e seu próprio modus operandi que leva facilmente a loucura para ambos os lados, excitando ainda mais um ódio mutuo - foram bem abordados pelo roteiro e pela própria interpretação da Stewart. A mesma deixa a desejar em algumas cenas que exigem um retorno mais dramático, mas nada que deslegitime todo o seu trabalho. A trama gira em torno de dois personagens: Amy Cole [Nova no meio Militar] e Ali Amir [Detento há 8 anos]. A relação dos dois é muito bem estruturada ao redor do filme, seja com diálogos de humanização, planos comparando a rotina de ambos, ou até situações constrangedoras. Devo dar um certo destaque a direção, pois muito aqui é dito apenas com a cinematografia. A discussão sobre os métodos penitenciários é válida, e o contraste inicial sobre a convenção de genebra e o uso da palavra "detentos" é muito interessante para entendermos a mentalidade de muitos militares que estão por ai. Também entra em debate a mudança de comportamento em grupos sociais - e as possíveis consequências de quem se nega a vender seus valores - e até mesmo as razoes, até então obscuras, do estado prendendo pessoas por possíveis ligações com grupos terroristas que muitas vezes não existem. Ao que tudo indica, o Amir era inocente e mesmo que ele fosse embora, um histórico de 8 anos numa prisão já era o suficiente para acabar com sua vida.
This movie was excellent! I watch-streamed it a couple of years ago on the internet and it was SO captivating, thought-provoking, realistic, touching, emotional, and strongly acted. The plot is super simple, but it's executed very well. Kristen Stewart's acting was great in this movie! Kristen IS a good actress, you morons. Putting that aside, the plot of this film is a female guard named Amy Cole (Kristen Stewart) in a Guantanamo Bay facility slowly forming an unlikely friendship with one of the longtime detainees (Payman Maadi). Detainees barely have rights and only have very few of them. They have a right to eat little bits of food, drink only a little bit of water, use the restroom, and read a book in their cells, that's pretty much it I think. Much later on in the movie, the detainee claims to have been arrested and locked up for life for a horrible crime he was mistakenly accused of, but of course no one would believe him, except probably Amy, who eventually ends up believing his innocence. It is a nice, realistic, touching, and emotional film that is underrated and it is a must watch movie. Rating: 7.5/10
An impactful movie with a message. It spoke of the truths that people have been totally oblivious to including me. The performance that both stewart and maadi delivered were beyond words. A must see movie!
the plot is flat and not well developed. In general it is boring, only in the end it becomes a little interesting, although not much
Kristen Stewart plays guard Amy Cole, a young marine from a small town who joined the military to escape her life. The movie centers around the conflict of her growing relationship with a prisoner, Moaadi, who has been in Gitmo for eight years. This film affected me very deeply in a way I was not expecting. Kristen Stewart and Peyman Moaadi deliver stunning performances which take your breathe away. You really feel for this guy and Stewart has never been more convincing. I thought it would be a stretch to imagine her as a tough soldier and it is kind of surreal yet she manages to create a credible person out of the role. Her emotional distress as the contradictions of her job as camp guard begin to overwhelm her, is very powerful and a pleasure to watch. The independent film is excellent. It is well written and engaging, as well as caries a great story, tone, and pace with it. A a pair of impressive performances from Kristen Stewart and Peyman Moaadi.
Centred upon a sympathetic friendship of a soldier and her detainee, this is one distinguished prison drama that delves profoundly into the emotional complexity of the tragic humanism at the world's most notorious prison, Guantanamo Bay.