The most memorable part of the movie after all these years was when Liam Neeson was going through the wallets of the dead passengers and seeing their photos of them with their families, their wives and kids than the last one had just a drivers license, no memorabilia, no happy family photograph, no child's drawing just some guy who died alone and no one to mourn or even note his death and Neeson quietly cups the wallet and gives a silent prayer. That, that there was masterful Cinematography.
When film critic Roger Ebert first watched this film, he had another movie to review later that day but had to cancel. He was quoted as saying that "The Grey" affected him so profoundly that he couldn't professionally-detach himself enough to fairly assess a completely different movie so soon after.
He wrote in his review: "After "The Grey" was over, I watched the second film for 30 minutes and then got up and walked out of the theater. It was the first time I've ever walked out of a film because of the previous film. The way I was feeling in my gut, it just wouldn't have been fair to the next film."
@@Thagomizer I like when people speak and think and write this way: it reminds me, you, and everyone, that there are greater concerns in life, and that all of us must pause (when given the opportunity) to meditate on it. I love when we can see clearly through whatever medium expressed, that there is more, even much more, than the mundane ways in which we spend our lives. The Grey vicariously gave us the right to struggle with the team and therefore appreciate down to the bone that there is something in life, which is precious, and therefore to live well. God rest
I Love this movie. Liam had lost his wife before he shot this. He’s not really acting as he writes that letter at the start. He was writing it to his late wife. It puts another level onto his performance. Massive grief.
I clicked on this video expecting the Drinker to mention this for sure & was shocked when he didn’t. When I saw this movie, I couldn’t stop thinking of Mrs. Neesom died skiing….😥😥😥
Neeson's character chose to live at the end-- after spending much of his recent life waiting to die. People were pissed about missing the fight scene... but what they really missed was the point.
I watched this movie years ago and even I could tell that the point in the ending scene wasn't about a big battle for his survival. Sure it never dawned on me that the bigger poignant point of that final scene was that it was all his fault. He said in the begining of the movie that "wolves are territorial, if we move away from their den then they would leave us alone" And then the realization that throughout the entire movie, he had single handedly lead the group of men to their collective deaths, all the while marching unknowingly right into the heart of their territory. And that no matter if he killed every last one of those wolves, it would not change the fact that all those men died because of his bad call. Sure that might not have been the point in hindsight but even little kid me could tell that the "fight" scene was supposed to be emotional and not action.
I remember seeing this one. Went in expecting Liam Neeson going full Ted Nugent on Arctic wildlife and potentially some crazy cannibals in the wilderness. The darker, more grounded movie wasn't was I was expecting from Liam and it was actually pretty good.
@@TrueCarthaginian I live in New Hampshire, I have been deep in the wilderness at night with predators around my camp on several occasions. The way the movie depicts the wolves is exactly what it's like when you're in the middle of nowhere and there are predators around (I'm talking about predators generally, the closest I've had to deal with IRL was coyotes, although I once had a mountain lion lurking around my camp, they are considerably more dangerous than a wolf). They really do seem to have supernatural powers when you are looking at them from that perspective, they seem to appear and disappear at will, often never letting you see more than a shadow or a flash. Believe me, this movie nailed it.
@@dontcare7086 I've seen him in the old Les Miserables from the 90s. Other than that, not really. Was nice to see him pull out a serious role given that he did so well with it and that he seemed to be doing only action films for some reason. Was a nice change of pace.
The ending scene where he's taping up his hands, preparing to fight one last time, while that poem is recited... just chills man. I love this movie, it's stuck with me for years, and I always try to convince people that it really is a diamond in the rough.
I really enjoyed it, and I think it suffered from marketing that portrayed it as "Liam Neeson Punches Wolves" when it was actually quite considered, almost philosophical.
I saw it in theaters, and it wasn't until years later, watching with a friend that I really gave it a fair shot. It completely subverted my expectations at the time and I was younger and didn't give it the space to be it's own film outside of them.
roger ebert gave it 4 stars and it made 80 mil on 25 mill budget. got overlooked? get your normie ass take out of here. whats next? "scott pilgrim is underrated" bahahaha
If there ever was a film that was the perfect distillation of what it means to be a man, who is struggling to find the will to go on in this world while in the midst of despair, it is The Grey. I can't recommend this film enough. Rarely do I stay through the end credits of a film, but I was so struck by how moving the whole movie was that I stayed glued to my seat as the credits rolled. I went in expecting a typical mindless Liam Neeson action flick, and I left being deeply impacted by the film.
@John Syzlack Agreed, maybe intentionally so? Are they both alive? Are they both mortally wounded and dying? As long as his eyes are open, Neeson's not dead. (yet)
That life is worth fighting for too, no matter the reason. Whether you're battling wolves or depression, fight with everything you have. Fight to get home to your family, fight for your God, fight because you can. Life is worth fighting for even at your worst and most hopeless moments.
@@SuperflyMiceguy Yes there is. You can't really tell what is going on though. The wolf is breathing heavily like the dying one did towards the beginning of the film. Ottway is laying with his head on the wolf with his back to the camera not moving. The wolf is clearly morally injured. He clearly collapsed after the wolf. Did he succumb to his injuries? Did he succumb to hypothermia? If he really did defeat the alpha then the rest of the pack probably dissipated. Is he simply resting to regain his strength? It's all shown too quickly and up close to really know.
This is one of the most underrated films of all time. It truly delves into one of the most deepest philosophical ideas that plagues us all. The struggle of life and death and the will to live. The wolves were never meant to represent the actual animals . Instead they represent death and the inescapable fate that comes for us all. Each character embraces and faces their fate differently. It’s truly a beautiful film. I’ve read that the writer stated that the wolves represented depression and the film really revolves around the struggle to fight it. It’s also amazing that Liam Neesom had also lost his wife shortly before filming this so it made his role that much more powerful.
@@SaraLittleWren I need to point out here that one of the tracks from the film's finale comes from the original soundtrack of an extremely obscure film called ink (2009). It is such a unique film with a beautiful soundtrack, any chance I get I recommend it because it's certainly one of those movies that 99% of people have not seen.
yes exactly…its not one of your throw away films…it certainly stays with you long after it ends…The cast was well chosen and the sentiment portrayed in the film is meaningful ( in a good way…not a politically mind numbing way) which is sorely lacking in films lately, sadly.:-)
Not a Liam Neeson fan but it was my wife's turn to pick movie. She likes scary movies so chose The Grey. Started off really good but expected it to turn into a Liam Neeson movie at any moment. Instead kept getting better & better. Was loving it. Then in the final scene he starts preparing to fight the alpha. Thought to myself, "of course he has to fight the giant alpha wolf. Wouldn't be a Liam Neeson movie if he didn't. Knew they'd ruin it". He thinks of his wife & the beautiful score plays. Recites his father's awesome poem one last time as the alpha closes in. Alphas now right infront of him & they stare at eye to eye. Gets quite for a few seconds then suddenly they lunge at each other. Screen goes black, credits roll. Turned to my wife & said, "masterpiece". She was disappointed so when it came out on bluray I drove her nuts with it. Seen it easily over 100 times. Absolutely love The Grey. I remember people being upset it didn't show the fight. That would've ruined it. They wanted Liam to win, skin the wolf, wear it's fur & live out his remaining years as the packs new alpha.
This movie was produced by Adi Shankar (Dredd, Lone Survivor, Killing Them Softly). At the time at the age of 27, he became the youngest executive producer to ever hit #1 at the box office with The Grey. His bootleg series of videos on UA-cam is incredible. Super talented guy.
Adi Shankar is the one of the few people in Hollywood I can relate to. I can only think that his passion, enthusiasm and competence manage to overcome the fact he isn't a regular A list weasel. He comes across as 100% genuine. If you haven't seen it, you have to watch, "Dirty Laundry", the Punisher short on his channel.
This movie is amazing, one of the better movies that has a real theme about facing death and how each man deals with it. So glad they cut the ending seeing Liam fighting the wolves at the end.
Did it get cut? I remember seeing it (and it was laughably absurd), but then again I'm sure it was on DVD when i first saw it and it could have been an alternative ending off the menu.
@@jwhowa0379 probably just DVD, the one I saw cuts to black. I think there’s an after creds scene were you see him slumped on a wolf and one of them is breathing still but you don’t know which.
@@jwhowa0379 probably just DVD, the one I saw cuts to black. I think there’s an after creds scene were you see him slumped on a wolf and one of them is breathing still but you don’t know which.
@@jwhowa0379 They shot footage and had it all story boarded out but I doubt you will ever see any of the footage. You can find pictures of him lying on the wolf at the end.
"Once more into the fray... into the last good fight I'll ever know. Live and die on this day... Live and die on this day." The Grey is a beautiful movie that's sadly almost never talked about.
I love this movie. Like "The Thing", it is about MEN alone in a survival situation. No sexual tension. No emotion over logic. It is just death coming for us all. Fantastic.
“Fuck it. I’ll do it m’self” is one of the most badass lines in recent cinematic history, especially within the context of that scene and the movie as a whole.
This movie deserves so much more credit. I felt like it was a bit of a reflection on the feeling and process one goes through after losing someone close. His wife Natasha tragically and suddenly died less than a year before this was filmed, and his performance sort of reflected that emptiness felt after such a traumatic experience.
@@cablegy868 I didn't think of it as a dream, but more like a hallucination brought on by his injuries, and his brain just coping with imminent death, what he wants to see the most before the lights go out.
I remember walking into my old Doc's office and a few of the staff made up of mostly young women were talking about The Grey, which I loved after it came out. They thought it was horrible. I told them it's a guy's movie you'll never get it, lol. The Grey is one of the rare, great Joe Carnahan movies, harkening back to the quality of his debut Narc and the story is fantastic, it just grabs you from the get go. Plus the humor in it like when Joe Anderson's character talks about the tragic events of a plane crash, in gory detail not knowing his plane would crash and his fellow passengers tell him to shut up, hilarious. Great movie about survival against incredible odds and one of Neeson's best. To bad now some idiots would call it filled with toxic masculinity.
Incidentally this movie did make me think of another survival movie I've seen called The Edge with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin. Both movies having a similar premise, just replace a seasoned hunter with a magazine mogul out of his depth. Also replace the pack of wolves with a big ol' Kodiak bear. Though both having similar premises, both are still entertaining with their stories and character development and having scenes with varying levels of intensity. Mind you I do put my favor towards The Edge more, mostly cause I grew up with that film and I basically enjoyed the story a bit more. Though that still being based on personal taste and opinion. And of course I scroll down and see the recommended movies, one of which being "The Edge".
I prefer the edge too. I found The Grey a little too bleak for my taste, and I couldn’t get over the implausible behaviour of the wolves, but still a good movie.
The Grey was good, but it was frankly too depressing for me to really enjoy it. The Edge fits in all of the same horror and tension, but I like how Charles spends the movie using his rationality to dare fate, even when the other guys are ready to accept it and "die of shame."
I saw The Edge in theatre long ago with a friend. I hadn't heard of it, and wasn't looking forward to it. Just sort of a favor for a friend to go with him. It's one of those rare surprises that pulls you in and makes you interested. It was an absolute edge of your seat thriller. With a haunting, deathly soundtrack/score that was perfect in theatre surround sound, your heart was racing as they were hunted by the crazed Kodiak ravaged with bloodthirst in the wilderness.
I always chose to look at this film as Liam's catharsis to work through the loss of his own wife while portraying this character, and that is quite beautiful in its simplistic form.
I’d like to point out how intense and foreboding the musical score is for this movie. Minimal but effective with dynamic range and layering...still gives me chills.
My only problem I had with the film was the Wolves. They didn't seem real at all, they seemed like an almost mythological monster rather then what wolves are actually like. But it served the purpose of the film in making the odds of survival dwindle for the characters, which really helped to push the story, so still no complaints. Great film.
In a sense they are mythological. They represent the harshness of nature and how we modern humans are so out of our element within it, while the wolves are at home and dominant in it. They might as well have been demons in hell or zombies after the apocalypse.
I remember seeing this movie in cinema. I had no expectation and no idea about the screenplay. I cried and the man besides me too. It is Nietszche's "Beggining of tragedy". So deep and heartbroken. Greetings from Argentina
This movie is fahqn amazing. The poem his dad wrote he recites was stuck in my head for years. "Live and Die on this day" One of the better films of this Century.
Same, I really don't know why but after watching the movie, this poem really stuck with me too. I was so obsessed with it for a long time, and sometimes I still think about it after all this years.
Drinker, two that I would love to see you take a look at are "Wind River" and "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy". Both give extremely accurate portrayals of the world and characters they represent. Growing up in rural Wyoming and living in rural Montana now, I always recommend people watch "Wind River" if they want to know how the people and landscape can be here.
Wind River is amazing. The Grey I didn't really enjoy as much, but I've only seen it once several years ago. It felt a bit too nihilistic to me to get much enjoyment out of it.
@@TomAKAVeto I didn't mind The Grey, but I also haven't watched it since it came out in theaters and I was probably a freshman in high school so it would be worth a rewatch now that I'm a little older. I was mostly expecting "Liam Neason: Wolf Fighter" from the trailers which sounds cool when you're 13. "Wind River" stands in my top 3 list with "GoodFellas" and "No Country for Old Men".
@@garrywilliams8730 I remember seeing it in theaters and thinking that I knew at least 10-15 people that were so similar to Renner's character that Taylor Sheridan must really know his stuff. One of my favorite small details from the movie is the scene where Renner is reloading his own rifle rounds and there's a Turnpike Troubadours song playing in the background. This could have easily been a mainstream pop-country song that the general audience would assume somebody like Renner's character would listen to...but as somebody who's lived that life, the choice to include that band, and that song, for his character was literally perfect characterization. It shows how well Taylor Sheridan researches and understands the people and places he portrays.
I found the grey to be about how we face the imminence of death, some try to bargain and argue with it others give in or put there hopes in others to help them. In the end we all die alone but that's not the point. the point is how we face death, do we go quietly into the goodnight or do we rage against the dying of the light? And that is what makes this a great movie.
Movies like this and "The Revenant" always intrigued me, mostly because it shows how even though we've progressed so much as a species, we lost touch with our relationship with nature, making us more likely to be killed or eaten by the dangers that lurk in the darkest depths of the woods. Pitting humans against the uncaring and cruel environments of nature, pushing themselves physically, mentally and spiritually just to survive. Plus, I live in a hillside town, so horror stories that center around the forest always hit home.
The Grey is so good! Easily one of Liam Neeson’s very best films and one of my personal favorites of all time. I will never forget that poem of his for as long as I live.
Again!.. Drinker picks yet another personal underrated fave of mine.. This film and Neeson's part in it are unreal!.. Easily contender for Liam's best ever role perhaps, in my humble opinion!?.. I recommend this to so many people.. Some get it, some don't.. But this film is so raw and deep, in a big way, it genuinely helped me thru one of the hardest times in my life, it's theme/message in the story is that epic!!.. When I think about it right now.. I actually can't think of any other film that's genuinely effected me like this and I've taken so much away from!!.. I took a part of this film with me the best part of 10 yrs ago now, that is still part of me today now, and I'll probably have all the rest of my life!.. - What i got from it.. Life is harsh, but you never give up.. Something will get you one day anyway, so no matter what, you just keep on fighting until that day comes!!.. I just love the kind of validation i feel every time Drinker (who's articulate thoughts an views i really appreciate) picks another film i rate an see so much in.. Is always a nice feeling! Lol.. And the rare times he showcases an recommends something I haven't seen, I very often make a mental note to watch it.. Our tastes are so similar I'm confident I'll ever feel it was wasted time checking it out!!.. Respect Mr Jordan.. You're on the path to becoming a legend!! Lol.. Long may you and your channel live and grow more my man!!.. 😎🤟💯👌 Go away an fuck off now!! Lol.. - Big love to anyone out there that got this far, an especially if you appreciated what i shared above!.. 😊✌️
I remember seeing this film for the first time. I found it really unsettling but incredibly gripping. And the ending was great. When he tapes those broken bottles to his hands and then charges at the wolves…great stuff! A friend of mine, Christopher Lockhart who’s the story editor at WME, was the one who suggested to Liam to start doing action films when his dramatic acting career was starting to fizzle. I think this is one of the first films of that genre he did after that meeting.
This was a good movie. The soundtrack and ending hit the feels hard. A loner who made several new friends just to lose them all one by one. Overwhelmed with sadness he capitulated and then in a split second, immediately became determined to punish something for all of the loss in his life. You can even watch beyond the credits and come to a final conclusion of your own.
The movie is like a Jack London book. One of the ideas/themes that I caught from the story is "isolation vs tribalism" and how nature always wins. Ottway is lonely above all things. He learns to see the strength of a tribe which comes to be only because of a circumstance, but the wolves are also a kind of tribe. Both tribes have internal disagreements, but the wolves are more closely knit and kinda "win" in the end.
I love this film, have for years. I think it had been overlooked as another taken wannabe but with wolves. The performance by Neeson is one of his best in my own opinion, in particular two moments always stand out for me. The first being his moment telling God to "earn it", and his recital of his father's poem. I've been wanting to rewatch this film for a while now and I had really hoped the Drinker would cover it and what a wonderful surprise this was. People don't talk about this one enough so it's nice to see so much appreciation for it here.
I really like this kind of reviews, shorter but deeper and enlightning, talking about movies less knowned that deserve more recognition than most hollywood factory cut movies that are already covered in a gazillion other youtube channels, I´ve liked a lot this movie since it came out and I´m pretty sure not a lot of people has even heard of it, thanks for bring it up! cheers
I loved Reign of Fire. Its pretty ugly looking as a whole but the dragons looked menacing as F and the final confrontation was tense. I wish dragon movies would become the new zombie movies
One of my favorite movies, it's quite impressive that the cgi in the movie still holds up even today and even looks better than some of the cgi you see today. It's quite a feat when you figure that this movie came out 20 years ago
This eperience i had watching this film is the best argumnet for going into every piece film as blind as possible. I suspect one of the reasons why this movie affected so many people so intensely (Roger Ebert famously could not watch the next film he was supposed to after watching The Grey) is that we all went in expecting a standard Liam Neeson actioner. I know i was completely caught off guard. It is one of the few times i can remember being shocked while watching a film in a 'this wasn;t supposed to happen' sort of way. It like being ambbushed by profundity - you aren't expecting it and therefore you haven't steeled yourself for the emotional punch. When it hits, it's hits you square. What a memorable experience, i will never forget watching this movie.
@@FreeMan-uv5kc Actually, none of the trailers hinted to the nature of this film. They made it out to be an action film with Liam punching wolves. So when I went to theaters, it was a complete subversion.
Saw this in theaters with friends because we all were into Liam Neeson's movies at the time, and we all loved it! The two words I keep coming back to in order to describe it would be gritty and visceral.
The next time someone asks me why I keep watching this movie again and again, I'm just going to point them to this video instead of trying to explain it myself. Definitely my favorite Neeson film, and in my top 20 all-time. Well-deserved recognition, and well-spoken commentary and insight.
Oh my dear friend, if you want the best commentary on this film. You should view the movie analysis by the channel called “ Like Stories of Old” . It’s an unforgettable video analysis that makes the movie even better .
I loved this movie, it has such a cool ending, love how he uses the tape and sticks the knife to his hand. Haven’t thought of it in years, it’s such a good movie, have to watch it again.
the first taken was a master piece. talked my friends to come see it in the cinema with me. At the time it was so fresh, a little throwback to the 90s, a satisfying revenge flick... the rest of them, well, almost spent as much time looking at my phone as the movie, much like the uncharted, now that was a shit of a film, much like an alcohol-free beer.
I'm some happy to hear from someone who got it. One of my favourite movies of the last couple decades. The older you get, the more you fear the wolves.
It's a great film. The cast of actors are those performers that you always see doing solid supporting roles in a range of high and low budget movies. Great choice.
This movie destroyed me when I saw it in the theater. It's been in my top ten ever since. What a great no nonsense film about the existential crisis of human life. Genuinely haunting at times.
This is a great movie that stuck with me for some time after watching. I do have a philosophical theory, that everyone died in the plane crash, the "survivors" are actually in some sort of temporary purgatory, and only after they accept their fate do they pass on. Note as many die in the movie they had made peace with the mistakes of their lives. Also, there was never any hint of divine help, Neeson at one point prays for help, no such help came. You could argue this was because a Higher Power does not exist, or perhaps because he was in a place where one of the "punishments" is that there is no presence of God.
This movie wrecked me. I saw it with my mom and brother, and we left the theater in silence. It just hit emotionally in a way we weren't expecting. The scene where Dermot Mulroney was lying on the ground dying, imagining his daughter's hair was brushing against his face when, in reality, it was a wolf...that legit haunts me, especially since I'm a mom to a little girl now. I'm glad I saw this film, but I can't bring myself to rewatch it.
Absolutely love this movie. From the alpha male conflict, to their fight for survival despite the futility, to the final "I'm just to stubborn to die" moment. Loved it. with how little there is in this film they did some very interesting things with visuals to match the great arcs. I think you did the film justice.
Only flaw in my view with this film is the portrayal of the wolves. They have too monstrous an appearance for what's otherwise such a grounded and real feeling film. 9/10 for me otherwise. Totally worth your time.
I know what you mean as they are shown to often be too intelligence, malicious and sinister to be realistic wolves. However, I think it works within the context of the film as you could potentially read this depiction as being fueled by the fear, paranoia and general psychological and physical strife that Ottway and the other survivors are experiencing.
I still remember watching this movie for the first time. I put it on at midnight thinking I could fall asleep watching a Liam Nesson movie. I didn't sleep for one minute that night...
The scene where he had to comfort the man dying in the plane was a very powerful and emotional scene one of my favorite movies and arguing my favorite Liam neeson movie
I was away from home on a job when I saw this movie in a cinema on a (rare) day off. It was a tropical site in summer, hot and humid such that I was sweating just walking around. I came out of this film feeling chilled to the core for quite some time. I still remember that even now, over ten years later. Not perfect, but powerful none the less.
If it's going to happen it better happen fast because get woke go broke is tearing through Hollywood now, and they are finally feeling it. Warner Bros canned nearly all their high staff, CNN+, got minussed and Disney bit off their own leg.
The Grey is actually heavily influenced by The Descent which is about a group of all female cavers. Normally I'd agree with this sentiment but not in this case sorry.
If this had women in the same situationist as these guys it’s pretty obvious they would’ve tamed the wolves, and created a new nation of warrior women. Eventually they would’ve rise up against the patriarchy and liberated the people of the world from The boring grey world we all live. Bringing color and freedom back.
They did that, kinda. Ripped off the true story of Alive, about the male soccer team who crashed in the Andes to make the rip-off series "Yellowjackets."
This is one of my favorite movies. The dark theme and feeling of hopeless sadness is something I like to wallow in every once in a while. But also the lesson of meeting your death with dignity. Stare it in the face and growl back as it kills you.
@@theconsciouscorgi2103 Yes, the guy always delivers a masterpiece. Indeed, there are times when his reviews are actually better than the movies themselves. Sublime work. 👍
This movie was surprisingly symbolic of life to me. That sounds super dark, but I think when the plane crashes, the men live out their lives along the way but each person’s actions and choices are the different possible decisions the audience can make when adversity comes to their lives. The protagonist himself is symbolic of hanging on to his last ounce of hope. Living your best, continuing to strive even if you know the odds are against you.
I heard this described as "masculine poetry" once, and I can't think of a better way to describe this stirring film. (Oh, and I'd recommend this dissection of it from Like Stories of Old: ua-cam.com/video/kbxtVX-fZwg/v-deo.html&ab_channel=LikeStoriesofOld
I don't quite have the fawning love for this film others do in the comments but you know what? Even I would have to agree that's totally accurate to it.
One of my faves. Multitude of takeaways for many different people. I used the final scene (with some verbal editing) to teach a Sunday school lesson and it really hit home. Love movies that have something to offer to our modern day battles.
I phucking love this movie! To me, it was a microcosm of humans living day by day. Everyone is different with different thoughts and ideas and eventually we can all either accept our fate or not but it’s how we live is what matters most. I could be wrong if I’m sober lol
Drinker, you charismatic connoisseur of alchelmical aphrodisiacs you. The ending is a punch in the gut every single time - when the curtain is rolled back and that piano score kicks in. 10/10. I recommend anyone who enjoyed this movie also check out Like Stories of Old's take on it. He takes a deeper dive into the many themes of this movie and elevates it further.
I'd bet the only reason it's so rare is because most people are too fat/coddled to actually venture into the areas where there are still wolf packs. Now they have their zones, and we have ours. Perhaps?
@@ManDuderGuy I don't think so. Even in areas where there are both wolves and humans the wolves tend to avoid humans. You can catch a glimpse of them at a distance sometimes but they will avoid you.
Well it’s a very dark philosophical film that never did a good job of marketing itself correctly. The wolves were never meant to represent the actual biological animals. They served as a metaphors for death and fate. Each survivor was struggling to escape something and the wolves represented that . Whether it was faith, addiction, or death. That’s why movie was so good. The story of a man who struggles to survive yet has nothing to live for.
@@AndrewBlack343 I'd bet this is a recently learned behavior due to our noisy and overwhelming tech and weapons. I would bet my life that in a more natural setting, wolf packs would be happy to pick off children or people who are out alone. In any case, it's fun to talk about this stuff ;p
I really did love this one, it's brutal and heartbreaking to watch if you allow yourself to be invested in these guys journeys, it does make you wonder how would you handle such circumstances and kinda relate to this weird sense of clarity when everything seems hopeless. I think it's a great recommendation and i'm glad Drinker enjoyed it.
Love this movie. I read somewhere that is a metaphore for fighting depression and kepp on living. Seems about right. It's not reallistic, it doesn't try to be: the wolves are the simbol that represents death, the easy way out, the suicide, or at the very least letting yourself go, istead of keep living, no matter how much it hurts. Ottway was gonna take his life at the beginning and, ironically, is the one who finds in himself a stronger will to live. He keeps going, he fights, he curses God, he refuses to be a victim of circunstances. How it ends it really doesn't matter, who wins the fight, nature or man, it's all the same in the end, we all are going to die. But for Ottway the way to go is fighting, like in his dad's poem, no excuses, not a last pray, no surrender. Also, this movie was shot after the passing of Neeson's wife, so there is an extra level of personal life as well in it. Oh, and the music! Simple but powerfull and emotional.
I was born in the 70´s and somehow the Drinker seem to pinpoint my favourite films time and again in these recommendations and such. This movie really bothered me and I don´t want to watch it again in the near future. I was so invested in the faith of the main character and the ending really made me frustrated, angry and sad. So, the film took me for one hell of a ride, was memorable and the ending was striking. Rare treat these days indeed. Sorry for my grammar. I´m Finnish.
Liam Neeson still a bad ass at 60 years old. His movies still good. Acton drama funny romance etc. But he will always be good in Schindler's List and also Ra's al Ghul
I find the lack of representation in this movie problematic: only men, no women, no non-binary persons, everybody rocking their natural hair colour... c'mon man!
We all know if it was women in the same situation they would’ve survived. Tamed the wolves and started an entirely new civilization of warrior women with pet wolves.
@@jaimeruiz7837 They would also have cultivated the wilderness, started a herb garden, a feminist vegan barista bar and a fair trade basket store, all right in front of the wolfs' lair.
i watched this film as a teenager, just mindlessly flicking through channels. i didn't catch the very beginning, just the plane crash and watched from there. i never willingly watch films like this but i have to admit that the grey got me hooked. the last stand as he was reciting his father's favorite poem in his mind was gripping.
Really appreciated your thoughts on this movie. Anyone who has struggled with depression, chronic health problems, loneliness or just their faith (any faith) can take away a lot from this movie. To me, the "grey" isn't just the wolves or nature, it's loss of hope.
Absolutely love this movie, a real surprise when I first saw it, had no expectations going in but damn it’s a great movie. Amazing to think this was from the same guy that gave us the A-Team movie (another guilty pleasure of mine).
Thanks drinker. I trust your excellent taste in movies and look forward to giving the grey a watch. Not surprised at all that you recently topped a million subscribers.
I love the way Liam Neeson talks on the phone in so many of his movies. He's like "You won't have to look for me. Because I'm coming to find you!!" Lol. I look up to him on how to be more aggressively assertive on the telephone.
I love these shorter review/recommendation videos, they're hilarious and get me to try new movies! Not to mention how they make me think about plot and characters differently as a writer.
I've only seen this movie once (I've got a kid sister in the house that doesn't need to be exposed to the language), but it made such a lasting impression on me that I remember it vividly. Sometimes I even repeat the poem to myself. Plainly and simply, it's a good film.
The most memorable part of the movie after all these years was when Liam Neeson was going through the wallets of the dead passengers and seeing their photos of them with their families, their wives and kids than the last one had just a drivers license, no memorabilia, no happy family photograph, no child's drawing just some guy who died alone and no one to mourn or even note his death and Neeson quietly cups the wallet and gives a silent prayer.
That, that there was masterful Cinematography.
BEST PLANE CRASH SCENE EVEEEER. PERIOD.
Yes, it’s been years, and I think I have forgotten this scene, but how you described it, I wish watch and feel it again. God rest
That was a brilliant scene full of pathos and power without succumbing to the maudlin. Deeply moving, indeed.
@@gooner9038 yes
And it was Diaz, the guy who gave him the most shit but who had quite a bit of self-realization at the end
When film critic Roger Ebert first watched this film, he had another movie to review later that day but had to cancel. He was quoted as saying that "The Grey" affected him so profoundly that he couldn't professionally-detach himself enough to fairly assess a completely different movie so soon after.
He wrote in his review: "After "The Grey" was over, I watched the second film for 30 minutes and then got up and walked out of the theater. It was the first time I've ever walked out of a film because of the previous film. The way I was feeling in my gut, it just wouldn't have been fair to the next film."
The Grey was fucking scary. Those wolves were demonic, and huge!!!! The funny thing is North American wolves actually grow that large.
@@Thagomizer I like when people speak and think and write this way: it reminds me, you, and everyone, that there are greater concerns in life, and that all of us must pause (when given the opportunity) to meditate on it.
I love when we can see clearly through whatever medium expressed, that there is more, even much more, than the mundane ways in which we spend our lives. The Grey vicariously gave us the right to struggle with the team and therefore appreciate down to the bone that there is something in life, which is precious, and therefore to live well.
God rest
What a taxing profession
He should have been sacked for doing that. Total pussy.
I Love this movie. Liam had lost his wife before he shot this. He’s not really acting as he writes that letter at the start. He was writing it to his late wife. It puts another level onto his performance. Massive grief.
Intersting. I did not know this. Ill have to watch that scene again.. for the 5th time. :)
Where did you hear that? I don't remember that from the commentary?
I clicked on this video expecting the Drinker to mention this for sure & was shocked when he didn’t. When I saw this movie, I couldn’t stop thinking of Mrs. Neesom died skiing….😥😥😥
@@ScienceWinsEveryTime It was from an interview with the director on UA-cam.
@richard masterson
Hey everyone, check out the edgyboi.
Neeson's character chose to live at the end-- after spending much of his recent life waiting to die. People were pissed about missing the fight scene... but what they really missed was the point.
spot on
I watched this movie years ago and even I could tell that the point in the ending scene wasn't about a big battle for his survival.
Sure it never dawned on me that the bigger poignant point of that final scene was that it was all his fault. He said in the begining of the movie that "wolves are territorial, if we move away from their den then they would leave us alone"
And then the realization that throughout the entire movie, he had single handedly lead the group of men to their collective deaths, all the while marching unknowingly right into the heart of their territory. And that no matter if he killed every last one of those wolves, it would not change the fact that all those men died because of his bad call.
Sure that might not have been the point in hindsight but even little kid me could tell that the "fight" scene was supposed to be emotional and not action.
End credit scene answered who won
I remember seeing this one. Went in expecting Liam Neeson going full Ted Nugent on Arctic wildlife and potentially some crazy cannibals in the wilderness. The darker, more grounded movie wasn't was I was expecting from Liam and it was actually pretty good.
Pretty much the same for me, but I really like this movie a lot. It didn't just make me feel, it made me think.
Grounded? The wolves are depicted as cartoonish monsters.
@@TrueCarthaginian I live in New Hampshire, I have been deep in the wilderness at night with predators around my camp on several occasions. The way the movie depicts the wolves is exactly what it's like when you're in the middle of nowhere and there are predators around (I'm talking about predators generally, the closest I've had to deal with IRL was coyotes, although I once had a mountain lion lurking around my camp, they are considerably more dangerous than a wolf). They really do seem to have supernatural powers when you are looking at them from that perspective, they seem to appear and disappear at will, often never letting you see more than a shadow or a flash. Believe me, this movie nailed it.
Have you followed him his entire career? It was very odd for me to see him doing action movies.
@@dontcare7086 I've seen him in the old Les Miserables from the 90s. Other than that, not really. Was nice to see him pull out a serious role given that he did so well with it and that he seemed to be doing only action films for some reason. Was a nice change of pace.
The ending scene where he's taping up his hands, preparing to fight one last time, while that poem is recited... just chills man. I love this movie, it's stuck with me for years, and I always try to convince people that it really is a diamond in the rough.
Did you watch the post-credit?
ua-cam.com/video/rRJurUdJF48/v-deo.html
That was funny as shit too, that wolf would have eaten him alive.
This is one of my favorite movies. It really got over looked when it came out!
the dialog was a pile of wolf poop
I really enjoyed it, and I think it suffered from marketing that portrayed it as "Liam Neeson Punches Wolves" when it was actually quite considered, almost philosophical.
I saw it in theaters, and it wasn't until years later, watching with a friend that I really gave it a fair shot. It completely subverted my expectations at the time and I was younger and didn't give it the space to be it's own film outside of them.
roger ebert gave it 4 stars and it made 80 mil on 25 mill budget. got overlooked? get your normie ass take out of here. whats next? "scott pilgrim is underrated" bahahaha
Literally hundreds of better options that this movie
If there ever was a film that was the perfect distillation of what it means to be a man, who is struggling to find the will to go on in this world while in the midst of despair, it is The Grey. I can't recommend this film enough. Rarely do I stay through the end credits of a film, but I was so struck by how moving the whole movie was that I stayed glued to my seat as the credits rolled. I went in expecting a typical mindless Liam Neeson action flick, and I left being deeply impacted by the film.
The ending got some flak but I think those people missed the point. It doesn't matter who won, it matters that he was willing to fight for his life.
I may be misremembering but wasn’t there an after credits scene in this movie?
I could’ve sworn I saw something of the sorts.
@John Syzlack Agreed, maybe intentionally so? Are they both alive? Are they both mortally wounded and dying? As long as his eyes are open, Neeson's not dead. (yet)
I just wish they showed him punching the wolf a couple times before it cut to black.
That life is worth fighting for too, no matter the reason. Whether you're battling wolves or depression, fight with everything you have. Fight to get home to your family, fight for your God, fight because you can. Life is worth fighting for even at your worst and most hopeless moments.
@@SuperflyMiceguy Yes there is. You can't really tell what is going on though. The wolf is breathing heavily like the dying one did towards the beginning of the film. Ottway is laying with his head on the wolf with his back to the camera not moving. The wolf is clearly morally injured.
He clearly collapsed after the wolf.
Did he succumb to his injuries?
Did he succumb to hypothermia?
If he really did defeat the alpha then the rest of the pack probably dissipated.
Is he simply resting to regain his strength?
It's all shown too quickly and up close to really know.
This is one of the most underrated films of all time.
It truly delves into one of the most deepest philosophical ideas that plagues us all. The struggle of life and death and the will to live. The wolves were never meant to represent the actual animals . Instead they represent death and the inescapable fate that comes for us all. Each character embraces and faces their fate differently. It’s truly a beautiful film. I’ve read that the writer stated that the wolves represented depression and the film really revolves around the struggle to fight it. It’s also amazing that Liam Neesom had also lost his wife shortly before filming this so it made his role that much more powerful.
Bruhh. Losing a loved one aint amazing. Think you chose the wrong words.
“Once more into the fray…”
This is actually in my top ten favorite movies. It stuck with me for awhile after watching it. The ending is masterful.
And the music
@@SaraLittleWren I need to point out here that one of the tracks from the film's finale comes from the original soundtrack of an extremely obscure film called ink (2009). It is such a unique film with a beautiful soundtrack, any chance I get I recommend it because it's certainly one of those movies that 99% of people have not seen.
@@SaraLittleWren I was just about to mention the music but u beat me to it.
yes exactly…its not one of your throw away films…it certainly stays with you long after it ends…The cast was well chosen and the sentiment portrayed in the film is meaningful ( in a good way…not a politically mind numbing way) which is sorely lacking in films lately, sadly.:-)
The pleading to God for help followed by the "i'll do it myself" was inspiring. And in a way god did answer.
Not a Liam Neeson fan but it was my wife's turn to pick movie. She likes scary movies so chose The Grey. Started off really good but expected it to turn into a Liam Neeson movie at any moment. Instead kept getting better & better. Was loving it. Then in the final scene he starts preparing to fight the alpha. Thought to myself, "of course he has to fight the giant alpha wolf. Wouldn't be a Liam Neeson movie if he didn't. Knew they'd ruin it". He thinks of his wife & the beautiful score plays. Recites his father's awesome poem one last time as the alpha closes in. Alphas now right infront of him & they stare at eye to eye. Gets quite for a few seconds then suddenly they lunge at each other. Screen goes black, credits roll. Turned to my wife & said, "masterpiece". She was disappointed so when it came out on bluray I drove her nuts with it. Seen it easily over 100 times. Absolutely love The Grey. I remember people being upset it didn't show the fight. That would've ruined it. They wanted Liam to win, skin the wolf, wear it's fur & live out his remaining years as the packs new alpha.
you seem kind of dim
This movie was produced by Adi Shankar (Dredd, Lone Survivor, Killing Them Softly). At the time at the age of 27, he became the youngest executive producer to ever hit #1 at the box office with The Grey. His bootleg series of videos on UA-cam is incredible. Super talented guy.
Holy Hel, that’s a decent collection of films to brag about. Dude’s got talent.
The same guy who did Netflixvainia produced The Grey? Surprising.
@@TheAutistWhisperer Writer + Producer. There is a difference.
Damn dude. I didn't know that. Somebody get Shankar more work! He can help push back on all the garbage we're getting in Hollywood these days.
Adi Shankar is the one of the few people in Hollywood I can relate to. I can only think that his passion, enthusiasm and competence manage to overcome the fact he isn't a regular A list weasel. He comes across as 100% genuine. If you haven't seen it, you have to watch, "Dirty Laundry", the Punisher short on his channel.
"Fuck it. I'll do it myself."
One of the best lines in movies.
This movie is amazing, one of the better movies that has a real theme about facing death and how each man deals with it.
So glad they cut the ending seeing Liam fighting the wolves at the end.
Did it get cut? I remember seeing it (and it was laughably absurd), but then again I'm sure it was on DVD when i first saw it and it could have been an alternative ending off the menu.
@@jwhowa0379 probably just DVD, the one I saw cuts to black. I think there’s an after creds scene were you see him slumped on a wolf and one of them is breathing still but you don’t know which.
@@jwhowa0379 probably just DVD, the one I saw cuts to black. I think there’s an after creds scene were you see him slumped on a wolf and one of them is breathing still but you don’t know which.
@@jwhowa0379 They shot footage and had it all story boarded out but I doubt you will ever see any of the footage. You can find pictures of
him lying on the wolf at the end.
That's the best fuckin part
"Once more into the fray...
into the last good fight I'll ever know.
Live and die on this day...
Live and die on this day."
The Grey is a beautiful movie that's sadly almost never talked about.
I love this movie. Like "The Thing", it is about MEN alone in a survival situation. No sexual tension. No emotion over logic. It is just death coming for us all. Fantastic.
I LOVE this movie. I've watched it a dozen times and I never get tired of it. Thank you Drinker for your review on it.
“Fuck it. I’ll do it m’self” is one of the most badass lines in recent cinematic history, especially within the context of that scene and the movie as a whole.
Thanos would've been proud.
This movie deserves so much more credit. I felt like it was a bit of a reflection on the feeling and process one goes through after losing someone close. His wife Natasha tragically and suddenly died less than a year before this was filmed, and his performance sort of reflected that emptiness felt after such a traumatic experience.
The scene with the daughter putting her hair over her dad's face in his final moments was simultaneously touching and thoroughly disturbing.
It was a wolf and he was dreaming if remember correctly.
it was for sure. Showing the daugther rather than,the real grim situtation that was,happening was perfect in my opinion
@@cablegy868 I didn't think of it as a dream, but more like a hallucination brought on by his injuries, and his brain just coping with imminent death, what he wants to see the most before the lights go out.
Yeah that scene really felt the most disturbing out of this whole movie I was just sitting there like “yeah that’s dream”
@@Solsev Pre-mortem DMT is one hell of a drug.
I remember walking into my old Doc's office and a few of the staff made up of mostly young women were talking about The Grey, which I loved after it came out. They thought it was horrible. I told them it's a guy's movie you'll never get it, lol. The Grey is one of the rare, great Joe Carnahan movies, harkening back to the quality of his debut Narc and the story is fantastic, it just grabs you from the get go. Plus the humor in it like when Joe Anderson's character talks about the tragic events of a plane crash, in gory detail not knowing his plane would crash and his fellow passengers tell him to shut up, hilarious. Great movie about survival against incredible odds and one of Neeson's best. To bad now some idiots would call it filled with toxic masculinity.
My favorite part of The Grey is the soundtrack. The main theme is haunting and beautiful and one of my favorite scores
Incidentally this movie did make me think of another survival movie I've seen called The Edge with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin. Both movies having a similar premise, just replace a seasoned hunter with a magazine mogul out of his depth. Also replace the pack of wolves with a big ol' Kodiak bear. Though both having similar premises, both are still entertaining with their stories and character development and having scenes with varying levels of intensity. Mind you I do put my favor towards The Edge more, mostly cause I grew up with that film and I basically enjoyed the story a bit more. Though that still being based on personal taste and opinion.
And of course I scroll down and see the recommended movies, one of which being "The Edge".
I prefer the edge too. I found The Grey a little too bleak for my taste, and I couldn’t get over the implausible behaviour of the wolves, but still a good movie.
The Grey was good, but it was frankly too depressing for me to really enjoy it. The Edge fits in all of the same horror and tension, but I like how Charles spends the movie using his rationality to dare fate, even when the other guys are ready to accept it and "die of shame."
I saw The Edge in theatre long ago with a friend. I hadn't heard of it, and wasn't looking forward to it. Just sort of a favor for a friend to go with him. It's one of those rare surprises that pulls you in and makes you interested. It was an absolute edge of your seat thriller. With a haunting, deathly soundtrack/score that was perfect in theatre surround sound, your heart was racing as they were hunted by the crazed Kodiak ravaged with bloodthirst in the wilderness.
The ending was unexpected. Something I wish was done more often.
I agree but in Hollywood "unexpected" basically means "Subvert expectations" & that normally goes horribly wrong.
I always chose to look at this film as Liam's catharsis to work through the loss of his own wife while portraying this character, and that is quite beautiful in its simplistic form.
profound comment
I remember watching this one in theaters vividly because my dad was flying over Alaska on a transpacific flight during the showing. Good times.
I’d like to point out how intense and foreboding the musical score is for this movie. Minimal but effective with dynamic range and layering...still gives me chills.
My only problem I had with the film was the Wolves. They didn't seem real at all, they seemed like an almost mythological monster rather then what wolves are actually like. But it served the purpose of the film in making the odds of survival dwindle for the characters, which really helped to push the story, so still no complaints. Great film.
one thing ppl need to realize, it's FILM not a Documentary.... same as bitching in games, that they're not real enough, they're GAMES
The wolves were mythological monsters, not wolves. They're exactly what they're supposed to be in the context of the film.
Always got the impression that was kind of the point.
Should have used bears, it would have been far more realistic.
In a sense they are mythological. They represent the harshness of nature and how we modern humans are so out of our element within it, while the wolves are at home and dominant in it. They might as well have been demons in hell or zombies after the apocalypse.
I remember seeing this movie in cinema. I had no expectation and no idea about the screenplay. I cried and the man besides me too. It is Nietszche's "Beggining of tragedy". So deep and heartbroken. Greetings from Argentina
This movie is fahqn amazing. The poem his dad wrote he recites was stuck in my head for years. "Live and Die on this day"
One of the better films of this Century.
Same, I really don't know why but after watching the movie, this poem really stuck with me too. I was so obsessed with it for a long time, and sometimes I still think about it after all this years.
Once more into the fray
Into the last good fight I'll ever know
Live and die on this day
Live and die on this day
@@sumbitch3rdgen Forever immortalized on my left forearm
@@sumbitch3rdgen
Henry V before Harfleur...
Once more!
Once more unto
The breech dear friends..
Or shall we fill it...
With our English dead!'
Yep, seen the movie once in theater and never forgot that poem. Essence of life poured in so few words. Brilliant.
That airplane crash scene was really good. The sounds and the total chaos while it began to stutter because he can't process it anymore.
Drinker, two that I would love to see you take a look at are "Wind River" and "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy". Both give extremely accurate portrayals of the world and characters they represent. Growing up in rural Wyoming and living in rural Montana now, I always recommend people watch "Wind River" if they want to know how the people and landscape can be here.
Wind River is amazing. The Grey I didn't really enjoy as much, but I've only seen it once several years ago. It felt a bit too nihilistic to me to get much enjoyment out of it.
I recently saw Wind River,and I thought it was a superb film.I thought Jeremy Renner gave a great performance and it wasn't just another action film
@@TomAKAVeto I didn't mind The Grey, but I also haven't watched it since it came out in theaters and I was probably a freshman in high school so it would be worth a rewatch now that I'm a little older. I was mostly expecting "Liam Neason: Wolf Fighter" from the trailers which sounds cool when you're 13. "Wind River" stands in my top 3 list with "GoodFellas" and "No Country for Old Men".
@@garrywilliams8730 I remember seeing it in theaters and thinking that I knew at least 10-15 people that were so similar to Renner's character that Taylor Sheridan must really know his stuff. One of my favorite small details from the movie is the scene where Renner is reloading his own rifle rounds and there's a Turnpike Troubadours song playing in the background. This could have easily been a mainstream pop-country song that the general audience would assume somebody like Renner's character would listen to...but as somebody who's lived that life, the choice to include that band, and that song, for his character was literally perfect characterization. It shows how well Taylor Sheridan researches and understands the people and places he portrays.
The Wind River trilogy of films are all excellent, Sicario , Hell of High Water, and Wind River.
I found the grey to be about how we face the imminence of death, some try to bargain and argue with it others give in or put there hopes in others to help them. In the end we all die alone but that's not the point. the point is how we face death, do we go quietly into the goodnight or do we rage against the dying of the light? And that is what makes this a great movie.
Movies like this and "The Revenant" always intrigued me, mostly because it shows how even though we've progressed so much as a species, we lost touch with our relationship with nature, making us more likely to be killed or eaten by the dangers that lurk in the darkest depths of the woods. Pitting humans against the uncaring and cruel environments of nature, pushing themselves physically, mentally and spiritually just to survive. Plus, I live in a hillside town, so horror stories that center around the forest always hit home.
Both unrealistic af. Still a good watch though!
This is one of those great movies, its just so damn well made and so emotional and beautiful
The Grey is so good! Easily one of Liam Neeson’s very best films and one of my personal favorites of all time. I will never forget that poem of his for as long as I live.
Again!.. Drinker picks yet another personal underrated fave of mine..
This film and Neeson's part in it are unreal!..
Easily contender for Liam's best ever role perhaps, in my humble opinion!?..
I recommend this to so many people..
Some get it, some don't..
But this film is so raw and deep, in a big way, it genuinely helped me thru one of the hardest times in my life, it's theme/message in the story is that epic!!..
When I think about it right now..
I actually can't think of any other film that's genuinely effected me like this and I've taken so much away from!!..
I took a part of this film with me the best part of 10 yrs ago now, that is still part of me today now, and I'll probably have all the rest of my life!..
- What i got from it..
Life is harsh, but you never give up..
Something will get you one day anyway, so no matter what, you just keep on fighting until that day comes!!..
I just love the kind of validation i feel every time Drinker (who's articulate thoughts an views i really appreciate) picks another film i rate an see so much in..
Is always a nice feeling! Lol..
And the rare times he showcases an recommends something I haven't seen, I very often make a mental note to watch it..
Our tastes are so similar I'm confident I'll ever feel it was wasted time checking it out!!..
Respect Mr Jordan..
You're on the path to becoming a legend!! Lol..
Long may you and your channel live and grow more my man!!..
😎🤟💯👌
Go away an fuck off now!! Lol..
- Big love to anyone out there that got this far, an especially if you appreciated what i shared above!..
😊✌️
Liam Neeson is an absolute legend in whatever he’s in. Good or bad.
But he challenged Guinevere's honour in public at the round table!
There is no bad
I feel like he’s a cooler Steven Seagal in all these movies
@Melvin Deeply this movie is an absolute masterpiece, too big for little minds
I have to agree. Even his movies that I hated, I ended up loving his character anyway. He is sometimes the best part of his movies
I remember seeing this film for the first time. I found it really unsettling but incredibly gripping. And the ending was great. When he tapes those broken bottles to his hands and then charges at the wolves…great stuff!
A friend of mine, Christopher Lockhart who’s the story editor at WME, was the one who suggested to Liam to start doing action films when his dramatic acting career was starting to fizzle. I think this is one of the first films of that genre he did after that meeting.
Somewhere Wolf is nodding wistfully.
This was a good movie. The soundtrack and ending hit the feels hard. A loner who made several new friends just to lose them all one by one. Overwhelmed with sadness he capitulated and then in a split second, immediately became determined to punish something for all of the loss in his life. You can even watch beyond the credits and come to a final conclusion of your own.
The movie is like a Jack London book.
One of the ideas/themes that I caught from the story is "isolation vs tribalism" and how nature always wins.
Ottway is lonely above all things. He learns to see the strength of a tribe which comes to be only because of a circumstance, but the wolves are also a kind of tribe. Both tribes have internal disagreements, but the wolves are more closely knit and kinda "win" in the end.
Very interesting take on the situation friend. Thanks for that juxtaposition.
I love this film, have for years. I think it had been overlooked as another taken wannabe but with wolves. The performance by Neeson is one of his best in my own opinion, in particular two moments always stand out for me. The first being his moment telling God to "earn it", and his recital of his father's poem. I've been wanting to rewatch this film for a while now and I had really hoped the Drinker would cover it and what a wonderful surprise this was. People don't talk about this one enough so it's nice to see so much appreciation for it here.
one of my favorite movies, the end scene where he prepares to face the alpha wolf is just awesome
I really like this kind of reviews, shorter but deeper and enlightning, talking about movies less knowned that deserve more recognition than most hollywood factory cut movies that are already covered in a gazillion other youtube channels, I´ve liked a lot this movie since it came out and I´m pretty sure not a lot of people has even heard of it, thanks for bring it up! cheers
The ending has stuck with me as well. I felt it was pretty powerful when I watched it and I remember being pretty enthralled by the movie.
This is one of my favorite films of all time, with an ending that still makes my eyes water with manly tears. Thank you for covering it drinker
I loved Reign of Fire. Its pretty ugly looking as a whole but the dragons looked menacing as F and the final confrontation was tense. I wish dragon movies would become the new zombie movies
I purchased the Blu ray of this last week. Amazing movie. I think I watched it in the cinema on release!
Matthew Mcconaughey was a total badass in ROF, loved his performance.
One of my favorite movies, it's quite impressive that the cgi in the movie still holds up even today and even looks better than some of the cgi you see today. It's quite a feat when you figure that this movie came out 20 years ago
This eperience i had watching this film is the best argumnet for going into every piece film as blind as possible. I suspect one of the reasons why this movie affected so many people so intensely (Roger Ebert famously could not watch the next film he was supposed to after watching The Grey) is that we all went in expecting a standard Liam Neeson actioner.
I know i was completely caught off guard. It is one of the few times i can remember being shocked while watching a film in a 'this wasn;t supposed to happen' sort of way. It like being ambbushed by profundity - you aren't expecting it and therefore you haven't steeled yourself for the emotional punch. When it hits, it's hits you square. What a memorable experience, i will never forget watching this movie.
This movie left me depressed. It was a great one-time watch, but once you know where it is going, it is hard to want to go back.
Same.
Then it did it's job. There is nothing "happy-go-lucky" about the color Grey; so you knew what you were walking into.
@@FreeMan-uv5kc Actually, none of the trailers hinted to the nature of this film. They made it out to be an action film with Liam punching wolves. So when I went to theaters, it was a complete subversion.
Saw this in theaters with friends because we all were into Liam Neeson's movies at the time, and we all loved it! The two words I keep coming back to in order to describe it would be gritty and visceral.
The next time someone asks me why I keep watching this movie again and again, I'm just going to point them to this video instead of trying to explain it myself. Definitely my favorite Neeson film, and in my top 20 all-time. Well-deserved recognition, and well-spoken commentary and insight.
Oh my dear friend, if you want the best commentary on this film. You should view the movie analysis by the channel called “ Like Stories of Old” . It’s an unforgettable video analysis that makes the movie even better .
I loved this movie, it has such a cool ending, love how he uses the tape and sticks the knife to his hand. Haven’t thought of it in years, it’s such a good movie, have to watch it again.
the first taken was a master piece. talked my friends to come see it in the cinema with me. At the time it was so fresh, a little throwback to the 90s, a satisfying revenge flick... the rest of them, well, almost spent as much time looking at my phone as the movie, much like the uncharted, now that was a shit of a film, much like an alcohol-free beer.
I'm some happy to hear from someone who got it. One of my favourite movies of the last couple decades. The older you get, the more you fear the wolves.
It's a great film. The cast of actors are those performers that you always see doing solid supporting roles in a range of high and low budget movies. Great choice.
I LOVED this movie. Such an underrated gem.
This movie destroyed me when I saw it in the theater. It's been in my top ten ever since. What a great no nonsense film about the existential crisis of human life. Genuinely haunting at times.
I always liked this movie. Saw it as "Only accepting death after you've fought for every moment of life."
Thanks for covering it.
This is a great movie that stuck with me for some time after watching. I do have a philosophical theory, that everyone died in the plane crash, the "survivors" are actually in some sort of temporary purgatory, and only after they accept their fate do they pass on. Note as many die in the movie they had made peace with the mistakes of their lives.
Also, there was never any hint of divine help, Neeson at one point prays for help, no such help came. You could argue this was because a Higher Power does not exist, or perhaps because he was in a place where one of the "punishments" is that there is no presence of God.
This movie wrecked me. I saw it with my mom and brother, and we left the theater in silence. It just hit emotionally in a way we weren't expecting. The scene where Dermot Mulroney was lying on the ground dying, imagining his daughter's hair was brushing against his face when, in reality, it was a wolf...that legit haunts me, especially since I'm a mom to a little girl now. I'm glad I saw this film, but I can't bring myself to rewatch it.
Absolutely love this movie. From the alpha male conflict, to their fight for survival despite the futility, to the final "I'm just to stubborn to die" moment. Loved it. with how little there is in this film they did some very interesting things with visuals to match the great arcs. I think you did the film justice.
That shot where the blood pools into the paw print is disturbingly beautiful and sadistically poetic. I fucking love it
One of my favorites. A lot of great themes, but man vs nature is always a classic.
truly an underrated classic that stays in my collection and don't forget to watch past the credits
Only flaw in my view with this film is the portrayal of the wolves. They have too monstrous an appearance for what's otherwise such a grounded and real feeling film.
9/10 for me otherwise. Totally worth your time.
I guess they're more metaphorical though
I know what you mean as they are shown to often be too intelligence, malicious and sinister to be realistic wolves. However, I think it works within the context of the film as you could potentially read this depiction as being fueled by the fear, paranoia and general psychological and physical strife that Ottway and the other survivors are experiencing.
That and the fact that wolves do not prey on people.
I liked the monstruous wolves
@@christopherjohnson2171 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wolf_attacks_in_North_America
Bloody love the Drinker’s extra shots, perhaps even more than his main channel.
I'm waiting for the Taken style Schindler's List sequel, called Schindler's Fist. 👊
😂.
Hello There Grand Muff!!!!! How are you doing??
"This summer....one man..no...one machine.."
_Oskar Schindler made his list, now he's using his fists_
_Oskar Schindler is... the Hitler Fister_
I still remember watching this movie for the first time. I put it on at midnight thinking I could fall asleep watching a Liam Nesson movie. I didn't sleep for one minute that night...
The scene where he had to comfort the man dying in the plane was a very powerful and emotional scene one of my favorite movies and arguing my favorite Liam neeson movie
I was away from home on a job when I saw this movie in a cinema on a (rare) day off.
It was a tropical site in summer, hot and humid such that I was sweating just walking around.
I came out of this film feeling chilled to the core for quite some time.
I still remember that even now, over ten years later.
Not perfect, but powerful none the less.
So, when will we get the 'dated for modern audiences' reboot of The Grey, complete with a gender swapped group?
If it's going to happen it better happen fast because get woke go broke is tearing through Hollywood now, and they are finally feeling it. Warner Bros canned nearly all their high staff, CNN+, got minussed and Disney bit off their own leg.
The Grey is actually heavily influenced by The Descent which is about a group of all female cavers. Normally I'd agree with this sentiment but not in this case sorry.
The Descent is also on par with if not better than The Grey too. Both pure kino.
If this had women in the same situationist as these guys it’s pretty obvious they would’ve tamed the wolves, and created a new nation of warrior women. Eventually they would’ve rise up against the patriarchy and liberated the people of the world from The boring grey world we all live. Bringing color and freedom back.
They did that, kinda. Ripped off the true story of Alive, about the male soccer team who crashed in the Andes to make the rip-off series "Yellowjackets."
This is one of my favorite movies. The dark theme and feeling of hopeless sadness is something I like to wallow in every once in a while. But also the lesson of meeting your death with dignity. Stare it in the face and growl back as it kills you.
Glad you reviewed the movie Drinker but IMO it deserves so much more than a 5 minute video to cover this fantastic movie!
@Herold of War
Agreed. Check out this review of The Grey by 'Like Stories Of Old'... its bloody epic. 👍
ua-cam.com/video/kbxtVX-fZwg/v-deo.html
For real. The channel “like stories of old “ did a fantastic movie analysis of this film that truly leaves a lasting presence with you .
@@theconsciouscorgi2103
Yes, the guy always delivers a masterpiece. Indeed, there are times when his reviews are actually better than the movies themselves.
Sublime work. 👍
This movie was surprisingly symbolic of life to me. That sounds super dark, but I think when the plane crashes, the men live out their lives along the way but each person’s actions and choices are the different possible decisions the audience can make when adversity comes to their lives. The protagonist himself is symbolic of hanging on to his last ounce of hope. Living your best, continuing to strive even if you know the odds are against you.
I heard this described as "masculine poetry" once, and I can't think of a better way to describe this stirring film. (Oh, and I'd recommend this dissection of it from Like Stories of Old: ua-cam.com/video/kbxtVX-fZwg/v-deo.html&ab_channel=LikeStoriesofOld
I don't quite have the fawning love for this film others do in the comments but you know what? Even I would have to agree that's totally accurate to it.
you know that awesome channel. it's content it's deeper than the rabbit hole
One of my faves. Multitude of takeaways for many different people. I used the final scene (with some verbal editing) to teach a Sunday school lesson and it really hit home. Love movies that have something to offer to our modern day battles.
I phucking love this movie! To me, it was a microcosm of humans living day by day.
Everyone is different with different thoughts and ideas and eventually we can all either accept our fate or not but it’s how we live is what matters most. I could be wrong if I’m sober lol
Drinker, you charismatic connoisseur of alchelmical aphrodisiacs you. The ending is a punch in the gut every single time - when the curtain is rolled back and that piano score kicks in. 10/10. I recommend anyone who enjoyed this movie also check out Like Stories of Old's take on it. He takes a deeper dive into the many themes of this movie and elevates it further.
"The Grey" is a very good, if somewhat depressing film.
Wolves rarely if ever hunt humans but if you can get past that it's a good premise.
I'd bet the only reason it's so rare is because most people are too fat/coddled to actually venture into the areas where there are still wolf packs.
Now they have their zones, and we have ours. Perhaps?
@@ManDuderGuy I don't think so. Even in areas where there are both wolves and humans the wolves tend to avoid humans. You can catch a glimpse of them at a distance sometimes but they will avoid you.
Well it’s a very dark philosophical film that never did a good job of marketing itself correctly. The wolves were never meant to represent the actual biological animals. They served as a metaphors for death and fate. Each survivor was struggling to escape something and the wolves represented that . Whether it was faith, addiction, or death. That’s why movie was so good. The story of a man who struggles to survive yet has nothing to live for.
@@AndrewBlack343 I'd bet this is a recently learned behavior due to our noisy and overwhelming tech and weapons.
I would bet my life that in a more natural setting, wolf packs would be happy to pick off children or people who are out alone.
In any case, it's fun to talk about this stuff ;p
@@ManDuderGuy
Only if they were starving and had no other option. Wolves do not hunt humans.
I really did love this one, it's brutal and heartbreaking to watch if you allow yourself to be invested in these guys journeys, it does make you wonder how would you handle such circumstances and kinda relate to this weird sense of clarity when everything seems hopeless. I think it's a great recommendation and i'm glad Drinker enjoyed it.
Love this movie. I read somewhere that is a metaphore for fighting depression and kepp on living. Seems about right. It's not reallistic, it doesn't try to be: the wolves are the simbol that represents death, the easy way out, the suicide, or at the very least letting yourself go, istead of keep living, no matter how much it hurts. Ottway was gonna take his life at the beginning and, ironically, is the one who finds in himself a stronger will to live. He keeps going, he fights, he curses God, he refuses to be a victim of circunstances. How it ends it really doesn't matter, who wins the fight, nature or man, it's all the same in the end, we all are going to die. But for Ottway the way to go is fighting, like in his dad's poem, no excuses, not a last pray, no surrender. Also, this movie was shot after the passing of Neeson's wife, so there is an extra level of personal life as well in it. Oh, and the music! Simple but powerfull and emotional.
I was born in the 70´s and somehow the Drinker seem to pinpoint my favourite films time and again in these recommendations and such. This movie really bothered me and I don´t want to watch it again in the near future. I was so invested in the faith of the main character and the ending really made me frustrated, angry and sad. So, the film took me for one hell of a ride, was memorable and the ending was striking. Rare treat these days indeed. Sorry for my grammar. I´m Finnish.
Liam Neeson still a bad ass at 60 years old. His movies still good. Acton drama funny romance etc.
But he will always be good in Schindler's List and also Ra's al Ghul
An absolute legend
As a man really hard not to tear up towards the end. Him crying out to god, Oscar winning moment imo.
I find the lack of representation in this movie problematic: only men, no women, no non-binary persons, everybody rocking their natural hair colour... c'mon man!
We all know if it was women in the same situation they would’ve survived. Tamed the wolves and started an entirely new civilization of warrior women with pet wolves.
@@jaimeruiz7837 They would also have cultivated the wilderness, started a herb garden, a feminist vegan barista bar and a fair trade basket store, all right in front of the wolfs' lair.
@@markusfreund6961 Yeah, I mean... it makes sense to me
Yes, Drinker to the rescue. I've been banging this movie's drum for years!
Glad it'll get more views this way.
This is actually my favorite movie. Thanks for reviewing this!
i watched this film as a teenager, just mindlessly flicking through channels. i didn't catch the very beginning, just the plane crash and watched from there. i never willingly watch films like this but i have to admit that the grey got me hooked. the last stand as he was reciting his father's favorite poem in his mind was gripping.
Really appreciated your thoughts on this movie. Anyone who has struggled with depression, chronic health problems, loneliness or just their faith (any faith) can take away a lot from this movie. To me, the "grey" isn't just the wolves or nature, it's loss of hope.
Absolutely love this movie, a real surprise when I first saw it, had no expectations going in but damn it’s a great movie. Amazing to think this was from the same guy that gave us the A-Team movie (another guilty pleasure of mine).
This movie reminded me of The Edge when I first saw it. Another great survival film that seems to be forgotten.
Thanks drinker. I trust your excellent taste in movies and look forward to giving the grey a watch. Not surprised at all that you recently topped a million subscribers.
I love the way Liam Neeson talks on the phone in so many of his movies. He's like "You won't have to look for me. Because I'm coming to find you!!" Lol. I look up to him on how to be more aggressively assertive on the telephone.
Absolutely love this movie, thanks for promoting it, hopefully more people will watch it!
I love these shorter review/recommendation videos, they're hilarious and get me to try new movies! Not to mention how they make me think about plot and characters differently as a writer.
One of my favourite films of all time, amazing - amazing!! - soundtrack.
One of Liam's more under appreciated efforts. I don't want to drop a spoiler, but I related to him in the final scene...
I've only seen this movie once (I've got a kid sister in the house that doesn't need to be exposed to the language), but it made such a lasting impression on me that I remember it vividly. Sometimes I even repeat the poem to myself. Plainly and simply, it's a good film.