The first few sequences had a good feel to them, giving us a good introduction, welcoming us to the year of 2054. As you would expect from any futuristic film, there's unexplained technology which can do extraordinary things. This film consists of people in water seeing future murders which somehow transfers onto random balls, but I went with it as I wanted to see where it would take us.
Spielberg was able to show how real life and the life inside the police headquarters differed with ease, and when called to play out the 'vision' the, let's call them 'water people' saw, he did a magnificent job. What I really think works with this film is the sense of time, and how it's used to create tension. As we already know that a murder could occur, the constant countdown that John Anderton (Cruise) faces really gets your heart pumping, as although you know they're going to catch the murderer, there's always the chance. It was played out so well that I truly was transfixed on the screen. One key element they used in this film was advertisement and news reports, which allowed us to see what everyday people of that city would have seen, letting us become part of the journey. It also opens up possibilities, and imagining that every advertisement you see on the street knows your name and is tailored to your every need? Scary.
John's back story also played a large part in making this story brilliant. The loss of his child leaves us yearning for him to still be alive and for him to turn up in the film, which unfortunately doesn't happen (spoilers). It also helps us to understand the decisions he makes in his life and why he does what he does. He doesn't want what has happened to him, to happen to anyone else. Seeing the old family videos in his apartment really made me feel sorry for him, because we know that it's not his fault. We also learn more about him as we go through the film, which I think is important because it's like getting to know a real person. Colin Farrell gave a solid performance as usual, with his good looks and quick wits making him into a challenge for John Anderton. Another actor that cannot go unmentioned is Samantha Morton, who played Agatha (a water person). Her portrayal is just unreal, and Agatha is one of those characters who you will remember forever, and her distant stare allowed us to be scared yet fascinated with what she had to say.
The unexpected parts of this film were great, especially the end. You really don't expect the outcome which makes it all the more better, and I definitely remember jumping at one point in the middle at something unexpected. Major heart attack moment! Somehow this film manages to incorporate pretty much everything, sci-fi, thrills, car chases, romance(?), and emotion. The reason for the question mark next to romance is that it's more of an old forgotten romance between John and his ex-wife, because although they've separated, she still does everything she can for him.
Overall, Minority Report was visually engaging, thrilling, tense, and all around fabulous. I gave this film 9 stars out of 10 on iMDB, because I think it's immensely underrated and definitely a must-watch. No wonder it won 16 awards! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and buy it!
