Movie Review The Da Vinci Code (2006)

 

The Da Vinci Code | 2006 | 2h 29m
Genre: Conspiracy Thriller/Globetrotting Adventure/Suspense Mystery/Mystery/Thriller |
Country: United States - Malta - France - United Kingdom
Director: Ron Howard | Writers: Akiva Goldsman, Dan Brown
Cast: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Jean Reno
IMDB: 6.6
My Rate: 9/10

An unusual murder in a museum draws Langdon, a symbologist, into a shocking conspiracy that could shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.

Warnings:

Contains violence, sex, nudity, self-harm, and mature themes.

 

Synopsis:

A murder occurs at the Louvre, resulting in the death of Jacques Sauniere, a curator. The murder is committed by Silas (Paul Bettany), who is tasked with finding the Holy Grail. However, the police suspect Langdon (Tom Hanks), a symbologist who happens to be giving a conference in England. This accusation is based on a message left by Sauniere.

Langdon is unaware that he is the prime suspect until Sophie (Audrey Tautou), a police investigator and Sauniere's granddaughter, arrives and informs him. Sophie believes her grandfather wanted to convey a crucial message, and only Langdon can decipher it. They manage to outsmart the police and unravel the mystery left by Sauniere.

This mystery leads them to a controversial understanding of the Holy Grail and Jesus. With all the clues they have, they try to find the real truth. Despite a race against time and the police, Langdon and Sophie manage to find the key to the mystery: a Cryptex containing a map to the hiding place of the Holy Grail.

They then seek help from Leigh (Ian McKellen), Langdon's friend who is an expert on the Holy Grail. Together, they try to open the Cryptex. Unfortunately, the police discover their whereabouts and attempt to arrest them. With Leigh's help, they manage to escape again.

Will the mystery of the Holy Grail be solved?

 

Review:

The Da Vinci Code is a film adapted from the novel of the same name by Dan Brown. This film has a pretty bold story idea because it is based on a particular religion. It's kinda risky and tricky.

This will surely cause controversy among followers of that religion. Several criticisms and boycotts have been voiced, not only against the film but also against the novel itself. This is understandable because people are concerned that some might believe in the conspiracy and become doubtful after watching this film.

Putting that aside, the story is presented quite well. The plot is systematic and easy to understand. The development of the story's foundation and characters is also good. The conflict, mystery, and resolution of the conflict are also quite interesting. The scenes presented are not easy to predict, but they still follow the logical flow of the film.

The music selection is appropriate for each scene, adding to the tension of the story. The camera movement and image detail are also done well. Every detail needed is visible with the right composition.

However, there are some shortcomings that might be found in the scenes. For example, an illogical scene (#spoiler) when Leigh threatens Langdon and Sophie with a gun. Even though Leigh has a gun, considering Leigh's difficulty walking, wouldn't it be easy for Langdon and Sophie to overpower him? Why do they seem resigned and helpless?

There are also many scenes and dialogues that seem to waste time. Perhaps the producers wanted to present the story in a narrative form that makes the mystery seem more interesting. However, it becomes illogical. For example, Langdon and Sophie arrive at Leigh's house while being chased by the police. Instead of moving quickly, they listen to a long story from Leigh.

A similar scene is also seen in several parts of the film. When Langdon and Sophie are researching in the museum. While they are rushing to escape the police, they still have time to joke and chat on their way. Some of these scenes seem a bit illogical.

Overall, this film is quite interesting to watch because it offers a captivating mystery.

 

Memorable Scene:

Leigh explains the theory behind the Last Supper painting. Although the explanation presented in the film is controversial, differing from common beliefs, the convincing presentation can be dangerous, especially within a religious belief.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

 "The mind sees what it chooses to see."

 

Ending:

Twist Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)