IN CINEMAS NOW | 'Columbus'
'Columbus' tells the story of a Korean-born man who finds himself stuck in Columbus, Indiana, where his father (an architect) is in a coma. The man soon meets a young woman who wants to stay in the area with her mother - a recovering addict, instead of pursuing her own dreams.
Though 'Columbus' is visually stunning, it is not enough to hold up the uneventful storyline. Though thoughtful and mature, it is hardly memorable with its weak plot.
This is director Ogonada's directorial debut, but it's an unfortunate predicament he's found himself in. Despite his efforts to lead the film into something more intellectual, it rapidly becomes a tedious piece of cinematic "entertainment".
John Cho expresses little emotion or credibility in the role he portrays, and is the complete opposite of Haley Lu Richardson, who makes the film mildly more entertaining.
'Columbus' is a minimalist movie, which can work in a production's favour, but in this case, didn't.
Despite the brilliant cinematography and peaceful soundtrack, it feels more like a documentary on modern architecture than anything else. It isn't a narrative feature film - far from it in fact, with the problem being sourced back to the script.
'Columbus' is in cinemas now.
