Columbus (2017)

Columbus Poster

When a renowned architecture scholar falls suddenly ill during a speaking tour, his son Jin finds himself stranded in Columbus, Indiana - a small Midwestern city celebrated for its many significant modernist buildings. Jin strikes up a friendship with Casey, a young architecture enthusiast who works at the local library.

Film Overview
"Columbus", an independent drama movie directed by Kogonada in 2017, revolves around the converging lives of two people in Columbus, Indiana, a midwestern American town renowned for its contemporary architectural gems. Jin, a Korean-American guy, discovers himself stuck in Columbus after his father, a respected architecture teacher, falls seriously ill. Casey, a young regional female, works at the library and deals with her mother, who is recovering from meth dependency. Their shared tourist attraction to architecture forms the structure of their unusual relationship.

Plot
Jin arrives in Columbus to sit by his ailing dad's side and discovers himself striking an unanticipated friendship with Casey, a life-long citizen with an architectural enthusiasm. She's passionate about the buildings surrounding her, while Jin hold an indifference coming from his strained relationship with his father. In spite of their contrasting views, the 2 go on walks and connect over their situations: Casey's problems with her mom's dependency and her worry of leaving Columbus, overlapped with Jin's guilt and frustrations about his parental relationship.

The Characters
The movie effectively looks into the personal journeys of Casey, depicted by Haley Lu Richardson and Jin, played by John Cho. Richardson provides an engaging portrayal of a brilliant, observant lady at a crossroads. John Cho, on the other hand, delivers his function as Jin with a subtle depth, stuck in between filial duty and his individual freedom. Their chemistry sets the tone for the movie, weaving a tale of hope, melancholy, and the overwhelming concern of leaving or remaining in one's convenience zones.

Images and Symbolism
The architecture of Columbus plays a considerable role, thus the town-- likewise a character itself. Buildings are magnificently shot, representing the option between stagnancy and forward movement. Kogonada uses the town to offer a study of the paradox of stagnation and development, repeated in Casey and Jin's lives. The viewer is typically asked to examine areas through long takes, which suggests the characters' emotional states, specifically through their shared dialogues on optimism and despair.

Reception
"Columbus" was one of the most vital darlings of 2017. It was applauded for its poetic screenplay, stunning images, and the chemistry between Richardson and Cho. Critics admired the movie for its mature handling of complicated styles, such as commitment, aspiration, and human connection. It was applauded for the expert use of silence and area alongside discussion, which helped build the tension between the characters' inner and outer worlds.

Conclusion
"Columbus" is an evocatively photographed journey of self-discovery and deep human connection. It lights up two people' struggles amid a background of hauntingly beautiful architecture, blurring the line in between stagnancy and progress in an engaging narrative frame. It takes us on a contemplative take a look at how our environments affect our decisions, relationships and the method we deal with our obligations. Concentrated on the complex emotional landscapes of its characters, the film anchors the audience in their world through its poignant story and spectacular visuals. Through exceptional performances and thoughtful direction, "Columbus" offers an intimate look at architecture, humanity, and the intricacies of connection.

Top Cast

  • John Cho (small)
    John Cho
    Jin
  • Haley Lu Richardson (small)
    Haley Lu Richardson
    Casey
  • Michelle Forbes (small)
    Michelle Forbes
    Maria
  • Rory Culkin (small)
    Rory Culkin
    Gabriel
  • Parker Posey (small)
    Parker Posey
    Eleanor
  • Erin Allegretti (small)
    Erin Allegretti
    Emma
  • Shani Salyers Stiles (small)
    Shani Salyers Stiles
    Vanessa
  • Reen Vogel (small)
    Reen Vogel
    Cleaner
  • Rosalyn R. Ross (small)
    Rosalyn R. Ross
    Christine
  • Lindsey Shope (small)
    Lindsey Shope
    Sarah
  • Jem Cohen (small)
    Jem Cohen
    Staff