News of the World

News of the World (2020)

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4.6
 
4.6 (2)
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Updated September 23, 2024
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World
News of the World

Movie Info

Year Released
Directed by
MPAA Rating
PG
Runtime
118 Mins.
Release date
December 25, 2020
Budget (In USD)
$38,000,000
Revenue (In USD)
$12,668,325
Where to Watch this Movie

Movie Overview | News of the World (2020)

Movie Title: News of the World (2020)
Tagline:
Find Where You Belong.

Storyline

Synopsis:
A Texan traveling across the wild West bringing the news of the world to local townspeople, agrees to help rescue a young girl who was kidnapped.
Plot:
Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former Confederate 3rd Texas Infantry commander, reads newspaper stories for ten cents in Texas communities in 1870. Kidd finds the black freedman driver hanging on an overturned wagon after leaving Wichita Falls. He also encounters a white woman in Kiowa boots and clothes who only speaks Kiowa. Kidd discovers Johanna Leonberger, whom Kiowa abducted and adopted six years earlier, via the girl's documentation. The freedman gave Johanna to her aunt and uncle when Union Army soldiers dispersed a Kiowa camp. Kidd is told by a Union Army patrol to carry the girl to a roadside checkpoint for Union officials. Kidd must comply. 
 
Kidd hears in town that the outpost's Bureau of Indian Affairs officer would be gone for three months. After Johanna escapes with a band of Native Americans during a storm, Kidd returns her to her family in Castroville, 400 miles away, instead of leaving her with Simon and Doris Boudlin. Ella Gannett, an old acquaintance who operates a Dallas inn, speaks Kiowa and informs Kidd that Johanna's adoptive Native American family was killed, making her "an orphan twice-over." Through translation, he discovers her Kiowa name is Cicada. Three ex-Confederate soldiers assault Kidd and Johanna the night after reading the news to acquire Johanna. Kidd leaves with the girl, but the guys pursue him in the jungle. Kidd kills the thugs despite being outgunned when Johanna proposes using work dimes as shotgun ammunition.
 
Farley, a racist cattle baron who mercilessly evicted all non-whites from Erath County, leads militiamen who capture Kidd and Johanna on the border. Kidd's narrative of a Pennsylvania coal mine disaster incites his workers to revolt instead of Farley's propaganda. Kidd and Johanna escape the brawl but are arrested by Farley and his thugs. Johanna wounded Farley with Kidd's shotgun as he prepares to shoot him, and John Calley shoots Farley's other henchman after Kidd's comments. 
 
Kidd loses control over a steep incline, damaging their wagon and killing their horses. Walk Kidd and Johanna. After a blinding sandstorm and heat, Johanna acquires a horse from a wandering Kiowa. Kinder and Johanna reach the Leonberger homestead thanks to this gift. After chatting, Kidd reluctantly leaves Johanna with Aunt Anna and Uncle Wilhelm. Next, he visits his wife Maria's mausoleum at San Antonio, who died of cholera five years ago in the Confederate Army. After leaving Maria, Kidd discovers Johanna is family and rides back to apologize. 
 
While empathetic, Anna and Wilhelmn tied Johanna to a pole to prevent her from leaving. After Kidd learned Kiowa, Johanna was delighted, so they let her go. 
Johanna helps Captain Kidd joyfully introduce Johanna as his daughter to a large audience. 

Other Info

Writer:
Paulette Jiles (based upon the novel)
Screenplay:
Paul Greengrass,
Luke Davies
Producer:
Gary Goetzman,
Gregory Goodman,
Gail Mutrux

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Editor review

1 review
A Poignant Journey Through a Divided Land
(Updated: January 04, 2025)
Overall rating
 
4.6
Entertainment Factor
 
5.0
Story
 
5.0
Actors Performance
 
5.0
Cinematography
 
4.0
Sound Track
 
4.0
"News of the World," directed by Paul Greengrass, is a 2020 Western drama that takes audiences on an emotional journey through the post-Civil War American frontier. Starring Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel, the film explores themes of healing, connection, and the power of storytelling. In this review, we will delve into the film's compelling narrative, standout performances, and its exploration of a nation in transition.

A Synopsis of "News of the World"
Set in 1870, the film follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks), a Civil War veteran who travels from town to town reading the news to isolated communities. During his travels, he encounters Johanna (Helena Zengel), a young girl who was taken in by the Kiowa people and has lost her family. Tasked with returning Johanna to her biological relatives, Kidd embarks on a perilous journey across Texas, facing numerous challenges and forging a bond with the resilient young girl.

A Compelling Narrative
"News of the World" offers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of a nation grappling with its identity and future. The screenplay, adapted by Paul Greengrass and Luke Davies from Paulette Jiles's novel, weaves together elements of adventure, drama, and historical reflection. The film's pacing allows for both tense action sequences and quiet, introspective moments, creating a well-rounded and immersive experience.

Standout Performances
The film features standout performances from its lead actors, with Tom Hanks delivering a nuanced portrayal of Captain Kidd. Hanks brings depth and gravitas to the character, capturing Kidd's sense of duty and compassion. Helena Zengel shines as Johanna, delivering a powerful and emotive performance that conveys the character's strength and vulnerability. The chemistry between Hanks and Zengel adds authenticity and emotional resonance to their characters' journey.

Exploration of Healing and Connection
"News of the World" explores themes of healing, connection, and the transformative power of storytelling. The film delves into the idea that stories have the ability to bridge divides and bring people together, offering hope and understanding in a fractured world. Through Kidd and Johanna's journey, the film reflects on the importance of empathy and the bonds that form between individuals from different backgrounds.

Conclusion
"News of the World" (2020) is a poignant and beautifully crafted film that offers a powerful exploration of healing and connection in a divided land. With its compelling narrative, standout performances, and exploration of timeless themes, the film delivers a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences. Paul Greengrass's direction brings this evocative story to life, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and character-driven storytelling.
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User reviews

2 reviews
Overall rating
 
4.6
Entertainment Factor
 
5.0(2)
Story
 
4.5(2)
Actors Performance
 
4.5(2)
Cinematography
 
4.5(2)
Sound Track
 
4.5(2)
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A Thoughtful Journey Through Post-Civil War America
(Updated: January 04, 2025)
Overall rating
 
4.2
Entertainment Factor
 
5.0
Story
 
4.0
Actors Performance
 
4.0
Cinematography
 
4.0
Sound Track
 
4.0
News of the World (2020), directed by Paul Greengrass, is a compelling Western that explores themes of humanity and redemption against the backdrop of a post-Civil War America. Anchored by Tom Hanks’ masterful performance and a beautifully crafted narrative, the film offers a reflective and poignant examination of a tumultuous period in American history.

Hanks stars as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a traveling newsreader who traverses the Texas frontier reading newspapers to isolated communities. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he is tasked with transporting a young girl, Johanna (Helena Zengel), who has been raised by Native Americans, back to her surviving family. The film delves into the complex dynamics of their relationship, highlighting the cultural and personal challenges they face along their journey.

Hanks delivers a performance of remarkable depth, embodying a character who is both weary and resolute. His portrayal of Kidd is imbued with a quiet strength and a profound sense of duty, reflecting the moral complexities of his era. Helena Zengel, though young, provides a nuanced performance that captures Johanna’s resilience and inner conflict. The chemistry between Hanks and Zengel adds a layer of emotional depth that drives the film’s narrative.

Greengrass’s direction is both restrained and powerful, with a keen eye for period detail and a deep respect for the film’s setting. The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski is visually stunning, capturing the vast, rugged landscapes of Texas with a painterly quality that immerses viewers in the historical setting. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for a contemplative exploration of its themes without sacrificing dramatic tension.

News of the World excels in its portrayal of the human condition, exploring themes of redemption, cultural clash, and the search for belonging. The film’s script, co-written by Paul Greengrass and Luke Davies, provides a rich narrative that balances action and introspection, making for a rewarding viewing experience.

Overall, News of the World is a thoughtful and well-crafted film that stands out for its evocative portrayal of a pivotal era in American history. With strong performances, stunning visuals, and a reflective narrative, it offers a moving and memorable journey through the complexities of post-Civil War America.
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A Masterpiece with Depth and Heart, Featuring Tom Hanks in One of His Best Roles
(Updated: January 04, 2025)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Entertainment Factor
 
5.0
Story
 
5.0
Actors Performance
 
5.0
Cinematography
 
5.0
Sound Track
 
5.0
I think I am right when I say News of the World is one of the best movies I have seen in a very, very long time. The story is deceptively simple: a task that must be performed but one that turns into a dangerous mission. “In 1870, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former member of the Confederate Army who served in the 3rd Texas Infantry, makes a living traveling town to town reading newspapers for the populace for ten cents per person. Following an evening of news reading, setting out for his next location, Kidd finds an overturned wagon on the road. Investigating, he finds the body of a Black soldier and a young White girl named Johanna, dressed in Native American clothing. After an encounter with a Union Army patrol, Kidd is instructed to take the girl to Union officials at a checkpoint in a town up the road where they will sort out her Bureau of Indian Affairs paperwork and return her to her surviving family. Reluctantly, Kidd acquiesces to the request.” (Wikipedia)
Difficulties include delays in the bureaucratic red tape, with young Johanna (who speaks no English) refusing to accept being returned to her remaining family, instead yearning for the Native American family that took her in. Kidd and Johanna (movingly performed by Helena Zengel) are tracked by men who want to traffic the startlingly beautiful golden-haired, blue-eyed child, ending in a fight to the death. They meet the self-styled leader of a radical band of militia and have to talk and then fight their way out of a perilous situation. Life was hard and dangerous for anyone on the road.

If you think this is just Tom Hanks playing Sully meets The Magnificent Seven, think again. Yes, Hanks is a consummate and appealing actor, and he brings the right amount of gravitas and authenticity to the role, but it is more than that. He becomes Kidd so that while watching, you don’t see Hanks; you see Kidd. The relationship develops between two lost, lonely, and broken people. Kidd has his own personal story as Johanna has hers. Director Paul Greengrass surprises with a slow-moving but not ponderous, beautifully filmed, socially relevant (without ramming wokery down your throat) story. You will cry when Joanna cries for her adopted people, moving inexorably away across the river, disappearing into the mists. I wanted to know more about their plight. Of course, the film touches only briefly on many issues of the time, including the treatment of the Native American people uprooted by the invaders; the tensions of post-Civil War that still simmered and festered; and the surprising discovery that news travelled slowly and had to be sent through laborious means.

The acting is superb. I was pleased to see Mare Winningham make a cameo appearance. I first saw Hanks and Winningham play together in Turner and Hooch. Every single character, small or large, important or seemingly irrelevant, plays a vital role. The audiences gathered in the town’s biggest hall, cheering at good news and gasping at bad news, personified the era perfectly. The photography was stunning, taking the viewer right into the scenes. The pace was just right for every scene. Yes, I think this is the best movie I have ever seen, and I am sorry it did not smash the box office like some of the utter tripe that passes for entertainment now. A beautiful film about important issues. Don’t miss it. Very highly recommended! 

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