The East [Blu-ray]

This is a phenomenal film, my husband ordered it for movie night after researching the writer and lead actor. She’s done some other work that we have since discovered and enjoyed nearly as much as this one, although this movie is my favorite of hers so far. It’s definitely the kind of film that makes you think, as it addresses young people entering the workforce much like office space did in a previous generation, but with some more realistic, cerebral, and pessimistic undertones. It also leaves the view were wondering who the protagonist truly is, as well as the antagonist? I like movies like that as no one is one thing, we can all be good or bad depending on the situation. It definitely makes you think.

I'm not a movie critic, so I don't know the technical operations of filming and I can guess that most people watching movies don't either. Therefore, this is simply based on my experience of seeing The East. I love a movie that can open a hole into my mind and inflict the question of how I am living my life- leaving me with a sting of the truth and the mixed feelings of someone who is on the brink of acting to correct those choices and someone who is unsure about leaving behind the comfort of what is familiar. Though the consistent opinions of this film not having a lot of action is true; it in no way lacks the reality that life does not happen in a constant motion, but draws in inconsistent flourishes- enhancing, for me, the ability to grow with the plot, as well as allowing me time to think about the overall picture. I got attached to the characters, felt their emotions, and could sympathize with their motives. Sure, it sucks when you have to buy a movie you aren't sure about, but I took a leap of faith and ended in an unexpected place- which is exactly where I wanted to be. The East brought me a subject I cared about, led me to follow my gut, asked me where I would turn right from wrong, and called me to really look at what's happening around me, us. I hope you too are searching for a movie with purpose- because this is it. So just Watch and...

You have to take any sort of education out of your mind to watch this and just enjoy it. So, if you are about 16-17 and impressionable, it should work for you.The acting was great. The directing was great.Spoilers a little bit. Not plot just a few complaints.......The thought that a drug distributed by injection or IV could be ingested with same results ( and a small amount in a glass) is just silly. There was no explanation if FDA was paid off for forgoing clinical trials or if the drug was sooooo needed, they were given approval with a black box label. And the 'can't sue the drug company' thing...really? Most sued industry....the fact he couldn't sue because it was in the package insert is just ludicrous. ( obviously writer had never seen all those late night law commercials)The EPA not dinging the company dumping arsenic wasn't explained either. Then finally for me...surgery without gloves....The medical person in me just wanted to throw something at the screen knowing that the Dr would know better. Why not leave her on an ER doorstep? But, the acting was good for what was written. Ellen Page didn't act like Juno, and it was actually fun to see what potential she has. Had never seen Brit Marling before and really thought she did a great job.And seriously. I bought this for the Alex S involvement. *Why do you think anyone purchased Straw Dogs?* He was outstanding in his acting. Its ok to be both a great actor and a sex god. Embrace it. Somebody has to do it.We get you are not just a pretty face.

Sarah is a young former federal agent turned private security firm employee (not so subtle digs at the power and prestige of Blackwater). Clever and articulate she goes undercover as Jane on assignment to infiltrate an eco-terrorist group called The East. She is just fascinating to watch as an actress in this role, she uses even the slightest nuances to her advantage. As the movie progresses it can be hard to tell where Sarah begins and Jane ends as she herself struggles with perception. Marling is just brilliant in this role.Alexander Skarsgard shines as Benji, the charismatic leader of The East. It is nearly impossible from his first scene to view him as a villain since he is such a sympathetic character. Benji has a great deal of depth and things aren't what they seem. Ellen Page rounds out the cast with her portrayal of disillusioned but kind Izzy.This film clearly has a liberal, pro-environmental slant, providing a glimpse into just how much destruction and corruption we as a society are willing to tolerate in the name of progress-or for our SUV's and central air.Great film, definitely one of my favorites of 2013. Worth having in your collection!

I had some higher hopes for this movie as it had a pretty impressive cast and an eerie trailer. I was expecting more of a psychological thriller, but it felt like more of a drama to me. Overall it was a decent movie that I'm not disappointed to have watched, but was not at all what I expected.

I knew the minute I saw the trailer for The East (2013) that I had to see this film. What made the biggest impression on me was the topic. There are not many entertaining movies out there that concern themselves with domestic terrorism, or eco-friendly anti-corporate terrorism at that. Sure, there are plenty of films produced in Hollywood every year that deal with group infiltration, going under-cover, oppressive governments and corporations, political thrillers, and so on...what makes this movie different is that it feels and looks totally original. The idea for this film came from the personal experience of Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling (who are friends in real life) and who spent one summer travelling on U.S. freight trains with a group of self-professed anarchists. Sounds like a forbidden experience for most of us...The viewers should also know that the movie contains all of the following: betrayal, informant, alternative life-style, forbidden love, hints of homosexuality, twist at the end, hipster gather rounds, scheming, some violence, and little sex...

`The East` has some striking narrative and at times disturbing story.The dialogue ,each persons journey into be an activists is different. You may feel detached and may have echos of some Catholic teaching.its well handled and makes you engage. opens issues and could promote further dialogue so feel worth time spent viewing.personally did not recognize many of key actors but they still talented bunch.Tied not to spoil the story outcomes pretty unexpected......SPIRITOFTHESTREETS 58

I found this movie bit dull. no doubt it reflected the spirit of its time as eco terrorism was an issue a while back- I will confess i was under the impression this was a new or newish film ,in fact i'd already seen it on television some years ago- Brit Marling is interesting and i'm certain her career will develop in a big way, so in that sense this movie is a 'marker' of a burgeoning talent.

Like Another Earth, and The Sound of my Voice this is another thought provoking and smart story from the very talented Brit Marling and her collaborators.Riveting and very well acted from beginning to end this story is very relevant to today and yet remains small and very humanHighly recommended for people with a brain and a soul.

Great movie and an interesting one too! Well directed and with a very good and nailed cast. I imagine the subject wasn't very much "welcomed", that's why it disappeared quite soon from the movie theaters, at least in my country ...... same old, same old, when someone speaks the truth it always uncomfortable ;)

Not a good film, only reasonable acting, not a good watch