Concussion 震盪真相 (2015) – United States

Reviewed by: Andrew Chan
Director: Peter Landesman
Writers: Peter Landesman, Jeanne Marie Laskas (GQ article “Game Brain”)
Stars: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks

Will Smith is back and time this with an accent. Small guy going against big corporations to make the wrong things right sets the tone for the latest Investigative journalist turned director Peter Landesman and producer Ridley Scott’s effort in “Concussion”. There is a lot to like about this film, namely the obvious Will Smith’s inspiring performance, the daring message against NFL and the steady fast pacing that is likely to keep the audience interested till the end. Making a difference, standing up for something and believing in yourself against the odds are central to the film success. The real irony in the film is how the most true American was not American at all, namely a Wuhu doctor from Nigeria.

Will Smith have made himself a career of playing small and marginalised characters who go on to achieve big things (“Pursuit for Happiness”) and here the opening scene where he display his wittiness in the court room sets the tone for the rest of the film. His never give up attitude and risk all for the sake of justice and the pursuit for the ultimate truth comes through extremely strongly. Gugu Mbatha-Raw provides great support to Smith as their supportive chemistry emphasis how they simply compliments each other lives. Alec Baldwin fights for redemption as the NFL team doctor who teams up with Smith in turning against his own employers. Arliss Howard simply chews scenery as Smith’s supportive boss.

All in all, “Concussion” works as a genre film that transcends on its single focus message. The need to fight for what you truly believe in. In a modern society like Hong Kong nowadays, this is a relevant and universal film in that we need to stand up for the truth and justice, before it’s too late. One line rings true as the credit rolls, “if you do not speak for the dead, who will?” As far as inspiring filmmaking is concern, “Concussion” does the trick and a little more.

Recommended film and endorsed by HK Neo Reviews.