A Real Pain

This was a really good movie. I thought the themes of loneliness, family, and pain were really well executed. Also, some ideas of generational trauma, like the pain Benji and David have from their grandma’s experience in the concentration camps, reminded me a lot of Maus. It would make a person feel guilty to feel pain when they know their parents and grandparents have gone through such horrible things, even though everyone’s pain is valid.  I mean, you can’t say someone’s pain is real or fake, because we’re all human and hurting. 

Though it was slow, the movie never felt long or boring, and the cinematography made all the sights in Poland look so beautiful. I also really liked listening the Chopin’s pieces playing in the background of the movie; that’s such an easy way to have a banger soundtrack without paying much money. I first learned about this movie because the best supporting actor award from the Oscars went to Kieran Culkin, and after seeing his role as Benji, it was absolutely well deserved. 

On my personal scale, this gets an 8/10, an awesome movie. Please do give this a watch if you like the premise.