Directed by:
Roland EmmerichCinematography:
Karl Walter LindenlaubComposer:
David ArnoldCast:
Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Mae Whitman, Vivica A. Fox, Margaret Colin, Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, Randy Quaid (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
The spectacle begins when massive spaceships appear in Earth's skies. But wonder turns to terror as the ships blast destructive beams of fire down on cities all over the planet. Now the world's only hope lies with a determined band of survivors, uniting for one last strike against the invaders - before it's the end of all mankind. (20th Century Fox UK)
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Reviews (9)
It was a great science fiction for its time, and perhaps it's not surprising that it's still a great science fiction after almost twenty years. Emmerich managed to create a great visual effects film that perhaps best depicts the fear of being invaded. Yes, it's very American, but that's clear from the title, isn't it? Some moral speeches about world unity might sound a bit forced, but it probably wouldn't work without them. ()
Independence Day is in a typically Emmerich vein, with this film being one of the first pieces to feature the director’s penchant for monster-scale visual effects, as well as the catastrophic-apocalyptic feel and the American heroism of the main characters. The cast was mostly likeable, the plot moved along, although twenty minutes less running time would not have hurt, and from a technical point of view it is a very successful achievement. In short, one of those films that is great for switching off the brain and unwinding. ()
The Hollywood high-budget blockbuster of the 1990s in its full and immaculate glory. I’ve seen it at least thirty times, but the intensity of the experience remains unrelenting and the internal scheme of the narrative as a mediator of a global catastrophe is exemplary. There are dozens of characters, but each of them has an important function in communicating with the viewer, who learns about the alien attack from the point of view of the president, a brilliant scientist, a verbose soldier and the general population, so the presentation of the plot is really incredibly complex and well thought out. It may reek of American pathos and naivety, but Independence Day is simply so well constructed, scored and acted, supported by amazing visual effects and the ultimate adrenaline rush, that I will watch it thirty more times in the future and the general term "Legend" will increasingly come to mind. An incredible romp that will never get old and, above all, will never be surpassed within the genre. ()
Emmerich's hand broke off with a touch of pathos. Bill Pullman is completely off with his heroic president, Will Smith is embarrassing, Jeff Goldblum is as if he wasn't there - just a smaller overrated mishap. The undisclosed variation of War of the Worlds didn't work out and despite the gripping scene of the destruction of the White House, I have an aversion towards this film. ()
"Comrades, ugly enemy agents have landed in our country from outer space in order to plant potato mandelins in our harvesting pools. Comrades, we're not going to subvert the States! Moreover, we have the victorious July, so get them!" Capitalist realism in full force, as demented as Bolshevik agitations, as spectacularly pathetic. Plus, the characters. A good-humored "nigga," a heroic president-pilot, a drunk with the heart of a Don Cossack...an... intrepid cowboy... Just a case of brilliantly making a stinking ball out of a pathetic fart. A film about nothing with nice effects. The glamour and misery of Hollywood in full swing. It wasn't custom made for the White House??? Edit 2011: I have to admit that (like many Bolshevik agitations) I enjoy this film and fills me with a special pleasure of absolute foolishness. So, in hindsight, I'm giving it an extra star, compared to Battle Los Angeles, it's royal fun, and it doesn't deserve the same rating... ()
Gallery (178)
Photo © 1996 20th Century Fox
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