Zack Snyder’s newly released two-part director’s cut for his sprawling original space epic “Rebel Moon” has finally brought the filmmaker’s true vision to the screen. It was made possible through a partnership with Netflix which also came with a stipulation – Snyder would have to first make and release trimmed down PG-13 versions of the films. He agreed and the two parts came out to solid viewership numbers but a harsh reception from critics.
For the record, the PG-13 cuts were entertaining but lacking in ways that made it evident they were lesser versions of something much bigger. Now Snyder and Netflix have released his director’s cuts. Part One (you can read my review HERE) essentially covered the same ground but expanded the world, gave several characters more weight, and did a better job building up what was to come.
And that leads to Part Two which is titled “Curse of Forgiveness”. With a runtime of nearly three hours, the film adds 50 minutes of new footage not seen in the earlier cut. As with Part One, the extra time and attention gives this film some much-needed weight while adding more layers to Snyder’s meticulously imagined universe. But here the director’s cut pays even bigger dividends. Part Two is a significant step up from its pruned PG-13 iteration and gives “Rebel Moon” the feeling of completion (sort of – more on that in a second) that its shorter form was missing.
“Curse of Forgiveness” makes several key improvements, the biggest being its efforts to build up its characters, and more specifically their relationships, leading up to the Kurosawa-inspired Battle of Veldt. It all begins with the story’s central protagonist, Kora (Sofia Boutella) returning to her small farming village with fellow local Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) and a motley crew of warriors to defend their land against the ruthless Admiral Atticus Noble (a suitably vile Ed Skrein) and his oppressive Imperium forces.
Veldt proves to be crucial to the story of “Rebel Moon”, but its deeper significance struggled to resonate in the earlier films. Part Two of the director’s cut does a substantially better job conveying what the small village represents and why it’s worth fighting for. Snyder takes his time, using a series of flashbacks to share detailed backstories of Titus (Djimon Hounsou), Nemesis (Bae Doona), Tarak (Staz Nair), and Milius (Elise Duffy), each revealing lives brutally altered by the Imperium. Even more focus is put on the warriors assimilating into the village. As relationships are forged, the stakes are raised and the inevitable losses hit much harder.
As for their inevitable showdown with Noble and his army, it’s clear that Snyder was let off his PG-13 leash. As a result he creates a more intense, much bloodier, and surprisingly impactful battle full of stunning imagery and fierce combat that is as gruesome as it is thrilling. It’s brought to life through a jaw-dropping mix of practical effects and digital artistry. Of course it’s all woven together by Snyder’s strikingly distinct and proudly indulgent style. That alone will likely push away the filmmaker’s more rabid detractors. But for everyone else, the violent operatic climax is something to behold.
In “Curse of Forgiveness”, Boutella’s Kora remains a worthy protagonist. Skrein’s Admiral Noble is even more fascinating as the big villain. And Jimmy (voiced by Anthony Hopkins) has evolved into one of the film’s most compelling characters. They and many others thrive in the vast textured universe that Snyder is building. That said, Part Two does leave a lot unresolved. It’s clearly pointing towards future movies, but who knows when (or if) they will come. So we’re left to wonder and wait. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if the filmmaker has a roadmap in place. So far Snyder has been quiet on when the “Rebel Moon” story will continue. I hope it’s soon.
While I somewhat liked the PG-13 versions, they were too barebones to really get their hooks in me. The expanded director’s cuts are a different story. They may stumble on occasions, especially when Snyder pushes his R-rated envelope a little too far. But they clearly offer a better expression of the filmmaker’s vision. It’s especially true with “Curse of Forgiveness”. Part Two is the culmination of Snyder’s visionary efforts. This time everything feels earned – the agony, the fury, the passion, the sacrifice. But don’t overthink it. Above all else, this is straightforward and old-fashioned entertainment. It’s an ambitious action-packed space opera that delivers everything its filmmaker promised. It just took the director’s cuts to fully realize it. Both parts of “Rebel Moon” are now streaming on Netflix.
VERDICT – 4 STARS
Keith & the Movies 