180 is a good, challenging revenge thriller drama that manages to linger in your mind even after the credits begin to roll. The film follows the life of Zack, a man whose life takes a big change after a road rage accident leaves his son critically injured. This leads to Zack becoming morally complex and having a constant urge for revenge. What comes along is a father constantly aiming to get revenge from the perpetrators because of whom his son is suffering and fighting for his life.
Initially, one doesn’t come to know what is happening in 180. It is only after a while that you will understand Zack’s emotions and helplessness. That is when the movie begins to make sense all the more. That drive to seek justice by taking matters into his own hands is what forms the very core of 180.
We get to witness themes of love, grief, guilt, and much more. A heartbroken father portrayed by Prince Grootboom stands out the most. That also forms the biggest asset of the film. His depiction of Zack is somehow a painful watch, which means he succeeds in his role if, together, we can feel his pain too. At the heart of the film, Zack is nothing but an ordinary man who has been pushed to his limits by whatever has happened. This is what makes Prince Grootboom’s acting of Zack so authentic. He has shown a father’s internal conflict so well that you do understand why the said thing has happened.
But I must warn you, if you are someone who is into dark films, 180 is a good watch. However, if such films are not what you wish to see, then you can pass this one. The theme followed by the movie is also triggering for many. So watch only if you know that you are capable of handling what is being shown. Reading is easy; watching might be a whole new experience, which may not be a pleasant one for many.
The only issue I found was that in the second half, the plot became very predictable. It was as if you knew what Zack was going to do next. That can be a bit annoying to watch because the thrill starts to die slowly and steadily. I don’t know if it's because we understood Zack’s psych easily or what, but nonetheless, this predication of plot makes 180 a little less attractive. In the past, we have also seen such a plot of parents taking revenge for their child. So whatever you are thinking of as an end has actually happened.
But even with all this, it is the execution that stands out. You will love how the movie has been developed and how the overall character development has taken place. I feel that the prediction of the plot is an aspect that can be ignored since the pacing of the film is fast. This manages to create the momentum we all have been looking for. So, as mentioned earlier, if revenge plots catch your interest, 180 is a good watch.
Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
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Publisher at Midgard Times