News of the World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Tom Hanks reads the news, picks up a feral child, and they become the weirdest Wild West family ever.

🍿 News of the World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Captain Kidd and Johanna

In 1870s Texas, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran, travels from town to town reading newspapers to make a living. He encounters Johanna, a young girl who was kidnapped and raised by the Kiowa tribe. She is being transported to her relatives after being rescued by the army.

A Reluctant Journey Begins

Captain Kidd is tasked with delivering Johanna to her aunt and uncle, a journey of hundreds of miles across a dangerous and unforgiving landscape. Johanna, who speaks only Kiowa and is resistant to the ‘white’ world, presents a unique challenge for Kidd. Their journey begins filled with tension and mistrust.

Encounters and Dangers Along the Way

As they travel, Kidd and Johanna face various threats, including bandits and prejudiced locals. One harrowing encounter involves ex-Confederate soldiers who attempt to buy Johanna. Kidd’s resourcefulness and Johanna’s survival instincts are tested as they navigate these dangerous situations, strengthening their bond.

Confronting Farley and His Militia

The pair encounter a racist cattle baron, Farley, who controls a town with his militia. Kidd is forced to read propaganda to the townsfolk, but he subtly uses news stories to incite rebellion. In the ensuing chaos, Johanna bravely defends Kidd, further solidifying their dependence on each other and challenging the established power structure.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks): A former Confederate officer turned newsreader who reluctantly agrees to escort a young girl across the dangerous Texas landscape.
• Johanna (Helena Zengel): A young girl raised by the Kiowa people who is being returned to her biological relatives against her will.
• Simon Boudlin (Ray McKinnon): A friend of Captain Kidd’s who offers him aid and support on his journey with Johanna.
• Doris Boudlin (Mare Winningham): Simon’s wife, who along with her husband, provides temporary assistance to Kidd and Johanna.
• Farley (Thomas Francis Murphy): A racist cattle baron who controls a county in Texas and attempts to coerce Kidd into reading propaganda.
• Mrs. Gannett (Elizabeth Marvel): An innkeeper in Dallas who speaks Kiowa and reveals important information about Johanna’s past.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Captain Kidd: “See all those words printed in a line one after the other? Put ’em all together and you have a story.” – Captain Kidd explains the concept of reading and storytelling to Johanna.
• Captain Kidd: “I’m trying to tell you a story about the world.” – Captain Kidd says this to Johanna while attempting to connect with her by reading news from around the world.
• Captain Kidd: “Sometimes that’s all we have. Stories.” – Captain Kidd says this to Johanna referring to the power of stories to connect people and offer hope.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $38,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,668,325
• Worldwide Gross: $20,241,505

💥 News of the World Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘News of the World.’ It’s got that classic Western vibe but with a real emotional core. Tom Hanks is, of course, amazing, but Helena Zengel really steals the show. The bond between them is what makes the movie special, and I found myself really invested in their journey. It’s a beautiful movie and the cinematography is superb. I was really impressed.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns”
  • “Tom Hanks fans”
  • “Viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas”
  • “Those interested in historical fiction”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Some language”
  • “Themes of racial prejudice”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Skillfully well-made and leisurely paced, its tone feels almost lyrical. Its western setting is depicted as harsh and realistic, but still unique and powerful. The film’s cinematography of 19th-century north Texas is absolutely impeccable.
• IMDB: “I didn’t really love this film. I think it is competently made and you can tell the director knew what he was doing, i just think it was pretty average. The story is very slow, it is almost a road movie.
• IMDB: “The Greengrass-Hanks pairing, so fruitful in Captain Phillips, is, however, pretty barren in their second outing. Tom Hanks is out there doing his thing, but is Captain Kidd really an interesting character? Is Hanks’ performance anything special? No.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the strong performances of Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel, highlighting their on-screen chemistry.: Most people appreciated the movie’s visuals, calling the cinematography beautiful and immersive, while also mentioning the touching story.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and heartwarming western with strong performances, although some viewers found the plot slow-paced.

Awards

1. German Film Awards (Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Paul Greengrass stated that casting the role of Johanna was initially daunting, but Helena Zengel was the only person he considered after seeing her audition.”
• “The film was adapted from the novel of the same name by Paulette Jiles.”
• “The filmmakers worked with members of the Kiowa Nation to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of Kiowa language, history, and customs.”

🖥️ How to Watch News of the World?

News of the World is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on services such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. It’s also often available on demand through your cable provider.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed News of the World, you might like these similar films:

• The Searchers (1956): Both films involve a long journey through the American West to rescue a young girl who has been living with Native Americans.
• True Grit (2010): Features a similar dynamic of an older, grizzled character escorting a young girl through dangerous territory in the West.
• Hostiles (2017): Both films deal with themes of reconciliation and understanding in the post-Civil War American West, featuring characters grappling with prejudice and trauma.
• Lonesome Dove (1989): Both are sweeping Western epics, depicting a journey through the American West with rich character development and exploration of themes like duty and change.

🛒 News of the World Related Products

• News of the World [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray, featuring stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes content.
• News of the World (Movie Tie-in Edition): Read the book that inspired the film and delve deeper into the story of Captain Kidd and Johanna.
• Old West Pioneer Figure Set – Building Blocks: Bring the Wild West to life with this building block set that captures the look of the post-Civil War era. Great addition for fans of the movie.
• Western Movie Poster Set (Vintage Style): Set of vintage-style posters featuring iconic western movie art, adds a classic touch to any room.

🎧 Soundtrack

News of the World features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Prairie Dog Song” – performed by Traditional
• “News of the World Soundtrack” – performed by James Newton Howard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Queen – Spread Your Wings (Official Video)

Prepare to be mesmerized by the legendary Queen in their official music video for ‘Spread Your Wings.’ This timeless classic perfectly encapsulates the movie’s themes of freedom and ambition.

The history of our world in 18 minutes | David Christian | TED

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time with David Christian in this TED Talk. He condenses the vast history of the universe into 18 captivating minutes, offering a mind-boggling perspective that complements the movie’s exploration of our origins.

Moment Georgia election cheif doused in paint by opposition official. #Georgia #BBCNews

Witness the shocking moment when Georgia’s election chief is doused in paint during a heated political protest. This BBC News video offers a glimpse into the volatile political climate surrounding the movie’s themes.

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