Moonrise Kingdom Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two weird kids ditch summer camp to get married, causing mild existential crises for the adults around them, all while a biblical flood threatens to ruin the quirky fun.

🍿 Moonrise Kingdom: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Runaway Love

In 1965, on a New England island, 12-year-olds Sam Shakusky, an orphan and Khaki Scout, and Suzy Bishop, a troubled girl with distant parents, plan to run away together. They’ve been pen pals for a year and feel like kindred spirits, misunderstood by their families and peers. They meet secretly and head into the wilderness.

The Search Begins

Sam’s scoutmaster, Ward, and Captain Sharp, the local police officer, launch a search party. Suzy’s parents, Walt and Laura, also join, discovering the secret correspondence between the two. The other scouts initially resent Sam, while Suzy’s parents struggle to understand her.

Moonrise Kingdom

Sam and Suzy reach a secluded cove they name ‘Moonrise Kingdom.’ They camp, fish, dance, and share a brief but intimate moment, solidifying their bond. However, their idyll is short-lived as the search party closes in on their location. A violent storm is also brewing, adding urgency to the situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman): A resourceful and determined orphaned Khaki Scout who runs away to be with his true love.
• Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward): A troubled and imaginative girl who runs away from her unhappy home with Sam to find adventure.
• Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis): The lonely and kind-hearted island police captain who develops a bond with Sam.
• Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton): The dedicated but somewhat hapless Khaki Scout leader who searches for Sam after his disappearance.
• Mr. Bishop (Bill Murray): Suzy’s distant and emotionally detached father, a lawyer.
• Mrs. Bishop (Frances McDormand): Suzy’s stressed and somewhat neglectful mother, who communicates with her family through a megaphone.
• Social Services (Tilda Swinton): The stern and uncompromising representative of social services, intent on taking Sam into custody.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sam: “I love you, but you don’t know what you’re talking about.” – Sam says this to Suzy after she claims orphans’ lives are more special, highlighting his own feelings of displacement.
• Suzy: “I always wished I was an orphan. Most of my favorite characters are. I think your lives are more special.” – Suzy expresses her longing for a different life, romanticizing the idea of being an orphan.
• Captain Sharp: “She needs help. I’m going to help her.” – Captain Sharp decides to help Suzy and Sam, showing his growing compassion and willingness to intervene.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $45,512,466
• Worldwide Gross: $68,265,576

💥 Moonrise Kingdom Reviews

Personal Review

Oh my gosh, I absolutely adored Moonrise Kingdom! It felt like stepping into a beautiful, slightly surreal dream. The way Wes Anderson tells the story, with all the perfectly framed shots and quirky characters, just sucked me right in. I especially loved the scene where Sam and Suzy are dancing on the beach – it was so awkward and sweet and totally captured that feeling of first love. The music was amazing and I just walked out smiling.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style and quirky storytelling.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate coming-of-age stories with a touch of whimsy.”
  • “Those interested in films set in the 1960s with unique aesthetics.”
  • “Audiences seeking a heartwarming and unconventional love story.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of child intimacy (kissing and implied touching).”
  • “Some scenes of mild violence involving children.”
  • “Mentions of emotional disturbance and troubled family dynamics.”
  • “A scene involving an animal being injured (a dog being shot with an arrow).”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Anderson’s whimsical style perfectly captures the awkward beauty of adolescence and the absurdity of adulthood, crafting a visually stunning and emotionally resonant coming-of-age story. The soundtrack is also delightful.
• Rolling Stone: “Moonrise Kingdom is Wes Anderson at his most charming, delivering a sweet and eccentric tale of first love. The performances are spot-on, and the film’s unique aesthetic is both playful and poignant.
• Entertainment Weekly: “While Anderson’s distinctive style might not be for everyone, Moonrise Kingdom offers a delightful escape into a meticulously crafted world. The quirky humor and heartfelt performances make it a memorable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The quirky humor and unique visual style resonated with many viewers.: Viewers praised the film’s charming story, memorable characters, and nostalgic atmosphere.

Many people felt the two young actors did an amazing job.: Most people agree that the new actors selected really embodied their characters well.

Overall Consensus: Moonrise Kingdom is a critically acclaimed film celebrated for its charming story, unique visual style, and strong performances. While Anderson’s style might not appeal to everyone, the film has garnered a dedicated following for its heartfelt and eccentric take on first love and adolescence.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (Best Original Screenplay)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The dance scene on the beach was saved for the very end of filming, so that the two young leads would be comfortable around each other, and was done on a closed set (just the two leads, co-writer and director Wes Anderson, and the cameraman).”
• “Wes Anderson wanted the film to feel like a memory, so he used a specific color palette and shooting style to evoke a sense of nostalgia.”

🖥️ How to Watch Moonrise Kingdom?

Moonrise Kingdom is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video (via rental or purchase), Apple TV, and other on-demand services. Check your local listings for availability. You can also purchase the movie on Blu-ray or DVD from retailers like Amazon and major online stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom, you might like these similar films:

• Rushmore (1998): Another Wes Anderson film with quirky characters and a unique, offbeat sense of humor, focusing on themes of adolescence and unconventional friendships.
• The Graduate (1967): Set around the same era, captures the spirit of disaffection, and deals with themes of youthful rebellion.
• Little Manhattan (2005): Captures the innocence and intensity of first love through the eyes of young children.

🛒 Moonrise Kingdom Related Products

• Moonrise Kingdom [Blu-ray]: Own the film that critics call ‘a treasure’ on stunning Blu-ray. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and a glimpse into Wes Anderson’s unique filmmaking process.
• Khaki Scout Uniform Costume Kit: Includes the Khaki Scout shirt, shorts, neckerchief, and badges as seen in the movie. High-quality materials for authentic cosplay or collector’s display.
• Suzy’s Book Collection: Limited Edition Box Set: A replica set of the six fantasy novels Suzy carries in the film, with custom covers and special inserts.
• Moonrise Kingdom Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Relive the film’s captivating atmosphere with this soundtrack featuring music by Benjamin Britten, Alexandre Desplat, and Françoise Hardy. Features the soundtrack’s original album art, including a limited edition print.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: Themes A.-F.” – performed by Benjamin Britten
• “Le Temps de l’Amour” – performed by Françoise Hardy
• “An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 6, Nimm sie hin denn, diese Lieder” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Moonrise Kingdom in 8 Minutes

Get a quick refresher or a concise overview of Wes Anderson’s charming film Moonrise Kingdom in just 8 minutes. It’s a great way to revisit the whimsical world of this beloved movie!

Wes Anderson on Moonrise Kingdom | Film4 Interview Special

Delve into the mind of Wes Anderson as he discusses the inspiration, themes, and behind-the-scenes stories of Moonrise Kingdom. This interview is a must-watch for fans of the film and those interested in Anderson’s creative process.

Color Theory and Wes Anderson’s Style — Sad Characters in a Colorful World

Explore the fascinating intersection of color and emotion in Wes Anderson’s films. This video essay analyzes how Anderson’s vibrant color palettes enhance the storytelling and create a visually stunning cinematic experience.

Moonrise Kingdom 11 Year Reunion | After The Movie | Ep 4

Join Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, the young stars of Moonrise Kingdom, as they reunite to share their memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on the film that made them famous. It’s a heartwarming and nostalgic journey back to a beloved cinematic experience.

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