Is The Wall Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Animation, Action, Documentary cinema, the 2020 release of The Wall stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into David Kinsella, funded by the Norwegian Film Institute, arrived in North Korea ready to make a documentary about a young poet at the invitation of the North Korean government, but filming hadn’t gotten very far when Kinsella realized that everything he was filming was fiction not fact, even the young poet. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation, Action, Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "David Kinsella, funded by the Norwegian Film Institute, arrived in North Korea ready to make a documentary about a young poet at the invitation of the North Korean government, but filming hadn’t gotten very far when Kinsella realized that everything he was filming was fiction not fact, even the young poet. Each day the government brought in extras and staged every scene too essentially create a propaganda film for the country. Not to be deterred Kinsella took the manipulation of his work in stride and started to capture large expanses of industrial areas to alter later with animation and create an amazing film."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Corey McKinley provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by David Kinsella is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 74 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Wall truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, Action, Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Wall explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and David Kinsella respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Wall is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Corey McKinley or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Wall is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.