Discover the Latest Updates on the Highly-Anticipated ‘News of the World’ Movie!

“News of the World” is a highly anticipated Western drama film starring Tom Hanks, set to be released in December 2020. The movie follows the story of a Civil War veteran who travels across Texas to deliver news and reunite a young girl with her family. With its star-studded cast and captivating plot, “News of the World” promises to be one of the must-see movies of the year.

Discover the Plot of News of the World Movie

The Synopsis

News of the World is a Western drama movie directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel. The film follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), a former Confederate soldier who now travels around Texas in 1870, reading news stories to people in towns that are too small to have their own newspapers. One day, he comes across a young girl named Johanna (Zengel) who was taken from her family by the Kiowa tribe six years earlier and raised as one of their own.

The Plot

Kidd agrees to take Johanna back to her surviving relatives, but they face numerous challenges on their journey through dangerous territory. As they travel hundreds of miles together, they encounter harsh weather conditions, hostile strangers, and other obstacles that test their endurance and trust in each other.

Along the way, Kidd tries to communicate with Johanna despite not speaking her language fluently. He learns more about her past and discovers that she has no desire to return to her old life. Meanwhile, Johanna struggles with adapting to a world she barely remembers after spending most of her childhood with the Kiowa tribe.

The Characters

  • Tom Hanks as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd
  • Helena Zengel as Johanna Leonberger
  • Mare Winningham as Mrs. Gannett
  • Margaret Bowman as Aunt Maria
  • Elizabeth Marvel as Ella Gannett
  • Ray McKinnon as Almay
  • Bill Camp as Mr. Farley
  • Thomas Francis Murphy as Merritt Farley

The Setting

The movie is set in Texas in 1870, five years after the end of the American Civil War. The state is still recovering from the conflict, and many people are struggling to rebuild their lives. The story takes place in various locations throughout Texas, including small towns, deserts, and forests.

Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel Star in News of the World Movie

The Cast

Tom Hanks plays the lead role of Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd. He brings his signature charm and gravitas to the character, portraying him as a man who has seen too much but still believes in the power of storytelling to unite people.

Helena Zengel plays Johanna Leonberger, a young girl who was taken from her family by the Kiowa tribe six years earlier and raised as one of their own. Despite her lack of experience, Zengel delivers a nuanced performance that captures Johanna’s struggle to adjust to a world she barely remembers.

The Director

News of the World is directed by Paul Greengrass, known for his work on movies such as United 93 and The Bourne Ultimatum. Greengrass brings his trademark intensity to this Western drama, creating a thrilling adventure that keeps audiences on edge throughout.

Hanks’ Relationship with Zengel

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Tom Hanks spoke about his experience working with Helena Zengel on News of the World:

“She’s really remarkable… I think we both had to work very hard at it because we don’t speak each other’s language… We just had to communicate with our eyes and with our gestures, and it was a really interesting experience.”

News of the World Movie Release Date: When Can You Watch It?

The Release Date

News of the World was released in theaters on December 25, 2020. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, its theatrical release was limited. The movie is also available for streaming on Netflix.

The Box Office

As of January 2021, News of the World has grossed over $12 million worldwide. While this may seem like a modest figure compared to other Hollywood blockbusters, it’s important to note that the movie had a limited theatrical release due to the pandemic.

The Streaming Experience

If you’re planning to watch News of the World on Netflix, you can expect an immersive viewing experience. The movie’s stunning cinematography and gripping storyline make it an ideal choice for home viewing.

However, if you’re a fan of big-screen spectacles, you might want to consider watching News of the World in theaters (if possible) to fully appreciate its grandeur.

News of the World Movie: Audience and Critics’ Response

The Reception

News of the World has received positive reviews from both audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has an approval rating of 88% based on 200 reviews. The site’s consensus reads:

“News of the World takes a slow but absorbing ride into territory that will be familiar to fans of classic Westerns – and should enthrall viewers in search of solidly crafted genre entertainment.”

The film has also been praised for its performances (especially Tom Hanks’) and its stunning visuals.

The Awards Buzz

News of the World has generated some awards buzz since its release. Tom Hanks was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, and the movie itself was nominated for Best Original Score at the same ceremony.

While it remains to be seen how many awards News of the World will ultimately win, its critical acclaim and strong performances make it a worthy contender.

The Real-Life Events That Inspired News of the World Movie

The Inspiration

News of the World is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Paulette Jiles. The book is loosely inspired by real-life events that took place in Texas in the late 1800s.

In those days, traveling lecturers would often read news stories to people in small towns that didn’t have their own newspapers. These lectures were known as “readings” or “entertainments,” and they were a popular form of entertainment before radio and television became widespread.

The Kiowa Tribe

Johanna’s backstory is also based on real events. In the late 1860s, members of the Kiowa tribe kidnapped several children from white settlers in Texas. One of these children was a girl named Cynthia Ann Parker, who was taken when she was nine years old and raised by the Kiowa for over two decades before being “rescued” by her white relatives.

Cynthia’s story became famous at the time and inspired numerous books and articles. Her experiences (and those of other captive children) shed light on the complex relationships between Native American tribes and white settlers in Texas during this period.

Exploring Themes in News of the World Movie

The Importance of Storytelling

One of the main themes of News of the World is the power of storytelling to connect people and bridge cultural divides. Captain Kidd’s job as a traveling newsreader highlights the importance of sharing information and ideas, even in remote areas where newspapers are scarce.

Johanna’s story also underscores this theme. Despite not speaking each other’s language, she and Kidd find ways to communicate through gestures and expressions. By sharing their respective stories, they form a bond that transcends their cultural differences.

The Struggle for Identity

Another key theme in News of the World is the struggle for identity. Johanna’s experiences with the Kiowa tribe have left her torn between two worlds – she doesn’t fully belong to either one. Similarly, Kidd struggles with his own identity as a former Confederate soldier who now reads news stories from Union newspapers.

Throughout their journey together, both characters grapple with questions of belonging and self-discovery. Their experiences highlight the complexity of identity and how it can be shaped by factors such as culture, language, and personal history.

In conclusion, the News of the World movie is a gripping and powerful film that offers a poignant reflection on the power of storytelling and human connection in times of adversity. With strong performances, stunning visuals, and a compelling narrative, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

News of the World is a Western drama movie directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel. The film follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), a former Confederate soldier who now travels around Texas in 1870, reading news stories to people in towns that are too small to have their own newspapers. One day, he comes across a young girl named Johanna (Zengel) who was taken from her family by the Kiowa tribe six years earlier and raised as one of their own. The movie is set in Texas in 1870, five years after the end of the American Civil War.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *