TIFF Reviews: Voyage of Time: Life’s Journey & The Age of Shadows

The origins of the universe and Earth are explored in the documentary debut of legendary filmmaker Terrence Malick.

Voyage of Time: Life’s Journey is twice as long as the IMAX version and replaces Brad Pitt with Cate Blanchett as the narrator; Terrence Malick intercuts present day footage from different parts of the world with remarkable microbe photography to take a philosophical look about origins of life, death and rebirth which are the cornerstones of the natural order of things.  Blanchett has the appropriate ethereal voice that gives her Omniscient presence.  At times the questions get repetition but the beauty and sheer creativity in recreating the imagery of what it might have been like in the beginning of time would even impress Stanley Kubrick.

The Age of Shadows

A double agent attempts to gain the trust of revolutionaries fighting to free Korea from Japanese occupation during the 1920s.

A golden idol statute is the subject of authenticity and sale between two men.  The action shifts to soldiers from the 1920s moving from the rooftop of buildings with the stealth and skill of ninjas in an effect to capture a renegade.  Allegiances become murky as motivations and loyalties are called into question as the story unravels.  A long sequence plays out on train with an Agatha Christie vibe leading to the enviable showdown which will see the freedom fighters being successful or failing to bomb their intended target.  The production value is stellar with slick camera work, and flawless period settings and costume designs.  There are times where the cleverness out smarts itself which leads to narrative confusion.  Best to set aside the plot for The Age of Shadows and let imagery indulge your cinematic senses.

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.