This film, obviously shot with architecture in mind, has a story that could be told in about 20 seconds. In effect, the film never actually starts. If you have trouble sleeping, and have about three spare sessions, or days, then watch this film, you will be cured, rest assured. The music alone sends one into a hypnotic spiral of wine induced sleepiness. This said, i did watch the whole darn thing, i did rate it more than one star, and there are actually worse movies out there. I would say, go into this one with your eyes open, but that might not last very long.

Since the beggining of this film, writer/director Kogonada (making is directorial debut) shows the audience that symmetry and antisymmetry will play an important role throughout the flick. That being said, the cinematography by Elisha Christian is outstanding. Every frame is carefully planned, making this one of the most beautifully looking films of the year. Columbus also relies on great performances by John Cho (playing Jin) and Haley Lu Richardson (Casey), since they share a big amount of screen time. The first scene they share is an example of the greatness of this film. The way they are getting closer and closer as they meet each other is very well executed, making that simple scene one of my favourite ones. In spite that this movie is not as much about their connection as it is about each one's relationship with the respective parent. Though the fact that de slow pace of the film may make it a hard watch for some viewers, I really reccomend it for everyone, specially those who like this kind of film.

The quiet indie drama "Columbus" won't win over many mainstream moviegoers, but cinema academic-turned-filmmaker Kogonada has crafted a visually immaculate feature debut that can be compared to little else.As artistically distinctive as the film may be, the story will feel familiar: A man named Jin (John Cho) ends up in the rural town of Columbus, Indiana when his father goes into a coma and meets a young woman named Casey (Haley Lu Richardson) unable to uproot herself from this modern architecture mecca. Their collision of perspectives as they tour her favorite buildings and learn about each other's challenges and hopes makes up the reflective heart of the narrative.Yet there's a third obvious character in this story and that's Columbus. Not its people or culture, but its structures. Kogonada makes the presence of this setting palpable in most every shot. As we follow Jin and Casey from location to location, even the ones not designed by skilled architects, we're given time to absorb their surroundings, which may make us feel something that influences our perspective on the story. As the characters take in these thoughtfully designed structures, so do we. Imagine watching a play in an art museum - that's the best way to describe the dual artistic nature of "Columbus."The choices Kogonada and cinematographer Elisha Christian make with the camera and lighting prove to be everything in this film. The calculation, symmetry and blocking show a meticulous amount of thought, detail and planning. Every shot is its own portrait, as though the film is a 100-minute contemporary art exhibition. Some portraits will move you more than others. Plus, there's the additional layer of how that portrait influences not just the viewer's perception, but the story unfolding. Kogonada doesn't care much for plot specifics, and to a degree that fences us off from these characters because we can only invest so deeply in their personal conflicts, but the portraits of Jin and especially Casey are extensive enough that we have plenty to observe and react to in the film. Richardson's performance stands out the most in the way she continues to wrestle with her guarded nature and self-prescribed future and begins to lose a grip on her emotional control.Foremost, "Columbus" is a reflective viewing experience. With almost no film score, we're not meant to get enthralled by the film so much as bring our attention to it and experience it in this visual, contemplative way. It requires an appreciation for the craft of creating a frame to be sure, but it's good enough that it might make some new film appreciation "students" out of more casual indie film fans.~Steven CThanks for reading! Visit Movie Muse Reviews for more

This movie will attract only specific audience who shares interest in slow pace storytelling and have patience to let things unfold serenely. The narrative writer is telling us does not comprised of series of rapidly moving incidents. Actually, we can sum up the entire plot in just one or two lines or ten seconds orally. The pleasure is in the natural conversation between the two lead characters and the wisdom they share with each other and apparently with us.The story is about two characters, Casey, a talented girl with growing interest in architecture and Jin, a Korean middle aged man, son of a famous architect who also shares estranged relationship with his father. These both characters are stuck in Columbus, Indiana where they form a cordial relationship with each other which ultimately help them overcoming the obstacles they are facing in their respective lives.This is Kogonada's directorial debut. He has done a perfect job delivering a sentimental drama with alluring theme of architecture. Haley Lu Richardson is someone to look out for in this film. John Cho has also performed his role very precisely. These both characters are unlike each other yet they witness a charismatic bond and form a implausible relationship. Because of the flawless chemistry between Richardson and Cho this movie makes emotive impact on viewers. Their instinctive dialog delivery and conversations make this drama more intense. Cinematography is really beautiful and felicitous to the movie theme.This movie has a lot to tell and it is all about human relationship conquering racial, cultural and geographical boundaries.