Like many people, I started watching "Fearless" without great anxiety or grand expectations. I had heard it was a good movie and that Jeff Bridges' performance was somewhat memorable in contrast to his other work.What I got however, was a beautiful film about the understanding of our own inner fears, whether they are justified or not, and by extension, our established concepts of life and death.Although I'm not giving away direct spoilers, some of the analysis might prove to show minor aspects of the narrative.We start off moments after the tragic plane crash and we are soon shown that Max, our lead character, is not reacting to his near death experience the way we would normally expect. He seems calm and not very interested in giving interviews or even getting medical attention.As the narrative progresses, we notice how other survivors deal with their horrific experience and it becomes clearer that, when people endure through such an overwhelming experience, their own psychological reactions are not really alike. That is, people's own personal experiences and fears shape how their minds are going to process such an unusual and traumatic incident. This notion is very well constructed throughout the film due to some fantastic acting, specially on Rosie Perez's part, and great writing. Indeed, the supporting cast is very well written and the characters around Max are three dimensional and pose interesting ideas all trough the film.Even still, what makes this film great and unforgettable is the constant existential debate of what it truly means to be living, backed by, in my opinion, Jeff Bridges's greatest performance yet. After surviving the plane crash, Max loses the sense of fear as he comes to the conclusion that life and death are, ultimately, out of our control. With that said, is there necessity for rational fear or any instinct of preservation?The ending serves as an interpretation of the answer to this question. It only helps that the final crash scene is one of the most memorable and emotional scenes I have ever seen. We are shown how terrifying and destructive the sight of a disaster can be. The final scene works almost as a film in its own right by showing how people try to cope with the fact that death is imminent, and at the same time beautifully showing Max's transition into the mind state he was in through the entire film up until the end.It is hard to understand how such a film is not more broadly known and praised. Perhaps a more thorough study of the marketing process or the box office context could serve as an answer, but not an excuse. Jeff Bridges is sensational and delivers a dominant performance. He truly is one of the most underrated actors of his generation. After seeing this film, I doubt many would disagree with me. In the end, Peter Weir's "Fearless" stands on its own as one of the great movies from the 90's, even if not many people are aware of it.

This is a fantastic character study which expertly details someone's transformation after they survive a horrific plane crash.After a man survives a plane crash, he is hailed as a hero because he lead several other survivors to safety. This has a negative effect on his personality though and he then meets another survivor who lost her baby in the disaster.The movie has great character development as we get to know more about Max and Carla. The movie makes us care for them and we get to experience their change throughout the film. This movie has the tendency to catch you off guard and it can surprise you're least expecting it.Probably the most memorable scene is the plane crash scene. It is frighteningly realistic. It shows the force of the wind and Earth ripping apart the aircraft. It is a horrifying scene and a horrifying memory which changed the characters life forever. It is a scene that will stick with you long after viewing it.This movie isn't perfect though. There are a few moments where the movie can be slow and a bit too long but other that, it's an underrated gem which will stick with you for a long time.

I watched it till the end. If you the sort of person who spends a lot of time on thoughts like purpose, death and life DO NOT watch this movie. it's worse than an empty shell. it is false advertising, this movie. It tells about a man's journey after a plane crash that had changed him to someone who does not feel. He feels almost content with anything and joyous with life. there are some illogical plot occurring. It has to do with an allergy. Besides that the main character had little appeal to me. even the gorgeous women did not make up for what a fluke the movie was. I am flabbergasted that certain people felt so full of emotion after this movie but I think those are the shallow sort of people.

Peter Weir is unique in his ability to convey the niceties of life with authenticity. Jeff Bridges is the master of the theatrical understatement. A plane crash creates a untenable level of fear in the mind anyone who has stood next to one and pondered that fate.Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No 3 creates an overwhelming sense of sadness. Fearless benefits from all these things, as well as a strong supporting cast.I cannot watch this movie without being buffeted emotionally. I know many film lovers prefer a more concrete plot and less tugging at the heartstrings. They should turn to a different page now.Fearless is a gem for anyone else.I hasten to add America, the Peter Weir was only on loan, and we want him back in Australia.