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Sam

Sam (2021)

Sep 20, 2021 1h 35m Drama Thriller

Sam, a 22-years-old competitive swimmer who aspires to compete in the Olympic Games, is confronted with a momentous event that forces him to reevaluate his life.

Directed by Yan England

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Yan England
Producer
  • Diane England
  • Denise Robert

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Sam examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Yan England brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Sam took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1509 individual shots.
  • The costume department created over 288 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Sam shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Cyclomania, which focuses more on action than character development, Sam subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Aggressives and Million Dollar Baby explore similar territory, Sam stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 20, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 35m

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