Cast
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Asa Butterfield
as Ender Wiggin
Hailee Steinfeld
as Petra Arkanian
Harrison Ford
as Colonel Hyrum Graff
Viola Davis
as Major Gwen Anderson
Ben Kingsley
as Mazer Rackham
Abigail Breslin
as Valentine Wiggin
Aramis Knight
as Bean
Moisés Arias
as Bonzo Madrid
Nonso Anozie
as Sergeant Dap
Suraj Partha
as Alai
Khylin Rhambo
as Dink Meeker
Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak
as Peter Wiggin
Conor Carroll
as Bernard
Tony Mirrcandani
as Admiral Chjamrajnagar
Stevie Ray Dallimore
as John Wiggin
Crew
Director
- Gavin Hood
Producer
- Lynn Hendee
- Gigi Pritzker
- Linda McDonough
- Roberto Orci
- Ed Ulbrich
- Orson Scott Card
- Robert Chartoff
- Alex Kurtzman
Reviews
Andres Gomez
Some kind of space Harry Potter in a dull story about doing a genocide US style as if it would be a video game.
Boring and with the stupid "we are not so bad" ending to make everybody happy.
Still wondering what Harrision Ford and Ben Kingsley are doing in this movie ...
Oct 24, 2014
CinemaSerf
I doubt "Ender Wiggin" (Asa Butterfield) would be anyone's idea of a soldier but "Col. Graff" (Harrison Ford) reckons his reaction to some bullies might suggest he has more mettle than his weedy physique indicates. His bootcamp experiences are much the same with loads of muscle-bound bullies making his life difficult but "Graff" isn't interested in making his life any easier, despite the occasional protests of his sidekick "Anderson" (Voila Davis). Indeed he actually ups the ante considerably when the young man is introduced to the eccentric "Mazer" (Sir Ben Kingsley). A veteran of the ongoing deadlocked war with the "Formics" that everyone hopes can train the the young "Ender" to break. Butterfield does quite well here as the youngster but both Ford and Kingsley underwhelm with the latter, tattoo-covered, character more hammy than intimidating as the story gradually stops being about the people and more of a video game with great visual effects, but a rather weak conclusion to the story that is inconsistently paced for two hours. I like the genre and it tries to be a bit different in it's approach to sci-fi story with a bit of a conscience. Worth a watch.
Jun 6, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Ender's Game distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Gavin Hood 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, 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 Ender's Game took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $110.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1764 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ender's Game shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Baian the Assassin, which focuses more on action than character development, Ender's Game subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Black Mill and The Right Stuff explore similar territory, Ender's Game stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 24, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Budget: $110,000,000
- Revenue: $125,537,191
Where to Watch
