Movies: Jennifer Lawrence In Her Most Daring, Bare-It-All Role In “Red Sparrow”

Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence who has established herself as the highest-grossing action heroine of all-time for her role in the worldwide blockbuster “The Hunger Games” franchise, stars anew in her latest R-rated starrer “Red Sparrow” that gives the audience an exhilarating reveal on the makings of a fully adept spy (especially) in sexual manipulation.

Lawrence takes on the role of Dominika Egorova, a ballerina who is forced to enter a state-run spy school after a terrible accident leaving her and her mother no choice but to be manipulated by the government. “(Director) Francis had introduced me to the story on the press tour for the last Hunger Games movie,” confirms the Lawrence. “It was a book that he had been reading and he thought it would be an interesting movie. I think the first thing that we were discussing for Dominika is that this was going to be a person and a personality that’s completely different from anything I really knew.  She’s really been put into a position of survival from a very young age.   Her body has been used by the Government from the time that she was young.  What with Ballet, being an athlete, being paid by the Government and then ultimately forced into the Sparrow program. I mean, when I first read the script and we talked about it, the Sparrow School scenes were terrifying. It was going to be my first time really going… um, the full Monty if you will, but then after doing it there’s something that felt so freeing about it.  Because I would never put my character into a situation that I myself am not comfortable being in.  But as you can see in the movie it’s this moment where she gains power, where she turns the tables on the people that are trying to control her and I felt that power. I found that exciting. Because the truth is Dominika’s trained to use her body but, ultimately, prevails by using her mind.  To me she seems like a complex modern heroine, she uses her own rules, and has a tenacity to succeed.”   

Movies: Jennifer Lawrence’s “Red Sparrow” Now Showing In Philippine Cinemas And In IMAX Screens Nationwide

The latest adult spy movie “Red Sparrow”, arrestingly visceral and cerebral at the same time introduces high-end assassins and spies ready to kill and destroy at all costs without the usual gun and gadgets fare typical of recent spy films.

Based on the tome by Jason Matthews, “Red Sparrow” is directed by Francis Lawrence that stars an impressive, international cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Charlotte Rampling, Joely Richardson, Matthias Schoenaerts and Jeremy Irons.

Jennifer Lawrence takes on the shoes of prima ballerina Dominika Egorova who, after suffering an injury is pulled into the world of espionage by his patriot Uncle Vanya (Schoenaerts).  Against her will, Dominika becomes an asset of the Russian government in order to keep her home and medical care for her mother (Richardson).  She is then admitted to Sparrow school, where her sexuality is weaponized as she plays pawn to the powers that forced her into becoming a spy.  Her training ultimately leads her to CIA operative Nate Nash, portrayed in the film by Joel Edgerton.  Author Matthews explains the unusual courtship between Nate and Dominika: “Inevitably, they fall in love, which is dangerous and forbidden for him.  Like Romeo and Juliet, it’s a love affair that can’t end well.” Dominika is actually a civilian who is forced into a spy plot, and whose training in spy craft is a means to survive, and to protect her mother.”

Movie Review: Red Sparrow

When I first saw the trailers to "Red Sparrow" I couldn't help but feel that the film had too much "Black Widow" feels in it. Russian agents going through merciless and brutal training, being taught to use their minds and bodies to seduce and manipulate is nothing new and Jennifer Lawrence speaking in a fake Russian accent didn't really get me excited either. 

However, as I was sitting in the theater, I was quickly drawn in the thrilling game of cat and mouse, where good old espionage, double agents and double crosses will keep you thinking and guessing and at the edge of your seat. 

There are no fancy cars or fancy gadgets to get you out of difficult situations, its all quick thinking and using the resources that you have at your disposal. 

One of the things I enjoyed about the movie is that it takes you closer to the dark psychology which goes into being the ultimate secret weapon. I would have loved to have seen more chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton (who plays 'the handsome' CIA agent in the film). I was a little confused with some of the props used in the film though-it was hard to establish the timeline of the movie because of the diskettes in one part of the film and what looked like a smart phone in the other. 

No doubt JLaw gave another strong performance of both strength and vulnerability in such a damned character I was just really bothered with the accent and that she would break away from it in some dramatic scenes. I know, I know I'm just being a big nitpicker here 

6.5/10 - you may get lost in the heavy plot or forget the Russian names you are supposed to remember but if you can keep up with the game, then you will enjoy it for sure. Especially if you are a fan of Jennifer Lawrence. 

Director Francis Lawrence (Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part I and Mockingjay Part II) reunites with his muse Jennifer Lawrence for a brutal game of deception and manipulation. Dominika Egorova is no James Bond, she is trapped in a dangerous espionage game but she will do what she must in order to survive.