Before I started watching this movie, I had high expectations. Reviews and friends told me to expect a real science fiction movie. I've been longing for a real sci-fi flick since "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", "Contact" and "Sunshine". I know people nowadays are calling fiction and fantasy movies sci-fi, but I rather tend to draw a dinstinctive line and emphasize on the word "science".
That being said, the plot is simple, but at the same time realistic. The movie tells the story of humans trying to survive in an utterly inhabitable place - space. It's a movie that will remind kids (and adults alike), spoiled by the strange education they receive through contemporary media, that not everything can be achieved by wishful thinking. Humans are not made for living in space. Every step off earth is a step defying nature. Is that bad or good? That's a decision everyone has to make for himself.

The visuals are stunning. I watched it in 2D and I plan on watching it again in 3D. The spectator has the feeling to actually be there.
At least as important though is the sound. Many filmmakers make the mistake of having sound in space. Of course that's totally ridiculous. The only sound there is, is the sound that's created inside of your space-suit or space-station by the shockwaves that hit it. Throughout the movie I had the feeling they got it right. And actually it didn't make the movie "empty", but quite the opposite, more tense. It intensified the feeling of "this is not a place where I belong".

There was one scene though, I thought wasn't right. When Bullock holds on to Clooney, Clooney should already have the same trajectory as Bullock or the station or he should bounce back. I just don't get what's still pulling him. I think it is a mistake in the movie and a serious one at that.

Anyway, I can overlook that, since the rest of the movie is very good. On IMDB it has a rating of 8.2 right now. I'd give it more like a 7.8. Maybe even less. I guess the rating is a bit high, because for young viewers it is a new experience to see something realistic on the screen.

Should you watch it? Yes, definitely. Should you rewatch it? Maybe, for the CGI and if you haven't seen it in 3D. Certainly not for the story.

Funny how the reality of the science in this movie doesn't seem to apply when it comes to the survival of your protagonist. Because in reality she'd have probably died half a dozen times. And what does a medical engineer have to do with repairing the Hubble anyway ? Is it ill ?

Watched it for the second time to see if there is more to it then what I saw the first time. And it's actually worse.

The movie pretty much starts with the desaster happening and since up to this point you know about nothing about the characters there is zero emotional investment. Maybe make the movie a bit longer at the beginning so we can know those guys. The SFX and the grandious score makes this appear larger than it actually is. Reduced to the story alone it is a simple survival tale with a predictable end, where our protagonist has to jump through some hoops only to come out unscathed at the end.

Looking at the Oscars they are all technical and I can get behind that. Bullock itself was nominated but didn't win and , again, I am on board with the decision. I've seen much better performances over the years.

Judging by the rating I'm rather the minority with my opinion, But that's how it is.

**A cinematography masterclass!**

The cinematography of this movie is a breathtaking feat, unlike anything I have ever seen! The commitment to realism influenced every decision throwing the audience into the intensity of every moment. An enthralling ride from beginning to end with overwhelming effects and masterful storytelling that makes you feel every second. This movie absolutely earned its place on the list of “1001 Movies to See Before You Die.”

Gravity is an epic thrill ride that starts and never ends. I have not felt continued tension like this film in some time. The entire movie is so isolated and desperate, it is incredibly immersive. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The script is a bit rough at times, a large portion of the dialogue does not seem realistic and can come off as corny sometimes, especially with George Clooney's character. Overall, it is short, face paced, and thrilling and I would highly recommend.

Score: 82%
Verdict: Great

Great story, great cast and performances, great direction, FX, photography, care for the details, OST and editing.

Alfonso Cuarón is a real titan and Sandra Bullock goes for the Oscar.

It is not a 10 because at some point the chain of events goes further that it should.