Why ARRIVAL is Great Sci-Fi

[@user-zm8ol1je8r]

Arrival is SUCH a good film and you explain why its amazing so well! I wasn't quite able to articulate why I loved the film so much until now

[@xxBecauseicanxx]

WHY DID YOU PUT IN THE SOUNDTRACK WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT THE REAL 'WHAT IF' MY HEART JUST BROKE ALL OVER AGAIN.

[@TheHazelHayes]

I think you just answered your own question

[@xxBecauseicanxx]

u cruel and clever woman (also i really loved how you edited this with all the film clips 10/10)

[@SomethingNick]

I fucking loved Arrival, it's been so long since I've seen a movie that had me so encapsulated the entire time. I love how the story isn't driven by the threat to human life but more Louise's curiosity and empathy, such a strong female character is so appreciated

[@catherineliu06]

I love listening to Hazel talking about something she carers about. She speaks with such passion and emotion.

[@nia.j.h]

yes, to ALL of the above. I went to see it in the cinema entirely unprepared for what it turned out to be, and for what it ended up making me question and ponder, and debate with friends. it was an unbelievably beautiful film. I distinctly remember being so captivated by the use of silence, as well as that incredible opening (and closing) theme. it's definitely one I'm going to have to rewatch soon.

[@taral6785]

Nia I went to see it with my friends and I was the only one to fully understand it. They are all extremely smart but I think it's a concept that a lot of people would struggle to get their head around. I absolutely loved it and I found it really opened my eyes. I would also love to see it again as I think I would see it in a completely different light next time.

[@taral6785]

Nia I went to see it with my friends and I was the only one to fully understand it. They are all extremely smart but I think it's a concept that a lot of people would struggle to get their head around. I absolutely loved it and I found it really opened my eyes. I would also love to see it again as I think I would see it in a completely different light next time.

[@OpheliaVert]

This was such a fantastic video. It was like a wonderful bridge between a Now You See It or Nerdwriter1 video and a vlog. It was so well analysed and well structured. Well done, Hazel! I look forward to what you do in the future.

[@TheHazelHayes]

This is honestly the best compliment you could give me cuz I was aiming for a Nerdwriter type of video essay. Thanks! x

[@kahvikamu]

I don't remember the last time a movie left me as utterly speechless as Arrival did. When the credits started rolling I just sat at my seat staring at nothing in particular. It was stunning.

[@ThatMcFlyFan]

this was my favourite movie of 2016, hands-down. i've always been fascinated by denis villeneuve's work and the prospect of a drama set to the backdrop of scifi was basically my dream, but even then this film still floored me. it was breathtaking, and heartbreaking, and what i wouldn't give to forget it all so i could watch it for the first time again. it was a privilege to watch, and hazel, you summed it up beautifully. i almost cried again.

[@shanm8600]

Sitting here listening to you talk so passionately about this beautiful yet heartbreaking story has literally gave me chills

[@AmberLB74]

I loved arrival so much... it affected me so profoundly. Just thought it was incredible, a nice slow burner it contrast to the usual fast paced sci-fis

[@AmberLB74]

this was honestly one of my favourite discussions of a film ever, thank you Hazel makes me want to watch it again and again. gah. so good.

[@Maximusringrock]

it has 94% on rotten tomatoes so not sure what you mean by "negative reviews"

[@dceudctv77]

Amber I've literally never seen a bad review of ARRIVAL? Probably one of the most acclaimed films of last year

[@maxlap7855]

Seen a lot of bad review, but from 12yr old on youtube comment section.

[@theamateurear]

I feel you, Amber. I just saw it over an hour ago, and I still can't get over it. It's a brilliant, profound film.

[@matthewwalker3131]

why did we go so long without seeing film mode hazel? film mode hazel is the best hazel!

[@TheHazelHayes]

Haha! Yeah I like her too 😊

[@TheRainydayvideo]

This film has stuck with me, I think about it often. Truly one of the best sci-fi films I have seen. I loved the mixture of sound track and sound design.

[@megan.cunnington]

DAMMIT HAZEL YOU MADE ME CRY. I am literally sitting here with tears rolling down my face and now I HAVE to see this film again.

[@megan.cunnington]

This video is so coherent and well thought out and touches so many important things. A pleasure to watch. (aside from the fact that I'm literally crying but you know)

[@TheHazelHayes]

Thanks Megan! Glad you liked it. Not at all sorry it made you cry :)

[@alisw.239]

The same here 😢

[@laurasloane6856]

I love videos like this. Your language is always so emotional and story-like in every video but when you talk about things you're passionate about like film, I find myself not being able to take my eyes away from the screen. Arrival was a good film and Amy Adams is just an incredible actress. Her portrayal of Louise took this from a good film to a deeply affecting film. I'm off to watch Children of Men. Thank you for reminding me that film exists.

[@TheHazelHayes]

You are so welcome. Enjoy!!

[@crazybirdgirlie]

I forgot just how much I loved this film. So much so, I got emotional hearing Hazel unpack it.

[@xcharmedkx]

Hazel I think I could listen to you talk about films for hours. Your passion for it is so clear and every opinion you give, you explore your whole thought process and back it up completely. I love that you've looked into the topics regarding the film and it just made this so interesting to watch. The thing about arrival is that the big moments weren't multi-million pound stunt scenes or explosions but shots focused solely on Amy Adams. And oh what Amy can do with her face that speaks volumes and quite frankly breaks your heart. So thank you Hazel for showing me even more about this brilliant film!!

[@bregodk]

I've now seen Arrival three times, and I'm still struggling to coherently express the impact this film continues to have on me. Thank you for helping me come a little closer to understanding it. ❤

[@illmakeuhowell]

unbelievable. i was just about to rewatch it.

[@kir-is-here]

Every few months, I spend an afternoon re-watching all of your movie analysis videos. And every few months, I tear up from how beautiful this film is and from how well you put my thoughts into words. Thank you for putting so much work into this video! It truly shows and I cannot wait for any other movie analysis videos that you make:)

[@sophiehurry]

I just watched Arrival for the first time today and jumped on to your video straight afterwards. You articulated all the emotions I've just felt so elegantly and even though I've recently drifted away slightly from my engagement with sci-fi, this film and your commentary have made me so eager to get stuck back into it. Thank you Hazel!

[@phoebeel]

arrival was my favourite film last year. I watched it twice and told all my friends about it, I had problems with the concept of time when I left the cinema the first time. the cinematography, the message, the creativity with the language and looks of the aliens, it was just too good to be true. I will definitely follow Denis Villeneuve from now on

[@kir-is-here]

I’m not sure if I’ve commented this before, but I still come back to this video almost 3 (!!! Time is fake, as Arrival taught us) years later. This analysis - and all of your movie analysis videos for that matter - is so well written, soulful, and perfectly edited. Through this video, you remind me why I love film. Thank you.

[@kir-is-here]

hi, just did my semi-annual rewatch of arrival and i always have to follow it up with your video. "confusing bursts of flashbacks, that turn out to be flash-forwards; that, to louise, i suppose are just... flashes" rings through my head every time i think of arrival. it's how i explain it to friends and family who have watched the film but don't 100% get the underlying question. thank you once again

[@bymylights]

When I got home from seeing Arrival when it first came out, I read a number of reviews and was so frustrated because they failed to fully "get it," and I'm so happy that you have and showcased that philosophical and emotional understanding so perfectly here. Thank you, Hazel.

[@bigganzy]

This was beautiful. Just playing the music brought me to the verge of tears, feeling like there was a weight pushing down on my chest, that I had gotten when I went to see the film. Arrival was such a fantstic film, I adored it and it was great to see it so recognised this year (unfortunately not in the Oscar best actress category). You made great point about Sci-fi being the vehicle to tell such human stories and I really thought that that came through so clearly in Arrrival!

[@LiIBrehBreh]

I watched this film per your recommendation since you made an entire video about it. Watched it and can say that it is one of my top 5 favorite films. You summarized it beautifully and your commentary really nailed it. What a masterfully done sci-fi film.

[@Sergeantpaprika]

Oh my goodness thank you so much for this. You explained in the most beautiful way everything I felt after during and while watching this movie. The soundtrack in the background almost made me cry, it was so perfect. Thank you for your eloquence and understanding.

[@anthonykelly6619]

Best video Ive watched about Arrival. Like how you describe this movie as a alien movie is just a plot device to tell the real story because your right! Watched this film a week ago, read the short story, and still am thinking about it, it sticks with you for so long, and continues to add more thoughts. I love how well you truly "get" this movie unlike a lot of other podcasts that I listened to. I loved how somebody else put it, "its not just about the impact Hannah will have on louise's life, but the impact Hannah will have on the world around her in her short life, so going back to the big question "would you?" of course, how could you deny the chance for this person to make their mark on the world no matter how short it is. The joy and tragedy and the impact of those emotions is exactly what makes us human. Truly one of the best scifi questions and answer.

[@WAYAWAYWithAsh]

I JUST watched this and absolutely loved it. And you (and Amy) are right, it does appear refreshingly planted in reality for a female character. So good. /J

[@rebecca2841]

Beautifully edited. Captivated by the message because of the imagery and the use of the soundtrack. Can't wait for more videos like this.

[@_samikoivisto]

I loved being just a big walking question mark when I was walking out from the cinema with friends. Then we started to talk about it and the slight confusion turned into admiration. The more I talked and thought about the films afterwards made me like it even more. It was one of those films that just stayed in your brain for days. One of my favourite sci-fi films to date. Loved this video as well.

[@marthauhlig]

I loved this video very much!!!!!! I saw Arrival a few months back with my mom and I cried in the cinema, people were staring at me, my mom laughed..... I've since rewatched it a few times with different friends, and it gets even better after the first time watching. Thanks for the video! lots of love from Brazil xoxoxo

[@lydiabell4989]

so glad Arrival is getting recognition it deserves, literally one of my fave films!

[@MrsYearofmylife]

First of all I hope to see more videos like this one from you Hazel because this one was just amazing. The editing with the clips from movies and real life events, the music and just your eloquence in talking about the movie made this a fantastic video/essay you should be proud of. What stuck with me after the film wasn't really a what if but how Louise handles all that is happening to her. There a so many movies and books about people trying to change future and past events or struggeling with the unchangeable but in Arrival Louise accepts her destiny with such calm that I think ties in with all the things you said about her being a strong and smart woman.

[@meggiea101]

I have this habit, of when I am struggling with writers block, I put this video on and there's something about it that always makes it so I can keep on writing. Thanks so much Hazel!

[@Maydaykati]

You are so good at this. Your channel and the love for movies that you share with your friends ( who i mostly follow as well) got me into watching movies more, sooner, an in a more focused way. I really love seeing this slow but steady movement right now, the protesting and the rebellion but also the open arms for the different. But i think this is beautifully mirrored in film right now. Moonlight, fences and also La la land. We are facing reality. And we embrace it. It's about damn time.

[@scubachick93]

This is why I love KZbin and film and discussion and you. Ugh Hazel this is why you are my all time favorite. I can't wait to see what I know will be a long career of filmmaking and discussion will bring you.

[@vasudha591]

You talk about Arrival so eloquently and articulately, Hazel. Most importantly, you talk about it with so much insight, it's beautiful. You do everything you do with so much passion, it's almost inspiring (almost because I'm too lazy and have 0 motivation lol @ me). You're such a delight to watch and hear. ❤❤ (pls send luv to dodes 2)

[@savfox40]

SUCH a good examination of a truly fantastic film, I loved how you connected it to the world and other sci-fi greats. This is a movie that has stuck with me, thank you for bringing back everything that I felt while watching it and so tactfully putting it into words.

[@abbylovesdisney1830]

I watched it on a coach trip in Berlin on the way home and everyone fell asleep except me... I was glued and crying and in love with it and it was just so amazing. Your description is perfection ❤️

[@vickleberry]

Yes. Yes yes yes yes! Hazel your movie analysis videos are incredible - your love and knowledge and experience in film/tv/video making gives it such a great perspective

[@jacquelineshost9959]

Amazing video that captures all the nuance in a fantastic film. I didn't have the words to describe why Arrival affected me so much, but you said it all!

[@peculiarpencil7601]

Literally had chills as I watch you talk about the movie!! Did not intend to watch this movie initially, but now I do!!

[@rozemarijn5532]

I saw the movie few weeks ago, and it was one of those movies that just capture ALL of your attention from begin to end, and it just left me in trance, and your video makes all these feelings come back, damn.

[@Silver1226]

I love watching you talk about films, even though they are almost always films I haven't seen, just hearing the way you talk about things is so... beautiful? It's like poetry or music

[@clare.palmer.]

i'm in tears, your description was beautiful

[@Lia-C]

OMG Hazel I cried all over again listening to you talk about this film. I love it so much. You are a word smith friend, and I love listening to your opinion and interpretation of things. You are so great and so talented and also again I love this film.

[@hannaho9471]

As much as I desperately want to watch the end of the video, I don't want to be spoiled for the movie more! Great video so far Hazel, I'll be back to watch the end when I can finally get my hands on the film

[@Malene_Simonsen]

Hannah Oudenaar this is a wise choice! It's not a movie you want spoiled :)

[@strawberryskates]

ok but this was such a great video like normally movie "reviews"aren't too exciting but I don't even wanna call this a review. just so well done as a simple blog but still captivating

[@fleurhowe1421]

when you talk about films I get this wonderful warm fuzzy filming, in those moments where I see you feeling those little fluttery feelings of astonishment when you take in how fucking incredible film can be I understand you so much because in those moments you are a perfect reflection of me

[@linzeljimpenguins4040]

Such a coincidence that I just watched that film today! You managed to put into words the reason that I loved it so much, thank you

[@KellyElizabeth0929]

Wow. Hazel has such a way with words! I can't wait to see this film.

[@sirsamothy]

Arrival was absolutely beautiful, and this video matched it perfectly. Your words are crafted so wonderfully

[@galaxychar]

I totally agree! I watched this a night or so ago and was so sucked in, and was also reminded of Aliens and the other films you perfectly reference here. Really good explanation of why the film is so effective. For me, I actually spent more time thinking about the concept of time rather than the 'what if', and ended up with a lot of different thoughts than the person I watched it with did. But the main thing was that it was so subtle and thought-provoking that it didn't matter.

[@Yvaia]

Amazing commentary, Hazel. This film was the film of last year that more people should have talked about.

[@arqavanf7650]

this is one on the best reviews of this film, thank you! this was my favorite 2016 movie

[@xeniafoe]

This was so good, I never thought that a film review could get me close to tears but you somehow did it! I loved Arrival, though I loved it less for the human flash forward love story parts, and more for the calm, curious and understanding approach to learning the Alien's language, I would have happily watched hours and hours of just that. I find that Sci-Fi tends to either be all about weapons and wars, or sways to the other extreme of wanting to teach us something about our own human experience. What I loved about Arrival is that for a large part it also focused on simply the marvel of the Alien's existing itself, that was the part that really sold me early on, just the curiosity of the alien's arrival (hehe) and their language.

[@jessicastebbins3075]

You brilliantly articulated my exact feelings about this movie. Amazing review!

[@joeysnowy4110]

this is such a great analysis(?) of this movie!! i haven't watched it (yet) but i read the short story a while back and it just. blew my mind. i'm happy to see that the same sentiment carried over to the movie.

[@taliatis7305]

excellent video about an excellent film. thank you for reminding me of all the reasons I love Arrival, your commentary really does the film justice

[@kukui1679]

hazel, thank you for this. i love hearing your view of films and arrival is a particularly beautiful film. my best friend and i were going through a rough patch and i, having already seen the film once, took her to see arrival as a study of communication.

[@jesspool8172]

As a lover of Sci-Fi I couldn't agree more with this video. I really took Arrival to heart, it reminded me of why I fell in love with this genre. Yes I love the action or comedic parts of Sci-Fi too but a good story and characters are so much more important. Arrival strangely reminded me of The Abyss, a film that introduced me the wonders of Sci-Fi and shaped my future film experience. Also this was a fantastic video Hazel. I was truly touch by how you discussed the themes and story of the film whilst using that beautiful piece of music. This why I keep watching your videos.

[@TheHazelHayes]

Such a lovely comment. Thanks Jess. Glad you enjoyed it. x

[@Malene_Simonsen]

I'm writing my thesis on sci-fi and Arrival, so I came back to this video again, and just like the first time I watched this (and the movie) I was almost in tears as you talked about the ending and that music started playing. I think Arrival has affected me more than any other movie I've seen

[@pestabunai]

I don't know how it works, but somehow your videos make me go into places that only good films take me. I was taken back where I first watched this film and I felt scratching sensation on my glass vessel of emotional charge yet again.

[@Judgles]

Watched it tonight for first time and absolutely loved it! Thank you for this review - I pretty much agree with everything you said. x

[@stefhepburn1980]

Your explanation of the film was so beautiful and amazing

[@xx360]

Your review was almost as emotional & compelling as the movie for me. This was incredible, thank you.

[@donnie8565]

I really loved this. The movie didn't affect me as much as the majority but it was great to hear your opinion. I really hope you keep doing movie reviews in the future!

[@misstonix]

This is such a great video, I can't wait for more! I loved Arrival. I saw it at the cinema when I was in London and it was just breathtaking.

[@dessfred]

Thank you. You encapsulated perfectly how to approach the film, but sci-fi and fiction in general. I push the subscribe button :) And now i remember the first of Villeneuve's film i saw, "Incendies" which has the same elements in it, but with even more punches in the gut that anyone should bear in a single film. It's a bit of advertising, as Villeneuve is a fellow french canadian, and seeing as he's becoming the new master of sci-fi of this era, i feel proud to suggest anyone to watch his earlier works.

[@HappyLittleNinja]

I watched this on Sunday and was blown away. I felt very much you did.

[@pjshearn2000]

this movie DESTROYED me emotionally and I was thinking about it for days afterwards. Thank you for articulating what made this movie so awesome in a way that I was never able to after I saw it.

[@Octobris]

Very well said. Thank you so much for this, Hazel.

[@katlawton1572]

Excellent analysis of not just the film, but sci-fi as a genre as well! Loved the "human element"! So well said! 💯👏

[@helenjames6982]

I've never really been into sci-fi but now I really want to see the movie. Thanks for recommending it Hazel. I think I'll try and watch it

[@mjgautrau3167]

Shoot. I've been itching to see this movie since I caught the trailer a week ago, but I'm waiting for this exam week to be over. It look amazing and I love your breakdown of it.

[@NiamhAllStar21]

This so beautifully and eloquently puts into words that which I could only feels as emotions leaving the cinemas.

[@anonymouse903]

This gave me goosebumps all over again. (I'd watch it again lol)

[@DoeiDenise]

I like those video's. They're educational and fun and help me understand all the opinions people have on movies.

[@viktoriagevorgyan6038]

I loved the style of this video, it was very informative yet not boring, and a great review with very spot on comparisons (and I also loved the editing!). Great content and even greater way of delivering it. I applaud you Hazel 👏

[@viktoriagevorgyan6038]

Also, the way you talk really shows how passionate you are about the movie and the genre. So emotional. Again, amazing video!

[@danielavts]

this video just reminded me how beautiful is that film, well done Hazel❤

[@clouddragons]

This completely summed up why I loved the film!!! Thank you so much

[@mads.el97]

Loved this video, Hazel! You articulate my thoughts (and many other peoples it seems!) so very well. Beautifully done :)

[@SpikeCat-s6q]

I went into arrival knowing two things: I would enjoy it, and all my friends hated it. Their response had not just been "I didn't like it" but "it was the shittest movie I've seen" "it was a complete waste of my time" and "I came out of there more confused than ever". However, since falling in love with Interstellar I knew I would like it, and god was I right. It was stunning, emotive, and to be honest not incredibly difficult to follow. I tried going back to my friends about it but they refused to see it for what it was. It saddens me but at least their views weren't enough to tarnish my opinion of it. I'm glad to see others were as moved by it as I was.

[@siessdanielle]

Absolutely loved this movie & you captured everything so well in this video I was very moved by it 💕

[@anujrana3337]

well done! hope more of these kinds of videos are to come!

[@ElmerVSworld]

YES! Thank you! I watched this movie recently and I was BLOWN AWAY! So good!

[@ElmerVSworld]

I wish I could watch this movie again without knowing what will come

[@kathleenmcbride8911]

I was expecting Arrival to be the typical, action-filled, fast-paced scifi about defeating aliens and going to war with a good plot, but not much depth in character. Instead, it was deeply emotional and intriguing. I especially loved how creative the writers were with the aliens. They were non-humanoid, with a written language that doesn't correspond with their spoken language, and of course the non-linear time concept. We humans can't seem to ever fully comprehend non-linear time, which is part of what makes the film so incredible. It lets us wonder about what life might be like if our brains saw time differently. Absolutely fantastic video as always, Hazel. I love hearing your analysis.

[@ImCrossingYouInStyle]

I had to stop at 5:33 since I've not seen the film but Hazel you've already convinced me so don't fret I'll be back

[@MsKetchupBlaBla]

I, as a woman, an english linguistics student, and a science nerd, am very much in love with this film. Oh and Amy Addams.

[@TheHazelHayes]

I can see why

[@MsKetchupBlaBla]

ChewingSand Thank you for reminding me why I'm studying this, I have my first test next Wednesday and remembering that you actually really like what you study helps with the motivation quite a bit

[@Vexmasina44]

A linguistics studend eh?how many languages do you speak?

[@wickedsanchome]

You decipher the movie so well and now I understand so much about it

[@amreetsurana3260]

Absolutely spot on - love this review

[@aitanagil6840]

I just finished watching the movie so I came to check out the video. Completely agree with what you said, and I couldn't help thinking about Sphere (Michael Crichton's book). Though the topic isn't the same, and I remember little from the story itself, I remember that feeling that great sci-fi is accomplished through human stories.

[@PaulinhaGoes]

Fantastic film and fantastic review! After watching the film I really couldn't put together the words to describe how I felt about it and you've done it for me! Thank you!😂

[@purplejellytotPJT]

When I saw this at the cinema I came out reeling. It was honestly... just... fantastic. The first thing I did when I got home was buy the book of short stories. And you summarised why it was amazing so well. I need to watch it again. And then maybe again.

[@charlottelehmpfuhl6150]

This Video was put togethter so well. Loved listening to your opinion.

[@paulstonewell]

I know this video was uploaded months ago but the film finally "arrived" in where I live, and immediately on the way back from the theater I looked up what was said in Chinese (duh) and watched this video, which I was saving until now. Close friends from school in the States who know me well have told me to watch it, and local friends said that they're not interested because they heard it was shit. I liked it. Like you said, the human element was implemented effectively, and I particularly liked that the idea of non-linear time was addressed through language (something more primitive) as opposed to through gravity and distortion of time, which is science, which is somewhat masculine. (I love science, but it was a refreshing perspective.) I really enjoyed your review also; you are very informative in a fair, accessible way. I'm looking forward to more of these videos!

[@Frustraitlin]

This made me do a little cry, just remembering the emotion I felt watching it. Brilliant film, and a brilliant video!

[@Saffee9]

Great video so far! I am going to go watch it and come back because yeah, how could I not want to watch it after that? :)

[@HanaBryanne]

I agree with everything you said wholeheartedly oh my goodness what a stellar film

[@ElegantAly]

Loved this! Just on a whim one night my boyfriend and I went down to the cinema and watched this and oh my god we were blown away