The Terminal (2004)

Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) lands in New York City. During his flight, his home country (the fictional country of Krakozhia) has been the subject of a military coup and is now at war. His passport and visa are no longer recognised by customs officers, and he is forced to remain in the airport terminal until such time as his paperwork can go through, in other words until the war in his homeland is over.

While in the airport, he meets a flight attendant named Amelia Warren (Catherine Zeta-Jones), and the two become on-and-off friends, as they continue to meet up - often by chance - as she comes and goes through the terminal on occasion.

Every effort Viktor makes to come to a conclusion regarding his status is thwarted by Frank Dixon (Stanley Tucci), the man in charge of Immigration at the particular airport where Viktor now resides, I think it's JFK airport.

Interesting comic relief is also provided by a trio of airport employees, played by Chi McBride, Diego Luna and Kumar Pallana.

Viktor is such a sweet character, played incredibly well by Hanks, who has shown over the years he has what it takes to tackle any role that comes his way. And this film is no exception. Even its two-and-a-half-hour running time is barely noticeable, as this film is such a delight to watch. As we learn more of the story behind why Viktor has come to New York City, we laugh and cry with him along each step of his day-to-day routine in the airport terminal, and especially as he comes to be loved by almost everyone he comes across.

Steven Spielberg has directed a wonderful, light-hearted comedy, that is hard-hitting at the same time, pointing out just how ridiculous immigration laws and bureaucracy can be at times.

I don't want to spoil the ending, but I will just say that it is a beautiful ending.


8 1/2 out of 10.