Top 10 Breaking Bad Moments

The 29th of September marked the end of an era: the greatest programme ever shown on TV came to a bitter-sweet end. Nobody could have predicted how the phenomenal Breaking Bad would end, and I can't say that I would have preferred the final scene any other way. So I've decided to look back and pick out my personal top 10 moments from this incredible show. 

10 - Walt reunites with Jesse (Season 1 / Episode 1)
This marked the very first time we met Jesse Pinkman, and what an appropriate introduction it was. Walt sat outside a drug-bust, waiting for the all clear to go in and have a look, and suddenly a young man falls from the roof. After closer inspection, he soon realises it's his former pupil Jesse whom the DEA are currently looking for, under the alias "Captain Cook". This hilarious scene was accompanied by an even funnier music choice, making this one of the most light-hearted and comical scenes in a very dark show.

9 - "Stay out of my territory" (Season 2 / Episode 10)

Very different in tone from the previous scene, this moment marked the point where Walt truly embraced his inner demons and took control. Following a man into the car-park, Walt discovers another man who is clearly a bigger build than him, but disregards this when he walks straight up to him and intimidates him through the power he has achieved by selling his superior meth. And, yet again, this scene is backed by a memorable song.

8 - Hank shoots Tuco (Season 2 / Episode 2)

When Breaking Bad began, Hank was meant to be quite a comical character who would be comparable to a 'Jock' stereotype. This scene showed that he was to be taken seriously and respected, as after tracking down notorious distributor Tuco to a secluded house in the desert, Hank engages him in a shoot-out. After many bullets are exchanged, Hank finally manages to line up the killer blow, and kill the first major antagonist of the show. 

7 - Mike's final words (Season 5 / Episode 7)

Mike became a key part of the show throughout Season 5, becoming in charge of the business side of Walt's operations after the death of Gustavo Fring. Quickly becoming a very likeable character, his death was the first time I personally felt resentment for Walt, as Mike's death was something that, unlike many others, didn't specifically need to happen. His final words sum him up as a character perfectly: "Shut the f**k up, and let me die in peace". (This video is a compilation of Mike due to unavailability of the clip).

  

6 - Walt runs over two criminals (Season 3 / Episode 12)

Jesse had prepared himself to eliminate two of Gus' men after they killed a child due to him being an inconvenience. If he goes through with this, all of Walt's work to keep him out of trouble would be for nothing, and Gustavo Fring would have the both of them murdered. So what does Walt do? He saves Jesse by mowing down both men in his car: disregarding all the advice he has been given by Mike and Gus, and then finishing one of the men off with a bullet to the head. This shows just how important protecting Jesse was to him, and put a set of events in to motion which would completely change the course of Series 4. The final word Walt utters completed this scene perfectly: "Run."

5 - Hank Vs The Twins (Season 3 / Episode 7)

From the beginning of Season three, the Salamanca twins hung over the show like a dark, intimidating cloud; murdering anybody who got in their path. Gustavo Fring had managed to divert their attention from Walt to his brother-in-law Hank, and this eventually led to one of the best shoot-outs on the show. Almost murdered by a chrome axe, Hank managed to reach for a gun and end the fight with a single shot to the head, with amazing cinematography capturing every moment. 

4 - Gustavo Fring's final walk (Season 4 / Episode 13)

Arguably one of the most tense walks in history, the music alone allowed the audience to know this would be the last time they saw Gustavo Fring alive. Of course, the moment we see him walk out with half of his body burned to cinders is memorable, but the music whilst he is walking towards his fate is chilling and incredibly daunting. This is by far one of the best deaths on the show, and a great way to end such an iconic character. 

3A - "I AM THE ONE WHO KNOCKS" (Season 4 / Episode 6)

Now we're down to the most iconic moments of Breaking Bad that will no doubt go down in television history. This quote by Walter White is so iconic, even those who have not seen the show can most likely identify one with the other. It's hard to put into words how effective this is, especially if you haven't seen the episodes leading up to it, but there's just so much right about Bryan Cranston's acting in this scene, from the delivery of the line itself,  to his despair at revealing his true self to his wife immediately afterwards.

3B - "Say my name." (Season 5 / Episode 7)

Tied with "I am the one who knocks" as my favourite Walter White line, "Say my name" is even more important as it symbolises the point at which Walt truly embraces his alter-ego of Heisenberg as part of who he is. The episode that this line features in itself is titled "Say my name", showing how pivitol it truly is. 

2 - The death of Hank Schrader 

     (Season 5 / Episode 14)

By far the most emotional death in the entire programme, Hank died solely because of Walt, and this is shown through Walt's collapse to the ground after the murder takes place. Hank had the slim chance of letting everything go in exchange for his life, but this is simply not how he operates, and this is shown through his bold response to Uncle Jack. Hank's death set the final events of Breaking Bad in motion, and wrapped up the story of a beloved character.

1 - The End (Season 5 / Episode 16)

And so we've come to the end. After 5 incredible seasons and 62 breath-taking episodes, the conclusion to the story of Walter H. White has finally arrived. Tying up all loose ends, Walt saves Jesse from a life of slavery but takes a bullet in the process. He allows Jesse to drive off to freedom, and instead of doing the same, chooses to go and die by what he loves most: the chemistry. The final scene of Breaking Bad is more emotional than any other, and successfully wrapped up the greatest television show I have ever seen (being accompanied by a phenomenal and uplifting song). Here it is in all of it's glory: 

And there we have it: my top 10 moments from Breaking Bad. These will each stick with me forever, but the very ending scene is especially memorable as it marks not only the end of Walt's life, but the end of the single greatest character ever created. If you haven't yet seen Breaking Bad, don't allow these spoilers to deter you. Watch it from start to finish, and experience the finest entertainment ever created. 

Requiem for a Dream: Review

Never have I seen a movie so emotional and depressing, yet so strikingly original and enthralling. Requiem for a Dream begins with a delicate, old lady by the name of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) being terrorised by her adolescent son Harry (Jared Leto), as he attempts to take her television in order to buy heroin. The film then goes on to show how Sara's obsession with her television along with being slim has a drastic and incredibly negative impact on her life, which is juxtaposed by Harry's on-going drug abuse and obsession to become rich.

It's important to know that this is far from an "easy-watching" kind of movie. Requiem for a Dream rapidly becomes incredibly dark and gritty, with drug sequences being uniquely stylised and presented in an almost terrifying manner. Particularly towards the end, the film becomes excruciating to watch as the characters fall deeper and deeper into their addictions, with any form of escape dwindling away. 

Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn)

The film does an excellent job of showing how different people become enthralled by different things, but whatever it is that captures your attention, it is important not to abuse it. For example, Sara's television is cleverly linked to Harry's girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), as both characters depend on these things to achieve happiness. But, like the drugs the film portrays, these sources of happiness soon don't raise the individuals to the level they would like, so they resort to other more harmful means. 

Requiem for a Dream is more of an experience than a movie. There are countless unique and creative means of showing what is happening littered throughout, and it is all accompanied by a musical score that rapidly changes in order to mimic the on-screen contrasts. 

Verdict
Requiem for a Dream is by far the best "anti-drug" movie I have seen. Despite drugs such as heroin and cocaine being featured throughout, the film does in no way glorify them, in fact, it is the complete opposite. It will definitely be too much for some people, but I would really recommend watching Requiem for a Dream, especially if it applies to you in some sort of way. 8.5/10

"Harold, I'm going to be on television!"

Elysium: Review

In the late 21st century, the world has fallen to immense population growth and Earth remains as a giant, over-crowded slum, inhabited by the poor majority of the world. The rich, however, travel to an intergalactic utopia known as 'Elysium', where any illness can be cured and any injury fixed, almost resembling some sort of futuristic garden of Eden. The film focuses on the character of Max (Matt Damon), who lives on this ruined Earth, stuck in poverty due to his violent past, and working a job he resents. Following an accident at the factory in which he works, Max is given few days to live before he dies of radiation poisoning. He is given a chance to extend his life and travel to the idealistic Elysium by a man known as Spider (Wagner Moura), a chance which Max isn't really in a position to turn down. 

Max (Matt Damon)

The thing that really stuck out for me about Elysium is how good it looks. The futuristic CGI slums look incredibly real and gritty, and all of the sci-fi technology used in the movie, including the various robots and Elysium itself, is pretty spectacular to behold. The movie also makes great use of slow-motion; not using it too much but instead only using it when it really adds to the action. The fact that the film looks very good is no surprise really, seeing as it was directed by Neill Blomkamp who is also responsible for the similar futuristic sci-fi movie District 9, which is similarly well-imagined. 

By far the highlight of Elysium though is the character of Kruger, a mentally disturbed assassin played by the talented Sharlto Copley who also featured as the main protagonist in Blomkamp's District 9. South African and incredibly violent, Copley somehow manages to present Kruger as a complete psychopath who is very difficult to hate, due to how ridiculously exaggerated he is. A small complaint I'd have was that if anything, the character of Kruger wasn't included in Elysium enough, as he is easily the most fun to watch, despite clearly being a leading antagonist. 

Kruger (Sharlto Copley)

My only major complaint with Elysium is that there were a few scenes which slowed the movie down to a pace which definitely wasn't as enjoyable as the majority of the film. Scenes which revolved around Max's relationship with love-interest Frey (Alice Braga) in particular were a little dull to watch, but as they were very necessary to the story this is forgiveable. 

Verdict

Elysium is a very fun movie to watch. The pristine quality of the special effects make it a joy just to sit back and take it all in, and luckily these effects are accompanied by an interesting story which, although slightly predictable, is unique and really draws you in. 

8.5/10

"I promise we'll get us to Elysium"

5 reasons to watch Breaking Bad

For about a month now, I've been obsessed with the hit American TV drama Breaking Bad. I heard so much about it on the internet and through friends, but due to living in the UK I never got a chance to see it on television due to no channels showing it regularly. Once I bought the box-set of seasons 1-3 however, I was hooked, and it wasn't long before I was purchasing seasons 4 & 5 in preparation for the final 8 episodes which have begun being aired in America and will conclude towards the end of September. The following are 5 reasons why you should check out this phenomenal drama right now: 

1) Unique storyline

        Under-achieving chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with lung cancer and is soon bombarded with expensive bills to pay for his therapy. Following a DEA drug-bust which he tags along on with his brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), Walter soon realises that he can apply his extensive knowledge of chemistry in order to cook the purest batches of methamphetamine available and set-aside large amounts of money for his family after he's gone, and once he partners up with his old student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), the pair of them soon get wrapped up in a world of crime and the intimidating individuals who run it all. This short synopsis doesn't fully give credit to how interesting and unique the plot of Breaking Bad is, but trust me when I say there really isn't anything else like it. 

Walter H. White (Bryan Cranston)

2) Intense drama mixed with hilarious humour

        Certain scenes in Breaking Bad will have you on the edge of your seat with how tense things get, and yet others will have you in hysterics. The show brilliantly blends comedy with drama which results in a roller-coaster of emotions which range from dark and disturbing to funny and jovial. The humour isn't as present in the final few seasons as much as it is in the early ones, and at times the show is intensely serious, but this is no bad thing as it is always appropriate and incredibly entertaining to experience. 

Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul)

3) Phenomenal acting

       Usually in a TV drama there are a few stand-out performances surrounded by mediocre ones, but this is not the case in Breaking Bad. Every member of the cast portrays their character to a believable standard and they grow and develop hugely as the show progresses. Breaking Bad has been nominated for 4 Golden Globes and the actors themselves have each won numerous awards for their contributions towards the show, specifically Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston who play Jesse and Walt, respectively. Jesse Pinkman in particular is a character who you will go through many attitudes towards, from loathing him to loving him. The villains in Breaking Bad are also easily the best in any TV programme I have seen, from the obnoxious and terrifying Tuco (Raymond Cruz), to the quietly intimidating Gustavo Fring (Giancarlo Esposito). 

Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito)

4) Exceptional writing

   When I say "writing", not only do I mean the incredible script which has countless quotable lines that have become a part of pop-culture, but also the way in which the plot never becomes predictable. The writers somehow back these characters into a corner with seemingly no escape and then brilliantly get them out of it, usually through violent or questionable methods. Foreshadowing also plays a large part in the show, such as a seemingly small detail hinting at a huge part of the story later on. It'll keep you guessing throughout every episode, and Breaking Bad will very rarely play out how you expect it to in your head. 

Mind-blowing levels of foreshadowing

5) Heisenberg

     When Walter White puts on a black porkpie hat, he is no longer the innocent chemistry teacher trying to support his family. He is Heisenberg. A name used by Walt to keep his identity in the criminal world a secret, the character of Heisenberg is incredibly iconic and intimidating. Vaguely similar to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Walt gradually embraces his powerful presence amongst those who fear him through the persona of Heisenberg, and this shows true testament as to how drastically the characters change over the course of the series. Without spoiling anything, the Walter White by season 5 has almost no similarities to the Walter in season 1. He even shaves his hair following chemotherapy and later grows a goatee beard, adding hugely to Heisenberg's recognisable image. 

Heisenberg (Bryan Cranston)

So there you have it, five reasons why you should check out this cult television programme right now. Although the UK has no way of watching it on TV, Netflix have ever season available right now and are adding the final episodes as they are aired weekly in America, so there really is no reason not to watch the phenomenon that is Breaking Bad. Sign up for the 30-day trial, find a weekend spare and enjoy what is easily one of the best things I have ever seen.