Why The Grey is a Forgotten Masterpiece (Film Analysis) 

One of the most underrated movies ever. The critics and people in general simply didnt understand the several brutally beautiful messages it brings up indirectly.

What's truly disgusting is the fact that the studio released this film in January, a month where films go to die.

There's so much pain in Neesons performance in this movie which nobody even talks about which surprises me. He lost his wife a couple of years before this movies release, also in a ski accident so I akways thought this wasn't even acting from him considering the environment and everything else. It feels real! But anyway, great vid, and good to see you're giving this movie more attention.

It's not a forgotten masterpiece, it's like many things, certain food, certain scenery, certain paintings, certain movies, cars, beers, whisky, anything, some people get it some don't. To those who do it's amazing.

This movie deserves so much more love. It has helped me through so many hard times in my life and it drives me insane when people refer to this movie as "the one where Liam Neeson punches Wolves". There's such a deeper meaning and more symbolic inspiration to the movie. I owe this movie so much and I will love it and sings it's praises til the day I die

I took the cursing god scene, as him accepting that his fate is in his hands, that he has to find meaning himself to keep moving. Faith in something bigger is enough for some. Others need to find their own meaning and values to live by. Existentialism vs essentialism kind of thing. He was living before, as being put on earth to live for his wife, now he has to shift views to a more existential one.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen. Definitely my top5. Why don’t they make movies like this anymore? The storyline, the suspense, the drama, the cinematography. Brilliant!!

this movie will never be forgetten by me. I think about it all the time. I watched it when it first came out, and it meant a lot to me. I've shown this movie to all of my past boyfriends. I obsessed over survival surrounded by people worried about their phones. My father died when I was a baby of cancer. One of my first memories is standing next to my mother as she wept into her hands. Death meant a lot to me, and so did the living things I saw. I've been in a severely abusive relationship, I have no blood family I am entirely adopted now, Im greatful for the bits I have. But man am I ready to go. I remember sitting in the snow, drunk too, with a barrel in my mouth. I listened to "The Gray." one of my favorite songs and by far the most meaningful songs I have ever listened to. I listened to it out in negative wind chill. To me its not just about survival int he frigid cold, hunted by wolves, it's about that realization of everything that once made a life a life. The soul within, and that struggles just to stay afloat. Wolves to me, are humanities brothers. This movie will always be my absolute favorite, it will always be carried with me in so many ways. I remember all the men who survived the crash, I remember their stories, and I remember their ends. To me, when I look at another human, I see the Gray.

There is such a profound message in this movie. I found it to be extremely poetic, metaphorical. From the moment we are born, we are thrown into the fray. As we go through life; we are challenged to face our fears, extreme grief. And encountered heartbreaking experiences than will shake us down to our cores. We go through life afraid of death because our fears of the unknown. This can only end once we finally realize that have always had control of how we react to those experiences. Will you continue to struggle and suffer in silence? or will you choose to stand up in fight back with everything you got?

My husband is 73 and has endured real heavy hard tragedies before he came to USA and through his talents and perseverance her managed to have successful life and watches this movie when he is exhausted l think he sees himself always fighting the last because he loves being alive and able to move forward. This movie touches his soul even though it's just a film masterpiece .

Wonderful analysis. Those of us who understand the depth of this movie feel it's profound meaning and power long after the end titles. I feel privileged to be one of them.

Say what you want about this film, you can feel the desperation when they got picked off one by one, but in the end when Liam excepted the outcome h embraced it, that small moment when he’s looking the Alpha in the eyes and they both lock-on to each other has to be one the best pieces of cinematography ever recorded, and that moment he’s lying on top the Alpha just gives you a bit of hope but a heavy-heart at the same time, this is a criminally-underrated classic

I’m going to keep fighting my alcoholism. Thank you

I'm depressed and this movie just hits. It feels so relatable. I think surviving against the wolves and the wilderness represents the struggle to live like you've said. It's gritty and ever present, but it's living. No matter how bad things are, we are still alive, and I think that's something to be thankful for, and fight for.

I was battling depression when this came out. I didn’t understand for a long time why I was so wrecked by this movie. Yet, this video summed up the lesson it the story and put words to it that I never could.

Hey man, don't minimize what you do with this video. This commentary hit me hard. You made an impact in my life.

I personally think the meaning is pretty clear, this is one of my favorite films and im almost certain its about depression. - The wolves are a metaphor for depression; a demon constantly chasing you with no escape. - The people he crashed with are a symbol for friends and family. For depressed people the main reason they keep going is usually to protect the people around them. This is seen at the start of the film when he has the barrel in his mouth but he stops because he has to protect the guy on the oil line. The wolves picking the survivors off one by one is a metaphor for depression pushing your friends and family away. People give up on you because of the depression you carry as it spreads to them so the wolves killing them one by one is a metaphor for people giving up on you one by one as seen in the film.

Idk if anyone has said anything about this yet but in the after credit scene it shows that he beat the wolf which perfectly ties into what is discussed in this video

I watched this movie for this first time in a long time. I originally watched when it came out I was 8 lol. But I was shocked by how good and under appreciated it is.

As a Christian I love this movie! especially the angry prayer since. It is sooooooo relatable to me and my faith. Dealing with bullying, depression addiction and self doubt. I won't lie i had those moments when im like "God why... just why!" Yet time and time again despite of being greeted with nothing but the sound of silence, feelings of peace love and joy fill the cracks and crevices of my shattered heart which gives me the couragee face another day another battle. Yes life is pain but as the film teaches us we can ascend from the darkness and find light truth and even wisdom from our struggles.

This completely sums up the beauty of that movie. And I'm happy to have watched this. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this! I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen this film and I love it even more every time! My absolute favorite movie of all time!

At the end if you roll the credits the black screen fades back to the woods and you see a black patch of fur with what looks like damp spiked up human hair mixed in just beyond what you can see as if hes laying against the wolf perhaps and it seems like its taking its last breaths. Everyone should see it and take from it what you will.

It's pretty confusing when someone calls this a forgotten masterpiece. I love this movie .

It's 5 decade+ now. I really hope that we're on the verge of people discovering or rediscovering this film and that it starts to get the praise that it deserves

Forever my all time favorite movie , this movie has so much more depth and meaning then most people will ever know!

Great analysis, and one of the greatest movies I’ve ever seen!!! Wish you covered the part where Diaz and Ottway was having a sort of exchange at the campfire, when Ottway admits he is afraid but no shame in saying it. Really reminded of men who act as if they’re never afraid, as if they’re programmed super human robots ready to tackle any challenge without fear when really the only time you can be brave is in the face of fear, is if you’re afraid.

I re-watched this film tonight, I guess for some stoic inspiration (heroic suffering) kind of thing. A bunch of things have been going wrong lately. I've been sick for weeks. My Fiancé left me. A deer jumped, I wrecked my car. I been staying in a hotel. It's cold outside. Also the year is still 2020. I feel uncomfortably close to Ottway. But I'll fight-on the best I can. 🐺 A stoic Marcus Aurelius quote used in Gladiator has kind-of been getting me through this sudden dark time: _"Nothing happens to anyone that He is not fitted by nature to bear"_

This. This touched me deeply. I've lived an extremely lonely and depressing life myself, now at nearly 26, I get it. This movie always resonated with me, but lately I've come to understand exactly what the message of this story is. Thank you for sharing your view, it was an excellent analysis.

Your interpretation of the movie touched me. Thank you for sharing it with us !

I'm very glad to see that this movie is finally getting some recognition. I remember when I saw it way back when I was immediately taken by it (pun unintended), it's really one of those films that you come out of the theatre a little changed from how you came in. At the time it seemed like everybody loved to hate the film so I'm glad it's come around a bit.

I LOVE the read of the wolves personifying depression. I never thought of that before this video, ut when you mentioned it, it clicked instantly.

The score is fantastic. The poem with the score is amazing. Love the cinematography

What a powerful, moving, sad & beautiful masterwork of cinema. !

Great analysis of a fantastic film. It will forever have a special place in my heart, as well as the soundtrack

One of the most underrated movies this century. Simply outstanding! The movie is so much more than just few man trying to survive in the wild against wolves pack. I mean, for me personnally it's a about a battle between life and death, and how you deal with the obstacles you face in your life. These wolves could be anything in life like a disease, trauma, bad decision, losing someone special, crumbling career, etc. It's all about faith and hope to keep us moving forward.

My favorite film of all time! I don't think it's by accident that he breaks the alcohol bottles and uses them as weapons at the end. Many addiction and maybe more alcoholism undertones in this movie.

Excellent analysis. Never give up, no matter what. Every shred of life is precious and fragile.

This film truly is a masterpiece. The director commentary talks about how during filming everyone involved realized they were working on something truly special. Something about the human spirit and the human condition. The wolves were not the antagonists. Not really. In fact they are actually Ottway's salvation. The part in the beginning where he shoots one then calmly lays beside it petting it until it dies shows that Ottway takes no joy from his job. Right as he is about to kill himself the wolves howl and it distracts him. When Ottway talks about his father then recites his poem, it moved me to tears. The ending did too especially when we learn that SPOILERS his wife didn't leave him by choice, she died of cancer. Such a truly beautiful film.

I just watched this film again after seeing it when it came out, and I did pause at several scenes and think about it and the messages within and life in general. Thank you for making this video.

One thing ! - did You notice the "NO MAS" tattoo Diaz is carrying on his neck?? Most people (including even Ottaway) see it and take for some sort of statement of "DEFIANCE" - some sort of "warning" like "don't tread on me!" or similar. Well - if you're a fan of Boxing then you should know that IN FACT that "NO MAS" is - basically! - a statement of RESIGNATION and SURRENDER. It's famous from the second boxing match between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duràn. In 1980 Roberto Duràn took the world Champion title from Leonard during the famous "Brawl In Montreal" - probably the best & most jaw-dropping Boxing match I 've ever seen. Duràn - a kid from the dlums of Panama City - suddenly became "Man Of the Year" and millionaire at the same time. One year later they scheduled a rematch. Duràn (one of the very best fighters I've ever seen) wasn't the same man anymore! Due to his sudden success - he gained weight - he often skipped on training, etc. Leonard (another "Great amongst the greatest" on the Ring) took back the Belt from Roberto and Duràn (famous for his endurance) didn't even came to the eight or seventh (I just don't remember) - round. When Duràn realized he is no gonna win, he just "flipped" - thrown his gloves in the air and shouted: "NO MAS!" - meaning: "CUT THE CRAP! - NO MORE OF THIS BULLSHIT!". If you take the phrase WITHOUT CONTEXT it says & sounds the opposite of what it - factually! - is! - ergo: AN ADMISSION OF DEFEAT. PS. MIKE TYSON - many years later (Mike's also a big fan of Duràn!) - explained it his way - (quoting from memory): "For a man like Roberto Duràn - who is world-wide famous for his conditioning, willpower, resistance to pain, and - most of all - AGGRESSIVENESS - IT IS MUCH MORE COURAGEOUS TO ADMIT HIS OPPONENT DEFEAT AND GIVE UP, ADMITTING HIS OPPONENT IS THE "BETTER" MAN!" (end of quote). Please notice that Diaz has this tattoo from the beginning and apparently - for whatever reason! - considers it a "motto of DEFIANCE" while in fact it is the VERY SYMBOL OF DEFEAT! ...and Diaz DIES BY ADMITTING DEFEAT! His death is not even filmed.

One of the few movies that hit my core, loved it

This movie fucked me up so much as a kid. Such an amazing film. Truly underrated and underappreciated

I have a on the tattoo of a wolf because this movie partially. Thank you for this analysis. It’s helped me a lot through a very challenging few weeks.

Maaan. This movie stayed with me for months when i watched it. And it still hits like a train even up to now. This is one of those movies that truly changed something in me. I strongly urge anyone to give thsi movie a shot.

Prime Minister Winston Chrchill referred to his depression as his "black dog."

Love the end when he confronts the Imaginary figure in the sky.

Good analysis dude, it made me want to watch it again (and since im older now in compaerison to when it came out, I know it will shine differently on me this time)

Man... great breakdown/analysis!! I am now a follower of your chanel. Beautifully done my guy. You really did get the things that, for whatever reason, most people missed. I think they just wanted a typical Liam Neeson action flick with wolves but it was sooooo much more than that. This movie reached me on a very primal level as when it came out I had just been arrested and was about 2 months sober. Thoughts of suicide or feeling meaningless always in the back of your mind when you're depressed/addicted or even both. Again, my hats off to you for this one!

That plane crash scene was one of the most intense and scary scenes I've ever seen!

This movie is fantastic, a genuinely solid survival movie with alot more heart than most. And despite being the "generic action hero", Liam Neeson is fantastic in this movie.

Please don't stop making these. These videos are gems.

Honestly my favourite movie of all time. I love deep, character movies that really make you think and be greatful for the life that you live. This film ticks all the boxes for me.

I completely agree, this movie really affected me and I find myself watching it again and again. It's about the heroic struggle of life and persevering right to the end and then facing that end with courage and stoicism, fighting to the end.

I wrote an essay on this movie in a college film class. I'm not even saying this in an elitist way, but most people seriously do not recognize how utterly metaphorical this film was.

God damn it. I ve never cried so much in a movie since Gladiator

So well done, sir!

One of my all time favorite movies. Everything you explained is everything we all understood deep down inside however we didn't know how to express it the way you did for us.

didn't really think much about the aspect of the movie that depicts what it's like to have depression. now thinking about it, the sadness of this man just was present throughout the whole movie. i kind of ignored it cuz another strong element struck me harder - the horror. i was terrified watching the movie for the first time when i was still a kid, years later rewatched it and still terrified. now i'm watching it again, i feel different, while still terrified, i am feeling the pain and the sadness of john as someone with depression like him. the resignation of life shown in the movie. there's something beautiful and appealing about it.

On your analysis of the wolf. I came to terms with my own depression, once I visualised it as a great black wolf, that tries to drag me, bite me and be against me. But instead of trying to kill it, I came to accept it and try to live with it. He'll always be there. And he'll always try to bite. But he is a part of me and I rather try to feed it once in a while and rest calmly beside it.

Oh boy you're explanation of the don't be afraid line hit me really hard well done sir. The grey is hugely underrated

the memories of 2017 when first it come ... it's back again

Your videos r outstanding!! Awesome analysis of an incredible film. Haven't watched The Grey since its release, but because of this video Iam going to rewatch it tonight.

Endurance is what makes all challenges pratically the same " live and die in this day..live and die in this day."

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful review of this powerful film.

Hey man, thank you for making this video. I feel like you made it just for me.

This movie analysis video is as fantastic as the movie. Well done my guy, such an understandable video!

Never forgotten, I think about it constantly. Movie has stuck with me since it came out

Just discovered your channel, I find it very thoughtful. Keep up the good work.

I find it criminal that you only have 13k subs, your content is better than channels that have millions

You did an amazing analysis and you're spot on about addiction.

Thank you for your explanation and tough (Gedanken). I would never ever be able to think so focused and deeply. A Thing that is very frustrating to me, but sure not the end of the world. You give answers to questions i only knowed that they existed, but Not able to figured out in years by myselve. Thanks a Lot.

Brilliant! Thanks for this analysis!

At the end of the credits there is one final scene. Movie is legendary.

The Grey might be one of the most underrated cinematic masterpieces ever. It is truly one of the most powerful films ever made. This film actually helped me kick my opioid addiction, each pill I swallowed felt like they were one of the wolves , inching closer to me with every pill I took, looking to take me, I felt like I had stopped doing the world any good, and yet , I over came and now I’m married, and have a son being born soon.

Lovely video. Thanks for remembering this great movie.

Fantastic movie, way beyond what I thought it would be. To me, the wolves were. metaphor for staving off hopelessness / depression.

Amazing video, i love your analysis of movies.

A breath of fresh air, this review. Subbed.

This was a beautiful film when I was younger I didn't understand it but when I went back into it I loved it there's so many elements to this film it's amazing I can't believe most people forgot it now in days but it will always be in history thank you for the analysis by the way I am actually needed that Don't you ever wish there were more films like this and it would be a bit more popular because you don't as much see these films

brilliant video sir!

It's 2024 and somehow I'm here because I recall really liking the movie when it came out and I like it even better after rewatching it. Truly an underrated movie, it deserves to become a cult classic.

So this is something i just noticed after multiple viewings... but isn't everything Liam putting on to fight related to Frank Grillo's character? I know Grillo's character gave him his "lucky" gps watch, and it looks like its also his knife as well, and his character kept drinking most of the time (the mini bottles).

Just watched it. First time. How'd i miss this movie? Great story and movie. Always enjoyed Carnahan. Didn't even realize it was his. Like him on a whole new level now,Neeson too. Great analysis brother 👏 subscribed

I wish I had seen this movie sooner, I was put off by the reviews and people saying it wasn’t a satisfying movie, but I found all the complaints were aspects I actually really enjoyed about the movie, like the cursing god scene it is super important because it directly deals with the core theme of the movie which is finding worth in yourself and facing the challenges in life, I think people took to much of this film literally, I watched it as a symbolic journey, which is why seeing the fight isn’t important, this isn’t an action movie, like in life, there is no climax, it’s our decisions that matter the most not necessarily the outcomes

It's a flashback.. As things were getting bad, past a point of return and beating her illness.. She's the one dying, but she's not even thinking about herself, saying don't be afraid for his sake.. She's telling him don't be afraid.. Of what's happening to her, to them etc.. She knows he'll be terrified, the thought of losing her, being without her.. She trying to comfort and prepare him bless her.. That's love!.. Of course you'd worry for the partner you're leaving behind, alone etc.. Liam's journey.. This film will stay with my all my life.. It's bleak and brutal for sure.. Yet, it genuinely is a life affirming masterpiece.. Appreciate life, never give up.. We all only here a short time, something will get us one day.. Fight, and keep fighting on no matter what until that day!!.. What a message man!.. It's rare something has the potential to give something that you'll take away from it, not like this does.. It'll stay with me for life what it's underlying message was..

Great vid!

Excellent review. 👍

This was the most intense movie I've ever seen! I watched it while dog sitting at my brother's house, where there COULD be wolves and bears!

keep moving forward!, that's what matter

I used to watch this film every year, usually in the summertime when AMC would show it. Such a powerful film and you get the point across exactly. A movie about a suicidal man who is thrust into a position of leadership to try to preserve life and find his own reason for his own life to continue. Utterly poetic and offers a great lesson. "Once more into the fray ... "

yeah dude I found you this morning subbed.

Well done brother 👏

During the plane crashing scene all the metal and seats being ripped apart kind of resemble a wolf snarling, growling and barking. Like now that plane is crashing, the people are now within the wolves grasp. Intentional or not, I like to see it that way. Have a good day :)

good analysis. thank you

Beautiful movie. I cry every time

So true everything you said! Loved 😍 this movie 🎬 too

Amazing movie. Superb analysis.

I remember watching this movie as a kid in the back of my parents van and loving the movie and thinking it was amazing film and not many people talking about it it is so upsetting

Without getting too into the specifics, this movie helped me get through my depression over the years. When I'm really down and think this life is meaningless, I watch this film. Same as only a handful of films have made me feel this way. I've got many different interpretations on this movie but one of them is yours especially when interpreting Ottway's plea to God. Thank you for making this vid essay.