The MOVIES thread
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mistasparkle*
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I absolutely loved that movie! It's right in there with Ghostbusters and The Man Who Knew Too Little as Bill Murray movies to watch when you really don't feel like watching movies. I've seen Ghostbusters about 150,000 times, and TMWKTL about 20,000. I see Life Aquatic being the new "one of those" movies. The wacky little animated fishes were tops! And the little theme song they kept playing. (kinda drum and bassish, but cool.) 
Last edited by R3C on Thu Jan 06, 2005 8:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I guess all the negative reviews I read were by effeminate film school geeks. 
I think my favorite Anderson film moment is in Bottle Rocket. It only last about 4 seconds, but it's during the section when James Caan is planning the robbery with the boys. All of the sudden, a new scene pops up and it has Caan playing on a piano and singing a song while all of the guys look on smiling and bobbing their heads. I think the lyrics were to the effect, "And we're in thi big, great house!" And that was it. It is completely random and has no connection to the story at hand, but that is what makes it so special.
That and the yellow jumpsuit that Owen Wilson wears while riding a little moped around the driveway. That was classic.
I think my favorite Anderson film moment is in Bottle Rocket. It only last about 4 seconds, but it's during the section when James Caan is planning the robbery with the boys. All of the sudden, a new scene pops up and it has Caan playing on a piano and singing a song while all of the guys look on smiling and bobbing their heads. I think the lyrics were to the effect, "And we're in thi big, great house!" And that was it. It is completely random and has no connection to the story at hand, but that is what makes it so special.
That and the yellow jumpsuit that Owen Wilson wears while riding a little moped around the driveway. That was classic.
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enderzero
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Minbo no Onna This 1992 film is by Itami Juzo, the director of the hilarious Tampopo. He says in interviews that he uses comedy to diffuse his serious subject matter because the audience would be too depressed otherwise. Apparently he forgot to follow his own rules with Minbo. It's not that it is too depressing, actually. The problem is that it has what feels like an obvious agenda that detracts strongly from the quality of the film. The story is about a hotel that is targeted by Yakuza for minor scams. A hot shot female lawyer fights back and they eventually scare the Yakuza off. Every Yakuza in the film is a bumbling idiot with zero redeeming qualities. It seems obvious that in reality they just would have killed the woman and put an end to the insurrection.
Sonatine This 4th film by Takeshi Kitano made in 1993 was one of the few of his I had never seen. It is a great story about a group of Yakuza that are sent to Okinawa in a setup by their boss. When they realize they aren't safe in the town or back in Tokyo they head to beach for a little Yakuza Vacation! There are some really great scenes of Beat and the guys messing around at the beach that are reminiscent of Kikujiro (with more guns). You have gotta love his trademark style of long slow takes with the actor facing the camera. This film is one of his best.
Alfie This is a pretty typical Jude Law flick about a playa that can't get enough tail. However, he doesn't realize just how many hearts he treads across on his search for love. Eventually they catch up with him and he learns his lesson. Awwwww. Pre - dict - able! The funny thing about this movie was that the rip I had must have been released (AKA stolen) before the post processing was done because there were a few scenes that the green screen was still visible and even more that were awaiting voice over (sound effects but no dialog). Whoops! Luckily it didn't detract much from the movie.
The Emperor Jones I guess I am just adding my films for class right in with the ones I watch on my own now. This early sound film is about a big schizophrenic black dude played by Paul Robeson that works his way from the poor South to NYC to prison and eventually becomes the Emperor of a small Caribbean island. But the power goes to his head and the natives eventually hunt him down and kill him. Next...
Blackmail This early Hitchcock film (1929) was made while he was still in England. It has mostly synced sound but not quite all, which is pretty annoying. The plot is quite slow but it shows signs of what would become Hitchcock's standard suspense genre. The high point is the very cute star, Anny Ondra.
The Jazz Singer This is the film that really ushered in the era of sound, although many films would still be released without sound. It stars Jewish star Al Jolson as a Jewish singer that cuts his ties with his religious family to make himself a star. Jolson was famous for wearing black face in his act and he dons it in the film with little fanfare. Only the song numbers have sync-sound and his flamboyant acting is almost as annoying as that fact.
Battle of Algiers This amazing film was made by Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo only 3 years after Algeria won its independence from France (1965). It tells the enthralling story of the early days of the FLN freedom fighters (AKA terrorists) as they struggle to make a name for their cause on a world stage. The film does a great job of documenting the Algerians' struggle against oppression without vilifying the French. Rarely have I seen a film that tells both sides of a story so fairly. The film is also a masterpiece technically and visually. I imagine not too many people have seen this film and that should be corrected post haste.
El Che This is a great biography of Ernesto "Che" Guevara. It tells in great detail his rise form the young free thinker seen in Motorcycle Diaries to his role second only to Castro in the Cuban Revolution. We then see his role in the new Cuba and how he was a bit too revolutionary even for Castro's government. The film includes interviews with Castro and many other high ranking officials that were close to Che. Everyone knows who Che is from his face but I don't think I fully realized just how rare and amazing of a person he was until watching this film.
Sonatine This 4th film by Takeshi Kitano made in 1993 was one of the few of his I had never seen. It is a great story about a group of Yakuza that are sent to Okinawa in a setup by their boss. When they realize they aren't safe in the town or back in Tokyo they head to beach for a little Yakuza Vacation! There are some really great scenes of Beat and the guys messing around at the beach that are reminiscent of Kikujiro (with more guns). You have gotta love his trademark style of long slow takes with the actor facing the camera. This film is one of his best.
Alfie This is a pretty typical Jude Law flick about a playa that can't get enough tail. However, he doesn't realize just how many hearts he treads across on his search for love. Eventually they catch up with him and he learns his lesson. Awwwww. Pre - dict - able! The funny thing about this movie was that the rip I had must have been released (AKA stolen) before the post processing was done because there were a few scenes that the green screen was still visible and even more that were awaiting voice over (sound effects but no dialog). Whoops! Luckily it didn't detract much from the movie.
The Emperor Jones I guess I am just adding my films for class right in with the ones I watch on my own now. This early sound film is about a big schizophrenic black dude played by Paul Robeson that works his way from the poor South to NYC to prison and eventually becomes the Emperor of a small Caribbean island. But the power goes to his head and the natives eventually hunt him down and kill him. Next...
Blackmail This early Hitchcock film (1929) was made while he was still in England. It has mostly synced sound but not quite all, which is pretty annoying. The plot is quite slow but it shows signs of what would become Hitchcock's standard suspense genre. The high point is the very cute star, Anny Ondra.
The Jazz Singer This is the film that really ushered in the era of sound, although many films would still be released without sound. It stars Jewish star Al Jolson as a Jewish singer that cuts his ties with his religious family to make himself a star. Jolson was famous for wearing black face in his act and he dons it in the film with little fanfare. Only the song numbers have sync-sound and his flamboyant acting is almost as annoying as that fact.
Battle of Algiers This amazing film was made by Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo only 3 years after Algeria won its independence from France (1965). It tells the enthralling story of the early days of the FLN freedom fighters (AKA terrorists) as they struggle to make a name for their cause on a world stage. The film does a great job of documenting the Algerians' struggle against oppression without vilifying the French. Rarely have I seen a film that tells both sides of a story so fairly. The film is also a masterpiece technically and visually. I imagine not too many people have seen this film and that should be corrected post haste.
El Che This is a great biography of Ernesto "Che" Guevara. It tells in great detail his rise form the young free thinker seen in Motorcycle Diaries to his role second only to Castro in the Cuban Revolution. We then see his role in the new Cuba and how he was a bit too revolutionary even for Castro's government. The film includes interviews with Castro and many other high ranking officials that were close to Che. Everyone knows who Che is from his face but I don't think I fully realized just how rare and amazing of a person he was until watching this film.
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enderzero
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Visitor Q This 2001 flick has got to be Takashi Miike's most offensive. Incredible! I can't even talk about some of the stuff he shows his characters doing to each other. It is shot digitally which gives it a bit of a reality-tv feel along with some commentary regarding the tape-everything father (including when he has sex with his own daughter and with a dead body). The film takes issues in modern Japanese society such as teenage prostitution, parent-abuse, and the weak role of the fatehr and just blows them up until the explode in a mess of shit, bile, and breast milk - right in your face. This film is awesome... just don't watch it anytime soon after eating.
The Blue Angel A German film from the early thirties that is quite depressing but worth mentioning because of the excellent performance by Emil Jannings.
The Blue Angel A German film from the early thirties that is quite depressing but worth mentioning because of the excellent performance by Emil Jannings.
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enderzero
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The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Thank you! for surpassing my hopes and expectations! This movie is freakin fantastic. It is incredibly irreverent, witty, wacky, innovative and cool. The plot line flows and the acting is perfect (c'mon! Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe?!). It uses all kinds of great devices like the stage set of the ship and it is hilarious as well. It took a while, but this gem was worth it. I should note that this film is exactly the kind of movie I love. I guess it is possible that people not into wacky goofery (or people that hate good acting) might find this movie strange and tiresome. After reading some of the reveiws I was a bit scared it would be a flop. It can safely be said that those reviewers took something very different away from this film than I did. For me, it certainly did not disappoint.
Team America: World Police Another hilarious movie, this one by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. I was busting my side at some of the great scenes (sex scene) and the satire is spot on. Intelligent jokes, yet completely juvenile. They have a gift. The choice to use puppets was brilliant. I can't believe what they could do with those things.
Team America: World Police Another hilarious movie, this one by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. I was busting my side at some of the great scenes (sex scene) and the satire is spot on. Intelligent jokes, yet completely juvenile. They have a gift. The choice to use puppets was brilliant. I can't believe what they could do with those things.
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enderzero
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Ping Pong This week in contemporary Japanese Cinema comes the tale of two table tennis fanatics emerging into adulthood. It is a coming of age story of rivalry and finding one self in competition. The characters are decently likable but the story is contrived and wholly predictable. There was nothing about this film that made it special in any way. It is not a particularly bad movie, but not good either.
Waterboys When the all boys high school swim team is struggling the administration hires a young little hottie coach to turn them around. This brings in the athletes, until it is revealed that she is actually a synchronized swimming coach. 5 guys stick around to rock the synchro, even after the coach takes a leave of absence after she finds out she is 8 months pregnant. Wackiness ensues in this easily watchable, light hearted story.
Battle Royale I have definitely seen this movie before but I just wanted to reiterate how much better the first one is than the second. Instead of teams of kids against terrorist, in the first film we have good ol' fashioned fight to the death with what is in your backpacks. This is one of the most entertaining contemporary Japanese flicks around.
Happiness of the Katakuris I have also seen this movie before, but pre-Movies thread. I liked it just as much the second time, if not more. This wacky Miike film follows a Japanese family that has opened a pension out in the country. When people finally start coming to the pension they start dying and the family must hide the bodies to save their livelihood. All of this takes place in between toe tapping song and dance numbers and bizarre claymation interludes. I love this movie and I can't see how anyone wouldn't enjoy it. It was a big hit in class as well.
Prisioneiro da Grade de Ferro (Prisoner of the Iron Bars) This Brazilian documentary takes you inside the largest prison in Latin America, Carandiru. Before it was closed in 2002, filmmakers got permission to teach a group of inmates about video production. They then supplied them with cameras and equipment and basically let them make their own movie about life behind bars. There is an extremely interesting infrastructure of privatized security and narcotrafficing cartels that control the prison industrial system in Latin America and especially Brazil. Unfortunately none of this is explained in Iron Bars. Instead we get very humanistic portraits of Macho prisoners that are broken down by their isolation from society. Prison life is shown as not horribly unlike outside life (prisoners make coffee in their cells, play intramural sports, have a vibrant arts and music scene, and even have TVs and Cell Phones) but the fact that they are not allowed to just go home is what makes them so miserable. While this is an impressive and interesting film, it misses a lot of opportunities to make some never before heard comments on privatization of security and government's indirect (and direct) involvement in drug trafficing.
Que Viva Mexico Sergei Eisenstein shot this footage for a planned Mexican documentary in the 1920s. It sat, unfinished, in canisters until the project was revived in 1979. The film was cut by the surviving member of the crew with Eisenstein's vision firmly in mind. This resulting film is a fantastic landscape of Mexico in the 20s as seen by an outsider. It is a travel documentary by one of the most visionary filmmakers of all time. The socialist commentary is coming right off the heels of the Soviet revolution and is extremely interesting. While some might point to racial stereotypes being portrayed, one must remember the setting under which this film was originally made. It is certainly a long lost cinematic treasure.
Chronicle of the Years of Embers Some people have called this 3 hour epic about the Algerian revolution one of the best films of all time. I must disagree. While the last part of the film (that actually deals with the revolution) is interesting, the rest of the film is slow, tedious, and confusing. There are some impressive cinematic moments in the film, but calling it 10 best material is baffling. Of course I did watch it on VHS, which I have noticed lately, has the ability to make any film worse. For beautiful visuals and a captivating story about the Algerian revolution, check out Battle of Algiers.
I am Cuba This is an amazing movie that is really four films in one. All take place prior to the revolution and show how badly the revolution is needed. The more I read and watch about Cuba in the 50s and 60s, the more impressed and enthralled I become. This film has some of the coolest tracking and crane shots of any film and the crisp black and white makes it really jump out. This is an extremely interesting and beautiful film!
Wake up, Ron Burgundy Although I was recommended to skip this one by a certain high ranking naval officer, I checked it out and really enjoyed it. This film is an entire movie made from Anchorman's outtakes and cut subplots. Amazingly, it works as its own film. It has all the same hilarious jokes but with a new story. Works for me!
Mean Creek This film was mostly overlooked when it came out in mid 2004. It is shot in faux-documentary style with digital handheld cameras for a rough and bouncy look. It follows a group of mostly messed up adolescents as they plan to teach a bully a lesson. When it all goes wrong (we knew it was going to go wrong) the kids have to figure out what the hell to do. It is an interesting film but I can't say I really enjoyed it all that much. I do think the style is cool and worth applause. It reminded me of the book Vernon God Little. If that book was ever adapted they should possibly talk to this film’s director, Jacob Aaron Estes.
Hotel Rwanda This is definitely a great movie and worthy of the acclaim it has received and more Don Cheadle is amazing and now cemented as one of my favorite actors. The crimes of the genocide are explicitly documented and deplorable. It really succeeds at making you question outsiders' role in stopping this sort of thing. The movie is amazing and I hope it is recognized at the Oscars.
Waterboys When the all boys high school swim team is struggling the administration hires a young little hottie coach to turn them around. This brings in the athletes, until it is revealed that she is actually a synchronized swimming coach. 5 guys stick around to rock the synchro, even after the coach takes a leave of absence after she finds out she is 8 months pregnant. Wackiness ensues in this easily watchable, light hearted story.
Battle Royale I have definitely seen this movie before but I just wanted to reiterate how much better the first one is than the second. Instead of teams of kids against terrorist, in the first film we have good ol' fashioned fight to the death with what is in your backpacks. This is one of the most entertaining contemporary Japanese flicks around.
Happiness of the Katakuris I have also seen this movie before, but pre-Movies thread. I liked it just as much the second time, if not more. This wacky Miike film follows a Japanese family that has opened a pension out in the country. When people finally start coming to the pension they start dying and the family must hide the bodies to save their livelihood. All of this takes place in between toe tapping song and dance numbers and bizarre claymation interludes. I love this movie and I can't see how anyone wouldn't enjoy it. It was a big hit in class as well.
Prisioneiro da Grade de Ferro (Prisoner of the Iron Bars) This Brazilian documentary takes you inside the largest prison in Latin America, Carandiru. Before it was closed in 2002, filmmakers got permission to teach a group of inmates about video production. They then supplied them with cameras and equipment and basically let them make their own movie about life behind bars. There is an extremely interesting infrastructure of privatized security and narcotrafficing cartels that control the prison industrial system in Latin America and especially Brazil. Unfortunately none of this is explained in Iron Bars. Instead we get very humanistic portraits of Macho prisoners that are broken down by their isolation from society. Prison life is shown as not horribly unlike outside life (prisoners make coffee in their cells, play intramural sports, have a vibrant arts and music scene, and even have TVs and Cell Phones) but the fact that they are not allowed to just go home is what makes them so miserable. While this is an impressive and interesting film, it misses a lot of opportunities to make some never before heard comments on privatization of security and government's indirect (and direct) involvement in drug trafficing.
Que Viva Mexico Sergei Eisenstein shot this footage for a planned Mexican documentary in the 1920s. It sat, unfinished, in canisters until the project was revived in 1979. The film was cut by the surviving member of the crew with Eisenstein's vision firmly in mind. This resulting film is a fantastic landscape of Mexico in the 20s as seen by an outsider. It is a travel documentary by one of the most visionary filmmakers of all time. The socialist commentary is coming right off the heels of the Soviet revolution and is extremely interesting. While some might point to racial stereotypes being portrayed, one must remember the setting under which this film was originally made. It is certainly a long lost cinematic treasure.
Chronicle of the Years of Embers Some people have called this 3 hour epic about the Algerian revolution one of the best films of all time. I must disagree. While the last part of the film (that actually deals with the revolution) is interesting, the rest of the film is slow, tedious, and confusing. There are some impressive cinematic moments in the film, but calling it 10 best material is baffling. Of course I did watch it on VHS, which I have noticed lately, has the ability to make any film worse. For beautiful visuals and a captivating story about the Algerian revolution, check out Battle of Algiers.
I am Cuba This is an amazing movie that is really four films in one. All take place prior to the revolution and show how badly the revolution is needed. The more I read and watch about Cuba in the 50s and 60s, the more impressed and enthralled I become. This film has some of the coolest tracking and crane shots of any film and the crisp black and white makes it really jump out. This is an extremely interesting and beautiful film!
Wake up, Ron Burgundy Although I was recommended to skip this one by a certain high ranking naval officer, I checked it out and really enjoyed it. This film is an entire movie made from Anchorman's outtakes and cut subplots. Amazingly, it works as its own film. It has all the same hilarious jokes but with a new story. Works for me!
Mean Creek This film was mostly overlooked when it came out in mid 2004. It is shot in faux-documentary style with digital handheld cameras for a rough and bouncy look. It follows a group of mostly messed up adolescents as they plan to teach a bully a lesson. When it all goes wrong (we knew it was going to go wrong) the kids have to figure out what the hell to do. It is an interesting film but I can't say I really enjoyed it all that much. I do think the style is cool and worth applause. It reminded me of the book Vernon God Little. If that book was ever adapted they should possibly talk to this film’s director, Jacob Aaron Estes.
Hotel Rwanda This is definitely a great movie and worthy of the acclaim it has received and more Don Cheadle is amazing and now cemented as one of my favorite actors. The crimes of the genocide are explicitly documented and deplorable. It really succeeds at making you question outsiders' role in stopping this sort of thing. The movie is amazing and I hope it is recognized at the Oscars.
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enderzero
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Swallowtail (Butterfly) Shunji Iwai has been called the leader of contemporary Japanese cinema's "New Wave." I am not a big fan of that term, but I do think it is worth while to single him out from the bunch. This is only the second film of his I have seen (the first being All About Lily Chou-Chou) but I don't think it is too premature to call him my favorite director in Japan today. His films have a polished aesthetic that is lacking in a lot of films from Japan's industry. But the look comes more from what seems like a skilled and defined visualization than just from a big budget. His experience as a music video director has given his work a hip feel that flows throughout his films. Swallowtail is one of his earlier films (1996) and it is the perfect film to see his emerging style. The story is about Yentown and the immigrants that flock to Yentown to cash in on the rich economy. We follow a set of captivating characters led by the suupaa idol (and suupaa cute) Chara. I won't get into the plot, but this film is well worth looking into for a view of contemporary Japanese cinema at its best. I am anxious to check out Iwai's other films.
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enderzero
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Million Dollar Baby I wasn't too into this Academy Award nominated film for about the first act. Then it really grabbed ahold of me. I have never been a huge Eastwood fan but his typical Eastwood role is perfect for the character of the sardonic, burnt out boxing trainer. Morgan Freeman is excellent and Hillary Swank could quite easily pull out the Oscar for her great performance. This film is very much Hollywood, but it is polished and exceptional as far as big budget films go.
The Aviator I wasn't too into this Acade... Whoops, same review. Actually it also took me a bit of time to get into this film but I was certainly wrapped up by its end. Scorsese uses some cool unexpected theatrical effects with the lighting and the dog fighting is fun. Cate Blanchett is particularly impressive as Katherine Hepburn and Alda Alda might just get the nod for his supporting role. Leo... well I am about 99.99% sure he will get the Oscar with all the pre-award buzz he has received... but I couldn't help thinking it was a story about some alter-ego Leonardo DiCaprio (with a George W. Bush accent) instead of Howard Hughes. But the film is entertaining and deserving of a watch for those that haven't yet bothered.
The Aviator I wasn't too into this Acade... Whoops, same review. Actually it also took me a bit of time to get into this film but I was certainly wrapped up by its end. Scorsese uses some cool unexpected theatrical effects with the lighting and the dog fighting is fun. Cate Blanchett is particularly impressive as Katherine Hepburn and Alda Alda might just get the nod for his supporting role. Leo... well I am about 99.99% sure he will get the Oscar with all the pre-award buzz he has received... but I couldn't help thinking it was a story about some alter-ego Leonardo DiCaprio (with a George W. Bush accent) instead of Howard Hughes. But the film is entertaining and deserving of a watch for those that haven't yet bothered.
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enderzero
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Ray The race to the Oscars continues. While this film on a whole was not more impressive than a whole lot of great films that were released and passed over for best picture, something really must be said for the amazing performance by Jamie Foxx. If Leo wins the Best Actor award over Foxx then it will be obviously over political issues because Foxx is on point. The story is kind typical biopic affair but interesting. I found it strange that for the most part Ray Charles is portrayed as a likable womanizer and junkie. The ending felt rushed and contrived. I wouldn't have rushed out to watch this film had it not received so many rewards. IMO they are only deserved in Foxx's case.
Gemini A recent Japanese horror (or more accurately, psychological thriller) flick by Shinya Tsukamoto, famous for his 16MM genre defining horror film Tetsuo (Ironman) from 1988. This film is a story of duplicity following a rich doctor, Yukio, at the end of the Meiji period living a lavish lifestyle. His twin brother invades his life, kills his parents, throws Yukio down a well, and then starts to bed his wife (who has a dual aspect as well). Yukio must overcome this "evil twin" and find his place. The story is about rapid modernization and class separation in a very interesting time in Japanese history. There are some strange techniques used to make the film almost seem set in a place removed from time and space. Tsukamoto plays Jijii (muscled Chinese antagonist) in Miike's Ichi the Killer and Tadanobu Asano (Ichi's Kakihara) also makes an appearance in this film. Miike actually made a "Making of Gemini" film that I have not seen.
Black Rain Not to be confused with the Ridley Scott/Michael Douglas movie from the same year, Shohei Imamura's 1989 film reminded me of a live action Hotaru no Haka (Grave of Fireflies). The film is black and white and follows a group of atomic bomb survivors as they deal with post radiation illness picking them off one by one. It is a bit melancholy and not one of the better Japanese dramas I have seen. Actually, the last scene in the film is one of the worst film endings ever. An old man watches helplessly as his niece is whisked away in an ambulance. He looks down the valley and says something like "If a rainbow appears, and not just any rainbow, but a really bright and colorful rainbow, then Yasuko will survive." And then the credits roll. Ouch.
Larks on a String This is a light hearted film set in Prague just after the Soviet tanks rolled in during the late 1940s. It is full of commentary about Socialism and the real role of the worker and stars some really likable characters. Particularly captivating is the shy smile of co-star Jitka Zelenohorská. I imagine not too many people here have seen this or will get a chance, but if you stumble upon it you will likely find it enjoyable.
Good Bye Lenin! This recent German film (2003) made the festival rounds a couple summers ago but I missed it. It is a hilarious story about a son in East Germany whose party-comrade mother is in a coma for the 9 months surrounding the fall of Communism and reunification of the East and West. He and his likable sister and girlfriend do all they can to hide the truth from her weak heart. This film is really well done and a very interesting look at what it was like to be in the middle of such an amazing time in our recent history.
Gemini A recent Japanese horror (or more accurately, psychological thriller) flick by Shinya Tsukamoto, famous for his 16MM genre defining horror film Tetsuo (Ironman) from 1988. This film is a story of duplicity following a rich doctor, Yukio, at the end of the Meiji period living a lavish lifestyle. His twin brother invades his life, kills his parents, throws Yukio down a well, and then starts to bed his wife (who has a dual aspect as well). Yukio must overcome this "evil twin" and find his place. The story is about rapid modernization and class separation in a very interesting time in Japanese history. There are some strange techniques used to make the film almost seem set in a place removed from time and space. Tsukamoto plays Jijii (muscled Chinese antagonist) in Miike's Ichi the Killer and Tadanobu Asano (Ichi's Kakihara) also makes an appearance in this film. Miike actually made a "Making of Gemini" film that I have not seen.
Black Rain Not to be confused with the Ridley Scott/Michael Douglas movie from the same year, Shohei Imamura's 1989 film reminded me of a live action Hotaru no Haka (Grave of Fireflies). The film is black and white and follows a group of atomic bomb survivors as they deal with post radiation illness picking them off one by one. It is a bit melancholy and not one of the better Japanese dramas I have seen. Actually, the last scene in the film is one of the worst film endings ever. An old man watches helplessly as his niece is whisked away in an ambulance. He looks down the valley and says something like "If a rainbow appears, and not just any rainbow, but a really bright and colorful rainbow, then Yasuko will survive." And then the credits roll. Ouch.
Larks on a String This is a light hearted film set in Prague just after the Soviet tanks rolled in during the late 1940s. It is full of commentary about Socialism and the real role of the worker and stars some really likable characters. Particularly captivating is the shy smile of co-star Jitka Zelenohorská. I imagine not too many people here have seen this or will get a chance, but if you stumble upon it you will likely find it enjoyable.
Good Bye Lenin! This recent German film (2003) made the festival rounds a couple summers ago but I missed it. It is a hilarious story about a son in East Germany whose party-comrade mother is in a coma for the 9 months surrounding the fall of Communism and reunification of the East and West. He and his likable sister and girlfriend do all they can to hide the truth from her weak heart. This film is really well done and a very interesting look at what it was like to be in the middle of such an amazing time in our recent history.
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enderzero
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Finding Neverland I was unaware that this film was the true story of the life of the writer of Peter Pan. I was impressed by Depp and Winslet's performances and thought that the film was well written and beautifully shot. The story isn't exactly packed with action but I enjoyed the period and costumes and the stage scenes. What especially stands out were the visual flights into fantasy. This is an all around well put together film.
Closer The last film I had to watch before the Oscars just squeaked under the line. I thought the film was pretty well written with some good dialog but I am just not a fan of the cast. I think Nichols was hoping for another hit that would go down like The Graduate and you can see that in some of the auteur-ish shots. But by putting such boring "in-everything" actors as Jude Law and Julia Roberts it fails to stand out as anything special. Natalie Portman, who had a great role, was likely the best of the bunch but I thought her performance wasn't anywhere near deserving an Oscar nomination and lagged compared to Garden State. Who was the other guy? Ultimately this interesting portrayal of a cast of characters fails in a way that We Don't Live Here Anymore really shined. Sorry Mike, but what was up with that patriotic bit at the very end?
The Business of Fancy Dancing I will be absolutely shocked if anyone else has even heard of this film. It is about a homosexual Native American that has left life on the Rez for the big city (Seattle). When he strikes it big as a poet he is rejected by his tribe/family. It is a fascinating look at a character and a people's search for identity with great acting by Gene Tagaban and Evan Adams. The film is also full of amazing poetry by writer/director Sherman Alexie.
Closer The last film I had to watch before the Oscars just squeaked under the line. I thought the film was pretty well written with some good dialog but I am just not a fan of the cast. I think Nichols was hoping for another hit that would go down like The Graduate and you can see that in some of the auteur-ish shots. But by putting such boring "in-everything" actors as Jude Law and Julia Roberts it fails to stand out as anything special. Natalie Portman, who had a great role, was likely the best of the bunch but I thought her performance wasn't anywhere near deserving an Oscar nomination and lagged compared to Garden State. Who was the other guy? Ultimately this interesting portrayal of a cast of characters fails in a way that We Don't Live Here Anymore really shined. Sorry Mike, but what was up with that patriotic bit at the very end?
The Business of Fancy Dancing I will be absolutely shocked if anyone else has even heard of this film. It is about a homosexual Native American that has left life on the Rez for the big city (Seattle). When he strikes it big as a poet he is rejected by his tribe/family. It is a fascinating look at a character and a people's search for identity with great acting by Gene Tagaban and Evan Adams. The film is also full of amazing poetry by writer/director Sherman Alexie.
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enderzero
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eww... I know I watched movies in March. How did none of them at make it here.
Gozu The whole time I was watching this masterpiece of the bizarre by Takashi Miike, I was thinking to myself, "this is borrowing a whole lot from David Lynch." When the final reel had lamentably rolled, I found myself immediately perusing the special features, foremost of which contained a hard to read backstory to the production of the film. The first paragraph confirmed my observation that this film, more than any other by Miike, was heavily influenced by an outside source, in this case being David Lynch. Now I love Miike's films. He has an incredible ability to continually push the limits of what has been seen, but with a precision that avoids clichéd attempts to shock. (To fully appreciate this film it is really best to have seen a few of his other films - I recommend starting with Ichi the Killer, Visitor Q, and Happiness of the Katakuris). Likewise, I have always been a big fan of David Lynch's hallucinatory, paranoia-infused style. Merging that feel with Miike's vision creates a monumentally enjoyable film. I will spare you even the slightest of plot details, because they would like sound too fantastic, but suffice to say, Miike does Lynch better than Lynch does Lynch.
The French Connection I have noticed this 1971 detective film gracing a number of 'best of all time' lists (AFI calls it #70), but until recently I had somehow never managed to catch it. As a typical cops and robbers film, this one is a real dud. The good guys, played by Gene Hackamn and Roy Sheider, are too righteous, and stereotypes abound. But the place where the film succeeds is in its non-traditional conclusion, which begins to become apparent two-thirds of the way through (Hackman is really a poor cop), and in its great 70s style cinematography. The filmmaking techniques seen here were just being experimented with at the time, but today they are what we read about as gospel in film textbooks. All in all the film is enjoyable and worth watching, but it is really nowhere near my top 100.
Vanity Fair I have found myself with a real hankering to watch period pieces since reading Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle (which I am still very slowly inching through). Therefore, I decided to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon watching India-born director Mira Nair's recent adaptation, even though it received somewhat less than perfect reviews. I must admit that I really enjoyed the film. I found myself wrapped up in the world of pomp and circumstance of the high European society at the turn of the 19th Century. Reese Witherspoon does a great job and I longed to know more details once the two and one-half hour film was finished. If anything, it only further wetted my appetite for more period pieces. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Harold and Kumar go to White Castle This stoner road-trip flick where everything that can go wrong goes worse is pretty much exactly what you might expect. it is great! Interestingly, I noticed the same exaggeration of racial stereotype humor that is so popular on shows like Chappelle's Show. There is no denying that white guys love to laugh at exaggerated racial stereotypes. The question is, is this because it makes us feel smart for being able to recognize them as stereotypes? Does this recognition help to deflate the stereotyping's impact, or just further reinforce the negative portrayal of minorities in the media? I recommend you light up a J, throw on some Harold and Kumar, and then spend a few hours sitting around with your white buddies discussing the ramifications of this type of humor on today's society. (...or just light up a second J and play some Topspin)
The 400 Blows Spring Quarter has begun and this page will soon overflow with European masterworks from the two classes I am taking (Italian Directors, and Film New Waves and Beyond). We start with Francois Truffaut's 1959 New Wave primer. As a film critic, Truffaut was known for blasting just about every film that was made by France's film industry in the 50s (save films by the likes of Jean Renoir). As the story goes, Truffaut's uncle, a filmmaker himself, tired of his nephew's scathing remarks, challenged Francois to make a film that could live up to his own standards. With his uncle's provocation and purse of francs, Truffaut crafted this film, which won at Cannes and went on to start the movement that we know today as the French New Wave. 400 Blows, the mostly autobiographical story of a troubled 13 year old, is a monumental tale filled from beginning to end with breathtaking cinematography and enjoyable asides. This is truly a film for anyone that loves cinema. I very much look forward to more films by Truffaut and in the style that he helped create.
Breathless ...such as this film, co-written by Francois Truffaut and directed by New Wave god Jean-Luc Godard. I had seen clips of this movie in other film classes and remember not being all that impressed. However, when watched from beginning to end, this film surely leaves you brea... err, stunned. Calling this movie beautiful is insulting. To say it sets new standards is really not enough. Godard's expansion of Truffaut's screenplay takes a 1 minute scene of the two lovers in bed and turns it into a 25 minute mini-film unto itself. The depth of these characters that we are shown is unmatched. The cinematography is epic and actually crisper than Truffaut's, but the editing is where the film really show a different standard. Jump cuts and strange ellipses continually remind the viewer that this is more than just a film; this is a piece of art.
Gozu The whole time I was watching this masterpiece of the bizarre by Takashi Miike, I was thinking to myself, "this is borrowing a whole lot from David Lynch." When the final reel had lamentably rolled, I found myself immediately perusing the special features, foremost of which contained a hard to read backstory to the production of the film. The first paragraph confirmed my observation that this film, more than any other by Miike, was heavily influenced by an outside source, in this case being David Lynch. Now I love Miike's films. He has an incredible ability to continually push the limits of what has been seen, but with a precision that avoids clichéd attempts to shock. (To fully appreciate this film it is really best to have seen a few of his other films - I recommend starting with Ichi the Killer, Visitor Q, and Happiness of the Katakuris). Likewise, I have always been a big fan of David Lynch's hallucinatory, paranoia-infused style. Merging that feel with Miike's vision creates a monumentally enjoyable film. I will spare you even the slightest of plot details, because they would like sound too fantastic, but suffice to say, Miike does Lynch better than Lynch does Lynch.
The French Connection I have noticed this 1971 detective film gracing a number of 'best of all time' lists (AFI calls it #70), but until recently I had somehow never managed to catch it. As a typical cops and robbers film, this one is a real dud. The good guys, played by Gene Hackamn and Roy Sheider, are too righteous, and stereotypes abound. But the place where the film succeeds is in its non-traditional conclusion, which begins to become apparent two-thirds of the way through (Hackman is really a poor cop), and in its great 70s style cinematography. The filmmaking techniques seen here were just being experimented with at the time, but today they are what we read about as gospel in film textbooks. All in all the film is enjoyable and worth watching, but it is really nowhere near my top 100.
Vanity Fair I have found myself with a real hankering to watch period pieces since reading Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle (which I am still very slowly inching through). Therefore, I decided to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon watching India-born director Mira Nair's recent adaptation, even though it received somewhat less than perfect reviews. I must admit that I really enjoyed the film. I found myself wrapped up in the world of pomp and circumstance of the high European society at the turn of the 19th Century. Reese Witherspoon does a great job and I longed to know more details once the two and one-half hour film was finished. If anything, it only further wetted my appetite for more period pieces. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Harold and Kumar go to White Castle This stoner road-trip flick where everything that can go wrong goes worse is pretty much exactly what you might expect. it is great! Interestingly, I noticed the same exaggeration of racial stereotype humor that is so popular on shows like Chappelle's Show. There is no denying that white guys love to laugh at exaggerated racial stereotypes. The question is, is this because it makes us feel smart for being able to recognize them as stereotypes? Does this recognition help to deflate the stereotyping's impact, or just further reinforce the negative portrayal of minorities in the media? I recommend you light up a J, throw on some Harold and Kumar, and then spend a few hours sitting around with your white buddies discussing the ramifications of this type of humor on today's society. (...or just light up a second J and play some Topspin)
The 400 Blows Spring Quarter has begun and this page will soon overflow with European masterworks from the two classes I am taking (Italian Directors, and Film New Waves and Beyond). We start with Francois Truffaut's 1959 New Wave primer. As a film critic, Truffaut was known for blasting just about every film that was made by France's film industry in the 50s (save films by the likes of Jean Renoir). As the story goes, Truffaut's uncle, a filmmaker himself, tired of his nephew's scathing remarks, challenged Francois to make a film that could live up to his own standards. With his uncle's provocation and purse of francs, Truffaut crafted this film, which won at Cannes and went on to start the movement that we know today as the French New Wave. 400 Blows, the mostly autobiographical story of a troubled 13 year old, is a monumental tale filled from beginning to end with breathtaking cinematography and enjoyable asides. This is truly a film for anyone that loves cinema. I very much look forward to more films by Truffaut and in the style that he helped create.
Breathless ...such as this film, co-written by Francois Truffaut and directed by New Wave god Jean-Luc Godard. I had seen clips of this movie in other film classes and remember not being all that impressed. However, when watched from beginning to end, this film surely leaves you brea... err, stunned. Calling this movie beautiful is insulting. To say it sets new standards is really not enough. Godard's expansion of Truffaut's screenplay takes a 1 minute scene of the two lovers in bed and turns it into a 25 minute mini-film unto itself. The depth of these characters that we are shown is unmatched. The cinematography is epic and actually crisper than Truffaut's, but the editing is where the film really show a different standard. Jump cuts and strange ellipses continually remind the viewer that this is more than just a film; this is a piece of art.
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enderzero
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Sin City Wow...! Amazing visuals, hot babes, great characters - I was really impressed by this film (as I have heard echoed from many people). Stylistically it is one of the most original and best put together films I have seen. Of course there is a ton of CG, but the black and white with small dabs of vivid color produces an effect far beyond just impressive robots and cityscapes seen in most FX romps. It is, of course, incredibly violent, but if you can get past that and appreciate it like a comic book then it is highly recommended. I never read the comic, but I do remember seeing covers and posters and this film perfect captures the feel of those images.
Kung Fu Hustle Veteran Kung Fu actor-turned director, Stephen Chow, follows up his hit Shaolin Soccer with another farcical romp. This time the setting is 1940s Shanghai where violent gangs control the city. When a gang attacks a slum on the outskirts of town, the citizens (some of whom happen to be kung fu masters) decide to fight back. The plot develops slowly from there, but it really takes a back seat to the hilarious martial arts action. This film is really enjoyable and the 95 minutes fly by far too quickly. As contrived as the happy ending might feel, the movie is well worth checking out for such awesome moves as the demon-harpsisword, lion's roars, and the fist of Buddha!
La Dolce Vita This 1960 classic by Federico Fellini is a must see for any fans of international cinema. The story of one man's journey into the upper reaches of society is just as relevant today as when the film was made. On top of that it is just gorgeous to watch. Fellini is a true master. For those that didn't know, this film gives us the "paparazzi," named after the protagonist's friend and scruple-less photographer Paparazzo.
La Jetee Although a short film at a little under 30 minutes, I thought this was worth mentioning here because of how cool it is. The 1962 film, which became the inspiration for 12 Monkeys, is a series of still black and white photos. The nondiagetic narration tells an interweaving story exploring time travel and perception in a post-apocalyptic Paris. It may seem a bit familiar to those that have seen 12 Monkeys, but it well worth checking out if you somehow get the chance. Both the imagery and the story have really stuck with me since I saw this film a week ago.
Ginger and Fred This much later film by Fellini made in 1986 is far departure from the brilliance of La Dolce Vita. Admittedly, the subject of an aging Italian Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers impersonation duo coming to terms with their role in society would not be one of the first films I would run to see. Regardless, I found this film boring, uninspired, and filled with implausable situations that ruined the watching experience.
Cruel Story of Youth (AKA Seishun zankoku monogatari) This 1960 film by Nagisa Oshima is one of the first films of the "Japanese New Wave." It is certainly a departure from the typical Kurosawa affair and is more similar to the French and Italian films being made at the time, as well as the Hollywood films that would follow in the next decade. Cruel Story follows the young Kiyoshi and Makoto in their destructive love affair that finds them hustling your typical salaryman pervs and engaging in plenty of echi. It all catches up with them in the end of the film is really enjoyable and Mako-chan (Miyuki Kuwano) is hottt. It is a great look at Tokyo 45 years ago where other than the proliferation of keitais (which would have changed the plot drastically) not that much has changed.
The Hundred Steps (AKA I Cento Passi) I was really impressed by this 2000 Italian film by Marco Giordana. The film tells the true story of a Sicilian boy from a mafia family that grows up to become a provincial revolutionary. Luigi Lo Cascio does a great job of serving up a revolutionary zeal in his character that really reminded me of Che. I imagine he studied him a bit for the role. The film is most impressive, though, because it shows how that unwavering idealism can be detrimental to those around the person. It does a great job of making the viewer understand the character and situation without just getting upset and despondent at the characters eventual assassination. Giordana came to my attention the other day for his recent release of a 6 hour film called The Best of Youth (actually made in 2003) getting great reviews that I am now excited to see.
Kung Fu Hustle Veteran Kung Fu actor-turned director, Stephen Chow, follows up his hit Shaolin Soccer with another farcical romp. This time the setting is 1940s Shanghai where violent gangs control the city. When a gang attacks a slum on the outskirts of town, the citizens (some of whom happen to be kung fu masters) decide to fight back. The plot develops slowly from there, but it really takes a back seat to the hilarious martial arts action. This film is really enjoyable and the 95 minutes fly by far too quickly. As contrived as the happy ending might feel, the movie is well worth checking out for such awesome moves as the demon-harpsisword, lion's roars, and the fist of Buddha!
La Dolce Vita This 1960 classic by Federico Fellini is a must see for any fans of international cinema. The story of one man's journey into the upper reaches of society is just as relevant today as when the film was made. On top of that it is just gorgeous to watch. Fellini is a true master. For those that didn't know, this film gives us the "paparazzi," named after the protagonist's friend and scruple-less photographer Paparazzo.
La Jetee Although a short film at a little under 30 minutes, I thought this was worth mentioning here because of how cool it is. The 1962 film, which became the inspiration for 12 Monkeys, is a series of still black and white photos. The nondiagetic narration tells an interweaving story exploring time travel and perception in a post-apocalyptic Paris. It may seem a bit familiar to those that have seen 12 Monkeys, but it well worth checking out if you somehow get the chance. Both the imagery and the story have really stuck with me since I saw this film a week ago.
Ginger and Fred This much later film by Fellini made in 1986 is far departure from the brilliance of La Dolce Vita. Admittedly, the subject of an aging Italian Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers impersonation duo coming to terms with their role in society would not be one of the first films I would run to see. Regardless, I found this film boring, uninspired, and filled with implausable situations that ruined the watching experience.
Cruel Story of Youth (AKA Seishun zankoku monogatari) This 1960 film by Nagisa Oshima is one of the first films of the "Japanese New Wave." It is certainly a departure from the typical Kurosawa affair and is more similar to the French and Italian films being made at the time, as well as the Hollywood films that would follow in the next decade. Cruel Story follows the young Kiyoshi and Makoto in their destructive love affair that finds them hustling your typical salaryman pervs and engaging in plenty of echi. It all catches up with them in the end of the film is really enjoyable and Mako-chan (Miyuki Kuwano) is hottt. It is a great look at Tokyo 45 years ago where other than the proliferation of keitais (which would have changed the plot drastically) not that much has changed.
The Hundred Steps (AKA I Cento Passi) I was really impressed by this 2000 Italian film by Marco Giordana. The film tells the true story of a Sicilian boy from a mafia family that grows up to become a provincial revolutionary. Luigi Lo Cascio does a great job of serving up a revolutionary zeal in his character that really reminded me of Che. I imagine he studied him a bit for the role. The film is most impressive, though, because it shows how that unwavering idealism can be detrimental to those around the person. It does a great job of making the viewer understand the character and situation without just getting upset and despondent at the characters eventual assassination. Giordana came to my attention the other day for his recent release of a 6 hour film called The Best of Youth (actually made in 2003) getting great reviews that I am now excited to see.
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enderzero
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I actually haven't had much in the way of chances to watch films other than those screened for classes. Here is a quick run down of those at least:
Mediterraneo A quite enjoyable Italian film about a company of outcasts marooned on a Greek island during WW2. Years pass by and they make the island their home, realizing that while they long for the Italy of their memories, they are better off staying on this home-made utopia.
The Icicle Thief Maurizio Nichetti's 1989 comedy interweaves the story of a director, angry about his film's frequent commercial interruptions, and the director's film itself (both protagonist's played quite cleverly by Nichetti). The stories jump back and forth like you are watching a TV movie until the real world invades the film and vice versa. This movie is quite well made and enjoyable on top of being an interesting commentary on today's television culture.
Dil Se This big budget Bollywood love story reeks of a clichéd plot and an obviously poor mastery of formal technique. Its only saving grace are a couple of entertaining dance scenes, including a lengthy one atop a moving train.
Gallipoli Peter Weir's (Dead Poet Society, Master and Commander) 1981 film co-starring Mel Gibson about an Aussie pair sent off to aid the motherland (Britain) during WW1. Pretty boring, all around, and the end is one of the worst I have ever seen.
Chocolat The Claire Denis version from 1988, without Johnny Depp, is a bit less entertaining but actually not too bad. This film is about a young girl and her family living in a colonial outpost in 1950's Cameroon. The subplot of the girl's mother's love affair with the African house boy is less interesting than the general look at colonial Africa.
Don't Look Back Go on the road with a very young Bob Dylan in this 1967 D.A. Pennebaker Direct Cinema documentary. Pennebaker invented the tour video and this original is a must see for any Dylan fans.
Facing Windows (AKA La Finestra di Fronte) This recent Italian film from Turkish turned Italian director Ferzan Ozpetek is nothing to rush out and see. It is a mildly interesting story about a woman unhappy in her marriage who is inspired by a homosexual, ex-concentration camp pastry chef that is quickly falling into the depths of dementia. I'll just leave it at that.
Mediterraneo A quite enjoyable Italian film about a company of outcasts marooned on a Greek island during WW2. Years pass by and they make the island their home, realizing that while they long for the Italy of their memories, they are better off staying on this home-made utopia.
The Icicle Thief Maurizio Nichetti's 1989 comedy interweaves the story of a director, angry about his film's frequent commercial interruptions, and the director's film itself (both protagonist's played quite cleverly by Nichetti). The stories jump back and forth like you are watching a TV movie until the real world invades the film and vice versa. This movie is quite well made and enjoyable on top of being an interesting commentary on today's television culture.
Dil Se This big budget Bollywood love story reeks of a clichéd plot and an obviously poor mastery of formal technique. Its only saving grace are a couple of entertaining dance scenes, including a lengthy one atop a moving train.
Gallipoli Peter Weir's (Dead Poet Society, Master and Commander) 1981 film co-starring Mel Gibson about an Aussie pair sent off to aid the motherland (Britain) during WW1. Pretty boring, all around, and the end is one of the worst I have ever seen.
Chocolat The Claire Denis version from 1988, without Johnny Depp, is a bit less entertaining but actually not too bad. This film is about a young girl and her family living in a colonial outpost in 1950's Cameroon. The subplot of the girl's mother's love affair with the African house boy is less interesting than the general look at colonial Africa.
Don't Look Back Go on the road with a very young Bob Dylan in this 1967 D.A. Pennebaker Direct Cinema documentary. Pennebaker invented the tour video and this original is a must see for any Dylan fans.
Facing Windows (AKA La Finestra di Fronte) This recent Italian film from Turkish turned Italian director Ferzan Ozpetek is nothing to rush out and see. It is a mildly interesting story about a woman unhappy in her marriage who is inspired by a homosexual, ex-concentration camp pastry chef that is quickly falling into the depths of dementia. I'll just leave it at that.
Episode 3: I, for one, overall enjoyed the movie. It had little disappointments. The dialogue is still lacking substance and Hayden Christenson's acting is still bad although remarkably improved since Ep. II. I thought the end was awesome and gave some closure. My only wish was that there would finally be some nudity and see some space titties in a Star Wars flick. Now all hope is gone.
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enderzero
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Gasp! It fell off the first page. Damn I spend a lot of time writing about films.
In the Mood for Love Begin gush: Oh my goodness - what a beautiful movie! Wong Kar Wai may, in fact, be my new favorite director. He enriches each scene with so many details that you just want to pause and stare at the wallpaper. Oh the wallpaper! This film is a love story starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. It is perfectly paced, balanced, and overall just outstanding.
2046 Fast forward a few years from where In the Mood for Love leaves off and we get 2046. The title refers to a room number, but it is also a fictional place/time that Leung's character writes about. Events in his life parallel the character that falls in love with an android in 2046, but these scenes are of no particular importance to the plot. They are highly stylized, though, and quite fun to look at. Wong Kar Wai decided to tone down his mise-en-scene a touch in the non 2046 scenes and I found myself missing the fantastic wallpaper of the previous film. However, the story and acting is top notch. Leung is joined by Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, and Faye Wong in this bit more complicated story that follows his character through multiple relationships. What comes across as so impressive is really the life brought to Leung's character. We may find ourselves not liking him as much as we did coming in. All right! - bring on movie number 3 Wong!
Amores Perros Three stories, - make that three long stories - make up this Mexican film by Alejandro González Iñárritu of 21 Grams fame. I found the first story the most captivating. It stars Gael GarcÃa Bernal (forever henceforth just Gael) in a dog fighting drama. The middle story about a model who breaks her leg and the closer about a murder plot were a bit less engrossing. However, the film is well made and the acting is superb. I definitely enjoyed the gritty filming style and it was cool to get such an intimate look at Mexico City.
What Have I Done to Deserve This? This early (1984) film by Pedro Almodóvar focuses on one fucked up family. One son is a homosexual call-boy; the other is a drug dealer. The mother is addicted to speed and accidentally kills her abusive husband. The neighbor is a hooker whose client is the cop investigating the father’s murder. Only the grandma is a bit normal - but even she has a few quirks. Somehow it all holds together and this black comedy-farce ends up really enjoyable. It is probably due to the fact that even with their oddities, each of the characters is pretty damned likable.
Bad Education 20 years later we have this quite different film from Almodóvar. This film stars Gael as a homosexual screenwriter that tries to seduce a director into making his autobiographical story of catholic school abuse. Gael plays the role in the film/flashbacks as a striking transvestite that tries to blackmail the aging priest. The plot is considerably more complicated than that and it is fun to watch it all unravel. Both Gael and co-star Fele Martinez are excellent.
The Blue Kite Tian Zhuangzhuang's Cultural Revolution-era drama is especially enjoyable if you are interested in recent Chinese history. If not, you may not find yourself too interested in the characters that can never seem to do anything right.
The Color of Paradise This is a beautiful film by Iranian auteur director Majid Majidi. It tells the story of a young blind boy that returns to his village from his boarding school for the blind in the city. The landscapes are lush (no Iran is not all sand) and the sound work is revolutionary. I highly recommend checking this one out.
La Haine (AKA Hate) This 1995 black and white film by Mathieu Kassovitz follows a few days in the life of three characters in the projects of Paris. Some might think of it as a French Menace II Society. It is an extremely well made and incredibly interesting look into these boys’ lives.
Caro Diario (AKA Dear Diary) This semi-autobiographical story by Nanni Moretti is actually three stories in one. Again, I liked the first, “On My Vespa†the best. Watch this if you like Moretti (who is highly likable) or if you want some nice views of Italy.
Silverlake Life This is an incredibly tough to watch documentary about a couple dying of AIDS. It starts out too slow and eventually gets way too graphic. I suppose it is good and valuable but I shudder when I think back on it.
The Nasty Girl A somewhat enjoyable German film by Michael Verhoeven that explores the subject of one town coming to terms with its Nazi past.
La Tregua (AKA The Truce) This Francesco Rosi adaptation of a Primo Levy novel is an interesting story of a group of Italians trying to find their way home after being liberated from Auschwitz. John Turturro stars.
Life is Beautiful I didn’t at all enjoy Benigni’s comedic romp through Nazi death camps, although not because I thought it was in poor taste. I just thought the film was too hard to believe and Benigni was way too annoying. Plus, how tired is the device of the cute little boy in Italian cinema (see Bicycle Thief, Cinema Paradiso, etc.)?
The Embalmer This title should have probably been translated from Italian as “the taxidermist,†but I don’t think the big wigs thought that was as catchy. But it is not like anyone saw this dark 2002 film about a taxidermist dwarf and his hunky object of affection. It is probably better off that way anyhow.
In the Mood for Love Begin gush: Oh my goodness - what a beautiful movie! Wong Kar Wai may, in fact, be my new favorite director. He enriches each scene with so many details that you just want to pause and stare at the wallpaper. Oh the wallpaper! This film is a love story starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. It is perfectly paced, balanced, and overall just outstanding.
2046 Fast forward a few years from where In the Mood for Love leaves off and we get 2046. The title refers to a room number, but it is also a fictional place/time that Leung's character writes about. Events in his life parallel the character that falls in love with an android in 2046, but these scenes are of no particular importance to the plot. They are highly stylized, though, and quite fun to look at. Wong Kar Wai decided to tone down his mise-en-scene a touch in the non 2046 scenes and I found myself missing the fantastic wallpaper of the previous film. However, the story and acting is top notch. Leung is joined by Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, and Faye Wong in this bit more complicated story that follows his character through multiple relationships. What comes across as so impressive is really the life brought to Leung's character. We may find ourselves not liking him as much as we did coming in. All right! - bring on movie number 3 Wong!
Amores Perros Three stories, - make that three long stories - make up this Mexican film by Alejandro González Iñárritu of 21 Grams fame. I found the first story the most captivating. It stars Gael GarcÃa Bernal (forever henceforth just Gael) in a dog fighting drama. The middle story about a model who breaks her leg and the closer about a murder plot were a bit less engrossing. However, the film is well made and the acting is superb. I definitely enjoyed the gritty filming style and it was cool to get such an intimate look at Mexico City.
What Have I Done to Deserve This? This early (1984) film by Pedro Almodóvar focuses on one fucked up family. One son is a homosexual call-boy; the other is a drug dealer. The mother is addicted to speed and accidentally kills her abusive husband. The neighbor is a hooker whose client is the cop investigating the father’s murder. Only the grandma is a bit normal - but even she has a few quirks. Somehow it all holds together and this black comedy-farce ends up really enjoyable. It is probably due to the fact that even with their oddities, each of the characters is pretty damned likable.
Bad Education 20 years later we have this quite different film from Almodóvar. This film stars Gael as a homosexual screenwriter that tries to seduce a director into making his autobiographical story of catholic school abuse. Gael plays the role in the film/flashbacks as a striking transvestite that tries to blackmail the aging priest. The plot is considerably more complicated than that and it is fun to watch it all unravel. Both Gael and co-star Fele Martinez are excellent.
The Blue Kite Tian Zhuangzhuang's Cultural Revolution-era drama is especially enjoyable if you are interested in recent Chinese history. If not, you may not find yourself too interested in the characters that can never seem to do anything right.
The Color of Paradise This is a beautiful film by Iranian auteur director Majid Majidi. It tells the story of a young blind boy that returns to his village from his boarding school for the blind in the city. The landscapes are lush (no Iran is not all sand) and the sound work is revolutionary. I highly recommend checking this one out.
La Haine (AKA Hate) This 1995 black and white film by Mathieu Kassovitz follows a few days in the life of three characters in the projects of Paris. Some might think of it as a French Menace II Society. It is an extremely well made and incredibly interesting look into these boys’ lives.
Caro Diario (AKA Dear Diary) This semi-autobiographical story by Nanni Moretti is actually three stories in one. Again, I liked the first, “On My Vespa†the best. Watch this if you like Moretti (who is highly likable) or if you want some nice views of Italy.
Silverlake Life This is an incredibly tough to watch documentary about a couple dying of AIDS. It starts out too slow and eventually gets way too graphic. I suppose it is good and valuable but I shudder when I think back on it.
The Nasty Girl A somewhat enjoyable German film by Michael Verhoeven that explores the subject of one town coming to terms with its Nazi past.
La Tregua (AKA The Truce) This Francesco Rosi adaptation of a Primo Levy novel is an interesting story of a group of Italians trying to find their way home after being liberated from Auschwitz. John Turturro stars.
Life is Beautiful I didn’t at all enjoy Benigni’s comedic romp through Nazi death camps, although not because I thought it was in poor taste. I just thought the film was too hard to believe and Benigni was way too annoying. Plus, how tired is the device of the cute little boy in Italian cinema (see Bicycle Thief, Cinema Paradiso, etc.)?
The Embalmer This title should have probably been translated from Italian as “the taxidermist,†but I don’t think the big wigs thought that was as catchy. But it is not like anyone saw this dark 2002 film about a taxidermist dwarf and his hunky object of affection. It is probably better off that way anyhow.
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enderzero
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Star Wars Ep. 3 - Revenge of the Sith Ehhh... Here's the thing: this film did a very good job of tying it all together - but that is about all it had. It is a back story and nothing more. The thing that bothered me the most was that there was no depth. In Ep 3, every time someone needed to get to another planet they just jumped aboard the nearest ship which was always waiting. In the original, Luke had to get into Mos Eisley, and then find the Cantina, and then find a pilot, and then get to the ship. There was so much depth there. These new 3 films don't have that. Plus, I never really cared about any of the characters. Of course the effects were cool... but cool effects are not enough to sell a movie anymore - anything can be done if you throw enough money at it. My final verdict is that while does a good job of bringing us back to the original series, in no way can it compare to the quality and imagination found in the originals.
Izo Miike! Man he is crazy. This is a sword play slash em up in some sort of metaphysical world between life and death. It is all over the place. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it all that much. For those uninitiated to Miike, I would recommend some of his other films. 1. Ichi the Killer, 2. Visitor Q, 3. Happiness of the Katakuris, 4. Gozu - in that order.
The Yes Men This is the docu about the guys that pretend to be part of the WTO and give ridiculous talks and interviews to unsuspecting groups. This is real stuff and quite funny but the film is a bit average. I did enjoy the last bit at the end, though.
Restoration I was hoping for more form this period piece - although Robert Downey Jr was fantastic. Unfortunately, he is away from court for the majority of the film which tends to be quite a bit more boring. Overall I enjoyed the film.
Monsieur Hire This is an odd French film about a creepy man and the woman he lusts for. The film is quite impressive, but some serious analysis needs to be done to figure out what is really going on. Its major victory is the way the film immediately convinces you this guy is unlikable, and then makes you feel guilty for those thoughts when you end up liking him by the end.
Zhou Yu's Train This is an extremely complicated film about a woman caught between two men. I had to watch it 3 times before I really understood the intricacies of the plot. If anyone has seen or ends up seeing this then let me know, because it would be fun to discuss.
Izo Miike! Man he is crazy. This is a sword play slash em up in some sort of metaphysical world between life and death. It is all over the place. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it all that much. For those uninitiated to Miike, I would recommend some of his other films. 1. Ichi the Killer, 2. Visitor Q, 3. Happiness of the Katakuris, 4. Gozu - in that order.
The Yes Men This is the docu about the guys that pretend to be part of the WTO and give ridiculous talks and interviews to unsuspecting groups. This is real stuff and quite funny but the film is a bit average. I did enjoy the last bit at the end, though.
Restoration I was hoping for more form this period piece - although Robert Downey Jr was fantastic. Unfortunately, he is away from court for the majority of the film which tends to be quite a bit more boring. Overall I enjoyed the film.
Monsieur Hire This is an odd French film about a creepy man and the woman he lusts for. The film is quite impressive, but some serious analysis needs to be done to figure out what is really going on. Its major victory is the way the film immediately convinces you this guy is unlikable, and then makes you feel guilty for those thoughts when you end up liking him by the end.
Zhou Yu's Train This is an extremely complicated film about a woman caught between two men. I had to watch it 3 times before I really understood the intricacies of the plot. If anyone has seen or ends up seeing this then let me know, because it would be fun to discuss.
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mistasparkle*
- Hitching Post
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Thu Jun 12, 2003 1:31 am
- Location: monkeyball
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mistasparkle*
- Hitching Post
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Thu Jun 12, 2003 1:31 am
- Location: monkeyball
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enderzero
- Site Admin
- Posts: 3442
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- Location: Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
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Lies This Korean free form improvisational piece about S&M and love is basically a porno in disguise. It is a bit entertaining for about 20-30 minutes (although beware, the stars are not attractive) but after that it gets waaaay too tedious. I watched the last 30 mins in fast-fwd. It is simply not very good.
Howl's Moving Castle w00t! I loved the latest flick from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Howl is a wizard and his castle is full of some great and inventive trickery. I found the characters very likable and the plot engaging. However, I should say that repeatedly throughout the film I found myself pointing at this or that and noticing it was directly out of an earlier film. He might not have too many original stories left in him. But if you love Ghibli then you will love Howl. Note: I saw the Japanese version but there is not too much "Japanese" about this film - so it probably would be worth it to go see the English version in the theater - maybe someone that has seen the English version can weigh in on the dubbing.
She Hate Me This latest offering from Spike Lee got horrendous reviews (20% on RT). I found it to be quite watchable and a pretty interesting premise dealing with corporate crime in today's society. The baby making story arc is a bit forced at times, but overall I think it worked. Anthony Mackie does a really great job, the interiors are gorgeous, and special kudos should be given to Terence Blanchard's fantastic score.
Twilight Samurai I finally watched this samurai period drama by Yoji Yamada that swept the Japanese Academy Awards a couple years ago. It was extremely well done. Notably, the film is perfectly paced - not too slow, yet nowhere near Hollywood's quick action. The acting is superb, the story riveting, and the sword play maybe the best I have ever seen. Anyone interested in Japan, Samurai, or great films should see this.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai A very different kind of samurai - Forest Whitaker as Ghost Dog prefers hand-modified guns and gadgets to katana and wakizashi. But Jim Jarmusch goes to great lengths to show that Ghost Dog's honor and virtue are just as important. Whitaker is good - if he was asked to play superman (he seems a bit omnipotent). The film is good, but not my favorite Jarmusch work. The RZA's soundtrack fits perfectly into this street samurai flick.
The Chambermaid on the Titanic When a French forge worker wins a race in his tiny industrial town, he is awarded a vacation to England to watch the Titanic (which he helped build) sail. He meets a woman there and invents incredible fantasies which he relates to his friends back home - to their joy and to the chagrin of his wife. His storytelling wins him acclaim and sends him on a journey to becoming a professional actor. Now that you know what happens, you can skip watching this dry and rather uninspired film.
Howl's Moving Castle w00t! I loved the latest flick from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Howl is a wizard and his castle is full of some great and inventive trickery. I found the characters very likable and the plot engaging. However, I should say that repeatedly throughout the film I found myself pointing at this or that and noticing it was directly out of an earlier film. He might not have too many original stories left in him. But if you love Ghibli then you will love Howl. Note: I saw the Japanese version but there is not too much "Japanese" about this film - so it probably would be worth it to go see the English version in the theater - maybe someone that has seen the English version can weigh in on the dubbing.
She Hate Me This latest offering from Spike Lee got horrendous reviews (20% on RT). I found it to be quite watchable and a pretty interesting premise dealing with corporate crime in today's society. The baby making story arc is a bit forced at times, but overall I think it worked. Anthony Mackie does a really great job, the interiors are gorgeous, and special kudos should be given to Terence Blanchard's fantastic score.
Twilight Samurai I finally watched this samurai period drama by Yoji Yamada that swept the Japanese Academy Awards a couple years ago. It was extremely well done. Notably, the film is perfectly paced - not too slow, yet nowhere near Hollywood's quick action. The acting is superb, the story riveting, and the sword play maybe the best I have ever seen. Anyone interested in Japan, Samurai, or great films should see this.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai A very different kind of samurai - Forest Whitaker as Ghost Dog prefers hand-modified guns and gadgets to katana and wakizashi. But Jim Jarmusch goes to great lengths to show that Ghost Dog's honor and virtue are just as important. Whitaker is good - if he was asked to play superman (he seems a bit omnipotent). The film is good, but not my favorite Jarmusch work. The RZA's soundtrack fits perfectly into this street samurai flick.
The Chambermaid on the Titanic When a French forge worker wins a race in his tiny industrial town, he is awarded a vacation to England to watch the Titanic (which he helped build) sail. He meets a woman there and invents incredible fantasies which he relates to his friends back home - to their joy and to the chagrin of his wife. His storytelling wins him acclaim and sends him on a journey to becoming a professional actor. Now that you know what happens, you can skip watching this dry and rather uninspired film.
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enderzero
- Site Admin
- Posts: 3442
- Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2003 2:40 am
- Location: Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
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Code 46 This Michael Winterbottom sci-fi love story got rather tepid reviews - however, I absolutely loved it. The dystopic plotline of Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton skating the line between law and lawlessness with their genetically forbidden love is fine, but not the main draw. I love films that portray the future in a believable way. The city scenes are just particularly futuristic views of Shanghai and Dubai. There is no attempt to futurize the contemporary cars. The film is really well done and it appears Winterbottom has been watching Wong Kar Wai because the mise-en-scene is BEEEautiful.
Dig! The critically acclaimed documentary following the rise of The Dandy Warhols over 7 years and the stagnation of The Brian Jonestown Massacre is a definite must-watch for any rock fans. This is an incredibly interesting look at what it takes to make it in the music industry and why some bands don't. Plus, seeing band members getting into fist fights on stage is always entertaining.
Days of Being Wild This early (1991) film by Wong Kar Wai stars the great (and recently departed) Leslie Cheung in a role that is obviously the prototype for the Tony Leung character in In the Mood for Love and 2046. However, the plot is not quite as developed as his later work. The Christopher Doyle camerawork is great, although also not as sophisticated as his later work. All in all, a good film, worth watching for Wong Kar Wai/Doyle/HK Cinema fans - but don't expect something as polished as what has come out in the last few years.
Last Life in the Universe I remember reading about this Thai-Japanese co-production on the festival circuit last summer and thinking I should check it out. That was before I realized it starred Tadanobu Asano (Kakihara from Ichi) and was shot by Chris Doyle. The shots are really beautiful; slow and methodical. Asano is great; slow and methodical. The characters are all engaging; however, unless you are a fan of Asian cinema, you might find the film a bit too slow and methodical.
Primer Nothing can be said about this 2004 Sundance champ without first mentioning it was made for $7000. You would never know. It is very professionally shot (albeit on digital). The plot is a sophisticated story about garage time travel. It gets a bit confusing at the end (as time travel tends to do) so I will refrain from concluding that it fully works until a second viewing - but considering the resources, it looks damn good to me.
In the Realm of the Senses This incredibly controversial 1976 Japanese film by Nagisa Oshima is way more porno in disguise than Lies. It is also a lot more interesting. Get this, it actually contains a story: basically one nympho meets another nympho and coerces him away from his wife - with a whole lot of graphic sex. The scenes of maids and geisha coming in and constantly commenting on how she always has him in her mouth are pretty funny - but ultimately, I might not recommend this film except to those that are interested in it in a historical Japanese cinema sense.
Dodgeball I finally saw this pretty damn funny "frat-pack" movie. The plot... actually who care... Ben Stiller is the bad guy and Vince Vaughn is the good guy. Owen and Luke Wilson are nowhere to be seen. But it is still a winner. How could it not be with Stiller sporting a stache like that?
Dig! The critically acclaimed documentary following the rise of The Dandy Warhols over 7 years and the stagnation of The Brian Jonestown Massacre is a definite must-watch for any rock fans. This is an incredibly interesting look at what it takes to make it in the music industry and why some bands don't. Plus, seeing band members getting into fist fights on stage is always entertaining.
Days of Being Wild This early (1991) film by Wong Kar Wai stars the great (and recently departed) Leslie Cheung in a role that is obviously the prototype for the Tony Leung character in In the Mood for Love and 2046. However, the plot is not quite as developed as his later work. The Christopher Doyle camerawork is great, although also not as sophisticated as his later work. All in all, a good film, worth watching for Wong Kar Wai/Doyle/HK Cinema fans - but don't expect something as polished as what has come out in the last few years.
Last Life in the Universe I remember reading about this Thai-Japanese co-production on the festival circuit last summer and thinking I should check it out. That was before I realized it starred Tadanobu Asano (Kakihara from Ichi) and was shot by Chris Doyle. The shots are really beautiful; slow and methodical. Asano is great; slow and methodical. The characters are all engaging; however, unless you are a fan of Asian cinema, you might find the film a bit too slow and methodical.
Primer Nothing can be said about this 2004 Sundance champ without first mentioning it was made for $7000. You would never know. It is very professionally shot (albeit on digital). The plot is a sophisticated story about garage time travel. It gets a bit confusing at the end (as time travel tends to do) so I will refrain from concluding that it fully works until a second viewing - but considering the resources, it looks damn good to me.
In the Realm of the Senses This incredibly controversial 1976 Japanese film by Nagisa Oshima is way more porno in disguise than Lies. It is also a lot more interesting. Get this, it actually contains a story: basically one nympho meets another nympho and coerces him away from his wife - with a whole lot of graphic sex. The scenes of maids and geisha coming in and constantly commenting on how she always has him in her mouth are pretty funny - but ultimately, I might not recommend this film except to those that are interested in it in a historical Japanese cinema sense.
Dodgeball I finally saw this pretty damn funny "frat-pack" movie. The plot... actually who care... Ben Stiller is the bad guy and Vince Vaughn is the good guy. Owen and Luke Wilson are nowhere to be seen. But it is still a winner. How could it not be with Stiller sporting a stache like that?
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Billybobjobecky
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:40 pm
- Location: Isla Vista, CA
*you know how i respond to blonde over blue*
I cried at the end of this one. 101C had some real tear jerkers towards the last few weeks.enderzero wrote: Silverlake Life This is an incredibly tough to watch documentary about a couple dying of AIDS. It starts out too slow and eventually gets way too graphic. I suppose it is good and valuable but I shudder when I think back on it.
I like how you keep your Italian Cinema film reviews brief...possibly cuz you were snoozing thru them?? hehe.
You should watch the rest of "Palombella Rosa" by Moretti, twas funny.
The Into the Millenium class has been pretty cool so far. We just watched "American Splendor" and "Mystic River" is tomorrow night.
*some girls always get what they wanna, wanna
*all I seem to get is the otha, otha
*this wont last for long
*not forever, ever
*and the champagne makes
*it taste so much better, better
*all I seem to get is the otha, otha
*this wont last for long
*not forever, ever
*and the champagne makes
*it taste so much better, better
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enderzero
- Site Admin
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- Location: Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
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Batman Begins I got what I expected out of this Caped Crusader epic. It is a solid Hollywood comic-pic, filled with excitement and well-acted parts (except Holmes - although she had little help from the writing department). I had hoped for a bit more, especially considering Chris Nolan at the helm and the rave reviews - but that is not what the movie going population wants. Nolan succeeded at making an exciting and fresh story, even if there are all kinds of plot holes (we'll patch those up in the sequel). But my main gripe with this and all Hollywood action films (see SW:RotS) is the breakneck pacing. Just listen to the score - it is always present and always quick. We never slow down for real character development, just flashbacks to more action (and poorly written "romantic" dialog). However, that is really my problem with most of what comes out of Hollywood - and for what it is, I think Batman Begins is a great comic book movie.
Cutie Honey As for a completely different kind of comic book movie, this film is the closest thing you could ever see to a live action manga. I love the way that they interspersed the CG with the action in the fight scenes to make all her gymnastic moves seem straight off the page. The characters are all corny but likable ...and cute of course. On top of that, there are some genuinely funny parts. With this said, if anyone told me they saw this film and hated it, I wouldn't be surprised - but I liked it, and I am sure I'm not alone.
Happiness Todd Solondz's 1998 story about a whole bunch of fucked up chumps. Solondz does the poor-sap genre the best and does it without making you feel too depressed yourself. While normally a big Philip Seymour Hoffman fan, I thought he was upstaged in this film by Dylan Baker, Jane Adams, and even Lara Flynn Boyle, who really keep the film moving.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ...and Spring Everyone has raved about this film by Korean director Kim Ki-Duk to point that I knew I would enjoy it and was just waiting for the right opportunity to watch it. Laying sick in bed in Prague seemed like a good enough time (I actually went to watch 3-Iron and realized I should watch this first). It is great, beautiful, and yes... slow and methodical. While I am not expert on religion, from what I know about Buddhism, Kim Ki-Duk has made a near perfect film to exemplify the Buddhist precepts of circularity and oneness. I highly recommend this film.
George Washington I analyzed this David Gordon Green film so deeply for a class that it seems strange that anyone would actually go and see it for enjoyment. Not that it isn't enjoyable (if you like kooky and bizarre films for filmmakers), it just lends itself so well to critical analysis. Since you'll likely never see it, I'll just leave you with my thesis (I wonder what I go on the paper...?): While purporting to be a sad story about the tragic death of a boy and his friends’ ill-attempts to cover up the death, we often find ourselves laughing at seemingly improper times. Via dialog inappropriate to the characters, disjunctive narration, and scenes too sincere to take seriously, we come to notice that the sound and narrative elements fail to match. This reminds us that the creations of heroic myths do not always rely on complete and reconcilable truths.
Cutie Honey As for a completely different kind of comic book movie, this film is the closest thing you could ever see to a live action manga. I love the way that they interspersed the CG with the action in the fight scenes to make all her gymnastic moves seem straight off the page. The characters are all corny but likable ...and cute of course. On top of that, there are some genuinely funny parts. With this said, if anyone told me they saw this film and hated it, I wouldn't be surprised - but I liked it, and I am sure I'm not alone.
Happiness Todd Solondz's 1998 story about a whole bunch of fucked up chumps. Solondz does the poor-sap genre the best and does it without making you feel too depressed yourself. While normally a big Philip Seymour Hoffman fan, I thought he was upstaged in this film by Dylan Baker, Jane Adams, and even Lara Flynn Boyle, who really keep the film moving.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ...and Spring Everyone has raved about this film by Korean director Kim Ki-Duk to point that I knew I would enjoy it and was just waiting for the right opportunity to watch it. Laying sick in bed in Prague seemed like a good enough time (I actually went to watch 3-Iron and realized I should watch this first). It is great, beautiful, and yes... slow and methodical. While I am not expert on religion, from what I know about Buddhism, Kim Ki-Duk has made a near perfect film to exemplify the Buddhist precepts of circularity and oneness. I highly recommend this film.
George Washington I analyzed this David Gordon Green film so deeply for a class that it seems strange that anyone would actually go and see it for enjoyment. Not that it isn't enjoyable (if you like kooky and bizarre films for filmmakers), it just lends itself so well to critical analysis. Since you'll likely never see it, I'll just leave you with my thesis (I wonder what I go on the paper...?): While purporting to be a sad story about the tragic death of a boy and his friends’ ill-attempts to cover up the death, we often find ourselves laughing at seemingly improper times. Via dialog inappropriate to the characters, disjunctive narration, and scenes too sincere to take seriously, we come to notice that the sound and narrative elements fail to match. This reminds us that the creations of heroic myths do not always rely on complete and reconcilable truths.