The MOVIES thread
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Billybobjobecky
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enderzero
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The Shop on Main Street The first Czech film for my Czech New Wave Cinema class is this 1965 Oscar winning film by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos. The story is set in Fascist controlled Czechoslovakia in the early 1940s. Jozef Kroner stars as an unlikely hero that must choose between helping the old Jewish woman whose shop he "arianizes," and being the good fascist puppet. This film is about his inner struggle and the way that his circumstances sweep him along. It is rife with "new wave" stylization, such as innovative subjectivity, but doesn't make the mistake of overusing these devices. Overall, this is an excellent film.
Capturing the Friedmans Speaking of circumstances sweeping along, this documentary shows in vivid details the train wreck that is the story of the Friedmans. Everything goes wrong for this family when the father gets nabbed for receiving child pornography through the mail in the late 1980s. The family completely fall apart as kids start reporting abuse to over-zealous detectives and hysteria ensues. The film is a sad, poignant, and interesting look at this hysteria and at the family's ability to continually make the wrong decision as matters compound. The freaky part is how much of the film is actual footage shot by the brothers throughout the incident. Director Andrew Jarecki does an excellent job of building the story out of juxtaposed interviews that often have the characters completely contradicting one another. This lasting film is quite the conversation starter. I ended up in spirited debate for a number of hours after viewing it with friends over what really happened. Obviously, the truth lies somewhere in the margins.
Contempt Godard's 1963 classic is a true masterpiece of cinema. The film is so beautiful that it is exhausting. It is filmed in the wide format cinemascope which really must be viewed on a wide screen to be experienced (I was lucky enough to watch it on a nice plasma screen). The film is Godard's critique of Hollywood, set as a melodrama involving a writer (Michel Piccoli) who is idiotically driving away his un-be-lievably gorgeous wife (Brigitte Bardot). Both Jack Palance and Frtiz Lang co-star. This is one of those films that can be appreciated on so many levels that it might be considered somewhat inaccessible. The pacing is also one of the slowest of any film made. But Bardot is so great and so attractive that I fear she may haunt me for years to come.
Super Troopers After three super heady films, why not end with a goofy and bubbly film about inept police. Strangely enough, I had never seen this film, even though it is a bit of a cult classic among my generation. It is damn funny with a few smart lines, but don't expect brilliance. I think I rolled on the floor laughing at least twice, however.
Capturing the Friedmans Speaking of circumstances sweeping along, this documentary shows in vivid details the train wreck that is the story of the Friedmans. Everything goes wrong for this family when the father gets nabbed for receiving child pornography through the mail in the late 1980s. The family completely fall apart as kids start reporting abuse to over-zealous detectives and hysteria ensues. The film is a sad, poignant, and interesting look at this hysteria and at the family's ability to continually make the wrong decision as matters compound. The freaky part is how much of the film is actual footage shot by the brothers throughout the incident. Director Andrew Jarecki does an excellent job of building the story out of juxtaposed interviews that often have the characters completely contradicting one another. This lasting film is quite the conversation starter. I ended up in spirited debate for a number of hours after viewing it with friends over what really happened. Obviously, the truth lies somewhere in the margins.
Contempt Godard's 1963 classic is a true masterpiece of cinema. The film is so beautiful that it is exhausting. It is filmed in the wide format cinemascope which really must be viewed on a wide screen to be experienced (I was lucky enough to watch it on a nice plasma screen). The film is Godard's critique of Hollywood, set as a melodrama involving a writer (Michel Piccoli) who is idiotically driving away his un-be-lievably gorgeous wife (Brigitte Bardot). Both Jack Palance and Frtiz Lang co-star. This is one of those films that can be appreciated on so many levels that it might be considered somewhat inaccessible. The pacing is also one of the slowest of any film made. But Bardot is so great and so attractive that I fear she may haunt me for years to come.
Super Troopers After three super heady films, why not end with a goofy and bubbly film about inept police. Strangely enough, I had never seen this film, even though it is a bit of a cult classic among my generation. It is damn funny with a few smart lines, but don't expect brilliance. I think I rolled on the floor laughing at least twice, however.
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Billybobjobecky
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:40 pm
- Location: Isla Vista, CA
Magic Lantern has a pretty good line up this fall:
http://www.magiclanternfilms.org/magic.htm
I especially want to see David LaChapelle's Rize.
http://www.magiclanternfilms.org/magic.htm
I especially want to see David LaChapelle's Rize.
*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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Billybobjobecky
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:40 pm
- Location: Isla Vista, CA
I know he graduated, but is still living in the area. He's employed with the SBIFF, but maybe he is doing Magic Lantern on the side?
*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
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Wedding Crashers The funniest part of this film might have been the traielr for 40 Year Old Virgin. That looks great! Wedding Crashers is a pretty typical Frat Pack movie with a handful of funny lines but overly contrived situations. Neither Wilson or Vaughn are at their bests in this film that gets too sentimental about half way through. I know it had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions, but it just didn't leave me with much when it was all said and done. The part that bothered me the most was definitely the horrid use of stereotypes. The homosexual brother is a freak-of-nature social outcast with bad hair that only wants to paint. The only black cast member is a butler with a bad Carribean accent. The only asians that make the film are in the stereotype-filled asian wedding scene. C'mon now. That shit really isn't that funny.
Kolya (aka Kolja) This 1996 Czech film about an older bachelor whose life is turned upside down by the sudden appearance of a step-child, is touching. It is also incredibly predictable. It takes place right before the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and the shots from the uprising in Prague are interesting. The little boy is also pretty cute. However, I imagine that no one reading this will ever see this film and you probably won't be any less fulfilled because of that.
Diamonds of the Night Enter the world of subjective new wave Czech cinema in Jan Nemec's 1964 film of only 64 minutes. Very little dialog and strange and surreal subjective shots is what this film is all about as two boys flee a Nazi concentration camp. The film is more interesting if you also read the Arnost Lustig novella on which the film is based.
Kolya (aka Kolja) This 1996 Czech film about an older bachelor whose life is turned upside down by the sudden appearance of a step-child, is touching. It is also incredibly predictable. It takes place right before the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and the shots from the uprising in Prague are interesting. The little boy is also pretty cute. However, I imagine that no one reading this will ever see this film and you probably won't be any less fulfilled because of that.
Diamonds of the Night Enter the world of subjective new wave Czech cinema in Jan Nemec's 1964 film of only 64 minutes. Very little dialog and strange and surreal subjective shots is what this film is all about as two boys flee a Nazi concentration camp. The film is more interesting if you also read the Arnost Lustig novella on which the film is based.
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enderzero
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Closely Watched Trains Jiri Menzel's 1966 Oscar winning film is a fantastically clever, beautiful, and downright hilarious story about an awkward boy named Milos Hrma. Milos works at his small town's train depot because it is the easiest job he can imagine, and he has never had any desire to do anything but the least he can get away with. Menzel brilliantly injects slapstick comedy into Bohumil Hrabal's already great novella, creating a very fitting back story to poor Milos's troubles with love. This film is an absolute joy and a great introduction to anyone interested in films of the Czech New Wave.
Daisies This wondrous film, also from 1966, is best described as a psychedelic feminist farce. If that description isn't reason enough to warrant a viewing, then just wait until you take a gander at the film's two stars - 2 gorgeously beautiful early-counter-culture pinups who traipse about their days after deciding to “turn bad.†This basically consists of conning old men into lavishly wining and dining them, only to shove the men onto departing trains and escape for more youthful, homo-erotic experiences. Woooo... But the best part of the film is the abundance of crazy psychedelic camera work that has the girls' world transforming colors and form at a moment's notice. This film is avant-garde at it's finest. If this sounds too good to be true - rent this one tonight!!
Daisies This wondrous film, also from 1966, is best described as a psychedelic feminist farce. If that description isn't reason enough to warrant a viewing, then just wait until you take a gander at the film's two stars - 2 gorgeously beautiful early-counter-culture pinups who traipse about their days after deciding to “turn bad.†This basically consists of conning old men into lavishly wining and dining them, only to shove the men onto departing trains and escape for more youthful, homo-erotic experiences. Woooo... But the best part of the film is the abundance of crazy psychedelic camera work that has the girls' world transforming colors and form at a moment's notice. This film is avant-garde at it's finest. If this sounds too good to be true - rent this one tonight!!
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enderzero
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gasp, it has been over a month...
3-Iron The latest film by Kim Ki-Duk, director of Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is beautiful, and yes... slow and methodical. But unfortunately it feels a bit forced. This may be a large part due to the technique Kim employs of not having any dialog for either of the two main characters. As if that wasn't odd enough, many of their escapades of breaking into houses to assume the lives of the vacationing residents, seem overly contrived. There are just too many coincidences and strange occurrences involved throughout the plot. Of course, Kim may have known that going in and it is up for debate on whether or not it works. All this said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the film and would certainly recommend it. It just isn't quite as good as his last one.
The Fireman's Ball This 1967 film by Milos Forman is the high point of his Czech film career - as he would soon leave for bigger things in America. The film is a simple and hilarious story about a big party, complete with a beauty pageant, high stakes raffle, and house fire. Forman is famous for having discovered a number of non-professional actors that went on to have long acting careers. They are at their finest and funniest here. I especially love Milada Jezková, famous for her role as the archetypical Czech mother. The thought of her knowing smile will always make me chuckle.
Loves of a Blonde Unfortunately, this Forman film from 1965 is not nearly as well done as Fireman's Ball. It is more or less the story of an attractive young girl that first flirts with older men, and later falls for a young pianist. But as young pianists tend to do, this one is only after one thing. I wasn't even aware the girl was the protagonist until very late in the film when she tries to track the pianist down at the home of his mother (played wonderfully by Milada Jezková). The film just ends when it is obvious he is less interested in her than she in him. mmm, hmmm. Well they can't all be winners.
The Joke This is the adaptation of a absolutely wonderful novel by Milan Kundera. The book is a tale of a man whose life is destroyed when he is expelled from "The Party" in 1950s Czechoslovakia. We follow this character as he is rebuilds himself into a new, considerably more cynical, man. The prose is a real joy to read and I often found myself jotting down lines that particularly struck me. Unfortunately, Jaromil Jires's adaptation cannot even compare to the novel. While Jires does barely manage to keep the story intact (although he removes major characters completely), he destroys the protagonist in the process, leaving him an empty and unlikable character. Skip this movie for sure, but if you get a chance and are interested in what card-carrying Communist revolutionaries of the 40s-50s thought of The Party in the 60s, the novel will surely be interesting - and entertaining to boot.
Death in Gaza I very much happened upon this film - walking around the streets of Bratislava, Slovakia, around 8PM, looking for another place to grab a beer, I noticed a crowd working their way into a building. It appeared to be an art exhibition or something. Upon further inspection, I discovered it was a small art house theater. In I went and found people already taking seats on the stairs of the completely packed theater. I secured a step and waited for the film to start, having absolutely no idea what would show up on the screen. It turns out I was at the free re-screening of the audience award winning film wrapping up the final day of the Jeden Svet (One World) Documentary Film Festival. This film was this year's winner.
***
Death In Gaza is really the story of the British filmmaker James Miller, who in 2003, while filming this footage, was shot and killed by an Isreali tank. Along with writer Saira Shah, James was filming Palestinian children for the first part of a documentary that would chronicle the war's effect on children. The unfinished second part was to follow Isreali children in a similar fashion. I really need to see this film again, as all of the children's dialog was in Arabic with Slovak subtitles. But the majority of the film is Saira's English narration. It was a well made film, an important film (as are most documentaries), but foremost a chillingly sad story.
History of Violence Oh, it is so disappointing when you go to see a film that has gotten such overwhelmingly positive reviews, only to find it is a contrived, problem ridden, gratuitous glob of masturbatory spunk. That is pretty much how I felt as I suffered through David Cronenberg's story about a guy who is holding a deep secret about his past as a mob hitman. bleh! There is nothing original here. Only shallow characters, gross displays of violence and sex, and a horrible script with so many problems I get dizzy just thinking about trying to list them here (where are the police!?). All of the characters are so black and white - the bully in school wants to hurt the son because he caught his routine fly ball in gym class? Come on! Wouldn't it have made a lot more sense if the son had, say, dropped a fly ball and cost his team the game? Even Viggo Mortensen (who does the best with what he has to work with) is black (Joey) and white (Tom). There is nothing dynamic about the character at all. Shame on the reviewers that think this film has something positive to add. Shame on David Croenenberg. What is your message David? We are all violent killers at heart? ...some of us are? If Cronenberg has a point to make, he certainly was not able to find a medium with this film. Yet he (and everyone else it would seem) passes it off as if it is some visionary work by a great artist. Bull Shit.
3-Iron The latest film by Kim Ki-Duk, director of Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is beautiful, and yes... slow and methodical. But unfortunately it feels a bit forced. This may be a large part due to the technique Kim employs of not having any dialog for either of the two main characters. As if that wasn't odd enough, many of their escapades of breaking into houses to assume the lives of the vacationing residents, seem overly contrived. There are just too many coincidences and strange occurrences involved throughout the plot. Of course, Kim may have known that going in and it is up for debate on whether or not it works. All this said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the film and would certainly recommend it. It just isn't quite as good as his last one.
The Fireman's Ball This 1967 film by Milos Forman is the high point of his Czech film career - as he would soon leave for bigger things in America. The film is a simple and hilarious story about a big party, complete with a beauty pageant, high stakes raffle, and house fire. Forman is famous for having discovered a number of non-professional actors that went on to have long acting careers. They are at their finest and funniest here. I especially love Milada Jezková, famous for her role as the archetypical Czech mother. The thought of her knowing smile will always make me chuckle.
Loves of a Blonde Unfortunately, this Forman film from 1965 is not nearly as well done as Fireman's Ball. It is more or less the story of an attractive young girl that first flirts with older men, and later falls for a young pianist. But as young pianists tend to do, this one is only after one thing. I wasn't even aware the girl was the protagonist until very late in the film when she tries to track the pianist down at the home of his mother (played wonderfully by Milada Jezková). The film just ends when it is obvious he is less interested in her than she in him. mmm, hmmm. Well they can't all be winners.
The Joke This is the adaptation of a absolutely wonderful novel by Milan Kundera. The book is a tale of a man whose life is destroyed when he is expelled from "The Party" in 1950s Czechoslovakia. We follow this character as he is rebuilds himself into a new, considerably more cynical, man. The prose is a real joy to read and I often found myself jotting down lines that particularly struck me. Unfortunately, Jaromil Jires's adaptation cannot even compare to the novel. While Jires does barely manage to keep the story intact (although he removes major characters completely), he destroys the protagonist in the process, leaving him an empty and unlikable character. Skip this movie for sure, but if you get a chance and are interested in what card-carrying Communist revolutionaries of the 40s-50s thought of The Party in the 60s, the novel will surely be interesting - and entertaining to boot.
Death in Gaza I very much happened upon this film - walking around the streets of Bratislava, Slovakia, around 8PM, looking for another place to grab a beer, I noticed a crowd working their way into a building. It appeared to be an art exhibition or something. Upon further inspection, I discovered it was a small art house theater. In I went and found people already taking seats on the stairs of the completely packed theater. I secured a step and waited for the film to start, having absolutely no idea what would show up on the screen. It turns out I was at the free re-screening of the audience award winning film wrapping up the final day of the Jeden Svet (One World) Documentary Film Festival. This film was this year's winner.
***
Death In Gaza is really the story of the British filmmaker James Miller, who in 2003, while filming this footage, was shot and killed by an Isreali tank. Along with writer Saira Shah, James was filming Palestinian children for the first part of a documentary that would chronicle the war's effect on children. The unfinished second part was to follow Isreali children in a similar fashion. I really need to see this film again, as all of the children's dialog was in Arabic with Slovak subtitles. But the majority of the film is Saira's English narration. It was a well made film, an important film (as are most documentaries), but foremost a chillingly sad story.
History of Violence Oh, it is so disappointing when you go to see a film that has gotten such overwhelmingly positive reviews, only to find it is a contrived, problem ridden, gratuitous glob of masturbatory spunk. That is pretty much how I felt as I suffered through David Cronenberg's story about a guy who is holding a deep secret about his past as a mob hitman. bleh! There is nothing original here. Only shallow characters, gross displays of violence and sex, and a horrible script with so many problems I get dizzy just thinking about trying to list them here (where are the police!?). All of the characters are so black and white - the bully in school wants to hurt the son because he caught his routine fly ball in gym class? Come on! Wouldn't it have made a lot more sense if the son had, say, dropped a fly ball and cost his team the game? Even Viggo Mortensen (who does the best with what he has to work with) is black (Joey) and white (Tom). There is nothing dynamic about the character at all. Shame on the reviewers that think this film has something positive to add. Shame on David Croenenberg. What is your message David? We are all violent killers at heart? ...some of us are? If Cronenberg has a point to make, he certainly was not able to find a medium with this film. Yet he (and everyone else it would seem) passes it off as if it is some visionary work by a great artist. Bull Shit.
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mistasparkle*
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Watched this movie called Baraka last night, and it was incredible. It's tough to describe what kind of movie it is, but it's essentially amazing cinematography set to music.
1. get the DVD
2. puff
3. watch
4. have mind blown
Highly recommended.RottenTomatoes Synopsis wrote:From Nepal to Kenya, from Australia to Brazil, people try to cope with the changes that have altered their landscape, crowding them together and speeding up daily life. The film shows us these alienated people, but also images of traditions--whirling dervishes and Tibetan monks--that offer different, peaceful ways of existence. Shot in 70mm in 24 countries, this awesome musical and visual montage in the tradition of KOYAANISQATSI expresses the global existence of nature and man in the broadest sensory terms.
1. get the DVD
2. puff
3. watch
4. have mind blown
It's timelapse right? I have several movies like it. If you like that, try these:
Koyaanisqatsi - My favorite so far
Powaqqatsi - Sequel (I haven't watched it yet, it sits atop the shelf.)
Naqoyqatsi - Sequel (Watched this one, don't like it quite as much as Koyaanisqatsi
Chronos - This one is supposed to be really cool, but I haven't watched it yet either.
Koyaanisqatsi has a Phillip Glass soundtrack. Very cool. There are a few more too, but I can't think of the titles right now.
Koyaanisqatsi - My favorite so far
Powaqqatsi - Sequel (I haven't watched it yet, it sits atop the shelf.)
Naqoyqatsi - Sequel (Watched this one, don't like it quite as much as Koyaanisqatsi
Chronos - This one is supposed to be really cool, but I haven't watched it yet either.
Koyaanisqatsi has a Phillip Glass soundtrack. Very cool. There are a few more too, but I can't think of the titles right now.
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mistasparkle*
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j3rk-
It does have a few time-lapse shots, but I wouldn't say that it's a time-lapse movie. I have Koyaanisqatsi, and Powaqqatsi which are both great. I heard Naqoyqatsi (the war one?) is not as good as the 1st two. I think I started watching that one and lost interest.... Baraka is actually done by the same dude who produced those two, and the soundtrack is also philip glass, so it's essentially the same people, but It seems like they took all the experience gained from making the 1st three and put together a masterpiece with Baraka. It's by far more narrative than the others, and the cinematography is alot more powerful. If you dug those other movies, you definitely wont be disappointed with Baraka.
It does have a few time-lapse shots, but I wouldn't say that it's a time-lapse movie. I have Koyaanisqatsi, and Powaqqatsi which are both great. I heard Naqoyqatsi (the war one?) is not as good as the 1st two. I think I started watching that one and lost interest.... Baraka is actually done by the same dude who produced those two, and the soundtrack is also philip glass, so it's essentially the same people, but It seems like they took all the experience gained from making the 1st three and put together a masterpiece with Baraka. It's by far more narrative than the others, and the cinematography is alot more powerful. If you dug those other movies, you definitely wont be disappointed with Baraka.
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spidermonkey
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Tom Yum Goong Another Tony Jaa movie much like Ong Bak, only this time, traditional Thai culture is threatened by elephant kidnappers instead of antiquities smugglers. Of course, that's only important insofar as it creates opportunities for plenty of crazy fight scenes, including one with a bunch of in-line skaters and a good Capoeira/ Muay Thai fight.
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mistasparkle*
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Which reminds me.... I've been tapping into this site lately:
http://asiandvdclub.org
...which has a top-notch collection of adequately-seeded DVD-R torrents. Great if youre a fan of kung fu flicks, but they also have a solid stream of Japanese DVDs as well.
http://asiandvdclub.org
...which has a top-notch collection of adequately-seeded DVD-R torrents. Great if youre a fan of kung fu flicks, but they also have a solid stream of Japanese DVDs as well.
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enderzero
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Some Like It Hot Mark this 1959 Billy Wilder classic off of the "important films everyone has seen but me" list. I don't think it is possible to find a dvd or video of this film that doesn't have a header with the word "classic" in it. That about sums it up. It is very funny - both Curtis and Lemmon's comedy still works today - but the best part is just watching Marilyn Monroe in action.
Together With a lot of talk about Chen Kaige's The Promise as a possible favorite for Best Foreign Language Oscar nom, I decided it was about time to finally watch his 2002 film which I remember missing at that year's SIFF. Together is a touching story of a young violin prodigy and his peasant father who move to Beijing to further the boys studies. Technically speaking, the film is very well done. It is no break-thru in filmmaking, but a solid, entertaining, and well-told story. I look forward to his more fantastical The Promise.
Dangerous Liaisons I have been meaning to watch the 1988 Stephen Frears directed adaptation since reading Neal Stephenson’s Baroque cycle of novels. I didn't used to like European period pieces - but this opinion has changed since the novels and my time in Europe. I didn't realize that Cruel Intentions was a contemporary adaptation of the same story. I liked this version more with both Malkovitch and Close giving wonderful performances to go along with the beautiful sets and costumes. I was hoping for a bit more interaction with the world at the time. This film takes place completely in the closed bubble of the characters' lives.
Akahige (aka Akira Kurosawa's Red Beard) Spidermonkey and I started watching this 3-hour plus film some 3 years ago and I never got around to finishing it. It turns out I probably fell asleep 20 minutes in last time. Kurosawa directed this film in 1965 and it is surely as good as his films from the 50s. Set in a village clinic, this is the story of a young doctor who is assigned to the clinic under the tutelage of Akahige, played by Mifune in one of his best roles. Every bit a classic, this film must be seen by any fans of Japanese cinema.
The Machinist This film by newcomer Brad Anderson, which came out early this year, is about an emaciated machinist (Christian Bale's best role) who is losing his mind. It twists and turns and isn't exactly revolutionary, but does work well. It would seem I liked it more than most of the people who I have discussed it with, possibly partly because of the film's beautiful cinematography.
La Strada This 1954 film is one of Federico Fellini's first. It stars Anthony Quinn in the seminal role of the Great Zampano and Giulietta Masina as the woman he takes on to help his circus sideshow. It is a story of love and companionship and want versus need. It isn't too difficult to call the film a classic, but there are many other classics that might be more accessible or worthwhile.
Toyen On the contemporary Czech cinema scene - this is the latest picture by new wave filmmaker Jan Nemec. Oh Jan... still trying to be avantgarde 40 years later. You look like you are about 39 years late, buddy. I was pretty bored by this non-narrative film about the famous namesake female Czech artist from the first half of the 20th century.
SÃlenà This is the latest film by Jan Svankmajer and translates to something like "insanity." It is probably the most narrative of his films and I really enjoyed it. It is based on concepts by both Edgar Allen Poe and Marquis de Sade, about the world of the insane. Many scenes are hilarious but the overall theme is haunting. Famous for his shorts, Svankmajer has no problem turning this into a complete and continuous feature. I have no idea if this will get an American release but there are certainly a few people I know that would love to see this film.
Together With a lot of talk about Chen Kaige's The Promise as a possible favorite for Best Foreign Language Oscar nom, I decided it was about time to finally watch his 2002 film which I remember missing at that year's SIFF. Together is a touching story of a young violin prodigy and his peasant father who move to Beijing to further the boys studies. Technically speaking, the film is very well done. It is no break-thru in filmmaking, but a solid, entertaining, and well-told story. I look forward to his more fantastical The Promise.
Dangerous Liaisons I have been meaning to watch the 1988 Stephen Frears directed adaptation since reading Neal Stephenson’s Baroque cycle of novels. I didn't used to like European period pieces - but this opinion has changed since the novels and my time in Europe. I didn't realize that Cruel Intentions was a contemporary adaptation of the same story. I liked this version more with both Malkovitch and Close giving wonderful performances to go along with the beautiful sets and costumes. I was hoping for a bit more interaction with the world at the time. This film takes place completely in the closed bubble of the characters' lives.
Akahige (aka Akira Kurosawa's Red Beard) Spidermonkey and I started watching this 3-hour plus film some 3 years ago and I never got around to finishing it. It turns out I probably fell asleep 20 minutes in last time. Kurosawa directed this film in 1965 and it is surely as good as his films from the 50s. Set in a village clinic, this is the story of a young doctor who is assigned to the clinic under the tutelage of Akahige, played by Mifune in one of his best roles. Every bit a classic, this film must be seen by any fans of Japanese cinema.
The Machinist This film by newcomer Brad Anderson, which came out early this year, is about an emaciated machinist (Christian Bale's best role) who is losing his mind. It twists and turns and isn't exactly revolutionary, but does work well. It would seem I liked it more than most of the people who I have discussed it with, possibly partly because of the film's beautiful cinematography.
La Strada This 1954 film is one of Federico Fellini's first. It stars Anthony Quinn in the seminal role of the Great Zampano and Giulietta Masina as the woman he takes on to help his circus sideshow. It is a story of love and companionship and want versus need. It isn't too difficult to call the film a classic, but there are many other classics that might be more accessible or worthwhile.
Toyen On the contemporary Czech cinema scene - this is the latest picture by new wave filmmaker Jan Nemec. Oh Jan... still trying to be avantgarde 40 years later. You look like you are about 39 years late, buddy. I was pretty bored by this non-narrative film about the famous namesake female Czech artist from the first half of the 20th century.
SÃlenà This is the latest film by Jan Svankmajer and translates to something like "insanity." It is probably the most narrative of his films and I really enjoyed it. It is based on concepts by both Edgar Allen Poe and Marquis de Sade, about the world of the insane. Many scenes are hilarious but the overall theme is haunting. Famous for his shorts, Svankmajer has no problem turning this into a complete and continuous feature. I have no idea if this will get an American release but there are certainly a few people I know that would love to see this film.
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enderzero
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That is a great site. But since they are all full DVDRips - not further compressed - I won't be doing any asiandvd clubbin from here.mistasparkle* wrote:Which reminds me.... I've been tapping into this site lately:
http://asiandvdclub.org
...which has a top-notch collection of adequately-seeded DVD-R torrents. Great if youre a fan of kung fu flicks, but they also have a solid stream of Japanese DVDs as well.
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spidermonkey
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enderzero
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Fallen Angels Oh, I so love the films of Wong Kar Wai that I will have to try my hardest to avoid just showering the film with praise. This bit earlier film of his (1995) is quite different from the other three films you will find in this thread - as it is not part of the loose 1960s Hong Kong trilogy. It also breaks from the style of refrained camera movement and richly designed sets. Instead, we get fast paced camera action, fisheye shots, obscure angles, and plenty of speeding along with the characters on motorcycles. Don't worry, it is all great Chris Doyle cinematography, and it is still beautiful. The plot is a bit wacky but great - mainly a loose love between a contract killer and his contractor, as well as following around a hilarious Takeshi Kaneshiro who breaks into shops and forces people to have a good time. I am so happy there are other Wong Kar Wai films I still haven’t seen.
Amadeus This was my first time viewing this 8-Oscar winning film. I enjoyed it and found it a bit strange that none of the actors went on to big careers. The music is great and the wide-angle shots of the conductors with the opera house opening up behind them are fantastic. Mozart is annoying but likeable - and similarly Salieri is diabolical but likable. There are some great shots of Prague as well. In particular, there is one gate pictured a number of times that I walk through everyday on my way to school.
Dear Wendy Hmmm, I was avoiding writing a blurb on this new film written by Lars von Trier and directed by Thomas Vinterberg because I didn't really know what to think. It isn't all that good - yet there are some things that definitely worked. They should have stuck with the whimsical wackiness that did work and stayed away from the melodrama - especially with such a pathetic team of thespians. And the voice-over... unbearable. I get the feeling that von Trier and Vinterberg were sitting around a pub one night and said, "you know I really like the look of hip retro-60s fashion mixed with the old west. Lets make a movie about that." Ehhhh, I guess it does look cool.
Samotári (aka Loners) Best described as the Czech version of Cameron Crowe's Singles (replace Seattle era grunge with circa 2000 Euro-pop), this film follows an ensemble cast through their relationship ups and downs. There are some quite comedic moments and it is definitely enjoyable. However, it does seem a bit like everyone is hooking up with everyone.
All My Good Countrymen Sitting through this 2-hour Czech New Wave film (1968) was pretty much torture. Sure, there are some nice colors, angles, and other new wavey tricks, but certainly nothing I haven't seen plenty of by this point. The first 30 minutes aren't too bad, but the plot really drags after that. The best way to describe this film is just plain boring.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Woo-hoo! This brand new 100 minute roller coaster ride of Japanese anime is exactly what The Spirits Within should have been. The story is the sequel to the game and follows all the same characters as they regroup to fight the threat of a revived Sephiroth. The story is not exactly Pulitzer material, but more than adequate for the subject matter. What are really fantastic, though, are the fight scenes. And there are plenty! The 3D animation is, without a doubt, the best I have ever seen. The choreography of the fights is fantastic and the effects amazing. Just watch as a whole color spectrum erupts (albeit it subtly) when two swords clash together. This film is a straight to DVD release, however I saw it here as part of a festival. Watch for it to make an appearance in your town because it is certainly worth a trip to the cinema to take it all in.
Amadeus This was my first time viewing this 8-Oscar winning film. I enjoyed it and found it a bit strange that none of the actors went on to big careers. The music is great and the wide-angle shots of the conductors with the opera house opening up behind them are fantastic. Mozart is annoying but likeable - and similarly Salieri is diabolical but likable. There are some great shots of Prague as well. In particular, there is one gate pictured a number of times that I walk through everyday on my way to school.
Dear Wendy Hmmm, I was avoiding writing a blurb on this new film written by Lars von Trier and directed by Thomas Vinterberg because I didn't really know what to think. It isn't all that good - yet there are some things that definitely worked. They should have stuck with the whimsical wackiness that did work and stayed away from the melodrama - especially with such a pathetic team of thespians. And the voice-over... unbearable. I get the feeling that von Trier and Vinterberg were sitting around a pub one night and said, "you know I really like the look of hip retro-60s fashion mixed with the old west. Lets make a movie about that." Ehhhh, I guess it does look cool.
Samotári (aka Loners) Best described as the Czech version of Cameron Crowe's Singles (replace Seattle era grunge with circa 2000 Euro-pop), this film follows an ensemble cast through their relationship ups and downs. There are some quite comedic moments and it is definitely enjoyable. However, it does seem a bit like everyone is hooking up with everyone.
All My Good Countrymen Sitting through this 2-hour Czech New Wave film (1968) was pretty much torture. Sure, there are some nice colors, angles, and other new wavey tricks, but certainly nothing I haven't seen plenty of by this point. The first 30 minutes aren't too bad, but the plot really drags after that. The best way to describe this film is just plain boring.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Woo-hoo! This brand new 100 minute roller coaster ride of Japanese anime is exactly what The Spirits Within should have been. The story is the sequel to the game and follows all the same characters as they regroup to fight the threat of a revived Sephiroth. The story is not exactly Pulitzer material, but more than adequate for the subject matter. What are really fantastic, though, are the fight scenes. And there are plenty! The 3D animation is, without a doubt, the best I have ever seen. The choreography of the fights is fantastic and the effects amazing. Just watch as a whole color spectrum erupts (albeit it subtly) when two swords clash together. This film is a straight to DVD release, however I saw it here as part of a festival. Watch for it to make an appearance in your town because it is certainly worth a trip to the cinema to take it all in.
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enderzero
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Not One Less Zhang Yimou's 1999 film may not be a true story, but it is based on many true stories. It is the touching tale of a young peasant girl chosen to teach a village school of youngins. While she doesn't take it too seriously at first, when one of her students goes to the city to try to earn money to support his mother, she takes it personally and goes on a mission bring him back. The actors are all non professional (a bit obvious at times) but it is interesting to see how they interact. A much smaller and slower film than his last few, this film is far more similar to Zhang's The Road Home.
The Island Not too good for a sci-fi flick but not all that bad as an action/blockbuster Michael Bay kinda film. The dystopia-world of the beginning could have been much cooler and there isn't too much in the plot that really makes sense. But the car/hover bike chase and pretty much all of the 30 minute city scene is pure action smash up coolness (plane film).
A Good Woman Scarlett Johansson and Helen Hunt star in the under-the-radar film from 2004. It is a 1930s period piece that takes place on the Amalfi Coast. The plot revolves around a young couple torn apart by a suspected affair with a woman (Hunt) who turns out to be the wife's mother. It is not a film to rush out and rent but is enjoyable enough. Director Mike Barker lets his brit wit shine with very funny scenes by a great ensemble cast that includes Tom Wilkinson and John Standing (another plane film).
The Island Not too good for a sci-fi flick but not all that bad as an action/blockbuster Michael Bay kinda film. The dystopia-world of the beginning could have been much cooler and there isn't too much in the plot that really makes sense. But the car/hover bike chase and pretty much all of the 30 minute city scene is pure action smash up coolness (plane film).
A Good Woman Scarlett Johansson and Helen Hunt star in the under-the-radar film from 2004. It is a 1930s period piece that takes place on the Amalfi Coast. The plot revolves around a young couple torn apart by a suspected affair with a woman (Hunt) who turns out to be the wife's mother. It is not a film to rush out and rent but is enjoyable enough. Director Mike Barker lets his brit wit shine with very funny scenes by a great ensemble cast that includes Tom Wilkinson and John Standing (another plane film).
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enderzero
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Pride and Prejudice Joe Wright's recent adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel is a fantastically beautiful and well made film and my early pick for best picture of 2005. Granted I have yet to see other front-runners Brokeback Mountain, Capote, Good Night and Good Luck, or Walk the Line, but let's just say it is my pick of what I have seen so far. The story is a classic so I won't say too much but that it works perfectly well. What is really to be applauded is Joe Wright's brilliant direction of his cast and wonderful sense of set and shot design. The film looks fantastic with sets very faithful to the time period (at least more so than say, Masterpiece Theater). 19th century England has a rural and dirty quality to it that succeeds in drawing you in. Keira Knightley does a perfect job as Elizabeth and I wholeheartedly disagree with critics who say she is the film's weak point. Finally, Joe's pace of editing and wonderful long takes really add up to a film that is a masterpiece of its own right.
The Constant Gardener Fernando Meirelles's follow up to his hit City of God comes packed with some pretty high expectations. Considering how surprisingly impressive his first hit was, I wouldn't imagine I was the only one hoping for a lot. I am pleased to say that I was not at all let down. Granted this film is a very different kind of film than City of God. Still, it is written very well and a quite interesting tale. The story focuses on a British diplomat searching for the clues to explain his wife's death at the hands of bandits hired by pharmaceutical corporate thugs in modern day Kenya. The film is beautifully shot in a style that not dissimilar to City of God, but also with a certain likeness to Soderbergh's Traffic. This year seems to be a big year for films with social messages and Meirelles and his team get an opportunity here to show both the situation with HIV in Africa as well as the genocide in Sudan. I will stop short of calling this an "important" film - however it is very well made and certainly enjoyable.
A World Without Thieves This 2004 film by up and coming Chinese director Xiaogang Feng (currently at work on the next big budget costume drama starring Zhang Ziyi) is about a bunch of con-artists on a long train ride. The teams duke it out over a slow peasant's new found riches with questions of pride and morals on the line. The con scenes are great with some nice martial arts here and there, but the morality feels forced and the ending is far from satisfying. Although it does reek a bit of the ordinary, I can't say that I didn't enjoy the film at least a bit.
It's All Gone Pete Tong This is a pretty damn fun part mockumentary, part drama about a DJ (not named Pete Tong...?) who loses his hearing. At first he is so drunk and drugged out that he doesn’t really notice. Nor does he notice his wife fooling around with everyone in sight which leads to some pretty funny scenes. The film is hilarious all the way through with a whole lot of great hallucinatory scenes. Paul Kay does a bang up job as DJ Frankie Wilde. The mockumentary scenes aren't really needed but I give this film an A+ for original idea and a solid B+/A- for execution.
Cronicas AKA Chronicles John Leguizamo stars in this Mexican/Ecuadorian co-production about a the hysteria of a community tormented by a serial killer. Leguizamo plays a hot reporter for a transnational television news show who goes into the community to try to get the story and ends up seriously involved. This film is a very interesting examination of the media in Latin America and it is extremely well made.
Suite Habana A sort of "city symphony" of Havana, this documentary follows a number of ordinary people through their days in the Cuban capitol. Not a whole lot happens but it is pretty and an interesting look at what it is like to live in our socialist neighbor to the South.
At the Edge of the Earth This a documentary about Brazilian filmmaker Mario Peixoto who made one fantastic silent film called Limite in 1931 that set the benchmark for Brazillian cinema. He never went on to make another film. This moderately interesting and extensive document of his life tells the story of the filming of that movie and the failed projects of his later years.
Bananas is My Business This is the documentary of Carmen Miranda: the woman with the bananas on her head. Turns out she was an actress who came from Brazil in the late 1930s and was wildly popular as a stereotype for the Latina. Well her story is more complicated than that and if you ever feel like learning it in 90 minutes than you should start with this film.
The Constant Gardener Fernando Meirelles's follow up to his hit City of God comes packed with some pretty high expectations. Considering how surprisingly impressive his first hit was, I wouldn't imagine I was the only one hoping for a lot. I am pleased to say that I was not at all let down. Granted this film is a very different kind of film than City of God. Still, it is written very well and a quite interesting tale. The story focuses on a British diplomat searching for the clues to explain his wife's death at the hands of bandits hired by pharmaceutical corporate thugs in modern day Kenya. The film is beautifully shot in a style that not dissimilar to City of God, but also with a certain likeness to Soderbergh's Traffic. This year seems to be a big year for films with social messages and Meirelles and his team get an opportunity here to show both the situation with HIV in Africa as well as the genocide in Sudan. I will stop short of calling this an "important" film - however it is very well made and certainly enjoyable.
A World Without Thieves This 2004 film by up and coming Chinese director Xiaogang Feng (currently at work on the next big budget costume drama starring Zhang Ziyi) is about a bunch of con-artists on a long train ride. The teams duke it out over a slow peasant's new found riches with questions of pride and morals on the line. The con scenes are great with some nice martial arts here and there, but the morality feels forced and the ending is far from satisfying. Although it does reek a bit of the ordinary, I can't say that I didn't enjoy the film at least a bit.
It's All Gone Pete Tong This is a pretty damn fun part mockumentary, part drama about a DJ (not named Pete Tong...?) who loses his hearing. At first he is so drunk and drugged out that he doesn’t really notice. Nor does he notice his wife fooling around with everyone in sight which leads to some pretty funny scenes. The film is hilarious all the way through with a whole lot of great hallucinatory scenes. Paul Kay does a bang up job as DJ Frankie Wilde. The mockumentary scenes aren't really needed but I give this film an A+ for original idea and a solid B+/A- for execution.
Cronicas AKA Chronicles John Leguizamo stars in this Mexican/Ecuadorian co-production about a the hysteria of a community tormented by a serial killer. Leguizamo plays a hot reporter for a transnational television news show who goes into the community to try to get the story and ends up seriously involved. This film is a very interesting examination of the media in Latin America and it is extremely well made.
Suite Habana A sort of "city symphony" of Havana, this documentary follows a number of ordinary people through their days in the Cuban capitol. Not a whole lot happens but it is pretty and an interesting look at what it is like to live in our socialist neighbor to the South.
At the Edge of the Earth This a documentary about Brazilian filmmaker Mario Peixoto who made one fantastic silent film called Limite in 1931 that set the benchmark for Brazillian cinema. He never went on to make another film. This moderately interesting and extensive document of his life tells the story of the filming of that movie and the failed projects of his later years.
Bananas is My Business This is the documentary of Carmen Miranda: the woman with the bananas on her head. Turns out she was an actress who came from Brazil in the late 1930s and was wildly popular as a stereotype for the Latina. Well her story is more complicated than that and if you ever feel like learning it in 90 minutes than you should start with this film.
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enderzero
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wow... I am so far behind on this. Been doin my best to get through the Oscar screeners. Here is my first batch:
Brokeback Mountain Oh they are so brave! ...ehhh. I had pretty high hopes going into this heavy favorite for the best picture Oscar. When will I learn?! It is good - but definitely not great. I liked the performances but found the subtle signs of aging hard to suspension-of-disbelief away. The story is slo-ho-how and not particularly moving. However the big scene at the lake is a classic. The most amusing thing that has come out of this film's popularity has been the shifting of stereotypes to signify all cowboys as homosexuals. Giddy-up.
Capote Another film that crawls along, but this one feels a bit more best picture-like to me. Hoffman is great and the dialog is rather well written. I didn't care much about what happened to Capote. This could be the point, or it could be because the subject is not particularly interesting. The party scenes where he dominates the conversations are fun though. Catherine Keener is great and well deserving of best sup-actress award as someone who cares for Capote, but certainly doesn't idolize him.
Good Night and Good Luck I wish I had seen this on the big screen because the black and white cinematography is gorgeous. The film is only good however, mainly due to the writing. Strathairn is fantastic, but the film isn't well structured and pays the price with its abrupt and awkward ending. It lacks conflict - which even its intensely interesting historical subject and oft-discussed contemporary relevance cannot requite. Sadly, had the writers only given the script another draft, it likely could have walked away with the prize.
Tsotsi My early pick for best foreign language feature is this brilliant film from South Africa. Tsotsi means 'thug' and it is the nickname of the film's protagonist, a young hoodlum from the slums. One night Tsotsi jacks a BMW only to discover a baby in the backseat. At a total loss for what to do, he brings the baby home and attempts to take care of it. This film is a gripping and real look at living conditions in the townships. Director Gavin Hood does a brilliant job of creating a world where we care about every one of the characters and feel heavy joy and sadness at their fates. This movie is excellent and very easy to recommend.
Paradise Now Also nominated for best foreign language feature, this is the story of two Palestinian men called upon to give their lives as suicide bombers. It is an incredible look at a hauntingly relevant issue from a very balanced perspective. Director Hany Abu-Assad takes us inside the minds of these two men as they struggle to come to terms with what their martyrdom means and whether or not it will help their cause. I found myself shifting back and forth with them along their path and certainly did not leave the theater with a definite opinion. This film is exquisitely well made and very tense.
Hidden Blade This film by Yoji Yamada is not nominated for best foreign language film, although Twilight Samurai, the first in the series was. The film is a sequel only in spirit as none of the characters or settings are the same, no matter how similar the stories are. It is a fantastic samurai flick that takes us to Meiji Japan where we intensely focus on one character played by Masatoshi Nagase. Again, the protagonist is an atypical samurai who clashes with his feudal lords, only to prove himself as a superior warrior. But this time his world is more intimately portrayed and we find ourselves with a greater investment in his decisions. Yamada is certainly the heir to the 1950s legacy of samurai-action brilliance and this is another step towards solidifying his place among the masters.
Brokeback Mountain Oh they are so brave! ...ehhh. I had pretty high hopes going into this heavy favorite for the best picture Oscar. When will I learn?! It is good - but definitely not great. I liked the performances but found the subtle signs of aging hard to suspension-of-disbelief away. The story is slo-ho-how and not particularly moving. However the big scene at the lake is a classic. The most amusing thing that has come out of this film's popularity has been the shifting of stereotypes to signify all cowboys as homosexuals. Giddy-up.
Capote Another film that crawls along, but this one feels a bit more best picture-like to me. Hoffman is great and the dialog is rather well written. I didn't care much about what happened to Capote. This could be the point, or it could be because the subject is not particularly interesting. The party scenes where he dominates the conversations are fun though. Catherine Keener is great and well deserving of best sup-actress award as someone who cares for Capote, but certainly doesn't idolize him.
Good Night and Good Luck I wish I had seen this on the big screen because the black and white cinematography is gorgeous. The film is only good however, mainly due to the writing. Strathairn is fantastic, but the film isn't well structured and pays the price with its abrupt and awkward ending. It lacks conflict - which even its intensely interesting historical subject and oft-discussed contemporary relevance cannot requite. Sadly, had the writers only given the script another draft, it likely could have walked away with the prize.
Tsotsi My early pick for best foreign language feature is this brilliant film from South Africa. Tsotsi means 'thug' and it is the nickname of the film's protagonist, a young hoodlum from the slums. One night Tsotsi jacks a BMW only to discover a baby in the backseat. At a total loss for what to do, he brings the baby home and attempts to take care of it. This film is a gripping and real look at living conditions in the townships. Director Gavin Hood does a brilliant job of creating a world where we care about every one of the characters and feel heavy joy and sadness at their fates. This movie is excellent and very easy to recommend.
Paradise Now Also nominated for best foreign language feature, this is the story of two Palestinian men called upon to give their lives as suicide bombers. It is an incredible look at a hauntingly relevant issue from a very balanced perspective. Director Hany Abu-Assad takes us inside the minds of these two men as they struggle to come to terms with what their martyrdom means and whether or not it will help their cause. I found myself shifting back and forth with them along their path and certainly did not leave the theater with a definite opinion. This film is exquisitely well made and very tense.
Hidden Blade This film by Yoji Yamada is not nominated for best foreign language film, although Twilight Samurai, the first in the series was. The film is a sequel only in spirit as none of the characters or settings are the same, no matter how similar the stories are. It is a fantastic samurai flick that takes us to Meiji Japan where we intensely focus on one character played by Masatoshi Nagase. Again, the protagonist is an atypical samurai who clashes with his feudal lords, only to prove himself as a superior warrior. But this time his world is more intimately portrayed and we find ourselves with a greater investment in his decisions. Yamada is certainly the heir to the 1950s legacy of samurai-action brilliance and this is another step towards solidifying his place among the masters.
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enderzero
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Caché (AKA Hidden) This new French hit by German director Michael Haneke is a psychological thriller of the most tense proportions. It is extremely well done. Without giving too much away, it is about a husband and wife at odds over a series of strange tapes being sent to the family. The film is not stereotypical or clichéd in the slightest. A true student of Bazin, Haneke has a firm handle on the filmic elements of realism (long shots, deep focus). Done to perfection, they give the film a striking resonance while avoiding any Hollywood kitsch.
Mbya, Red Earth This documentary takes us inside the lives of Argentina's indigenous Mbya people. Quite comparable to Native Americans of the USA, the Mbya have been kicked onto reservations where they must try to survive on what they can get from the earth. Completely removed from the system (including lacking subsidies), the Mbya live in such total poverty that they are unaffected by Argentina's economic collapse of 2001 which serves as the film's backdrop. Co-directed by Scottish Phil Cox and Argentinean Valeria Mapelman, this is an interesting and in-depth look at poverty, public perception, and the fight for land rights of this indigenous race.
A Social Genocide Taking place during the same economic meltdown as Mbya, this documentary by Fernando Solanas takes a in-depth look at the political forces that caused it. Call it the Argentine Fahrenheit 9/11, Solanas is particularly critical of the (evil!) privatization practices by former president Carlos Menem. This film will piss you off - that is the point. It is the first of a three part series reexamining the themes of his seminal 1969 film The Hour of the Furnaces, which won him acclaim, but also forced him into exile.
Machuca Keeping with the Latin American tip, this 2004 drama takes place during the brief interlude of democratic socialism that took place in Chile during the 1970s. It is a beautiful story told from a young boy's perspective. However the sadness of the violent (American backed) coup that ended the democracy and brought Pinochet's reign of terror upon Chile leaves the film with a haunting conclusion.
Mbya, Red Earth This documentary takes us inside the lives of Argentina's indigenous Mbya people. Quite comparable to Native Americans of the USA, the Mbya have been kicked onto reservations where they must try to survive on what they can get from the earth. Completely removed from the system (including lacking subsidies), the Mbya live in such total poverty that they are unaffected by Argentina's economic collapse of 2001 which serves as the film's backdrop. Co-directed by Scottish Phil Cox and Argentinean Valeria Mapelman, this is an interesting and in-depth look at poverty, public perception, and the fight for land rights of this indigenous race.
A Social Genocide Taking place during the same economic meltdown as Mbya, this documentary by Fernando Solanas takes a in-depth look at the political forces that caused it. Call it the Argentine Fahrenheit 9/11, Solanas is particularly critical of the (evil!) privatization practices by former president Carlos Menem. This film will piss you off - that is the point. It is the first of a three part series reexamining the themes of his seminal 1969 film The Hour of the Furnaces, which won him acclaim, but also forced him into exile.
Machuca Keeping with the Latin American tip, this 2004 drama takes place during the brief interlude of democratic socialism that took place in Chile during the 1970s. It is a beautiful story told from a young boy's perspective. However the sadness of the violent (American backed) coup that ended the democracy and brought Pinochet's reign of terror upon Chile leaves the film with a haunting conclusion.
Me too, I also liked the preview for the Jack Black movie referenced on the Octopus Dropkick site.
http://octopusdropkick.net/?p=1113
http://octopusdropkick.net/?p=1113
Fearless Starring Jet Li and directed by Ronny Yu
Jet Li fans rejoice! This is the kind of movie that gave Jet Li his reputation. It fits the standard kung-fu story molds of movies like Tai-Chi Master, Fist of Legend, and Fong-Sai Yuk. What really stands out are the fight scenes! The first 40 min. of the movie is just packed with them...I think there are like 10 different fights, with 3 quality long oes. Then there is the slow "reflective" part of the movie which lasts longer than you like (but that always seems to be teh case with these), and the dramatic final fight that has a nice twist at the end. The movie is also based on a true story...
The fights are fantastic...choreography and camera work is great. This is not a flashy one with magic and walking on bamboo (but there is string work), just a straight up showcase of what jet li can do. Its a keeper for sure!
I have also read rumors that this might be Jet Li's last movie of this genre...it certainly has that feeling to it, but I hope it isnt true.
(find the torrent here: http://www.asiandvdclub.org/details.php?id=5824)
Jet Li fans rejoice! This is the kind of movie that gave Jet Li his reputation. It fits the standard kung-fu story molds of movies like Tai-Chi Master, Fist of Legend, and Fong-Sai Yuk. What really stands out are the fight scenes! The first 40 min. of the movie is just packed with them...I think there are like 10 different fights, with 3 quality long oes. Then there is the slow "reflective" part of the movie which lasts longer than you like (but that always seems to be teh case with these), and the dramatic final fight that has a nice twist at the end. The movie is also based on a true story...
The fights are fantastic...choreography and camera work is great. This is not a flashy one with magic and walking on bamboo (but there is string work), just a straight up showcase of what jet li can do. Its a keeper for sure!
I have also read rumors that this might be Jet Li's last movie of this genre...it certainly has that feeling to it, but I hope it isnt true.
(find the torrent here: http://www.asiandvdclub.org/details.php?id=5824)
stay under the 1yen curve!
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mistasparkle*
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enderzero
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Three cheers for spring break for allwoing me to catch up on my film writeups. ...still a few left.
V for Vendetta This is a well written and highly entertaining comic book adaptation. The story is nicely paced and keeps you involved from plot point to plot point. It is not over the top with fx but they are used appropriately. There are a few questionable story aspects, but the typical comic book suspension of disbelief is adequate. I did find the violence solving violence ideology a bit circumspect and I have heard that it was not so neat and cleanly white versus black in the comic. I would really like to check out the graphic novel now.
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance This awesome movie is the third installment of Park Chan-wook's Revenge Trilogy. I have not yet seen Old Boy or Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, but I hope to very very soon. Chan-wook's characters are vivid, his storytelling is fluid, and his cinematography is harrowing. This is new Korean film making at its best and it should certainly be seen - on a big screen if at all possible.
The Promise Chen Kaige's high budget Chinese costume drama's best part is the costumes. The story is convoluted and not particularly interesting. Some of the fights are cool but it is hard to understand anyone's motivation. I was hoping for much more than just some pretty pictures.
Grizzly Man This documentary is a very in-depth look at one man who chooses to live his life with the grizzly bears. After 13 summers in the Alaskan wild, Timothy Treadwell was eaten by the giant beasts he held so dear. Werner Herzog poured through hundreds of hours of Treadwell's narrated video and then interviewed many who were close to Treadwell. The problem is that Treadwell is not at all sympathetic and his crazy baby talk to the bears and foxes had me cheering on the death-dealing grizzly.
Favela Rising This is a poignant and uplifting documentary about the slums of Rio de Janeiro and a man who finds a way to make a difference. Anderson Sa worked as a drug dealer as a young kid but after a police led massacre in his favela, turned to music. His band, AfroReggae became a positive outlet for many people in the favela, and eventually extended their message to the neighborhood kids through percussion outreach programs. The film is amazingly well made and entertaining and a great positive look at how one person can work for change.
Bus 174 This is another Brazilian doc about a bus hijacker and the media exposure the incident generated. The hijacker was a Rio street kid with a sad past. The film is interesting but delves into too many side stories and runs about 40 minutes too long. The look at the media's role in the outcome is probably the most fascinating part.
Speeder Kills This is a fake documentary (although not a mockumentary) about an emerging female filmmaker working on a local band's music video. The dialog is a bit awkward at times but overall the film is incredibly entertaining. I really dig the style of the film and find it hard to believe it was completely fabricated.
La Nina Santa (aka The Holy Girl) This film centers around a young Argentine girl (coming of age!) who lives in a hotel with her mother. When a medical convention brings a perverted doctor into her life, she sees it as an opportunity to explore her sexuality. This is a complex and involved story with no real resolution - but it is a well made and visually stunning film.
Violet Perfume: No One is Listening More Spanish language coming of age teenage girls. This decisively lower budget film is also less interesting. The protagonist, Yessica, is a trainwreck who is repeatedly raped by her older brother's friend and steals from her own friend. Nothing very good happens to Yessica but the young Miriam is somewhat interesting as a supporting character.
Whisky No Camera Movement! Slow! Methodical! Make it look Asian! This film, which takes place in Uruguay, is about an old man who runs a sock factory. Things get (about as) interesting (as they get) when he asks an employee to pretend to be his wife for his brother's visit. The woman is into the idea but is discouraged when he shows less enthusiasm than she. No one talks a whole lot, but there are some pretty scenes and it is generally well made.
A Place Without Limits The setting is a small Mexican whorehouse where a man and his daughter share a bed. Both are prostitutes, and both are in love with the same machismo. This can't end well for anyone. This film is interesting at times but I can't imagine anyone would run across it or feel too bad about missing it.
Aventurera This 1950 Mexican film is the seminal story of the "fallen woman." Ninon Sevilla plays Elena Tejero, a young beautiful woman who falls in as a prostitute when tragedy takes her family away. Every character is a caricature and going in with that expectation makes this ridiculous but entertaining film much more enjoyable.
Wet Hot American Summer The last day of summer camp with a hilarious group of counselors consisting of many ex-members of The State. This falls into the single day period piece (ala Dazed & Confused). I especially appreciated the way the filmmakers deviated from typical comedy into absurd at certain points. It is well worth watching for a good guffaw.
Thumbsucker Although not flawless, this is a very respectable attempt for first-time feature filmmaker Mike Mills. It is about an adolescent boy, Justin, who falls back on his thumbsucking habit when he feels the stresses of being a teen. His Dad is a jerk and his mom doesn't know how to reach him. A whole host of other events catapult Justin towards adulthood and we get to ride along, coming to really like and root for him. Justin is played wonderfully by young actor Lou
Pucci and Tilda Swinton, Vince Vaughn and Vincent D'Onofrio all give great supporting performances. I look forward to further films by Mills.
The 40 Year Old Virgin I saw this film months ago but somehow never wrote about it. Freakin hilarious! There are too many great lines to quote, but one of my faves is, "Wow, this place is crowded," "Yeah, well you know, it's nine dollar beer night." So much funnier than Wedding Crashers, this movie is one of those especially well written comedies that will certainly go down as a classic. I can watch it again and again.
V for Vendetta This is a well written and highly entertaining comic book adaptation. The story is nicely paced and keeps you involved from plot point to plot point. It is not over the top with fx but they are used appropriately. There are a few questionable story aspects, but the typical comic book suspension of disbelief is adequate. I did find the violence solving violence ideology a bit circumspect and I have heard that it was not so neat and cleanly white versus black in the comic. I would really like to check out the graphic novel now.
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance This awesome movie is the third installment of Park Chan-wook's Revenge Trilogy. I have not yet seen Old Boy or Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, but I hope to very very soon. Chan-wook's characters are vivid, his storytelling is fluid, and his cinematography is harrowing. This is new Korean film making at its best and it should certainly be seen - on a big screen if at all possible.
The Promise Chen Kaige's high budget Chinese costume drama's best part is the costumes. The story is convoluted and not particularly interesting. Some of the fights are cool but it is hard to understand anyone's motivation. I was hoping for much more than just some pretty pictures.
Grizzly Man This documentary is a very in-depth look at one man who chooses to live his life with the grizzly bears. After 13 summers in the Alaskan wild, Timothy Treadwell was eaten by the giant beasts he held so dear. Werner Herzog poured through hundreds of hours of Treadwell's narrated video and then interviewed many who were close to Treadwell. The problem is that Treadwell is not at all sympathetic and his crazy baby talk to the bears and foxes had me cheering on the death-dealing grizzly.
Favela Rising This is a poignant and uplifting documentary about the slums of Rio de Janeiro and a man who finds a way to make a difference. Anderson Sa worked as a drug dealer as a young kid but after a police led massacre in his favela, turned to music. His band, AfroReggae became a positive outlet for many people in the favela, and eventually extended their message to the neighborhood kids through percussion outreach programs. The film is amazingly well made and entertaining and a great positive look at how one person can work for change.
Bus 174 This is another Brazilian doc about a bus hijacker and the media exposure the incident generated. The hijacker was a Rio street kid with a sad past. The film is interesting but delves into too many side stories and runs about 40 minutes too long. The look at the media's role in the outcome is probably the most fascinating part.
Speeder Kills This is a fake documentary (although not a mockumentary) about an emerging female filmmaker working on a local band's music video. The dialog is a bit awkward at times but overall the film is incredibly entertaining. I really dig the style of the film and find it hard to believe it was completely fabricated.
La Nina Santa (aka The Holy Girl) This film centers around a young Argentine girl (coming of age!) who lives in a hotel with her mother. When a medical convention brings a perverted doctor into her life, she sees it as an opportunity to explore her sexuality. This is a complex and involved story with no real resolution - but it is a well made and visually stunning film.
Violet Perfume: No One is Listening More Spanish language coming of age teenage girls. This decisively lower budget film is also less interesting. The protagonist, Yessica, is a trainwreck who is repeatedly raped by her older brother's friend and steals from her own friend. Nothing very good happens to Yessica but the young Miriam is somewhat interesting as a supporting character.
Whisky No Camera Movement! Slow! Methodical! Make it look Asian! This film, which takes place in Uruguay, is about an old man who runs a sock factory. Things get (about as) interesting (as they get) when he asks an employee to pretend to be his wife for his brother's visit. The woman is into the idea but is discouraged when he shows less enthusiasm than she. No one talks a whole lot, but there are some pretty scenes and it is generally well made.
A Place Without Limits The setting is a small Mexican whorehouse where a man and his daughter share a bed. Both are prostitutes, and both are in love with the same machismo. This can't end well for anyone. This film is interesting at times but I can't imagine anyone would run across it or feel too bad about missing it.
Aventurera This 1950 Mexican film is the seminal story of the "fallen woman." Ninon Sevilla plays Elena Tejero, a young beautiful woman who falls in as a prostitute when tragedy takes her family away. Every character is a caricature and going in with that expectation makes this ridiculous but entertaining film much more enjoyable.
Wet Hot American Summer The last day of summer camp with a hilarious group of counselors consisting of many ex-members of The State. This falls into the single day period piece (ala Dazed & Confused). I especially appreciated the way the filmmakers deviated from typical comedy into absurd at certain points. It is well worth watching for a good guffaw.
Thumbsucker Although not flawless, this is a very respectable attempt for first-time feature filmmaker Mike Mills. It is about an adolescent boy, Justin, who falls back on his thumbsucking habit when he feels the stresses of being a teen. His Dad is a jerk and his mom doesn't know how to reach him. A whole host of other events catapult Justin towards adulthood and we get to ride along, coming to really like and root for him. Justin is played wonderfully by young actor Lou
Pucci and Tilda Swinton, Vince Vaughn and Vincent D'Onofrio all give great supporting performances. I look forward to further films by Mills.
The 40 Year Old Virgin I saw this film months ago but somehow never wrote about it. Freakin hilarious! There are too many great lines to quote, but one of my faves is, "Wow, this place is crowded," "Yeah, well you know, it's nine dollar beer night." So much funnier than Wedding Crashers, this movie is one of those especially well written comedies that will certainly go down as a classic. I can watch it again and again.
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enderzero
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...guess I forgot about this thread. Maybe cuz it feels like work.
Half Nelson This is truly the kind of film that fuels my resolve in my passion to be involved in the world of film making. It is a really remarkable, beautiful, and poignant film. Ryan Gosling gives a performance better than most any other ever to fill a screen as a weak-willed school teacher, adrift in a world of a drug addiction. His life takes ever so slight a turn when a young girl, played by the exceptionally talented young actress Shareeka Epps, enters. From the script to the edit, this film is perfectly crafted - something that is SO refreshing to see.
Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson
Maybe not as much in this pic - but it is hard to watch Gosling without noting the exceptional resemblance to our own Goemon...
Half Nelson This is truly the kind of film that fuels my resolve in my passion to be involved in the world of film making. It is a really remarkable, beautiful, and poignant film. Ryan Gosling gives a performance better than most any other ever to fill a screen as a weak-willed school teacher, adrift in a world of a drug addiction. His life takes ever so slight a turn when a young girl, played by the exceptionally talented young actress Shareeka Epps, enters. From the script to the edit, this film is perfectly crafted - something that is SO refreshing to see.
Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson
Maybe not as much in this pic - but it is hard to watch Gosling without noting the exceptional resemblance to our own Goemon...
