Apr
26
07
Official movie website.
Internet Movie Database link.
I almost gave this film a Good rating; however, I decided my general disappointment merited the lowest rating despite the film’s (few) redeeming qualities.
Three main reasons for my dissatisfaction: a) a glacial pace of development; b) unconvincing, uninspired acting by all involved; and c) a never-ending, boring, tired stream of clichés. This last point can hardly be overstated. I had never rolled my eyes so many times during a film before.
Redeeming qualities: beautiful locale, and some decent cinematography.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, G, Romance, Drama.
Jan
01
07
Internet Movie Database link.
This powerful film retells the history of twentieth-century Hungary through the lives of four generations of the Sonnenschein/Sors family. Religion, politics, power, commitment, love, family, serendipity, patriotism, nationalism, fear, sports, prejudice, war: a portrait of human life and death.
The individual is presented as fundamentally anchored in family, religion and principles, but at the same time subject to the whims of those in power. The interplay between each one’s abilities, emotions and ambitions, and the ever-present whirlwind outside one’s doors, is presented wonderfully.
Directed by the acclaimed István Szabó, it shows a surprising consistency throughout its 181 minutes.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, S, Drama, Politics.
Dec
27
06
Official movie website.
Internet Movie Database link.
The creators of this film subscribe to the following views:
- Dialog is not necessary. It can be adequately substituted by long takes of the actors looking intently at each other.
- Moviegoers enjoy looking at static scenes of trees or rivers, so they should appear often and last for 20 to 30 seconds.
- A good film is not required to convey a sense of place, or time flow, or continuity. It is OK for the heroine to be taken hostage, only to join the hero again (many kilometers away) in the next scene.
- No film can ever be too long.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, N, Romance, Drama.
Nov
13
06
Official movie website.
Internet Movie Database link.
One of the most enjoyable films of the year. An entertaining plot performed by excellent actors.
I have always thought that Almodovar, an otherwise brilliant filmmaker, was also a bit immature: his films tried to shock as much as (or more) than to please.
He began to grow out of this with Talk to Her, and now the process is complete. Volver is more lighthearted, but deeper and more meaningful than Talk to Her. Almodovar has matured; he films as if he has nothing to prove and the result is a masterpiece.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, V, Comedy, Drama.
Aug
20
06
Internet Movie Database link.
Official movie website.
(Original title: Die Geschichte vom Weinenden Kamel)
A moving, profoundly human story about birth, survival, love and music set in the desolate and unforgiving Mongolian desert. A poor mother camel suffers horribly during her little camel’s birth. She rejects (or rather, actively hates) the little one, contradicting all wishful thinking about motherly love and sacrifice. The nomads can’t afford to lose a single camel, though, and after everything else fails, follow an old and amazing ritual to rejoin them.
An absolute must-see, this film will keep you in deep reflexion for a long time.
Rating: Essential.
Filed under Essential, W, Documentary, Drama.
Jun
15
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
Not as polished or as well-rounded as Le Peuple Migrateur, March of the Penguins tells the harrowing, deeply moving tale of the emperor penguins’ fight to raise their chicks in the toughest corner of the planet. If you are pregnant and you think you’re having a hard time, this movie is a must-see. It’ll make you feel better.
The affection between penguin couples, their lock-step coordination, and their love for their chick makes one marvel at the miracle of life.
Rating: Good.
Filed under Good, M, Documentary, Drama.
Jun
01
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
(Disclaimer: I’m a huge Woody Allen fan). What a great movie. It mixes suspense, romance, intrigue, love, infidelity, luck, murder, and serendipity into a perfect blend. The film unrolls at a slow, determined pace that lets all the details sink in while the spectator admires the great acting. (Except for Ms. Scarlett Johansson, who goes on to prove she’s the worst actress to ever mar an Allen movie. If he can’t get her to act, no-one can).
This film’s theme and dialog are very different from your usual Allen movie. I highly recommend it, whether you are a fan of his or not.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, M, Drama.