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Jat-7
Reviews
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Don't let the subtlety throw you
As a straight horror movie, if that were all there was, I didn't find it terrifying. Supremely tense, definitely, particularly in the scenes without light; and when reflecting on it afterwards the full impact of its chilling nature hit me more. It doesn't provide the shockfest that horror audiences want the most, though. However, I found it excellent as a psychological thriller. We get to watch as three ordinary people, complete with ordinary flaws that make them all the more believable, are exposed to extreme stress with inevitable consequences. Watching them break down, culminating in an incredible monologue by Heather, is a fascinating experience. The realism is also top notch; while others might decry the lack of any kind of polish, I reckon it's just that that makes it so intriguing. It could easily be real life that's being filmed, a premise aided by the very natural acting of the three main characters. Eerie, unsettling and very effective in its subtlety, this ranks as one of my favourite films and well worth watching.
Romeo Must Die (2000)
Stylish and supremely entertaining
This movie has the style of both a Chinese gangster flick and hip-hop movie, mixed in with stunning fight sequences from the greatest martial arts actor alive and a good plot with an electrifying ending. What more could you ask for? Maybe a removal of the wire scenes in the fights, but in truth they are not used all the time and do not ruin the scenes as much as they are made out to. This movie is basically a more plot driven version of a Hong Kong kung-fu movie, including the obligatory long fight sequence at the end between good and bad guy. Overall, it's the combination of styles, all meshing well together, that create a uniquely entertaining movie well worth seeing.
The Passion of Darkly Noon (1995)
Deserving of so much more recognition
This film is a powerful study of obsession, set in an abstract fantasy world. It is beautiful in so many ways, from the stunning surroundings, to the haunting score, to the exceptional acting from Brendan Fraser as a man driven to madness by the conflict inside him. It is essentially a tragedy, where everyone loses and you can still feel sorry for Darkly despite everything he does. It doesn't have a complex plot or highly developed characters: it is essentially like a short story rather than a novel, a snapshot of the demise of the main character, but done so effectively as to immerse you completely in the vast forest and leave you thinking about what has transpired long after the film has ended. It is truly a work of art, and having seen Philip Ridley's other work The Reflecting Skin, I can count myself as a great admirer of his style of moviemaking.
The Reflecting Skin (1990)
One of a kind
I have frequently walked out of a film uplifted, or moved, or occasionally depressed by what I've seen. However, I've never before seen a film best described by the word excruciating. It is a painful experience, which no-one can claim to have truly enjoyed watching. That doesn't make it any less of a masterpiece, savagely portraying the squalor of one boy's life in a basically abstract fashion (for example, the 'angel' and the twins). Amazing camerawork throughout, and scenes such as the man dousing himself in petrol are simply outstanding. See it if you're feeling strong enough.
The Replacement Killers (1998)
Totally Underrated
I'm amazed how negative people are being about this movie. It has to be judged as what it is: an action movie. It does not attempt to have a complex plot, mystery, moral exploration etc. Considered on this basis, it is certainly one of the best examples of the genre: it is supremely stylish, well filmed and entertaining. Chow Yun-Fat is as great as ever: like the rest of the movie, his performance is stylish and he acts well throughout. I know many fans of Chow Yun-Fat may be put off by the 'over simplicity' of the movie, but as a fan myself I consider his performance in this just as riveting as in his Hong Kong movies. Don't analyse the film, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Replacement Killers (1998)
Totally Underrated
I'm amazed how negative people are being about this movie. It has to be judged as what it is: an action movie. It does not attempt to have a complex plot, mystery, moral exploration etc. Considered on this basis, it is certainly one of the best examples of the genre: it is supremely stylish, well filmed and entertaining. Chow Yun-Fat is as great as ever: like the rest of the movie, his performance is stylish and he acts well throughout. I know many fans of Chow Yun-Fat may be put off by the 'over simplicity' of the movie, but as a fan myself I consider his performance in this just as riveting as in his Hong Kong movies. Don't analyse the film, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Ngoh joi hak se wooi dik yat ji (1989)
Superb Triad movie
This is an excellent Chinese gangster movie, a tale of a man who, having relinquished his place in the Triads, finds himself thrust back into it unprepared on the death of his father. More thoughtful than many in the genre, its complex plot and good camerawork make it a masterpiece. Chow Yun-Fat is not in his typical 'silent gunman' type role, using more emotion to great effect as someone who is clearly distasteful of the violence surrounding him but is slowly forced to become part of it to survive. I am a big fan of both the actor and the genre, but nevertheless this film is a head above most other Triad movies due to its well developed plot and high production values. Get it on DVD now.