Maybe all those who are praising this mistake have not seen WWI films such as: Paths of Glory, The Grand Illusion, All Quiet on the Western Front or Lawrence of Arabia. The sets, props and cinematography were excellent. The acting was OK, but the script, direction and editing missed the mark. Many scenes were unbelievably unrealistic. A great disappointment.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Gupta vs Gordon
(2003)
I agree with vpanand4
17 July 2019
This low budget family-made production tries hard, but fails on a number of levels. I am left feeling that with greater financial assistance, many of the shortcomings might have been avoided, but that is often the nature of low budget filming. This is a poor representation of New Zealand Indian film projects. Two other films that are much better are be 'Apron Strings' and 'Curry Munchers'.
Utu
(1983)
'Utu Redux' is the film the Director wants you to See.
12 December 2015
Most reviewers have referred to this as a Western, but I feel that puts a label on it that is misleading. The setting involves a colonial power and subjugated indigenous people in 1870 New Zealand, but it could have been 1870 Australia or Canada or Mexico or United States or any number of other countries. It is a fiction based upon real people and events with a late 19th century New Zealand setting. One needs to view it without the preconceived notions and if so done, you will better enjoy it.
All that said, I would highly recommend viewing the recently released 'Utu Redux' version. It is a bit shorter with a greatly improved image and sound. It has been digitized and is now available on region free DVD and Blu-ray. Since its 1983 release, it was bastardized by various distributors with length changes and quality losses. The director, editor and original cinematographer spent much time and expense to get back the film they intended. 'Utu Redux' is that film.
All that said, I would highly recommend viewing the recently released 'Utu Redux' version. It is a bit shorter with a greatly improved image and sound. It has been digitized and is now available on region free DVD and Blu-ray. Since its 1983 release, it was bastardized by various distributors with length changes and quality losses. The director, editor and original cinematographer spent much time and expense to get back the film they intended. 'Utu Redux' is that film.
Good for Nothing
(2011)
A Dry Humorous Western That Is More Italian Than Hollywood
17 April 2012
An ironic look into the emotional confusion of an outlaw who reluctantly develops strong feelings for a woman he has kidnapped, while finding he is unable to "perform" when trying to have his way with her. This results in his seeking help with his problem from a doctor then medicine men, both Chinese and Native American. All the while, the pair are being pursued by a posse out to kill both of them. This deadpan comedy drama has high production values, wonderful photography and a memorable original soundtrack combined with a minimalist script and action that is sometimes over the top to the extent that twice I found myself laughing uncontrollably with this atypical western. This is definitely not a John Wayne film, which is why it has, so far, received low ratings, but give it's subtle humor a chance and you may conclude that it is one of the more memorable of your recent film experiences. Highly Recommended.
Down by the Riverside
(2007)
Maybe films that cannot put together essentials, shouldn't be made.
2 January 2008
In the early twentieth century, several pregnant girls met in a rural birthing house, where they were sent away by their parents, to give birth and adopt away their children. Almost twenty years later, two historians research the horrific story of the girls and find that the unsolved murder mystery is far from over. Was shot in and around the Waikato town of Te Aroha, but would have been better assisted by filming around the Hawke Bay Art Deco areas of Hastings or Napier. The lack of a production manager and art director shows, along with the less than satisfactory sound and lighting results. Yes, I know that is was done on a no-profit, almost no money basis, but maybe films that cannot put together essentials, shouldn't be made. The best aspect of this one is the original score.
King Kong
(2005)
Maybe you don't see it as a humorous homage
28 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
It would seem that there is a minority who do not like the film, some even hating it. They do not see that this is Peter Jackson's homage to the film that brought him to where he is today. They also seem to have forgotten that the 1933 film was basically a "B" movie and so Peter Jackson has made a grand "epic" "B" movie. Many things in the film are over-the-top or ridiculous - intentionally. An example is the dinosaur stampede. Yes, it goes on "too long" - intentionally. Before the stampede ended, I was laughing out-loud.
Some things you might have missed or not understood, as there are many "inside" jokes in the film. The "creepy giant cricket-like things", as some have called them, are computer-created giant Wetas, a New Zealand insect of the families Stenopedmatidae or Rhaphidophoridae. Weta also is the name of Peter Jackson's special effects department. In the boat hold there is a cage with a sign referring to "Sumatran Rat Monkey". This is a reference to Peter Jackson's movie 'Braindead'.
But the inside joke that made me gasp concerned the scene inside the New York theater with Kong in chains. The orchestra conductor is Howard Shore, who was originally selected to score the film, but at the 11th hour, replaced with James Newton Howard. When Kong breaks the chains and decides to leave he leaps off the stage, landing on Shore on his way out. I don't know if this effect was decided before or after Mr Shore was replaced, but the symbolism is significant.
I don't know about you, but I am definitely looking forward to the DVD and I might even break my usual rule of never seeing a specific theatrical title more than once per year.
Charles
Some things you might have missed or not understood, as there are many "inside" jokes in the film. The "creepy giant cricket-like things", as some have called them, are computer-created giant Wetas, a New Zealand insect of the families Stenopedmatidae or Rhaphidophoridae. Weta also is the name of Peter Jackson's special effects department. In the boat hold there is a cage with a sign referring to "Sumatran Rat Monkey". This is a reference to Peter Jackson's movie 'Braindead'.
But the inside joke that made me gasp concerned the scene inside the New York theater with Kong in chains. The orchestra conductor is Howard Shore, who was originally selected to score the film, but at the 11th hour, replaced with James Newton Howard. When Kong breaks the chains and decides to leave he leaps off the stage, landing on Shore on his way out. I don't know if this effect was decided before or after Mr Shore was replaced, but the symbolism is significant.
I don't know about you, but I am definitely looking forward to the DVD and I might even break my usual rule of never seeing a specific theatrical title more than once per year.
Charles
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