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Reviews
Defiance (2008)
This is definitely worth seeing
This film is based on a true story about 4 somewhat disputable Jewish brothers living in Belorussia in 1941. They reluctantly become responsible for an ever-growing band of displaced Jews who will simply perish at the hands of the Nazis if not assisted. It is a horrific, beautiful, heartwarming tale that has viewers cringing from the opening scene. In addition to a good script and decent acting, the cinematography is amazing, and some of the scenes are truly memorable. One scene that comes to mind is after the capture of a wayward Nazi scout. He is brought into the 'village' in the woods, and is dealt with in a brutal fashion reflecting the fear, outrage, and hatred of the Jews toward their Nazi tormentors. While violent, this scene is handled with a thoughtful sensitivity. Don't miss this film.
The Thing About My Folks (2005)
Charming at times
This film, written by Paul Reiser, was a warm film focused on relationships between generations. Falk's role was written specifically for him, and he shines as a Reiser's 77-year-old father, recently jilted by Reiser's mother. To ease Falk's angst, Reiser includes his father on a trip to the country which turns into a road trip for the two of them lasting several days. The road trip cements the adult father-son relationship and contains many long overdue shared experiences for the two. Questions are asked and answered. That being said, as much as I enjoyed the road trip, I did not enjoy the first third of the movie which provided caricature performances by siblings, children, and even Falk. These performances were not improved by a liberal sprinkling of flatulence (from Falk, supposedly). Thankfully, the farting did not continue through the remainder of the film. The ending was somewhat weak, and I left feeling unimpressed.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
The most gut wrenching film I've ever watched
Don Cheadle should get an Academy Award for his role as the African hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina who single handedly saved over 1,000 people during the Hutu massacre of Tutu tribesmen in the mid-1990's. His accent, his emotions, his courage and integrity were impeccably executed. Sophie Okonedo, who played Rusesabagina's wife Tatiana, was also excellent.
The film seemed almost like a documentary at times (hand-held camera?) and crystallized the dilemma of man's inhumanity to man as only pictures can do.
Over 800,000 men, women, and children were slaughtered in a period of a few months. It made for tough watching. For those with a strong stomach, it is a film not to be missed.
L'homme du train (2002)
Worst film I've seen in a long time
Very slow, with a disappointing conclusion. Characters were interesting, as was basic thesis -- two lonely men in later life taking a hard look at choices. Both characters were engaging and sympathetic, but the film PLODDED through many inexplicable and unnecessary scenes to a very flawed ending. I would not recommend this film to anyone.
I Am Sam (2001)
One of my favorites this year
I had the privilege of viewing this film at the UCLA Sneak Preview extension class this week. Sean Penn is fantastic in his role as Sam, a retarded adult parent, and Dakota Fanning as his 7 year old daughter is a performance not to miss. The film is true to the subject matter (the writer and Penn spent 90 days in a facility for retarded adults, including time on a production line). It is skillfully done, with all of the tragedies and comedies that life delivers.
Don't miss it.