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Reviews
Ladri di biciclette (1948)
A piece of art.
This Neo-realistic film is absolutely stunning. A film that demonstrates the hardships of Europeans around the time of WW11. With the story being about a man and son in search of their bike so they can survive one can't helped but get attached. On there journeys they get little help wanting them to be able to work and live a person watching this film could feel like they can't leave the edge of their seat.
Not only is the story in this film amazing but the cinematography is as well. The film is visually enticing. the use of shapes and patterns makes each shot look like a painting. One of the scenes that is great to watch is when a bunch of workers on bikes are riding past the boy and his father. Each worker moves by slowly holding a latter, lined up in lines behind each- other equally spaced. As the bikes slowly pass by it creates the illusion that only the two main characters are moving. Each shot in this film looks like it was truly thought about in the making of this film.
This film is like living in a painting of a depressing location. While watching the characters living in a Saddened environment with simple things like posters of Rita Hayworth to keep them happy one just wants to watch to see what happens. Without saying much I highly recommend this film to watch.
Der amerikanische Freund (1977)
good or bad???
To be honest I don't Know what to think of this film. At times I loved it and at others I was bored. The film is rather slow moving and tedious to watch at times however what occurs within it is what makes in interesting.
The film doesn't rely on plot, but on the relationships and actions used within it. The relationship between the two men is one of the most interesting to watch because it is far from real. The locations in this film add to it causing various captivating shots in Paris, New York, etc.
Although much of the film is unexplained it doesn't really matter. When watching scenes such as those on the train one can't help but be entertained. So many crazy events occur on the train showing how absolutely insane the main character is. When he sticks his head out of a moving train and just screams out of top of his lungs you can't help but think he is an interesting person to watch.
this isn't a film I find easy to explain, and not one I can recommend to others because I myself don't know what to think however although it is long and irritating at times it also feels rewarding to watch. Its not one of those spoon-fed Hollywood films. Its different!
Modern Times (1936)
nothing but funny
Modern times is a great comedy. Although it is a silent film it's use of sound is one of it's most interesting characteristics. When a man comes in to sell his new invention a record like devise plays the sound of a man speaking. Electrical sounds are heard playing in the background. It has got to be the only time I have seen something like this done. Normally there are just sound effects and not voices.
The machine in this scene also is an object that creates one of the most comedic moments in the film. As a factory worker (played by Charlie Chaplin) is sat down and in a chair the machine is placed in front of him. At first it works wonders by cleaning and feeding him however, after a few seconds the machine goes mad and begins to move extremely fast. As items such as corn, and metal bolts are being forced into the workers mouth nothing but laughter can be created. Charlie's Wide eye facial expressions create such hilarious images.
Some of the sets in his film are fun to watch too. One of which being the inside of a factory machine. the one in which the factory worker gets stuck in. It resembles that of the guts of a clock.
This Charlie Chaplin film creates nothing but memorable moments. Wither it be him using a wrench to tighten a woman's bust buttons, eating a shoe, or being chased by the police this film is nothing but funny.
Carousel (1956)
location??
Having heard about this film from a musician I was under the impression I was going to be amazed by it. I was misinformed. The coloring, costumes, and music were all great and enjoyable but the set drove me absolutely insane.
The continuity was horrible. Most musicals made during this time were often shot in the studio, sometimes on location. This was shot at both. Although it may have seemed like a good idea it was poorly executed. They used studio shots and locations shots in the same scene but it was completely obvious and distracting. The images didn't even match.
One of the scenes in-which this is the most apparent is when one of the characters are dancing on the beach. At first she is on a real beach her costume flows with the breeze, The waves are moving in the background and sand slowly falls from the dunes however after a few minutes it cuts to the studio image. It is almost the same shot only the logs in the scene are slightly moves and the background has no life to it. In fact it is hard to even see a single wave.
This film is beautiful to watch at certain times however its depressing ending isn't the only thing that leaves you upset. But its attempt in using various shooting locations makes you confused and just simply annoyed
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
thumbs up
Clockwork orange is a film that is both disturbing and entertaining. The opening shot alone tells you how crazy the film is going to be and how insane the characters are. As Character Alex and his gang sit on a long modern couch drinking milk the camera moves away showing a massive amount of nude female mannequins in sexual positions. Their hair colors are bright greens, reds, oranges and blues making it obvious that the character himself has a great mind of imagination.
What is fascinating about this movie is its view on crime. To the main characters crime is just an ordinary act, one that is moral. Beating homeless men, raping women, robbing and stealing is a fun activity for the gang. this is shown by one of the most memorable scenes.
A husband and his wife are at home. the boys knock on the door stating its an emergency. When the woman lets them in the husband is beat and she is raped while Alex sings "I'm singing in the rain" a song meant to be fun and relaxing to listen to. In this case the song makes the scene even more disturbing.
Another characteristic that Alex has that is rather intriguing are his dream sequences. the one that stands out most is the one with Jesus. At first One could think that he is dreaming he is Jesus however, it is shown that he is the soldier whipping Jesus. And he enjoys it.
This film is completely twisted and disturbing but at the same time you can't keep your eyes off of it
Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)
what a horror
This film is both horrifying and comical. The make up used on the vampire is amazing. His ears look like they belong on an elf and his skin is extremely pale. His teeth look like they can be real even though they are all pointy and some rotted. The one make-up touch that is most interesting is his fingers. His fingers are abnormally long which makes his hunched over body even more awkward looking. One could think he wouldn't be able to pick anything up with them, yet he carries around his own coffin everywhere he goes. Thats the comical part of the movie (when he carries his coffin) the music that is played as he walks sometimes makes it almost impossible to stay serious.
Some of the most interesting shots are those in which you see nothing but his shadows. When the monster is suppose to be walking up the stairs all you can see is the shadow of his long skeletal body and fingers.
His look itself is just scary to think about. When he is on the ship walking and his body rises up. The first thing that comes to mind is " keep that thing far away from me" With his eyes bulging out of his head and his intense stair it seems as if the vampire is going to walk directly out of the screen. Moments like this occur all throughout the film. Its a good movie for someone to watch if they want to both be slightly frightened yet laugh a few times.
The Red Shoes (1948)
dace
This movie was a relief to watch. Its not a movie where the dancing makes you sick. It is beautifully made with great costumes, locations, dance numbers, and music. Having shot in Technicolor makes the film even more like a painting. The colors are all vibrant and captivating making it hard to keep your eyes away from any outside or stage location.
The film also is an inspirational piece. With the main actor pushing his performers to be the best they can be it has a strong statement, one that is said often. you can't accomplish your dreams by doing nothing, you have to get out there and do something about it. Don't let your talent go to waste. We live this through the Ballerina as she is pushed to her limits.
This is a fun romantic drama to watch.
Peter Pan (1924)
a theatrical experience
This film is unlike any peter pan film I have seen. It is like watching The very first Peter Pan theater show on the big screen. The special effects and costumes are different then other films I have seen that were made during this time period.
One of the scenes that is truly captivating is when Tinkerbell attempts to find Peters Shadow. Instead of having a small light created by a mirror as they would have used in the play sets were created to make the actress who plays the fairy to be the size of a human thumb. The sets look as though they were made for a giant. As the character leans up against the drawer her costumes flows slowly with the breeze. With these characteristics and the soft lighting a magical image is created.
The costumes in this film are also an unique part of the film especially those of the animals. the animals in this film are human beings in large animal suits crawling on all four limbs. There are lion, wolf, crocodile, bear and dog costumes; the dog costume being the most detailed. Nana ( the house nanny) is a character who helps around the home and takes care of the children. The costume used by the actor has details that allow him to use the characters description to its full potential. With a mouth that allows him to grab items of a bed and a tail that wags this costume adds the illusion of having a real dog on stage.
For those who enjoy theater this is a great film to watch. It grants you the opportunity to watch the creations of J.M Barrie through his own work.
Gau ji (2004)
more dumplings please
Dumplings is a film that takes eating dumplings to another level. When going to watch this movie I thought it was going to be a little weird but after seeing it, it was nothing that I expected. The dumplings were made out of babies and embryos.
The concept behind the film is interesting. These specially made dumplings are created to make women appear younger in age. It makes the characters look even more obsessed with their looks. Although the want to look younger is a normal thought it is how it is done and the images shown in the film that make the film both eye grabbing and uncomfortable.
One of the most disturbing parts is when a girl comes in to get an abortion. The way it is performed is uncleanly and painful. Blood spills everywhere as if it were a gory horror film. After the abortion is performed the bloody (almost fully grown) baby is placed in a filled sink. Later it is shown being processed and cut up to be put in the dumplings.
Normally watching people eating food isn't bad to watch however after seeing all that is done to make it when the camera zooms in to a woman's face slowly eating the dumplings the site of someone chewing becomes nauseating. Sitting there watching her eat seemed like the longest scene in the film.
I strongly recommend this film to watch how ever if you have a week stomach I would stay away. More movies should be made like this. It is interesting to see an ordinary daily action turn into something twisted.
Le carton (2004)
something familiar
Le carton is a low budget french comedy about a man who attempts to move out of his apartment in short notice. All of the comedy occurs mostly when him and his friends attempt to get him out.
Much of the comedy in this film is like those that I have seen in the local movie theater back at home . It relies on over stretched truths, overly done actions and body movements like falling, ridiculous fights,smashing coffee beans with a pot and getting stuck in odd places. This film was funny to watch and entertaining however it seemed not much different then some of those Adam Sandler movies.
The film is simply just easygoing... A no brainer there is no thinking involved when watching this. It's simply meant to be watched and laughed at when jokes and funny moments are given to you.
Love Story 2050 (2008)
??
"Love Story 2050" is unlike the typical Hindi film. The film has a tendency to be Americanized and does not seem to focus on the Hindi film culture. Like many of the Hindi films this movie is full of vibrant colors, nature, and Hindi music. What makes it different is its use of dialogue.
When the characters speak in this film they constantly change back and forth from the Hindi language to the English language. Even the use of slang in this film is unusual with words such as "Jesus Christ" being used often.
Further in the film when the two lovers travel in time to the year 2050 the movie transitions from a teenybopper love story to a more interesting setting with over used special effects. The film bounces back and forth between to many cultures, effects making it irritating to watch. The acting also seems a bit over done. This film definitely is not a best Hindi film.
Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
comment
This movie demonstrates a different use of comedy in a Woody Allen film. It is a musical genre with unique and talented performers. With characters played by Edward Norton, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Goldie Horne and Woody Allen a comedy is created. Although the movie is made to replicate classical musicals it can easily be considered otherwise.
The plot of the film doesn't consist of much, it is simply about love problems and family ties. Much of it focuses on sarcasm and witticisms that are far from obscene or cruel. Although sung badly songs and dances create many relaxed and comedic moments. Many of the numbers are imaginative and full of life.
Compared to other Allen films this one doesn't Scream, " I'm all about me." In many Woody Allen flicks Allen is the key narrator or performer however, in this one a young teenager (Drew Barrymore) does most of the narration.
For musical lovers this could be an ear bleeding experience. For those who enjoy musicals, comedy and Woody Allen it's an excellent movie to watch. It is uplifting and entertaining.