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mudderfukker
Reviews
Nuremberg (2000)
A basic yet capable dramatized introduction to the Nuremberg Trials
"Only following orders"... we've all heard that was the reason (or excuse) proffered by many Nazis on trial. We could say the same thing about the actors in this "made for TV" "Dramatization" of the Nuremberg Trials. I've noticed that some reviewers have delved into the actual Nuremberg trials, and I won't go into that can of worms.
Safe to say that this video covers all the well-known trivia and 'phrases' remembered from the NTs. It isn't horrible...after all, you've got some very capable actors in the lineup. It isn't for want of drama, as it is relying on the NT and all the drama surrounding one of the most well-known trials of the 20th century, along with one of the most 'interesting' of defendants ever put on trial, Hermann Goering. Having said that, it would be probably be hard work to screw this up... but it looks like they tried, lol.
First off, there's a squeamish, cheesy sort-of romance going on between the lead prosecutor and his secretary that has nothing to do with the story. I can only assume this was done in keeping with a modern tradition of putting chick-flic crap into every movie, no matter the genre in an attempt to broaden the target audience to include ditzy females.
Secondly, the pace and dialogue is hurried and brief. You won't find any 'great' dialogues or epic/memorable scenes here, even when they try. The performances are capable, the directing is functional, the costumes and sets are fairly accurate.... remember: "Made for television" ;) IF, ( I stress, IF) you have never known anything about the NTs and are getting your 'feet wet', I suppose this is an easy enough starting point.
As far as performances, I'd say Brian Cox steals the show as HG. He is a great actor and effortlessly fulfills his duty here. Baldwin is.... well, Baldwin. He's in a lot of stuff bc he himself is such a 'pliable' personality, that he can basically be himself in just about any role, lol. But, he does alright. There are some others yo may recognize, like Plummer, who also is kinda himself in every role, but he does it (himself) so well, you don't mind, lol. Von Sydow is in there as well as Feore, both great actors doing great with what little they have been given to work with.
I would like to 'warn' anyone, and I don't really consider this a 'spoiler', that there will be films of the concentration camps shown, and they are gruesome, to say the least. It is not what I would consider 'suitable for children', and I wouldn't show it to my child less than about 15-16 years of age, unless they are only a few years younger but very mature, or you censor that part by having them leave the room/fast- forward past it, etc.
Like I said, I won't go into the actual NT and the 'pros and cons of war', but without a doubt, this was a very 'simplistic' representation of what happened during WWII and the Nuremberg Trials and chock full of good ol' 'USA is the greatest' point of view. Don't get me wrong, I'm a vet and very patriotic about the my country, the US, but the "Nazis are bad and the US are heroes" is a very one dimensional narrative of WWII.
"The victors will always judge the vanquished"... it has been true for thousands of years, and it'll never be any other way.
The original, phenomenal, 'Judgement at Nuremberg' (1961) is as in- depth and esoteric as this one is superficial... this one is simplistic, about the main trial for the Nazi leaders, and the 1961 film is complex, nuanced and about the judges' trial... a much more intense and dramatic film, one of the best.
Overall, I'd say it's worth watching, just keep in mind that it was a modest budget', made for TV' video.
Air Force One (1997)
Jumbo sized laughs
One of the 'greatest' unintended comedies of all time. Holy Jheezhus! Not to be taken seriously. As Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman are my two favs actors, I expected a good movie, if not trite 'action' fare, but man o man, it is ridiculous. 1970's era special effects, terribly obvious green screens, stunts that violate the laws of physics....Should have been sponsored by Velveeta, the cheese factor is off the scale... from caricature bad guys to control panel display messages for the visually impaired, to the corny as hell 'narrative' radio messages, it is just a huge farce from beginning to end... lols-a-plenty for all!. Leslie Neilson would have been proud.
The World at War (1973)
The Mother of all WWII Documentaries
This (originally) 26 part series done by the BBC in the early '70's is the best WWII documentary there is. THere is now a 'making of/introduction" episode, and 8 'addendums' that provide additional in-depth material and interviews about Germany before and during the war, and extended episodes about the Holocaust, including interviews with survivors. As stated in the 'making of' by the producer Jeremy Isaacs, they avoided using re-enactment footage, using hearsay, or 'staged' video. Take a look at the 'cast'... there has to be at least 200 people! This documentary can *never* be duplicated as there are interviews with high ranking Nazi Generals and Party members, including Albert Speer, British politicians/ MP's and holocaust survivors. I have watched this series *several* times and I still notice something new every time. If you are interested in WWII, you MUST watch this. I recommend you start off with the "Making of" episode.
As far as the others here who say this isn't good, I would *really* like to know what they consider to be a *good* documentary, bc I watch docs, films and news exclusively (no 'television'), and this is one of the best I have ever seen, second only to Carl Sagan's "Cosmos".... Then again, there are always people who criticize, yet have never themselves 'created' anything, the "Armchair Directors" , lol ;) -MF
The English Patient (1996)
It'll tear your heart out
Yes, this movie is a bit long, but how else could you tell a tale with such human characters, and so many crossroads. I've seen some reviews which say it's a bore, but this is not an action thriller, this is a movie that will move you and may bring you tears. The sadness is profound. Check the awards for this movie and you'll see that it got the credit it deserves...it is a modern masterpiece in the style of LOA, with the desert playing its role as both a beautiful backdrop and unforgiving harsh reality. The story is told as a revelation, jumping back and forth between the current time and the few years prior, a slow revelation as a lonely nurse finds her ability to love again, a vengeful spy learns to forgive, and a dying man learns acceptance and his final peace. This film is a good selection for 'settled' couples and married ones, and bring the tissues, for both women and men....it'll tear your heart out. Definitely worth watching if you appreciate great, profound, moving stories, but then again, if you do, you've probably already seen it.
Vertigo (1958)
IF you like classics
This really is a great film. Story, characters, directing, music. Oh the music; this film would be far less without it.
A detective with a weakness is called upon to help his buddy find out more about his wife. He starts to follow her, and falls in love, but he's being played.
With so many reviews about this film, what else can be said, except a review of the reviews. Something I see a lot is people using the wrong yardstick. If you grew up on modern Hollywood and have the attention span of a 3-yr old, this will seem like a slow tedious film. However, if you have a taste for great film, you will understand why its rated so highly. Not only is the plot well written, but there are subtle things in the development of events, his wanting to bring her back, the process he goes through to figure it all out, and the horrible twist at the end.
I wouldn't say this a favorite film of mine, but I can certainly agree that it is classic to watched and enjoyed as it slowly, yet entertainingly unravels.
Insomnia (2002)
Almost the entire movie IS character development
This is an excellent thriller, if you like to watch real movies. If so, you will be treated to real characters, real story, real drama. I can't add much to the review by Giancarlo, except that I think music could have played a more prominent more, but maybe in this case, 'less is more'. Pacino is excellent, the progression of his character through the movie is so real, you feel what he is going through. The meeting between him an William's is great stuff..."You don't get it. You're my job. You're about as mysterious to me as a block toilet is to a plumber. Reason for doing what you did? Who gives a f..."
The supporting cast is excellent, especially Swank showing why she is now such renowned actress (this was after her first Oscar, but before her second) The only odd one is Williams, but it probably my prejudice against him because I grew up watching ever since he was Mork, so bad guy doesn't seem real. Nonetheless, he does it well enough, considering he's working out of his style and up against with two drama pros Pacino and Swank.
There's no mystery, because we know who did it early on, the drama lies elsewhere, and it's a really good story.
There's a lot of great scenes, just one great scene after another. I can pick up this movie at any point when it's on cable and watch it again. A very underrated movie, if you like drama you will be entertained.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
C'mon folks...not to be taken seriously
Two hour car chase for running a yellow light, sprinkled with cameos, good performances from Motown legends, and Spaceball-esquire humor.
They're on "A mission from God" when their orphanage Nun tells them the orphanage will be closed due to back taxes. Their plan is to get their old band together and make money performing. Along the way they pick up a lot of people/groups after them...cops, an ex-fiancé, Nazi's and 'The Good Ole Boys'. Lots of good one-liners: "We play all kinds of music...Country AND Western" being the most notable among musicians to this day.
Don't expect great cinema, but its a fun movie worth seeing at least once. PS: As far as people who comment about other people's comments, (which now, I am actually commenting on, which means I am commenting on people who comment about other people's comments) I have no comment. I will say that I saw this in the theatre, when it came out, and it was a blast. You have to remember to put movies into their time/era. You can't compare the special effects from 70's to Sci-fi from today, and you can't go see Belushi expecting Olivier, it is what it is: The Blues Brothers.