Reviews

It is interesting to see how some people give this film a rating of 1 or less than 5 points, much of them, I am sure, without even seeing it. I guess it has to do with the fact that is a movie by Uwe Boll, and yet they can't overcome this stage of hating everything the guy does, even if it is a serious matter like this. Even if someone does not like the movie (which is perfectly valid) rating should not be less than 5. Just because daring to show something so painful, this movie has a value in itself. But is not my case. I really loved this movie and should I say: If you are human, watch it. It is very difficult to watch, that is true, is also disturbing and shocking. But that is precisely what this film aims. We, as the six journalists in this story, become witnesses to the slaughter. This is not a thriller or an action movie. Do not pretend to find suspense in this film. It is a Docudrama. A very effective one. Many talk about what is happening in Darfur, but no one shows us what actually happens in a way that really affect us and make us move.

The main cast is composed of well-known actors, but the others are all survivors, victims of genocide, who wanted to be part of this project. Then, we can see how they interact with each other. We can see Kristanna Loken speaking in Arabic or David O'Hara listening to a victim who speaks English with difficulty. Another interesting aspect of the film is that there is no script, just 30 pages of guidance. The actors had to improvise their lines. This film does not focus on the origins of the conflict in which each side can give their own version. Does not delve into political issues or say who is right. Only presents the conflict and shows its consequences: people dead. Women raped and murdered children. I heard that there is also a debate about what is the actual number of victims and each group provide its own numbers. But this film does't mess with that either. Simply tells us that there is a conflict, that has killed innocent people as a result. I have read reviews of some of the real victims who participated in the film, pleased to be able to tell their story and read comments from people who watched the film and confirmed that what it shows is exactly what they lived. It is not a matter of numbers.

6 journalists will document the situation in Darfur and suddenly, they become witnesses to the attack by a group of Janjaweed to the village where they did their interviews. Then, must decide whether to leave or stay and try to help. It's OK to get angry, feel indignation, close your eyes with some scenes. That's what happened to me. I even began to mourn before the real drama begins, only to see the faces and eyes of these people. This is a film very well done. It highlights David O'Hara, Kristanna Loken and Sammy Sheik and this does't mean that others do not fulfill their function. They do it perfectly. Hopefully more people can see this and feel affected. Personally, I congratulate the people who dared to tell this story, despite what these things generate and commend the victims who have the courage to share their own experiences hoping that, some time, things change.

Finally, if it will still appear the inquisitors of Uwe Boll to rate this movie with a 1, let me tell you something: Open the doors of your houses, take a deep breath, go out to see what happens in the world beyond video games, and grow up. It is time ...

There are many things that must occur in order to say that a movie is really good. I saw this movie shortly after it was released, but had no internet or desire to write my review anywhere. Then came a flood of Hollywood movies, exceeded in special effects, but with bad scripts, without compelling stories; remakes or adaptations(bad adaptations) of old TV series, and so on. I almost forgot that it was possible to make good movies. And when I say good, I mean really good, like this. I saw it again recently, but this time I decided to give my opinion.

Here is a captivating story that keeps us expectant and eager to know what really happened with Vidocq. A young man is determined to find out, reconstructing the last moments and revealing secrets. All this, with a truly captivating atmosphere, fabulous special effects, but measured and timed. Here, there is no excess of special effects. They are conveniently used to give this film a visual beauty according to the script.The edition of the film as well as the performances and the resolution of the story, are truly remarkable.

It has enough twists and surprises, but does not become stifling for those who do not like thinking too much. Perhaps if more complex, it would be agreeable to a smaller group of people (like me). But that would be asking too much. There are other movies for that. This is an ENTERTAINMENT capable of covering a wide spectrum of audiences. A work truly worthy of being seen especially in times where bad movies abound supported by the God of marketing. If you like good movies, try this one.

Because it made me remember that it is possible to sit and enjoy a good story, even with special effects, I give this movie a higher score.

If we look at the news every day, we see that this world has less and less sense. And if our world has no logic, we can't pretend that have logic a television series that can do with it a worthy entertainment. Fringe takes subjects that have always been present among us: conspiracy theories, weird scientific experiments, parallel universes; and takes us on a walk in surprising situations. Fringe discovered something? No. We can find in the show, elements of many other new and old series, but is that because there is almost nothing to invent, then the important thing is how to combine those things, how to give new twists and new viewpoints. Fringe does so with good pace and interesting characters. Dr. Bishop, brilliantly played by John Noble, who gives the show the mystery, wisdom and a touch of humor fabulous. His son Peter, played by Joshua Jackson, one of those young actors that deserve more and better attention. Finally, the FBI agent Olivia Dunham, played by Anna Torv. And here I pause a moment. After reading a few reviews, I wonder why these comments so upset about her accent? Almost no one notices the Australian accent and if so, what is the problem? There are many ways to talk like people in the world. Her work is impeccable. Nor can I understand those who say it's a bad actress, based on her hard gestures and that almost she no laughs in the series. Hello! Had not realized that she plays a character? We know that Anna Torv is adorable off-screen, but in Fringe, she "must" play a very different woman. In real life many people are expressive and cheerful, and there are also people who are not. Why all the characters have to be happy? Olivia Dunham is hard and very dedicated to her work. That's the character. I can't understand how some people still can't separate the artist from a character. And it bothers me more, people who claim that all the actresses should look like dolls in the series. Thanks to that we have to see and bear all the time, to women without talent, posing for the photo and talking nonsense to get attention. And they say they are actresses. I saw Anna Torv in British series "Mistresses", before convening for Fringe. Also seen in some previous work (Young Lions, McLeod's Daughters, The Book of Revelation); even heard her sing. So I have no problem in saying ¡Wake up America! This Australian girl is SERIOUSLY TALENTED. Has a remarkable presence and her acting range is striking. Anna Torv also has experience in theater, something many fashionable actresses on TV, can't say. Definitely, regardless of what happens with Fringe, I will follow her in its future work.

Thanks to the "logic of the illogical", Fringe has a huge range of possibilities to create stories and interesting twists. If that happens or not is not the responsibility of the actors, but the genius of JJ Abrams and screenwriters (hard to believe they are the same as Transformers). Fringe is fresh, with good pace, intrigue, hooks and interesting secondary characters. It is by far one of the most entertaining television program which is offered recently. I wonder how long it will last the series (considering how bad some television networks are watching their products), but until now, is the only series that after seeing a chapter, makes me want to see the following immediately. Strangely, the ratings do not accompany the show in USA. They seem to prefer TV series boring and linear. Or just settle for such series as Beverly Hills 90210 (again), Gossip Girl and the unbearable teenage vampires. That is a Fringe moment.

A pleasant surprise. Without being a pretentious film, it fulfills the purpose of entertaining and at the same time, raise the issue of same-sex couples with children. Zoe and Dan are two women in love who live together for 10 years and have one son, Simon. A smart kid, sensitive, respectful and great swimmer, coached by Dan itself. They live in Belgium, in a place where all accept and coexist with their choice. Even the little friends of Simon. Everything works fine until it reaches a new family to the neighborhood. And with them, also come the prejudices and conflicts. Simon is in a stage of development and establish new ties, so these new comments starting to affect him. Now, for the first time, must contend with the idea of not having a father, like all the kids 'normal'. It also begins to doubt his feelings for Dan. Finally, both women face a situation that until then had only imagined. The great success of this film (besides the actors) at least for me, is that it never focuses on the lesbian relationship of these two women, but on the perception that others, including children, have about the situation. Zoe's mother, neighbors, friends of Simon. Precisely them, the friends of Simon, are an important part in the film and have a range of reactions and situations for analysis. It is normal or morally acceptable that a girl does not know her father because he left when he learned that her mother was pregnant? It is normal when a father (new neighbor) is tough with their children, teaching them to be intolerant and have prejudices as well as bad manners?. It seems that heterosexuality provides a degree of impunity. Simon falls for the daughter of the new neighbors, which subtly points to another common misconception: the gays are a bad influence and their children will inevitably be the same. The film is not an extreme drama. No low blows, flows naturally and has the right touch of comedy, particularly in the answers of some characters. It is entertaining without making us feel indifferent to what we consider ourselves normal or abnormal. It makes us love or hate certain characters. Simple, effective and, as if all that were not enough has that French touch.

Kristanna Loken, producer and star of this film, said: This is not a happy film. And it's true. Chase, drag the trauma of a tragedy that destroyed his family. Ellie, was a victim of abuse of a violent mother and is a drug user; Zephyr, was victim of sexual abuse by her stepfather, so one day, with 12 years of age, decided to leave her house with her little sister. What happens when the trauma is not treated properly, resolved or channeled? They grow, make us make bad decisions. The unresolved traumas result in abuse, loss and despair. Chase meets Ellie, who later befriends Zephyr. Each, somehow, ends up being the fulcrum of another, even at times, even confusing. They are 3 young people who attempt to mitigate the pain, believing that all is well. But the past is there, always comes back because they do not find a way to delete it or overcome it. Is good to understand that in this world, many people are not happy. Some people spend a lifetime suffering. Sometimes the recipe for happiness just does not work, because there are things of the human condition rooted too deep. The movie is not filmed in chronological order. Some scenes begin with the end. There are surreal moments, how the Red Room scene, one of the best scenes I've seen in recent times. Kristanna Loken is remarkable. This time no swords or axes. This time it's a visceral Kristanna. Expressive and intimate. She just glows, especially in the Red Room scene. We see a different Kristanna, proving that it has many more conditions than many suppose. In this film shows that, as an actress, she's not afraid and can cope easily with intense scenes. It's one of those actresses undervalued, which deserves better opportunities. This film shows what happens when you do not obtain the forgiveness of a loved one, when parents are absent. When guilt and low self-esteem are too big. When the world does not help. Today we are saturated with overproduced movies with too many special effects. So this kind of films are lost and have no distribution. They represent the efforts of young people wanting to tell stories and that makes them more valuable than a box-office film that says nothing. If you like predictable stories repeated, with many clichés, but full of terrific special effects, go see Avatar. If you like poorly acted movies, but popular, full of cute guys, go see the Twilight saga. If, like me, you like independent film, made with effort, that dares to tell painful stories, this is a film that deserves a chance. I give this film my highest rating, for 3 simple reasons. Not intended to be more than it is. It is an independent effort well directed and well acted. Definitely, I faced with my own problems and I began to think about the decisions I made and the decisions which I have yet to take to avoid falling deeper.