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Reviews
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
A bleak Reminder Of What Memory Can Do
Film Director Spike Lee is back in form behind the camera with another whiplash piece of Cinema. Da 5 blood explores four Black Vietnam veterans back on war soil to retrieve lost gold left by a fallen soldier played by Chadwick Boseman. In this Film, the use of flashback is what stings like a dagger forcing the viewer to ponder about how memory can be an affliction , especially in the context of War. Spike Lee sets the past in the present by having the main characters re-living war memories at their actual old age. This technique puts the emphasis on how war can be a never ending cycle even where the battlefield is absent. Fine acting also helps this movie get his point accross, but man, here, actor Delroy Lindo shines with his portrayal of a war veteran facing his demons. Different themes can be observed in this film, one element that caught my attention is the idea of how humans failed to love. Although Americans usually claim to be God fearing Christians who are buddy with The Christ, love clearly slipped off their hands by throwing themselves into war. The decision by the big wings to go to war was a decision that would mark humanity for ever. The film is well written, has a good score and a fine reminiscing use of music with a brillant use of Marvin Gaye's accapella. Spike also uses tactics of framing and re-framing which puts the viewer in sync with time and perspective.
If you love Cinema and respect an acute vision, do not skip this piece of Filmmaking, you will feel the love.
The Legend of Zorro (2005)
Unworthy sequel!!! may contain light spoilers!!
where the prequel from director Martin Campbell was more fresh and darker, the sequel is quite disappointing.
the story is set 10 years after the original and Zorro's marriage is in crisis because his wife Helena wants him to be with his family and to know his son better. I will save the thin plot and just warn you to skip it if you can.
With the PG rating the legend of Zorro is not the Spanish version of Batman anymore he is just a dull character trying to make you laugh and fails desperately in doing it. The downhill of the film is also the role of Zorro's son who is just annoying throughout the picture like stupid scenes where he fights his teacher with rulers like his father does and stupid one liners from day time cartoons.
The acting is alright but, the screenplay is a mess leading the film to be forgettable. Be like me and get the prequel and forget that the sequel exists.
Oldeuboi (2003)
GREAT STUFF DESPITE THE DISAPPOINTMENTS!! (may contain light spoilers)
I don't know why a lot of people were dissatisfied with this film? probably because they were expecting too much. As a whole this film is truly a real breathtaking thriller, oldboy is not on top for nothing. The story is nice and fresh also, this is not the usual mindless story you have seen before. The story is very simple, a guy is put away in a prison and then release after 15 years. He must found out why he was put away in 5 days. yes the film is violent but it is gruesomely watchable.
At first I was scared because a lot of reviews in this site were negative towards the film, despite it's great reviews on the newspapers. After the film I was fully satisfied not only for the story but the way the film was shot. This is pure film-making people, the cinematography, photography and the close ups and the unforgettable twist makes this film operatic. You will agree with me when you will see the superb beginning of the end scene in the penthouse which is filmed masterfully.
Finally, you have some top notch acting, especially the way Oh Dae Su begs at the end. It's sad funny and shameful at the same time. The good editing keeps the pace and the mood of the film refreshing. You won't find scenes too long or too dull, it's fresh and the humour is a bit subtle, it gives charm to the film.
If you ever get a chance to see it don't skip it.