(8/10) Watching it on an IMAX screen is definitely the best way to enjoy the film. It shows the best CG and production level of Hollywood. The battle scenes are generally quite ceremonial and impressive. The storytelling is smooth. However, the whole setting of shield defense in part 1 is completely abandoned. I haven't finished the novel, but I heard it's a quite in-depth one. In Part 2 of Dune, there are not many deep implications regarding either colonization or environment, even family relationships. There is only Paul's unavoidable fate to become a ruthless tyrant. @ Cineplex Riverport IMAX.
Reviews
11 Reviews
Dune: Part Two
(2024)
Great production but don't expect anything deeper
26 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Ratatouille
(2007)
My favorite Pixar
19 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It was such a privilege to enjoy Pixar's Ratatouille in theatre with the live performance of @VSOrchestra . It was a very first experience of this kind for me. Ratatouille is my favorite Pixar movie among those I have seen. It is empowering yet has some real life references. Anyone can cook is the theme of the movie. The son of the great chef has no talent in cooking while Remy, the rat, is blessed with great talent. The theme is more liberal than it is in Coco(I hate Disney's negative impact on Pixar). Although it is a happy ending, it is not a pure liberal unrealistic fantasy since Remy still needs to hide their identity. When audiences cheered and applauded in key scenes during the orchestra's performance,I did feel a different vibe from that in an ordinary movie theater or during a symphony performance. It was a "anyone can enjoy classical music" precious moment in that sense.
A Brighter Tomorrow
(2023)
A white old man's confession
26 May 2023
#Cannes2023# A film by a white old male director that far exceeded my expectations. It can be considered as a self-reflection and self-deprecating work from the usually narcissistic Moretti. He directed and acted in a movie that explores his journey from denial to ultimately admitting his creative decline, the irrelevance of his themes (at least to a diminishing audience), his inability to work without his wife "assistant" and the growing resentment from his crew towards his mansplaining . In the end, he also concludes with a false sense of hope, summarizing it as a lament for the leftist movements of the 1950s and acknowledging his inability to find a good ending. This self-analysis and sincere display of vulnerability moved me. There are countless directors in their old ages who have run out of creative juices, but not many can be this candid. Additionally, there are Fellini-esque elements throughout the film, with circus motifs and ensemble dancing, adding a touch of delightful nostalgia. @ Cannes Cineum Aurore.
Revolution of Our Times
(2021)
Remember the history and never forget
14 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's such a impressive and privileged experience to watch the documentary Revolution of Our Times in Canada. It's no doubt the most detailed and touching documentary on HK 's protests since 2019. The director managed to present the general view of the massive social movement while illustrating the development curve of individual participants: A loving and mercy middle school first aid has witnessed police brutality in front of his own eyes and couldn't do anything about it, so the fire of revenge has grown in his heart, and he debated with his classmates whether the "eye for an eye" is a good fightback. Some 20s youngsters broke up with their parents for different political views on the movement and left their homes, and people of similar age form a "family" while one man and one woman serve the role of "dad" and "mom". Those touching roles show individuals under the grand time, powerless and powerful at the same time. The most unforgettable moment came at the ending of the film, when the symbolic song Glory to Hong Gong played, all audiences stood up and sang along with the song. It gives me a feeling that people choose their national anthem speaking of their heart. Revolution of Our Time is a great film that hard to forget, for it shows the attractiveness of documentary: document what really happened, and let the history be the judge.
Wife of a Spy
(2020 TV Movie)
Love in a crazy time
11 October 2021
A good portrait of trust and suspicion in the ultra right nationalist period. The film in the film reflects the story of characters, which structure was developed in Ryusuke Hamaguchi's latest film Drive My Car. However, some of the scene is lacking in logic and therefore makes me feel unreal.
Burn with Us
(2020)
Preserving the memory in the age of white terror
11 August 2020
Since the protest is ongoing in Hong Kong, the documentary does not give an in-depth review of the event. It reflects things happened during the historic social unrest and the mood of the public. It is still precious especially at the age of white terror.
Today is August 10th, I finished watching the documentary on the day that Apple Daily was cracked down by the HK police.
Today is August 10th, I finished watching the documentary on the day that Apple Daily was cracked down by the HK police.
China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province
(2009 TV Movie)
A precious documentary of the unnatural disaster
12 May 2020
It has been 12 years since the catastrophic earthquake. There is still no one taken account for those young students died from poor quality teaching buildings. It was a natural disaster as well as a unnatural disaster. The authority has been trying to distort the narrative of the disaster to a nationalist discourse. The documentary keeps the memory of what happened, so people can reject such narrative by remembering the truth.
A Hidden Life
(2019)
Maybe a good film, but not for me
30 September 2019
Malick tells a story of the forgotten great mind, with the symbolic Mountain Views and water falls. The figure shows the characteristics of the religious saint. However, with the simple storyline and slow path of storytelling in the second half, I find it difficult devoting myself into it.
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