Simply a follow up to Jen's great post; there were getting to be so many pages in that one I thought it could use a refresh. Happy to carry on the tradition!
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Posted 7 months ago
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Drishyam (2015) (8/10)
This movie made me feel so uncomfortable (which is generally good). Because the directing actually force you to root for the villains without using an unreliable narrator.
Also, cool to see a character that loves movies as much as we do.
Gake no ue no Ponyo (2008) (8/10)
Maybe one of Miyazaki is most childhood oriented movie, but I guess that adults can enjoy the amazing magical vibe and the wonderful underwater shot.
Some people have noticed that the movie doesn't really include any conflict. I believe that this is to the profit of the viewer's amazement.
This movie made me feel so uncomfortable (which is generally good). Because the directing actually force you to root for the villains without using an unreliable narrator.
Also, cool to see a character that loves movies as much as we do.
Gake no ue no Ponyo (2008) (8/10)
Maybe one of Miyazaki is most childhood oriented movie, but I guess that adults can enjoy the amazing magical vibe and the wonderful underwater shot.
Some people have noticed that the movie doesn't really include any conflict. I believe that this is to the profit of the viewer's amazement.
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Ip Man Saga (not seen Ip Man 4 and Master Z yet):
Ip Man (5/10)
Ip Man 2 (4/10)
Ip Man 3 (3/10)
I don't know what to say, this movie franchise is not that good, the 3 movies repeat are all trying to get political with what they call the "foreign devils". I know the facts, but that doesn't mean that the villains can't get any nuances, I feel that the subtility is reserved to Chinese character which is quite annoying.
The movie that perhaps exploit this "foreign devil" thing the most, is Ip Man 2. In which, Ip Man as to fight the British Boxing Champion that insulted china and killed one of Ip's friend. Overall this movie's plot is a rip-off of Rocky IV.
Fun fact: Darren Shahlavi who played Twister was a huge fan of Donnie Yen.
Another major, the issue is that the two first movies of the franchise are very poorly developing Ip Man as a character, the whole movies are made of endless fight sequences, but at the end, Ip Man doesn't feel changed. However, Ip Man 3, his wife died, I sincerely hope that this sequence is gonna have an impact on Ip Man 4, but I don't expect too much from it.
Lastly, I don't like the action scenes in those movies, often the sound is not synchronized with the movements. The machine gun fist is overly used in those movies, and personally, I really dislike that movie, because:
1: You don't feel the power of the hits
2: These punches are filler, in fight sequences.
In the two last movies, I also have a serious doubt that everything was done by practical effects. A lot seemed CGI to me.
I think that I have said everything about those movies. In conclusion, I don't recommend those movies to the average viewer (like me), and if you are already a martial movie buff, you have probably already seen them.
Ip Man (5/10)
Ip Man 2 (4/10)
Ip Man 3 (3/10)
I don't know what to say, this movie franchise is not that good, the 3 movies repeat are all trying to get political with what they call the "foreign devils". I know the facts, but that doesn't mean that the villains can't get any nuances, I feel that the subtility is reserved to Chinese character which is quite annoying.
The movie that perhaps exploit this "foreign devil" thing the most, is Ip Man 2. In which, Ip Man as to fight the British Boxing Champion that insulted china and killed one of Ip's friend. Overall this movie's plot is a rip-off of Rocky IV.
Fun fact: Darren Shahlavi who played Twister was a huge fan of Donnie Yen.
Another major, the issue is that the two first movies of the franchise are very poorly developing Ip Man as a character, the whole movies are made of endless fight sequences, but at the end, Ip Man doesn't feel changed. However, Ip Man 3, his wife died, I sincerely hope that this sequence is gonna have an impact on Ip Man 4, but I don't expect too much from it.
Lastly, I don't like the action scenes in those movies, often the sound is not synchronized with the movements. The machine gun fist is overly used in those movies, and personally, I really dislike that movie, because:
1: You don't feel the power of the hits
2: These punches are filler, in fight sequences.
In the two last movies, I also have a serious doubt that everything was done by practical effects. A lot seemed CGI to me.
I think that I have said everything about those movies. In conclusion, I don't recommend those movies to the average viewer (like me), and if you are already a martial movie buff, you have probably already seen them.
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I think* I tried to watch the first one, but switched it off.
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Shao Lin san shi liu fang (1978) (9/10) (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin)
Excellent movie, a very simple yet effective plot in which a man full of anger after, his parents get killed by a tyrannic general.
It is more than the simple vengeance story that was sold in the intro, this man in his quest to attain the mastery of Kung Fu also gets completely changed psychologically.
Unlike most blockbuster these days, the movie takes well its time to show the man's training. It does dynamically without falling into the trap of doing the famous "Best of..." montage to speeds things up.
My only complaint about the movie is the atrocious sounds of the sword, other than that this movie is probably a martial art essential.
Excellent movie, a very simple yet effective plot in which a man full of anger after, his parents get killed by a tyrannic general.
It is more than the simple vengeance story that was sold in the intro, this man in his quest to attain the mastery of Kung Fu also gets completely changed psychologically.
Unlike most blockbuster these days, the movie takes well its time to show the man's training. It does dynamically without falling into the trap of doing the famous "Best of..." montage to speeds things up.
My only complaint about the movie is the atrocious sounds of the sword, other than that this movie is probably a martial art essential.
(Edited)
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Yip Man ngoi zyun: Cheung Tin Chi (2/10) (Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy)
This movie is a troll, the first movies weren't good, but at least don't completely change to the formula to please America.
The worst is to story/screenplay, it is so incoherent and ridiculous that I had the impression to watch a Teen Titans Go! episode.
I hope that Ip Man 4 isn't worse than that.
This movie is a troll, the first movies weren't good, but at least don't completely change to the formula to please America.
The worst is to story/screenplay, it is so incoherent and ridiculous that I had the impression to watch a Teen Titans Go! episode.
I hope that Ip Man 4 isn't worse than that.
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The Living Daylights (1987) - 7/10, not the best Bond film, not the worst either, Dalton was good on the role.
Taare Zameen Par (2007) - 4/10, a dissapointment. Manipulative, predictable, and corny film with mostly one-dimensional characters that could have made its point and stop repeating itself, I don't know how it is so highly rated. So far all the top 250 Indian films I have seen have been worth watching, but this one wasn't.
I Heart Huckabees (2004) - 7/10, the potential for a great movie was there, but it didn't manage to be one. A great cast and good ideas, but at some point it lost its way, and while it ended good, it couldn't mantain the rythm all the time.
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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Pencho15, The Living Daylights (1987) is one of those Bond movies I started to appreciate all the more with age. Unpopular opinion, but I like the double dose of main antagonists, too: Koskov and Whitaker are both relatively low stake villains for franchise but that makes them as a combined threat all the more realistic.
It's a tad sad that Timothy Dalton era lasted only for two movies. Unrelated, but he's now very much terrific in "Doom Patrol".
It's a tad sad that Timothy Dalton era lasted only for two movies. Unrelated, but he's now very much terrific in "Doom Patrol".
(Edited)
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Taare Zameen Par (2007) is considered one of the best movie on Indian education system. There are several factors that make it so.
1. It was different cinema, one of the first on education system and was well received by critics and people alike upon its release. Most people never heard of Dyslexia before the movie. It was a trendsetter for similar movies. Not just IMDb, it is 91% fresh. Even whenever it is on TV, it becomes the default pick for any child.
2. Songs. "Taare Zameen Par", "Maa", "Jame Raho" and "Bum Bum Bole" were instant hits and even today "Bum Bum Bole" is the song for school annual functions. Most songs added something to the narrative.
3. Darsheel Safary (the child actor). He became a household name in India. Students-teachers, parents-children, everyone could relate to his antics and sympathize with the character. Especially the bond between Ishaan and his mother was the highlight of the movie.
4. Amir Khan added the star value to the movie. Sometimes people don't see movies due to lack of that. His character as an art teacher was likeable. Personally I feel he went a little overboard.
The thing is in India, education movies can't just be "Dead Poets Society" or "Good Will Hunting". They must have "the entertainment value" as well. That is why 3 Idiots(2009), Hindi Medium(2017) worked.
1. It was different cinema, one of the first on education system and was well received by critics and people alike upon its release. Most people never heard of Dyslexia before the movie. It was a trendsetter for similar movies. Not just IMDb, it is 91% fresh. Even whenever it is on TV, it becomes the default pick for any child.
2. Songs. "Taare Zameen Par", "Maa", "Jame Raho" and "Bum Bum Bole" were instant hits and even today "Bum Bum Bole" is the song for school annual functions. Most songs added something to the narrative.
3. Darsheel Safary (the child actor). He became a household name in India. Students-teachers, parents-children, everyone could relate to his antics and sympathize with the character. Especially the bond between Ishaan and his mother was the highlight of the movie.
4. Amir Khan added the star value to the movie. Sometimes people don't see movies due to lack of that. His character as an art teacher was likeable. Personally I feel he went a little overboard.
The thing is in India, education movies can't just be "Dead Poets Society" or "Good Will Hunting". They must have "the entertainment value" as well. That is why 3 Idiots(2009), Hindi Medium(2017) worked.
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Nikolay, I has always heard that Dalton had been a great Bond, and a big change after Roger Moore, unitl now I had only seen him in a comedic role in Chuck, but he did a good job as 007, it is a shame he couldn't stay further in the role.
Brijesh, I can understand that the film is importat in India. I'm sure the film can't be like education movies in Hollywood, but I saw it only because it was in the top 250 and assumed it was good, I had no idea about its plot and I did not compare it with anything else in the genre.
But despite your interesting points about it, I still can't say I liked it, it is great that it had an impact and that it raised awarness on dyslexia. But that doesn't takes away that it was a formula film, were you could see exactly what was going to happen and that is emotionally manipulative.
I understand Indian films need songs, and entertainment value, and that's why I mentiones other Bollywood films that I really liked. Lagaan is a perfect example, I know absolutely nothing about cricket and very little on Indian colonia history, but it is so well done I just got into the story and enjoyed it completely. I also liked the songs.
Amir Khan was actually what I felt was best in Taare Zameen Par, his appearance increased the quality of its scenes, and his talent is easy to notice. The kid, I never related to him, nor did I particullary liked him, and in a movie with a child as protagonist, that's really important. I'm glad he became a symbol.
It cames down to personal tastes, but this wasn't made for mine.
Brijesh, I can understand that the film is importat in India. I'm sure the film can't be like education movies in Hollywood, but I saw it only because it was in the top 250 and assumed it was good, I had no idea about its plot and I did not compare it with anything else in the genre.
But despite your interesting points about it, I still can't say I liked it, it is great that it had an impact and that it raised awarness on dyslexia. But that doesn't takes away that it was a formula film, were you could see exactly what was going to happen and that is emotionally manipulative.
I understand Indian films need songs, and entertainment value, and that's why I mentiones other Bollywood films that I really liked. Lagaan is a perfect example, I know absolutely nothing about cricket and very little on Indian colonia history, but it is so well done I just got into the story and enjoyed it completely. I also liked the songs.
Amir Khan was actually what I felt was best in Taare Zameen Par, his appearance increased the quality of its scenes, and his talent is easy to notice. The kid, I never related to him, nor did I particullary liked him, and in a movie with a child as protagonist, that's really important. I'm glad he became a symbol.
It cames down to personal tastes, but this wasn't made for mine.
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I think it's worth mentioning these facts:
1. It won 2008 National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare.
2. It was India's official entry for the 2009 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film and is even compared with Slumdog Millionaire.
But, I agree as you said it all boils down to personal preferences.
1. It won 2008 National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare.
2. It was India's official entry for the 2009 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film and is even compared with Slumdog Millionaire.
But, I agree as you said it all boils down to personal preferences.
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Jawbreaker (1999)
Not funny; not thrilling; vapid & tasteless; literally unwatchable to completion.
2/10
Not funny; not thrilling; vapid & tasteless; literally unwatchable to completion.
2/10
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Last night:
Colpi di luce (1985) AKA Light Blast. Erik Estrada's French Connection with a Scifi twist. And only the ugliest parts of San Francisco. 1/10 for the film. 10/10 for the Rifftrax commentary.
Today:
The Town (2010) rewatch on Netflix. Taut and well-acted. 10/10.
Colpi di luce (1985) AKA Light Blast. Erik Estrada's French Connection with a Scifi twist. And only the ugliest parts of San Francisco. 1/10 for the film. 10/10 for the Rifftrax commentary.
Today:
The Town (2010) rewatch on Netflix. Taut and well-acted. 10/10.
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The Town 10/10?
As far as I remember, this movie was sold as an action thriller, we got a melodrama about the family issues of Ben Affleck, and the supporting cast was very average. I gave it a 6/10.
As far as I remember, this movie was sold as an action thriller, we got a melodrama about the family issues of Ben Affleck, and the supporting cast was very average. I gave it a 6/10.
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1) Ren zhe wu di (5/10) (Five Elements Ninjas)
Overrated,
People seem to enjoy it when there is a lot of silly gore, and I sometimes do too, but contrarily of what people say of this movie, the choreographies aren't good.
If you pay close attention to the fight sequences, it pretty much feels improvised.
1) Some extras are fighting each other
2) Some extras are "air-fighting"
I sincerely believe that stunt coordinating could have been done better.
Furthermore, I would have preferred to see real environments. Everything was filmed in indoor sets.
Probably the worst thing about this movie is the sound of the swords. While it is generally bearable in most Hong Kong movies. In this one, it is just too much, I had the impression to have water in my ears, truly atrocious.
2) Xue di zi (8/10) (The Flying Guillotine)
Slightly underrated, I don't think that the influence of this movie is overlooked, but its IMDb rating certainly is.
I think that this movie is overshadowed by its successor, Master of the Flying Guillotine, which indeed contained more fight sequences.
However, The Flying Guillotine is a martial arts movie that concentrates on his plot and is aware of his weaknesses.
Is an exceptionally strong plot for a 1970s Hong Kong movie, can engage the viewer with a wonderful camera angle of rooftop instead of using endless fight sequences, many scenes were shot in a realistic natural environment and some cool transition brought up by important objects.
I also have praise to give to the sound effect of "The Flying Guillotine", it's sound is well used to build tension and fear, because you know that something is happening. Unconsciously, as a viewer, I was always trying to estimate the proximity of the danger, which is fascinating.
Overrated,
People seem to enjoy it when there is a lot of silly gore, and I sometimes do too, but contrarily of what people say of this movie, the choreographies aren't good.
If you pay close attention to the fight sequences, it pretty much feels improvised.
1) Some extras are fighting each other
2) Some extras are "air-fighting"
I sincerely believe that stunt coordinating could have been done better.
Furthermore, I would have preferred to see real environments. Everything was filmed in indoor sets.
Probably the worst thing about this movie is the sound of the swords. While it is generally bearable in most Hong Kong movies. In this one, it is just too much, I had the impression to have water in my ears, truly atrocious.
2) Xue di zi (8/10) (The Flying Guillotine)
Slightly underrated, I don't think that the influence of this movie is overlooked, but its IMDb rating certainly is.
I think that this movie is overshadowed by its successor, Master of the Flying Guillotine, which indeed contained more fight sequences.
However, The Flying Guillotine is a martial arts movie that concentrates on his plot and is aware of his weaknesses.
Is an exceptionally strong plot for a 1970s Hong Kong movie, can engage the viewer with a wonderful camera angle of rooftop instead of using endless fight sequences, many scenes were shot in a realistic natural environment and some cool transition brought up by important objects.
I also have praise to give to the sound effect of "The Flying Guillotine", it's sound is well used to build tension and fear, because you know that something is happening. Unconsciously, as a viewer, I was always trying to estimate the proximity of the danger, which is fascinating.
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Yesterday:
Carnival Phantasm (2011-2012), a ... um ... anime sketch show built on all inside jokes and characters from manga I've never read and visual novels I have no intention of playing.
Why watch it? It's 14 14-minute long episodes which pieces were clearly greater than its whole. Seen so many clips on YouTube anime clip shows (I guess that's the best way to describe those channels).
Rated 7/10. Plus they've been uploaded to YouTube.
Tonight:
Dorohedoro (TV Series 2020– ), 10/10. The worldbuilding is some of the best in the medium of anime. The character design? As delicious as perfect dumplings.
All of the main characters are freaking lovable. I cannot wait for the second season.
Carnival Phantasm (2011-2012), a ... um ... anime sketch show built on all inside jokes and characters from manga I've never read and visual novels I have no intention of playing.
Why watch it? It's 14 14-minute long episodes which pieces were clearly greater than its whole. Seen so many clips on YouTube anime clip shows (I guess that's the best way to describe those channels).
Rated 7/10. Plus they've been uploaded to YouTube.
Tonight:
Dorohedoro (TV Series 2020– ), 10/10. The worldbuilding is some of the best in the medium of anime. The character design? As delicious as perfect dumplings.
All of the main characters are freaking lovable. I cannot wait for the second season.
(Edited)
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Funny Games (2007)
Was this intended to be "clever"?
Well, it's not.
2/10
Was this intended to be "clever"?
Well, it's not.
2/10
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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Nikolay,
I tend to prefer U.S. productions over international ones, and newer films over older ones.
As far as the film goes - I watch a a number of gory, violent movies; quite possibly too many. But there was a very distasteful subtext to this film - it was almost as if the filmmakers wanted you to root for the villains on some level.
I tend to prefer U.S. productions over international ones, and newer films over older ones.
As far as the film goes - I watch a a number of gory, violent movies; quite possibly too many. But there was a very distasteful subtext to this film - it was almost as if the filmmakers wanted you to root for the villains on some level.
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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Oswald, I don't mean to be rude but... I never understand such approaches. I've met people who entirely ignore 1980's in film only watching up until 1979 and then after 1992. I've met people who don't watch or don't understand black-and-white movies. And... It breaks my heart. The amount of movies you're missing ignoring any category, be it specific time period, or specific type, or a specific genre is always astounding. It's like a certain karma that people usually tend to miss the best movies with that approach... Or at least it would've been if said people were not entirely clueless on that situation. Even if you're not ignoring per se, merely preferring modern movies, like in cases of remakes that just... Logically doesn't work.
As for geographical restriction - not even trying to try and comprehend that. In like 80-90% of cases watching a US remake of a European movie over original (or, for that matter, foreign remakes over US ones, as well) is basically like choosing a photograph someone made which is vaguely similar to a great painting, avoiding to know how the painting even looks.
I've met people who are clueless about why artists still use paint considering photographs exist and as a son of an artist I must admit it was a case when I was really tempted to call said person stupid, right to ones face. That was an extreme case of ignorance towards art, something I barely can tolerate.
As for geographical restriction - not even trying to try and comprehend that. In like 80-90% of cases watching a US remake of a European movie over original (or, for that matter, foreign remakes over US ones, as well) is basically like choosing a photograph someone made which is vaguely similar to a great painting, avoiding to know how the painting even looks.
I've met people who are clueless about why artists still use paint considering photographs exist and as a son of an artist I must admit it was a case when I was really tempted to call said person stupid, right to ones face. That was an extreme case of ignorance towards art, something I barely can tolerate.
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Quoting someone somewhere in some movie at some time.
"I LIKE TO WATCH!!" Good movies no matter when they are made.
Bad stuff???? Not so much. UNLESS it has fallen out of copyright protection. I'm looking for the right movie to re-dub the voice track!!!!!!!
But there is no decade that has unwatchable content.
That's just silliness!
"I LIKE TO WATCH!!" Good movies no matter when they are made.
Bad stuff???? Not so much. UNLESS it has fallen out of copyright protection. I'm looking for the right movie to re-dub the voice track!!!!!!!
But there is no decade that has unwatchable content.
That's just silliness!
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I could write about my own positions on the topic; but, without intending to be rude, I'm too lazy and uninvested to.
vive la difference :)
vive la difference :)
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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Laziness is extremely healthy.
I have an aunt who lives off of her money. She has not worked a day in her life. She has awful eating habits and is overweight, but is free from any of the illnesses that usually plague such people.
She is 82 and looks about 55 - 60.
Here is some good information about the correlation between work and physical and mental ill health: https://www.anxietyculture.com/workhell.htm
I have an aunt who lives off of her money. She has not worked a day in her life. She has awful eating habits and is overweight, but is free from any of the illnesses that usually plague such people.
She is 82 and looks about 55 - 60.
Here is some good information about the correlation between work and physical and mental ill health: https://www.anxietyculture.com/workhell.htm
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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Oswald, there is just a thin border between overdoing it and healthy dose, in everything. Having a lot of work keeps you in shape, but some laziness keeps you creative to cut the corners and being more efficient. We need both to surivive and thrive.
Standards and norms imposed by society, oftentimes inherently wrong: that's where the problem lies. Ironically, as with most things, opposite approaches often lead to same, chaotic and unnecessary result. For example, people who never worked a day on a film set will consider most jobs associated with filmmaking reckless and that bias goes as far as to influence HR specialists not to hire people who had jobs in the industry. They really have no clue that oftentimes filmmaking jobs are way more tiring and relying on being organized than it is often considered by general public, unable to see beyond the glamor.
At the same time, notion of professionalism and gatekeeping in the film industry oftentimes has the same very model at its core: it's hard to get a job in the studio system, but aforementioned bias also keeps you in it. People who can do whatever they want: studio, independent, freelance, depending on their situation and mood are scarce and it's not like there's no way to do it.
There's just no easiest way, as we tend to cut corners where it is important to have maximum, way more than we're willing to do that where it actually does not matter.
Standards and norms imposed by society, oftentimes inherently wrong: that's where the problem lies. Ironically, as with most things, opposite approaches often lead to same, chaotic and unnecessary result. For example, people who never worked a day on a film set will consider most jobs associated with filmmaking reckless and that bias goes as far as to influence HR specialists not to hire people who had jobs in the industry. They really have no clue that oftentimes filmmaking jobs are way more tiring and relying on being organized than it is often considered by general public, unable to see beyond the glamor.
At the same time, notion of professionalism and gatekeeping in the film industry oftentimes has the same very model at its core: it's hard to get a job in the studio system, but aforementioned bias also keeps you in it. People who can do whatever they want: studio, independent, freelance, depending on their situation and mood are scarce and it's not like there's no way to do it.
There's just no easiest way, as we tend to cut corners where it is important to have maximum, way more than we're willing to do that where it actually does not matter.
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I am glad you are fulfilled in your vocation.
Maybe 10 years from now, you'll be the next Nolan or Scorsese... though the odds are you'll be the next Lynch :D
Maybe 10 years from now, you'll be the next Nolan or Scorsese... though the odds are you'll be the next Lynch :D
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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365 days Check-in
I'm putting it on my checkins to remember that I have seen it, but I won't give it the honor to be on my ratings.
Wu du (7/10) (The Five Deadly Venoms)
Very cool movie with both good acting performances (for a Hong Kong 1970s movie), and good choreography. Especially the 10 min ending fight.
I'm putting it on my checkins to remember that I have seen it, but I won't give it the honor to be on my ratings.
Wu du (7/10) (The Five Deadly Venoms)
Very cool movie with both good acting performances (for a Hong Kong 1970s movie), and good choreography. Especially the 10 min ending fight.
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Lol, check this:
https://m.imdb.com/review/rw5866824/
https://m.imdb.com/review/rw5866824/
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Pretty good review
When I see your reviews, I always wonder how you manage to write almost a thousand words!
I wouldn't have had so many things to say about this movie other than: "It is a pretext for lame nudity scenes" because, without the nudity, 365 days is void.
The movie doesn't have any kind of character development, Lauras is just too resilient after getting kidnapped, she doesn't scream a single time to get attention in public.
Concerning Massimo, he just the copy/paste stereotype of the rich macho man with abs. Taking an Italian accent, his lines of dialogues are almost all one lines like "Are you lost baby girl". Finally, his motivation is as dumb as his plan.
The directing has nothing that felt new. At the same time, I didn't expect a lot for a directorial debut.
I have probably the same opinion as you about the movie. However, I believe that a 3/10 was too generous. I'm giving 3/10 only when I see a reasonable effort to make something decent, and I didn't see that in 365 days.
When I see your reviews, I always wonder how you manage to write almost a thousand words!
I wouldn't have had so many things to say about this movie other than: "It is a pretext for lame nudity scenes" because, without the nudity, 365 days is void.
The movie doesn't have any kind of character development, Lauras is just too resilient after getting kidnapped, she doesn't scream a single time to get attention in public.
Concerning Massimo, he just the copy/paste stereotype of the rich macho man with abs. Taking an Italian accent, his lines of dialogues are almost all one lines like "Are you lost baby girl". Finally, his motivation is as dumb as his plan.
The directing has nothing that felt new. At the same time, I didn't expect a lot for a directorial debut.
I have probably the same opinion as you about the movie. However, I believe that a 3/10 was too generous. I'm giving 3/10 only when I see a reasonable effort to make something decent, and I didn't see that in 365 days.
(Edited)
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I gave it a 3 because I have to confess some scenes did arouse me and the actress who played Laura turned me on the few moments when she let her vulnerable side show instead of that blasé attitude from both actors... so in a way the film served its purpose as an erotic film.
And if it wasn't for that awful soundtrack and that idiotic premise that turned Laura into a prize to win rather than a true protagonist, I might have rated the film a little higher.
Now length doesn't equal quality... I try to make reviews that encapsulate my reactions and the points that I judge worthy of an extra analysis and the stronger I react to a film the more verbal I get (sometimes I even get to 1500 words). I don't pay much attention to the number of words but I guess I developed a sort of writing conditioning that makes me complete a first draft in about 800 or 850 words.
Again length doesn't make quality and actually the more I write the more typos I make and I hate spotting them when I read old reviews.
And if it wasn't for that awful soundtrack and that idiotic premise that turned Laura into a prize to win rather than a true protagonist, I might have rated the film a little higher.
Now length doesn't equal quality... I try to make reviews that encapsulate my reactions and the points that I judge worthy of an extra analysis and the stronger I react to a film the more verbal I get (sometimes I even get to 1500 words). I don't pay much attention to the number of words but I guess I developed a sort of writing conditioning that makes me complete a first draft in about 800 or 850 words.
Again length doesn't make quality and actually the more I write the more typos I make and I hate spotting them when I read old reviews.
(Edited)
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New Best Friend (2002)
Weak attempt at a "Gossip" / "Wild Things" type thriller.
5/10
Weak attempt at a "Gossip" / "Wild Things" type thriller.
5/10
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Ne Zha (6/10)
It is not a deception, but not a surprise either. The plot didn't surprise me, seems to me that the premise is very similar to Frozen, and the animation doesn't feel special, i could have been done by Dreamwork or Pixar.
Also, I went to the library and picked-up those films:
Babettes gæstebud (1987)
Paris, Texas (1984)
Still Alice (2014)
The Great Escape (1963)
La dolce vita (1960)
81⁄2 (1963)
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Lolita (1962)
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)
The Last Emperor (1987)
Us (II) (2019)
The Iron Lady (2011)
The Danish Girl (2015)
La strada (1954)
It is not a deception, but not a surprise either. The plot didn't surprise me, seems to me that the premise is very similar to Frozen, and the animation doesn't feel special, i could have been done by Dreamwork or Pixar.
Also, I went to the library and picked-up those films:
Babettes gæstebud (1987)
Paris, Texas (1984)
Still Alice (2014)
The Great Escape (1963)
La dolce vita (1960)
81⁄2 (1963)
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Lolita (1962)
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)
The Last Emperor (1987)
Us (II) (2019)
The Iron Lady (2011)
The Danish Girl (2015)
La strada (1954)
(Edited)
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Atlantic Rim (Video 2013)/"Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return" Atlantic Rim: 1/10 for the Pacific Rim knockoff. 10/10 for Jonah and the gang.
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"Pacific Rim" was bad enough; I shudder to think what the knock-off must have been like.
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1) The Wind that Shakes the Barley (7/10)
Not a bad movie, but certainly disappointing and conventional for a "Palme d'or".
2) High Plains Drifter (9/10)
WOW!! This movie is a masterpiece, very engaging and the use of the horror codes (smoke, shadow, POV shot, etc.) Also one of the most suspenseful climax that I have seen in a long time, but I recognize that the story is not particularly original.
Not a bad movie, but certainly disappointing and conventional for a "Palme d'or".
2) High Plains Drifter (9/10)
WOW!! This movie is a masterpiece, very engaging and the use of the horror codes (smoke, shadow, POV shot, etc.) Also one of the most suspenseful climax that I have seen in a long time, but I recognize that the story is not particularly original.
- 1304 Posts
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The Danish Girl (4/10)
A pretty formulaic and mainstream biopic should have been more hard to watch, especially in Eddie Redmayne is transformation.
Not so long ago, I would have said that Tom Hooper is making bland and tame movies. I would have said that he was following the stream, but now I can only say that Tom Hooper is a bad director, and if you want a more "universal" proof, you just have to watch Cats.
In other words, Tom Hooper is proving that to make a good movie, he needs to use "Ctrl C, Ctrl V". Thus, I'm probably gonna rate down The King's Speech.
A pretty formulaic and mainstream biopic should have been more hard to watch, especially in Eddie Redmayne is transformation.
Not so long ago, I would have said that Tom Hooper is making bland and tame movies. I would have said that he was following the stream, but now I can only say that Tom Hooper is a bad director, and if you want a more "universal" proof, you just have to watch Cats.
In other words, Tom Hooper is proving that to make a good movie, he needs to use "Ctrl C, Ctrl V". Thus, I'm probably gonna rate down The King's Speech.
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Manchester by the Sea 2016 - 7/10
After his brother's death, the guy need to take care of his nephew while realizing about his past that still haunts him. Casey Affleck does all the justice to the character. There are a lot of moments that ignite and invoke the emotions, but others don't work very well especially the plot about his nephew's girlfriends.
Fences 2016 - 7/10
I almost left the movie halfway through, couldn't bear Denzel Washington speaking constantly. But, the other half is just great. You soon start to feel why the first half was important. Viola Davis is great. Danzel Washington should have let someone else speak more.
Night on Earth 1991 - 7/10
I generally like anthology movies, but this one does not conclude any of the stories. The best one was Paris, weakest New York.
The Double Life of Véronique 1991 - 8/10
Krzysztof Kieslowski is a genius at what he makes. After watching 3 colors, I thought this could be 4th or 1st color movie. The story is quite intriguing, the color scheme is great, the music is too good.
Witness 1985 - 7/10
It is not a usual Harrison Ford movie and that is good in some way and not so good in other ways. The thrill is short lived. After establishing villains nicely, it does not expand upon them. The romance is very nicely played out. And I am going to read about Amish culture for sure.
After his brother's death, the guy need to take care of his nephew while realizing about his past that still haunts him. Casey Affleck does all the justice to the character. There are a lot of moments that ignite and invoke the emotions, but others don't work very well especially the plot about his nephew's girlfriends.
Fences 2016 - 7/10
I almost left the movie halfway through, couldn't bear Denzel Washington speaking constantly. But, the other half is just great. You soon start to feel why the first half was important. Viola Davis is great. Danzel Washington should have let someone else speak more.
Night on Earth 1991 - 7/10
I generally like anthology movies, but this one does not conclude any of the stories. The best one was Paris, weakest New York.
The Double Life of Véronique 1991 - 8/10
Krzysztof Kieslowski is a genius at what he makes. After watching 3 colors, I thought this could be 4th or 1st color movie. The story is quite intriguing, the color scheme is great, the music is too good.
Witness 1985 - 7/10
It is not a usual Harrison Ford movie and that is good in some way and not so good in other ways. The thrill is short lived. After establishing villains nicely, it does not expand upon them. The romance is very nicely played out. And I am going to read about Amish culture for sure.
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Same rating for "Fences" and I do agree about Denzel's constant ranting
https://m.imdb.com/review/rw3647172/
https://m.imdb.com/review/rw3647172/
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Yip Man 4 (2019) (5/10)
In this finale, Ip Man is trying, to find a school for his son. This is Ip Man trying to achieve the American dream. However, his relationship with his son is complicated and Ip Ma'n is torn between defending Chinese martial arts' reputation (once again) and caring about his family.
Ip Man being Ip Man, he realizes that family is not important and that he wishes to fight more people than ever with little to no reason.
As I tried to demonstrate earlier the whole franchise is not allowing proper time for the emotional stakes to develop. This formula those well because for the last 11 years, the story remained unchanged.
At this point, the story is almost committing the fault that it is denouncing, this is, of course, xenophobia. In almost every movie, the story is depicting a caricatural "foreign devil" insulting martial arts and china in general. What I truly wished for this last movie was modifications in its narrative structure.
Anyway, if you have read that far into my review, you probably want to know if the kung-fu was great because after all, the Ip Man franchise is about amazing choreography.
Thus, I have to recognize that Woo-Ping Yuen did an excellent job of making the action scenes as engaging as in the first Ip Man.
In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, but if you are on this page reading my review, you probably already saw the rest of the franchise and liked it, so go ahead and watch this movie.
In this finale, Ip Man is trying, to find a school for his son. This is Ip Man trying to achieve the American dream. However, his relationship with his son is complicated and Ip Ma'n is torn between defending Chinese martial arts' reputation (once again) and caring about his family.
Ip Man being Ip Man, he realizes that family is not important and that he wishes to fight more people than ever with little to no reason.
As I tried to demonstrate earlier the whole franchise is not allowing proper time for the emotional stakes to develop. This formula those well because for the last 11 years, the story remained unchanged.
At this point, the story is almost committing the fault that it is denouncing, this is, of course, xenophobia. In almost every movie, the story is depicting a caricatural "foreign devil" insulting martial arts and china in general. What I truly wished for this last movie was modifications in its narrative structure.
Anyway, if you have read that far into my review, you probably want to know if the kung-fu was great because after all, the Ip Man franchise is about amazing choreography.
Thus, I have to recognize that Woo-Ping Yuen did an excellent job of making the action scenes as engaging as in the first Ip Man.
In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, but if you are on this page reading my review, you probably already saw the rest of the franchise and liked it, so go ahead and watch this movie.
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To make it shorter, this movie is bad, and I don't recommend it. But if you already saw the 3 other movies in the franchise and liked them, you probably are gonna like this movie too.
(Edited)
- 1274 Posts
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No Safe Spaces (Documentary, 2019)
Had its flaws, but still an informative watch.
Essential viewing for Professor Kent.
6/10
Had its flaws, but still an informative watch.
Essential viewing for Professor Kent.
6/10
Nikolay Yeriomin (Mykola Yeromin), Champion
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La liga de los 5 (2020) - 8/10, I had never seen a Mexican animated film, and I wasn't expecting much. However this one actually surprised Me, a very fun and well done movie, that takes a lot of aspects of Mexican culture and portarits them in a great and respectful way. I'm not sure it will translate well in other countries, but I'm very glad I saw it, I'm in for a sequel.
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- 1698 Reply Likes
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (7/10)
The movie is great, I liked the ambiance set at the beginning of the story, but the pacing is too quick (too many things are going on too fast), the climax felt so unimportant, it was so unengaging that I paused the movie, and I don't do that often in movies.
So yes, this is a borderline 7, but I like to horror elements in non-horror movies, so I buffed my actual rating by a bit. However, we also have to take into consideration that we can't ask for the most intense of climaxes because this is a "family" movie.
In conclusion, despite some pacing problems, the movie is entertaining for all ages, and the characters are probably gonna make you smile 1 or 2 times.
The movie is great, I liked the ambiance set at the beginning of the story, but the pacing is too quick (too many things are going on too fast), the climax felt so unimportant, it was so unengaging that I paused the movie, and I don't do that often in movies.
So yes, this is a borderline 7, but I like to horror elements in non-horror movies, so I buffed my actual rating by a bit. However, we also have to take into consideration that we can't ask for the most intense of climaxes because this is a "family" movie.
In conclusion, despite some pacing problems, the movie is entertaining for all ages, and the characters are probably gonna make you smile 1 or 2 times.











Brijesh Marand
A little trivia: This movie is a remake of 2013 Malayalam movie with the same name and the original has higher rating than this.
cinephile
Indian movies are pretty hard to find in Canada
Brijesh Marand
Pencho15
I hope someday Netflix also adds the original version, I would like to compare them.