lillian.lee Reviews

King Arthur (2004)

Fresh Look On An Old Theme

[7/10 · 4 August 2004]

And I loved it!

Not just the new take on the King Arthur legend and the able cast, but the colors, the costumes, the landscapes, the horses, and Hans Zimmer's heart-pounding score.

I'm no King Arthur scholar but I have always been enamored with the chivalric ideals. It's great to see the knights in shining armor and Merlin conjuring up the mists and casting spells, and the young Arthur pulling Excalibur out of the stone.

But I went into this movie with an open mind. I was swiftly transported to that earlier time and happy for the journey. I could see where the elements of the now oh-so-familiar Arthurian themes may have had their beginnings. I found the on-screen chemistry between Ioan Gruffod and Clive Owen to be very powerful and it provided poignant counterpoint to Lancelot's most fateful choice.

The love triangle was never my favorite part of the Arthurian legends, so the subtle treatment of it here didn't bother me at all. In fact, I found it more intriguing in this film than in any other King Arthur movie I've seen.

I loved that there was no hocus-pocus-type magic. Instead the magic was in nature itself - the landscapes, the forests, the rain, the fog, the ice and snow - all creating an other-worldly atmosphere along with Moya Brennan's haunting vocals and Hans Zimmer's stirring score.

I loved the knights. I loved the idea that they were just regular guys and, in effect, drafted into military service. Not the privileged elite who volunteered their services to a king. Yet it is apparent that the Sarmatian knights fought more out of their love and respect for Arthur than any duty to Rome. That comraderie feels very organic and the sentiments, pure. I liked that they're not all wearing the same uniform, that they might have picked up pieces here and there as spoils of war.

I was especially captivated by Mads Mikkelson's Tristan. There appeared to be Eastern influences in his tattoos, clothing, sword, and fighting style. I love the idea of Lancelot using two swords. And I learned something about battlefield strategy, too.

Whatever shortcomings this movie may have, I found heart and soul in it. It was not only entertaining, it touched all my senses, and I felt good when I walked out of the theatre.

Crimson Tide (1995)

All That and More (Some Spoilers)

[12 March 2002]

Others here have said just about all there is to say about the film.

In addition to the kudos for Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington, I would like to add one for Viggo Mortensen as Lt. Peter "WEPS" Ince.

Mortensen is known for getting into his characters and all but disappearing into them. His attention to detail and nuance in portraying Ince is once again a testament to Mortensen's dedication to character and story. The crewcut, the ring, the white t-shirt even under his civvies, pressing his own shirts, shows Ince is career Navy. He is also a family man, taking his son to a birthday party and thinking of his family when confronted with the life-or-death decision he must make. Ince is also a learned man. When the XO is talking about a military theorist's philosophy, Ince is in the background nodding in agreement.

He knows how to work with a hard-nosed Captain who goes through XO's like his cigars, yet he is a friend of the XO. Ince cares about the crew and the respect is mutual. He puts a hand on the shoulder of the crew member who fails to do all the pushups a fellow officers demands. When one of his men is ordered back to work by another officer, Ince looks after the crewman. Ince is willing to die for what he believes is right, but he would not sacrifice the life of one of his men for it.

The scene in which three of the officers force Ince to decide between taking the Captain's side or supporting the XO's takeover, Mortensen turns in a masterful performance.

The entire argument that rages between the Captain and the XO is played out in Mortensen's portrayal of Ince. No less poignant when one considers it is WEPS who actually pulls the trigger to release the nuclear missiles. Mortensen brings that sensibility to this role.

Another memorable performance from Mortensen. His name may not always appear above the titles. His role may not always be the biggest. But it always makes watching any movie he is in a worthwhile experience.

American Yakuza (1993)

A Cut Above B-Movie

[2 March 2002]

The plot offers very few surprises. It is a standard B-movie plot with formula characters.

However, two things raise this movie from the usual B-movie fare.

First, both Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi turn in understated, yet thoughtful, performances that create chemistry and add a dimension of believability to their characters beyond what simply appears on-screen.

Second, creative camera angles and striking visuals lend an air of intelligence and elegance to many of the key scenes in the movie.

Freedom (2000–2001)

This show has it all!

[13 November 2000]

If you love action/adventure, watch Freedom. If you appreciate good stories with intelligent writing, watch Freedom. If you're looking for charismatic actors portraying unconventional characters with integrity, watch Freedom. If you're into martial arts, watch Freedom. If you enjoy a little special effects to spice up your shows, watch Freedom. If you like fun and humor in your shows, watch Freedom. How about some great music, meticulous sound effects, and overall production values that will knock your socks off? Watch Freedom. It's all there. And it's all good.