BlueDragon Reviews

A View from a Hill (2005 TV Movie)

Excellent

[10/10 · 1 March 2006]

I must confess to not having read the original M R James story although I have read many of his other supernatural tales. I've also seen most of the previous BBC Christmas Ghost Stories and this one, in my opinion, surpasses most of them, only equalling The Signalman.

I can't really fault A View From a Hill - the direction and 'mood' is perfect, as is the acting, lighting and, of course, the story and writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can only hope for more of this quality from the same director and production team. I understand that the BBC plan to make some more (not necessarily based on M R James stories) so that's promising.

10/10

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Better than Spirited Away

[9/10 · 12 June 2005]

Yes, really - so many people seemed to love Spirited Away yet it didn't engage me whatsoever. However, I found Howls Moving Castle enchanting with some excellent characters and ideas - the animation is beautiful as is the scenery (some of it being classic Miyazaki, ie lush green landscapes, gently drifting clouds and the the sounds of nature).

Without hesitation I'd put Howl above Princess Mononoke, although it's not quite as good as the superlative My Neighbour Totoro and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.

Go see Howl - even if you don't like it as much as Miyazaki's other works then you'll certainly see something thought-provoking and imaginative.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (I) (2004)

Hauntingly wonderful

[10/10 · 21 September 2004]

As has been commented elsewhere, this is a masterpiece. It's haunting, beautiful, mesmerizing, spellbinding and hypnotic.

It most certainly won't be appreciated (or even understood) by those who like their movies in neatly packaged and instantly understandable bite-sized chunks, but for those of us who like to engage our brain cells and who have a sense of wonder then, well, we're all the richer for it.

The visuals are, as commented elsewhere, absolutely breathtaking. There's a lot of dialog which you do need to concentrate on, but it's worth the effort without a doubt.

A masterpiece of the highest order.

The Woman in Black (1989 TV Movie)

Superb

[10/10 · 9 May 2003]

This is one excellent ghost story. I really can't praise it highly enough. Those who criticise it are, I feel, missing out on an extremely well made ghost story which is genuinely creepy with a few chilling scares.

I guess it's not a film for those who like something that's full of visual action, but for those with imagination and who have the patience and ability to immerse themselves, this is a must.

This easily ranks up there with the excellent film The Changeling.

K-PAX (2001)

Magical

[10/10 · 11 April 2003]

A beautiful, magical, thought-provoking and heart-warming story. Excellent direction, perfect cast, marvellous script, excellent score, beautifully lit...... need I say more?

If you love films that not only make you think but also warm your heart (some that spring to mind are 'Contact', 'Field of Dreams' and 'Groundhog Day') then you're sure to love K-PAX.

Most highly recommended.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)

Superb - watch, listen and immerse yourself

[10/10 · 22 October 2001]

A superb film - I'm so very glad that I ignored those who condemned this. I bought it on the recently released 2 DVD set (which in itself is worthy of purchase even if you didn't like the film - simply loads of extras, commentary tracks, etc).

I loved the overall 'feel' of this movie - it invokes a sense of wonder in me that few films have managed to achieve. It goes without saying that visually (and aurally) the movie is a feast, but more than that it is a movie for the soul.

Ignore those that don't like it - inevitably they simply didn't understand it. It IS a convoluted (but ultimately simple) plot and you need to pay attention, but if you do so you will be well rewarded.

Definitely a movie to be savored.