jamaal Reviews

One Day in the Haram (2017)

Beautiful Insights into the Holy Sanctuary

[10/10 · 22 July 2020]

A rhythmic, beautifully filmed journey through a day at al-Masjid al-Haram, the Sacred Mosque at Makkah, the heart of the Islamic world. Naturally, and authentically, the filmmakers follow the observance of the Five Daily Prayers as they open window after window into the workings of this center of the Pilgrimage to Makkah, the Hajj, and the Ancient House rebuilt by Abraham and Ishmael as commanded by God Almighty, which Muslims turn toward every day when they stand, bow and prostrate before the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The human element in the maintenance and care of this Holy Sanctuary is rightfully highlighted in this amazing documentary, one of discovery and wonder. One Day In The Haram is not merely a film to watch. Rather it is a beautifully woven visual and aural experience of the center of Islam.

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

Rich, visually stunning homage to the Golden Age of Kaiju Eiga

[10/10 · 20 February 2003]

Gojira, Mosura, Kingu Gidora: Daikaiju soukougeki (Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack) is Director Shusuke Kaneko's homage to the Golden Age of kaiju eiga (Japanese giant monster movies). This most excellent film-in terms of cinematography, special effects, story and meaning is really a throw back to the Godzilla and other special effects films of the 1960's. Even the title is a kind of tip-of-the hat to those films. Godzilla in GMK (as the film is known)is the unstoppable and totally cruel monster on a rampage, angry at Japan for the forgetfulness of this generation with regard to the horrors of the Pacific War. Director Kaneko wanted Godzilla to be the specter of war in GMK, and he succeeded immensely! GMK is marked by great monster battles, highlighted by the return of Baragon as one of the Yamato Seishu (Guardian Beasts of Ancient Japan). The idea of ancient guardian monsters being summoned forth to fight Godzilla and save a heedless society from his wrath is a great one. GMK also features a rather poignant story of a father and daughter, so different, but united in the decisive battle to save Japan.

GMK conveys the impression that the cast, production crew, live action and special effects directors were aware of the uniqueness of this film and its rich story. The film succeeds on so many levels and in so many ways, that the result is a very satisfying giant monster/science fiction film, colored by and rooted in a great legend and a country's spiritual heritage. This is one of the great aspects of GMK: the combining of the ancient and the modern, human drama and giant monster effects, modern society, with all of its complexities and anamolies, and homeland spiritual legend. Instances of humor are often followed by moments of tense horror and suspense.

Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack is Shusuke Kaneko's dream of directing a Godzilla film realized, often brilliantly, and it is also his gift to fans of this fantastic and enthralling genre. This fan hopes that, God willing, he will get the opportunity to do this again.

Godzilla 2000 (1999)

Excellent Updating Of the Godzilla Saga

[10/10 · 13 July 2000]

Godzilla 2000 Millennium is the dark, but eerily beautiful updating of the Godzilla saga. It features stunning SPFX, passionate performances by a well assembled cast and great action. Takehiro Murata as Yuji Shinoda and Hiroshi Abe as Mutsuo Katagiri give inspired performances as men in opposite camps regarding Godzilla. In fact, the drama between the human characters is just as satisfying as the effects scenes- which are great. The score by Takayuki Hattori is moving and effective in conveying the various moods of this well-made kaiju eiga (Japanese monster movie). Godzilla 2000 Millennium also has moments of humor as well as scenes which give us insight into the lives of the people tracking Godzilla and who must then deal with an even greater threat. The scenes between the father/daughter team of Yuji and Io Shinoda who head the Godzilla Prediction Network (GPN) are entertaining and moving, especially at a very dramatic moment in the story. The monster battles are well done as are the confrontation between Godzilla and the Japanese Self Defense Forces. Godzilla 2000 Millennium also vindicates the traditional Japanese way of making giant monster movies. Made with a fraction of the budget for the American Godzilla movie of 1998, it delivers a more authentic, satisfying product. Godzilla 2000 Millennium is probably the second greatest movie in the entire series, exceeded only by the original "Gojira."