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Reviews
En plein coeur (1998)
Limply intriguing
A tantalising tale of love, lust, betrayal and jealousy, En plein coeur amasses to nothing more than a frustrating folly, more engaged with the grandeur of its own concept than producing any real substance.
A famous Parisian lawyer (Gerard Lanvin) becomes involved with a delinquent shoplifter (Virginie Ledoyen) following her attempt to rob a jewellers with a toy gun. Entranced by her passion and life, the lawyer leaves his chic wife, the timelessly elegant Carole Bouquet, to embark upon an affair so devoid of emotion, that the viewer must wonder whether the director himself needs an alibi.
The cast turn in adequate performances, although special mention should be made to Carole Bouquet's effortlessly aristocratic character who provides all moments of emotion. Simultaneously innocent and wise to her husbands impending betrayal, she forms an intriguing character, too frequently overlooked in favour of the disjointed and superficial Virginie Ledoyen.
En plein coeur is guilty of all the cliches that is normally to be found in North American film. On this occasion it is a French director who believes you should feel moved by the force of the leads passion when he tells his wife he's leaving her for a woman who makes him "feel young again." For me, there is no irony here, polishing and carefully arranging each cliche does not merit praise, only disappointment.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Love it or hate it.
The definitive film to divide both critics and cinema-goers, Moulin Rouge is a film like no other. From the moment the curtain glides up, the audience are swept along on an outrageously extravagant anecdote of truth, beauty, freedom and above all, love. Luhrmann's undeniably ambitious film is a two hour immersion in colour, sound and emotion that leaves your body saturated with a euphoric exhilaration that precious few other films can provide. I will not pretend that this film is the best that you will ever see, for as much as I enjoyed it, I am inclined to agree with some of the more cynical reviewers on this board that certain inclusions are questionable.
However, to examine it short comings would detract from what is a spectacular cinematic experience. If one can watch this film with nothing more than mild curiosity, then I am sure that you will enjoy it immensely. Pleasures such as this should not be overlooked hastily, you might well be surprised. Delightful.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
C'est magnifique
If you are even remotely interested in this film,you must make the effort and go. I was lucky enough to see Amelie over a month ago whilst visiting a friend in Provence. I can honestly say that not a day has passed since when I haven't thought about Amelie or her life. It is just that sort of film. One that makes you instantly smile should you inadvertantly recollect your favourite part. However, I was saddened to see the breakdown of the films ratings on this site. I mean Americans, what are you thinking? Considering it doesn't come out in the states until November 2nd how can 37 of you give it 1 out of 10 and an average of 4.7? Have you guys actually watched this film, because it certainly deserves no less than 8 from even the most fierce of critics.
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Breaks the mould in style
I find it quite hard to believe that I am actually sitting here, writing a review, that praises a Kung-Fu movie in the way that I will proceed to do. Not often do films that are placed in this genre evoke such widespread acclaim, particularly those that are of a foreign language and manage to entrance both the critics and the box office. What I will say is watch this film.
Don't let any other comments dissuade you because I can virtually guarantee that if you don't like this film, you will love it. Don't feel it is necessary to know the plot prior to watching it, although coherent and intelligent it isn't the plot that wins this film its awards, its real beauty lies in its wonderfully choreographed fight scenes and sensitive acting of all its cast.
I could go on and on, I won't, but there is one final note. Unless you find reading really distracting I would implore you to watch the subtitled version. This way the fantastic expression portrayed by the characters is not lost through the cheesy dubbing into English. Subtitles make the audience pay closer attention and this particular film deserves all the attention given and more.
JFK (1991)
A must
A truly excellent film, but one which I suspect is more for the casual historian as opposed to the usual film-goer. Being around 3 hours long, I have to admit I found it rather tedious at times, particularly as the characters have no more idea of proceedings than the viewer. Intelligent acting and skilled direction however, makes this a highly polished documentary and one which every person should make the effort to watch. Probing and really quite a disturbing portrait of the way in which society can be ruled in the twentieth century western world.
The Beach (2000)
My view
It truly pains me to have to give this film a whole star. None would be preferable. I just have to wonder if Boyle as well as Richard finally lost the plot as the film spiralled into the great abyss of cinematic garbage. Perhaps, unfortunately I was the wrong person to rationally evaluate this film having both read Garland's pulsating novel, and visited Thailand on several occasions. However it is as a result of this, that I do have one piece of advice which is if you value either's reputation in your regard or imagination, I implore you not to waste your time on this film, for both will be tarnished beyond recognition. Incidentally as a parting note I feel I must mention just how desperate I was prior to seeing the film, to enjoy it. Until this film Boyle was one of my all time favourite directors. 'A Life Less Ordinary' being a piece of imaginative brilliance. His latest effort is a joy for all those that appreciate the merit of other 'greats' like Armageddon and The Patriot. Great turkeys.
The Patriot (2000)
Distressingly inaccurate
Having studied the American revolution for several years now, I felt it necessary to watch a film based on this vital period of American history. However I sadly now wish I hadn't.
I understand that this film was made for American audiences, but on trying to get people leaving cinemas punching the air and declaring the tedious three hours as their most proud time to be an American, I can only hope the makers of this film bow there heads in shame. To say this film is extremely inaccurate and completely biased towards the American settlers is an understatement of epic proportions. I read in an earlier comment that the American people should appreciate this film for how it portrays our early settlers. I disagree slightly.
American people should be grateful for this film because they are only ever likely to see the way that they would hope the revolution to happen, in this film. The reality is much more modest. As an American myself, it pains me that British- American relations can be strained so much by this piece of cinematic Hollywood garbage. (If you don't know what I mean, check out some British press website's to see just how the British public reacted to this film.
Inaccuracy aside, wooden performances by all but Jason Isaacs and truly woeful direction by Emmerich give me little to praise. I only wish I could.