hupfons5 Reviews

Ten Canoes (2006)

Rewarding Glimpse into the Aboriginal Culture

[9/10 · 27 September 2007]

The best film I've seen about the aboriginal culture of Australia.

After watching this film for 10-15 minutes, the viewer either will be intrigued by the story, acting & cinematography or convinced that it's not to their liking. If you enjoy cinematic art, you will be rewarded richly by De Heers' respectful portrayal of the indigenous people – their humor, hunting and gathering expeditions, and everyday life in the lands where they and their ancestors lived and died for centuries.

The aboriginal cast speaking in the native language of Ganalbingu adds a degree of authenticity that few film makers ever capture and that enriches the viewing experience. Watching this production is akin to being an unseen visitor in a world that is so different from any that most of us will ever encounter or imagine.

To heighten appreciation of the tremendous effort and care that went into making this film, I highly recommend watching the Special Feature entitled BALANDA & THE MAKING OF TEN CANOES.

Gettysburg (1993)

Not an Award-Winning Film but Worth Seeing

[7/10 · 29 November 2006]

This is a long movie and some of the acting leaves a lot to be desired -- see other reviewers' comments. However, the movie has some excellent performances by Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, Sam Elliott, and a few others.

In the DVD release, the Special Features, especially the Making of Gettysburg and the Commentary are top notch and give the viewer an even greater appreciation of the battles at Gettsburg and what is portrayed on screen in the movie.

The Battle of Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge in the film show the relentless human wave attacks that 20th century war buffs mostly associate with the Korean War and the Pacific campaign during WW II. However, GETTYSBURG conveys very well the disturbing reality that Civil War soldiers were killing relatives, friends, and neighbors in some of those battles and often in hand-to-hand combat.

Don't look for the pace of action or the graphic depiction of battle casualties to rival those seen in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN or BAND OF BROTHERS. What the battle scenes in this movie depict is the deadly toll of large scale frontal assaults by both the Union and Confederate forces. It defies all logic to think that hundreds of men (thousands in Pickett's Charge) would march in formation while lethal cannon shells explode in their midst and enemy marksmen fire deadly volleys of musket rounds into the advancing ranks of foot soldiers and cavalry troops. Yet, with the aid of a small robotic helicopter used to film Pickett's Charge and the massive artillery barrage that preceded it, the scale of the battle and the deadly outcome for the attacking Confederate Army are depicted vividly.

The futile but heroic plight of Pickett's men becomes apparent well before the attack even begins. These were some of our forefathers shedding their blood on that hallowed ground, and the film helps to show how costly that War of the States would be on the country's psyche for more than a century after the war ended.

Independent Lens: Be Good, Smile Pretty (2003) Season 5, Episode 5

Compelling Documentary

[7/10 · 29 November 2006]

This is an emotionally charged documentary. It shows the effects of unresolved grief on family and close friends, a daughter's quest to know the father whose presence she missed throughout her childhood and early adult years, and in a more subtle way the consequences of political decisions during wartime.

The Vietnam War movie WE WERE SOLDIERS showed the initial shock and grief that wives experienced when they received the tragic news of the death of their husbands. This film shows the delayed effects of how that grief and loss can impact family, friends, and other veterans who knew the one who was killed.

One theme that others didn't mention relates directly to the title of the film. The phrase "Be good, smile pretty" came from one of the love letters sent by Lieutenant Droz to his wife when he was in Vietnam. Those same words become almost haunting to the wife who struggles with tremendous grief over the loss of her beloved and the lingering bittersweet memories of a love that was so cherished and so suddenly and harshly extinguished.

The story is NOT just about the loss of life during the Vietnam War. It's universal to all human loss during wartime, terrorist killings, and other such traumatic events.

Daughter from Danang (2002)

Emotionally Charged Documentary

[8/10 · 29 November 2006]

Controversial, enlightening, and emotionally unsettling. This is what you can expect to experience and more, when you watch this extremely well-made documentary.

The reunion between mother and daughter after more than 20 years of separation begins as tearfully happy and eventually becomes tearfully unsettling.

The film describes how Operation Babylift was created and then shows the consequences of that socio-political program on the lives of a Vietnamese child and her estranged mother 20-plus years later. The child is adopted by a single American mother whom we soon discover emotionally abused the little girl and eventually disowned her. The Vietnamese mother has lived all those years with virtually no knowledge of her daughter. This is the backdrop for the highly charged emotional encounter that plays out in front of the viewer's eyes. It's a raw, emotional roller coaster ride for the family and viewers.

I highly recommend this film to those who are willing to grapple with the strong emotions that surround the reunion of an adopted child with the birth parent. The emotions and expectations of all involved are intense. When language and cultural differences are added to such reunions, the emotional stakes become even more highly charged.

These are the compelling issues that you can expect to witness and not soon forget when you watch Daughter From Danang. Unquestionably this is a memorable documentary

Absence of Malice (1981)

The Sly Fox Gets Revenge

[8/10 · 29 November 2006]

If you enjoy watching films in which arrogant people get their comeuppance, you might enjoy this one.

Paul Newman deftly shows how an astute, calculating "avenger" can turn the tables on those who have hurt his business and a dear friend. Sally Fields gives a credible performance as a self-absorbed, "champion of truth" journalist who's oblivious to the impact of her stories on people's lives and livelihood.

Wilford Brimley is at his best when he "reads the riot act" to each one of the "culprits" in the climactic confrontation scene, and, in doing so, ties together the loose ends of the film's storyline.

While the movie lacks the action (and pace) of many popular films today, it rewards the thoughtful, patient viewer who appreciates watching a carefully executed revenge. It's one of my all-time favorites. I've seen this film about a half dozen times over a period of years and still enjoy it as much today as I did when I first saw it on the big screen.

Noel (2004)

Worthwhile Year Round Story

[7/10 · 29 November 2006]

Good acting by Paul Walker, Susan Sarandon, and Penelope Cruz and some enjoyable plot twists will entertain those looking for an enjoyable Christmas story in a modern-day setting.

The movie isn't likely to win any major awards, but it's better than most holiday dramas and many non-holiday films. I think young and more mature adults alike will enjoy NOEL. It's an excellent "date" flick.

Penelope Cruz will appeal to both men and women but for different reasons. I think children and young teen viewers should be "spared" her bulging cleavage and ultra-mini skirts. I was most "surprised" by Paul Walker's performance. Early in the film I thought his character would be 1-dimensional (i.e., an over-the-top jealous lover), but I think he gives a believable performance as the "macho hunk" who is a man of heart, soul, and some depth of character.

Robin Williams and Susan Sarandon redeem each other and contribute to an uplifting climatic twist to end the movie on a hopeful, redemptive note.

Definitely worth seeing.

Septem8er Tapes (2004)

Not a Documentary but Worth Watching

[7/10 · 29 November 2006]

Harrowing, obsessive quest of a photojournalist in lawless Afghanistan. Although it's a movie, it seems like a documentary. The on-site filming and the use of actual Afghan police and other locals heighten the documentary "look & feel" of the movie.

The Dolby/DTS 5.1 soundtrack during the gun battle and the chase scenes will have you feeling like ducking for cover from the bullets and rockets. You'll hear the rockets whoosh from your front to rear speakers and then explode behind you. You'll hear the bullets whiz from L to R and front to rear speakers. The explosion of the 2,000 lb bomb" will give your sub-woofer a resounding workout.

The final scene sheds welcome light on the main character's relentless pursuit of Osama Bin Laden.

In the DVD release, the Director's Commentary and the MAKING OF features are well WORTH watching too -- very enlightening and entertaining.

We Were Soldiers (2002)

Gut-Wrenching Vietnam War Flick

[8/10 · 29 November 2006]

Based on the book of a similar title (We Were Soldiers Once and Men), this war film portrays the up-close, gory "face" of battle in the Vietnam Central Highlands. It vividly shows the courage and controlled terror and rage of infantrymen in close combat.

A unique aspect of this film is its heart-rending portrayal of the dread and grief of family members whose loved ones were missing or killed in action in the Southeast Asian conflict.

Excellent performances by Sam Elliott and Barry Pepper. Pepper's portrayal of Galloway shows how survival instincts can overpower one's conscience in the heat of battle. Mel Gibson gives a believable performance of Lieutenant Colonel Moore's unflappable courage under dire circumstances and his love for his soldiers and their well-being.

One of the most accurate Hollywood portrayals of the horrific reality of combat and the human story that underlies every victory, defeat and casualty.

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)

Powerful Korean War Story

[8/10 · 29 November 2006]

This is a war film unlike any I've ever seen, and I've seen plenty. It artfully weaves the horrors and brutality of close-in combat fighting during the Korean War.

What distinguishes this movie from most other war films is that is also is a poignant story of brotherly love and family suffering during a war that nearly destroyed both the North & South Korean societies and landscape.

Some of the plot twists seem somewhat strained, but the overall impact of the film doesn't suffer. Comparisons to SAVING PRIVATE RYAN don't do justice to the cultural differences between the 2 films. This one will stand on its own merits, especially since it shows the Korean War to international audiences from a Korean perspective.

A MUST SEE film.

Zelary (2003)

Slovakian Love Story

[9/10 · 29 November 2006]

Anna Geislerova and Gyorgy Cserhalmi give strong performances as the lead male and female actors in this Slovakian love story set in World War II. Their love for each other evolves as the drama of Hana's escape from the Nazis unfolds in a remote farming village.

The beauty and simplicity of Hana's surroundings and the gentle strength and caring of Josa gradually seduce her and transform her into a woman who can girlishly enjoy the simple pleasures of life without sacrificing her talents and ambitions as a member of the resistance.

Excellent performances by this predominantly Slovakian cast, especially Jaroslav Dusek who shines in a minor supporting role as the teacher.

The King of Masks (1995)

Heart-warming & Disturbing Story

[8/10 · 22 November 2006]

One of the most heart-warming foreign films I've ever seen.

The young girl is an amazing talent. Stellar performances by her (Doggie), the old man (the king of masks), and Liang (the Living Boddhisatva).

(SPOILER) The deplorable treatment of children, especially females is disturbing.

Loved the music. The original Chinese dialog heightens the emotional intensity of the performances and the story.

This is a MUST SEE -- enjoyable family film, although not for very young children. Would have rated the DVD release even higher if the soundtrack had been transferred better onto the DVD and the transfer had included the widescreen version.

Andrei Rublev (1966)

A Cinematic Work of Art

[8/10 · 22 November 2006]

Caution! This film is well worth watching BUT only for those who are willing to take the time and effort (nearly 3 1/2 hrs - at least) to watch and think about the meaning of the various stories that make up this epic work of art.

Perhaps the film can be viewed and enjoyed in a single sitting, but I doubt it. The closest analogy I can offer is that watching the film is like viewing fine paintings in an art gallery or savoring the taste and aroma of vintage wines.

(SPOILER) Visually the scenes are striking with many panoramic views. The use of black and white (until the very last few minutes of the film) creates a hypnotic, dream-like effect that heightens the mood of the scenes. Some scenes show cruel treatment of animals and barbaric treatment of human beings.

Regret to Inform (1998)

Provocative but One-Sided Documentary

[5/10 · 22 November 2006]

This unique documentary clearly portrays some of the tragic effects of war on wives of soldiers from both sides of the Vietnam War.

(SPOILER) The director (whose husband was killed in action in that war) blames the US and the South Vietnamese governments for those tragedies and fails to mention the dreadful atrocities inflicted by the Vietnamese Communist guerrillas on many innocent South Vietnamese and indigenous tribal men, women, children.

Despite this slanted retrospective look, the film is well made and worth seeing. (SPOILER) The film's most redeeming premise is that war indelibly alters the lives of all who suffer the trauma and loss that occurs during wartime.

The Story of Qiu Ju (1992)

Fine Acting, Slow Pace

[6/10 · 22 November 2006]

Another fine performance by Gong Li in a story that takes too long to reach its disconcerting conclusion. (SPOILER) Her character's determined struggle to seek a just settlement for the local Communist party official's assault on her husband is impressive. She is not deterred by physical hardship, swindlers, party bureaucrats, or the arrogance of the party official himself.

(SPOILER) The plot twist that occurs at the birth of her baby almost redeems the slow pace of the film up to that point of the story, but not quite.

The location shots (in the cities and rural areas) enhance the story but not quite enough for this reviewer. Not a waste of time for those with enough patience to wait for the story to reach its conclusion, but not as good as many other of Gong Li's & Yimou Zhang's work.

Saints and Soldiers (2003)

Camaraderie Transcends the Hell of War

[8/10 · 22 November 2006]

This film succeeds as a war story and morality tale!

I liked it most for its depiction of the camaraderie that can develop during wartime among a group of "strangers" whose common bond is survival and mission accomplishment, despite the petty human conflicts that arise.

The ensemble cast & soundtrack are top notch. Look to see more from these aspiring actors in the future. The Dolby 5.1 version "rocks" during the combat scenes.

In the DVD release the "Making of" feature is a much better extra than the director's & producer's commentary.

Plain Truth (2004 TV Movie)

Hargitay & Pill Shine

[8/10 · 19 November 2006]

Excellent movie -- better than many bigger budget Hollywood feature films. You'll miss out on a good movie if you fall victim to the bias that made-for-TV productions aren't worth seeing.

The story and the acting are first-rate. It's not only well worth watching, but the DVD is one that you'll have no problem including in your video collection.

(SPOILER) Unexpected plot twists tied to the interplay between the Amish and modern-day cultures heighten the drama and character development.

Solid performances by the entire cast. Allison Pill and Mariska Hargitay prove that they can shine in demanding roles.

Memories of Murder (2003)

Excellent Korean Murder Mystery

[8/10 · 19 November 2006]

A well-made mystery based on a series of murders committed in Korea in 1986.

The film has humor, suspense, action, and tragedy. The portrayal of police brutality of suspects might offend some viewers, but it's consistent with the known tactics that were practiced and tolerated at that time by South Korean law enforcement officers.

Good acting by this fine Korean cast.

This film and a few other recent ones show that South Korean film-makers are appealing to broader international audiences. Don't miss this one.

Downfall (2004)

Award-Winning Dramatic Masterpiece

[10/10 · 19 November 2006]

A powerfully disturbing portrayal of the last days of the 3rd Reich with riveting performances by the entire cast. Be prepared for an intense, rewarding experience on this one. From the brief documentary remarks of Hitler's secretary Traudl Junge at the outset of the film until the hopeful conclusion, this tour de force will give you plenty to think about long after the final credits fade. This is one of the best World War II films ever made.

Bruno Ganz gives an award-winning performance. He's chillingly convincing in his finely nuanced portrayal of Hitler during the last years of his demonic life -- from his amazingly patient, grandfatherly treatment of his secretary to his tyrannical rages with his senior military leaders. You won't see many performances better than this.

To the credit of the film's director and its casting director, the supporting cast is uniformly strong and gives compelling performances. One of the most noteworthy supporting performances is the sinister portrayal of Frau Goebbels by Corinna Harfouch. Magda Goebbels appears throughout most of the film to be an attentive mother (and political enthusiast) who prides herself at molding her 6 children into model National Socialist wunderkinder. In the film's climactic moments Ms. Harfouch convincingly portrays the pathology of Frau Goebbels' excessive glorification of the Fuhrer and his delusional ideology. Her heinous "crime" against nature will shock and outrage many viewers.

Not surprisingly, the sound effects and musical score artfully heighten the emotional intensity of the drama and suspense that unfold on screen. After the first few opening scenes of the film, which take place outside of Berlin in November 1942, the setting shifts to the bomb-riddled streets of Berlin. The 5.1 surround sound of the incoming artillery shells accentuates not only the sudden location and time change (to April 1945), but even more ominously it then continues a funereal cadence of pounding artillery explosions during the next 20 or so minutes, signaling the death knell of Hitler's crumbling empire.

The musical score also provides an almost haunting backdrop to the malevolence of the Nazi hierarchy, which in the final days of the 3rd Reich cold-bloodedly inflicts a horrific toll on its own German citizens. These effects clearly signal that film director Oliver Hirschbiegel has made a film that is destined to become a classic.

Although the Special Features on the DVD release are limited, they are worth watching. The MAKING OF, while running for 50+ minutes, helps to introduce many of the principal characters of this large cast, as well as provide some interesting behind the scenes comments about the film. The INTERVIEW with Melissa Muller, who wrote a book about Hitler's secretary's memoirs is well worth watching.

Don't miss this one!

Warm Springs (2005 TV Movie)

Branagh & Nixon Shine in This Superb Film

[9/10 · 19 November 2006]

Branagh gives a deeply moving performance as FDR in this exquisitely directed film by Joseph Sargent. Branagh's brilliant portrayal will acquaint you with many nuances of this remarkable man's personality -- unfaithful husband, political wiz, self-absorbed aristocrat, and champion of the handicapped and downtrodden.

Cynthia Nixon nearly steals the show. Her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt rivals that of Branagh's and in some scenes she outshines him.

Paymer, Bates, Tim Blake Nelson, and Alexander all weigh in with very strong supporting performances, as do most of the rest of the cast.

This fine dramatic film succeeds by deftly weaving the political and personal events of the Roosevelts' lives and careers during the late 1920s and early 1930s. By the time the film reaches its dramatic conclusion, viewers will have glimpsed some of FDR's and Eleanor's most formative life experiences -- those which surely enabled him to be "the right man in the right place" during some of our nation's most crucial times and her to be one of the world's leading humanitarians of the 20th century.

Don't miss this superb film.

Caché (2005)

Be Patient & Stay Alert!

[7/10 · 19 November 2006]

Good performances by Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche.

(SPOILER) Be patient and you'll find the suspense building steadily. This film requires your close attention, especially the flashbacks. The absence of a musical soundtrack might distract you from what's gradually unfolding on screen.

(SPOILER) I suspect that you'll surely be scratching your head when the final credits roll, but you'll be rewarded with additional insights upon a second viewing.

In the DVD release, the interview with the director will help unravel SOME of the mystery too.

16 Blocks (2006)

Good Acting with Plenty of Action

[8/10 · 19 November 2006]

Bruce Willis as the over-the-hill cop, David Morse as the menacing, corrupt cop & Mos Def as the whiny prisoner in transit to give testimony in a grand jury trial all shine in this exciting action flik. Cylk Cozart gives a good performance too as the sister of Bruce Willis' character.

On the DVD release, be sure to watch the alternate ending (in Special Features). It's pretty good, but I liked the one in the DVD feature much better.

This is not an Academy Award winning film, but it's well worth seeing and better than many other action flix.

Nanny McPhee (2005)

Entertaining Family Film

[8/10 · 19 November 2006]

A delightful family film set in 19th century England -- you might think of it as "Mary Poppins with warts and in need of orthodontic work." (SPOILER) What I found most enjoyable about the story was the wholesome effect that the unsightly Nanny McPhee has on the mischievous behavior of the Brown children. Her "lessons" would benefit most households today.

Emma Thompson's acting & screenplay are excellent, but Thomas Sangster, as the oldest Brown sibling, sparkles as the ring leader of this band of nanny marauders.

Fine performances by Colin Firth, Angela Landsbury, and Kelly McDonald make this a very entertaining movie that will provide wholesome fun for family members of all ages.

Tsotsi (2005)

Powerful Tale of Redemption

[8/10 · 19 November 2006]

A gritty, touching story about redemption in a world of abject violence and poverty in the outer reaches of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Strong performances by a cast of mostly unknowns.

(SPOILER) Lead actor Presley Chweneyagae will disgust you with his cold-blooded violent ways and then will gain your sympathy as he realizes the wrongs he has done. His performance is hauntingly excellent.

A compelling film for international audiences, although the harsh language and vivid brutality of Tsotsi and his band of thugs will offend some viewers. Its nomination for an Academy Award as Best Foreign Film is well deserved.

United 93 (2006)

Poignant, Gripping Drama

[10/10 · 19 November 2006]

Riveting drama.

This is a powerful account of the events of September 11th -- the chaotic, shocking, horrifying events that gripped the nation and the rest of the world.

The acting is so good that at times it's hard to believe that this is NOT actual footage.

The FAMILY & THE FILM in Special Features of the DVD release is a moving tribute to the heroes of United Flight 93 and a respectful account of the film makers' and actors' visits to the families and friends of 9/11 victims.

Very tasteful re-creation. A must see film.

The Ground Truth (2006)

Provocative Documentary

[7/10 · 19 November 2006]

Do not expect a depiction of the "truth". However, the accounts of these veterans of the Iraqi & Afghanistan wars demand thoughtful consideration.

The major strength of the film is that it vividly portrays the words and war wounds of these vets and their post-war struggles to reconstruct some degree of normalcy and functionality to their lives.

My major criticism of the film is twofold: it is one-sided and it advocates anti-war activism but nothing more to correct the serious shortcomings of the military's and Veterans Affairs' programs for helping those who've suffered and still suffer the traumas of war. These are NOT fatal flaws of the film.

As a veteran myself, I know that the horrible aftermath of war is real, and these young men and women articulate it very well. These vets vividly describe the physical and mental pain and torment that most veterans experience and that ordinary people need to understand because the horrors of ALL wars are so traumatic and disturbing.