Irena_Spa Reviews

Tonda, Slávka a kouzelné svetlo (2023)

A different animation than usual!

[10/10 · 25 March 2024]

Hoping to inspire the audience to be innovative and benevolent towards others, the director weaves the complicated stories of various characters in families and neighborhoods into this fantastic and beautiful animation. It isn't just that animation is different, but also the way how the story goes. Here, as an adult, I enjoyed this emotionally and visually warm film and I have a desire to watch it again, which is primarily aimed at a younger audience. All characters are special, each in their own way. The story has a clear message that love is what we should all strive for and that we should not be selfish, especially when others need help. Because of the special animation and warm colors, as well as the clear and direct story, I recommend it to everyone.

The Successor (2023)

Psychological confusion in knowing the truth

[8/10 · 25 March 2024]

A pleasant way of telling the important details of the life of an artist, who lives disconnected from natural flows and relationships with others. The cast is great, especially the main actor, through whose acting we feel everything that happens in that story. The cast is excellent, especially the main actor through whose acting we feel everything that happens in that story. In all of this, there are hints of horror and sudden reversals, and the main character himself is afraid of what real life is and that even money cannot camouflage it all. Psychological tension and music fully contribute to the strength of the combination of unexpected events and an unexpected ending.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

You shouldn't miss this court case!

[8/10 · 25 March 2024]

The beginning of the film is a little irritating because of the strong tone, but you will realize later that it was necessary to experience the story. The focus of the film is directed most strongly on the trial process, which is different in other countries. There is a debate going on here, which is very interesting for us to see something different from those in American, English films, and that it is also different from where we are from. The script's approach is somehow sophisticated and unique and slow-motion exploration, with measure. There are complaints from those with veterinary knowledge that the screenwriters have no idea about the medicine and pharmacy of animal treatment and that they missed some items in the script in this regard. According to them, as a result, the film no longer functions properly! On the other view, Sandra Hüller is great in that role and that young actor, Milo Machado-Graner, whose character ultimately leads to the resolution of the dilemma of whether his mother is a murderer or not.

Perfect Days (2023)

Really nice, but nothing special

[7/10 · 8 February 2024]

It is a typical Wim Wenders' film, in a slow rhythm, with nice music and a dramatic story of an ordinary educated man. Even in Japan, everything isn't set up perfectly and put in order. The viewers will be maybe confused why is like that, why someone who is doing his job perfectly right doesn't have that order in his own life?! For sure is beautiful and has it's story, but it goes very slow, what isn't for all audiences. Ok, it deserves some of nominations for all those film awards all over the world, but it isn't the best in anything of those categories. I guess that all of Wim Wenders fans are delighted and I can't say anything against it. :)

Daliland (2022)

The wrong man in the role of someone's biography

[2/10 · 8 February 2024]

Although Ben Kingsley is a great actor, in this movie he was wrongly cast for the role of Dali. Generally, Ben Kingsley and Barbara Sukowa are the wrong combination. They are good in doing their job, but they just don't fit into this one! Here everything is somehow thrown, which is even the opposite of Dali himself. In all that mess there is the lack of Dali's visual masterpieces. He is portrayed as a person who does not know how to present his artistic ideas, what is truly embarrassing when you want to describe one of the greatest artists. Maybe I expected too much, because I really adore Dali's works, although for many he was a plagiarist, practically.

The Peasants (2023)

Work of art!

[8/10 · 8 February 2024]

This film is worth watching primarily for the artistic work. I believe that it would not have been so attractive if it had been made using ordinary techniques. It should be said that the film is Polish, as far as the cast and authors are concerned, but as far as the work on animation and drawing is concerned, it is absolutely Serbian and a lot of people worked on it. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I've been told. Anyway, it deserves to be awarded in every sense, because the idea is fantastic! The topic is always relevant, anywhere, whether in the village or at the court, at that time, and even now.

Only the River Flows (2023)

Lack of tension and falling into boredom

[4/10 · 7 February 2024]

As I wrote in title, it miss some tension snd it's quite slow. At first, you feel like you're going to be speeding through the plot of the story, but no, your car just gets slower and slower. Although the actors are great, the story has some gaps for my taste. Maybe I expected too much?! Interesting is that in the story, the police decides to move their office rooms to one cinema, which they close on the question of his first intention, and it is showing films to the public. Maybe the author wanted to say something by that, generally speaking?! For sure director gives an atmospheric view with a careful recreation about the picture of China, where as in this movie most things are on the verge of disappearing as the summer factory that employs most of the characters, old restaurants, ping pong as the city's entertainment, semi-detached houses that are close to the river, but the point is that the river goes its way no matter what's going on.

The Settlers (2023)

The suffering and humiliation of the indigenous people of Chile

[7/10 · 7 February 2024]

The film is not bad, but the poverty and suffering of a people and natives are shown in a very gentle way and everything seems poetic, without any particular fervor. I gave 7, because of the other things, especially because of photography, but all together it is less than 7. Why? Mostly because of American-English cast. They are more for a TV show than for the big screen of the cinema. Given that this is Galvez's debut, it must be noted that he really committed to being as faithful as possible to the depiction of his country's history, not too aggressive, but still quite poetically mild. In any case, the cruel and murderous attitude of the colonists towards the natives was shown.

Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (2023)

A strong story, with an even stronger background!

[9/10 · 7 February 2024]

I like every part of the movie and everyone really got into their roles, because basically it is a very sensitive topic and a part of the history of a people and the influence of religious divisions. It is known that the Vatican is responsible for many evils, which are not talked about, and this story is just one of the details in all of that. It's not an ordinary story either, but something that happened in the second half of the nineteenth century to many families and it known that the influence of the Inquisition was strong also centuries before that. It is good to be. It is good to watch, even if it is for the sake of some knowledge about the history of the Catholic Church.

Poor Things (2023)

Not perfect, but different for sure!

[7/10 · 7 February 2024]

Emma Stone is here maybe for now in the best of her roles. She embodies every feature, both tenderness and weakness and then arrogance and intelligence and at the end indifference. The script is totally different of all scripts ever and because of that it is worth to be seen. The story in some segments also causes disgust, because nothing is traditionally shown considering when the action of the film takes place, but still everything is within the normal range in some way. Everyone of cast is in its maybe the best form. Bright colors have a strong effect of attracting attention, especially the picturesque display gives the feeling as if you are in a photograph. It deserves some Oscars and I believe it will get them.

The Red Suitcase (2023)

The spirit of melancholy

[6/10 · 6 February 2024]

The story flows like in a sad poetry and at every step it makes you think what the point is, the search for what. It's beautifully filmed and there isn't much going on, apart from driving a truck. The main character, the driver, who although lost in his problems is trying to get his job done. We don't even know what the job is until the end, and that may be the charm of this film. Basically, it is a question of metaphysical reality, and how well some can cope with losses and the environment, from which they cannot separate themselves. Certain scenes are really done artistically perfectly, as some magic.

The Old Oak (2023)

As an Englishman imagines?!

[3/10 · 6 February 2024]

I'm confused because I expected more, being a fan of Ken Looch's movies. Good intentions are present and the director's intentions are good, but there are some things that are not really praiseworthy. The usual Ken Loach style is present, where the problems of the ordinary life are presented. Therefore, the film is acceptable to a wider audience. Every character has some painful drama behind and the arrival of Syrian refugees deepens them even more. The point is that some of locals develop an unfounded xenophobia that translates into hate and lies, which affects on the main character, who tries to help the refugees despite his social problems. The story is more focused on the English political attitude than on the real issue.

Opazovanje (2023)

How fear affects events!

[7/10 · 6 February 2024]

From the ordinary order of a working day and an ordinary life, everything can turn into a crime story. The entire cast is good and everyone tried their best because the story demands the best. The main character's fear essentially attracts negative events, which psychologically affect her and others related to her story. Uncertainty is present until the very end, and this affects the tension of the viewers and the creation of assumptions about what can happen. There are also mystery and horror effects, and it's not exactly an ordinary drama. I guess here Diana has a leading role for the first time and I can only say that this is really a good start!

The Universal Theory (2023)

A mix of styles

[6/10 · 6 February 2024]

I was carried away with the impression that the film would be special, but although it is special, it is not unique. Why? Well, it has a mix of many styles. As I see now, someone wrote in their reviews the same thing I think about this movie, that it is a mixture of some Hitchcock and Lynch style of story making and filming. The main factor of the story is the mystery. It starts you hoping to meet the unexpected, but then you come to a corner of boring and slow rhythm, when you lose that hope you had at the beginning. Nevertheless, the movie is not bad, but it could be better in some parts, like in those scenes in the snow where some facts are missing. I guess the author is a fan of quantum physics, astronomy and relativity and I appreciate that. :)

The Animal Kingdom (2023)

The importance of family strength

[8/10 · 6 February 2024]

It has an interesting plot, given for thinking. In some way we can compare it with some movies where the population is divided by species, as humans and witches, or humans and werewolves and vampires, but here we have humans and half human/half animal species, in some way as from the story Swamp thing. It is happening in France and in plot the state forces and the army make some huge concrete fences to cage those halp human creatures, while doctors pursue a cure, which reminds of the concept of concentration camps. The concept of this movie is to show how important in the familiy is love, and the family itself.

Black Stone (2022)

Eleni Kokkidou in the role of the mather is flawless!

[8/10 · 6 February 2024]

It's filled with great acting and unexpected humor that you can't help but laugh at. I have a smile now while I am writing, because I remember some scenes. The script is great and I'm glad it won some awards! Considering that it is the debut of the director Jacovides, I believe that he will make more good comedies with a serious undertone of everyday life. Funny are the reactions when a black man speaks fluent Greek. In the cast, the actress, Eleni Kokkidou, in the role of the mother stands out the most. She is flawless in all scenes. Basically she is the main factor!

Kudos to everyone from the team!

The Tip (2021)

Short and clear

[10/10 · 30 March 2023]

I just love it! In a few minutes we can see a good plot, amazing editing and final message. Interesting is that after movie in credit names we can see a lot of names. Incredible how many people can be involved in the realization of such a short film. I recommend it to anyone who likes short films and who likes to see a happy ending. The final message is that in some situations you never know whether it will be good for you or not. You will not know if you don't try it. Even if you understand wrongly it can change your life if you use it in the right way. So, you never know what can be in the next minute.

Decision to Leave (2022)

I already forgot what it was about

[5/10 · 30 March 2023]

For sure isn't Oldboy. I expected more, I expected action with meaning, but I got action without meaning. It's taking too long for that topic and although the cast is amazing, everything disappears in bits and pieces of frames. Author involved in it some erotic influence and by that maybe he got attention of some of us, but not as it should be. To be honest, I can't gather what actually is the problem of it. Also, have no idea whether Park wanted to give us a love story, tragedy or thriller. I know, everything in all, but if someone asks me what is my impression the answer would be that it was a waste of time.

The Crime Is Mine (2023)

When another's crime becomes your success

[6/10 · 30 March 2023]

It is the movie which looks as a theatrical play and finely frame we will see it will become that. There is a lot of humor and beautiful costumes related to that time when it happens and there's no doubt that you will enjoy in it. Everything is stunning and shiny, but culmination arises in the moment when comes Isabelle Huppert in the role of poor silent actress at the end of her career. With her appearance she steals all your attention. Anyway, everyone in it is charming and in a kind of seductive approach and by that it will fill your attention. The creator, François Ozon, of it made adaptation of a Parisian play from 1934 by Georges Berr and Louis Verneuil and he did it very well!!!

Banu (2022)

Mother's love moves impossible

[7/10 · 30 March 2023]

It isn't the movie about Nagorno-Karabakh war, although it has some segments about it. It is about denial of women's opportunities, even if she is educated and lives in civilized society. The cast of it is excellent, especially the main actress in the role of a young mother, who doesn't want to accept borders and humiliation of her husband, who seeks to take their son from her, under a ban to see him. It is her story about her struggle how to stop him and how to keep the child. Many civilized countries have similar problems and this is just one picture how it can be and in which sudden sobriety and support from the others, not close people who lost their children, can help.

Cairo Conspiracy (2022)

Cairo, the city of enigma

[7/10 · 30 March 2023]

This movie is a picture of the state's entanglement in religious strata. For sure it isn't present only in ranks of Islam, but also in the other religions and media usually shows the other picture to the masses, but hide the truth. Here we see the fanatical corners of Islam and how an innocent person, in thoughts that he is giving a help and support for a good matter, falls too deep into something about which he has no idea, cause he learned something else. However, you can see a good filmmaking with all those obstacles and traps one thriller should have followed with amazing cast, where the actor(Barhom) of the main protagonist gives us a big enigma at the end.

The Blue Caftan (2022)

Love knows no boundaries

[7/10 · 30 March 2023]

All three actors are unimpeachable and creator, Touzani, gathered a sensitivity and grace in this touching work, where he shows a renunciation of some out of benevolence towards others, towards whom there is no physical, but spiritual love. The point is that we have a life which we can share only with a small number of people, who can share theirs with us, but if we support and help each others. Sexual orientation in those situations certainly isn't a priority. Beautiful and very emotional script can't waste a line and it oozes care from almost every minute. Essentially, "The Blue Caftan" isn't LGBTQ movie, but about a pure love between totally different characters, in every way.

The First Day of My Life (2023)

Be reasonable!

[7/10 · 30 March 2023]

Four stories, or better to say five, can move you to think about your personal works in life and about your approach to the others. Wonderful photography and music in some way will refresh those tragic stories, that at start you won't see it as something without hope. Even in those several hours of that in some kind of the process of transition of the spirit to another world the moment of decision of all of four characters whether they are right or not will put them in the phase of dilemma, cause after making a crucial decision they won't get come back opportunity. Each of those stories will touch you emotionally, for sure, and move you also to think if they are a good persons and whether they have a way out if they deserve another chance. The message is clear, first think carefully before you decide to do something.

Dry (2022)

Rome in despair!

[7/10 · 30 March 2023]

All together when you calm down your feelings you will find this movie as an smart approach to the growing problems nowadays. As I know some of the names in its cast, I could say it has, as someone else said, a high-calibre cast. How that multiple story of growing process of disease, poverty, destitution goes, your conclusion will be that all comes and goes very fast, leaving us being powerless, what actually happens in mostly cases in life. I would see it also as some kind of criticism of the political elite and to those who have capital and rule to the situation, overshadowing the voice of the majority, which is in despair.

Living (2022)

The magnificent cinematography!

[8/10 · 29 March 2023]

You will see a typical old English style through every step of cinematography in it. You will enjoy in every minute, although the story is very simple how someone's organized life can become tragedy, which in the last days that one can change it in something good. I don't like remakes, but this one of Akira Kurosawa's 1952 film Ikiru ("To Live") is stunning good. Its music, slow succession of images of the town, buildings, sky, people give us the direction where we are going. We aren't in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"'s, neither in "Harry Potter"'s bureaucracy, but now in a good elegant part of it. Bill Nighy is as always in every role elegant and charming.