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maxima-milli
Reviews
Svecenikova djeca (2013)
The damnation of "small" languages
It is not my intention to make spoilers, but I have to admit that this is probably the best movie from Croatia in years, maybe even better than Bresan's previous huge movies back from 20 years ago.
He always had the subtlety which helped him mix satire, comedy and drama in a very particular way, through simplicity which eventually makes things complicated and often leading them to a true drama.
The Priest's Children is highly recommendable, due to incredibly authentic acting, close to perfect directing and ... very recognizable Bresan's signature.
He did touch many subjects in one move and movie, that's true, but that's nothing new when he's concerned. I don't expect the movie to hit greatly in his homeland, because people might not actually want to understand what I already mentioned, the subtlety in which he mixes the liberties any church / religion is taking, but also humans who take into their hands affairs which are ... or aren't meant to be.
It is not offensive, but simple, warm, full of brisk simplicity of cutting edge humour, but at the same time, highly human, filled with everyday events and simple men's ideas of how to "help". No matter the issue.
It should be watched as a movie with hundreds of messages, not as an insult to either the Church or any religion or nation.
The Guard (2011)
One of the finest surprises this year has brought to me
"The Guard" is definitely a movie to recommend. Its beautiful simplicity, provoking colors and incredibly witty lines simply make this a small masterpiece. I haven't expected a thing, but it does seem that this directorial surname becomes something to be kept close within the radar.
It has somewhat of that Warhal-like touch to it within the play of multiple strong colors and nuances, where it is visually provoking and satisfying, easy to relate and almost as easy to touch. Along with remarkable scenery and those absolutely sets details, the roles are accordingly brilliant.
Brendan is more than expectedly good and from my point of view, this might just be his best role so far (though all are excellent). The easiness and the flow make the movie a cake one swallows easily. Though grim at all times, it puts a big smile on a face from the first moment.
Unpretentious and fresh, it has a tiny nuance of early '90 movies such as "Pulp Fiction", but unlike others, the directing made it look absolutely different. It is unpredictable at all times, yet one keeps waiting for Gleeson's next line. Probably one of my favorites for some time. Will watch again, definitely.
As for the language, I have to agree with the issue - English is not my native language but it was so awful trying to watch it with those unnatural subs in English. It took half of the fun and I simply turned it off and enjoyed it, understanding it easily. Being so lost in translation, it certainly will not be as great as it really is - even one line lost is too much for such a screenplay.
I'm not an Irish, right. Yet I could identify easily with the characters and feel the ease. As for this year's movies I've seen so far, this was the biggest surprise and biggest satisfaction.
With simple soundtrack which turns out fully unexpected towards the very end - much of a "Mexican standout", "The Guard" is truly a rewarding movie and a hope that there are still ways to make fresh ones to enjoy without having to compare or predict.