yelmer_motmans Reviews

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Beautifully directed movie with an interesting frame story

[9/10 · 29 July 2018]

'Nocturnal Animals' is, without a doubt, one of my favorite movies of 2016. Tom Ford did an impeccable job combining the exquisite soundtrack (kudos for Abel Korzeniowski) with the beautiful scenery. I am looking forward to seeing more of Ford's future work, as he seems to be not only a talented fashion designer but also has a critical eye for detail and artistic direction within his movies. As for the acting, Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal never fail to impress me. Nocturnal Animals is another proof of how capable they are to capture the audience's attention, even with the simplest facial expression. Another revelation in this movie is Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Having heard little about the actor, I was mesmerized with his interpretation of the story's main villain and genuinely hated him. Taylor-Johnson was perfectly cast in this role. Michael Shannon's powerful performance is another great addition to the movie.

The acting might be the strongest part of the movie. Nocturnal Animals contains three main narratives - the story of Edward's book, Edward's and Susan's past relationship and Susan in the the present - We watch the whole movie through the eyes of Amy Adams's character, Susan. And Adams is capable enough to keep the viewers interested until the end of the movie. The storyline of Edward's book is the most emotional and captivating one and in comparison Susan's present storyline might initially start to bore the audience a bit. But the ending of the movie brings everything masterfully together and leaves us behind with many questions. 'Nocturnal Animals' is a movie that you should watch twice. As there are so many details and clever references that you might have missed during the first watching session. The wonderful soundtrack is another reason to watch the movie a second time.

Nocturnal Animals is a must see for viewers who like to watch an engaging, well build up psychological thriller. Especially for fans of both Adams and Gyllenhaal this one should not be missed. 9/10

Game of Thrones: The Wars to Come (2015) Season 5, Episode 1

'The Wars To Come' - Excellent opener for the new season

[10/10 · 13 April 2015]

Season 5 of the highly anticipated TV-series 'Game of Thrones' starts quite macabre. We see a young Cersei, visiting a fortune teller. Cersei asks for her future but she doesn't get the answers the expected to get. Then we see her in a wagon, riding to the Sept of Baelor. There she says goodbye to her father, who recently passed away. She blames her brother for this. Later, we see Tyrion arriving in Pentos. There's nothing really important about the scene, but Tyrion's acting there was entertaining. We go to Meereen, where an unsullied is killed by a Son of the Harpy. This already sets the tone for the new season! It's starting to get intense. We move on to Sansa, who's watching Robyn's stumbling training. Littlefinger is up to something and we badly want to know want. And then, her way crosses with Brienne of Tarth. I am curious how that will play out. Normally I am not a fan of the Wall but Stannis's presence really makes it interesting. The scenes at the Wall might be the best thing about this episode! Later, we see another scene of our beloved Queen of Dragons. She shares the bed with Daario Naharis and she visits her 'angry' dragons again. Beautiful scene! Cersei also sees Kevan Lannister and his son, Lancel Lannister again. This was the surprise of the episode. What a metamorphose.. And he doesn't seem to be the clumsy boy anymore…

What did I like about this episode + The prophecy flashback: Good way to start with Cersei's arc, which might be the central arc of this season + Meereen: Great scenes (Dragons, Harpy is taken down, Throat slit of the unsullied man). + The Wall: The execution scene of Mance Rayder (really intense!) + Littlefinger's plan: What is he up to?

What did I not like about this episode: Brienne and Podrick scene was boring and not necessary Tyrion and Varys scene: quite boring. Nice to see that Varys finally lays his cards on the table!

Overall result: 8,5/10 'The Wars to Come' is in my opinion the best season premiere yet. It begins with a 'small' BOOM.

Game of Thrones: The Children (2014) Season 4, Episode 10

Great final episode: stunning effects and tense story lines

[9/10 · 29 June 2014]

It was really a great finale. There was a lot of action and suspense in this episode with the deaths of 2 major characters. The first scene where Stannis Baratheon finally arrives at Castle Black gave me the creeps. The view above his army was very impressive. Daenerys' storyline this season was quite boring but the last scene where she locked up her 2 dragons was really nice and sad at the same time. I actually didn't like the part where Bran and his companions were fighting against some skeletons. I don't think his storyline is very interesting to follow. And then, one of the greatest fights of all these seasons: Brienne vs. The Hound. What a fight! 2 great, strong characters like Brienne and the Hound, fighting each other made this episode really one among the best. But it also involved the (probable) death of the Hound. Which left us somewhat sad. His death is a (great) loss for the show. And finally, the moment where we all waited for: Tyrion's big, revenge moment! He finally took revenge and killed the most, powerful man in Westeros: Tywin Lannister. His death will entirely change the balance of power over Westeros and made me really looking forward of what will happen next. The final(and regrettable) scene was for Arya. She finally got what she always wanted: a trip to Braavos to become a real fighter. The last scene where she leaves her old, wretched life behind to start a new one was worth the closing this season.

What did I really liked? - Brienne vs. The Hound - The death of Tywin Lannister and Shae - Daenerys locks up her dragons - Stannis arrives at Castle Black - The (mysterious) meeting between Jon and the lady Melisandre.

What did I not like? - The skeleton fight - The possible introduction of Ser Robert Strong (His character fails to hold my attention) - There was no Lady Stoneheart in this episode. I really expected her appearance and I find it a stupid decision to cut her out here.