joekea Reviews

Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)

Music snippet - sounds like "Jaws"?

[9/10 · 30 December 2006]

The story of the Bounty is one of the most wonderful true life adventure stories. This version of the story does a great job of capturing the essentials of a story that would probably require a 12-hour movie to cover every detail. I found both Trevor Howard and Marlon Brando totally credible in their respective roles and one is left at the end of the movie able to see both sides of the story. The movie also provides a wonderful insight into the all-powerful nature of the British Empire of that time. There was literally nowhere on earth the mutineers could safely have hidden. Anyway - to the comment regarding the music: There is a scene in the movie where a sailor is about to be keelhauled. Some shark fins appear in the water and I could swear that the background music sounds like the famous shark-introducing music from Jaws. Anyone else noticed that? Of course this movie was made long before John Williams wrote the music for Jaws.

Around the Bend (2004)

Loved it

[8/10 · 14 May 2006]

I found this in a video store and with the great cast (not always a good indicator!) and the list of awards won I took a chance on it being good. As is often the case when you have little expectation you are most pleasantly surprised. I thought the characters were wonderful the setting and photography beautiful and the soundtrack really made it. There are also nice little touches where an item seen in a passing shot has a connection to something later in the film.

The only weakness I felt was Josh Lucas in the role of the child's father. It was hard to make any genetic connection with the characters played by Michael Caine or Christopher Walken. It's not that his acting was poor he just didn't seem to fit in. Please try and see the movie - I doubt that you'll be disappointed.

Red Dust (2004)

A movie everyone should see

[10/10 · 9 July 2005]

The Truth and Reconciliation process in South Africa is a vital and probably unique human experiment. This movie does an excellent job of revealing the complexity of the task and the incredible challenges facing South Africa. I believe every one should see this movie as I think few people outside of South Africa understand its past and what is being attempted in the Truth and Reconciliation process. Almost every country has some part of its own history which is still a source of continuing hatred and bitterness. We all need to understand ways of dealing with the past. What's happening in South Africa should guide us all. I found it credible, moving and at times upsetting. There were no outstanding acting performances but this added to the strength of the narrative. Once again the BBC has been instrumental in taking a complex topic and turning out a top class movie.