In spite of the excellent reviews, this movie was painful to watch and absolutely repulsive. It got worse the longer I watched. So, what's my problem? I'm a pretty intelligent, educated 75 year old, and I am willing to watch edgy stuff. I can list a dozen edgy foreign movies with subtitles that were excellent, set in Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, and South Korea, etc. There are many moviegoers like me who need a little affirmation of the human spirit in films. This film has none. And, the reviewers who have rated it so highly can only be suspect for there sense of humanity and value. Beware the Metascore!!!!
Reviews
34 Reviews
Pain and Glory
(2019)
Amodovar has lost it!
14 November 2019
I walked out of the theater within half an hour after watching two intelligent men on the screen do heroin for the second time. Confusing identities, until half an hour in you finally get who's who from the flashbacks. Frankly I was bored, and wasted a good $10 on my first visit to the movin' picture show in months. Win some, lose some. Still looking forward to other new movies this season.
At Eternity's Gate
(2018)
Skip the movie, go to the museum
13 December 2018
Lord, deliver me from director's who think they are the second coming of van Gogh and try to make a movie about van Gogh. So awful in presentation and filming technique that I walked out of the theater in under an hour. And, that was before he cut off his ear.
Red Sparrow
(2018)
Better than the reviews
20 June 2018
Poorly reviewed, but I knew it couldn't be that bad. Not a great film, but certainly better than the negative slams. Lavish production, and tight story, at times difficult to follow. Jennifer Lawrence even took lessons with N.Y.C. ballet. By director of Hunger Games and Water for Elephants. No great social or moral lessons here, just a good spy story. Needlessly, pushes the edges of graphic violence. And, Jennifer Lawrence shows more skin than she ever has. Possibly, she should keep her clothes on in the future.
Summer of '42
(1971)
Watch it, they'll never make another
15 March 2018
Most of this movie seems a bit dated, and, on the boys' parts, overacted. As well, after 45 years, seeing it again, I realize that Jennifer O'Neill is not that great an actress, well, until the awesome ending. And, what a shock to discover that now at 70, she has been married nine times. What does that matter? Nothing really, but I had lived most of my life imagining her as she was in this movie, young, beautiful, and mesmerizing.
In spite of all the above, the last episode of the movie is so powerful and so well acted by both O'neill and the kid that it will forever remain a classic movie. And, what a coda to discover that it really happened to the writer, and the letter read at the end was the real letter the writer had read as a kid. Can't forget as well that this movie would probably never been as successful without Michel Legrand's musical theme.
Of course, this movie could never be made today, just as Pretty Baby could never be made (Hollywood has yet to do a total "mea culpa" on its child exploitation,) Call it what you want, this is still a story of a wiser, older woman taking advantage of a younger clueless 15 year old. In the true story the kid (the screenwriter) was actually 14. It doesn't matter that half the 15 yr old boys in American would gladly be exploited in this manner. But, if you're honest, that's also part of the problem.
In spite of this, the movie is still one of my guilty pleasures, and is, I suspect, the same for most men. I have no idea what women think of it. As an aside, it has some outstanding comedy. The drugstore scene is a stand alone vignette. And to add to its credentials, this film was directed by Robert Mulligan of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In spite of all the above, the last episode of the movie is so powerful and so well acted by both O'neill and the kid that it will forever remain a classic movie. And, what a coda to discover that it really happened to the writer, and the letter read at the end was the real letter the writer had read as a kid. Can't forget as well that this movie would probably never been as successful without Michel Legrand's musical theme.
Of course, this movie could never be made today, just as Pretty Baby could never be made (Hollywood has yet to do a total "mea culpa" on its child exploitation,) Call it what you want, this is still a story of a wiser, older woman taking advantage of a younger clueless 15 year old. In the true story the kid (the screenwriter) was actually 14. It doesn't matter that half the 15 yr old boys in American would gladly be exploited in this manner. But, if you're honest, that's also part of the problem.
In spite of this, the movie is still one of my guilty pleasures, and is, I suspect, the same for most men. I have no idea what women think of it. As an aside, it has some outstanding comedy. The drugstore scene is a stand alone vignette. And to add to its credentials, this film was directed by Robert Mulligan of To Kill a Mockingbird.
1945
(2017)
Best Foreign Film, 2017???
12 March 2018
Why this wasn't a nominee for best foreign film of 2017, I'll never understand. Stunning black and white photography reminiscent of 60's European films, but better. If Ingmar Bergman could have done something with elegance, social commentary, and soul, this would have been it.
Youth
(2017)
A Rare Treat from China
12 January 2018
Absolutely beautifully filmed Chinese movie. Most "nearly great" movies like this require a little suspension of belief and a "just go with the flow" attitude. Knowing what I do about the Cultural Revolution, I assume this is a fair glimpse of a very small facet of it. The tragic side: the burning of books, children sending their parents to prison, the destruction of careers and reputations, is not shown, but most informed people should know this by now. And, there are hints of it. And, in a totalitarian country, what else could you expect from a Chinese film.
I was very irritated by the review of this movie on RogerEbert.com by Simon Abrams. Though it's hard to tell, I think he was criticizing this movie for some over-simplified view of the Cultural Revolution. I say "hard to tell" because some of Abrams' sentences are incomprehensible and make no sense. But, clearly this movie is not responsible for informing everyone of the whole story of the Cultural Revolution.
Maybe the best measure of authenticity of "Youth" is the fact that it is being attended in the U.S. by droves of Chinese Americans. Many of these, at least their parents, may have lived through the Cultural Revolution. When I went, my friend and I were the only non-Chinese in the theater.
I was very irritated by the review of this movie on RogerEbert.com by Simon Abrams. Though it's hard to tell, I think he was criticizing this movie for some over-simplified view of the Cultural Revolution. I say "hard to tell" because some of Abrams' sentences are incomprehensible and make no sense. But, clearly this movie is not responsible for informing everyone of the whole story of the Cultural Revolution.
Maybe the best measure of authenticity of "Youth" is the fact that it is being attended in the U.S. by droves of Chinese Americans. Many of these, at least their parents, may have lived through the Cultural Revolution. When I went, my friend and I were the only non-Chinese in the theater.
Marshall
(2017)
A movie about the "good guys"
11 December 2017
Young Thurgood Marshall tries a case in 1941. Compare this movie to "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." Both are well-acted, well- directed, well-edited, and artistically filmed. But, one film (Three Billboards) is trash and one (Marshall) has heart and soul.
Well, so I have a problem. I actually like movies with a "moral compass," to use a popular term these days. It doesn't mean I'm a Pollyanna oblivious to the "dark side." But, I do have a problem with movies that seem to relish nihilism and smear your consciousness with over the top visions of violence. This is what Three Billboards does all over you.
So, when upwards of 4,000 lynchings in the U.S. went virtually unpunished, its a breath of fresh air to see a movie about a young Thurgood Marshall who was for a while a one man crusader fighting against the tide.
Well, so I have a problem. I actually like movies with a "moral compass," to use a popular term these days. It doesn't mean I'm a Pollyanna oblivious to the "dark side." But, I do have a problem with movies that seem to relish nihilism and smear your consciousness with over the top visions of violence. This is what Three Billboards does all over you.
So, when upwards of 4,000 lynchings in the U.S. went virtually unpunished, its a breath of fresh air to see a movie about a young Thurgood Marshall who was for a while a one man crusader fighting against the tide.
It's a Wonderful Life
(1946)
A Classic with Qualifications
11 December 2017
This one like Casablanca stands the test of time. Though I knew the story well, I was in tears by the end. Go, Frank Capra. Other so called classics don't wear well over the years, like Mrs. Miniver, which I recently watched.
My only criticism with this movie is it's treatment of the matter of suicide. I consider the contemplation of suicide to be a major character flaw, and George Bailey is of such exemplary character, it is doubtful his character would ever contemplate such. But, such lack of credibility in a character is the stuff of movies. Let it go and enjoy this masterpiece.
My only criticism with this movie is it's treatment of the matter of suicide. I consider the contemplation of suicide to be a major character flaw, and George Bailey is of such exemplary character, it is doubtful his character would ever contemplate such. But, such lack of credibility in a character is the stuff of movies. Let it go and enjoy this masterpiece.
Lady Bird
(2017)
Almost Awesome
10 December 2017
Great, engaging story, but the mother is such an overcritical stereotype that she is not credible as a character, and everyone's tolerance of her is not credible either. In normal life, someone would kill that bi-ch.
Still Saorise Ronan is plugging again for her second Oscar, and could get it here. I can see her winning two or three in her lifetime.
I felt connected to the movie, but not enveloped by it as I expected after seeing its unanimous rating as excellent. Somehow, I think its not headed for best picture.
But, it certainly doesn't have to be. It's probably the best picture I've seen so far in this lackluster Christmas season (Dec 9, 2017.) I'm still looking for one that "makes my year."
Still Saorise Ronan is plugging again for her second Oscar, and could get it here. I can see her winning two or three in her lifetime.
I felt connected to the movie, but not enveloped by it as I expected after seeing its unanimous rating as excellent. Somehow, I think its not headed for best picture.
But, it certainly doesn't have to be. It's probably the best picture I've seen so far in this lackluster Christmas season (Dec 9, 2017.) I'm still looking for one that "makes my year."
The Women on the 6th Floor
(2010)
Too much information? Or just enough?
9 December 2017
Another French hit. I always learn something, and get a different perspective on humanity in these foreign films. A group of Spanish housekeepers live on the top floor of an old, elegant apartment building in the 1960's in Paris. One, a beautiful young woman (Argentine actress Natalia Verbeke) becomes housekeeper to an odd family who owns the building. Cultural, personal, and family discontent ensues. Very engaging story despite unlikely conclusion.
Just a curious thought about the 15-20 second nude scene, which is so mesmerizing (for a man, at least) that I spent the rest of the movie trying to catch my breath. This puzzles me. Did it make the movie? Or was it one of these token moments that directors seem obliged to insert. Could it have been easily omitted and the movie would have been just as interesting?
I don't have an answer for this, but it's an interesting question. This was a brief glimpse of one of the most beautiful bodies ever to get full rear exposure on a "legitimate" screen. Was it more information than we needed? Or was it an integral part of the story. A little of both, I suspect.
Just a curious thought about the 15-20 second nude scene, which is so mesmerizing (for a man, at least) that I spent the rest of the movie trying to catch my breath. This puzzles me. Did it make the movie? Or was it one of these token moments that directors seem obliged to insert. Could it have been easily omitted and the movie would have been just as interesting?
I don't have an answer for this, but it's an interesting question. This was a brief glimpse of one of the most beautiful bodies ever to get full rear exposure on a "legitimate" screen. Was it more information than we needed? Or was it an integral part of the story. A little of both, I suspect.
8 Women
(2002)
Sort of a spoiler, but you can still watch a 99% great movie!
4 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Actually this is a very good comedy/farce about secrets in everyone's past romantic liaisons. I don't generally like comedy/farce but director Francois Ozon is so good at it I've softened on the genre. The song and dance scenes are hilarious... great fun. And, the story line is superb and perceptive about human frailty in the "battle of the sexes."
The 4 rating is for trivializing the suicide of a father which is neither trivial nor funny if it has ever happened to you. Ozon has to take some responsibility for making light of one of the most painful and tragic events a child can ever suffer. Some things are just not funny and should be off limits in comedy. If you really think about it, there are many topics that are so sensitive and morally indisputable that they are never made light of in movies. Unfortunately, suicide is not one of them.
The 4 rating is for trivializing the suicide of a father which is neither trivial nor funny if it has ever happened to you. Ozon has to take some responsibility for making light of one of the most painful and tragic events a child can ever suffer. Some things are just not funny and should be off limits in comedy. If you really think about it, there are many topics that are so sensitive and morally indisputable that they are never made light of in movies. Unfortunately, suicide is not one of them.
Desensitivity to Violence
4 December 2017
Could have been a good, even an important movie, till the plot completely disintegrated into senseless violence that voided the credibility of the leading characters. Again, reviewers have so lost their sensibility to pornographic violence and believable character development, that I have to be very skeptical of most of them.
This "scorched earth apocalyptic violence" is diminishing the value of certain writer/directors such as Taylor Sheridan (Wind River) and Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards), and raising the value of more intelligent and perceptive directors such as Iranian Asghar Farhadi and France's Francois Ozon.
I may sound a little "wimpish" like I am in denial of "reality." Actually, I would say the opposite, that I am aware and extremely sensitive to the existence of violence and live with the goal of diminishing it and alleviating the pain it causes.
And, I would suggest that the movie directors who continually push the envelope on graphic gore, are not concerned about the reality of violence, but instead are in love with it. And, the more viewers relish this kind of stuff on film, the more desensitized they become toward the tragedy of violence in "real life."
This "scorched earth apocalyptic violence" is diminishing the value of certain writer/directors such as Taylor Sheridan (Wind River) and Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards), and raising the value of more intelligent and perceptive directors such as Iranian Asghar Farhadi and France's Francois Ozon.
I may sound a little "wimpish" like I am in denial of "reality." Actually, I would say the opposite, that I am aware and extremely sensitive to the existence of violence and live with the goal of diminishing it and alleviating the pain it causes.
And, I would suggest that the movie directors who continually push the envelope on graphic gore, are not concerned about the reality of violence, but instead are in love with it. And, the more viewers relish this kind of stuff on film, the more desensitized they become toward the tragedy of violence in "real life."
About Elly
(2009)
Compelling story, cultural undertones
1 December 2017
Not my favorite Asghar Farhadi movie, but still excellent. Very hard in the beginning to be clear on who all the eight or so adult characters are on the weekend holiday to the seaside. A little tricky remembering who is married to whom, etc. If watching on disc, it might be worth replaying the first half-hour.
An interesting insight on Muslim culture in modern day Iran. We Westerners certainly have misunderstood stereotypes. It's such a mix of traditional and modern. Whether intended or not, it really looks awkward (and frankly stupid) for a woman to try to play volleyball in traditional dress with hijab while the men are freely playing in T-shirts and jeans.
An interesting insight on Muslim culture in modern day Iran. We Westerners certainly have misunderstood stereotypes. It's such a mix of traditional and modern. Whether intended or not, it really looks awkward (and frankly stupid) for a woman to try to play volleyball in traditional dress with hijab while the men are freely playing in T-shirts and jeans.
Makes comic character of Dickens
1 December 2017
I was so excited to see this movie after seeing the trailers on TV, but was truly disappointed and walked out of the theater after about 45 minutes. It turns Dickens into a sort of comic character. I guess growing up with such a reverence for Dickens, I just couldn't handle this interpretation, particularly having seen Ralph Fiennes as Dickens in The Invisible Woman.
I don't blame Dan Stevens (of Downton Abbey fame,) who plays Dickens. It had to be the vision of the director.
I don't blame Dan Stevens (of Downton Abbey fame,) who plays Dickens. It had to be the vision of the director.
Every Man for Himself
(1980)
Every "director" for himself
27 November 2017
This was supposed to be Jean-Luc Godard's return to "mainstream film." Are you kidding? New wave had gone so far, this "return" to mainstream is still completely off the wall, incomprehensible, and totally obscene. Full of senseless and exaggerated graphic conversation, it tells more about Godard's twisted imagination than what was supposed to be a depiction of French sexual mores.
If I thought all fathers talked about their pubescent daughters as is portrayed here, and all encounters with prostitutes were as mechanically detached as the "role playing" in this film, or that many gay men were as indiscriminate as he depicts, I would think that Godard had some useful social comment going, but I suspect this is all about "Godard" and nothing about "real life."
If I thought all fathers talked about their pubescent daughters as is portrayed here, and all encounters with prostitutes were as mechanically detached as the "role playing" in this film, or that many gay men were as indiscriminate as he depicts, I would think that Godard had some useful social comment going, but I suspect this is all about "Godard" and nothing about "real life."
Paterson
(2016)
I don't care what everybody else says....
26 November 2017
This is one of the most painfully slow and boring movies I have ever watched. I know, it was supposed to be about "ordinary people" but instead it seems to be about two people who have so suppressed their emotions that they are no longer capable of feeling anything. I've seen "small town bar life" and it will kill the spirit. Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani could have done much better, but I really blame this on the director who could have blown a little life into these two characters.
Atomic Blonde
(2017)
The Spy Who Gave Up on Good Movies
15 November 2017
It seems like Charlize Theron, a two time Oscar nominee and one time winner, has given up on "quality movies" and capitulated to action movies and big bucks. Her action scenes in this movie look absolutely silly, unconvincing, and just plain stupid. They cheapen the movie which is promoted as a mystery thriller about the Berlin Wall. Well, don't watch this expecting to see "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold." I turned it off half way through.
If I Were You
(2012)
Think you've seen it all... huh? Well, you haven't!
5 November 2017
I was tired, flipping from one Amazon Prime movie to another. Watched one on Japanese internment camps for about half an hour. Flipped more and started watching this one though I was about to fall asleep. By golly, stayed up for the entire two more hours.
What to say? A situational, hilarious, farce, sexy, mistaken identity comedy. I really didn't know who Marcia Gay Harden was, then I realized I'd seen her in lots of stuff, but, wow, what an actress. And, Leonor Watling, seems I've seen her in something before, but she's the best voluptuous and dumb (and funny) I've seen since Mira Sorvino in Mighty Aphrodite.
The story line doesn't quit. You think it's over, but it ain't. More stuff and twists just keep happening.
What to say? A situational, hilarious, farce, sexy, mistaken identity comedy. I really didn't know who Marcia Gay Harden was, then I realized I'd seen her in lots of stuff, but, wow, what an actress. And, Leonor Watling, seems I've seen her in something before, but she's the best voluptuous and dumb (and funny) I've seen since Mira Sorvino in Mighty Aphrodite.
The story line doesn't quit. You think it's over, but it ain't. More stuff and twists just keep happening.
13 Minutes
(2015)
Good, but could have been better and more informative
4 November 2017
Actually, it's a really good movie, but the "5" is for totally repugnant graphic violence. It's not necessary to smear the viewer with torture depiction in order to make your point and tell a story.
The more I think about it, the story could have been told heroically from a completely different perspective. I read the "true" story after watching the movie. Rather than make most of the story about the torture and confession, the story could have been told from the point of view of the ingenious months of planning, building, and particularly the installation of the bomb.
The movie makes it look like the bomb was installed in one night, but instead, it really took weeks, with repeatedly difficult trips (over 30) to the location, a remarkable feat that the movie only hints at. The fact that after months of planning, design, assembly, and installation, Elser missed Hitler by only 13 minutes is astounding.
Maybe the fault is in the limited information conveyed by the subtitles. There are confusing moments in the movie that are easily cleared up by just reading the Wikipedia bio of Elser.
The more I think about it, the story could have been told heroically from a completely different perspective. I read the "true" story after watching the movie. Rather than make most of the story about the torture and confession, the story could have been told from the point of view of the ingenious months of planning, building, and particularly the installation of the bomb.
The movie makes it look like the bomb was installed in one night, but instead, it really took weeks, with repeatedly difficult trips (over 30) to the location, a remarkable feat that the movie only hints at. The fact that after months of planning, design, assembly, and installation, Elser missed Hitler by only 13 minutes is astounding.
Maybe the fault is in the limited information conveyed by the subtitles. There are confusing moments in the movie that are easily cleared up by just reading the Wikipedia bio of Elser.
Potiche
(2010)
No one is innocent, and all is forgiven!
19 October 2017
Francois Ozon (director) rocks. I rarely laugh outloud home alone at a movie, but I did throughout this one. Just looking at Depardieu makes me laugh. And, watching him and Deneuve dance "boogie fingers" in a night club is hilarious.
This is meant to be sort of a "tongue in cheek" farce. It pokes light- hearted fun at serious issues, like fidelity, infidelity, women's rights, working class dignity, labor unions, strikes, noblesse oblige, incest, parenthood... have I left anything out?
This is meant to be sort of a "tongue in cheek" farce. It pokes light- hearted fun at serious issues, like fidelity, infidelity, women's rights, working class dignity, labor unions, strikes, noblesse oblige, incest, parenthood... have I left anything out?
Tell No One
(2006)
The "Mood" is the "Message"
19 October 2017
One of those murder mysteries where you don't have a clue what's going on, but you still can't take your eyes off the screen. Guess that's what Harlan Coben stories are like. Don't know, never read one, but I hear readers of his stuff can't put the book down. Probably would take watching the movie 2-3 times to get it.
Really, it just moves too fast to "get it." Hard to watch and read subtitles AND "get it." However, I read Roger Ebert's review, and he said, don't worry about "getting it," just enjoy the ride. So, I did. Though murder mystery is not my "genre" I thoroughly enjoyed wasting a couple of hours watching this one.
There are moments when the sincerity and intensity in the lead guy's face is enough to keep you glued to your seat. Not to mention the beautiful women AND great music. The opening scene, an outdoor country dinner party with friends is irresistible, even down to the architecture of the country house.
Really, it just moves too fast to "get it." Hard to watch and read subtitles AND "get it." However, I read Roger Ebert's review, and he said, don't worry about "getting it," just enjoy the ride. So, I did. Though murder mystery is not my "genre" I thoroughly enjoyed wasting a couple of hours watching this one.
There are moments when the sincerity and intensity in the lead guy's face is enough to keep you glued to your seat. Not to mention the beautiful women AND great music. The opening scene, an outdoor country dinner party with friends is irresistible, even down to the architecture of the country house.
The Big Sick
(2017)
Little budget, Big Success
17 October 2017
Couldn't figure out how Zoe Kazan was so good and I had never heard of her, till I realized her grandfather was Elia "coulda been a contender" Kazan. And then, there's Holly Hunter, who IMHO should get the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Not to mention, this is one "grab your heart" movie that should get the Nobel Peace Prize if they ever gave it for movies. Though the movie would have been just as good (or better) without the endless repetition of the "F" word. You know, you can make a great movie without saying F*** all the time.
But, when you realize that the movie was made on a $5 million budget, and as of October 2017 it had already grossed over $50 million, you know somebody did something right.
Not to mention, this is one "grab your heart" movie that should get the Nobel Peace Prize if they ever gave it for movies. Though the movie would have been just as good (or better) without the endless repetition of the "F" word. You know, you can make a great movie without saying F*** all the time.
But, when you realize that the movie was made on a $5 million budget, and as of October 2017 it had already grossed over $50 million, you know somebody did something right.
Queen of the Desert
(2015)
Don't bury Herzog yet... this may be his best!
14 October 2017
Phooey with all the comments that this is not "Lawrence of Arabia," or that it doesn't have the passion of other Herzog movies like Fitzcarraldo. I loved it. And, I say nay to the reviewers who praise the cinematographer, but say Herzog, the director has lost it. As I see it, Herzog is the guy telling the cameraman what to do, and Herzog has the last say in film editing. And, visually, this movie is stunning. AND, the musical soundtrack is awesome, even better than Lawrence of Arabia (except for that unforgettable theme.)
Then there's Nicole Kidman. She certainly does it for me. I was with her all the way. Never did I think, "oh, she wasn't right in that scene." It all felt right all the way to the final shot of the "back side" of the camel with Nicole riding into the sunset.
A couple of things, I haven't seen anybody mention: First is another dimension to this movie and a possible reason Herzog did it. It provides a dramatic perspective on what the Middle East was then, and what it is now. It's an antidote to the Western "crusader" perception of Middle Easterners.
The second comment I haven't heard is that this movie at times comes across as a documentary, which is why I think some label it as "dull." But, the line between documentary and "movie" movie is getting blurred these days. I'd rather see a "movie" that comes across as a documentary (which this one does) than a "documentary" that appears to try to be a movie. "Queen of the Desert" is very "educational." I learned a lot, as if that's the kiss of death for a real movie. No problem for me. I was highly informed (I had never heard of Gertrude Bell) and highly entertained.
Then there's Nicole Kidman. She certainly does it for me. I was with her all the way. Never did I think, "oh, she wasn't right in that scene." It all felt right all the way to the final shot of the "back side" of the camel with Nicole riding into the sunset.
A couple of things, I haven't seen anybody mention: First is another dimension to this movie and a possible reason Herzog did it. It provides a dramatic perspective on what the Middle East was then, and what it is now. It's an antidote to the Western "crusader" perception of Middle Easterners.
The second comment I haven't heard is that this movie at times comes across as a documentary, which is why I think some label it as "dull." But, the line between documentary and "movie" movie is getting blurred these days. I'd rather see a "movie" that comes across as a documentary (which this one does) than a "documentary" that appears to try to be a movie. "Queen of the Desert" is very "educational." I learned a lot, as if that's the kiss of death for a real movie. No problem for me. I was highly informed (I had never heard of Gertrude Bell) and highly entertained.
Within the Whirlwind
(2009)
Gulags in Siberia, the horror!
14 October 2017
Great to find an unknown movie as good as this. Emily Watson rocks. Very important true story of oppression and gulag life in Stalin's Russia. There's a real shortage of honest movies about Russian "crimes against humanity" and this one helps correct that problem.
The origins of the film are very curious, however. It is listed as German/Belgian/Polish. But, the film is done with English actors, is spoken in English, and there is no effort from the actors to attempt a Russian accent in the English dialogue. It's pretty standard in English language films when set in continental Europe to make some effort at the accent of the country a movie is set in. Admittedly, people who really know Russian probably would find the effort irritating, but since most of us don't, the imitation sort of works.
Other than that, this is a "not to be missed movie" that no one ever saw. But, that happens a lot. Some of the best movies never get seen. Go, Batman!
The origins of the film are very curious, however. It is listed as German/Belgian/Polish. But, the film is done with English actors, is spoken in English, and there is no effort from the actors to attempt a Russian accent in the English dialogue. It's pretty standard in English language films when set in continental Europe to make some effort at the accent of the country a movie is set in. Admittedly, people who really know Russian probably would find the effort irritating, but since most of us don't, the imitation sort of works.
Other than that, this is a "not to be missed movie" that no one ever saw. But, that happens a lot. Some of the best movies never get seen. Go, Batman!
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