chrisalders-1 Reviews

The Valour and the Horror: A Savage Christmas: The Fall of Hong Kong (1992) Season 1, Episode 1

Superb Documentary

[9/10 · 14 December 2007]

This is the story of how Canadian servicemen were thoughtlessly hung out to dry and endure the onslaught of the Japanese Imperial Army during the latter's take-over of the British colony of Hong Kong in December of 1941.

One of the great questions arising from the documentary is how a group of soldiers who were previously serving barracks duty in the Jamaica could be put in harm's way, let alone confront the fearsome Japanese. The filmmakers re-construct the chain of events expertly, thereby allowing the viewer to inhabit an emotion of outrage on behalf of those Canadian troops.

Contrary to another reviewer's opinion, I hold that there is ample evidence in the film which documents the wholesale neglect claimed by the film's directors. Not only does the Canadian government look awful but so too do the British. By letting racist constructs determine their level of preparedness, the British added to the tragedy.

This film is a testament to the notion that governments determine when wars are fought and citizens are the ones who pay the ultimate consequences.

Places in the Heart (1984)

Sally Field Cements Her Legacy As A Great Actress

[9/10 · 2 May 2006]

How does one adequately thank an actress whose portrayal of Edna Spaulding gives new meaning to the word genuine?

With this performance Sally Field takes her place among the greatest actresses of all time. Field's ability to transmit the essential goodness of this character without ever falling into a maudlin trap is pure brilliance. It was fitting that she captured her second Academy Award for this role which so enraptured movie audiences the world over.

Robert Benton's magnificent screenplay is the proverbial perch from which Field and a stellar cast soar. Danny Glover's depiction of Moze, a wonderer caught up in the depths of the Great Depression, is particularly inspiring.

"Places in the Heart" is the type of motion picture which inhabits one long after the credits have been played. Sally Field's courage as an actress has never been more evident. One cannot overstate the many-layered performance which enriches all lucky enough to view this evocative film. The movie positively brims with artistic integrity.

P.S. - The ending is spot on perfect for reasons beautifully articulated by others.

Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989)

Brave Film Which Shed Light On Unfolding Tragedy

[9/10 · 8 December 2005]

This documentary accomplishes what most films sent out to do; move and transform audience members. What we have here is a remarkable movie which managed to change the way people viewed the AIDS crisis.

The success of the film's impact lies in its structural simplicity; we hear from the survivors of AIDS victims in ways which humanize their suffering.

Much has been written about the haunting musical score.

I had one slight problem with the film; its Amnerican-centric message. I wish the filmmakers would have paid more attention to the subject matter by giving us more of a world-view. This would have increased the film's credibility.

However, this is a quibble. What we have here is a motion picture which gives lasting testament to the personal courage exhibited by both victims and survivors.

Mike's Murder (1984)

Underrated Film Noir

[7/10 · 7 October 2005]

My experience with this film differs from some of those who seem to be objecting to both the plot and the cast.

I thought the idea of a 20's something woman who immerses herself in a quasi-relationship with a person on the fringe of society to be interesting. Winger turns in a terrific performance. Part of the human experience or journey is that one encounters difficult moments in one's life - including anticipating relationships one wants desperately to work out.

Betty is in the unfortunate position of having to view Mike from afar as the latter is caught in a nightmarish world of drugs and deceit. I found Mike's drug partner in crime very compelling. One had a real sense of dread and doom as he tried to "make-up" for an irredeemable mistake. Paul Winfield is spot on as the record producer who has also suffered a loss.

All in all, what we have here is a subtle film which is compelling and which a typical focus group would probably pass over. One good example of why film producers and directors should stay away from them and let their artistic visions guide their actions.