snowmalamute Reviews

Ten Years (2015)

5 years

[7/10 · 27 October 2020]

Politically, I would called it "5 years" instead of "10 years", because some parts of it is already a reality in 2020.

The film itself is original and challenging to watch if you are not familiar with the situation in Hong Kong. Over the last decade, I lost interest in HK cinema, you rarely come across any new subject. However, this film is "a breath of fresh air". It separated into 5 parts, personally I would prefer to give each segment an individual score due to its uneven quality. Extras - 5; Season of the End - 3; Dialect - 7; Self-immolator - 10; Local Egg - 8. Overall, some of it are very well made, clever and classy actors, but it is a pity some parts of it are very long and the acting is somewhere between bad and mediocre.

The Swallows of Kabul (2019)

Resonance

[9/10 · 9 October 2019]

The fact that this is an animation doesn't make it any easier to imagine what the situation is like for the characters. While the violence might have been diluted with the drawings, but in many other ways it actually effectively enhanced the significance of the act itself. The most interesting aspect of this film is when the credit started to roll up with the music playing and it's the moment it resonated within me. The last time I had the same feeling was watching Call Me By Your Name. Highly recommended!

Yo, también (2009)

Heart of gold

[8/10 · 1 November 2010]

A very simple story with a heart of gold. It's a bit rough around the edge, but this suits the story perfectly.

I think the main female character, whom I consider interesting enough to explore deeper into her family (e.g. what happened in the past?). Anyway, the story is concentrating on Daniel and his friend's struggle to be normal, so this is only a minor point.

Please I urge you go and see it. I promise you the warmth will stay with you and change the way you see others. It melts my heart I hope it will do the same to you. Never forget we are all humans and have feelings. See things from the other perspective.

Destiny of the Shrine Maiden (2004)

It breaks my heart!

[8/10 · 25 July 2010]

I finished the series yesterday, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It is a truly beautiful story and so sad it breaks my heart. The love story is the best I've ever seen in any animation, not only because it's yuri based it's full of emotions. The whole series is filled with violence and plenty of dark material, so this is not a cute animation for children. One of the main theme that I really don't like are all the mechas. It just doesn't go down very well.

However,I still think it is one of the best adult anime. I will watch it all over again. The character of Chikane is something so extraordinary that I almost think she is a real person. She is multi-layered, and so well written. Also don't forget the theme music, it gives you the feeling of their fate, so full of sorrow.

Simply love it! Just skipped all the ocochi and mecha parts, this would be perfect!

Kick-Ass (2010)

Open your mind!

[9/10 · 3 April 2010]

An original look at comic "heroes". Very smart movie. It makes you think it's a comic based film, but it has so much more to offer. It never loses touch with reality. The little girl steals the show, she really kicks some ass, but we were reminded she's just a little girl no matter how mature she appears to be. The second last action scene is one of the best I've seen recently. Highly recommended! People who criticise this film because of the violence and the little girl needs to wake up. This is a film, and it is not inspired by a true story, if you believe everything you see is a bad example then maybe you should not watch any films at all.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: 911 (2005) Season 7, Episode 3

Benson rocks!

[9/10 · 19 July 2009]

I saw this episode on TV last night. I normally would fell asleep half way through, because of the ridiculous time 10:55pm on Five. Not this one, I keep myself awake till the end, I want her to save the girl. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) totally rocks! She is normally very calm compare to Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) where is he, but not today she was attached to Maria. It's almost like her own quest to save this girl, even though everyone have doubts. I never saw her hit a suspect, but that elbow on the face is just so awesome. I hate people who abused kids. They should be put away forever, but our current legal systems let them go. Their victims are often too traumatise to report the crime, so they keep doing it again and again. They are monsters walking on earth, they could be anyone anywhere if they don't get reported.

The Fall (I) (2006)

Visually stunning

[8/10 · 27 June 2008]

I watched it at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the UK premiere. It was wonderfully shot, the interaction between Lee Pace and the little girl is amazing. I don't think the little girl is acting, I think it is her as a real person just being a kid. Although the imaginative story is an epic in its own right, the intervals of light comedy moments are equally good.

Once again I think I set my expectation too high, I wasn't disappointed with the movie, but I just don't feel I am fulfilled.

The character of British naturalist is the most comical one, with all the colourful characters I find myself enjoying this film very much. The only thing I don't understand id why does it take so long to released. The film finished in 2006, but it 2 years to get it out to the British audience. Why?

Warsaw Dark (2008)

It could be better

[5/10 · 22 June 2008]

I went to the world premiere of Warsaw Dark at the Edinburgh International Film Festival with high expectation. Sadly, I fell asleep during the film.

It is not just boring, it is confusing. I don't know what is going on. I do like the gritty effect, I can feel what the director/producer/actress are trying to express. However, without basic knowledge of Polish modern history, I struggle to understand the story, I can only capture the essence of the situation.

In my opinion, I think he can do better and show more depth of the story. Cinematography wise, it's good; story wise, not so good.