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A Nutshell Review : Mamma Mia !
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I grew up to the songs of Swedish group ABBA ( yeah , I was born in the 70s , can ? ) , and yes I'm fan enough to have bought their definitive collection CD and DVD years ago to add to my library , and have it all in my iPod so that I can listen to the evergreens that never fail to put a smile on my face , although some songs actually have really heartbreaking moments in them if you listen carefully . Hollywood continues to plunder past musicals on stage and previously on screen , to come up with an updated version for celluloid , and it's actually no surprise that they roped in director Phyllida Lloyd , who directed the original Broadway play , to helm the cinematic version of Mamma Mia ! which in itself is quite genius to have been able to design a narrative around the songs already published by the pop band . And the result of course is nothing less than a crowd pleaser , especially for a fan like myself . I guess the trailers would already put in enough hints on what the storyline is about , that plays out like a Greek comedy with a bride to be Sophie ( Amanda Seyfried ) in wanting to know who her real father is , invited all the potentials from her mother Donna's ( Meryl Streep ) colorful free loving , hippie past , to attend her wedding with the ultimate aim of course to give her away during the ceremony . So the three of them - Bull Anderson ( Stellan Skarsgard ) , Sam Carmichael ( Pierce Brosnan ) and Harry Bright ( Colin Firth ) all turn up , leading to a comedy of errors , of reminiscence of a time gone by , of relationships turned sour , or what could have beens . Playing out over 24 hours at a Greek island where Donna runs a small crumbling hotel , you can tell that everyone of the star studded cast had a field day on set , especially when hamming up their respective characters - you can't get enough of Donna's posse in Rosie ( Julie Walters ) and Tanya ( Christine Baranski ) - and there are enough ABBA songs to go around either for individuals to showcase their singing prowess ( or lack thereof ! ) or to come together as an ensemble group to just let their hair down and have a lot of fun . Some would have deemed Meryl Streep not being able to deliver , but I thought she did well enough , and Amanda Seyfried at certain angles bore some uncanny resemblance to add some believability as her daughter . Pierce Brosnan on the other hand , you can tell was having a tough time trying to sound and sing convincingly . But that aside , I chuckled at plenty of moments when the hotel employees / Greek island inhabitants join in the chorus , and some infectious dance choreography when everyone chips in just makes this one heck of a pre-wedding celebrations . And if you need some reaffirmation of why you need to watch a musical in the cinemas , look no further than Mamma Mia ! . At first I frowned at the distributors for delaying its premiere here for so long , then now perhaps realized it was a shrewd move on their part ( as always ) , probably to help enhance the cinema going experience . Prints after late August come with lyrics at the bottom of the screen , so yep , we get the Sing Along Edition over here . And boy , the hall I was in - I think I was the only ( ahem inconsiderate ) one initially lending my vocals , whistling and humming to each song - by the time the last few songs came around , EVERYONE was singing along , kickstarted by the very moving song that happened to be my favourite of them all . So you know what to do , when you hit the cinemas for this . Lead and sing along , since the lyrics are there for all and sundry . And you'll get that fuzzy feeling when everyone else does the same thing . I heart Mamma Mia ! and you'll be hard pressed not to too !
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515,301 | 317,399 | 375,063 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Sideways
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( With this movie , I've completed my essential viewing of all the Best Picture Nominees for the 77th Annual Academy Awards , and this review is one the most personal I've written ) Wine lovers unite ! There isn't , in my recent memory , a show that celebrates wine , vineyards and grapes , like this one does . Scattered throughout as part of the narrative are so many wine terms , vintage bottles , and wine tasting , that the amateur me can find hard to grasp . Fear not though , as this show can still grow on you . We follow the road trip of 2 best buddies Miles and Jack , for a week , down to the Californian vineyards , before Jack's marriage when he gets back . Kinda like an extended bachelor's party , Miles ' idea of fun - that being long sessions of male bonding over wine tasting sessions , rounds of golf , and more drinks over night time chill out hours . However , Jack has a different idea of fun - that of having final flings and sowing his wild oats before committing himself to marriage . So while we see clash of ideas and mindsets , their strong friendship enables them to compromise and help each other during the various scenarios they encounter in their road trip . Essentially , this movie is also about relationships - that between the 2 buddies , that between Jack and his " fling " Stephanie , who of course he didn't tell that he's getting married once the week is over , and that between Miles and Maya . Which led me to identify with the 2 main male leads . Jack , the once famous soap opera actor , lives his life by his instinct . He goes with his gut and impulse , and enjoys a good time . My friends can probably identify this part of me , the go-getter , the thrill-seeker . However , this can sometimes lead you to sticky situations , and you'll require your best buddies to bail you out of the rut . Many hilarious moments arise from Jack's desperation in getting laid , in getting Miles laid as well , and his deception towards both his wife-to-be , and Stephanie . Unless he's decapitated , he'll never learn his lesson , and would still want to go for the final " kill " - the final scene of trouble that he gets into , is one of the best in the movie . Closer friends will probably see me in Miles , the struggling writer , who still harbours feelings for his ex ( wife that is ) . He goes into a frenzy when Jack tells him his ex-wife has already re-married . He is chronically depressed , that he screwed up his own marriage . To make things worse , Jack has invited Miles ' ex-wife and new husband to his wedding ceremony , which led to Jack wanting to back out of attending , well , almost , to avoid meeting the couple . Jack's advice to Miles is to move on , and he will help him do so . However , Miles just refuses to accept the fact , and allows depression to slowly creep into all other aspects of his life , severely affecting his confidence and attitude . Until of course , he meets Maya , and starts to seriously think about starting afresh . Despite the slow introduction of about 10 minutes , the show picks up pace once Miles and Jack hit the road . The down-to-earthness characters and dialogue will draw you into the movie , though some in the audience might think that the ending has left them hanging . A word of caution - in my opinion , it's deliberately done so , for YOU to decide what kinda ending YOU would prefer , and that will depend on whether you're a Jack , or a Miles kinda person . Don't let this underdog movie ( amongst the other heavyweight Oscar nominees ) slip by , go catch it in a theatre near you !
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514,994 | 317,399 | 979,847 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : 881
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881 is told through the eyes and viewpoint of Guan Yin ( local television heartthrob Qi Yu Wu ) , a mute who spends his free time playing with his cock ( yes , thus providing indirect bawdy comedic references ) , whose mother Auntie Ling ( Liu Ling Ling ) is the guardian of the Papaya sisters . The mother-son duo are the pseudo-managers for the sisters , responsible for designing the costumes and songs for the sisters to perform , as well as offer various event management services , ferrying them from assignment to assignment . Royston Tan does a Hans Christian Andersen here , for the Papaya sisters to realize their dream of performing on the song-stage ( given that they're really , really horrendous performers ) , they make a pact with a Getai-Goddess ( also played by Ling ) , who grants them the power of " feeling " and magical peacock feathers , in exchange for their strict adherence to her 5 unbreakable rules . They become the quintessential modern day Little Mermaids , but naturally , rules are meant to be broken with dire consequences , and 881 chronicles the ups and downs , trials and tribulations of the Papaya sisters , in the face of adversary posed by rivals , the Durian sisters . It's a musical through and through , with characters spontaneously breaking out into song , but not everything's fun and laughter , as the sisters do face their fare share of inner demons and challenges , and what's two sisters going to do when there's this understated nagging feeling of affection for their hunky close friend too ? Little Papaya Ong Bok Gua ( Mindee Ong ) faces an uphill battle with time , while Big Papaya ( Yeo Yann Yann ) has to convince her mother of her profession of choice once the Seventh Month comes rolling around . Granted , to some , getai singers do not get the general nod of approval , given the poor image that the high - and-mighty have on this little local sub-culture , that the performers can't sing , can't dance , can't entertain , and have to rely on loud bass to drown their poor vocals , disturbing the neighborhood ; the complaints go on . But opinions could change once they understand the spirit of things , and when the Papaya sisters shed their inhibitions and personal misfortunes aside , they engage everyone on a whole different plane altogether , of course with help from Ming Zhu sisters , real getai singers who provide the Papaya sisters their singing prowess . And surprise , the movie will actually touch you , on different levels . Those who like melodramas will find no lack of moments to let the floodgates open at their tear ducts , as the ending is particularly fitting , meaningful and yet , bittersweet . Despite a runtime of close to 2 hours , 881 shuffles breezily , with noisy fanfare moments balanced appropriately with quieter ones . I thought while Kelvin Tong's Men in White was an attempt at mo-lei-tau ( nonsensical ) comedy , 881 had a more natural attempt in infusing those elements into the story , without coming off as too trying . Given that the past two Royston feature films have more of a testosterone filled presence with male leads , 881 marked a stronger feminine presence with excellent , credible performances by Mindee Ong , Yeo Yann Yann and Liu Ling Ling , coupled with the Durian sisters played by MTV VJs May and Choy . They / their characters were a lot of fun , with their faux pas Hokkien language ability ramped up for laughs intentionally ( they can't speak the language and had to learn their lines phonetically ) , and their uber-crass and provocative performing sequences turning the heat up . T here's plenty on offer here for audiences , and they all work - drama , song and dance , comedy and camp , an appreciation and ode to the cultural elements of getai , with an expansion and provision to allow for greater understanding of the unwritten laws behind the scenes , the puns and wordplay to satisfy locals familiar with the language used , yet not alienating those who don't understand it thoroughly , and spectacle enough to warrant it being watched on the silver screen . This year had seen a number of quality local films making their way to the cinemas , and it is without a doubt too that 881 ranks high amongst them . By far , I will rate 881 as possibly the best Royston Tan feature film to date ! I will unabashedly proclaim I love 881 ( " yo-ah-yo ! " , so goes the chant ) , and have one wish should there be a DVD release of the movie , and that is to allow a release packed with loads of extras . Local DVD distributors have peculiar reasons for a preference for bare-boned DVD releases , but given the many edited song-dance segments , it will be a real treat if we could watch the performances ( if already filmed ) , in their entirety . Then it'll be " Huat Ah " ( Prosperous ! ) indeed !
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514,882 | 317,399 | 460,740 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Cashback
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How can anyone miss the poster for Cashback ? Featuring a beautiful blonde in a supermarket who's almost naked from the waist up , her modesty protected by the words of the title , I guess you're forgiven if you mistake this for some low brow sex movie . But Cashback is anything but low brow , and sex is just a small part of the equation . Based on a short film of the same name written and directed by Sean Ellis , this is easily one of my favourite movies this year . It's intelligent , sexy , and nothing as raunchy as the poster would suggest , but full of little elements of surprises that connected , some of which are wickedly naughty . Cashback is a beautiful romantic comedy , filled with fantastical bits which elevated it to another plane altogether . There are some technically brilliant transitional and special effects that do make you go wild , but at its core , it's the story it had to tell that truly wowed me . Although it's a romantic film , it's firmly rooted in the pain of a breakup . Anyone who's gone through one , will know that feeling of despair , and hopelessness that life seem to have taken a turn into . And our protagonist Ben Willis ( Sean Biggerstaff ) is such , when we witness his ( literally ) painful split with his girl Suzy ( Michelle Ryan ) . For the first 10 minutes , I could totally identify with Ben , his thought processes , feelings , and his suffering . Ben suffered from insomnia , and is trying hard to find ways to pass the time . Since he couldn't sleep , he found the perfect win-win solution , and that is to utilize the time to earn some money , cashback , if you will , for services rendered . It's about finding our own space to pass time , to keep ourselves occupied , and to while away the idle moments instead of wasting time thinking about the what-ifs . Getting cashback of course is an incentive , but never the prime motivation . I could tell you all about the setting up of A Nutshell Review , but that's another story ( along the same veins ) for another day . Like my other favourite British movie of this year ( Hot Fuzz ) , Cashback has its primary setting in a supermarket , where Ben ends up in , working the graveyard hours of a 24hrs chain . Thanks to its quirky manager and madcap co-workers , there's no lack of shenanigans that they get themselves into , and we spend time with Ben as he explores and studies how each of them deals with the mundaneness of their lives . And a supermarket checkout girl , Sharon Pintey ( Emilia Fox ) , catches his attention , but is he ready to embark on another round of relationship ? Cashback has plenty of keen observations of love and life in general , coupled with its witty dialogue and dark sense of humour . But it's not rapid-fire pacing all the way , as the quiet and contemplative moments far outweigh those scenes , and pave the way for some meditation within yourself . Like I said , I found the story easy to connect to , and these moments allowed some time to ponder and draw parallels . The last third of the movie is simply powerful , and coupled with Ben's imaginative ability ( which I will not reveal just what ) , it totally moved me , and sounds out some sliver of hope . And what of the nudity ? Sure it was slightly edited here , but I thought there's nothing to fuss about . It's true that the female form is beautiful , and this film provides that sense of appreciation through Ben's artistic talent ( and of course , the camera angles , the lingering moments , etc ) . It's lovely , but never in a pornographic way , Think of it as visiting a nude art gallery , and you get the drift of how nudity's treated in the movie . With an excellent soundtrack to accompany the story , I felt that Cashback has all the ingredients of a hit movie , with a strong story , wonderful characterization ( a mixture of key characters and caricatures ) and absolutely lovely production values . For those who's fallen out of love , Ben is certainly someone whom you'll root for to pull himself out of the rut , and one whom you'll encourage to embark on another romantic journey in all earnestness with a person he fancies , contrary to the advice given by his best friend who seem to have a problem eating his own cooking , so to speak . While it's a piece about the dread in relationships , of breaking up , what you do and how you handle the pain , it also comes with a picture of hope . It's a simple story , yet emotionally powerful without being overly sentimental , predictable or cheesy . I've so many favourite moments in this movie , that I'll be more than tempted to buy the DVD when it's out . And it certainly is a strong contender for my movie of the year 2007 ! Highly recommended , and you must watch this film before it disappears from our screens !
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514,771 | 317,399 | 1,119,194 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Piano Forest
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The Animation Nation film festival has been playing for about 5 days already , and because of my recent travel , I have not been able to catch some of the goodies screened in the last few days such as Sita Sings The Blues , and Bill Plympton's latest feature Idiots and Angels . Animation Nation is one of the more highly anticipated film festivals here given its consistently stellar programme lineup over the years , with plenty of animation fans who turn up in droves to catch the latest the scene has to offer . Japanese animation has always been well-received , and in the past the festival had scored a coup with the first screening outside Japan of Satoshi Kon's Paprika , as well as Makoto Shinkai's 5 Centimeters Per Second . This year's opening film The Piano Forest was one of the nominees in the 2008 Japanese Academy for Best Animated Film . Directed by Masayuki Kojima , additional screenings had to be provided for given the overwhelming response , and after watching it today , it's easy to see why the popularity and favourable response , and has cemented it as one of my favourite Japanese animated film as well , because it has a strong story to tell . We follow Shuhei as one of the film's main protagonist in his temporary move from Tokyo to a small town , and being the new student whose interest in the piano gets ridiculed by his class , he gets thrown a challenge to play a strange piano which is found in the forest , reputed to be spoilt , but comes alive at night as the melodic strains could be heard by folks outside . But classmate Kai brings Shuhei to this piano which he lay claims to , and indeed the majestic grand piano sitting idly deep in the forest doesn't respond to Shuhei's attempt to play it , but produces beautiful music under Kai's hands . It's a perfect , mysterious premise set up to pique your interest from the onset , and of course I'll do the story and to you the reader no favours should I dwell on this mystery any longer . But suffice to say that the story is one of the friendship and bond between the two school boys , who come from different backgrounds and possess different values . To Kai , he's the typical rich city kid who gets bestowed with material privileges and a classy hobby which he intents to turn into a career , no doubt also under the pressure of being his father's son . He can be quite anal at times , and takes pride and care to maintain his assets . In Kai is a spontaneous kid who lives a carefree life , with the piano in the forest being his outlet to connect with his seff , coming from a single parent home , with his mom presumably in the world's oldest profession . Comparing the two , one plays the piano as if his life depended on it , while the other plays from memory , observation and feeling like in trance . Nonetheless the two boys make for interesting characters , and for a 2D animated film , their characters are more than three dimensional , with very real human emotions built into them , and brought to life by the superbly clean animation without any useless fanciful trappings . It's a fantastic story about the human condition of enviousness of someone deemed unworthy , and the negative feelings of frustration when they get a leg up on you with opportunities that you crave for , which were given away nonchalantly . For those who are not familiar with the piano nor with famous music composers , fear not . There are ample scenes to give you a 101 on the basics , and Mozart's Piano Sonato K . 310 gets extended airtime here since it's a fundamental piece used throughout . Well placed humour was a welcome as well , celebrating the innate talents of Kai and his ability to charm and encourage others despite having his own demons to deal with . Although there were some Akeelah and The Bee-ish moments , with the set up for some head to head rivalry between the two boys , I thought that the teacher character Ajino Sosuke , a one time all - Japan piano champion , did look curiously androgynous . There's nothing supernatural to the film , but it comes with a terrific , rich story and a reminder of doing things that you enjoy , in the process yielding far better and satisfying results than doing things that you're tasked to do .
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514,467 | 317,399 | 100,973 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) Swordsman ( 1990 )
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Which brings us to Swordsman , or as the novel titled , The Smiling , Proud Wanderer , whom Chow Yun-Fat took on the title Linghu Chong role in a TVB serial of old . Swordsman is part of a loose trilogy of sorts , the sequels being Swordsman II starring an almost different cast in leading roles , and Swordsman : The East is Red , made solely to capitalize on the popularity of actress Lin Ching-Hsia who made her memorable comeback role as The Invincible Dawn from the second movie . Amongst the three , Swordsman is still my favourite , even though Swordsman II had more fantastical fighting sequences , no doubt made more exciting by the charismatic presence of pugilist Jet Li . Swordsman : The East is Red , was largely wasted , and save for Lin , none of the other cast members returned , and had a totally unrelated story from the original medium . Not that Swordsman stuck closely to the intended Louis Cha version . As mentioned , plot lines were compressed , and characters sometimes appear and disappear with hardly a fight . What worked , was how the movie managed to sample the spirit of the novel , and translate it for the screen . The script and plot was kept tight , and revolved around the intense search for a missing martial arts manual , called Kui Hua Bao Dian , which is known to give the practitioner extreme prowess , as demonstrated in the sequel Swordsman II , but with a price . Double crossings , hidden intentions , quest for power - these are familiar themes which are played to perfection by the characters , save for one pair , our heroes Linghu Chong and Kiddo , who are caught in the web of intrigue . In short , the movie pretty much summarized the battles and craftiness of the characters in their thirst for the book , and ultimately , we see the disillusionment of Linghu Chong in matters of " jiang hu " , as sung in the song Xiao Ao Jiang Hu . And oh , the song ! If there's a song that maketh the movie , Swordsman will immediately spring to mind . It's an infectious earworm , but what elevated its status rather than being just another song played during the credits or relegated to background music , was its involvement as a plot element , in the bonding of friendship , the expression of disillusionment , and also , being so integral to the development of the story , in the form of revelation of true intentions . Naturally , since the song is important , the God of Songs of the time , Sam Hui , was casted as Linghu Chong . There were reported protests against the casting of Sam , because of his lack of martial arts background , but I would like to beg to differ . Yes he's not a natural pugilist , but don't forget , the characterization is key upon deciding who gets casted . His interpretation and portrayal of Linghu Chong , in my opinion , is spot on ( miles better than Jet Li ) , bringing a dash of suave and impish slyness , together with strong vocals and that devil may care attitude . Stuntmen were probably roped in to handle the complex fighting stances , especially when Linghu Chong executes his Du Gu Jiu Jian ( Du Gu's Nine Swords ) , a reputable and formidable swordsplay technique able to counter any attacks , but hey , more than half the martial arts movie out there , have stunt folk fighting in the place of actors . The rest of the cast were also top notch , like Yueh Wah , Cecilia Yip , Cheung Mun and even Jacky Cheung in a rare villainous role , although it was a pity that for the sequel , almost all of them were replaced , yet by another strong lineup like Rosamund Kwan , Michelle Reis , Jet Li , and of course , Lin Ching-hsia . With a rich , strong story containing the essence , adequate interesting fighting sequences , awesome cast and memorable song , it's hard to find what's not to like about Swordsman . Never mind the rumoured reports that director King Hu actually walked out of the project halfway , and had folks like Ann Hui , Ching Tsui-Tong , and even Tsui Hark himself amongst others take over in a collaborative effort , this movie delivers , and will forever remain one of my favourites of the martial arts genre .
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515,026 | 317,399 | 348,150 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Superman Returns
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Superman returns ! And in a style befitting a worldwide pop cultural icon easily recognizable from that distinctively red-yellow S-shield . Being stuck in production hell for almost 2 decades since the last movie installment , Bryan Singer has resurrected the Man of Steel for the silver screen , with an all new cast made up of fresh faces and veterans , even Marlon Brando , as Jor-El . In the hands of lesser directors , it will be tempting to make a Superman movie consisting of mindless slugfests , capitalizing Supes ' invulnerability . Early drafts of a new Superman movie wanted to do just that . In the hands of unimaginative storytellers , this same invulnerability will also prove to be a bane , and therefore translate into a bore . Singer , based on his track record of his successful X-Men movies , in massaging multiple favourite characters and telling a compelling story , weaves his brand of magic into Superman , giving us not only what everyone would come to expect , but also an extremely important factor that makes this movie a winner - He humanized Superman . It's no easy feat , but he pulled it off wonderfully . Being the last son of Krypton , sent here like a messiah with powers to conquer , it is too easy to dismiss him as a boy scout on a mission to save the world from evil doers and natural disasters , and take for granted that he does what he does , because he can . Singer worked plenty of emotions into Clark , as well as Superman , in feeling the isolation of an alien in an adopted home , in always trying to pretend to be what he's not . You feel his pain that despite being around his loved ones , he will never able to always be there for them , because of his higher calling . There are scenes which makes you feel just that - Here's Superman , but OK , now that you're safe and sound , he has to go wrap things up , see you around later . A man yearning to shut out the outside world for quality time , but not being able to do so , for who he is . For someone invulnerable , Singer worked into the story , moments where his invulnerability wanes . And I tell you , even the most stoic critic of Superman , will feel pain and anger when that happens . It's as if Superman was a fellow human being , and seeing him subjected to the cruelties of nasty human thugs , just makes the blood inside you boil . You want to help , but obviously can't since it's just a movie . But you feel just that way . Brandon Routh , a relative unknown , filled the shoes well as the new Clark Kent / Superman . He bore some resemblance to the late Christopher Reeve , and at times even sounded like a youthful version of Reeve too . He did a commendable job in not being over-awed in a role which is under constant spotlight , and he is believable both as the Man of Steel , and as the bumbling Clark . I believe Routh will win fans approval worldwide for his portrayal , and it should endear him as another definitive cinematic Superman . I like the continuation of that bit through conversation that Superman doesn't lie . Kate Bosworth too did a great job continuing the film version of the tough as cookie Lois Lane , though here the character has mellowed somewhat because she's a mommy now . And it's always the little things that count , that she still smokes , still is a klutz at times , and an extremely nice touch to progress from the first two Reeve-Kidder Superman movies , she finally won her Pulitzer Prize , although it was for her story which stung with a criticism on why the world doesn't need Superman . ( Look out for that explicit jibe about the Oscars too ) . And not to forget , Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor , criminal mastermind . Brain over brawn . It's interesting that Superman's greatest enemy has always been Lex , a mere human , but with a desire to eliminate Superman , and here , Lex wastes no time by lapsing into mindless monologues when going one up against our hero . Spacey's Lex is slightly different from Gene Hackman's , in that this one had a little more comedic flavour , though not always intentional . Spacey hams it up a bit , and made it somewhat scary - you'll never know what is going on inside his bald head . And there are some scenes which just crack you up at times , like the gig with the toothbrush ( shan't say more ) . Lex's scenes were slow to begin with , but builds up into a megalomaniac's plot to become a landlord , again tipping the hat and staying true to the Hackman version . That means that there is no LexCorp , but that's just a minor upset . His array of wigs and headpieces are also included , and his female companion in Kitty Kowalski ( Parker Posey ) brought back shades of Eve Teschmacher from the 1978 movie , in having a thing for Superman and humanity in general . In reference to the earlier movies , Superman's ability to see through lies was also mentioned , and it worked into Lex's brainchild of an idea in having Kowalski put up as a sort of bait . Plenty of nice performances from the supporting characters , like X-Men's Cyclops James Marsden ( does he hold the honour of starring in superhero movies from Marvel and Dc ? ) as Richard White , the Superman alternative of a man who can always be there for you , the family man with no cares of the outside world other than his own family , and Frank Langella bringing veteran clout as Daily Planet's Chief Editor Perry White . Sam Huttington's Jimmy Olsen was a natural too , rounding up our Planet's crew . Singer's Superman might just bring all fans out in the open , and declare that yes , that's the Man of Steel whom we have been so familiar with , taking his rightful place amongst the better cinematic versions of other superhero movies .
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515,278 | 317,399 | 1,271,985 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Shi Qi
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Watching the movies in the festival to date , it's quite amazing how the first or early films of the directors in attendance are of immense quality , and whilst Joe Chow may be the youngest in the country currently , his Shi Qi definitely stood out as if it was a movie made by an assured veteran at the helm . Set amongst the She minority tribe , this film is essentially a mother and son story which I felt I haven't seen much of ( usually father-son ) , and with the casting of Joan Chen , it's no doubt that her star factor would have helped piqued curiosity about this film . At its core , it's about the said relationship between titular character Shi Qi ( Sam Chow ) who at the onset we see is at odds with his mother's perhaps stifling upbringing , and one made complicated by Shi Qi being abandoned to foster parents when he was a toddler , and reclaimed by Mom when he was 10 . To add fuel to the resentment , his foster parents have adopted his childhood friend Tian Yi ( Vision Wei ) instead , and watching him grow up with opportunities that could've been his own , just leaves a bad taste as he's stuck rooted in the village by Mom , and can't express his frustrations other than to rely on his talent for woodcarving . Sam Chow breathes inner frustration in his role as the teenager yearning to see the world outside , and the deep profound unhappiness he festers toward his Mom . It's easy for teenagers to identify with this , given the living under the thumb and watchful eyes of a parent whom you know you're the center of the world to her . And when parents get in the way and in the process causing you to miss opportunities , you'd sure would raise a ruckus . So while living a sheltered life , Shi Qi decides to leave the village , even though he doesn't exactly know how . What shone in the movie is the getting down to basics instead of trying to bite off more than it can chew , and through that sincere exploration of the relationship between mother and son , you're likely to see some parallels perhaps that would ring a bell on your own , at how sometimes we hurt the ones we love most without even realizing it . For the mom , her taking care of her son would seem to mean having him always by her side , though understood that she has lost him once , and would pain her if it happened again , thus her desperation in holding him back through some really adorable , and unworkable antics . And to the son fast growing up , his lack of acknowledgement toward his mom's good intentions , and his frequent brushing of her aside , would touch the hearts and make one feel guilty if one had done this insensitive act from time to time . Joe Chow managed to bring out the anxieties of both characters in their road trip on foot over a period of two days , where they had to trek the picturesque mountainous road from village to the nearest town where the city bus plies . Along the way , this reaching out and connection come to a role play of sorts , with each character taking turns to lead , or to try and turn the tables on each other , finding something to connect , or to bridge an understanding . The movie relied tremendously on the chemistry between the two actors to pull this off , and they were excellent par none . The score was hauntingly beautiful , and the film also captured the seldom heard , and dying art of the She tribe songs and music , which added a documentary like dimension to the film . Audiences here would likely be familiar with Joan Chen , especially when she had graced the screen in a number of local releases . Despite similar mother roles in movies such as The Leap Years , Home Song Stories and even Saving Face which I enjoyed , she brings to the table different qualities in those motherly roles , but I dare say her performance in Shi Qi ranked the best amongst all . She truly brought out the adage that a mother's love knows no bounds , and I guess without a doubt , you'll see a lot of the general motherhood qualities here put under the spotlight , that will make you think through some of the things you would have taken for granted . Not to mention too the amount of nuances she put in the role , that would likely demand a repeat viewing ( I smiled ear to ear when she quickly put her fingers to her ear when they retracted after touching a hot pot ) . While it's a small movie in the sense that it doesn't have big set sequences , it's nonetheless one that packs a powerful emotional punch , and captured plenty of heartfelt emotions and sincerity in its story , that it is difficult not to fall in love with it as well .
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515,407 | 317,399 | 112,913 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Fallen Angels
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I've got a strange affinity with Wong Kar-wai's movies , and they seem to somehow present themselves in reverse order to me , where often I find myself visiting his earlier works backwards . Like watching 2046 first before In the Mood for Love , or right now , watching Fallen Angels before Chungking Express , where I have both movies on DVDs sitting on the shelves , but decide to pick Angels before Chungking , knowing jolly well that this one came after , and was like the film that expanded itself so much that it had to break away and stand alone on its own two feet . Deciding between Chungking Express and Fallen Angels also boiled down to pure laziness on my part to want to pop a Region Free DVD into my default player , hence the latter . And I can't help but to chuckle at how Leon Lai's killer character Wong Chi Ming paralleled this laziness of mine , in wanting things on a sliver platter , of getting the preparation work all set out for him , and he just enters the scene with his swagger as the executioner . And the woman behind him acting as his agent and cleaning lady , is played by Michelle Reis . As his agent , she gets the contracts , does the legwork to draw up plans , and with time as she hangs out at his apartment to clean it up , she nurses an aching heart , knowing that perhaps in their profession , to fall in love would spell doom . And it doesn't take one too long to identify with such longing , of being so near yet so far , and she exorcises her unrequited passion by either visiting the places he visits just to hang on to his lingering presence long after he's gone , or by pleasuring herself on his bed . Kinda kinky , don't you think ? While Chungking Express dealt with the relationship issues that two cops had to experience ( from my fuzzy knowledge of it anyway ) , Fallen Angels seemed to be its evil twin , again dealing with relations of the heart , but now from the viewpoints centered on two criminals , one in Lai's character , and here the other in Takeshi Kaneshiro ( who was also in Chungking Express ) with his mute He Zhiwu , who breaks into shops and plays plenty of make belief . In his story arc , his unrequited love stems from his chance encounter with Charlie Young's Charlie , who too suffers a broken heart , but goes over the bend . In fact , I would have thought that Eating Air took a huge leaf out of certain aspects of their courtship , especially with the lovers on a bike careening through Hong Kong's underground highways . And Charlie Young I thought did substantially more than the flower vase roles she's more famous for perfecting . While Zhiwu can't speak , it is perhaps this arc that has a lot to say about love in classic WKW pathos . We listen in to the thoughts of Zhiwu as he narrates them in Mandarin voiceovers , such as topics of relationships having their expiration date , and the keeping of someone's memory alive . With Chi-Ming , he consciously rejects someone who takes an extreme liking of him , to go for a random , temporary lover in the form of Karen Mok's Blondie , who again might be another throwback to a similar character back in Chungking Express . But being cautionary here , is yet again the tale of not incurring the wrath of the wrong woman , though I chose to interpret the events in his story thereafter as being one of a set up , or a fix , versus just being a case of coincidental bad luck . And you cannot get away with not talking about frequent WKW collaborator Christopher Doyle's cinematography in this film , with its obtuse angles like a fish eye twitching all around with plenty of kinetic energy , boasting of shots within shots with its use of captured mirror images . Time lapse also gets used quite frequently , giving it a sense of broad fast forwarding motion , with the devil in the details treated quite casually . With a variation of Massive Attack's Karma Coma by Roel Garcia featured in an eclectic soundtrack , it already bowled me over with its collection of songs featured , whereLove stories that don't go anywhere except to serve as personal reminders , familiar pathos as presented by WKW , a star studded cast and excellent visuals and music , easily make this film one of my firm favourites . I suppose I shouldn't waste too much time before embarking on my journey onboard the more illustrious Chungking Express .
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514,552 | 317,399 | 468,569 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Dark Knight
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The Dark Knight is a brilliant film . Everything was done right , stemming from a totally rich and in depth story that never failed to deliver its punches where it mattered , and frankly speaking , caught me off guard a number of times with its superb sleight of hand technique . Every one of the A-list cast lived up to their potential , and evergreens from the previous movie like Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine , have a lot more to do this time round . This is hands down THE movie of the year for me to date , and it'll really take a lot to knock it off its perch . I suggest you rush out of the door right now , get yourself tickets and watch it . I'm going to do so again . I believe in Christopher Nolan , and Bat-fans around the world would have followed suit too .
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515,205 | 317,399 | 464,184 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Sione's Wedding
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It's early into 2007 , and I've already got one contender for film of the year . Sione's Wedding from New Zealand has this impeccable charm to it , and it's been a delightful surprise watching this at only the one hall it is currently screening at . I suppose most guys at one point or another have been " brothers " during wedding ceremonies , either to shield the groom from pranks , or to actually put him through one of your own . Sione ( Pua Magasiva ) is getting married , and the last thing he wants is his friends from his ex-brotherhood " Duckrockers " gang ( check out that hand signal ! ) ruining his big day with their madcap antics , things like shagging the bridesmaid in the bridal car , or drinking until drunk . The focus therefore is on the quartet of Albert the respectable office insurance worker ( Oscar Kightley , who also co-wrote the script ) , Michael the courier guy ( Sione's brother ) blessed with good looks , a hot bod and routine womanizing ways ( Robbie Magasiva , brother of Pua in real life as well , who will also star in an upcoming movie co-produced by Mediacorp Raintree Pictures called The Tattooist ) , Stanley ( Iaheto Ah Hi ) who is infatuated with the voice of Latifah , a girl whom he only rarely communicated over phone-chats , but yet to meet up in real life , and Sefa the non-committal type of guy who frequently ditches his girlfriend to attend parties with the Duckrockers ( played by Shimpal Lalisi ) , Their dilemma comes in the form of the community pastor , who banned them from Sione's wedding , unless they can prove themselves to be responsible in their actions and not spoil the wedded couple's day . And with the counter-proposal by the guys , they want to prove that if they turn up with committed dates , they should curtail their nonsense , and be allowed entry . So a deal has been made , but the problem is , these guys actually are your usual slackers , and have immense difficulty in living up their end of the bargain . I think that every guy could identify with one or more of the buddies here , never mind if they're Kiwis , as relationship issues are always universal . You have the shy type , the one who can snag one night stands at the snap of his fingers , the one who refuses to spend more time with his loved one and prefers time out with the boys , the one who's always fantasizing that his online counterpart is a hot blonde chick with a killer bod , and so on . You can slap them with caricature labels , but to do so will be unfair , as the actors take pains to ensure their characters are believable and realistic , and delivered on their performances . But the mood's not always serious - this is actually one heck of a fine comedy ! The dialogue lines are extremely witty and at times subtle , and there are many well timed humorous moments that will catch you off guard , balanced nicely with plenty of heart warming scenes . Rare are movies these days which offer a healthy balance of the two , and it makes Sione's Wedding very refreshing to watch , never boring at all . While you can see certain subplots developing in a certain way because of familiarity , rest assure that the delivery in this movie is excellent enough to offer its own take on these deja vu development , especially the one involving Princess ( the beautiful Maryjane McKibbin-Schweke ) or Tania ( Madeline Sami ) . Filmed in Auckland , and accompanied with an awesome , if seldom heard , soundtrack , Sione's Wedding is a must watch for those in love , relationships or attended that quirky wedding or two . The characters are lovable , the issues real , and you'll get a glimpse of how a Samoan wedding gets conducted . A much much mature version of The Wedding Crashers two years ago . Two thumbs up , a must watch !
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514,489 | 317,399 | 401,383 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
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I can't imagine myself being stuck and trapped in my own body , where it becomes a prison cell . Unable to move about freely having lost all my psycho-motor skills , with muscles refusing to obey my mental will , and being robbed of all ability to communicate , save for the movement of an eye and an eyelid . You want to scream and tell everyone of the pain you're suffering from , and you yearn to respond normally to questions and interact plainly with people . You try , but you just can't . That was the world of Jean-Dominique Bauby . Based on a true story of a man inflicted with such a rare cerebrovascular disease , The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is his book , dictated alphabet by alphabet , about his life and his monument ordeal , burdened on a man at the top of his career , being the editor of fashion magazine Elle , and seemed to be living up the good life . In a stroke , the life he was knew is no more , and all that's left is his left eye , his imagination to bring him out of his imprisonment , and memories , good and bad , from which to reflect upon . The easy way out is of course giving up hope and professing his wish to die , but with the help of a committed team of hospital staff , he managed to find some meaning and soldier on in this strange , second half of a life . In some ways , the encouragement of subject matter experts do help , in trying to reach out from within oneself , and pull one out of depression , despair and hopelessness . And he's lucky too with the team of Henrietta ( Marie-Josee Croze ) , his speech therapist who devised an innovative though tedious way for him to communicate his thoughts , Celine ( Emmanuelle Seigner ) his physiotherapist in helping to get him move , no matter how minute such movements were , and the patience of Claude ( Anne Consigny ) who is probably given the most monotonous of all responsibilities , tasked to patiently take dictation , alphabetically , to help Jean-Dominique Bauby complete his autobiography . Through such interactions , even though he feels akin to being in a diving bell ( hence the title ) bringing him deeper into the depths of the ocean in solitude , each individual find their niche area in which to connect with Jean-Dominique , and in doing so , find new friendship , and companionship even . What strikes you at first is the cinematography adopted for the movie . It opens quite blurry , in an out of focus fashion , with a couple of fades to black . Then you slowly realize that you're watching events unfold through a pair of eyes , as your view is restricted to what's straight ahead , and the angle as provided by a rotating eyeball . I would say it's very well done , as it goes for as realistic a look as possible , even deliberately blurring things in the field of vision that the brain is not focusing on , which reminds me of what Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind did for the replaying of memories . This eye for detail ( pardon the pun ) serves the movie very well as it puts us in the driving seat of being in the character , coupled with hearing his thoughts , which at times are witty and comedic , in order to keep oneself sane ( as with the leering of and lingering on the female chest area ) . But before you cry foul at yet another shaky-cam movie , director Julian Schnabel doesn't fall into the temptation of presenting the entire movie in this fashion . There are periodic third person and the more conventional storytelling methods adopted as well to bring you out of Jean-Dominque's mind and consciousness , which could be quite depressing I suspect for an audience if dwelled upon for too long . Emotionally , it's a deeply moving film , as the story inevitably allows you to feel some empathy for Jean-Dominique , and more so when we witness the helplessness of friends and family in trying to come to grips with what had happened . I guess one of the hardest fact to accept is that while you know he's listening to you , communication comes with a barrier in the form of a proxy , and such indirect methods on one hand is unsatisfying , but on the other , you just have no choice at all . Actor Mathieu Amalric has to be applauded for the wonderfully restraint acting . He can't move most of his muscle groups even if he wanted to , not when the camera is on him . If there's an award for actors who can act through one eye , then this performance must be it . You feel his pain , sorry , happiness , fear , entire human emotions all coming through being an inevitable cyclops , as he struggles and finds untold inner strength . The frankness of his monologues , employed to tell us about his thoughts and desires , make for an all rounded character , not wanting to artificially present just the good parts , or bad . The rest of the supporting cast helped made this movie pretty engaging , no doubt the key female characters in Jean-Dominique's life being quite the eye candy themselves . The Diving Bell and the Butterfly well deserves the accolades bestowed upon it , and it is likely to do well in the upcoming Oscars too . This is one highly recommended that you cannot afford to miss as it makes its premiere on the local screens . A must watch , most definitely , put this amongst the top of your list in this crowded January week !
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515,404 | 317,399 | 353,969 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) Memories of Murder
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I've always taken a liking for serial-killer crime thrillers such as Se7en or the more recent Zodiac , because the cat-and-mouse game between the killer and the cops never seem to tire out , at least for me , and especially so if they're based on real life incidents which add a sense of realism in the stories that are told . It can be wavered off as implausible , because there were real victims who fell under the cunning of the killer . Korean crime thrillers have so far been a mixed bag though , even if those like Voice of a Murderer were based on unsolved true incidents , because in the hands of less able directors , it's always easy to lapse into laziness in making the film , applying quite standard narrative types involving chronology , and what happens next , or over dramatizing elements of the story just to amplify emotions of pity and anger , or worse yet , become a bland whack-fest , hyping on gruesomeness and gore as spectacle . And here's where director Bong Joon-ho , who went on to make the superb The Host , excelled , in sailing with an even keel in the presentation of Memories of Murder , making it extremely memorable , and went beyond your standard crime thriller fare by deftly gelling together all elements in the movie , into one keenly felt film . Memories of Murder recounts possibly South Korea's first serial killer , who went on a spree between 1986 and 1991 with 10 women brutally raped and murdered , and sparked off an intense investigations which involved some 1 . 8 million cops and 3000 suspects , as the prologue would have us believe . Song Kang-ho stars as Detective Park Doo-man , a small town cop with little experience in investigations of such nature , and it's slowly revealed too that the police of those days possess very rudimentary skills and equipment to handle crime of such nature , coupled with the complexity of having to deal with curious villagers and onlookers who contaminate each crime scene . In comes Detective Seo Tae-yoon ( Kim Sang-kyung ) from Seoul who volunteered for this assignment , and you have your big city versus small town rivalry , as the two of them can't see eye to eye in various matters , especially when it boiled down to extracting confessions of convenience from prime suspects , in order to wrap up the case and call it a day , dished out from in your face beatings by Park's sidekick Kim Roe-ha ( Cho Yong Koo ) . Under a social and historical backdrop of martial law , we see how questionable methods get employed , and how sloppy investigations can get , at times relying on questionable and unorthodox methods involving torture . It is this constant interplay of opposites that keep the viewing engaged throughout , especially with the incessant challenging of individual cop's beliefs and investigative philosophies , which at times can dwell on black humour , such as the profiling of hairless men . All the lead cops in the movie no doubt will grow and come out of this experience changed , such as how small time cop gets forced to open his mind and widen his horizon , and how the constant frustration at being hit with red herring after red herring , of being so close but yet so bloody far , just adds on to the complexity of the case that this is not your simple criminal , but a cold and calculated serial one . There are a couple of elements that I particularly enjoyed in the film , such as how opposites almost always bring about a clash , be it of values or methods employed , in particular how Detectives Park and Seo come to blows , one a believer of his own sixth sense ability , while the other a follower of paper and documentation . Director Bong also crafted an element of comparison between the macho cops and a rather soft prime suspect , one you would probably not have put on your radar , who just appears , and I couldn't help but to draw comparisons with David Fincher's famous Se7en and Zodiac , which were made before and after this one , where it is fairly clear of certain similarities between this film and Se7en with its incessant rainy setup , while Zodiac shares the same frustration with this one in the cops ' inability and impotence of not being able to crack the case in front of them , resulting in an increase in body count . Nothing beats having to know the MO , but being powerless to do something about it . Best of all , Bong Joon-ho knows how to craft a thriller with action at the right moments , and they need no be big-bang types , but sequences which were highly effective in bringing out adrenaline . He did that for this film , and for The Host , and without a doubt I begin to feel that he understands the material at hand in order to craft them for the pleasure of an audience sitting through it . I still have one more of his earlier movies on DVD format yet to be watched , and I hope to pop that into the player once I savor this masterpiece once more . Highly recommended , and it sits in my mental list of great serial killer crime films .
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514,623 | 317,399 | 468,492 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Host
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This movie has already been much hyped because everyone is wondering what the Koreans saw in it to make it a resounding box office smash . So does it live up to expectations ? Yes , in a different way . What I'll include below will be suitable more for a post viewing read , although most will probably have some prior knowledge about the movie from its trailers and poster . If you don't mind mild spoilers , you can proceed , until the part where I'll warn you about something major . Watching this film will make you laugh at its comedic moments , feel a tinge of sadness in others and it might make you cry , or pound your heart with suspense , and will even satisfy the action movie lovers with some sequences . It's like a big pot of rojak - different ingredients mashed together , blended perfectly into a 2 hour long journey of pure entertainment with serious messages . At the heart of it is a tale about family . Here , given its genre , there's no all-empowered super being or man's man who goes on a one man crusade against the beast . It's about what an ordinary family doing the extraordinary by digging deep and finding strength from within . The portrayal by the lead actors are quite believable , as you feel their pain , frustrations and idiosyncrasies as they go about trying to achieve their mission despite the odds . One thing's for sure , family ties run deep , with emphasis on unity , not individuality . There're some key observations made about the human condition , how naturally curious we are when we spot things not normally seen , instinctively whipping out cameras to take pictures , and how we innocently provoke without realizing . Not too subtle jibes are made at how bumbling authorities are , and on the pompousness of the US forces in assuming control over the situation , sidestepping what they probably know as the real cause with a presentation of a smokescreen . Here's where the major spoilers beginThe monster ! ! I absolutely have to blabber about it ! I was half expecting Godzilla pounding through the streets of Seoul and pulverizing buildings to a pulp . But wait ! The Host came up with something pretty refreshing - this monster , is midget ! ( if compared to conventional notions of what a monster would be ) . Herein lies one of the breakdowns in genre , but tenacity and nastiness is not measured on size alone - it's menacing and merciless when the time calls for it . The creation of the monster came from a fictionalized imagining of a real life scenario gone wrong , with regards to the lack of respect to the environment , and on toxic pollution . If Godzilla was created in the nuclear age to highlight its dangers , then this being was created because of mankind's preference for the easy way out - through the kitchen sink . The bugger looked beautifully ugly , but thanks to its excellent special effects teams ( one of which is WETA , yeah , THAT WETA ) , it moves with slick grace and agility , I would even say it swaggers stylishly , It is so realistic , that never for a moment you'll think you're watching a cheesy monster flick ( even though rubber suits are nostalgic ) . Major spoilers end The music is yet another plus point as it brought out the mood and plays with your emotions as well . The sound department has its work cut out in designing a unique roar , and you'll feel terrorized as if you're there on location as the creature rampages . For good measure , you might want to stay until the end of the credits for a little easter egg , and especially if you're watching it in a hall outfitted with a decent surround sound system . All in all , two words : Highly recommended . Goes into my shortlist of movie of the year too ! P . S . I don't know why , but I was swearing at some parts of the movie ( eg . " RUN ! ! " ) together with another group of strangers . We were having a hellishly good , fun time during the screening . Awesome !
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515,400 | 317,399 | 424,273 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Electric Shadows
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During last year's visit to the Hong Kong International Film Festival , it gave me an opportunity to take in first hand and provide for some exposure to Chinese films , specifically those that were made in China . Amongst those that I've seen , I was blown away by the quality of storytelling and craft , and had wondered how soon after would I have the chance to watch something from China again , since our local cinemas don't really bring them in for mass consumption . Hence , this film festival was like a godsend , putting together some classics of the past , together with contemporary offerings from the new generation of directors . The Festival name might be a mouthful , but its objective is no doubt succinct - to introduce us to the magic of Chinese cinema once again . Electric Shadows opens the festival , and by and large I've heard some really good things about it . The DVD has been available for some time already , but procrastination meant not picking it up , so having it screened as the opening film was no excuse anymore to miss it . And it's no surprise that I fell in love with director Xiao Jiang's first film , which is one with such a compelling story and fine acting , I would think one would likely have a heart of stone not to like it for some reason . The film's opening introduces us to the character of Mao Dabing ( Xia Yu ) , a water delivery boy who spends the bulk of his wages watching movies in the cinemas . I chuckled at this obvious identification , of someone spending his free time at the movies , and being completely lost in them as a form of escapism from the mundane repetitiveness and perhaps loneliness in his day job . While we follow his point of view for the most part at the beginning , that perspective shifted to a mute girl he encounters , who for no reason pounded his head with a brick , and destroyed his company sponsored bicycle . Persuaded to help her look after her fish while she has to inevitably get detained by the authorities , Dabing thought that he had reached seventh heaven when her apartment turned out to be one huge home theatre . From there , the pace picks up , and we're transported to some 30 years back into the Cultural Revolution , and rewinds a little bit to the earlier generation . Electric Shadows has a bit of everything , even though some might like to compare it to Cinema Paradiso , I thought that this film had merits to stand on its own two feet despite the obvious comparison . It is its own movie , and while episodic , it never felt disjointed or had portions out of place , but gelled together seamlessly to weave an epic adventure of the story of a young girl Ling Ling , born at an outdoor cinema , and had cinema to be her companion during her formative years . As always , it's the mothers , here Jiang Xuehua ( Jiang Yihong ) an actress wannabe , who played a huge role in her appetite for films , and for her philosophy to lead a life with their heads held high because of her single parent status , leading to Ling Ling being quite a feisty little girl . It was a time where film screenings were communal in attendance and experience , in small towns where close knit villagers have that as common mass entertainment . Electric Shadows managed to capture the social and cultural climate of the times , and best of all , had a tremendous number of clips to snapshot various cinematic oldies and gems that you would be tempted to check out should you have the opportunity to do so , one of which is Shining Red Star which will be screened this Saturday . Against this backdrop , Ling Ling leads quite an eventful life , where the pace catapults with the introduction of Mao Xiaobing ( Wang Zhengjia ) , a scruffy kid from out of town whose mischievousness brings trouble , but for their love of movies which brought them together to be best frien uds forever , even though he prefers the action genre where he can make-belief he's the star of the show . Electric Shadows is such a charming film that you'd find it hard to believe it's actually a first film , balancing drama , comedy and tragedy even with great aplomb , although there were some series of coincidences in the events and characters that you'll find it easy to ignore for the whole movie to work . It's strength also came from the wonderful cast who brought their likable characters to life , and you cannot find better chemistry between the cast members even when some of them take up the same characters albeit for different age groups . You'll feel for mother Xuehua in her resignation to the bad hand Fate had dealt her , you marvel at the dedication of Pan Daren ( Li Haibin ) the projectionist , you laugh and cry at the antics of the children , especially those of Xiaobing and Bing Bing ( Zhang Haoqi ) the kid brother who seemed to possess such maturity in his innocence . It's been a long time since I was moved so immensely moved by a single film , and I'm glad that Electric Shadows shone brightly through and cemented its place in my mental list of all time favourite movies . With amazing cinematography and locales , and a score as performed by the China Philharmonic Orchestra , this is a must watch , a truly exquisite film to sit through , well worth your time and one for repeated viewings . I'm getting the DVD !
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514,921 | 317,399 | 290,002 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Meet The Fockers
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If this is a comedy year , then it's gotta be Ben Stiller's year , with films like Starsky and Hutch , Dodgeball , and now , a sequel to the hit Meet The Parents . It's a logical move , given the success to the movie , and a natural continuation to meeting the other set of parents , what more one whose family name sounds so much like an expletive . The film wastes no time in reminding you why the first was successful , with obvious jabs on the male nursing profession and his Gaylord M Focker name . The first 5 minutes sums up everything you liked about the first film nicely - " I'm Watching You " hand gestures , circle of trust , etc , before embarking on the inane journey to Focker Isle , where things get , a little crazier . Our favourite characters like the kitty cat are back , and joined with another madcap hump-everything-that-moves doggie . In addition , we have a baby on board who adds a new dimension to innocence . Although some plot bits are recycled from the first , like the use of hidden cameras by De Niro , and then playbacked for hilarious effect during the end credits , none of it seems contrived and you just wanna sit through and lap all of it up . Definite must see this holiday season .
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515,119 | 317,399 | 843,270 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Crazy Stone
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So far , the FOCUS : First Cuts series of movies have been rather mediocre . Taiwan's The Shoe Fairy was rather plain , Hong Kong's I'll Call You was concentrated too much on its effects , and Singapore's Love Story was just awful . The three aforementioned movies lacked a compelling story to tell , and I was holding my breath on how a movie titled Crazy Stone will present itself . I bought into it , hook line and sinker , within the first ten minutes . The opening scenes were a class act in editing , presentation , with a mixture of humour , and wastes no time in introducing the ensemble characters of the movie - an ex-cop turned Chief Security Officer , his Toto-fanatical sidekick , the arrogant crony of an unscrupulous real estate developer , a skirt-chasing photographer , a trio of bumbling crooks , and a professional thief who just has no luck . Directed by China's Ning Hao , Crazy Stone is one heck of a heist movie with deft touches in presentation . Never too flashy with its special effects , or repeating its non-linear narrative technique too often , it just about presents itself almost perfectly , keeping the audience constantly engaged throughout the movie . I can't finger a dull moment in any scene actually , and the real reward is when you pay attention to the little details , as these will be used at some point to deliver that awaited punctuation to the story . There're plenty of irony infused , which somewhat brings about certain pleasure in recognizing them . The sets are beautifully urban , and at times just plain ugly - the toilets just have to be seen . The casts are a joy to watch , and although relative unknowns , they bring out just about the best in the story , which is something like a Spy Vs Spy , cat and mouse , cloak and dagger game between the protectors of a piece of valuable jade , and the crooks who want to steal it for the various motivations they have . The story's akin to the guessing game of correctly selecting which cup amongst three , is a coin hidden under , once the cups are shuffled randomly with sleigh of hand , and to the characters , presents itself like a huge maze , set to an eclectic soundtrack . I don't get the opportunity to watch that many Chinese films ( and here I mean those made in China ) , and I'd say that if this is how a heist movie can beat , in my opinion , some of the fare that Hollywood churns out in the same genre ( not that they were fantastic , but I enjoyed them nonetheless ) , then I would be eagerly waiting for another Chinese movie from another genre proving itself to be amongst the best . This movie doesn't look expensive , and it's an apt reminder that it almost always boils down to the quality of the story , to make it a hit with a viewer . As with the other First Cut movies , a touch of Andy Lau is included , and though he did not star in a cameo here , his song " Wang Qing Shui " was featured in part ( I believe twice ) in the movie , though only in passing , but enough to ID it . Looks like his venture with these 6 films has uncovered a gem , and I'm secretly hoping the remaining films in this series - Malaysia's Rain Dogs ( Yasmin Ahmad in a role you know ? ) and Hong Kong's Parental Guidance , will also prove to be as entertaining , and refreshing . Crazy Stone will go into my list as a contender for one of my favourite movies of this year . It's a pity it's only screening at ONE theatre in Singapore , so make every effort to watch it , soon !
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515,009 | 317,399 | 433,692 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) Sepet ( 2004 )
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I've always been unable to answer confidently when someone asks me what my favourite movie is . You're learning it here first , I've found it . It is Sepet . I love this movie to bits . And I find it so unforgivable to have missed it when it was released on the big screen locally . But the question would be , why Sepet ? You'd know by now I'm a sucker for a good old fashioned romance . Sepet is one of those classic romances , with a contemporary touch , and a realistic take on love , life , relationships at all levels . It is honest , sincere storytelling , and having it ring so close to home , with a multi-religious , multi-cultural , multi-lingual take , just makes it endearing . It's not a Malay film , or Chinese film , but it's a Malaysian film , one in which a person like me , from across the Causeway , can and will definitely enjoy . Director Yasmin Ahmad has crafted two charismatic leads , in Jason ( Ng Choo Seong ) , the pirated VCD peddler with a penchant for poetry , and Orked ( Sharifah Amani ) the student . One's Chinese , the other's Malay , and Yasmin has weaved a loving story between the two , sans all misconstrued prejudices . We're drawn into their love at the start of their budding relationship from their chance encounter when Orked patronizes Jason's stall in a busy market street , and witness them grow in their affection for each other . The diverse family backgrounds are highlighted from the beginning . We see Jason reciting poetry so lovingly to his Peranakan mother ( played by Tan Mei Ling ) . He seemed closer to her than his father , and we learn that all is not too well between the squabbling parents . In a dinner scene with his family , we learn that his brother ( later played by Alan Yun in Gubra ) had married a Singaporean , and the relationship with the in-laws are not that cordial too . Contrasted with Orked's family , the loving parents portrayed by Ida Nerina and Harith Iskander , who share many a scene expressing their love ( which had irked Malaysian censors ) , and with a housemaid Yam ( played by Adibah Noor ) adding to the comical close knit ties within their family . But , cliché as I may sound , love knows no bounds . Sans race , sans religion , sans family backgrounds , love will find a way . We follow their courtship , and it isn't that these obvious differences are swept beneath the carpet . No , they were brought out , and we realize the challenges that lie ahead if our couple were to be together , and to challenge these misconceptions . But in typical boy-meets-girl , boy-loves-girl , boy-loses-girl fashion , we see how their relationship loses ground when Jason confesses to Orked to have impregnated another girl . To be " fair " , he did the deed before he became committed to Orked , but felt that sense of responsibility to take care of the other . It's somewhat depressing , knowing that he and Orked are a match made , but events that transpired before meeting your soul mate , came back to haunt . I thought deeply about this , and was wondering if there was any possibility about reconciliation and forgiveness . Sometimes there will be , sometimes there will be not , but sometimes they may come too little too late . And from what Yasmin told us , I understood the ending , why it ended the way it ended , drawn from her personal experience , and the emotions I felt . But therein lies a higher objective , which I thought was a respectable Wow moment . With the way it ended , I felt that yes , I believe that Yasmin has achieved with most audiences ( unless you're on the road to no redemption ) throwing away any deep sense of prejudice , to want the two leads to be together , after the fact that is akin to riding on a ferris wheel to the top , enjoying the sights , and then being thrown over . It dawned upon me the power of her story , simply told . The movie's also peppered with plenty of movie references and subtle jokes , besides the obvious ones which you laugh out loud . There are digs at society , and some events will make you ponder , like how Orked managed to get a scholarship with 5As , when Jason actually scored 7 , and got none ( hey , VCD peddler also got the smarts , OK ! ) The chemistry between the leads is so believable , that you cannot help but fall in love with both . Jason is the atypical sam-seng boy with dyed hair , dances a quirky dance , filial son , with a heart of gold . You might presume that Orked is the demure pint-sized girl next door , but inside , she packs quite an opinionated punch , which works in her favour when battling against prejudices . And the two of them put together , genuinely make a cute couple . The musical selection is beautiful , and I was initially surprised that Sam Hui songs were used throughout the movie . They were the evergreens in Hong Kong Pop , and contributed effectively to the mood of the movie . The cinematography too emulates picturesque moments when the leads are together , be it sharing a meal or conversation in a fast food restaurant , or sitting at a pier or a bus stop to wait out the rain . Things and situations associated with budding love . There are tonnes of films out there which are loud , brash , and easily forgotten once the lights come on . I've come to appreciate smaller films which are intricately crafted , a simple story with layered complexity , and something which can endure the test of time . A story that comes straight from the heart . I believe Sepet is one of them . I like . Code 3 DVD contains behind the scenes footage ( though I had hoped it could have more ) , and the trailer . How I'd wish there would be a director and casts commentary . : - )
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515,578 | 317,399 | 435,623 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Conversations with Other Women
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Conversations with Other Women is a talkie movie , along the same vein as Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise and Before Sunset , as it takes place in one single night of a wedding of a Man's ( Aaron Eckhart ) sister . He chances upon Woman ( Helena Bonham Carter ) , one of his sister's bridesmaid , and proceeds to flirt with her , in the hopes of getting lucky for a one night stand . And yes , they do talk a lot , but instead of the free ranging topics as in the Linklater movies , their conversation is focused mainly on relationships , and the games people play , in trying to be coy and hard to get . No doubt the many lines in the movie might be familiar , but they're full of wit and delivered through excellent performances by the two leads , this is definitely the surprise movie of the lot I've sat through this week . If Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy gave us the teenage and early thirties version about two strangers connecting with each other , then Aaron Eckhart and Helena Bonham Carter provides us the late thirties version in this movie , and more . The obvious thing that hits you when the movie starts , is the split screen . It is used throughout the movie , so it's as if you're watching two movies at the same time , but not quite . Technically , Conversations is very strong , as it takes balls for filmmaker Hans Canosa to pull this off , not to mention the editing which would drive anyone nuts ( for the record , he did the editing himself after his editor gave up , and he used only Final Cut Pro to do what you see on screen - the product gets a credit too with the Apple logo ! ) . The split allowed for parallel narratives to play out simultaneously , for flashbacks and for emphasis , and more importantly , brought out the best in the leads . Why ? Simply because they have to act the whole time through , no shots over the shoulder where you can idle when the camera's not on you , or editing used to cover bad takes or flubbed dialogues , or something that perturbs me - lines said by the person who's back is to the camera , when obviously the movement of their chin gives everything away . Gone too are boring talking heads , as here , you get to see the lines delivered and the reaction from the other party , at the same time , without the camera flinching . In order words , the leads gotta be consistent throughout given the camera is on their every expression . Indeed a challenge which Eckhart and Bonham Carter There's a separate reason why I would want to watch this movie in the first place , and that's to observe Aaron Eckhart's performance , as he's pulled off many superb character actors in movies like Thank You for Smoking and Black Dahlia , and I'm confident that he'll be able to pull off Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight with aplomb . As Man who's succumbing to the weakness of the flesh , his desperation comes with a reason , only to be revealed in due course . Helena Bonham Carter was last heard in Wallace and Gromit , and Corpse Bride , and it's indeed high time we see her back on the big screens again . Come to think of it , the last time I saw her in a movie with a substantial role was way back in Fight Club . Here , her Woman is intriguing as to her intent and purpose , and no doubt you will inevitably cast that questioning eye on her . A word of caution , if you want to be surprised in the movie , don't go to IMDb and look at their plot keywords , as it'll give everything away . What makes this movie work is to go in fresh , listen intently , get blown away by the excellent technicals employed , and in fact , it makes you think all the way through the end , as little details get dropped along , and provides you ample time to piece everything together . It's not a boring movie , contrary to those who think that talkie movies are . This movie has an excellent witty script , and delivers emotional punches where it should . And the ending is something that will be in your head for a long period of time after the lights come on . Recommended stuff !
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514,988 | 317,399 | 936,501 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Taken
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It's been just too long waiting for an action thriller that will knock my socks off , given too many bland attempts that left me wondering if the genre is too tired for my liking , with nothing left to wow . Then comes the Europa Corp team of Pierre Morel directing a Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen story , and Taken now ranks as one of my contemporary favourites for its simple story executed with so much style and gripping pace , that you'll be left breathless by the time the end credits roll . The trailer had one of the best monologues that I'm sure would have put many in the theatres , and probably be representative of the film . You have a stoic looking Liam Neeson as a father who tells the stranger at the end of the other line the conditions that the game will be played in , with perhaps bluff calling against bluff , only for the challenge and gauntlet to be thrown . From then on it's a non-stop adrenaline rush because this daddy happens to be a top ex-covert operative for the US government , so the bad guys essentially have chosen a wrong opponent to play the game with . The story worked well in dipping into some familiar fears , where daddy's little girl Kim ( Maggie Grace ) tells her dad lie after lie so as to cover up her tracks in wanting to do things she knows he would disapprove of . Such as , in this case , going on a tour of museums in Paris supposedly , rather than letting him know of her intent of being a groupie with friend Amanda ( Katie Cassidy ) chasing U2 all over Europe . Some may dismiss this fear as paranoia , but I think that heightened sense of awareness is a by product occupational hazard , and it's always better to err on the side of caution . For any parent who are confident of their kid's conduct , there is absolutely no guarantees that their kids ' friends would toe the same line , and there are often those who are magnets for trouble due to their thrill seeking . As is in this case where you see supposed safeguards to lower risks being systematically peeled away . With his reluctant consent and lessons being thrown in on very simple survival tips ( that would even serve well in real life ) , things still go wrong according to Murphy , and Liam Neeson's Brian has to race against time in finding a needle in the perennial haystack , relying on contacts and skills built over the years in carrying out government missions of prevention to save masses , now to put them into something more personal when addressing what could be any parent's worst nightmare , in having their daughters sold to the sex slave trade . Action-wise , Morel employs a whole host of fights ranging from gun battles , knives and the good ol ' fisticuffs , with Neeson employing some cool Shinsai Goshin Kai moves for close quarter combats to take out opponents . You might balk at how it's probably another one man army movie with the hero ripping through the streets of Paris , but this borders close to the Jason Bourne movies in the way opponents are dispatched without remorse and without much bullshit . It's clinical as it is deadly , just the way I suppose anyone would do so without the very hokey monologues that plague lesser films prior to each kill . The action direction was top notch without resorting to cheap MTV styled quick cuts , and had kept the shaky-cam syndrome at bay , which in turn provided for a pure adrenaline rush for action junkies out there . Taken well deserved its accolades and I say again , one of the best action thrillers to have hit the screen of late after a number of bland peers . I highly recommend this and it's a shoo-in as a contender for top films of this year . See if you can spot that SQ plane flying overhead in a scene too !
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514,417 | 317,399 | 57,012 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Dr Strangelove or : How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb ( 1964 )
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The first thing that strikes you from this 1964 classic , is the extremely long title ! Directed by Stanley Kubrick ( 2001 Space Odessey , Eyes Wide Shut ) and starring the talented Peter Sellers ( the Pink Panther franchise ) , this film touches upon the use of nuclear weapons , or the lack of controls thereof . In this nuclear age ( and during its infancy at the time of the film's release ) , this question is always in the backburner : Who is given the authority to launch these weapons of mass destruction , and what controls are there to prevent the authority from being abused ? The film begins with one crazed US general being able to order the B52s in the air ( Cold War time , these bombers are always in the air to strike targets within 2 hours ) to attack the Soviet Union with its nuclear bombs . The US President ( Sellers ) questions how this is so , and the very plausible reason being , if a sneak attack happens on US Soil and on the US Government , then there must exist a system for the lower echelons to launch retaliatory strikes . Which was what happened , except that the US was not under attack . Sellers is excellent in his multiple roles as a British officer attached to the crazed US general , the US President himself , and Dr Strangelove , a Nazi scientist turned US Presidential adviser . Now that the US is seen as the aggressor , Sellers turns in a fine serious performance as the President , who has a lot of answering to do to his Soviet counterpart . However , tables are turned when the Soviets confirm the existence of their doomsday device , which on one hand sounds absurd , and on the other , raises the stakes for the world's survival . What appeals in this movie is that , given its various serious theme , Kubrick manages to inject wicked humour into it effortlessly , like the sexual innuendos galore ( the riding of the phallic shaped nuclear bomb , the talk of bodily fluids ) , yet keeping the audience fully aware of the gravity of the situation . This is definitely one of my favourite movies of all time . And Seller's performance , need I rave more ? The Code 1 DVD contains loads of features , but of most excellent value are the documentaries , one on Kubrick's claim to fame and his movies , and the other , close to an hour's worth of Dr Stangelove's making of details .
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515,070 | 317,399 | 463,903 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Be With Me
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This is the third feature length film of internationally renowned local director Eric Khoo , and given the hype of this film's response in Cannes , I'm sure many in Singapore are eager to watch it , given that Eric Khoo's last movie , 12 Storeys , was a long 8 years ago . Meant To Be An old shopkeeper longs for his loved one to continue to be with him . He opens the movie by closing his shop , drawing us instead into his private life , where we see him alone , aloof , and in pain to see his loved one suffering in sickness . Try as he might , there is nothing he can or will do , or is it ? When you're with someone you love for so long , what does it mean to lose him or her ? Will you also lose the will to continue leading a meaningful life ? Or will it away in a mundane fashion ? Tying in with Theresa Chan's autobiographical tale , this segment is touted by most as the strongest and most touching . Finding Love A timid security guard Fatty Koh is a secret admirer of a high flying executive , and longs for her to be with him , somehow . An infatuation , a crush , how do you bring yourself to declare your feelings for someone , when you're shy , and knowingly aware of the huge social divide ? With a letter . Where you are given time and composure to write your thoughts down , hoping to bring the right message across , and harbouring the hopes of acceptance . We see Fatty fighting his inner shy demons as he carefully pens a letter of admiration for his dream lover . Fate seems to be against him , as he cannot seem to concentrate with the ruckus from the neighbours , and from his own family where he's looked down upon . At times it's like a look back into the life and times of the timid fat lady in 12 Storeys , who incidentally , appears ( as a different cameo character of course ) in this segment briefly . He steals glances at his love when at work , and hangs around the perimeter of her home after work , worshipping her from afar . He's like a gentle giant , never meaning any harm , but probably coming across as a desperate stalker . Love conquers all some say , but will it ? So In Love Ezann Lee plays Jackie ( note the androgynous name ) , a lesbian who longs for her new lover , Sam ( played by Samantha Tan , note the androgynous name too ) , to be with her . Most teenage / young adults in the audience will definitely be pretty familiar with this stage of puppy and experimental young love , which was given a modern retelling showcasing relationships in the era of pervasive computing devices - Internet Messaging and Short Message Service . And of course having two pretty young leads in non-conventional roles do help too , They first meet online , and we follow their new shared lives as they finally meet in person , doing things couples do like watching movies , go clubbing , hanging out , shopping , the works . Everything seems lovey-dovey , happy-go-lucky , doesn't it ? However , the motive of Sam getting involved with Jackie is examined , and the universal theme of unrequited love comes to the forefront . What happens when a lover is suddenly spurned by the other , when all along you thought that everything was going wonderfully well , and you see a future with the other half ? You'll be terribly hurt , but what will you do , especially when lied to ? Was everything just one big illusion ? For folks with weak hearts , being lied to is like having a tonne of bricks collapsing onto you . Like a cautionary tale of being responsible with feelings and not toying with those of another , it is a reminder that as fast as these perceived love begin , it is never as easy to erase it from one's life like deleting an incoming SMS message . The narrative introduces us to the various characters from the 3 segments , intertwining their lives with one another in brief moments . The style used in the movie is different , where we begin with the introductions of the segments until forlorn conflicts in each sets in , hanging us in the balance where we ponder and reflect the futility of each character's actions thus far . Until we're introduced , in more detail , to Theresa Chan's inspiration life . One of difficulties and immense challenges , but one who exudes courage to face up and tackle life by the bull's horns . Losing both sight and hearing , Theresa is a double handicap . To many , we take our senses from granted , until we lament the loss of one . But what about two , without warning ? Will we be able to find the same courage within us to smile and carry on living ? Theresa's life story is told , not by narration , but by subtitling . We read in silence her struggles and life filled with chance encounters which made her stronger . As mentioned , her life story is read by the old shopkeeper , integrating her tale into Meant To Be , taking center stage in the middle of the film , and leading all the segments of the movie into its closure . This is mainly a silent film , not that it doesn't have any dialogue , but rather the characters have more silent time than speaking lines . Kudos to the cast for having to really express their thoughts through body language and facial expressions - this film really does plenty of close ups . I highly recommend this brilliant yet unconventional film . It has something for everyone , be it touching on your personal experiences in love and life , or simply reminding you of the good things you have in life , or inspiring you to do a lot more . Life's full of ups and downs , but it is the perspective in which you view it from , which matters . The choice is yours .
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514,702 | 317,399 | 910,970 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review :
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In some strange twist of Fate , the local release of recent Pixar movies always had us here twiddling our thumbs wondering when it'll finally make its way to the screens , while we hear the accolades ring from the rest of the world in marvelling at the quality that Pixar continually churns out . It's likely that the distributors want to coincide the release with the local school holidays , but frankly , the money also comes from the adult crowd , as testament to this full house in one of the largest screens downtown during a late night screening with nary a noisy kid in tow . And I may sound like a broken record , but Pixar has done it again . Quality stories with quality animation , and it kept the run time to a manageable under 100 minutes , compared to the previous offering Ratatouille , which clocked near 120 minutes ( or actually felt that long ) . I never expected WALL·E to pack in such a strong emotional punch , not that Pixar has never animated non-living objects before ( such as Cars ) , but there's a certain child like innocence appeal that WALL·E possesses , that makes him very charming , and very endearing to the audience . As a Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth-Class , Isaac Asimov's Robot directives has him firmly and dutifully carrying out his duties of compacting Earth's rubbish , as the last of its class on Earth to clean up the mess . Humans have now polluted the world so much that they took to Space in Star Trek inspired ship designs , to live out there while WALL·Es take over to do some massive spring cleaning . Until of course , our WALL·E becomes like The Last Man , erm , Robot on Earth with a cockroach companion , acting and emoting superbly that puts Will Smith to shame . The fantastic thing about WALL·E is that it can tell so much by so little . The first few minutes establish everything we need to know about the current world , and paints a very humanistic , soulful value to the dusty , dirty and rickety robot . He ( see what I mean ? ) has a lot of eccentricities , and in performing his duties , develops quirks and becomes a collector ( of junk ) of sorts , which allows the creators to pump in plenty of sight gags and inside jokes ranging from sound effects ( I swear my Apple is now a WALL·E pre-cursor ) to paying homage to movies such as 2001 : A Space Odessey . In essence , WALL·E is a love story in human terms , where the boy tries hard to get the girl , only to have her spurn his advances . EVE ( which stands for Extraterrestial Vegetation Evaluator ) is WALL·E's object of affection , who got sent to Earth as a probe for life . And my , she's a difficult one to handle , being state of the art , as well as packing a mean self-defense mechanism that makes breaking the ice really difficult . Not to mention as well , a fiery temper to boot . Which means our guy has to really try , and try hard , to break that wall down . Poor thing really , because all he wanted to do , was to hold her hand . The Beatles would have been proud . But of course you'll have to throw in tougher adversary and events to make it all the more worthwhile in WALL·E's pursuit of EVE , which spans lightyears and a plant that becomes the catalyst for their romance . A lot of the movie takes place on board The Axiom , the human ship where a vision of the future is presented , which metaphorically holds a mirror up to ourselves in our over reliance in technology that we're beginning to grow sideways , and not noticing the things that nature has in store for us , human to human communication , and the things that matter . It also has an soft environmental message and stance thrown in , but done so subtly that you wouldn't feel that it's being preachy and a turn off . I hate to admit it too that the movie turned me into a big softie , especially its clichéd finale , where you know what will happen , but yet want to second guess if the filmmakers could be so heartless with an ending that I thought would really make me shed a tear . However , it's Disney after all , and when you think of merchandise opportunities , then business sense prevails . WALL·E deserves every acclaim that it's got , and let me contribute mine too . If you have time to only watch one animated movie this year , or want to bring your kids to one , then make no mistake , WALL·E is the perfect choice , without a doubt , hands down . It makes it to my books as contender for the top 10 movies of the year . Highly recommended stuff , and the leads don't even speak much save to call out to each other ! Oh , do put your bum on the seat early too , as with all Pixar features , there's always a short that preluded it , and Presto is nothing short of hilarious , and a crowd pleaser to rouse the audience into a frenzy before the main act takes over . I guess it's high time I purchase the collection of Pixar shorts available on DVD as well .
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514,570 | 317,399 | 1,263,679 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Firaaq
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If I were given a chance to give out an award during this festival , then Firaaq by Nandita Das would be my choice for the best film I've seen during the festival . And it's quite amazing in itself being a first film of the accomplished Indian actress , that it's laced with sensitivity while at the same time tackling some hard issues head on that deals with the deep rooted negative human condition of hate and violence . Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Gujarat , India , it's an ensemble film with a myriad of characters in multiple story threads which involves a Muslim family who returns to their home only to find it burnt by rioters , of a mixed marriage couple who has to deal with their fears and decision to leave Gujarat for Delhi , of a woman who gets haunted by the ghosts of the incident , and punishes herself for her inaction , of a group of Muslim men all flustered and planning for revenge , of a young orphan wandering the streets , and the list goes on . In each of the threads , which for the most parts are independent of one another , Nandita Das weaves very moving stories and crafts very interesting characters to function within each story , either serving as a mouthpiece for keen observations , or highlighting very deep rooted fears . The film doesn't flinch from making harsh criticisms or statements through dialogues and interactions between characters , and Das manages to paint characters on both sides of the equation , some exhibiting bad behaviour even when confronting their prejudices or when confronted by their fears . If I could draw a parallel to an established film that Firaaq gets close to , then it will be Paul Haggis ' Oscar winner Crash . One can imagine the human rights violations committed during the tense period , and it's quite natural to see how the outcome of such violations through the mob mentality , affect the common man even after the tumultuous period had passed over , because deep inside , we all know that some prejudice are hard to eradicate . I thought the story of Sameer and Anu was one of the most striking of the lot , and most enduring as well , though with each protection dished out by the wife , the husband feels more insecure about his manhood . Some of the most direct and pointed conversations happen when they are on screen , especially how one's inherent self-preservation mechanism kicks in and would go through anything as extreme as a name change to avoid another extreme such as being stripped to verify identities . The final act was actually quite chilling , and I felt it could cut either way , depending on your outlook . One , that it is of hope , that with the next generation lies opportunity to bury the past and forge a new future ahead filled with better understanding , and the appreciation that such violence should never occur again . On the other hand , it reminds of how impressionable a young mind is , and through the wandering within a camp , taking in the sights of the aftermath of atrocities committed , that the seeds of revenge could have been innately planted , and being ready for improper indoctrination for further atrocities to be committed , some time in the future . It's extremely difficult , but not impossible , to break the stranglehold that violence begets more violence . For a rookie director , I feel that Nandita Das has demonstrated that she has what it takes to join the illustrious ranks of female Indian directors in telling very mature stories through assured technique . Firaaq is a shining example , and I hope to see more of her directorial work again soon . Definitely a highly recommended movie in these troubled times of ours , to hold a mirror up against oneself , for some serious self-examination within .
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515,118 | 317,399 | 942,385 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Tropic Thunder
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First of all , the goodies begin even before the main movie starts proper , with some hilarious fake ads and trailers just like Tarantino and Rodriguez's Grindhouse features which fabricated some material of its own , so don't be a dweeb and be late for the movie . Now that the public service reminder is out of the way , Tropic Thunder managed to live up to its hype , which in my personal opinion is a bit difficult these days because the marketing folks usually put the best bits in the trailers so that there's no more surprises left , or that the narrative actually fizzles out into mediocrity , losing steam halfway through the movie . Thankfully , this movie managed to pace and therefore sustain itself right through to the ending . There were a couple of plus points in the movie that made it rewarding to sit through . First of all , the movie satirizes almost everything that makes up the Hollywood film industry , with some keen poking of fun from the actors to the crew , from agents to the studio executives , not to mention relatively direct spoofs of Vietnam War movies like Platoon and Apocalypse Now . Then you also have the ensemble characters who add plenty of dimensional flavour and brought to life by their respective cast . Typical characters for ensemble movies get included , ranging from the action hero , the comedian , the character actor , the rapper turned actor and the newbie teenager on the cusp of his first big memorable break . While the keyart might have only Stiller , Downey Jr and Black on its marquee , the supporting roles and cameos also earn as much respect in delivering this movie , especially an almost unrecognizable Tom Cruise , who dons a bodysuit to hide his pretty boy looks ( not the first time he's done in , ala Vanilla Sky ) , and possessing the rare gift of incessant swearing which I haven't seen him do since Born on the Fourth of July . His character , sleazy studio executive Les Grossman , gets my thumbs up for lighting up the screen each time he's on , and probably had single handedly stole the thunder ( pardon the pun ) from the main leads , which I thought director Ben Stiller had realized the campiness of this role , that he decided it should be milked a lot more . While he plays against type , I doubt Cruise will get any Oscar nods for this insane role , but there's always MTV to show its appreciation to his madcap antics done right , for a role and not on a couch . Besides his supporting role , there were also others such as Steve Coogan as the rookie English director having to control his prima donna actors , and also to try and keep the movie from spiralling further out of budget and schedule , and Nick Nolte as Four Leaf Tayback , a Vietnam Vet who lost 2 of his hands , whose book the movie Tropic Thunder is based on , given the industry's raid on books and graphic novel material to make movies , if not going down the path of remakes . Look out also for plenty of cameos such as Jennifer Love Hewitt , Alicia Silverstone , Jon Voight , and Tobey Maguire if you're on time to view those fake trailers . And what of the leads ? I thought they probably had a good time making this movie , hamming up for their characters and providing some crazy laughs . Ben Stiller leads the team as Tugg Speedman , the action hero who desperately needs a hit to repair his reputation after a disastrous dramatic stint in which he plays the much-frowned upon retarded role of Jack the simpleton . His character is a little of a show-off , and he managed some superb nuances in his persona as the cock-sure action person . Robert Downey Jr plays his opposite number , the exaggerated multiple-award winner Kirk Lazarus who stays in character all the time until the release of the DVD commentary , undergoes a controversial surgical procedure to help him ease into the role , and shares probably some of the best scenes with Stiller in the movie . Move aside Tony Stark / Iron Man , Downey Jr's role here is more memorable ! And to round things off , Jack Black got quite muted as the fart-it-all comedian who doesn't feel appreciated and is a drug junkie , Jay Baruchel as the teenage nobody hoping that his role here amongst the heavyweights would get him laid , and Brandon T Jackson's Alpa Chino just cracks me up on his name alone , as the rapper turned actor slyly promoting the beverage he endorses , and has a very fleeting suggestion of homosexuality ( somehow the rage these days in comedies ? ) Definitely justifies its accolades as one of the comedies of the year . Get some !
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515,355 | 317,399 | 765,447 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Evening
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Based on a novel by Susan Minot , Evening is a story about complex relationships , love , and family . It's drizzled with deep regret , about letting the one walk away , of not having the courage to live out the life you want , constantly allowing societal notions and norms , or how you want others to perceive you , take the unfortunate precedence over what really matters . It zooms in early on the deathbed of Ann Lord ( Vanessa Redgrave ) , where her two children Nina ( Toni Collette ) and Constance ( Natasha Richardson , real life daughter of Redgrave ) take turns to stay by her side , and in doing so , make ample room for their different viewpoints on each other's lives to come into clashing distance . At the same time , through their mother's subconscious murmurings , they discover a hidden life that their mother never discussed about , and wonder just what the juicy details are . In this respect , Evening has two separate narratives in two different timelines , and constantly flips from one to the other , but deftly doing so without making the audience lost or confused . In the earlier timeline , we begin with Ann ( now played by Claire Danes ) and good friend Buddy Wittenborn ( Hugh Dancty ) en route to attend the wedding of his sister Lila ( Mamie Gummer , and if you think she resembles Meryl Streep , then yes , because she's her real life daughter ) , who through body language confesses to them both that she's having second thoughts about her impending marriage , because of her still nursing an old flame affection for hunky doctor Harris Arden ( Patrick Wilson ) , the son of their family's caretaker . And as the story develops , we see how relationships turn , some for the better , though it may be fleeting , while others turn for the worse . It's always a bitter pill to swallow when you discover your affections are only on a one way street , and how uncertainty play a big role in making your life miserable . As the adage goes , you sometimes can't marry the one you love , but you surely can try to love the one you marry . The depth of a woman's heart knows no bounds , and truly , the many characters here have numerous compartments in their hearts for deep dark secrets and hidden desires , coupled with some regrets . I enjoyed how the story unfolded when one is on the deathbed . Seriously , the way I look at it , I too would start to reminisce before I kick the bucket , about the life I've led , whether it was fulfilling and meaningful , and any regrets that I would have that still bugs me before I go meet my maker . If I were to have one gripe on this sad movie tinged with so many regrets , is how the story in between the timelines seem to be non-existent . The one that got away somehow wasn't fully materialized - it was suggested in part , and played on one rather disparate scene , but other than that , there was very little linkage , and you start to wonder if it's because of the guilt both parties felt , of choosing not to be around when tragedy strikes , that led to their coming together being an improbability . Evening turns out to be a very tragic love story , as warm shades of orange turn slowly into cold hard gray . Like movies with predominantly female characters such as White Oleander and Little Women , Evening boasts a stellar cast with numerous award winning actresses in their own right , coming together as an ensemble for one picture , but pity they don't get to interact all together at once , given the split in timelines . Even powerhouses Meryl Streep ( who plays the older Lila ) and Glenn Close ( as Mrs Wittenborn ) were featured separately , which is a slight pity . But their sheer presence , even if they only have supporting roles , more than lifts and add gravitas to the overall picture , where everyone fed off the collective energy of one another , providing excellent performances . It's not a date movie per se , but one that will surely initiate some long hard look at the state of your relationship , and ponder aloud with each other your take on the various issues presented , and provoke discussion into how the characters handle their situation .
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515,236 | 317,399 | 452,637 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Lady in the Water
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I love it . And in the spirit of all movies Shyamalan , I'll keep mum about the plot . I loved the pace , the control , and the development of how the plot unfolded . It had a whodunnit feel of a mystery that is carefully revealed layer by layer . The ensemble cast and characters were fantastic , with each character possessing usefulness to the story and to peer characters , and their eccentricities make them a joy to watch . You have the Korean mother and daughter , the Vietnam Vet , a father and son , a new neighbour , a group of cock-talkers , a guy who works out only his right side , and so on . Although most of them are one - dimensional , they are no less than endearing in their own way , like those in Cocoon or Batteries Not Included . I love the superb acting by the main leads of Paul Giamatti , who's fast becoming one of my favourite character actors , and in here , provided his character Cleveland Heep with much emotional baggage , pain and that almost natural stammer when nervous , and Bryce Dallas Howard , her Lady in the Water , name Story , is so beautiful , yet so enchantingly vulnerable . Both anchor this movie well and brought about believable character development , or in the case of Story , that oracle air of wisdom , wit and fear of the unknown . I love the special effects , done no less by Industrial Light and Magic . They're a pretty sight , even though some scenes were dark , literally and figuratively . Cinematography was done by Christopher Doyle , so those in Asia should already well be aware what he's capable of . There's a major departure from his previous films , which I think is probably good to keep things refreshing for the moment . Some points and scenes in the movie are so deceptively simple that you will almost guess the outcome before the next scene transition . The movie ended the way it should , instead of relying on the " next big gimmick " . And probably bad news of those who loathe directors cameo-ing in the own movies , well , this time round , Shyamalan has quite a significant role for himself . And I know why many critics out there didn't give this movie the rating it deserves . They are surprised at Shyamalan's audacity in taking a huge swipe at critics in general , since they have been highly critical of almost all his past works . It's an obvious no-holds-barred jibe at their anal characters of being high and mighty and of imposing their thoughts and opinions on others , when little do they know that their opinions mean squat most of the time . There's another cheeky reference too at romances in the rain , which I thought perhaps cinematographer Doyle would have found it amusing given his work on Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love and 2046 ( citing these 2 as I've recently watched the former ) . But those aside , thank you M Night , for sharing with us a wonderful bedtime story , which I think will be repeated at bedtime to many children around the world . It's beautiful , simple , easy to grasp , and allows for good shuteye fantasy .
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515,366 | 317,399 | 452,631 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Home Song Stories
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The Home Song Stories made its debut at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year , and I've waited a long time for it to come to our shores . A joint Singapore-Australian production , it's an autobiographical story of writer-director Tony Ayres ' childhood , of what he remembers about his mother , a songstress who uprooted her children and migrated from Hong Kong to Australia , and their struggles to etch a living surviving in a strange land . When watching the film , I can't help but to remember Alfonso Cuaron's Great Expectations , where Ethan Hawke's Finn narrated a line early in the movie , stating quite clearly he's not going to tell the story the way it happened , but rather he's telling it the way he remembered it . And this rings very true in Ayres ' Home Song Stories . Stories from within are always heartfelt and sincere , and that's what this movie brings across - the feeling that it's from deep down , and that of honesty . Like how the movie started with the Chinese oldie " Bu Liao Qing " , mirroring the style the story was told and the narrative being measured , powerful , and very meaningful . What made it work was the excellent acting all round . Of late I've enjoyed Joan Chen's movies these days , compared to her earlier works ( like Judge Dredd or On Deadly Ground ) . Aging like fine wine , her maturity brings about certain gravitas and also likability as she takes on more adult roles , and it's no doubt my favourites were her motherly roles in Saving Grace , Jasmine Women , and now , Home Song Stories . Here , she plays Rose , one who lives on the fast lane in Hong Kong , with some untold secrets from the past . In order to give her two children the best life she could , she milks her looks for what it's worth because of her lack of ability and skill , and for some reason , succumbs to her weakness for men quite easily , falling fast and falling hard , flitting from man to man , being unlucky in love , and providing some headache and embarrassment for her children , who do not know what to make out of the " Uncles " that come through the door . And Qi Yuwu , no doubt bolstered by his cinematic appearance in 881 , gets a meatier role with dialogue . He stars as Joe the illegal immigrant , the young man whom Rose falls for , and becomes surrogate father to her children , and yet , having this threatening air that he has some ulterior motives set on Rose's daughter May ( Irene Chan ) . You might think he's a cad , what with his 70s look and that glint in the eye , but overall , he's someone whom you'll compare with Bill ( Steven Vidler ) , the Australian sailor whom Rose comes to Australia for . Putting both Bill and Joe side by side and the choice is obvious for Rose , but alas , the ditzy indecisiveness of womanhood causes great despair amongst her loved ones . More so for her son Tom , played by Joel Lok . The narrative stems from his point of view , and Lok is the absolute winner here , in fleshing out Tom , the kid who lives in his fantasies , a form of escapism to a very confused childhood . You might think that he's able to take the blows in his stride , but I guess everyone , including a kid , has his own patience . You feel his pain , his confusion , his tears as he struggles to understand his mother's actions . He loves her , yet hates her , and Lok displays a masterful performance here that you might think he's a veteran . This kid's charming , pure and simple . There are many plus points in this movie which makes it exquisite , and the wonderful songs used accentuates the era of that time perfectly . What made it work too was that the characters aren't forced to speak only one language , highlighting their multi-lingual nature quite naturally as they converse in Cantonese , Mandarin and English , which makes it seem more realistic rather than staged . It showcases growing pains really well , of relationships amongst siblings and with a single parent , and what I thought was one of the most powerful run up to an unforgettable scene , was a reminder that when dealing with people , to always be mindful of the hateful words we use . They might be said in the fit of a moment , but they always hurt bad , because everyone has feelings . Like the Chinese saying goes , once it's uttered , it's extremely difficult to retract , and the consequence of it could be damaging or devastating . At its core , The Home Song Stories evokes painful memories , but also brings about the notion of forgiveness , remembering and honouring those memories . A mother's love knows no bounds , even if she behaves in a manner you cannot quite grasp at the moment . Stay tuned when the end credits roll , as you get to see a little more of Ayres ' life and times , and of course , his real mother , put together in a photo montage . This is one movie which you definitely must watch this week . Highly recommended !
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514,487 | 317,399 | 452,623 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Gone Baby Gone
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While Ben Affleck has gotten a number of flak for his acting ability or lack thereof , there is no denying that his directorial debut with Gone Baby Gone deserves the accolades bestowed upon his work , as he directs younger brother Casey in a tale about the seedier side of private investigation , but stripped of noir elements and immersed totally in the wheeling and dealings with plenty of grey . Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan play the couple Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro who owns a private investigations agency dealing with missing people . Theirs is a small outfit , but they're the go-to persons when you need a second opinion aside from the official investigations by the authorities , the ones who can speak to those in the underbelly of society , whose denizens for obvious reasons refuse to speak to cops . They get called upon one day when the relatives of missing child Amanda McCready ( Madeline O'Brien ) sought their help to augment police investigations , and as far as statistics go , entering the investigations at this point in time is like entering a fight with one hand tied behind your back , and reluctantly , they decide to first explore their options and study the background , before taking the case on . It's a fantastic interplay between Patrick and Angie starting off with the latter's fears that results may come in the form of finding the body violated , or in some dumpster . You can't deny that try as you might to emotionally distance yourself from the crime , the fact that it involves innocent children will still somehow grow on you . Worse , the single mom Helene McCready ( Amy Ryan ) is a drug junkie , which of course presented an additional angle with regards to parental responsibility , and more often than not , you'll find yourself disgusted with her white trash antics . While the movie coasts along quite ordinarily in presenting both case facts and narrative development as the investigations wore on , what cemented Gone Baby Gone into greatness , is its final 20 minutes . Adapted for the screen by Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard based on the Dennis Lehane novel , it's filled with incredible melancholy , and ends on a somewhat emotionally sad note with great personal sacrifice . I can't recall a crime thriller of late that gripped you with the finale , especially when many pretenders tried hard , but failed miserably . There's an excellent debate between doing what's right , and what's necessary by the book , although the yardstick of measure definitely differs from person to person . Sometimes , you're stuck in similar catch-22 situations , that it be damned if you do or don't . Depending on your values and principles , you might be called upon to undergo deep questioning of oneself about turning the blind eye and walking away , but unfairly given the constraint of time working against you . I haven't seen much of casey Affleck's work except for his short appearances sharing the screen with the bigger names in the Ocean's 11 franchise . I thought that Gone Baby Gone allowed him to shine through and convince that he can be a leading man , though not necessary single name marquee yet . Michelle Monaghan however continues with her supporting female roles playing love interests and such , and I guess it might take a while before she's able to break out of the stereotype . Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris lend gravitas to Affleck's movie , and show that they can still chew scenes despite their limited screen time . Gone Baby Gone has surpassed expectations , and comes highly recommended from me . You might be surprised at the developments at the halfway mark , and might think there's an error in the runtime , but trust me , that's just where the fun begins and the movie picking up from strength to strength .
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515,371 | 317,399 | 808,506 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
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The poster of this animated movie looks a little suggestive , but nope , it's actually a wholesome time travel movie which explores a little on the vestment of such powers to a klutzy individual , as well as relationships , and the perennial question of what would anyone do if you have the ability to go back into time , and make changes presumably for the better . The Girl Who Leapt Through Time tells a wonderful story centered on 3 friends , the tomboyish and clumsy Makoto Konono ( voiced by Riisa Naka ) , and two hunks Chiaki Mamiya ( Takuya Ishida ) and Kousuke Tsuda ( Mitsutaka Itakura ) . Theirs is a friendship formed after school at the baseball court where they spend quality time talking about typical teenage stuff . Things start to change however , when Makoto by accident gets the power to time travel , and in her own ditzy way , uses her new found abilities for " good " - directly for herself , or in some Emma like moments , to influence the outcome of relationships for her friends and play matchmaker . And that's just scratching the tip of the iceberg . While it's animation style is kept simple and fairly straightforward , it doesn't compromise on the complexity of its storyline . Not that it serves to confuse , rather you'll be amazed by the amount of pathos the story contains , with its various subplots especially when the time travelling stuff kicks in . It has adult sensibilities in the treatment of the plot , and knows exactly when to hit the right emotional chords when warranted . Although based on a book , the story here serves as a quasi-sequel of sorts which takes place some 20 years later , what I can say is that the love stories intertwined has its major one being able to touch like that in Be With You . I loved that movie , and watching how this bore some similarities , you can't help but feel the same emotions coming across in the same way , nevermind that the characters here are animated , as you can feel the pain , the love , and their despair . And that is something that I should say is difficult for the genre - they're not real persons on screen - but yet being able to evoke emotions and for one to react and empathize , definitely makes it powerful , and a cut above others . Something that our local animated films had failed to do in giving us cold characters and bastardized stories from folklore . But it's not always all the time serious in tone or mood . The movie has light hearted moments , sometimes bordering on the slapstick , no thanks to the bumbling Makoto character . In a sequence , it was reminiscent of Chinese Odyssey starring Stephen Chow , where each time travel moment gets played ad nausem with different comedic effect . Undoing blunders as we see is not exactly Makoto's forte , and while she may be using her powers in a carefree way , with great powers come great responsibilities ( sorry , can't resist that one ! ) As usual , anyone can find fault with the time travel paradox which rears its ugly head in any time travel movie , but I would suggest that you park those thoughts aside , and enjoy the story that the Girl Who Leapt Through Time is telling . There are slight attempts at addressing it with its creation of totally new and different realities with each jump , but even then a major paradoxical flaw still exists . At its lowest denominator , the film reminds to seize the day like it's your last , do what's right , and don't be shy in telling someone how you feel about them . The Best Animated Film of the recent Awards of the Japanese Academy , this film gets my vote of support too with its superbly emotional and touching tale , and with its similarities to that aspect of the film which I like to Be With You , it will be no surprise if this movie finds its way to my Top Ten of the year . Highly recommended !
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514,433 | 317,399 | 863,091 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Mukhsin
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Mukhsin is a beautiful movie about a first love story . Everyone probably has one , and this is writer-director Yasmin Ahmad's story of hers , with a boy called Mukhsin . We know that her movies have been semi-autobiographical of sorts , having scenes drawn upon her personal experiences , and it is indeed this sharing and translating of these emotions to the big screen , that has her films always exude a warm sincerity and honesty . Mukhsin is no different , and probably the most polished ad confident work to date ( though I must add , as a personal bias , that Sepet still has a special place in my heart ) . Our favourite family is back - Pak Atan , Mak Inom , Orked and Kak Yam , though this time , we go back to when Orked is age 10 . The characters are all younger from the movies we've journeyed with them , from Rabun to Gubra , and here , Sharifah Amani's sisters Sharifah Aryana and Sharifah Aleya take on the roles of Orked and Mak Inom respectively , which perhaps accounted for their excellent chemistry together on screen , nevermind that their not playing sibling roles . The only constant it seems is Kak Yam , played by Adibah Noor , and even Pak Atan has hair on his head ! Through Mukshin the movie , we come full circle with the characters , and the world that Yasmin has introduced us to . We come to learn of and understand the family a little bit more , set in the days when they're still living in their kampung ( revisited back in Rabun ) , where Orked attends a Chinese school , and packs some serious combination of punches ( and you wonder about that burst of energy in Gubra , well , she had it in her since young ! ) . The perennial tomboy and doted child of the family , she prefers playing with the boys in games , rather than mindless " masak-masak " with the girls , and favourite outings include going with the family to football matches . The arrival of a boy called Mukhsin ( Mohd Syafie Naswip ) to the village provides a cool peer for Orked to hang out and do stuff with - cycling through the villages , climbing trees , flying kites . And as what is desired to be explored , the crossing of that line between friendship and romance , both beautiful emotions . Mukhsin does have its cheeky moments which liven up the story , and bring about laughter , because some of the incidents , we would have experienced it ourselves , and sometimes serve as a throwback to our own recollection of childhood . In short , those scenes screamed " fun " ! We observe the life in a typical kampung , where some neighbours are very nice , while others , the nosy parkers and rumour mongers , spreading ill gossip stemming from envy . There are 2 additional family dynamics seen , one from an immediate neighbour , and the other from Mukhsin's own , both of which serve as adequate subplots , and contrast to Orked's own . As always , Yasmin's movies are filled with excellent music , and for Mukhsin , it has something special , the song " Hujan " as penned by her father , as well as " Ne Me Quitte Pas " , aptly used in the movie Given that the Yasmin's movies to date have been centred around the same characters , the beauty of it is that you can watch them as stand alone , or when watched and pieced together , makes a compelling family drama dealing with separate themes and universal issues like interracial romance , love , and forgiveness . Fans will definitely see the many links in Mukhsin back to the earlier movies , while new audiences will surely be curious to find out certain whys and significance of recurring characters or events , like that pudgy boy who steals glances at Orked . And speaking of whys , parts of Mukhsin too is curiously open , which probably is distinctive of Yasmin's style , or deliberately left as such . I thought that as a story about childhood , recollected from memory , then there are details which will be left out for sure . And subtly , I felt that Mukhsin exhibited this perfectly , with not so detailed details , and the focus on what can be remembered in significant episodes between the two . Another highly recommended movie , and a rare one that I feel is suitable for all ages - bring along your kid brother or sister !
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514,553 | 317,399 | 486,219 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Children of Glory
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Nobody likes to be cheated against in sports , especially so when participating in national level events , and worse , having a supposedly neutral referee awarding dubious decisions that work against your favour , even if it's clear cut they're either receiving some kickbacks , or are genuinely blind . To the Hungarian water-polo team playing against their occupiers the Soviet Union in the 1950s , it meant bowing to rough tactics and having no respite at all . Perhaps what took me by surprise , is how rich the production values are for this movie . Like films set against an historical backdrop , such as Black Book , Lust , Caution and the likes , Children of Glory never scrimped at fleshing out the masses who got themselves involved in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution , where a simple protest in a university spiralled into armed resistance involving thousands marching through the streets , showing their dissatisfaction of mistreatment by the Russians , and the usual chants of " Russians Go Home ! " . While on a macro level it introduced us to the era of Soviet occupation in most of the eastern Europe bloc , this is essentially also a love story , between a national hero of a water polo player Karcsi Szabo ( Ivan Fenyo ) and student activist Viki Falk ( Kata Dobo ) . Naturally their relationship doesn't start off smoothly , with a clash of ideals given that Karcsi is in a privileged position for his value to the country in sports , and having more to lose if the status quo is changed . For Viki , it's change that she , and her fellow student leaders , want to initiate , no matter how small their actions are , but soon enough , it became a hydra that went out of control , giving them a little victory , before the big sledgehammer of a retaliation when any typical authoritarian regime respond with their military might . I guess with those in power , and having those who privilege themselves under such conditions , change will always seem threatening , be it to current lifestyles , or fear for their lives . It might appear selfish as demonstrated by Karcsi's mother in self preservation , constantly reminding Karcsi of his duty to win medals for his country , and not to mix with negative influences such as Viki , associated with trouble for her bearing of arms , and being part of the inner circle of the change movement . But we know love can't keep these two apart , right ? What made Children of Glory a delight , was besides the scenes of historical value , and its recreation of street battles , it had possibly the first water-polo sports game in a movie I had watched , and filmed it with plenty of excitement that you can't help but to cheer the Hungarian team on as they battle for pride , and for their countrymen's struggles back home , as they meet arch nemesis Russia during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic games , resulting in what was a bloody match in the pool . I thought this segment was very well shot , though you had to really sit through the film to be rewarded for a segment toward the finale . Wonderful acting , rich costumes and sets , together with a blend of history to lend some narrative gravitas , make Children of Glory an excellent movie on many fronts . I like it enough for it to make it to my highly recommended list , and contender for the top 10 movies of the year list .
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515,484 | 317,399 | 418,279 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Transformers
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Growing up in the 80s , you can't help but take notice of the Transformers toys which can change from various vehicles to robots , or the cartoon series which had a pretty good run , with its fair share of spin offs having different character variations ( Headmasters anyone ? ) , settings in outer space , 3D animation ( Optimus Prime as a mean looking gorilla ) , all great symbiotic marketing strategies between the toys and the cartoons . But one thing about the animated series though , both the Autobots and the Decepticons had lousy aim , which the Movie ( 1986 ) sought to correct , and " traumatized " ( well , at least me when I was a kid watching this ) kids with mortality for the beloved bots . When Michael Bay was announced to have taken over an updated movie version of Transformers , I was a bit apprehensive , especially when character designs started to leek , and I admit , they were not really pleasing to the eye , and most , if not all , had vehicle model updates . So if anyone's a stickler that the characters must look like their animated originals or the toys , then it is likely you'll probably not enjoy the movie since you can't stand the sight of blasphemous character designs . There are some liberties that the cartoons take , which the movie tries hard to address , especially with the transformation bits , designing which part goes where instead of hiding unwanted bits ( especially wheels ) magically , though broad strokes for certain characters were maintained . But I'm glad to say , this IS a Transformers movie , albeit a little updated in Michael Bay style for the big screen , a worthy summer popcorn blockbuster which delivers and satisfies . It bears Bay's signature style , and truly , it was one heck of an adrenaline ride from start to finish , pausing only to allow you to breathe a little ( with some comedy which might not be everyone's cup of tea , like that call-center bit ) , before ripping everything up again . It's loud , it's noisy , with the usual camera work you'd come to expect from Bay's brand of total mayhem when he unleashes the action . There are times when the intricate character designs work against the movie in the action sequences though , with too many details on screen , and the robots seem to be collapsing in a heap of metal when they clash head on . But these scenes of robots clashing in an urban landscape were mighty realistic , as are the slick transformation sequences , and will leave the fan boy inside you whooping for joy . Fans should be pleased with the effort that went into the live action movie . I was grinning from ear to ear with the little sly bits of references incorporated , like the classic transformation sound effects inherited from the cartoons , and if you keep your ears peeled , you might pick out lines here and there which were reminiscent of the cartoon series and the animated movie back in 1986 . The scene in the autoshop with Bernie Mac was fun , especially with the jab at having an actual Volkswagon Beetle parked beside the new look Bumblebee ( which I thought behaved like Herbie the Love Bug for the most parts of its introduction , despite the update in look ) . There were some inevitable Bay movie references like the flare bit for signalling which was a tad too obvious , and some 360 degree cameraThe story's not as bad as I would expect it to be , but it's nothing to shout about as well , being but just a vehicle ( pardon the pun ) to move the story from action sequence to action sequence . It managed to cram quite a bit in its 143 minute run time , especially in its many human fronts on dealing with a perceived invasion - you have an updated " Spike " ( Shia LaBeouf ) and his new girl Mikaela ( Megan Fox ) being caught in the thick of things with their direct friendship with the Autobots , a group of soldiers led by Captain Lennox ( Josh Duhamel ) dealing with Decepticon attacks in the Middle East , and Secretary of Defense Keller ( Jon Voight ) trying to understand the situation by enlisting a group of hackers , which includes Maggie ( Rachael Taylor ) . As you can tell , the humans have quite a bit going on , and Transformers allowed them to get in on the action as well , making it man versus machine too . Plenty of things went right in my opinion . The casting of Peter Cullen to voice Optimus Prime was a major coup in lending this movie some credibility , as is the replacement voice of Megatron with Hugo Weaving's . The filmmakers too addressed the issue of Megatron pretty nicely - the handgun will just not work in a live action film , and would especially be stretching it a bit should the handgun turn into a gigantic robot . The selection of the Autobots was probably ideal in having Ironhide , Jazz , Ratchet supporting Bumblebee and Prime , leaving the rest for possible future movies . Prime's sympathy for humans again gets exploited by Megatron ( though most times verbally , which got repetitive ) , and what was quite lacking , were the weapons . Prime's black cannon , if I'm right , only managed a very brief appearance , as does Megatron's , as the battles are more fist fights rather than laser gun battles ( which they might miss ! ) And was that Prime's Autobot Leadership Matrix peeking out of his chest ? Watching the Autobots roll out on a highway brought out the goosebumps , and with the door being left open for follow up movies , should this do well in the box office , then we can expect more rolling , and the advent of more characters ! And if rumours of the coming of Unicron are correct , then we all know what to expect of Megatron .
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514,725 | 317,399 | 320,661 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Kingdom of Heaven
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Kingdom of Heaven in 2005 will be what Gladiator was in 2000 . Ridley Scott has delivered a worthy follow up to his Oscar winner , which is also based on medieval times , with a central heroic character , and supporting casts of characters based on history . The sets are as spectacular , instead of just Rome and the Collesuem , we have the Middle East and Jerusalem . The costumes are beautiful , from intricately remade Knights armour , to the desert garb of the Muslim warriors . The soundtrack is a mixture of sounds with middle eastern influences , but somehow pales in comparison with Gladiator and lacks a central theme . Much is said about how the film portrays religion , given the sensitive subject of the Crusades , but I feel that Ridley has achieved a wonderful balance between how Christianity and Islam are portrayed . Both are given fair airtime on their ideologies , and the film tries to preach ( pardon the pun ) about tolerance , yet highlights the dangers of fanatical followers of both religions , of misguidance from men in search of worldly power . Which Christianity took a beating - where senseless battles are waged in the name of Christ , where insensitivity breed contempt . Preists are cast in negative light and given lines like " convert to Islam , repent later " when all around seems lost . It is emphasized in the show that what matters is in your head and in your heart - that noble actions speak louder than mere empty and repetitive " praise the Lord " chants , as if that will protect you during Judgement Day . Orlando Bloom plays Balian , a blacksmith who became a fugitive , but inherited land and army from his father , Godfrey , played by Liam Neeson . The film can be broadly categorized into 3 acts - the first in which Balian searches for his identity and new life in Jerusalem , the second in which the focus is on religion and politics of the time , and the last , the spectacular siege and war . Bloom puts up a commendable performance , so to his detractors out there , you're in for a big surprise . Edward Norton had the difficult task of acting through a mask as leper King Baldwin , and I applaud Ridley's decision of casting real Muslim actors to learn from them . Fans of Eva Green might be disappointed that the relationship between Balian and Queen Sibylla was played down to focus on the battles , but I feel it's a fair trade off . Firstly , some of you might not like the quick-cut-MTV style editing in Gladiator's fight scenes , especially the close ups . This is repeated here though , in a blood splattering manner . The pan-out and general landscape sweeps are mindblowing , and will leave you wanting more . Think about the battles that you see Lord of The Rings Two Towers and Return of the King - the siege on Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith - Kingdom of Heaven delivers the equivalent , probably even better ( without the fantasy elements ) . This is one medieval war movie whose battles will stick in your mind for some time . The audience were the only disappointing experience for me - they were laughing at a dialogue near the end , where a " knight " asked who Balian was , and he answered " I'm the blacksmith " , in which the " knight " answered " I'm the King " . Laughter was abound in the theatre . I was like , HELL-O people ! See that lion motif on his armour ? That's Richard the Lionheart ! D'uh ! The Crusades didn't end there , it waged on . . . What is Jerusalem worth ? Nothing , everything . Watch this , and in my opinion , it has Oscar written all over it . Now to hit the library and research more on the subject !
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514,863 | 317,399 | 441,773 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Kung Fu Panda
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It seems like this is a movie made for all the fanboys out there , regardless of what their obsessions are about . You know , being one who idolizes certain somebodies or some things , and given a day that Fate decides to throw you a curveball and give you that one opportunity to come up close and personal to meet and greet your idol in the flesh , or be thrown into the exact situation that you've always been dreaming about . What would you do , and would you go weak in the knees or be overcome with disbelief that you're actually , finally , realizing your dream ? Panda Po ( voiced by comedian Jack Black ) epitomizes exactly that in Kung Fu Panda , and that struck a chord in me and with many in the audience as well . And for that , no matter how clich� the story would become , it had already done its deal and made the connection . It is no wonder it is rated G here , and I expect that the holiday season would allow cash registers to ring , for animation fans with the different styles utilized to tell the story ( you must be on time and not miss the opening sequence ) , for kung fu fans to get a kick out of classic kung fu moves personified in their animal forms - Tigress ( Angelina Jolie ) , Crane ( David Cross ) , Mantis ( Seth Rogen ) , Viper ( Lucy Liu ) and Monkey ( Jackie Chan ) - collectively known as the Fearsome / Fab Five , and for the kids , given the obvious reason that hey , the protagonist is a cuddly bear . The marketing department , if not already done , should stock up on the plush toys , not only of the hero , but the supporting casts as well . And make their younger forms available too , for they will sell . Story-wise , I can't help but to note its tip of its hat towards the Jackie Chan martial arts movie of the past like Snake in Eagle's Shadow , Eagle Shadow Fist , etc . The formula which follows a misfit with weak or zero martial arts background having to undergo harsh training under a kung fu master , finally realizing his true calling in time to defeat the villain everybody fears . With the Jackie Chan movies , the demise of loved one always trigger off a chain reaction , but since this is G-rated , you won't have the pleasure of having blood spilled , but with so many splatter-type movies in recent times , I have to admit this was refreshing , and even having animated animals that talked , didn't irk me as they are just so lovable here , in their own right . It's an excellent and very even mix of comedy and drama , even though they are quite clich� at times if you grew up with the formula , but I thought that was the point . While the trailers might have given away some stuff , there are still lots more available which are hidden up the sleeves , and some minor word replacement such as " suck " to " stink " , though you would likely be able to stay a step ahead throughout and even guess whatever secrets the movie have , actually are . For its stylistic training sequences , they became a throwback and a link to the fore-mentioned Jackie Chan movies . The fight choreography isn't done shoddily too with its designing of fights true to the characters ' forms , and integrating them all in a manner rarely seen before . Since it's an animated flick , it was able to , and probably ramped up whatever's possible in the kung fu fantasy realm , to give us everything from rooftop flights to an incredible prison break . It didn't waste any effort in tapping from the wealth of kung fu material , what with the various names of deadly moves , secret manuals , teacher-student feuds , and the best part of it all ? Humour being quite unexpectedly well placed , with more hits than misses to break out into a hearty laugh by the panda antics . For all its A-list voice actors in the movie , with the likes of Michael Clarke Duncan , Dan Fogler , Ian McShane and those who provide voices to the 5 key animals , Kung Fu Panda is clearly a Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman vehicle . The bantering between the two is priceless as the latter plays Sifu ( duh ) the master teacher , a highly-strung and serious character who has a past they are shameful about ( don't they all ) . And as his own teacher Oogway ( read : Wu Gui , aka tortoise , voiced by Randall Duk Kim ) advises , herein lies an opportunity for Sifu to rediscover himself when training possibly the next-big-thing ( pardon the pun ) Po , whom he foretold as the mythical Dragon Warrior . So begins the forging of friendship , long lasting bonds and trust between the two , even though they got off the wrong footing . And you can probably feel for Po , because for a fanboy type , having your idols scoff at you at first opportunity , is actually quite painful . As a kids movie , there's almost always a message to take away . Here , it's a reminder to believe in oneself , which I guess is a universal theme to instill some confidence in the young ones . You might not look the best , nor are the best amongst your peers , but so long as you have that attitude to want to learn , that should put you in good steed . As a summer blockbuster movie , it's fun , thoroughly entertaining , and doesn't try to be too smart . It's likely to be a crowd pleaser across all age demographics , and an ultimate popcorn fare , so long as you manage to keep the popcorn away from the thieving hands of the panda . And with this release beating local film Kung Fu Gecko to the screens , I wonder what's the status currently on the Nickson Fong project .
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515,179 | 317,399 | 360,486 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Constantine
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I haven't read the Hellblazer comic books by DC / Vertigo , so I do not know much about the John Constantine character , or how the show deviates from the comic books . However , without background knowledge , this is one excellent movie , with great characterization of biblical characters like Archangel Gabriel , Balthazar and even Lucifer himself , plot and subplots , special effects and music . The movie starts literally with a bang , and it never lets up after that with its even pacing . Keanu Reeves has proved that once again he is master . To his detractors , I'd say hold your horses , watch this show , and chances are you'll be a fan convert . Rachel Weisz , wow . Hell has never looked as good ( ! ) as what's shown in this movie . The effects are world class , and brings forth to glory and life , the demons and damned creatures from hell . The Constantine Theme provides the noir , a dash of suave and attitude to the movie and when it's on , you just know something awesome's about to happen . Stay till the end of the movie , it'll show you the aftermath of one of the characters .
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514,920 | 317,399 | 338,751 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Aviator
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This almost 3 hour bio-epic of Howard Hughes , the second collaborative film between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio ( the first being Gangs of New York ) , may seem as mammoth as the sproose goose , but with excellent casting , acting , sets and pacing , you'd be clammering for it to continue as it barely scratches the surface of Hughes eventful life , as director , aviator and visionary . Squeezed into the film are so many themes and subplots , it makes you eager to want to learn more about this fascinating icon , in addition to the Early Hollywood to post-WWII era covered . Hollywood - this is at its earliest , with classic screen legends brought to life again . The first 15 minutes of the film lets you into the production of Hughes ' Hell's Angels , and other classics of his like Scarface and The Outlaw were covered , with the latter's friction with the censorship board on mammaries bringing huge doses of humour . Also , look out for Jude Law's Errol Flynn ! Romance - between Katharine Hepburn , played so perfectly by Cate Blanchett , and Kate Beckinsale's Ava Gardner , who teases and asks Hughes of nothing more than buying her dinner . Minor love relations are briefly mentioned , or given the " Tabloid Treatment " . The Aviator - Hughes designs , builds and then test flies his own planes . We get to see him being the fastest man on earth , circling the globe , critically crashing his Air Force's spy plane prototype , and piloting his crowning glory , C-130's granddaddy Hercules . Corporate Business - Business is war , between Hughes ' WTA and Alec Baldwin's PanAm . Watch how they scheme against each other for the battle of the skies ! Corruption - Politics and money don't mix . . . or do they ? We get a sneak peek into the corruption and bribery of the early days . Oops , or should I say , generous donations ? Excessive Compulsive Disorder - Hughes suffers from ECD , and is obsessive with cleanliness . He uses his own bar soap in public loos , doesn't stand anything raw , or the tiniest speck of dirt on anyone else's shirt . We see the disorder zapping his of his sanity , and he declines into living in filth ( the irony of it ) and stark naked in his projection room , suffering from the disorder at its worst , before Ava plucks him out of his rut . I have to admit I ain't much of a Martin Scorsese fan , till now . I haven't watched Goodfellas , and my recent memory of Scorsese is Gangs of NY , and the lending of his voice for the blowfish in Shark's Tale . Here , he masterfully mixes and weaves the themes together into one long compelling narrative . I have always been a fan of Leo DiCaprio's acting abilities , from What's Eating Gilbert Gabe , to spouting Shakespeare in Bahz Luhman's R+J . This is yet another occasion where he plays someone real and does one heck of a job . This show has something for everybody , is Oscar worthy , so don't miss it . Now I gotta hit the stores to get one of his biographies . . .
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514,461 | 317,399 | 999,922 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Ultraman Mebius & Ultraman Brothers
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I grew up watching Ultraman on television , so much so that back then I can sing the theme song , in Japanese ( of course not knowing exactly what it meant ) ! With so many variations on the Ultra heroes , it's actually quite easy for a kid to follow , with each episode having a different ugly monster wreck havoc on Earth ( ok , make that Japan ) , and each time Ultra - whoever will transform himself , do battle through his kung-fu moves , until that red light on his chest blinks as an indication to stop monkeying around , and then he finishes the monster with his signature moves . Ah , nostalgia ! But what I did like about Ultraman , was indeed the intricate modelling done on the landscapes of Japan , and how they get so painfully destroyed by the monster imitating Gojira , or when our hero is on the receiving end of a smackdown to the ground . And the special effects , though so dated today , were really captivating to a kid those days . I have many fond memories of my collection of Ultraman figurines , which somehow mysteriously disappeared after cousins came visiting one afternoon many years back . Over the years , especially after television stopped airing updated episodes , Ultraman faded , but always had a special place inside my heart . There were the new versions of late , what with Ultraman Tiga , Dyna and what have yous . I found their design to be un-Ultraman like , especially with their shades of blue . Watching some episodes didn't trigger my interest , so I did not pick up from where I left off . However , in celebration of 40 years since the creation of the very first Ultraman , a new movie ( only released in disc format here ) was spotted on the shelves , that of a certain Ultraman Mebius . While I thought his colour scheme was right , and the new kid on the block very nicely designed and pleasing to the eye , what caught my interest was the words " Ultraman Brothers " , and in the same cover , you see the heroes of old , including Ultraman , Ultraman Jack , Ultraseven , and Ultraman Ace , together with Ultraman Taro and Ultraman Zoffy . Wow ! But the barebones DVD coupled with its unattractive price put me off for a bit , until I saw a preview of it being shown on the television of an electronics shop . And I was sold ! I bought the DVD , and rarely do I pop it into the player immediately ( I still have stacks of DVDs unwatched ) , but I did for this one . And I loved it tremendously , nevermind the kiddish plot and central theme of " the power of confidence can give you courage " kinda fortune cookie sayings . For the uninitiated ( as if I was an expert ) , Yi Lai is in the GUYS formation , one of those world wide policemen with snazzy equipment and vehicles to combat monsters that invade earth , but almost without a doubt never using such firepower given the presence of Ultraman . Yi Lai is Ultraman Mebius , and when called upon , he has this transformation device attached to his wrist to being him up to size . Mebius is quite athletic , and has a range of powers which this movie will introduce you to , coupled with a streak of green in his level of experience . After all , Mebius had selected to come to earth because he wanted to find out whatever happened to his brothers Ultraman , Jack , Ace and Seven . The quartet had been living a life of seclusion of sorts in their human form , sacrificing their ability to transform in order to imprison a vicious monster . And you know what the best part is ? The filmmakers got the ORIGINAL human actors to portray their aged counterparts , and fused some montage shots from their resp ective series of yesteryears ! You just cannot get any more cooler or more authentic than that ! Pure nostalgia flowing I tell you ! And this lends some weight when the quartet had to counsel Yi Lai and dispense some tips and tricks to our new rookie protector of earth - we've been there , and done that ! Not to spoil the story ( which isn't much anyway ) , the action sequences are to die for . Fans will recognize our respective heroes ' signature killer moves , and after 40 years , CGI has crept into the movie in the depiction of our heroes ' battles against the monsters , but that is not to say it's forgetting its man-in-a-rubber-suit heritage . You get the best of both worlds combined , with close-ups and more physical stunts done by stuntmen , and the more fantastical , in flight action rendered through computer graphics . It's pure eye-candy , and one which you're definite to watch on repeat ! This is a recommended must watch for all Ultraman fans out there , and I'm already eyeing the original series boxset which is currently still priced beyond my reach . Tears will flow when I watch those episodes I tell you ! And Mebius does seem interesting enough for me to want to follow his exploits . So if anyone out there wanna get my a gift for whatever occasion , you probably know what to get me now , don't you ? : P
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514,951 | 317,399 | 454,914 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Perhaps Love
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I fell in love with the introductory analogy . Life is like the movies , in which you are the director , producer and the star . In your life , there are other co-stars , and of course , that significant other . But what if you happen not to be sharing the limelight in your other's life ? Editing is always a pain , and in the final product , you will then learn if you are sharing the same billing , get relegated to a cameo , or in the worst case , get cut out entirely and lie on the floor of the editing room . Similarly to my 2004 movie of the year , Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , this film too takes a look at the trying to forget someone in your life entirely . Except in this one , there is no faux-pas scientific methods , but done by sheer human will and pretense . This is a musical within a musical , and a beautifully choreographed one at that . First thoughts will be , hey , it looks like Moulin Rouge , with big colourful sets , dancers , singers , stunts , and songs with meaningful lyrics . Yes , and given similar themes like Love and Hate , but Perhaps Love tells its own story . The soundtrack befits the musical , and I won't be surprised if anyone adapts this for the stage too . Japanese heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro plays Lin Jian Dong , a struggling film student when he met his love in Beijing . When the film begins , he's already an accomplished actor , and chances upon that same love in his latest movie collaboration . He's not the least surprised at being given the cold shoulder , and goes all out to try and win her back . But exactly what his motivations are - love , revenge , closure , that one pleasure filled fling , remained to be seen . Much is said about his ability to sing ( or lack thereof ) , but I felt that he sang convincingly in this movie , and fleshed out his role as the pained lover realistically . When his final intentions are revealed , you can't help but to emphatise - yes , that perhaps what he did was justified . Contrasting Kaneshiro's character is Jackie Cheung's Nie Wen , the auteur director with his mood swings . His current lover and muse is Jian Dong's love in Beijing , and he comes to discover this fact after filming begins . He feels cheated upon , hurt , and channels his raw emotions onto the film . There should be no doubt as to Cheung's singing prowess - powerful is the one word summed up , though I thought it's always the same song ? Between the two male leads , his is surprisingly magnanimous , and shows true courage as compared to Jian Dong . Chinese actress Zhao Xun plays Sun Na , the woman caught between the two men . One is her lover in a past she wants to forget , while the other is her lover who brought her stardom in the present world . It's a highly complicated-in-emotions role , one which explores , and for those in love , might have felt in one way , or at some points in time . When you feel your love is holding you back , would you give it all up to pursue your dreams ? Sun Na is one such woman , who will stop at absolutely no cost , and jump on every available opportunity presented , to seek fame and fortune . And it is she who walked out of Jian Dong's life at least twice , to be with an American director , and later , with Jian Dong's assistant director friend , before we currently see her in the present . Ignoring Jian Dong when they meet in their new film , she can't help but feel her icy walls being broken down by his persistence , though Jian Dong had assistance from Korean Jin Ji-hee's role as Montage , a spirit who interacts with all characters and weaves in and out of the plot , bringing about a feel that there's always that higher being involved in events that unfold in life . And the way the characters interact is probably fused so seamlessly into the musical , within the musical . Unable to express themselves freely , they do so through the musical's story , premise , and lines . It doesn't feel contrived , but the entire narrative seemed flawless . Even the flashbacks doesn't mar the pacing of the film , but brings about a natural progression and revelation of character development and events . Perhaps Love is a truly wonderful experience , especially for those who have been in the same ship before . Its ending isn't typical , but one which perhaps is the most realistic an ending can be for the characters involved . Peter Chan has crafted a beautiful masterpiece of a musical for the Hong Kong film industry . Catch this on the big screen before its run is over !
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514,634 | 317,399 | 1,135,972 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Le Grand Chef
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A romantic comedy about food should evoke some hunger pangs , as well as some mouthwatering oohs and aahs for the sheer visuals of food that you'll probably swear you can smell and taste , if done right . However , the first reactions from Le Grand Chef is " eeeeeeeeeeeee " followed by plenty of reeling from the graphic nature of fresh sashimi preparation . The opening scene is the preparation of fresh golden blowfish , where you'll see the fish still gasping in its last stages of life , snuffed through a deft decapitation of its head , followed by the fins , before skinning it in one fall swoop , disembowelment and the slicing of its meat so thinly that it's translucent . Based on a popular comic book series , Le Grand Chef perched on the # 1 spot in Korea for three weeks , touching very familiar territory in the likes of films shown a few months back such as No Reservations and Ratatouille . We're soon introduced to two rival chefs , Sung-chan ( Kim Kang-woo ) and Bong-joo ( Lim Won-hie ) , where they are to present to a judging panel to wrestle control over a famed restaurant . Needless to say , Sung-chan fails miserably through obvious foul play , and quits the scene . Becoming a well known produce farmer with fans made from middle aged housewives , Sung - chan is soon persuaded to return to the scene by VJ Jin-su ( Lee Ha-na ) through a cooking competition , where the prize is a rusty blade belonging to the Royal Chef , an artifact with so much rich history , it just had to tie into the lives of Sung-chan and Bong-joo and their ancestors . So it's game on everybody ! With good food photographed so beautifully , there's nothing not to like about the movie , despite its very familiar storyline , The plot may be recycled from various cookery / food movies , even like Stephen Chow's God of Cookery , but here , it goes to show that the delivery plays a huge part . While it is very obvious to rattle on and on about the competition proceedings , director Jeon Yun-su mixes things up and borrows loads from Japanese movies where food is concerned ( Udon , anyone ? ) and added ingredients from melodrama to bloat the plot . Fortunately , they don't dilute the movie , but provided a good variety of subplots on the side , ranging from supporting side characters such as a famed charcoal maker , to comedy involving the quest to cook the perfect Ramen . Running through the narrative is plenty of flashbacks into the ancestry of the rival chefs , which had a simple mystery on the sins of their ancestors , adding some form of depth into the hatred these men have toward each other . For once , I thought the flashbacks were as effective as they were entertaining . While the subplots serve to entertain , the cookery competition serves up a feast for the eyes , albeit it took a backseat in the second half of the story after a flurry of first half activity , so much so that split screens in comic book style had to be employed to squeeze as much as possible on screen at the same time . And the presentation was kept fresh with different styles employed so that it's not the same after each round of competition , keeping in line with the necessity of having things fresh , akin to food . Le Grand Chef is a delightful film to sit through , and probably fired the first salvo for 2008 as a contender to be amongst the top of my list this year . It's not just or always about food , but the philosophy , ingredients and plenty of heart , nevermind the cliché that come along with it , especially with the some similarities to Pixar's last offering , from plot to characters . One thing's for sure , food critics aren't really a likable bunch from the way they are portrayed in movies , ha !
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514,892 | 317,399 | 884,328 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Mist
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With a title like The Mist , you probably won't be faulted if the first thing in your mind is that it's one of those run of the mill horror movies , like The Fog and The Haze ( ok , so I made the last one up , it's actually a recently made short film competing in Berlin ) . And the trailers do suggest strange shenanigans happening inside a mist shrouded town , so in the hands of any mediocre storyteller , it's so easy to make them go Boo . Based on the novella by Stephen King , The Mist turned out to be unexpectedly excellent , with audiences whooping for joy both at the right and wrong places . Granted , sometimes Stephen King's materials do make uninteresting movies when adapted incorrectly and helmed dubiously , but Frank Darabont has proved himself with his previous King works like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile , both good movies in their own right , with excellent casting . Here , a cast of mostly unknowns carry the movie , and the direction doesn't rely on gimmicky tricks to frighten you , but in its measured , calm and at times standard by-the-book style , it brings heightened tension every step of the way . Thomas Jane , whose last movie I saw was The Punisher , stars as David Drayton , a comic artist whose house was smashed in one night by a tree during a bad storm . The next morning , he leaves his wife , and bringing his child and neighbour , they journey to the local supermarket to get supplies for home repairs , but not before realizing the army whizzing away at top speed . The pace picks up and within 10 minutes , the shoppers in the supermarket find themselves locked in as a mist descends upon them , with a frantic man running back to warn everyone that there's something within the mist . If we're talking about a cliché story , you'll probably get wave after wave of attacks on the shoppers inside the supermarket , as they barricade themselves in for a fight for survival . However , all that turn out to be secondary , as the story becomes clear that it's not about it being a horror movie , but a social mouthpiece about a couple of topics , all of which centres upon fear , and holding a mirror unto ourselves . We are afraid of the unknown , and chances are it will lead us to make irrational decisions , sometimes firing from the hip . The movie will constantly probe you into questioning how you would respond to the given situation , whether you'll break under pressure , or be able to maintain a sane mind in formulating survival plans . And in the unknown , there would bound to be a Bible-thumper . Truth be told , I thought that the character Mrs Carmody ( sounds like " comedy " , played by Marcia Gay Harden ) will be one that the censors here might be touchy with , given how she was portrayed in extremely negative light . In times like these where there's a huge question mark hanging over you , there will be those who turn to religion for answers , and sometimes they may drift into the fanatical zone on the words of false prophets . Then I realize that this of course could be left as a warning against extremism , that it doesn't , most of the time , solve problems , but create them , and in the false name of god , makes it easier to do so too , in persuading others to join in the lost cause . Naturally , the preservation of self also takes centerstage , and does so very early , almost from the start - how we think of others having ulterior motives against ourselves , and just how much would we contribute for the greater good , or toward fellow friends and acquaintances . And this rams itself in with a key ironic scene , that sometimes , on positive karma , you may be rewarded for the good things you've done for others . There was a tinge of sadness , pity and sense of woe in the ending , and I enjoyed every minute of it , even though you may have guessed how it would turn out to be . As a friend put it , neither of us expected Frank Darabont / Stephen King to have the brass balls they had to pull it off , but it just had to be to evoke those emotions , making it all the more powerful , and wretched , at the same time . Despite it being devoid of a soundtrack until the final moments , I thought it was highly effective in not having one , letting ambient noise play a primary role . It allowed all our senses to be focused on how things were developing during the movie , without having music to emotionally manipulate our thought process and opinions . There are moments that you had to judge , without being biased by any particular soundtrack playing over the background . But fret not , interspersed nicely between scenes of questioning , are the scenes of the usual action-adventure that you'll come to enjoy , often times squealing together with the characters ( and depending on the audience , them too ) as the unfortunate faceless / characterless few start to succumb to the out of the world creatures . We've waited for a long time for The Mist to descend upon our shores , and now that it finally did ( almost , at a GV Surprise Screening ) , it didn't disappoint a bit , but surpassed all expectations . Highly recommended .
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515,180 | 317,399 | 395,169 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Hotel Rwanda
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This is a powerful drama . In 1993 , there was ethnic war between the Tutsis and the Hutus in Rwanda . The film highlights the horrors of war , and also brings forth that a man must do , in all his ability , to always protect his family first in times of crisis . It's sad , but true , that there is always a limit to the number of people you can help . Don Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabagina , a hotel manager whose hotel was used by the UN and world media as a base for covering the supposed peace treaty between the 2 ethnic groups , and later used as a place of safe refuge when Hutus start to ethnic cleanse the " cockroaches " Tutsis - it's amazing how easily hatred is bred through endless radio broadcasts . Being a Hutu himself , and married to a Tutsi , this brings forth danger to Paul himself . However , with his street smarts , and network connections , he manages to stay one step ahead of the situation , and brings hope to his family , employees , and refugees , when all seems bleak . While the West has abandoned Paul and Rwanda , Paul has shown courage and hope in turning things around , during times of violence and rampant corruption . You're as good as what you can offer to those in power - once you have nothing , you're as good as a goner . This doesn't only apply to Paul and the generals , but also , on a bigger picture , between the West and Rwanda as well . I haven't watched a lot of movies starring Don Cheadle , except for the Ocean movies . Given these shows tend to root for strong leading man types , probably Denzel Washington , Cheadle does an excellent job here . No doubt the lack of A-stars , the supporting cast gave commendable performances , see if you can spot Joaquin Phoenix underneath his bearded face ! I shan't preach here , but I must state that genocide is evil , and the world cannot turn a blind eye when it happens , no matter where . Watch this film , and understand .
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515,226 | 317,399 | 819,794 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : My Mother is a Belly Dancer
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My Mother is a Belly Dancer is the last in the series of the FOCUS : First Cuts project , and to my surprise , it's my favourite of the lot , beating Crazy Stone , one of my movies of the year 2006 ! It's no secret that I dig dance movies , but this one is not the usual flick filled with teen angst and such . It has a lot more gravitas to it , and contains characters that you actually care for , with universal themes which makes it easier to reach out to audiences . Belly dancing is getting popular amongst the dance crowd in Singapore . It's sensual , with those shoulder shimmies and belly twists , and contains moves that will probably give those abs a fabulous workout . It's a traditional dance , and no doubt with its sensuousness , it takes a little getting used to , especially for local Asian women who are generally shy to expose that midriff and shake that booty . ( Clarification : I think younger women have no qualms , but the movie's focus is on the " auntie crowd " ) Set in a residential estate , the film looks into the lives of 4 women , and how dance , in particular the belly dance , helped to develop them into stronger women , from the traditional demure roles into independent womanhood . We actually look at mums of different ages and backgrounds , such as a housewife who gains no respect from her husband nor her kid son , a single , young mother , a fruit seller whose husband she suspects is having an affair , and finally , a rubbish collector whose facing problems with feeding her large family of kids given her husband's inability to hold down a well paying job . Before you scream in disgust that this is typical women-power stuff , I'd like to assure that it actually has a lot of heart , and that's what made this movie so enjoyable . It's about finding strength and the acceptance of reality . It's about assertion and moving on . Each woman face their own unique problems in their lives , and by coming together in the dance class , they form a strong bond with one another , especially when the dance class itself face discrimination from the more traditional , uptight older womenfolk who view it as immoral and slutty . Their problems and challenges in their personal lives run viz-a-viz the issues of keeping their class alive , and by saving their class and keeping their spirits alive , they too subconsciously experience a change in their character . The lead actresses , though not frequently seen in movies these days , all put up commendable performances , even though some of their characters start off in a one - dimensional manner . They added believability with their earnest portrayals of women facing problems , and who turn out for the better when they discover new strength during their dance sessions , and through the forging of new bonds . Andy Lau returns to lend some star power in the movie , as with most of the other FOCUS : First Cuts project films . Here , he cameos as the owner of a middle eastern bar , where women congregate and share their love for belly dancing . So just what exactly is happiness ? That's what the movie seeks to explore , and presents at the same time , the common viewpoints of family live as seen through different eyes , in different forms , under different circumstances .
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514,494 | 317,399 | 416,449 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : 300
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The trailers which have whetted the appetites of fanboys everywhere have now given way to the premiere of the movie . Fanboys , the wait is over ! 300 hits our shores this week , and to action buffs , this is the moment that we're waiting for ! Pure , unadulterated , violent action , true to the visuals of Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same name , based on an imaginative retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae , where King Leonidas ( Gerard Butler ) and 300 of his Spartan warriors defended their land against the invading Persian army , led by the self proclaimed god-king Xerxes ( Rodrigo Santoro ) . One of the appealing factors of this classic tale is that size does not matter , so long as you've got the right techniques . It's a classic David versus Goliath , only that David is better trained , and has more grit , honour , courage to stand up for what he believes in , and to defend all that he loves . It's akin to telling the bullies not to go too far , or face the wrath and fury of those pushed to a corner . The Spartans embody the positive traits of men who are proud warriors , led by someone whom you'll always prefer to go to war with , a leader who leads , rather than a leader like Xerxes who directs . In recent times , ever since Peter Jackson unleashed his epic battles from the Lord of the Rings trilogy , we've a number of movies that hopped on the bandwagon , from Troy to Alexander , all wanting to revisit the clashing of the swords amongst gladiators . But instead of something that rings familiar ( just how many fights can you sit through before they look all the same ? ) , director Zack Snyder managed to craft very distinct looking fights , and the action choreography is something to behold , exclaiming the point that when the Spartans fight as one keen unit , they are a force to be reckoned with . You can't wait for the Spartans to use their shield-spear-sword combo , and you're rewarded soon enough . Kudos of course to the stunt team and fight choreographers in designing different battle set pieces for each incoming wave of the Persian army , and I like the bit with the oriental looking Invincibles . It's not all pure action , dismembered body parts and CGI splattering of blood . The action does take a breather once in a while to content with the usual rotting of Greek politics with Lena Headey's Queen Gorgo trying to drum up support for more Spartan warriors to join her husband in the defence of the land . As usual , the expected back stabbing , dirty politicking strokes rear its ugly head , and there are scenes that probably will get you seething . Somehow , the wise councillors always get portrayed as old buffoons , and this one is no different , especially in a scene where they act like dumb sheep . However , given that this is a well known tale , the inevitable is just waiting to happen , and somehow , I felt that it tapered off towards the end , in a rather anti-climatic manner , after raising your adrenaline each time with successive battles that seem to top the previous . I thought at certain points you could draw upon references from other contemporary movies . Certain plot points and shots somehow reminded me of Zhang Yimou's Hero , with its rousing army war cries and the liberal use of arrows . Not only that , Lord of the Rings was tapped upon again , in giving us a Gollum-looking like " creature " used in a similar mould . And Braveheart too comes to mind . But those aside , I would say this has all the ingredients for box office success . Sex and violence sells , and I'm pleased that this movie survived the censors unscathed , with an M18 rating . If the Oracle brings to mind the jolly matronly like lady in the Matrix movies , this movie will attempt to shake off that memory with a writhing nymph like seer . I do not know how anyone can boo at this movie , unless of course you're not an action movie lover . Sit back , relax and watch the spectacle unfold up close as if you're battling side by side with the Spartans . It doesn't get any better than that .
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514,538 | 317,399 | 384,504 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Saving Face
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The first thing that hits you in this movie , is the realization of how accurate its portrayal of traditional Chinese values are , and the spot on capture of the various stereotypes amongst the Chinese people . Hence the title about Face ( literally translated from the Chinese language for respectability ) . Face is something that can be lost if you've done something shameful and not the norm , and to the traditionalist , Face must be preserved at all cost . But lo and behold , the two main protagonists , Wil ( Michelle Krusiec ) and her mother ( played by Joan Chen ) , are anything but traditionalists . While on the surface , the mother might seem like your typical neighbourhood auntie , she became the family outcast when she's pregnant with a child whose father's identity she refused to reveal , and is driven out of the home by Grandpa , Chinese values personified . She starts to intrude into the life of her daughter Wil , a doctor , who's more westernized . And Wil too develops a lesbian relationship with her boss ' daughter Vivian , a dancer . Wil has her hands full as she struggles with the demands and expectations of her new found relationship , trying hard to keep her relationship under wraps as she doesn't know how her loved ones would react , and taking care of her mom . For the conservative folks out there , don't mind the lesbian love ; it's the themes behind this movie that are universal , and appealing . Little nuances were very much welcomed in the movie , like filial piety ( yes you may not like what your mom is doing to your life , but you respect her anyhow ) , the congregation of Chinese people in western lands for their weekly dinner-and-dance matchmaking sessions , the malicious gossips and the spreading of rumours like wildfire amongst a close-knit community . Many of these led to natural humour at seeing cultural values , misconceptions ( like the Soy Sauce joke ) and prejudices played out on screen . It's also a story about coming out of the dark with controversial relationships ( single parenthood , lesbian love ) , having the courage to stand up for who you are and love , and the acceptance of the only constant in life - change . We see the dominating fatherly figure in the movie come to realize this fact as he resigns to the fate about his lost of face . I have two favourite scenes in this movie ( no , it's not the lesbian sex in case you're wondering , and even that has been edited too , despite its R21 rating ) . The first scene is something that plays like a small homage to The Graduate , with the interrupting of a wedding scene and running away only to end up in a bus . They sit in silence , before wondering what the next step should be . Just as the Graduate dealt with an unconventional relationship , so does this movie , and I found it somehow apt to have adopted it in this film . The other is the statement it made about relationships . It's personal , between two persons , and it doesn't matter what others think . Conditioning and culture might have made us conservative in the declaration of our true feelings , but the message in the movie is to let these inhibitions go . Some might not like the movie's use of both Mandarin and English in the same conversation , especially when trying to figure out why Wil speaks English to her mom , while she replies in Mandarin ( yes , she knows a little English , but doesn't seem to suffice her understanding of Wil's more complete sentences ) . But hey , put that aside , and you'll enjoy other conversational pieces where the characters break into , and uses the other language's words as substitutes , kinda like how we bilinguals speak sometimes . It's a clash of western's open and Asian's conservative cultural values in an earnest tale of traditional and modern relationships and love , packaged with an excellent soundtrack selection . This is going into my books as one of the contenders for my movie of this year . Oh yeah , did I forget to mention that the female leads are attractive eye candy too ? Highly recommended !
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515,031 | 317,399 | 282,599 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) Il Mare ( 2000 )
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One of the earlier Korean hits in Singapore was Il Mare , starring Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Jung-jae , and last year it became the excuse of a remake by Hollywood to reunite Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock on the big screen . If anything good comes out these remakes , it is the acknowledgement that Asian stories are finding some legs to travel . There was no hesitation to obtain my copy of this movie when I saw the DVD , given that almost all the versions of the movie here was the VCD oneJust so you know where I'm coming from , I haven't seen the original , and had seen the Hollywood remake first . But if you were to ask me to decide right now which version is superior , I would say without hesitation , the original Korean one triumphs over the remake , simply because , as a romance , it sure knew how to present it the way it's supposed to be . The way the movies were made , is akin to the lake house featured in both movies - the Hollywood one is very grand , with plenty of bells and whistles , but the Korean one is simpler though by no means less effective , in its minimalist look and feel , puts the focus of the story squarely on our lovebirds separated by time . The first thing that strikes you is how quiet this movie can be . There is less dialogue , and it allows the images do the talking . As the cliché goes , a picture is worth a thousand words . Containing plenty of beautiful , idyllic soft focus shots which contribute to the overall romanticized feel , Il Mare is slowly and intricately paced , and less complicated with its relationships , and its supporting cast is few and not given anything substantial to steal thunder and limelight . This , compared to the very Hollywood style of development every minor subplot into a major one , and having to explain everything to the audience - this I thought was sledge-hammered through in the remake very early on into the film , which after watching how it was dealt in the original , you'll agree at which version is more superior . There were many instances of " homage " shots , like the red coat , the paw prints , and the shots of the mailbox , as well as adapting plot elements like the train incident , and liberties were taken to bring to life some of its supporting casts , which were only mentioned in passing in Il Mare . If not for the inflation of run time because of the lack of skill in making a beautiful picture , then I don't know what is . Il Mare allows the audience room to piece together clues and events , without stifling , and this enables a greater appreciation , as well as time to be absorbed totally into the lives of our protagonists , 2 lonely hearts finding each other through a temporal time warp via a mailbox at Il Mare , the name of the Lake House . One's an architect , and the other's a voice artistes , and both connect heart to heart during the winter season , leaving the question of , if we can click , why not meet up and get together ? Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Jung-jae play off each other really well , even though they share limited screen-time together . Coupled with the way each had their individual scenes shot , framed , and presented , I'd say again , you can't help but to feel for these 2 , and root for them to transcend hell and high waters to come together . Watch this movie to find out if they do ! ! Certainly one of the better romantic tales out there , done totally right . Forget about The Lake House , make it Il Mare instead !
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514,404 | 317,399 | 497,116 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : An Inconvenient Truth
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You can't make somebody understand something if their salary depends upon them not understanding it . - Upton SinclairNow if there's a story that's terrifying , An Inconvenient Truth is more horrifying that the recent slew of horror and disaster films out there , because , if you buy the message , this is true , and what's happening right here right now . We can't escape the consequences if we continue doing what we do to harm Nature , but yet we still have the power and ability to make a difference . Sounds simplistic ? Well , maybe . Then again , cynicism will not help any bit . An Inconvenient Truth is a documentary , touching on the very issues of our survival and existence on this only planet we call Earth , the only one we can call home . Al Gore , used to be the next president of the United States , or could be if going by popular vote , brings to us , on the big screen with the assistance of director Davis Guggenheim , an issue he holds dearly , as seen in his relentless crusade around the world , to spread the message that the Earth is sending out SOSes , and we need to respond . The issue of global warming , and the cranky weather and natural disasters we are facing of late , is nothing new . But perhaps , in about 100 minutes , here is something , a presentation that hits home , that summarizes succinctly all the cause and effects , the whys and the how tos . Filled with charts , facts and figures , and lively animation , these are but some of the techniques Gore uses in his slideshow presentation to ring home the message . In fact , I would say it's an excellent package put together for presentation , and anyone could take away a tip or two , on effective public speaking . To some , the documentary is a no-brainer to put together , as most of it focuses on Gore delivering his message , as if you were there listening to him from the stage floor . True , the setup might not be impressive , but the message is too engaging for you to realize that it might be a little bit lazy in the film-making aspects . Having said that , it's precisely jazzier styles were not adopted to keep the attention on the message instead . And keep to the message it does , with just little time on the outside of what Gore does on his travels , some little glimpses into his family life , life before , during and after the close-call year 2000 presidential elections . You do wonder though , about the what-ifs , should he had won the elections , and what difference he would have made on these issues when in the White House . It is clear that modern civilization has an increasing negative impact on the environment , and with the mega developing countries seeking its path to economic equity , one would only shudder at how much more damage could be done , and the devastating after effects . Politics usually steer clear of issues like these , and instead , picks and chooses battles with a higher confidence of success . It's sad , but true . The funniest part about this , and I'd bet during any screening , is whether anyone will buy into what was being delivered . There are tips handed out during the end credits , on how individuals like you and me could help do our part to save the environment . They aren't huge projects , but very simple ones . And no prizes for guessing there are many uninterested , heading straight for the door when the credits start to roll . " It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble . It's what you know for sure that just ain't so . " - Mark Twain
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514,472 | 317,399 | 375,679 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Crash
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Crash explores racial bigotry and racial stereotypes , and is the equivalent of what Traffic did on the exploration of drugs . Given the strong ensemble cast and character actors like Don Cheadle , Brendan Fraser , Matt Dillon , Thandie Newton , Ryan Phillippe and Sandra Bullock et al , this movie contains many subplots skillfully juxtaposed into one narrative by director / writer Paul Haggis . We start off with an apparent random murder in a deserted part of Los Angeles , and from the start , racial disharmony rears its ugly head , and does so throughout . Whether be it White-Black , Black-Asian , White-Asian , White-Hispanic , Black-Hispanic , Hispanic-Arab , its off the cuff comments made by characters are starkly honest and probably expresses deeply rooted , prejudiced human emotions , and our preconceived notions of others , like if you're tattooed , you belong to a gang , if you're white and rich , you'll get mobbed by the black folks . We're brought back 24 hours prior to the discovery of the body , and this is where the tight narrative takes control in managing different subplots , yet keeping the audience thoroughly engaged with each . You have a white couple experiencing a carjack , 2 black boys in the hood ( one of them played by Ludicrous ) and their adventures , 2 LAPD detectives who have more than a working relationship , the story of 2 beat officers on opposite sides of a situation , a couple and their misadventure with the beat officers , a locksmith and his daughter amidst a gritty , harsh environment , and an Arab family . Relationships between characters are also key , as they provide a probable insight into the motivations of each character . Told in 2 acts , the first sets up the premise and explores a little of the current situation each character encounters , and touches a bit on their backstory . In the second act , this is where the amalgam and intersection of their lives come into play . And this really brings to light what six degrees of separation really mean . I'll stick my neck out and state that the narrative has NO flaws ! Awesome ! The twists come so fast , you're still in awe when you're exposed to the next revelation , and the next , until we come full circle . None of the characters are who they really are , as the narrative goes on , you start to wonder , if Mr Good Guy is really that Good , and if Mr Bad Guy is really that Bad . All characters have closet skeletons , even the minor ones , be it whether exposing their true characters through conversations , or actions , or leaving it to the audience to judge for themselves . It's amazing how the depth of each character , and for so many of them , are touched upon in the same movie . At some point , you hate someone for their prejudiced views or actions , and yet at another point , you pity the same person based upon the situation they're in . Or you might think that perhaps someone has demonstrated moderate thinking , but you'll be surprised still at the same person's subconscious harbouring of stereotypes . Most characters are shady , and this shadiness of character is present , be it if your social status or skin colour . All the actors did a commendable job in fleshing the multi-faceted roles they each play . The soundtrack contains an excellent selection of songs , but my favourite has to be " Maybe Tomorrow " by Stereophonics , played during the ending . Arnold Schwarzeneggar also had an appearance , on a photograph as the Governor of California , which I felt was a nice contemporary touch . This is highly recommended , please do not miss this , as it goes into my records as a possible contender for Movie of the Year , with its excellent foray into exploring human emotions .
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515,540 | 317,399 | 876,563 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
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Hayao Miyazaki's magic continues with this absolute crowd pleaser Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea , his latest animated film , which turns on the usual sweetness to charm your socks off . I thought that the trailer featured its song which was quietly hypnotic , and I didn't have to wait for an invite to make sure I got my ticket for the sneak preview of the movie , scheduled to open here next week . For fans of Studio Ghibli films , you'll probably know what you're in for , as Miyazaki has yet another winner in his filmography , that will win new fans over . I'm embarrassed to say the least that I've so far watched only My Neighbour Totoro ( eyes that pile of Ghibli DVDs ) and love it to bits , but I guess this would serve as a final push for me not to continue missing what would likely be animated films that I would enjoy . Ponyo ( voiced by Nara Yuria ) is a magic goldfish that yearns to know what is life beyond the sea , with her constant forays in a bubble to the surface of the water to sneak a peek . Nonetheless these ambitions do not bode well with her humanoid dad Fujimoto ( Tokoro Joji ) , who harbours some hatred toward the human race for pollution , and briefly touching a subplot on environmental protection / revenge by Mother Nature as well . An accident one day sees Ponyo being washed ashore , and picked up by five year old boy Sosuke ( Doi Hiroki ) who lives on a house on the said cliff with his mother Lisa ( Yamaguchi Tomoko ) , while dad Koichi ( Nagashima Kazushige ) is mostly out to sea since he's a sailor . And you can expect some moments of throwback to the likes of The Little Mermaid , or Splash made for kids . Saying anything more would be to spoil the fun . The artwork here is still simply astounding even though it's in 2D glory , knowing that each cell is painstakingly worked on . There are so many things going on at the same time within the same frame , that you'll probably be game for repeated viewings just to spot them all . This definitely beats any 3D or CG animated production any day given its beauty coming from its simplicity , and not only from the artwork department , but on its story too , despite complaints coming in that it took a leaf from the Hans Christian Andersen classic . While there are avenues to make this film extremely dark , it only suggested certain dark themes , but opted instead for a film with more positive emotions , suitable for both kids and adults alike . At its core , its about love , that between the family members of Koichi , Lisa and Sosuke , and especially between mother and son . More so , it's about the love between the boy and his new pet fish which he christened Ponyo , and I tell you Ponyo herself has enough cuteness in her to beat the likes of Bolt , WallE and Eve all hands down . Characterization here is top notch , and it's hard not to fall in love with Ponyo , in whichever form adopted , especially when she's such a playful being who doesn't hide her emotions - if she's upset with you , either she turns away or you could expect a jet stream come spewing from her mouth into your face ! Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is a definite shoo-in to my top films of this year without hesitation . And the next time I go to Tokyo , I'm sure as hell going to make my way to the Ghibli Museum to bask under the magical world brought to us by Hayao Miyazaki . Highly recommended film , so don't you go missing this on the big screen !
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514,848 | 317,399 | 1,069,238 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Departures
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By now almost everyone would have heard of this Japanese film Okuribito ( Departures ) , given its win in the recent Academy Awards , clinching the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film , beating the likes of crowd favourite Waltzing With Bashir , and the Palme D'or winner The Class . And now after watching it , it's no surprise really , because if I were to go tongue in cheek , it's the novelty factor , given that the Academy would never have conceived upon the notion that a film coming from Asia and filled with death , corpses and coffins , would be anything but a horror film . Seriously though , Departures have Awards written all over it , with fine acting complementing a strong story to tell . I suppose the equivalent of a " casketer " in local context , would be the embalmer . And it's without a doubt a profession most misunderstood , and shunned because of our innate fear of death . We choose to avoid death where it had gone , and being an embalmer would unlikely be on any kid's wish list of professions . Despite the stereotypical negative connotations , it is a profession that is quite dignified , because the professional is entrusted with the responsibility of helping the loved ones of the deceased cope with the passing on , and to help ease the pain in bringing some colour before the final journey to either the burial ground , or crematorium . Departures demystifies this profession in the Japanese context . And like all things Japanese , the process comes with an elaborate ritual of preparation , cleansing and presentation , all done with great precision , skillful grace and utmost respect for both the deceased , and the family members . The profession depicted here in the film , is one of the highest order , where we see exactly how the casketers go about their job , and the separation of duties with the undertaker . Masahiro Motoki ( last seen in The Longest Night in Shanghai ) stars as the lead protagonist Daigo Kobayashi , a cellist in an orchestra who dreams of going places around the world with his wife Mika ( Ryoko Hirosue ) in tow . Unfortunately for him , his orchestra folds and he is forced to sell his expensive white elephant since he doubts he could make his passion into a successful career . Dejected , he convinces his wife to retreat back into the small town he came from , living in the house his late mother had left behind , in order to start a new life . Little did he know when responding to a job classifieds that a typo had given him the impression he would be in a career that involves travel . The boss of the shop Ikuei Sasaki ( Tsutomu Yamazaki ) hires him on instinct , and as the saying goes , the rest is history . For the curious , the film is an excellent medium to showcase the profession and to do so in good light . We come to learn the craft behind the job , and the necessity of it all , be it dealing with grieving family members , or taking care of bodies that are bound for autopsies . Departures paints through Daigo's experience , the varying spectrum of emotions that one as a service provider would have to face , as we journey with him from novice level . All's not doom and gloom of course , as director Yujiro Takita paced the film with well meaning humour ? again never slapstick or disrespectful ? throughout the narrative . The story by Kundo Koyama also excellently portrayed Daigo's relationships with his wife and with his mentor , where the former was like a rubber band waiting to snap because of Daigo's deliberate attempts to not tell his lovely wife what he's up to for a career in order to shield her from the taboo . With the latter from whom he picks up the tools of the trade from , there's a surrogate father figure which he never had while growing up , resulting in some pent up hatred toward his dad who walked out on the family when he was young . It's an extremely moving piece of drama that doesn't get bogged down by melodrama , and I thoroughly enjoyed its themes of reconciliation , forgiveness and best of all , being a professional and serving with pride . It's a fantastically crafted film with an excellent cast all round , and shatters all taboos that come with the profession of a " casketer " . I know it's cliché to say this , but Departures will be a strong contender when I compile my list of top films for the year . It's been some time already where I'm equally entertained and moved by a film , and without a doubt , do not let this depart from our local cinemas before you get a chance to watch it on the big screen . Highly recommended !
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515,566 | 317,399 | 796,366 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Star Trek
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My adventures with the original William Shatner-led Enterprise crew had been confined to the cinematic movies of Star Trek , plus sporadic episodes from the original television series . I grew up more with Patrick Stewart's Captain Jean-Luc Picard commanding the Next Generation on board the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D in exploring strange new worlds and civilizations , as well as every movie made following that crew . It's quite unfortunate that Nemesis didn't fare too well at the box office , and hence it took this long ( some 7 years ! ) before another Star Trek movie got made . In between we had other spin off series like Deep Space Nine , Voyager , and Enterprise , all which somehow didn't appeal to me , and their ability to cross over to the cinematic screen was , I guess , questionable . Then the question of how and where does one even begin in making another mass appeal movie , which by now has a whole wealth of content , and canonical ones at that . Imagine an established franchise with fans worldwide , some practically religious followers , and convince them that what you're making , and a reboot at that ( horrors ! ) would be the right way forward ? But I got to take my hands off to J . J . Abrams , and especially to the scribes of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman for really having the balls , and the smarts , to do what they did . It's a reboot all right , but a really clever way to jump-start a legacy without making a mockery of its rich history , providing an acceptable ( though not never seen before ) method relying on stuff that science fiction is made up of . Of course I won't tell you what it is , you'll have to find out yourself , suffice to say that it made everything fall in place , with the involvement of Leonard Nimoy , and the background of the Romulan villain played to stereotypical perfection by Eric Bana . At its core , with this reboot , it allowed for the film to establish the paralleled and troubled background of the ship's Captain and First Officer , James Tiberius Kirk ( Chris Pine ) and Vulcan Mr . Spock ( Zachary Quinto ) , and with all solid partnerships and friendships , they too don't begin seeing eye to eye . It's a little bit curious though that this version of Star Trek has forgone its television roots for the cinematic debut first , and even though both Pine and Quinto came from TV , I don't expect to see this particular film spin off a television franchise of its own ( though I'm secretly hoping so ! ) . If anything , there should be an ongoing series ( if box office receipts permit ) for the cinema instead of the gogglebox . It takes a while to showcase these individual characters at the top of the Enterprise command , before we get to see the rest of the familiar crew , now replaced with fresh faces , like John Cho as Sulu , Karl Urban as Dr . Leonard " Bones " McCoy , Anton Yelchin as Mr Chekov , Zoe Saldana as Uhura , and Simon Pegg as Scotty , whom fans will have to wait until the mid way point to see his very limited , though memorable appearance on the deck of the ship . Since it's an " origin " film of sorts , we get more acquainted to Spock , who now demonstrates more emotions rather than cold logic from the Nimoy era , and Kirk still rolling with the punches as the action-hero man , still defiant and often unorthodox in his approach to the mission at hand . Fans itching to see what James T . Kirk is famous for , you'll finally get to see that in his Starfleet Academy days here . The pacing of the film was as energetic as that of its younger cast , and what is a 126 minute movie did feel as if it's under 90 minutes , where it begins with a bang from the get go , and never decelerates from its warp speed . Abrams kept the pace very fluid , balancing emotional scenes with the more action-packed ones , though I feel there would be some passing pre - mature judgement that Star Trek is never about the action . That's true here as well ( except probably when you're faced with Kirk hanging on a ledge of some sorts no less than 3 times ) , in case you're wondering about the trailer's bells and whistles . The sound design was excellent as well , as you really get to experience that silence of space each time the vast void comes to fill up the entire screen . Non-fans might find some reason to scoff at Star Trek being a bit stiff , but this version makes it all sexy again . There's a wonderful story that doesn't pander to the audience nor disrespect its rich history , perfectly fused moments of humour , adequate action , and that core story of how the Enterprise crew got together for its maiden mission , and primed for more when the end credits roll . And it's just nostalgic to see the good ' ol USS Enterprise NCC-1701 given a facelift by Industrial Light and Magic , and taking flight again ! Definitely highly recommended , for fans who will be smiling from ear to ear when spotting little gizmos and easter eggs from knowledge of hindsight , and non-fans alike , who would likely be converted and inspired to go dig through the video archives for the original missions .
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514,899 | 317,399 | 381,681 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) Before Sunset ( 2004 )
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Thanks goodness I'm watching this on DVD ( though missing out on the chance of experiencing this on the big screen ) and can almost watch it immediately after watching the original . Well I could have , but I'd like to let Before Sunrise sink it a bit , before finding out how my favourite lovebirds continue with their next encounter in this sequel , filmed some nine years later , which is a very , very long time to wait for a sequel to be made . I guess the length of time in between the making of the movies helped to bring about certain gravitas to the characters played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy , in that they truly age physically , no two ways about that , and along with the physical age , come the emotional baggage and history they have built over the years . You can see it in their eyes , no longer the optimistic young adults , full of enthusiasm and hope , and all those replaced by a weary sense of worldliness , with chiseled looks and skinnier frames . I think Celine was more beautiful nine years ago , and am ruing the loss of baby fat , haha ! Anyway I digress . For those who are left at the cliffhanger from Before Sunrise , you'll be pleased that what happened after , and what specifically happened that night , will be revealed in this movie , though the story teases you in not having it revealed in its entirety , toying with you with coy and playfulness , just as how the characters interact then and now . In Before Sunset , we are nine years from the last meeting of Jesse Wallace ( Ethan Hawke , with a last name to his character ) and Celine ( Julie Delpy ) , and he's now a published writer making his whirlwind book promotion in Europe . They meet in a bookstore in Paris , which takes over Vienna , and now have to spend , in almost real time , a very limited late afternoon evening together reminiscing and catching up , before Jesse's scheduled flight home to the USofA . The narrative style has also matured together with the ease with which the actors play their respective characters . You''ll notice the increase in the number of long , uninterrupted takes and dialogues , and sometimes wonder , it'll be a pain to flub your lines . Perhaps it's also because having Hawke and Delpy co-write the screenplay , they were able to inject material drawn from personal experiences to breathe life into their roles . Therefore their lines come across so naturally , you can't help but to start casting this voyeuristic look upon Jesse and Celine as you eagerly await their sharing of their lives from that moment in time , until now - their careers , their families , and the perennial what ifs , and there are many . I don't have a particular moment which I loved , unlike the previous movie , but there are certain dialogue discussed , especially during the limo ride , which struck a chord in me . Perhaps even made me understand my past relationships a little more , though regretting certain things I sure have . It made me wonder , if that was exactly how another felt , and if so , how stupid I was to have not understood , Then again , if I had , then things would be different now , wouldn't it ? I'd say it again , that the movie was made enjoyable by the two main leads portrayal of lovers who can be exactly you or me , and of the fantastic conversational pieces that they have , be it flirting with each other , or discussion of serious issues . Wonderful , wonderful chemistry between them , and for fans of Delpy , you'll be glad to know that she composed and contributed 3 songs to the movie , one of which is worked into the plot , and performed on screen . I like . I liked the way it started , as if what happened in Before Sunrise was something from memory , from imagination , from the past retold in a novel . And depending on your mood , I'd like the way it ended - in a manner which could swing either way , depending on your personality , and the degree of romanticism which you have at that point . In the end , I too was made to reminisce about the one who got away , and regretting it big time . And it does make me wonder , what will happen if I chance upon her some years down the road too ( I think it has now been 5 ? ) , how exactly we would react , and how we would have a conversation , if ever , during that chance meeting . To truly appreciate this movie , watch Before Sunrise first . Better yet , watch both movies back to back , it'll clock in about 181 minutes , which should breeze by given the compelling dialogue and excellent chemistry . I know I will , sometime soon ! There's a slight improvement in the WB Code 3 DVD in that it contains a making-of feature called On The Set of Before Sunset . There are interviews with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy , as well as director Richard Linklater . You can see how many crew were needed to film the seemingly simplest of scenes , and listen to how they collaborated across continents before finally getting together to shoot the movie . One gripe though , is that this segment lasts only 9 minutes and 40 secs long , and ends so abruptly , you'll not believe that it had finished . As usual , the audio and visual transfers are great , and you have a choice of languages in English Dolby Surround 5 . 1 , or Portugese Dolby Surround Stereo . Another extra is the theatrical trailer , and a host of subtitles available in many languages .
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514,998 | 317,399 | 1,037,850 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Secret
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While Jay Chou no doubt holds court in today's Mando-pop scene , he gets no love from the movie-goers who snigger at his expressionless performance in Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower . It indeed is quite brave of him ( though it's arguable to strike while the iron is hot ) to diversify and have a hand in directing so early in his cinematic career , and coming up with quite an interesting , engaging story , though like any creative work , his story did make him seem quite intelligent , in spite of his usual laid-back demeanour . Jay stars as Jay ( yeah , bring back those lazy Hong Kong production days where characters share the actor's first names , because they were working on so many movies simultaneously , it's hard to keep track , so why not name the characters after yourself ! ) , a new student in Tamkang Secondary School . He follows a mysterious piano tune and meets with Rain ( Kwai Lun-Mei ) , a fellow student with whom he starts to spend many lovey-dovey moments with . It's essentially a romance story for dating couples to catch , and it will be a definite test of anyone's cloy-tolerance , given that the lovebirds share so much saccharine sweet dialogue and behaviour , those with lesser tolerance will have goosebumps all the way . And for the romantic movie fans , it's time to revisit some of the cliché plot elements like the bicycle ride - who can resist a bicycle ride ! - lovely scene setting landscape shots , idle banter , close contacts , dance , kisses , the " third party " Sky ( whom I think is more attractive than Kwai , thus providing that additional tension ) , the list just goes on . Jay has mentioned parts of the story was really based on his own experiences , it is indeed interesting to try and find out just which are . Being a piano student , the movie too was a showcase piece for his musical talents and prowess on the piano , coupled with computer generated graphics which enhanced certain scenes for dramatic effect with great aplomb . Those who think that Jay Chou can't act will want to rethink that again . Given Initial D was pop , and that Curse was action , Secret was a perfect dramatic platform for him to do a little more emoting , even though he can't seem to shake off his signature drawl . And of course some help to make him look good came from thespian Anthony Wong , who had also played his cinematic dad ( of similar interest / capability ) in Initial D , as he again does in Secret . Here , their father and son characters play off each other a little more in some endearing , comical moments , and naturally , Wong seemed a more believable father figure than Chow Yun-Fat for Jay Chou . The strength of the movie however laid in its story . I shall keep it a secret just exactly what it was , and all I can say is it is similar in nature to some of my favourite movies in the past , thus I had taken a natural liking for Secret as well . However , while you think you might have it all planned out how the story will unfold , Jay Chou actually had an added punch to keep it a little bit fresh , and in doing so , raises it to a slightly different level as well , with a fairly intense climax that will have you rooting for a desirable outcome , no less . What worked against it though , would be the verbatim nature in which the story was explained , making it a little draggy and at times , repetitive , instead of allowing the audience to put the pieces together . Jay Chou as story writer ( he had someone to script it for him ) , actor , director and composer , Secret turned out to be a surprisingly commendable , co mmendable effort . If this is any indication of what's to come from this talented dude , then I'll be more than happy to be a fan convert , for his cinematic efforts at least . Recommended date movie of the week , remember to bring out those tissues as well ! I won't be surprised if this movie will work its magic into my top ten list for the year .
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514,960 | 317,399 | 768,116 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Hula Girls
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This is a story about change . Hula Girls , based on true events , takes place in a small Japanese coal mining town in the late 60s , where its town folks find that with the shifting reliance on oil from coal , the survival of their town is at stake when a major company decides to retrench and cut its headcount . In attempts to makeover their economy ( ain't that familiar ) , the sleepy town has decided to come up with a " Hawaii Center " , a resort like facility where the warm atmosphere of Hawaii will be recreated in their cold / coal environment . It's a drastic change from blue collar to the service industry , and with the young girls being roped in to be dance performers , the traditionalists are up in arms , against the entire project . Skimpy outfits and gyrating moves don't make it easy , and neither does an outsider being roped in to teach the girls a new skill , turn out popular too . Hula Girls , winner of many awards in the 2006 Japanese equivalent of the Oscars , and also the Japanese submission to the 2007 Oscar's Best Foreign Language film , actually seemed a little too familiar in its narrative style , bringing to mind movies such as Waterboys , Swing Girls , Linda Linda Linda , and the more obvious reference and similarity , will be that of My Mother is a Belly Dancer , well , for most of the first half anyway . But perhaps with this familiarity , it took less time for the audience to identify with it , and it set on its focus to endear the key characters to the audience . As mentioned , it's about change , set against the backdrop of changing industries , attitudes , and skills . It's a heartwarming story no less , about the strength of sisterhood , where unity sees them battling challenges ahead , much against all odds , especially when adversity comes from within . It's not all serious as it sounds , as there are ample comedy infused , especially with its outcast characters such as the nerdy mom and the plus sized tomboy , and their initial attempts at performance during road trips advertising their new attraction . Like movies in the similar genre , it doesn't take long to identify the leader of the pack , in Kimiko ( Yu Aoi ) , as she becomes the protégé of the teacher Mrs Hirayama ( Yasuko Matsuyuki ) , given the thankless task of whipping the girls into shape . Yu Aoi is no doubt the star of the movie , with her good looks and time dedicated for her to show what it takes . And expect a number of sniffles as the filmmakers weaved in classical dramatic moments primarily aimed at activating those tear ducts . At its heart , it's a movie on the triumph of the human spirit against adversity , and of friendship . It's not without its flaws , like when certain transitions seemed to suffer from lack of time devoted to provide more depth , but when the formula comes to the end , with its rousing , highly anticipated finale showed in its entirety and in full regalia , you'll no doubt be giving full of applause for its showmanship . Definitely going into my books as a contender for the best movies of the year . Highly recommended , despite its slow start .
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514,992 | 317,399 | 440,963 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Bourne Ultimatum
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Move aside Transformers . Retire John McClane . Matt Damon is back as the best of the best prototype secret agent-assassin Jason Bourne , and his Ultimatum wins the best action movie of the summer , hands down and without a single thread of doubt ! Loosely based on the Robert Ludlum novels of the same name , the movie version starring Damon in the titular role , have already established itself as serious , slick , and got almost everything right in the spy movie genre . It owned James Bond , and in my opinion , possibly one of the best franchises out there . Though the poster of the movie had Damon in a pose resembling Mark Wahlberg , the Bourne series is clearly the movies that boosted Damon's bankability as an A-list star , as we follow with much interest how Jason Bourne suffers from amnesia from Identity , to being hunted down and out for personal revenge in Supremacy , before coming back home to discover the background and truth of his identity in Ultimatum , which for some parts , had Wolverine styled flashbacks into a highly top secret project within the depths of the CIA . In this cat and mouse game , he becomes both the hunter and the hunted , interchanging between the roles as he tries to outwit the slew of assassins coming after him , since he's accused of committing treason and being the source of a leak . He's been on the run for three years , and there's no letting up , no thanks to Noah Vosen ( David Strathaim ) from the CIA , out for his blood , and who reports to someone who might hold the key to Bourne's own past . It's suspenseful action from the get go all the way to the end , and once it grips you , there's no letting go . The adrenaline you get from watching Ultimatum , is simply an indescribable feeling of joy for any action junkie out there . With tight links to the earlier movies , it pays if you have watched them prior to this , as Bourne maneuvers his way to find out who he is , and at the same time , build on the trust already established with his previous hunter Pamela Landy ( Joan Allen ) , who becomes his off the record source of help from the inside . Julia Stiles returns too as Nicky Parsons , and fans of Stiles will be glad with her slightly expanded role here providing that tinge of sexual tension between herself and Jason Bourne . The action scenes marked a slight departure from its predecessors , but for the better . The close quartered fisticuffs combat in the earlier movies have rather been quite a hallmark , as Bourne dispatches his opponents with hard hitting series of punches and kicks , and contained what is probably more realistic human to human fights which doesn't seem choreographed given its realism . But having too much of a good thing becomes a repetitive bore , and thankfully , such scenes are kept short and sharp , and few and far between . What is excellent here , is how Bourne utilizes more of his smarts to outwit , outplay and outlast his opponents , and those sequences in England and New York are testament to that - smart , adrenaline pumping , thrilling , and at the end of it , you can't help but to cheer ! Like any self-respecting spy movie , Ultimatum had its fair share of jetsetting locations in Europe clocking up frequent flyer miles . Nothing beats having to go to new location after new location where the story takes you , and being a man on the run , this is but part of standard protocol . And the movie can't be complete without the complimentary car chase sequence , and this Paul Greengrass directed installment could possibly have one of the best I've seen in re cent years , with the car as a battering ram , and everything going boom and bang right at your face , directly to the camera . I reckon if watch on the IMAX , you'll probably start to cower and shield yourself from the flying debris . The Bourne Ultimatum is a winner , and a fine wrap up of the franchise should it choose to end at this point . Besides the ending of Smokin Aces , the ending here will also be one of my personal favourites , as it cunningly showed everything coming to full circle , and with Moby's Extreme Ways , the theme song used in all the Damon-Bourne movies , comes blaring through the speakers , it's just plain sweetness . . .
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514,811 | 317,399 | 69,281 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) Sleuth
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Like 3 : 10 to Yuma , Sleuth has also been remade this year , and I'm watching the original as part of homework prior to the local release , hopefully , sometime soon . Based on a play by Anthony Shaffer , Sleuth is arguably one of the pioneers of the sleight of hand , and because it originally started off for the stage , the number of sets are limited , but that provides focus for the story , dialogue and characters , which most films of today tend to disregard and disguise their shortcomings with snazzy special effects . You'll be hard pressed to identify those which provide an equally intriguing story , and having pedigree thespians like Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine in its cast certainly is a bonus . In the remake , Michael Caine's Milo Tindle gets played by Jude Law , and I won't be surprised if along the way more of Caine's movies , if they do get remade , will get played by Law ( the first being Alfie ) , given Law's charmingly good looks and demeanour almost resembling Caine's on screen persona in his younger days as the quintessential Englishman . Sleuth tells the story of a wealthy renowned author of detective stories , Andrew Wyke ( Olivier ) inviting Milo to his ostentatious home , at first to partake in a few drinks , trivial chit chat , and plenty of game playing ( his home is rigged with so many tricks and toys ) , before something more sinister is revealed . Milo happens to be the secret lover of Andrew's wife Marguerite , and what transpires after that , is a psychological battle of wits to see who in actual fact , has the upper hand . What I liked about the story is its theme of humiliation . When you put someone down , and in the process strip him of all his humanity , fueling him with nothing but despair , making him beg for the right to live , what happens then ? Can everything be is all and end all with a simple apology , or to allow some getting back at , if so , where do you draw the line , and would you cross it ? And with a runtime of close to 2 . 5 hours , you can bet your last dollar that everything is more than meets the eye , and that's where Shaffer's story shines . It yanks the carpet under your feet again and again , without resorting to much trickery or too pretentious a premise that it becomes unbelievable . And despite it being made about 35 years ago , it has definitely withstood the test of time , which is a hallmark of all great stories . Having the acting chops of both Olivier and Caine also proved that you don't need ensemble casts , so long as you have great actors who deliver every time .
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515,220 | 317,399 | 404,203 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Little Children
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Welcome to suburbia ! It took director Todd Field 5 years to come up with another movie after In the Bedroom , which I watched back in 2001 . It's kinda strange that while at first glance I'd think his movies are a tad boring , in both occasions - for In the Bedroom and now Little Children , I ended up glued to the screen , and find myself sucked deeply into the proceedings . Somehow he managed to draw me into the story , feel for the characters , build up excellent tension all the way to the end , before releasing me from its grasp in the well thought finale . Things might not always be interesting , but Little Children offers a tight drama and excellent characterization . Based on a novel by Tom Perrotta who also co-wrote the screenplay with Todd Field , Little Children looked very much like Desperate Housewives in its introductory scenes , with the voice over narration , and well , housewives going about their daily routine of caring for their children , mindless idle chatter and gossips , and lusting over the " prom king " , their fantasy hunk who's actually a house-husband ( Patrick Wilson ) . That aside , it didn't take too long for the catalyst of a dare to spring things into motion , with Sarah ( Kate Winslet ) making bold contact with Brad ( Wilson ) , much to the dislike of her peers . It's interesting to note that neighbourhood politics also rears its ugly head , with ostracizing of fellow neighbours for trespassing against you even for the most minute , or inane reasons . This movie captured such moments succinctly , and no doubt you could probably identify a moment of two , whether you're on the side that dishes out such negativeness , or are actually on the receiving end . The relationship between Sarah and Brad , which becomes a highly sexually charged one , takes on a life of its own as it threatens their respective holy matrimony . But it's curious that you start to wonder if their dalliances could be justified in a warped sense of the way . Trapped in unhappy marriages with emotional zilch , it didn't seem that each of them will want to carry on making things work , instead opting for quick fixes with someone else , though it degenerates quickly to constant banging . It's a study into the lives of two families . Sarah and Richard Pierce ( Gregg Edelman ) , who experience a total meltdown in their ties when he exhibits his infidelity and probable deviant relationship with Slutty Kay . And Brad and Kathy Adamson ( Jennifer Connelly , totally hot , which states that there absolutely no logical reason why anyone would want to cheat on her ) , in their reversal of roles , financial issues and the former's lack of ambition , put a strain on their relationship , especially when Kathy isn't satisfying Brad's primal urges . Put two and two together , you see an immoral solution of revenge and an outlet for satisfaction , but two wrongs don't make a right . The respective spouses don't get much airtime ( a pity for fans of Connelly ) , though they serve as ample backdrop that yes , our adulterous couple are cheats in their own ways too . The movie makes you judge and question the intent and actions of the adulterers , and it doesn't make it easy with no clear answers , much like real life . Weaved into the main plot , is a separate short , though it may seem to be the more powerful one . Convicted pedophile Ronnie ( Jackie Earle Haley ) is released back to society , much to the resentment of the community he lives in . At first glance , he looks harmless , and you wonder if it could be another case of Boo Radley . But as we go along , again you're subconsciously drawing conclusions , while at the same time , made to understand the plights of a man who can't control his strange urges . You will probably feel sorry , then angry , and flip flopping between empathy and disgust . And in this story arc , it demonstrates that mother's love is almost always unconditional . Don't expect something like The Woods , but perhaps something a little more , from Jackie Earle Hayley's excellent acting , and the material he has to work upon . There are other sub plots put in , which spices the movie up , like the Guardians touch - football that boys will always be boys , the one man crusade against Jackie , and a scene which sums up the feelings of Sarah at a book club reading , which I thought their discussions accurately paralleled the emotions of what Sarah's going through at the moment . One thing to note is that the editing is seamless and smooth , which transitions between scenes almost flawlessly , though you can't help but to notice it . The movie might seem to go on and on , and somehow I almost wished that it wouldn't end ( seriously ) , but it built up to a tension filled conclusion and ended with what I think was a nice resolution to almost all the issues presented , though not all perfectly , or in the way it should be . But that's life , and life goes on . Little Children makes recommended watching this week .
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514,397 | 317,399 | 1,286,172 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Sell Out !
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My personal measure of an excellent comedy , is whether or not it reduces me to tears that roll uncontrollably coupled with some really deep-felt hearty laughter . While I'd like to pride myself with a good sense of humour , it does take some effort to really elicit that kind of a reaction from me , and Sell Out ! does that by the bucketloads , and through a variety of methods ranging from slapstick to the wry , from the staring-in-your-face obvious to the wink-wink-insider-jokes too . Yeo Joon Han dug deep into his plethora of talent , wearing the hats for producing , writing , editing , directing and , check this out - writing the songs ( lyrics and music composition ) as well ! And the songs are a definite highlight of the film , while not so much a musical per-se , but does have characters breaking into song to move the narrative forward . And in true , witty nature , look out for that moment that calls for YOUR participation ! Jack Neo may feel threatened that Joon Han's Money song easily rivals those he oft feature in his Money No Enough series , but my personal fan-favourite amongst the tunes would be " You're Not My Type " , with Jerrica Lai and Peter Davis delivering a duet that has to be experienced with proper sound on the big screen for its wonderful accompanying visuals that capture character emotions just perfectly . From the get go , Joon Han delivers every step of the way , all the way to the final frame , without condescending nor making the audience feel stupid . Rather , he turned the tables on himself first , in self-deprecating fashion to introduce himself as an arty-farty director and pokes fun at question-and-answer , art and commercial films , and you'll even be treated to a screening of his award winning short with some really inane dialogue . From that point on with your attention arrested , Joon Han throws every subject into the narrative almost effortlessly , with themes that are easily identifiable , but always keeping an eye out to ensure that the fun factor in every scene is never lost . Sell Out ! boasts some superb " mo-lei-tau " scenes coming in from the blind side to tickle that funny bone of yours , capturing little things that irritate in life and provide a fun spin to them , from pop culture to SMS reality shows , and who would know that Death could be so funny as well . There's a really brilliant scene in the film alongside a deathbed that encompassed plenty , and makes it all the more worthwhile for repeated viewings just to catch every possible punchline from that scene . Those paying close attention during the film will be richly rewarded with plenty of funny nuances that we would immediately guffaw at , and sly subtitles also have a life of their own , to hilarious effect . But it's not always all fun and games , and that's why this film is such the gem that it is . There's a clear commentary about doing work with heart , and wanting to be appreciated for a job well done , versus gritting your teeth and doing something that betrays your moral conscience . There's also a sharp underlying critique on modern society in general , and on corporate governance ( or the lack thereof ! ) since what more could you expect from a conglomerate that calls itself FONY and has a one-liner , though succinctly easy to understand mission statement , to " make money " , which is after all , the basic reasons for corporations to exist . The cast too are gutsy enough to trust the debut feature filmmaker , lending their vocals and performing the songs many themselves . I'd like to think that this could have also been a romance , with Eric Tan ( Peter Davis ) the honest and un-business savvy engineer with his 8-in-1 Super Soya Maker , being infatuated with Rafflesia Pong ( Jerrica Lai ) the ruthless , uncompromising go-getter who cannot wait to show her rival , the hot pan-Asian Hanna Edwards Leong ( Hannah Lo ) a thing or two about the ratings game . Then we have the scene stealers with Kee Thuan Chye and Lim Teik Leong as the Smoking and Forgetful CEOs respectfully , encompassing what we dread and probably hate most about corporate bosses who think they can get away with anything in the name of profits . There are some wonderful characterization amongst the leads , with an ensemble supporting cast to add colour , which reminded me of Citizen Dog when the man in the street joins in for a chorus about Money . Rarely has a film captured so much in under 120 minutes and making sense of it all through well-placed humour . As such , Sell Out ! has my firm vote as a personal favourite and the best of the Festival thus far , being the breath of fresh air amongst many stuffy entries that had misplaced artistic merits , alienating themselves from audiences who feel that in depressing times , we can't help but reject yet another self-indulgent movie . Sell OUt ! has nothing of that , and has set itself as a contender for my year end roundup of the best offerings in 2009 . If it was left up to me , I'd give this film both the Best Film and Best Director prizes at the Silver Screen Awards at the SIFF . The commercial release is due soon on May 7 on both sides of the Causeway , so whatever you do , please make Sell Out ! your must watch ( ! - I must exclaim this ) movie this year ! Join the Facebook group here ! And get the soundtrack from the shops while waiting for it to hit the screens ! Support good storytelling , and enjoy a great film !
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515,383 | 317,399 | 796,307 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Under the Same Moon
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It's been a while since I experienced in the movies , a mother's love for her young child , and vice versa , being the primary focus of the film , especially with one that dealt with distance and longing . The last one that truly moved me was the Japanese film Be With You , and no prizes for guessing that this Mexican number Under the Same Moon will join its ranks . The title is nothing new though , as with movies as far back like An American Tale , where its theme song played on that exact same premise , of having to gaze up at the moon knowing that the person in your heart is probably doing the same thing and thinking of you too . Yes , such saccharine sweet sentimentalism , but it worked wonders here . Directed by first time feature helmer Patricia Riggen , the movie follows both mother and son characters in separate threads , having been separated for many years , but keeping in touch through weekly Sunday telephone calls from public phone booths both sides . For Carlitos ( Adrian Alonso ) , despite the gifts that mom sends back home to him , he misses her much and prefers that she is back in Mexico rather than working in the US . For mom Rosario ( Kate del Castillo ) , she smuggled herself illegally to Los Angeles for work in order to raise their lot . But when his guardian grandmother passes away , Carlitos begins to plot his way to get himself to the LA within the week , to look for Rosario lest she calls home and worries that he's missing . So begins the adventures of Carlitos as he begins to learn that the world is indeed full of unseen bad folks who will not hesitate to traffic him to child smugglers . And many of the scenes for his character have him interact with a reluctant surrogate father figure in fellow illegal Enrique ( Eugenio Derbez ) . For Rosario , her character piece becomes like a showcase of the much generalized exploitation of illegal workers , as well as going through the usual aspirations of being a naturalized citizen so that she can finally bring her son over for reunification . Otherwise for the most parts she's often debating within herself whether it's high time to return to Mexico since her intention and goal seem to slip by every day , given being swindled as we are told , by her previous owner , and of course making sense of the love that a fellow Mexican has for her . Some might complain that they can probably see how the story would develop as it wore on , but you have to admit that Adrian Alonso's charismatic Carlitos will still have you engaged throughout with that cherubic face of his , brimming with faith and confidence . While he might have started off pondering a lot on why his mom did what she have to do , soon he will learn , and we accompany him on this journey , a thing or two about love and concern . Given that he doesn't share the same screen for the most parts with his mum , it sort of became key that he constructs and builds upon his initial dislike for Enrique much like a parallel contrast with that relationship with his mother , up until the final moments which was probably a bit deus ex machina , and felt a little rushed somehow . But on the whole , Under the Same Moon serves its purpose and delivered itself well thanks to its great casting . And it also makes for a perfect date movie too , with a reminder to bring along some Kleenex for the finale . Highly recommended .
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514,501 | 317,399 | 414,993 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Fountain
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After watching Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain , I realize why some booed and walked out during its screening last year in the Venice Film Festival . This is one movie which you'll either hate to the core , or simply love . No in-betweens because it doesn't allow you to , with its storyline totally , and I mean totally , open to an individual's interpretation , which makes it truly unique . I suspect if I were to watch it again , and multiple times even , each experience will be different , as you draw upon and focus inevitably on different aspects of the plot . Such is how diverse and layered The Fountain is . For those enticed into this movie by its trailers , let me say that this is one which the editing of the snippets make it look so accessible , you'd think you know the plot . The fact is , you'll probably be shell shocked within the first 15 minutes , akin to drowning and desperately gasping for any pocket of air that will help keep you alive , just for a little while more . And my advice is to stick to it , grit your teeth , bear with it , as slowly , bit by bit , with more details revealed , you'd start to see some semblance of the plot , though still stuck with the difficulty of assembling all the pieces into their rightful place . This is a story about love , loss , spirituality , myth , science fiction , fantasy , all rolled into one . It contains fantastical elements for the most parts , which you'll have to take them for what you will . And you have to salute Aronofsky's storytelling craft , for wielding together chunks of seemingly disparate plot elements and dialogue to tie in so intricately to one another , becoming a mirror to its talk about the circle of life . Almost every spoken line of dialogue becomes a visual element , every action measured and not wasted , and when seen as a whole with that helicopter hindsight , just masterfully done . The music by Clint Mansell is extremely seductive , probably one of the best I've heard in recent times , complimenting the visuals perfectly , eliciting every mood out of you on cue , becoming that directional signboard to follow even when the environment around you becomes confusing . If there is a gripe , then it should fall on the close-ups and fast cuts during night action pieces , like what Batman Begins had . The next paragraph contains extremely mild spoilers , so skip it if you don't want to know , in my opinion , how you should anchor yourself to gain some bearings . Hugh Jackman plays , amongst others , Dr Tom Creo , a man obsessed with seeking out a cure for his wife , Izzi Creo's ( Rachel Weisz ) cancer . He knows that time is running out , and you feel his pain of wanting to be by her side as she spends her last days , versus spending more time devoting himself to his research , for that breakthrough he needs that can heal Izzi . That basically sums up the central story from which to base whatever happens outside this narrative structure , where , depending on how you look at it , will give you totally different interpretations . The following is my take , which contains MAJOR spoilers , and you should read it only if you've watched the movie . Otherwise , skip the next two paragraphs . SPOILER STARTS What happened in medieval Spain , I would believe , is Izzi's written story , and it makes a heartfelt one . Like the Queen , she believes in her knight , sending him on an errand to the Mayan land , vis a vis Dr Tom's quest for a cure , to allow them to live together , forever . She stands firm in adversary , ever optimistic , and in total trust of her man . It ended the way it did , because it became Tom's story , entrusted by his wife to complete the book , to write the final chapter , because in truth , the outcome will depend on how his research / quest will turn out to be . And with that slightest of hope ( the little rubbing of the sap from the Tree of Life on his wound ) , it developed to a possible full fledged cure , but alas all is lost , too much too late , and he lost his will to live - what use is the solution , when the problem no longer exist ? But he has the other side of the equation to choose from - instead of giving up on himself , to continue with his efforts so that others might live . This follows the futuristic tale ( of what could happen in future ) , of travelling into the nebula together , of the Mayan belief of rebirth and new life , of the sacrifices one makes , so that others will benefit from the fruits of your labour . The end is presented in an amalgam , of the choices presented in itself , and the difficulties in making that sole decision , and the exploration , and probable existential feeling , that perhaps both can co-exist together . That Dr Tom Creo chose both to grieve his personal pain and loss , but yet to seek strength from that grieve , to continue , symbolized by his planting of the seed atop his wife's grave , as in the Mayan story of a new life . SPOILER ENDSAll I can say is , go to The Fountain with a very open mind . Like a sponge , absorb the proceedings , groove to the soundtrack , listen intently to every whisper , gaze intensely at the visuals . Feel , people , don't analyze during , do it after . It's gonna be extremely rewarding , and a very memorable , trippy ride .
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514,961 | 317,399 | 443,706 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Zodiac
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Serial killers make good villainous subjects for movies , especially notorious ones who never get caught , like Jack the Ripper , spinning off countless of movie adaptations , each with its own theories on who might be the real perpetrator , and responsible for the creation of a subculture devoted to their study and conspiracy theories as natural by products . While England had her own uncaught cult slasher , America's San Francisco Bay Area had its own serial killer to contend with , someone who calls himself the Zodiac , responsible for taking the lives of plenty in the late 60s . The hallmark of this killer is his terrorist tactics of fear and threats , and the constant taunts and demands made to both the press and the police , belittling and challenging them to come out one step ahead . His killings seem almost random , and employed various weapons from guns to knives , and those cryptic coded messages sent to the press that could have its root keys from anywhere . With a runtime of 158 minutes , you hardly notice the time whittle by as you become transfixed throughout the entire movie . David Fincher helmed this as a tight ship , firmly knowing its destination , while riding out the complexity of it all , spanning almost a timeline of a decade . Based on the books by Robert Graysmith , a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicles portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal , this film doesn't end with a cop out , as it firmly hypothesizes , and supports its theories with whatever evidence it can get its hands on , circumstantial or otherwise . It doesn't flinch from pointing that accusatory finger . I thought it combined many of the best elements found in Fincher's earlier works , from the obvious stylistic feel of Se7en , also itself a serial killer movie , the effects of Fight Club and the mindgames that its characters play , and of course , the general feel of doom and gloom of Panic Room . Light and Shadows become so integral that we take their contribution to heighten senses of tension for granted , and the rain brought back the memories of that classic confrontational scene from Se7en , though here , it cleanses and erases plausible leads , as if to start all over again to untangle from the messy investigations that trailed off over time . Those expecting a lot of action in the recreation of the Zodiac killings might be disappointed , and I thought Fincher had steered clear of the obvious , where lesser directors might have played up on those gruesome murders , or photographs from the actual crime scene . Here , it's more of a presentation on what could have happened based on eyewitness and police reports , and it doesn't glorify . With the real life folks who were involved in the cases onboard as consultants , you know that this is as authentic as it can get . What makes Zodiac engaging is that the movie engages you right from the start , as you take on this investigative journey with the main leads in Robert Graysmith ( Gyllenhaal ) , Paul Avery the Chronicle's senior crime report , played by Robert Downey Jr , and Inspector Dave Toshi of the San Francisco Police Department , portrayed by Mark Ruffalo . We see how the case develops into an obsession for each of these men , as we encounter countless of confusion , red tape , turf protection , dedication to due process , and hindrance . The various departments involved can't work together , and attempts at cooperation are mountains to climb . So it's no wonder that cases like these that span different boundaries , often come up to naught , or take ages to get cracked on . Zodiac is told in two seamless halves , with the first devoted to the killings and methodology of the killer , and the second giving Graysmith more screen time as he goes for a second helping at trying to piece the puzzles together right from the very beginning . After all , that's one way to do it when stuff turn out all over the place , and the trail gets cold . It's classic investigative journalism , and builds to a resounding crescendo , while you too get frustrated at what can , and cannot be done , what can be presented as evidence , and how circumstantial evidence , strong as they may seem , will always remain circumstantial despite it being possibly damning . There are genuine creepy moments that will get to you , even though there's nothing horrific , or ghoulish about those scenes . That's classic Fincher for you , making your hair stand with achieved subtlety . Despite its huge cast list and extras , the key leads all delivered strong performances , bringing the movie onto another level , more so with the film's excellent music from the era , and its art direction and sets recreating the 70s SF . And for film buffs , well , Dirty Harry was after all based on the killings and taunting tactics of Zodiac too . Possibly the best movie to hit our screens this week , surpassing those lacklustre trilogy blockbusters . A definite must watch , so it's well worth that effort to journey to those few screens with warped timings .
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515,349 | 317,399 | 486,655 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Stardust
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I approached Stardust with apprehension , because of late , fairy tale movies like Pan's Labyrinth , Mirrormask and Brothers Grimm somehow didn't appeal to me , even though they are helmed by acclaimed directors , and critically praised by many . Moreover , the movie had premiered in the US for ages now , and the trailer has been played too often over here , while waiting for the movie to make its debut , that it actually looked quiet tired . But I am extremely pleased to have stuck with my gut , and gone for the screening anyway , and boy , was I thoroughly surprised and entertained ! Let me say this - the trailer did not do the movie justice , being overly long , and cut in a rather plain manner that seemed to harp on the big names , and made it look pretty ordinary . Doubt not Neil Gaiman's creativity in crafting an adult fantastical fairy tale filled with witches , pirates , sword and sorcery , and beautiful people too , in a fictional land area in England separated by a wall , where inhabitants from one side is forbidden to cross over . For all the more recognizable names in this feature , Charlie Cox takes up the lead role of Tristan , a shopkeeper's assistant who is smitten with the lady in his life , Victoria ( Sienna Miller ) , to whom he vowed to bring back a falling star they witnessed in order to ask for her hand in marriage , and in time for her birthday . Naturally the lady thinks he , being the olden day wimp , probably couldn't do it , so in jest strikes that deal with him . But little does Tristan know that in crossing the wall , and meeting up with the fallen star Yvaine ( Claire Danes ) , his life will forever be changed through a series of adventures , involving a sisterhood of witches led by Michelle Pfeiffer ( on a revival after Hairspray ) who are after the heart of the fallen star because of immortality , Septimus ( Mark Strong ) in his quest to become King by retrieving a ruby now worn by Yvaine , and with allies such as Robert De Niro's Captain Shakespeare and his merry pirates aboard a flying ship . At its core , this is a whimsical love story , and I thought while predictable , was delivered most excellently . though your goosebumps won't have that much of a field day ( various characters were actually rolling their eyes at different junctures and situations in the movie ) . It translated the notion that one usually glows when one is in love and / or in the presence of a loved one , and here , it does so quite literally as well . It has a beautiful coherent story that you would expect of a fairy tale , and plenty of magical artifacts introduced through the course of the story , like any respectable and enjoyable story amongst its peers , do serve their purpose at the right time - there is no wastage , and everything impeccably planned out . The strength is indeed in the story , with unexpected twists to characters , though in its structure some might complain that it is predictable to a T , but yet it met expectations , and surpassed them . Visual effects were top notch and serve their purpose , and there's a fair bit of comedy courtesy of the princely ghouls . What made it a blast , were the actors , most of whom are big names in their own right . Ian McKellen lent his voice as the narrator , and Michelle Peiffer you just got salute for taking on a villainous role which doesn't stop poking fun at aging . Claire Danes was pretty as the wide eyed ingenue angel from above , and Charlie Cox opposite her do make a pretty couple . Peter O'Toole , Ricky Gervais and Rupert Everett had bit roles , but the one who stole the limelight was De Niro's pirate captain . Not that he does it in Jack Sparrow fashion , but here's a man whose first and foremost principle is impression , and you've just got to see him in action to believe ! Aarrr ! ! Nicely paced and never a dull moment , Stardust has bits of everything that made it a delight to watch - star power , story , magic , comedy , effects , intense buildups and moments , and the list goes on . If I may , then I must say I do enjoy the tried and tested moments that it tossed about on its notion of love - that sometimes you meet someone special quite oft by chance , and it'll take some time for you to realize that hey , the person standing in front of you is really that soul mate you're looking for . Call me a sucker for such predictable scenarios , but I like what I like , and I was impressed with how Stardust was packaged as a whole . It has been far too long that I've emerged from a fairy tale movie feeling so very pleased , and Stardust wins that honour of having put the faith for such movies back in me . As such , it wins a well deserved slot in my contender list for top 10 movies of the year . Don't miss this one when it premieres on Thursday !
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515,010 | 317,399 | 484,355 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Gubra
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The richness is in the relationships between the characters . Is love and forgiveness , intertwined ? Probably . We contrast adultery experienced by a modern couple , and that between traditional folks of an older generation . On one hand , we have the blissful , model couple in Orked's parents and the muezzin and his wife , but on the other , it seemed that the Lees , in spite of their constant squabbling , actually do love each other , in a rather subdued manner . Spouses who stick together despite abuse , is it because there's no choice , or does it demonstrate to a certain extent , true love , and constant forgiveness towards the hateful things one says to another ? It's interesting to see that there were certain dialogue which mentioned the potential " goodness " of marrying to someone of a different race , but we know , at the end of the day , idealistic as it may sound , it all boils down to the basic conduct of how a person lives out his humanity . On a rather lighthearted note , we also see a budding infatuation between a hospital attendant and Orked's maid , contributing to the initial stage of budding love , and jealousy which the driver experienced . It's a totally different ballgame in the muezzin storyline . We do see the very close knit family unit of a religious man , which is contrasted with that of the single parent prostitute who has to bring up her young son . She does what she does out of pure basic survival , and is seeking forgiveness from God for the lifestyle she decided upon . The introduction of a gambler used to portray domestic violence was painful to watch , though it is through these episodes and down-trodden characters , we see the compassion extended by the muezzin and hi wife . They live simply , but are happy with their lot . Something that we can emulate with being contented with what we have . The usual social observations that we noticed in Sepet also found its footing in Gubra . You wonder and are amazed at how the director managed to skillfully weave them in together with the narrative . It doesn't prod disrespectfully , but in subtleness lies its effectiveness . The multi-lingual , racial , religious society of Malaysia is again highlighted through the same narrative style , be it in dialogue or action . Liked that moment of conversation Orked shared with Alan when in his pickup truck en route to some grub . Indeed being in a multi-ethnic country ourselves , we can identify easily with almost everything discussed on screen . Gubra , like Sepet , started off simple , as simple as butter spread on bread , breakfast lovingly made by a wife for her husband in the early morning . But just like Sepet , if I could paraphrase what Yasmin mentioned , we are taken on a joyride before thrown on the tracks . Gubra had a simple intro to the muezzin storyline , and a comedic intro to Orked's story . But things aren't meant to last as we see . Like Sepet , we are drawn into their world through its light hearted moments , yet we witness events that spiral emotionally downwards from then on . Being cheated upon and having promises broken is never easy to handle . It makes it worse when matrimonial vows are broken so easily , as we witness with Arif's infidelity , and his constant lies . It's painful to watch Orked undergo this betrayal , although she managed to keep herself composed ( I wonder if it's a conscious effort on hairstyling , during the funny periods in the beginning , it was like a lion's mane , and when she left the husband , it's all coiffed up nicely ) . We know she's capable of having stand up for herself given her strong will , and leaving her husband , given her leaving Jason when he confessed to having impregnated someone else . But we're led into another theme of forgiveness , if she'll forgive Arif just as she forgave Jason . One might say that it is easier to forgive the latter because there was no sacred vows taken between man and wife . That of forgiveness and compassion also featured in the other storyline . Compassion through inaction can serve as a double edged sword . While you hope that through compassion , you would touch another person to change their ill ways , but if it's a deep rooted rot , we'll never know how we could have helped to avoid tragedy , if we had not exhibited that emotion in the first place . There are plenty of scenes which highlights Yasmin's wry humour , sometimes to elevate the seriousness and tragedy , without much dialogue , but told through images . Like the scene in the clinic where the erectile dysfunction poster teases you , yet you're anticipating the discovery of the seriousness of an illness not mentioned explicitly , but suggested through another common poster . Or the savage attack near the end , which we do not get to see , but we know from an earlier scene how wrong and dangerous it can get . It's simple , yet complicated . Beautiful , yet tragic . I heart this movie !
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514,458 | 317,399 | 373,889 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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Finally , Harry Potter's gotten a decent clean cut hairstyle , compared to that ghastly shaggy dog manes that he spotted in the previous installment Goblet of Fire . The much touted scene here is The Kiss ( about 1 hour into the movie ) , but seriously , that's much ado about nothing compared to what the rest of the movie has in store for audiences around the world . Just so you know , I've still not read any of the books by JK Rowling thus far , preferring to rely on cinematic magic to condense the ever increasing thickness of the novels into 2hrs and 10-20mins of full sensory invasion . As a movie franchise installment , it doesn't waste time introducing characters or what's been done - either you know it , or you don't . So for those who have not watched Goblet of Fire , then please do , as Order of the Phoenix starts off pretty much from where the previous left off , with Harry Potter ( Daniel Radcliffe ) left haunted with his experience of battle with the dark Lord Voldermot ( Ralph Fiennes , who also gained recent notoriety with his mile high exploits ) . Soon he finds himself devoid of friends , save for those loyal 2 - Hermione Granger ( Emma Watson ) and Ron Weasley ( Rupert Grint ) , and plenty of pent up teenage angst of being unable to figure things out and make things right . Yes , Harry's all grown up now , and instead of the usual teenage dalliances , he gets troubled with the ways of the world , of school politics , ministry politics , an evil Lord after his blood , and many more just to make him break . Even the staunch fatherly figures of godfather Sirius Black ( Gary Oldman ) and Headmaster Dumbledore ( Michael Gambon ) seem so distant when he needed to reach out . Our boy wizard surely has his plate full . Without spoiling the plot , I thought the movies have already developed a formula in presentation , and its predictability comes in the form of starting with the Muggles , then a little scuffle , before proceeding to Hogwarts for the semester , uncover a certain mystery , get tangled into that mystery , where solving it leads to a major fight sequence , followed finally with some resolution , yet having a reminder loom around that while the micro stuff have been attended to , the macro issue of his parentage , his scar , his affiliation with Voldermot , are still not addressed in its entirety , and satisfactorily . Despite the structure , I've come to enjoy the franchised installments so far , as they play out like X-Files episodes - with mysteries that can be solved within the episode itself , yet having that long drawn conspiracy theories that continue to make you come back , just to learn whatever you can on new developments . As our characters grow ( and actors grow in real world time ) , the story also develops and becomes more mature - gone are the cutesy antics in the earlier movies , and these get replaced by the darker themes , and in both mood and tone . Certain subplots do seem to get introduced quite haphazardly , but I suppose they're there as unmovable plot devices in order to stay true to the novel's actual plot development . The supporting cast continue to grow , and the introduction of Imelda Staunton's Folores Umbridge will indeed incense anyone - the quintessential teacher from Hell . Fans of Hermione and Ron will perhaps rue that their idols somehow get lesser screen time , and spend most times in the background . But I thought that each time when they get together and the scene is just on our 3 buddies , you just can't help but feel for the camaraderie so strongly forged , given that they've spent years and 5 movies together already . There's a scene where they smiled ( yes it's that simple ) , but somehow , it rung through as being so genuine , so heartwarming in spite of the story's contextual doom and gloom , it's like a beacon of hope that no worries , everything will be alright . That simple scene alone won me , that this is indeed a movie with important themes on love and friendship , that in the face of adversary , you just know who to count on . Some may complain that the movie doesn't really feature much or new magic spells , but that I believe stays true to the storyline with many of Umbridge's unwarranted rules and regulations imposed on the student population . But when it's time to duke it out , I'd say the special effects were second to none , with the battles between the magic practitioners nothing less than spectacular , and since it's done by Industrial Light and Magic , then I'll state that they have been designed to be more intense that the Star Wars lightsabre fights - given of course we're dabbling in the realm of magic , where anything and everything goes , and to perfection as rendered in the movie - truly an awesome sight to behold when the masters settle it mano a mano . I think this is the best Harry Potter movie so far ( I've made mention that Goblet of Fire was , back in late 2005 ) , even though it's still a cock tease . Guess we've got 10 days to find out what will really happen to the boy wizard , and thereafter , stay interested enough to want to watch the remaining two movies . I'd like to say that I can't wait ( to read about the ending in Deathly Hallows , and for the last 2 movies to be made ) .
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514,862 | 317,399 | 389,557 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Black Book
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I guess the most obvious comparison this movie will go up against , is Lee Ang's Lust , Caution . Both are set during WWII in lands under Axis power occupation , and both involve using the adage of Generals having to stumble over the lure of beauties . This strategy is quite basic in fact and execution , and both movies involve having an ingenue infiltrate their enemy's territory by getting up close and very personal with the respective officers in command , taking a little more than the spreading of limbs to pander to the lusts of men . Even though I had enjoyed Lust , Caution , I would have to say that Black Book notches a rung above it , simply because of it more superior production values , and a storyline a tad more complex and intriguing , that makes the Ang Lee movie look like a walk in the park . Granted that Lust , Caution involves a story on a more intimate level between two lovers , coupled with the more explicit and widely talked about sexual gymnastics between the leads , Black Book has a more end-to-end feel about wartime espionage in general , with various elements like intelligence gathering , gung-ho raids , assassination and capture , tactics associated these days with terrorist elements and the much used association with freedom fighters all rolled into one coherent story , and keeps you guessing almost all the way with its spy vs spy plotting and counter-plotting , double , triple timing and the poisoning of minds . For its ability to do just that , this is one WWII espionage movie I'll be recommending for quite a while . Set in 1944 Netherlands near the end of WWII , we see how Rachel Stein ( Carice van Houten ) , a Jew , had to take refuge on the move to avoid capture by the Nazis . Being reunited with her family in their flight from Holland , their escape boat got ambushed by enemy soldiers , and needless to say who had survived the ordeal . Using a new look and new identity as Ellis de Vries , she joins the resistance led by Gerben Kuipers ( Derek de Lint ) and Hans Akkermans ( Thom Hoffman ) , before being given an opportunity to perform missions more dangerous than being a flower vase in their operations , having demonstrated that she has the intelligence to pull off something more than just sit and smile . And soon she's sent packing to the regional Gestapo HQ where she has to seduce her mark Ludwig Muntze ( Sebastian Koch ) . Yes , Lust , Caution style all over again , minus the gymnastics , but in Paul Verhoeven style , if you don't get gratuitous violence , you'll get gratuitous nudity . But this movie is not just about how satisfying the sex was for the enemy in order to let slip information that can be used by the resistance . Hell no , it goes more into the questionable motives of all , and I mean all , characters involved . As she was advised early in the story , these are dangerous times to be trusting anyone , and with that ringing in our minds , we too begin to mistrust just about everyone else in the movie , except for of course our heroine . What I particularly enjoyed , is just how all this lack of trust permeates amongst everyone , even amongst the Resistance , and more so amongst fellow German officers who make side deals and go for personal material gains to satisfy their greed . It's spy vs spy not only amongst the rival groups , but amongst their factions as well , that makes your head go in a dizzy trying to figure things out and ponder about everyone's loyalties . That mental exercise of drawing you into the story rather than to sit idly and watching things as they transpire on screen , makes Black Book a certain winner . And with these flip-flopping loyalties come the demand from the actors to pull them off . Carice van Houten can give Tang Wei a run for her money , especially when Carice seems more like the tough-as-nails cookie who isn't the demure damsel in distress . She has a lot more spunk in her and does a whole lot more , and if I had to choose between who's the better spy amongst the two , I'd give Carice's Ellis my vote hands down . Sebastian Koch who plays her mark Muntze however , doesn't come across as menacing or dangerous enough though , while Thom Hoffman shone through as the roguish looking resistance fighter who's always first to volunteer for any firefight . Black Book was released in 2006 , which left me wondering why it took so long to arrive on our shores . I had the opportunity to watch it during last year's Hong Kong International Film Festival , but due to scheduling conflicts , had to give the ticket up . So don't waste anymore time in getting to watch this on the big screen at The Picturehouse , which is already into its second week run . Well paced , excellent story and highly engaging , if you don't care much for the Panda , then please open the Black Book and give it a go . Highly recommended .
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514,754 | 317,399 | 421,715 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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When I was born my mom said I looked like an old man . Like everyone else , I turned out to be pretty normal , unlike The Curious Case of Benjamin Button where he's physically developing in the opposite , suffering from common aged ailments like cataracts , hearing , and arthritis first , but mentally developing in proper chronology . One can imagine the challenges of everyone thinking you'll die soon enough , before a miracle actually happens and you're like having drunk some elixir of life , probably a little too much too . Some would compare David Fincher's movie to Robert Zemeckis ' Forrest Gump . Both have charismatic characters living out a dream of a life despite the challenges that life had unfairly laid out for them , one being mentally slow , the other being physically not quite right . Like Gump , Button ( Brad Pitt in various astounding make up and effects ) lives an extremely fulfilling life , having their tale peppered with significant ground breaking events , some of which they get involved in , others just serving as bookends in a narrative that span lifetimes . These become wonderful stories to tell , like Tim Burton's Big Fish , and actually , quite inspiring too to live a life seizing any opportunities that come your way . Similarly , Ben Button has a strong mother character to take care of him , and here's where Taraji P . Henson's Queenie gets her supporting Oscar nod . Working in the home for the aged , Ben's father Thomas ( Jason Flemyng ) abandons the odd looking infant at the footsteps of the home , only for Queenie to show extreme compassion , and to bring up the infant like her own , full of love , blind to the fact that he is physically very different from everyone else . And Love is something Ben isn't falling short of , having to meet and love the very captivating Daisy ( Cate Blanchett ) , where their initial encounter being very much frowned upon , like a dirty old man trying to take advantage of a sweet young thing . It is this love that anchors the bulk of the second act , which makes it touching yet sad as you know of the collision course where this love is heading toward . I recall a scene in another movie , and you may have heard variations of this tale , where a woman asks her husband whom he preferred to meet their Maker first . The man says for his wife to kick the bucket before he does , only so because he wouldn't want her to suffer from a broken heart before her time , and to let him be punished that way instead . It is this nagging feeling that the characters experience , and both Blanchett and Pitt's performances allow the audience to empathize . David Fincher is best known for his darker movies like Panic Room , Fight Glub , Se7en , and Zodiac , and I thought The Curious Case of Benjamin Button continues this trend , in that it's draped in melancholy through and through . There's always a sad tinge to the events in Ben's life , because growing up with older people around you would mean that you experience death a lot more than growing up with peers . But that's not to say it's always doom and gloom . There are certain lighthearted moments thrown in to break the heaviness , and those lightning stories will certainly be fondly remembered way after the end credits roll . Fincher too displays some deft storytelling techniques here in keeping the narrative from turning stale , and one extremely well executed scene involved plenty of What-Ifs that lays out what Fate would have decided for anyone . To some , Benjamin Button may seem boring , but they are totally missing the point . The 166 minutes here were paced fabulously , never wasting any time , and yet providing enough breathing space to pause and appreciate the story , the characters , the art direction , and to soak in the wonderful cinematography . And not forgetting an ensemble supporting cast to prop and pad the central relationship between Ben and Daisy , from parents to friends , to everyone else that pops in and out offering life's lessons through fated encounters . The people that one meets define your life in a certain sense I believe . Through Fate we know each other , and little episodes spice your life up in ways that you cannot imagine , until you look back and wonder just how much had gone by , and how much one had experienced . The latest Facebook meme on 25 Random Things had made me recall some wonderful moments shared with people who have entered my life at various points , and to those who think their lives are not rich , I encourage them to dig deep , and find certain joy in recalling those moments . Here , we journey with Jula Ormond's Caroline as she reads through a diary and co-narrates the story of Benjamin Button , in little episodes that grab your attention throughout . The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a delightfully fine film , with an engaging story about life in itself , and deserves every single one of its 13 nominations in this year's Academy Awards . It's up against some stiff competition , but I'm fairly confident it will hold its own and not return empty handed . Definitely highly recommended , and easily an early contender as best film of the year thus far .
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515,047 | 317,399 | 824,747 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Changeling
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J . Michael Straczynski of Babylon 5 fame wrote Changeling , which is based on the true story of one woman's fight against corruption , incompetence , accusations and intimidation , all the while in searching for the truth of what happened to her beloved 9 year old son , who vanished without a trace , only for the LAPD to try and convince her that the boy they found , was indeed her son . But that's just the gist of the first hour with plenty more in store , keeping you gripped to the screen as the story develops . I continue to admire the very human stories under the direction of Clint Eastwood . His films over the last few years have been nothing less than excellent , and Changeling adds to this stellar repertoire of his . There's a certain quiet confidence in the way his films get presented , like a veteran hand masterminding all elements to fall in place perfectly . What more , it's always a treat to have the film's score composed by Eastwood himself , and the main theme is already buzzing in my head already , way after the end credits have rolled . But of course the star of the show here is Angelina Jolie . While we had not the opportunity to watch her dramatic turn in A Mighty Heart on the big screen where she plays a woman searching for her husband and for the truth , we do get to see her here playing a mother searching for her child and for answers . I particularly liked the line where she said she's not here to pick fights , but she sure would finish one , and that practically sums her her fiercely combative character in a film where she doesn't get to literally kick arse . I guess local distributors prefer to play it safe and continue to feed us with the alpha-female roles that Jolie plays , from Lara Croft to Wanted , that it's a rare opportunity to see her in a dramatic role , reminding us that she has won awards before for such roles . This is certainly a chance not to miss , because there are numerous moments where she demonstrated her acting chops . I still cannot forget that one brilliant scene , which was almost the equivalent of Ralph Fiennes ' in The Constant Gardener , where she didn't have to say her word , but just her expression alone had painted the phrase " prepared for the worst , but hoping for the best " . That alone is worth the price of an admission ticket . I suppose being a real life mother , she would have no problems with translating what would possibly be any mother's fear of losing their child suddenly and without explanation . She provides a very solid performance that hinged on everyone in the audience being able to connect with her plight and exasperation , of sympathizing with her , and rooting for her as she faces obstacle after obstacle as she goes about doing sensible things that the authorities frown upon . You'll seethe with rage when others give that can't-be-bothered attitude to a helpless mom , and feel pity that while more could be done , no finger was lifted . You'll share that tinge of hope that things will turn out for the better , and feel sad at the disappointments faced along the way , each time hoping that the outcome would be better than the last . And here's where Straczynski's story excels . There are a number of threads running that converge nicely together , and while the movie clocks in over 140 minutes , you'll never feel time plod , as you get engaged into the story , feel for the characters , and at the same time , enjoy the excellent recreation of the 1920s . There's a little bit of everything that managed to cram itself here , from mystery to courtroom drama , showcasing a variety of story settings , dealing with themes such as justice and integrity . It also contains a very strong critique of authority which is given too much power without proper checks and balances , that such power could be corrupted and abused for personal gain , before it takes those who are resolute in doing the right thing , to push for change . John Malkovich has a supporting role here as Reverend Gustav Briegleb , who has a congregation behind him as he tells it as it is in his weekly radio shows , and provides much needed intervention to assist Jolie's Christine Collins along the way . Changeling becomes the first movie this new year that I would highly recommended without hesitation . Go watch it when it opens on the 15th !
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514,894 | 317,399 | 381,849 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : 3 : 10 to Yuma
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It's been a long wait for the remake of 3 : 10 to Yuma to finally reach our cinemas . In fact , the Code 1 DVD is already out , and I thought it was probably missed opportunity if there are interested folks out there who decide to get the DVD instead of catching it on the big screen . I do not understand why the need for the delay , contrary to the belief that it is a Western movie which might be an unpopular genre to go into , and of course , I can only recall a handful which made it to cinemas here in recent times - Dances with Wolves , Unforgiven , Tombstone and Wyatt Earp - the last 2 being movies about the legendary lawman and the shootout at OK Corral . Some 50 years ago , audiences were introduced to the duo of impoverished rancher Dan Evans ( then played by Van Heflin ) and the number one outlaw of the land , Ben Wade ( Glenn Ford ) . As the story goes , Evans has to feed a family and the poor harvest and weather aren't doing him any favours . As Wade gets captured , volunteers are immediately called for to escort him to the town of Contention , to put him onboard the 3 : 10 train to Yuma jail , hence the title . Two powerful actors have now taken over the mantle of the 2 rivals , namely Russell Crowe ( who's having a comeback of sorts to our screens with the recently released American Gangster ) , and Christian Bale in respective roles . And unlike American Gangster which had again 2 high profile actors sharing top billing , Bale and Crowe share a lot of screen time together , thus boosting the appeal of the remake . Even for those who have seen the original , I am glad to say that on the whole , this version ranks far superior than the original version . The earlier version , being made half century ago , will definitely need a decent update for modern audiences , and that aspect did not disappoint , with more in-depth character development , and exciting shootouts . However , in my opinion , the ending of the original packed far more a punch that this one , given that the ending in the 2007 version is likely to be more in line with stories these days - the cynical , non-saccharine sweet ending . If it followed the original closely , then most audiences would have found it trying as most of the movie took place in a hotel room where the duo are waiting for the awaited time to make a run for the train station . Here , director James Mangold and scribes Halsted Welles , Michael Brandt and Derek Haas decided to boost the middle section with a detour to Apache land and encountering railroad builders ( check out Luke Wilson ! ) , presenting again more threats to the group escorting Ben Wade . Also , Ben Wade is presented in a more menacing manner , constantly probing the group and looking for opportunities to make his escape , rather than the rather subdued original which didn't exhibit any notion of danger . What I also found to be a leg up , was the swapping of importance between Evan's wife Alice ( Gretchen Mol ) and his son William ( Logan Lerman ) , which eliminated a rather awkward moment in the original where Alice paid Dan a visit whilst holed up in the hotel room . The structure and development otherwise remained about the same , and even some lines from the classic were reused in this remake , in particular in the first half of the movie . Character wise , you can't get any more better than having Crowe and Bale flesh out their characters and giving both a sense of angst , who on a better day , could probably have been good friends . You follow them as the duo gain newfound respect for each other , and the longer running time provided ample chances for the audience to find reason to connect , and understand the characters at a deeper level . Ben Wade was given time to show that he isn't all bad , despite what he tells others and from what he had done to gain his notorious reputation , and in Dan Evans , he finds the kind of life that he yearns for - beautiful wife and family , with sons who look up to the dad - but will probably never get , unless you count the mercenary hoodlums as family ( Ben Foster in a truly badass role ) . And from Evans , learning his true motivations for this suicidal job , could have made any grownup feel sorry , while he exhibits his admirable work ethics in the face of temptation , to just get the job done , to put food on the table for his family , and teaching his sons as well that it's not the size , calibre or speed of the gun that matters , but principles . 3 : 10 to Yuma deserves to be watched on the big screen , and given limited screenings and the crowding of movies this month , do make time for it . It's a perfect balance for those looking for mean gunfights , and powerful drama , and this remake delivers it all where it should matter - adopting the best bits in the original , and plugging the gaps when those portions falter . Highly recommended , even if you're not a fan of the Western genre !
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514,804 | 317,399 | 385,267 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : In Good Company
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It is a challenge to thoroughly explore this drama . It's an excellent film , which deals with many contemporary themes , with great character development brought out by a superb cast with chemistry . Whilst some might view this film through romantic lenses , I'd prefer to view this film differently , from another angle , probably because I'm a salaried man myself , and at times , see myself in one of the characters now ( no prizes for guessing who ) . This film's premise is steeped in the realities of today's business world of mergers and acquisitions , layoffs associated , of office politics and relationships , and of corporate jungle survival . Dennis Quaid plays a Dan , a senior sales manager in his 50s , juggling life with adolescent teenage daughters ( the emphasis being Scarlett Johansson's Alex ) and his wife , who's expecting their newborn baby , and with his job , when his company has just been bought over and merged into a conglomerate . Suddenly his career is filled with uncertainty , as everyone in the company is worried over whether they'd still have their jobs once the dust settles , with new management being put in place - and this means Dan is no longer the main man , but the " wingman " . As with businesses these days , the emphasis is always on revenue , sales numbers , and the bottom line . We are shown , through the cast members , the pain of being laid off . It never is easy being a manager , and the dread when you'd have to ask members of your team , the team you picked and groomed , to leave . Some see it coming , some take it in their stride , others just can't . And that's the job of Dan's new manager Carter Duryea ( played by fresh faced Topher Grace ) , who's half Dan's age , tasked with increasing sales revenue , and trimming the bottom line . The film is also about relationships , and relationships here are multi-fold . Dan and Carter do not hit it off on the right note , basically because Carter just waltzes right into Dan's job , even though he lacks the experience in the industry , but he's young , energetic , and a proved go-getter . Dan feels threatened - it's understandable , especially when you have to put food on the table , put your kids to University , and going to have a new addition to the family . You have mortgage to pay for , and I think many salaried men will identify immediately with the situation at hand . Carter knows he's a threat to Dan , but initially for his own selfish reasons , he keeps Dan by his side ( he needed someone with experience to teach him the ropes ) , defying upper management preference to lay Dan off because of his fat salary , thus he lays off Dan's team members . One of the more poignant moment in the film , the most realistic I think , is when faced with the reality of survival , of You or the Other Man , what choice would you make ? But slowly and steadily , a mentor-mentee relationship forms between the two , until Carter falls for Dan's daughter Alex . Although their romance takes a backseat to the relationship between Dan and Carter , whatever romance is shown on screen is sweet - their first dates , their long walks , their worry of letting Dan discover their secret . But there is also doubt if it'll work out - Alex wants to concentrate on school , and is worried that Carter is on a rebound after his divorce . Carter , on the other hand , we question his intentions , whether he just wants someone to fill his loneliness , or if he's really in love with Alex . This film is also about the importance of family , and the lack thereof . We see Dan with his very normal functional family - strong relationships and love amongst everyone . Which Carter envies . We see Carter's broken marriage , his unsupportive and adulterous wife whom he divorces , a mention of his parents who separated , and of his loneliness , which resulted in burning weekends at the office , and inviting himself over to Dan's home for dinner , just to beat being alone . He's a modern day poor little rich kid , and I identify with him on the loneliness bit . Sometimes . the film pokes fun at corporate values , mission statements , themes of synergy , and showcases the office balls-carrier . A good reminder is brought out in - in today's world , the only constant is change , so break down your arrogance , as you'll never know what the next merger or acquisition will bring . One day you're at the top , the next you might be out . Peppered throughout are contemporary folk songs , which just seem to evoke the right emotions in you , at the right time it's played . Making contributions are Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill and singer of the moment Damien Rice's Cannonball . Dennis Quaid is one of my favourite character actors , though I must add that this is the first movie I've seen him in since " Frequency " . His Dan brings about the everyday man whom I can probably identify with , when I'm 50 . Topher Grace shines with his role of Carter , the inexperience of youth being thrusted into the limelight and given heavy responsibilities . He tries to impress his new team with his can-do attitude , his enthusiasm for his job , but scores zero on his personal life ( hmm . . kinda like me , now ) . Heck he even crashes his new Porsche when he leaves the showroom ! And Scarlett Johansson is an angel - showing vulnerability as a coming of age teenager who has to decide whether to pursue her love for Carter , or to realize the sacrifices her dad made to put her in varsity , and to pursue her studies . This show has a little something for everyone , and I'm sure you'll find that the contemporary themes do ring a familiar bell in your life . My review above might seem a little heavy , but hey , I'm over-analysing , so no worries , go catch this one !
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514,612 | 317,399 | 465,538 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Michael Clayton
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I can't recall the last time I watched a satisfying lawyer related movie , and it brings me back to the time in the 90s where the John Grisham novels were being rushed to be made into films , starting with The Firm , and somehow stopping abruptly after the release of The Runaway Jury . While the Grisham novels always have a top lawyer with just morals , this one has almost everyone being a shady lawyer battling against one another's wits and wills . Michael Clayton is a lawyer movie , of the different kind . There's no courtroom debate with your objections , your sustains and a triggerhappy-with-a-hammer judge , but here we see more of the workings behind the scenes , set in a fictional top law firm Kenner , Bach & Ledeen , which has lawyers for hire to take on cases for clients who are willing to dish out top money for top brains . George Clooney plays the titular character , whom many bill as the Miracle Worker . That's the fanciful title for the job , which like others whom one will describe as picking up the pieces , in short , the janitor role in doing some of the dirty work to give the clients a leg up in litigation . And that in itself is the draw of the movie . It doesn't shy away from making all lawyers look like greedy money grabbing scoundrels , though it does have a sense of honour amongst thieves as exuded by the Michael Clayton character . In fact , here's possibly one of the most interesting anti-heroes ( if I may call him that ) who uses his connections and through the pulling of the right strings , get things done , at whatever the cost , with whatever the measures and options available . You mess up , he comes in to clean it up , and being the enigma he is in the circle , a client can't help but to feel confident that his troubles are well taken care of , and well worth the dollars paid for . What makes the entire plot compelling , are the extremely well crafted characters . It's a good welcome to see Tilda Swinton back on the big screen after her outing some 2 years ago with The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe , and here she plays the legal counsel of a corporation U-North , who just got promoted into the hottest seat , and is desperate in using all means necessary to hold onto her position of power , which means settling a million dollar class action suit that impacts her bonus and standing . As with large firms , her U-North outsources the dirty work , for the guarantee of a scapegoat should something go wrong , to their vendor Kenner , Bach & Ledeen , and the long drawn case being led by the law firm's top gun Arthur Edens , played by the wonderful Tom Wilkinson , who goes berserk one day . Tom Wilkinson has now gone into my books as one of my favourite character actors . His voice resonates , and his appearance lends certain gravitas to the picture . Here , he plays a scumbag lawyer ( ok , so I associate every lawyer here as a scumbag ) who has woken up to his senses ( or succumbed to madness ? ) , and now is holding onto dangerously incriminating smoking gun type evidence . I always thought how one could survive in a profession that requires you to constantly lie , to turn black into white and vice versa , basically to demean , probably character assassinate opponents and destroy their moral credibility . Takes a lot , doesn't it ? And I wonder too how they sleep at night , knowing that they have perverted justice through their cunningness . Guess it's just a job . shrugBut an interesting " character " here , is the Corporation , represented by the law firm . As with all corporate entities , it's transfixed on its bottomline , market share , revenue and profits , so naturally it becomes beholden to its rich clients . If the client wants black to be called white , sure , that's what they'll do to maintain the big fish account , afraid that the client might take their business elsewhere . So morally bankrupt lawyers , do they exist ? Michael Clayton is excellent , for the gripping plot that leaves you guessing what next , for its pace , and best of all , the awesome rapid fire dialogue . It's a talkie movie through and through , without subtitles too , and that probably explained why some audience walked out of the movie midway , as they might have thought that Clooney was either wearing a costume , or performing quick wardrobe changes ala his Danny Ocean , but here , it's sombre shirt , tie and overcoat almost all the way . And it's not just a one-track movie , with minor subplots involving Clayton's personal life of a broken family , debt and a business that went the wrong way , that get tied in perfectly into the main track . That said , this movie remains highly recommended , for those patience enough to experience all the curve balls being thrown at you every step of the way , through the narrative's four days leading to a satisfying wrap . Heavy reliance on Clooney's charisma to carry the movie through , and peppered with excellent supporting acts all around . Don't miss this !
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515,374 | 317,399 | 96,283 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) My Neighbor Totoro ( 1988 )
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I have never sat through a complete Hayao Miyazaki animated movie despite all the good vibes , reviews , recommendations I got from friends . Actually I have Spirited Away on DVD just waiting to be watched , but for some reason it still sits on my desk amongst others . Well , a good friend from up north passed me THREE Miyazaki DVDs , and given I'm going to where he is tomorrow visiting someone who mentioned during a visit to the previous movie set , how the scene was reminiscent of My Neighbor Totoro , I thought I'll pop that DVD and give it a watch . I was blown away . This IS animation , with a story suitable for kids to understand , and for adults to get a kick out of given its fantastical pieces . I shan't spoil the movie by spelling out the storyline , but suffice to say it centers very simply on a family , the father a professor who has recently uprooted his family of two girls , Satsuki and Mai , to the countryside , to provide a healthier environment for their ailing mom , currently in the hospital , to recuperate in . Thus begins the children's adventures in the country , with its lush greenery , and of course , with their new found friend , a giant ghibil known as Totoro , with seemingly magical powers of flight and fantasy . And it is in its simplicity where its beauty shines through . It is always said that children can see things that adults don't , and hence , there's a constant question as to whether Totoro is real , or not , and if so , how its interactions with the kids are possible . It's not just Totoro itself which is out of this world , but I totally like that grinning cat-bus . This is the kind of animated movie that our local animation production houses should be looking at . First and foremost , the story . While it doesn't contain huge battle sequences , complex or multiple characters for the sake of stuffing the movie , it goes to show that the story matters , in its ability to touch and resonate with audiences young and old ( while the young ones go to the cinemas , don't forget the adults have to bring them too , and somehow you have to entertain them as well without being too complex for the little ones to understand ) . The character designs are also kept simple , but nonetheless effective . The animation here is top notch despite it being 2D , as are the cast who voiced the characters . The acid test here is whether the movie can stand the test of time , and watching it close to 20 years after it was made , the answer is a resounding yes , it passed with flying colours . There are plenty of moments where you go " so cute ! " without it being saccharine , or trying too hard , and that is indeed remarkable . Characterization is superb , especially Mai , whom I think everyone who has a kid sister , would be able to relate to . That's how realistic I thought she was ! Everything in this movie works well together , like a fine orchestra performing its pieces with precision yet with lots of heart . I do feel compelled to pop in and watch all the other Hayao Miyazaki DVDs I have in my collection , but I have to travel tomorrow and be away the next few days . You can be sure however , I will be back and complete watching them all real soon ! I like Tonari no Totoro , certainly one of the best movies I've seen !
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514,773 | 317,399 | 1,303,846 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Claustrophobia
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Written and directed by Ivy Ho , best known for her sensitive story in Comrades , Almost a Love Story , I felt that Claustrophobia showed similar expertise in its treatment of the mundane and often rote life of office workers caught up in the day to day drudgery of deadlines and uncertainties in this era of mergers and acquisitions . Lensed by cinematographer Mark Lee , this is beautifully filmed and brings out the often cramped spaces that the characters find themselves in , figuratively as well . The film opens with a long 20 minute scene in a car as it goes around Hong Kong , where the department manager Tom ( Ekin Cheng ) sends his team of 4 home after a late night in the office . And it is here in this tiny space of a car cabin that you can read plenty of office colleague dynamics that any working adult would immediately identify with . Veteran Felix Lok as Karl has some of the best lines as the individual who is a " know it all " given his seniority amongst the team , and Karena Lam's Pearl often has something troubling that maintains hidden beneath her calm exterior . John and Jewel round up the group as the youngest , most passionate and of course , most impetuous amongst the group , being fuel for and to propagate stories from the grapevine . Unravelling itself backwards , the narrative teases with short succinct scenes from gossips to suspicion of hanky panky , but never to show its hand fully . Rationale for such scenes , and character behaviour at current point in time do get touched upon in later parts , which is chronologically earlier . Much is still left unsaid though as the continuity in reverse order do not get embroiled in the nitty gritties , but provides the canvas and the frame on which you can draw your own conclusions from . There are no big sequences per say , as this is a powerful conversational movie . Attention is to be paid to the candid and genuinely impactive dialogue , especially when you discover hidden meanings and sarcasms when lines are read in-between . There is much identifiable dialogue for anyone who has worked a desk job before , as well as with the scenes of quirks from working in close proximity cubicles in the office . You'll probably be left in awe as if you're seeing a snapshot of an office worker's life through a two-way mirror , with knowledge of hindsight , as the movie captures the concerns of the working class in such a deceptively simple manner . If you're led to believe that Ekin Cheng's Tom and Karena Lam's Pearl would amount to something , then you might just have to leave it to your imagination to wander a bit , since it's never explicit shown or addressed on screen . Rather , the notion of office romance with workers dating co-workers just serves as a fleeting background with both sides of the equation provided , such as how it affects workers productivity , or how it actually helps to increase morale of the person ( s ) involved . Minor characters do pepper the landscape as well , in the form of Eric Tsang as Dr Chiu , whom I thought had some of the more interesting lines with Karena Lam as they share a wonderfully poignant scene with regards to love lost , and Andy Hui who guests stars as a cab driver . Well acted despite having the characters restraining themselves to knowing glances and something that is more than meets the eye , Claustrophobia would easily be amongst my favourites from the festival , and is highly recommended !
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514,810 | 317,399 | 291,350 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Millennium Actress ( DVD )
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Having watched Satoshi Kon's Paprika and Tokyo Godfathers , it's a no brainer that I would jump at the chance to watch Millennium Actress . And I wasn't disappointed , though if I would rate this movie amongst the others I've seen , then my preference will be in reverse chronological order , not that Millennium Actress is no good , but you do see the scaling of new heights in the newer works . I'm quite amazed at how a single theme ( at least to me ) managed to weave itself into a compelling story , and one which paid homage to the history of Japan , and to Japanese films . The actress in the title refers to Chiyoko Fujiwara ( voiced by three different actresses - Miyoko Shoji , Mami Koyama and Fumiko Orikasa ) , and chronicles the story of her career . As such , we get to see her in various characters and costumes , in different genres set in different eras , like the Samurai films , science fiction , romance dramas , and even monster movies . Now a senior citizen who has since retired from the limelight , she's being tracked down for an interview by Genya Tachibana ( Shozo Izuka ) and his cameraman Ida Kyoji ( Masaya Onosaka ) , as she's the icon for a movie studio which is being torn down . But there's more to Genya's intentions of just speaking to her , and that secret in which he has will form the basic crux of the story . To some , it might be groundhog day narrative style as events get repeated , although in different reel eras . It's about chasing after a loved one , one who has disappeared , and about your relentless pursuit , never to give up for that glimmer of hope , for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow . In many aspects , there's a lot of reel life imitating real , and the presentation style is definitely a notch in the direction of class , having interpolate Genya and Ida into the memories of Chiyoko as they learn first hand the events that she encounters , and relive those memories in the form of the movies she had starred in . In this manner of skillfully manipulating images and colour , the movie becomes layered in multiple fashion , and is quite innovative , rather than telling the story in a flat out chronological style . The story nevertheless remains immensely touching , and bittersweet as well , particularly when a key secret is revealed , and you find yourself having to hold back that tear from coming out of your eye , especially when you have experienced a similar , relentless chase for something that you do not know what the outcome is . As always , the movie is richly animated with deep background details that you do not keep your eyes off the screen , and definitely deserves multiple re-watchings . Definitely highly recommended .
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515,410 | 317,399 | 397,535 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Memoirs of a Geisha
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It's been a long wait for the movie to come to our shores , and I'd tell you it's all well worth it . Having touted many directors ' involvement with this project ( like Steven Spielberg , who's now producer ) , Rob Marshall finally got chosen to helm Arthur Golden's bestseller . And having an all recognizable Asian cast to shoulder this Hollywood production , is an achievement in itself in my opinion . To the detractors who were up in arms over the casting of non-Japanese actresses as the leads , what's up with you ? Sure they're not natives from the land of the rising sun , but bear in mind this is a Hollywood production , and it's all about the business too . Having actresses that the West are not familiar with , is like taking too huge a gamble . So we have Zhang Ziyi as the protagonist , whom a number would be familiar after her turn out in the caper Rush Hour 2 , as with Michelle Yeoh with her stint as a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies . Gong Li would be familiar to those in the art house circuit with Wong Kar Wai's 2046 making its rounds . We do have Japanese in the movie , though mainly the male leads like Ken Watanabe ( after a dismal appearance in summer blockbuster Batman Begins ) and Cary-Hiroyuki " Mortal Kombat " Tagawa . And it's indeed commendable effort from the actresses fronting the movie , having to learn and be convincing in the age old culture of the Geishas . There's another camp who're lobbying that the film is not accurate . Hello , this is a movie , based on a fictional novel . You want accuracy , go watch a documentary or something . Perhaps the only thing I found peculiar was the addition of the English subtitles , as if the Asians cannot speak properly and audiences need help to decipher their accented English ? Zhang Ziyi plays Chiyo / Sayuri , the daughter of a fisherman who got sold away as a young girl to a Geisha house . It's the usual rags-to-fame storyline , where rookie gets bullied , endures hardship , and one day , with a bit of luck , gets the opportunity to become one of the most famous in their profession of choice . And indeed the strength lay in Ziyi Zhang's competence in pulling off this coup , acting opposite 2 other accomplished actresses . Gong Li plays Hatsumomo , a famous Geisha in her time , by with a wild , arrogant streak in her . She feels threatened by the arrival of the young girl Chiyo , and goes all out to frame and make life difficult for her . From the start , you know that these two characters have hatred running through their veins . It's interesting to see Ziyi and Li pair up - 2046 doesn't count as they didn't share scenes together . Both were once director's Zhang Yimou's muses , with Ziyi touted as the new Gong Li when she emerged from the scene . They do share some similar facial features , and it's somewhat strangely satisfying watching their cat-fights on screen , as if it's a wicked tale of Celebrity Deathmatch . Michelle Yeoh plays Mameha , another famous Geisha in her time , and here , she takes on a more mature role , developing a mentor-protégé relationship with Chiyo / Sayuri . Mameha teaches and refines Chiyo , and orchestrates her , if I may use the word , career of Sayuri . From the onset , Mameha has big plans for Sayuri , and we see the politicking side of the world of the Geisha , of becoming famous , of crafting a reputation , and the deft plotting that one must adept to in order to survive in the dog-eat-dog business world . Michelle and Ziyi paired off in Lee Ang's Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon as adversaries , and probably had memorable scenes together when fighting off each other in the rooftop and teahouse battles . Here , they go to the other side of the spectrum in becoming " sisters " as they coordinate to outwit , outplay and outlast Hatsumomo . The most interesting would probably be the second act where we witness the meteoric rise of Sayuri . We are introduced proper into the complex Geisha life of rules and protocols , accompanied by the brilliant score of John Williams ' and with Yo-Yo Ma on the cellos . The beautiful costumes and rich sets also become testament that the filmmakers spare no effort in bringing Kyoto , and the world of the Geisha , to life . Perhaps the third act of the film , set after World War II , was the weakest of the three , as it seemed rushed to achieve closure for the romance between Sayuri and the Chairman ( Ken Watanabe ) . It's a love that cannot be expressed freely , although one which had started from an infatuation , from respect , and became an obsessive fuel to become the best . With face and reputation at stake , it's truthfully sad that this is no period Pretty Woman . Perhaps the only uplifting moment in the third act , is the unexpected twist of betrayal , that you'll never see that patient stab in the back until it is too late . It's a beautifully complex movie , and I'm amazed by how much can be weaved into what is seemingly a straightforward plot . This movie might give non-readers an excuse to pick up the book to learn more and dwell deeper into the psyche of the characters . But first , be enthralled by the movie , a must-watch this January .
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515,288 | 317,399 | 51,390 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Cairo Station
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I believe Cairo Station marks my very first experience in watching an Egyptian movie ( those television soap operas over the RTM channels when I was younger , don't exactly count ) . And having the opportunity to watch one made by an acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker , was nothing less than a bonus . What provided the icing on the cake , was that it was shown in 35mm print , and that is precisely the attraction of the World Cinema Series . I was under the uninformed impression that older , black and white movies , will likely to be paced too slow for my liking , or have stories that are quite bland by today's standards . I was so wrong , and Cairo Station absolutely threw those notions out of my mental window the minute I experienced the first few minutes of it . It has an extremely strong story , sophisticated in that it managed to span multiple threads and had ensemble characters , having so much paced so nicely within its 74 minute runtime , and having them all come together neatly for the finale . Having the events take place within a single day , it centers around 3 lead characters - Kenawi the newpaper boy ( played by the director himself ) , who walks with a limp and gets discriminate against by the working folks at the train station ( hence the English title ) , Hanuma the sultry , sexy soft drink seller ( played by Hind Rostrom ) and her beau Abu Sri ( Farid Shawqi ) , a porter at the station who's galvanizing his fellow workers to form a union to fight for better wages and welfare . There you have the female lead in a familiar seductress role , an anti-hero , and the hero himself , caught in a love triangle , which starts to turn Kenawi's jealousy and having his love spurned , into a dangerous obsession . Sounds like a Hitchcock-ian thriller ? You bet ! It's a dark movie indeed , one which explores the trappings of a misguided soul and his fetish and fantasies of beautiful pin up models , and because of his inability to express himself properly , gets frustrated and even with his relatively low IQ , starts to scheme to get his desires met . But it's not always all about Kenawi , as having the premise set in one of the busiest train stations , it allows for a number of avenues to introduce simple side stories to enrich the main narrative - every anonymous face in the station , definitely has a story to tell . And what exactly was in the film that had made audiences back then upset ? Well , I could offer a few suggestions , but by today's standards , it has seemed that it's already quite common , be it the water soaked clothing that accentuates a woman's curves , or a folio consisting of various scantily clad pin up models , or the many cleavage bearing shots , or perhaps some dancing and flirting amongst a train full of man , giving them that seductive wink ? One wonders , but as with most situations , anyone seemed to have been crossing the boundaries , pushing the envelopes , or revolutionizing the way stories are told , would have met with either accolades for doing so , or unfortunate condemnation like what this film received during its very first screening . But on hindsight , as always , this movie is nothing short of being remarkable . And having already watched it , I will be watching it again when the film screens once more to the general public on October 5th . Mark your calendars , and experience a world class production that has withstood the test of time - 50 years and counting , is no mean feat !
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514,405 | 317,399 | 498,505 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Professor and his Beloved Equation
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This is a very beautiful movie . If Mathematics was never your choice subject in school , with the way the subject is presented in this movie , I'm sure it'll win some new fans over . The last time I can remember where Maths was used as a central plot device was in Ron Howard's A Beautiful Mind , but here , it gains a lot more mileage than that Hollywood movie . I enjoyed the method in which Maths was written into the script , into the characters , and given a life of its own . It revived interest in things like perfect numbers , prime numbers , pi , the imaginary number , and Euler's famous equation . Even if you're clueless about the concepts of these terms , the movie will succinctly introduce them in a highly enjoyable manner . I'm actually quite in awe how complex terms can be weaved so simply into the entire narrative , and made it all work together so well . Borrowing a similar plot device to Memento , a Maths professor suffers from current memory loss , and can only remember events up until his accident . Everything else that is current lasts only 80 minutes , which is why he relies on little notes and his blackboards to remind himself of important current information each time he comes back to square one . A housekeeper is hired to look after him , and despite the trying times and unique circumstances , both of them manage to strike a deep friendship , through the help of mathematics - one who inspires , and the other who admires . The friendship develops further as the housekeeper's 10 year old son , nicknamed by the Professor " Root " for his square head , comes into the picture , and three of their lives become intertwined . There are many touching moments in the movie , and almost everything revolved around mathematics , food , and even baseball ! But you'd come to understand that the movie goes beyond that , and clearly the message is in the philosophy of maths itself , using concepts and applying it to real life , to living life . As such , it made the mathematical concepts introduced here quite accessible and easy to understand . The formation of friendships is core to the story , and the antagonist is none other than a jealous sister-in-law trying to break up what seemed to be going good for everyone involved . I sort of paralleled it to real life , in a not-too-recent episode which I and a few friends personally encountered , and the subsequent treatment we suffered . It makes you wonder how sometimes , even though with honest and sincere intentions , and out of the earnestness in valuing a friendship , you're demonized . It's quite uncanny , but all 3 characters in the professor , the housekeeper and her son are all quite lovable , both in character and in presentation . The cinematography is brilliant too , bringing out the best in the landscapes of the town that they live in , in a picturesque like fashion . I liked the simplicity of the movie , and the feel good factor that exudes from it . It's very beautiful and poetic to watch , given its even and comfortable pace , and it's definitely one of my favourite movies of the year , and my choice as the best film during this festival ! The last time I had such a feeling watching a movie was last year's Be With You ( not to be confused with Eric Khoo's Be With Me ) . This is a must-watch if you have the opportunity !
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514,721 | 317,399 | 121,766 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith
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To all the fans out there , it is time to rejoice . George Lucas has delivered in Revenge of the Sith . In my list of favourite Star Wars movie , it ranks up there with Empire Strikes Back in its emotional level , and action sequences . It's natural that this review contains no spoilers , as most of you would already know of the plot , and of the ending , since it leads to A New Hope , and given the countless slew of marketing techniques used to promote this movie . But the question is , what actually pushes Anakin Skywalker to the Dark Side . And this is the crux of the movie - if the delivery or narrative is poor and unconvincing , then this movie will sink . Fortunately , Revenge cuts to the chase , and to the point , elaborating without being boring , pacing kept consistent with breathtaking action in between serious dialogue . The best scenes in this movie is however , not the action . They are each time Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and Anakin Skywalker share a scene . After all , this movie is about the Sith , and every time these two are together , there is an ominous sign hanging that Anakin gets closer to the Dark Side , waiting for the inevitable to happen . If you're with Palpatine , I'd bet you will be smittened by his subtle sweet talk of power . George has written all these scenes well , and you really feel the seduction . But what really hit the spot was Hayden Christensen's performance . He brought out fear in Padme's death in his nightmares ( which was actually a self fulfilling prophecy ) , arrogance of his knowing his Jedi powers being improved and unmatched , confusion of his dilemma of being in a corner , torn between the Jedi Order he belongs to and his confidante Palpatine . You feel Anakin's sadness and loss each time he makes a mistake when doing evil deeds - you feel his tears , every time he is torn in a world of political plotting , of being an unwilling double agent . Which makes me ponder , being a child prodigy Anakin Skywalker is , it is without proper supervision that he is being seduced by false promises of unlimited Dark power . Yoda gets sent off for a mission , so does Obiwan , leaving Mace Windu ( who doesn't like Anakin , and vice versa ) looking after him . It is precisely this opportunity that Palpatine gets closer and pushes Anakin over the edge . In a way , the Jedi's arrogance ( or probably Mace's ) caused their downfall , and Anakin's love for Padme being the fuel that Palpatine openly exploits . The Jedi Massacre , though short , is extremely painful to watch . You see the Jedis trying their utmost to survive in their respective war zones , yet being murdered in cold blood by hordes of " friendly fire " - Order 66 . It is a sense of great loss and pity , and you'll be holding your breath to see how Yoda survives . And yes , the lightsabre battles - this film sees the most duels in the series . Obi-wan and Anakin vs Count Dooku , Obi-wan vs General Grievious , Mace Windu vs Palpatine , Yoda vs Palpatine , and finally , Obi-wan vs Anakin . Amongst them , I would rank Obi-wan vs General Grievious the weakest of them all , despite the boast that Grievious can weld 4 sabres and fight with them simultaneously . The ones which packs a punch , are Mace vs Palpatine - the battle between the Jedi's best in the lightsabre swordsmanship , and the power of the Dark Side , Yoda vs Palpatine - masters of the Light and Dark side dueling , with one of them admitting failure and loss , and finally , the battle amongst brothers , Obi-wan vs Anakin . I like this one the most , as the speed and red fiery environment they do battle in , really bring out the blue glow of their lightsabres as they duke it out in fantastic speed . The only time when sabres of the same colour clash , and the best . Fan favourites like R2D2 ( don't we love this droid ! ) and even Chewbacca make appearances . Jar Jar Binks too , but without dialogue . C3PO however , got limited screen time . My only gripe , if any , will be Padme being reduced to Tears - from the tough cookie she is in the prequels , probably being an expectant mother has mellowed her a lot , and she is always so sad when she comes on screen . John Williams , there seems to be no wrong he can do with his score , as his Battle of the Heroes track highlights the fight between good and evil , between the surviving Jedis and the emergence of Sith power . I would be watching this movie again , to take in the fantastic seduction scenes of the Dark Side , the sense of loss , helplessness and confusion , and the agony of betrayal from those whom you trust . Powerful themes brought out in a tribute finale to the entire series , a fitting film that bridges the past films to the Original Trilogy loved by many . May the Force be with you .
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514,504 | 317,399 | 449,994 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Jodhaa Akbar
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Today marks the premiere of Jodhaa Akbar here and the reasons for wanting to watch this film are simple - the pairing of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , director Ashutosh Gowariker , and musician A . R . Rahman . It's simply an irresistible combination , one that everyone in the cinema hall would attest to , given the full house , and the full house in the next screening . Jodhaa Akbar is set in the 16th century , which tells of an arranged marriage for strategic alliance purposes that blossomed into true love between a Mughal emperor , Jalaluddin Mohammad ( Hrithik Roshan ) and a Rajput princess Jodha ( Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ) . In fact , as how most historical epics would go , such as the likes of Alexander or peer Bollywood film Asoka ( starring Shah Rukh Khan ) , while efforts are placed into extensive research to try and stay as authentic as possible , there still are various interpretations to characters , some of whom will be taken to task ( like Oliver Stone's vision of Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great ) by audiences . The contention here is the story behind Jodha , and the various names she goes by with different retellings , and that is put up front even before the opening credits start to roll . Director Gowariker's pedigree with his successful epics like Lagaan and Swades puts him in good stead as he tackles this love story on multiple fronts . In fact , as he puts it , it's a story about the meeting of two cultures and two religions , so basically , what's in a name ? Sometimes I wonder about similarities with the formation of big countries as we know it today , with China undergoing multiple civil styled wars in bids by conquerors to unite it , and with India , it seems that it's no different . We get to see the multitudes of ethnic groups , each with their unique practices which we were given glimpses on , thanks to the superb art direction and wonderful , authentic sets recreated . Jalaluddin Mohammad hails from the Mughals , and is a Muslim , who from young is told by various quarters what to do , and how to lead his life as Emperor of Hindustan . He gains a reputation on the battlefield , which could parallel those in Hollywood in terms of sheer scale and grandeur , even utilizing hordes of marauding elephants and settled into some icky territory when elephants rampage and stomp on soldiers . Blood aside , we see Jalaluddin slowly become a man of his own , and in a bid to forge a strategic alliance , he's offered the hand of Jodha Bai . However , this arranged marriage was doomed a failure from all quarters , because of the difference in religion ( she's a Hindu ) and culture . Furthermore , the reluctant Jodha makes it all the more difficult by asking for 2 conditions , that she be allowed to practice her religion , and to build a shrine in their bridal home . He agrees . And in today's context , I would say this act of proposition and acceptance would also raise some eyebrows sky high . But herein likes the key message that gets drummed through the movie - why can't we love despite our differences ? Why can't we enjoy the diversity that each religion or culture bring , instead of baying for blood and inciting hatred ? Jodhaa Akbar has its message of ( religious ) tolerance worn very prominently on its sleeve . It's quite radical and forward thinking in Jalaluddin's character , and we feel for the couple as they go journey from strangers to soul mates overcoming the various challenges posed from the outside , and between themselves as they try hard to break the thick ice . But it's not all lovey-dovey in turmoil times like theirs , where politicking takes place from the macro with the constant threat of war and the running of a country , to the micro where internal jealousies and the defending of personal turf rear their ugly head , which kind of reminisce the many petty backstabbings found behind closed royalty doors , with Jalaluddin's nanny Maham Anga ( Ila Arun ) proving to be the attempted spoiler and go between in the marriage . And to leaders out there , there's a scene which while it's something that's not new , is always apt to remind them not to sit on their ivory towers , but to walk the ground and hear the grumbling first hand , as nothing beats ground level intelligence . In most parts , Jodhaa Akbar had reminded me of Cecil B DeMille's historical productions , with its beautiful sets , costumes , great acting , and intense battle sequences . There are a couple of nice action set pieces ranging from full scale war with the clashing of two opposing sides ( the elephants were a great bonus , trust me ) , to a duel which turns out to be a courtship ritual , something not new since both Hrithik and Aishwarya challenged each other before ( though on the basketball court ) , with the latter quite well versed in swordplay given her earlier role in The Last Legion , and one featuring what I thought took a leaf out of the battle between Hector and Achilles in Troy . Of course , no Bollywood movie will be without music and dance , and here , it's done quite tastefully as you don't expect sudden outbursts into song . The music by A . R . Rahman is top notch as usual , and dances here happen naturally as part of the narrative flow , with the first song coming out only just before the hour mark . Needless to say I found myself tapping my feet to almost all of them . There are a numerous plus points in this blockbuster , and if I'm telling you I'm getting the DVD when it's released , I'm already giving this a vote of confidence that it's a contender to make it to my top 10 movies of the year . Highly recommended !
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514,556 | 317,399 | 425,637 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Red Cliff
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A friend of mine revealed to me that John Woo acknowledged parallels between characters in his movies , and characters from the Three Kingdom era , and that General Zhao Yun was one of Woo's personal favourites . This admiration for General Zhao's qualities cannot be more obvious when it is he who opens the first battle proper , with a very familiar character episode involving the rescue of the infant son ( and future lord ) of his master Liu Bei , thereby sealing his reputation of valor , earning admiration even from enemy Cao Cao . Fans of Liu Bei's camp will undoubtedly cheer at the appearances of his sworn brothers General Guan Yu ( who is worshiped as a Deity until this very day , and remains one of my favourite characters besides Zhao Yun ) and General Zhang Fei , whose gruffness translates to instant war-ready prowess . While Liu's army is clearly routed in a military loss , it explained the dilemma of Liu's leadership . One which is based on sincerity , a quality which persuaded his chief military strategist and genius all round Zhuge Liang ( Takeshi Kaneshiro ) to join his cause , but one which lacked military strength in numbers , despite having some of the best generals of the time under his leadership . Which of course Cao Cao admires and probably is envious about , given his superior strength in numbers came from surrendering armies , whose loyalty remains questionable , and of course with individual generals who can't surpass the abilities of those from Liu . Playing the king like a puppet and having him issue a decree for permission to pursue Liu Bei who has fled southwards , he sets his sights also on warlord Sun Quan , for a more personal reason akin to the story of Helen of Troy . Zhuge Liang , knowing their current weakness , seeks an alliance between the armies of Liu and Sun Quan , and this forms most of the first half , where he had to play envoy to cajole and persuade , especially in convincing Sun Quan's most trusted adviser Zhou Yu ( Tony Leung ) that war is inevitable and they should form a win-win partnership . And here's where great minds think alike , and watching both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang do a friendly pit against each other is nothing short of amazing , where so little says so much . It helps of course that both Tony Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro have been paired up as leading men on screen before , in Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express and in Andrew Lau and Alan Mak's Confession of Pain too , lending some much established and credible chemistry as men who share admiration in each other's ability , especially when Zhou Yu seemed to have a fairer balance between fighting skill and intellect . With one side having highly disciplined soldiers with good morale , and the other having renowned generals to be leaders , it doesn't take a genius to realize the advantages gained in fending off a common enemy together . The fight sequences were pure spectacle , with old school wire work combined with technological wizardry to showcase some large scale battle sequences at a macro level , or to highlight the immense naval numbers that Cao Cao brings to battle . Formations and strategies take centerstage in a first major confrontation on land , where one gets to see John Woo's interpretation of Zhuge Liang's " ba-gua " ( 8 stratagems ) strategy , made more entertaining through the continuation of what we have already seen in each general's fighting ability , each given a unique style befitting the characters in folklore , such as Guan Yu and his Guan Dao ( Green Dragon Crescent Blade ) and Zhao Yun ( Hu Jun ) and his spear . There's the usual bellowing cape and slow motion in Woo's signature style , but these were kept to a minimum , as are the pigeons ( though they do make an appearance , but serving some purpose ) . Perhaps it is the success of the fight sequences that had left some lamenting for more , but bear in mind this is just but the first half of the movie , setting things up . The major war sequences of course are left in the second movie which we will get to see come early next year . Like The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions , expect the next movie to go on an all out assault . I felt that already is a fair balance of drama and action here , especially when this installment has to cover a broad base given numerous characters , which should provide fans ( of Three Kingdoms ) something to cheer about . Chang Chen provides his Sun Quan with enough self-doubt , and in a small story arc has to seek his inner confidence ala King Leonidas in 300 , while model Lin Chiling's much touted debut movie appearance , was limited to just a few scenes of lovey-dovey moments , which unfortunately for audiences in Singapore , her sex scene with Tony Leung got edited out in order for distributors to get a PG rating to put more bums on seats . I had wondered how Tony Leung would have faired as Zhuge Liang instead of Kaneshiro , but felt that the musical chairs casting somehow became a blessing in disguise . Kaneshiro's good looks might have made some doubt his ability to play the smartest man alive during the era , but he did an excellent job in bringing out the humility and self-deprecation of the man whose never flashy nor overconfident of his abilities , and one who swears his talents to his lord Liu Bei . Tony Leung on the other hand brought about a fine balance of brains and brawn to the Zhou Yu character , whom I suspect in Woo's version , would be credited with much success for his part in Red Cliff , rather than the accolades all going to Zhuge Liang . After you see the reliable Tony Leung in this role , you'll know for sure that Chow Yun-Fatt could probably never had brought the kind of gravitas Leung brought to the role . Red Cliff is hands down highly recommended
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514,853 | 317,399 | 371,746 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Iron Man
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With a little tinge of shame and regret , my rare dalliances with the Iron Man character stemmed from a few one off comic books , as well as occasions during the teenage years of spending time in the arcade with those Marvel games , where Iron Man was one of my preferred characters because it came together with his incredible arsenal of weapons from repulsor beams to this gigantic cannon which accompanied the execution of some complex combo moves . There's something sexy about the red and gold suit of armour , and having an array of weapons at the disposal of a player , makes perfect sense for variety in dispatching your enemies . This may irk the fervent fans of Iron Man , but face it , the superhero belonged to Tier B where superheroes are concerned , languishing behind easily recognizable peers who already have movie after movie being made . But thanks to the advancement in digital technology , bringing Iron Man to life no longer consisted of the prospect and worrying thought of having a man running about in a rubber suit passing it off as metal , the way Ultraman would have been done , complete with mechanical clicks and whirrs as sound effects to try and fool the visual sensory . Here , we have a very detailed rendering of the entire design from scratch to final modification , and we're in at every step of the way , with many cheeky and sometimes a tad implausible scenes just for cheap laughs thrown in . I thought Iron Man the story worked because of stark ( pardon the pun ) similarities with Batman Begins , also an origin story which took its time to dwell on the man behind the suit , nevermind at the sacrifice of having less action sequences , or by not giving the fans what they want through the showcase of more than the basic powers . Advanced capabilities can always find room in the sequel , and as the first movie used to establish its characters , I felt that it succeeded , given too that it had a cast of capables ( just like Batman Begins had ) to pull the movie through without resorting to over the top and campy performances , starting of course with the lead in Robert Downey Jr . In a nutshell , Downey is Tony Stark through and through . His affinity for the character shines , and no doubt it bore some parallels between his own personal , and Stark's life in the narrative future when he hits the bottle . He was allowed to become a Two-Face of sorts , on one hand being and later acting out his flamboyance self whose mission in life was the continuation of his father's legacy of Stark Industries , a weapons conglomerate , versus his personal mission in ridding his own weapons from the hands of the bad guys , now updated to be freedom fighters in the Middle East . The dialogue contained within each scene of Stark's , except perhaps during captivity , is full of one-liners done in double quick time , you probably would think it boiled down to a whole host of natural ad-libbing . But while Starks spends significant amount of time in his unsecured basement building his masterpiece , his human interaction come in the form of faithful secretary Pepper Potts ( Gwyneth Paltrow ) who actually , for the first time I admit , looked really good on screen as Stark's most trusted aide , bringing about some serious spark of sexual tension and chemistry between the two characters of opposite sex , more so than any other comic book movie I have seen . And good friend from the air force Jim Rhodes ( Terrence Howard ) complete the circle of trust who knows of Stark's secret identity , and you'd be keeping your fingers crossed at the toss of a teaser of a certain War Machine appearance should the sequel be out . Who's the main villain in the movie ? It points the finger at Corporations , or at least here , the weapons manufacturers and the shady deals that go through in the name of profit , the sole objective for any corporation's existence . And Jeff Bridges , in a rare villainous role , got to personify that greed and wrestle for absolute power just like the trailer already suggested . While his performance is refreshing as he disappears behind the ball head and bushy beard , you could see his motivation and how the plot would have been developed to introduced the ultimate fodder for Iron Man to duke it out in a , sad to say , ordinary finale which any audience would probably be able to stay a step ahead . As mentioned earlier , there are plenty of similarities with the Dark Knight of Gotham in Christopher Nolan's reboot , but more so because of properties inherent with the likeness between Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark . Both are incredibly wealthy to devote time outside of the day job to pursue their " hobby " , both have to suffer personal tragedies in order to wake up to the cruel world , and in the movie , both fall prey to the corporate raider type , spend time perfecting their suit of war , have assistants they would trust their lives with , and of course save them from impending doom , and a finales set at their facilities . But Iron Man is still a special effects extravaganza offering a thrill ride especially when he goes into battle mode , and without a doubt , Robert Downey Jr probably should be credited for raising the profile of this once Tier-B character , to perhaps becoming more recognizable now , and obviously , expanding the fan base of this weaponry filled suit of metal , which of course , in this origin movie , we were only given a glimpse of its potential . can everyone now spell sequel and clamour for more please ? Iron Man has set the bar for the other upcoming comic book movies to try and surpass this summer season !
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514,365 | 317,399 | 379,225 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : ( DVD ) The Corporation ( 2003 )
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Corporations are everywhere , providing goods and services that we consume day in day out . We've heard a lot of things about corporations , about their governance , social responsibility , environmental protection or lack thereof , in the news , and it's so part of every day life , can a documentary highlight its evils and stoke the flames in a call to action to make corporations more accountable for their very existence ? The Corporation is a very compelling look at corporations , about how they come about in a free market , subscribing to mantras such as " in devastation there is opportunity " , the levels of protections they have managed to obtain to protect themselves against various liabilities since they are after all , legal entities with rights , and how through their doing of business , actually have plenty more opportunity costs incurred that goes against the benefit of mankind . Of course first and foremost , their objective is to maximize profits for their stockholders ( Economics 101 ) , and it becomes a tussle between stockholders , and the wider , more encompassing stakeholders , which include their workers , consumers , customers and the community . I thought it was interesting enough for the film to have profiled the corporation to be akin to that of a psychopath , and provided enough believable evidence to support their claims . It's a very slickly done documentary , with professionally designed animation , effective talking heads dishing out enough soundbites to make you go " Hmm . . . " , and plenty of distinctly different visuals ( presentation charts , cartoon clips , news reels etc ) to keep you engaged throughout its 145 minutes , which you do not feel at all . It tackles a wide range of topics about the corporation , some arguing for it , most arguing against it . It doesn't set out to explain its stand through shock tactics , but do so with very well-measured delivery and logical arguments with a call to action . But while the filmmakers agree that you cannot expect change overnight , what little things you can do , such as exerting democratic authority over corporations by voting with your dollars , do ultimately go a long way . There are success stories incorporated here , mostly with the help of protests by civil rights groups ( is that why they're deemed dangerous here , since they can become catalyst for radical changes ? ) . Words don't do justice to this documentary . You just got to watch it , and let the barrage of arguments sink in . You might agree with most of the arguments , but wonder how the world would inconceivably be a better place without the corporation-created wants and perceived needs to add spice to our mundane lives . Oh , and the digital female voice narrating portions of the documentary , is oh so sexy !
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514,985 | 317,399 | 1,172,203 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Sita Sings The Blues
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Featured in last year's edition of Animation Nation , I finally got a chance to watch this masterpiece by filmmaker Nina Paley when she released it on the Internet under the Creative Commons License . And it is without a doubt that this piece of animation is well worth every minute of your time , especially when the visuals just arrests your attention from the get go , and has some wonderful music and songs by 1920s jazz singer Annette Hanshaw , who provides the titular Sita with her singing voice . Based on the epic Indian tale of Ramayana , focusing on the love triangle between Rama ( voiced by Debargo Sanyal ) , his virtuous wife Sita ( Nina Paley herself ) , and the adversary in the form of Ravana ( Sanjiv Jhaveri ) who lusts after Sita and kidnaps her , I have gotten a glimpse of this storyline when it got featured in films such as Swades and the more recent Delhi-6 . Essentially the extracts in those film featured how Ravana kidnaps Sita for her beauty , and wanted to make her his wife , only for her to hold out enough for Rama to find them , and to kill Ravana in an ensuing war . The story here expands that tale a lot more , starting with how Rama got banished from his kingdom by his father the King , and together with Sita , roams a forest until her kidnap , their reunion , and how Rama decided to banish her given his incessant suspicion that she may not have been pure , and got violated . It's a sad love story in a way , and this film provided just enough to pique your interest in wanting to read up more . It's quite amazing how Paley herself directed this piece of magic , and adopted various animation styles to tell a story , and a musical , and has a separate tale set in the modern day to parallel that of the epic tale . I am speechless by how wonderful the opening credits got designed , fused perfectly with the song playing in the background . Her choice of the Annette Hanshaw tunes were a wonderful touch that fit the story to a T , and this can only be attributed to some astonishing creativity and innovation that Paley had demonstrated , and I can't help but to want more . The shadow puppet narrators ( Aseem Chhabra , Bhavana Nagulapally and Manish Acharya ) stole the show each time they're on , as they sound just like your good pals who can't wait to give you the lowdown on what they know about this tragic love triangle . They're hilarious and never at any point felt deliberately so , with that very natural feel about the way they want to tell a story . I would have loved to experience this in a big screen theatre setting , but I guess that would not come anytime soon . So the next best alternative was to download the highest resolution version available to watch this astounding piece as well as to admire the striking attention to details that Paley so lovingly and respectfully put into the characters . You would do yourself a favour and watch how Sita Sings the Blues , as it's a definite must-watch in my books !
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514,880 | 317,399 | 1,060,253 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Gone Shopping
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Singaporeans are known for our passion for food , be it either great tasting humble hawker fare , or exquisite fine dining at various swanky restaurants . Food has been featured in a number of our local movies , with yellow flat noodles being the Mee Pok in Mee Pok Man , Chicken Rice in Chicken Rice War , and the ubiquitous coffeeshop locales in almost all of director Jack Neo's movies . The other passion we have is for shopping , no doubt with our most famous road being Orchard Road , for its malls and food of course , and the various generic shopping malls ( with almost the same shops , that each mall seemed xeroxed from the preceding success story ) that have sprung up in various neighbourhood heartland town centers all over the island . It's only a matter of time that a movie like Gone Shopping will find its way to our cinematic screens , with its premise firmly set around our obsession with shopping , which some have said is one of our national pastimes . Writer-director Wee Li Lin , better known for her short films , makes her feature film debut with this movie , and it actually took her years to crystallize her ideas for the film . After all , if you want to incorporate a national pastime , you sure would want to do it right ! But what Li Lin did was a whole lot more . Gone Shopping , through its many characters , leading and supporting , all manage to touch on the psyche of Singapore . Having developed a keen eye in observing people , Li Lin managed to craft intricate characters for Gone Shopping , without the pitfalls of having caricature them into typical stereotypes . The first few minutes were pure genius , adding a subtle tracking of the evolvement of our malls and its impact to our pop culture ( remember the Centrepoint kids ? ) through the eyes of one of the protagonist , Clara ( played by Kym Ng ) , a rich man's tai-tai ( translated by the official website as " wealthy lady of leisure " ) who seem to have everything material , but yearning for a connection that is deep and emotional . And starting with Clara , we get introduced to the various hopes and dreams of the characters in Gone Shopping , which I thought was interesting and intriguing enough to hold you attention , and want to make you find out more as the story unravels . Through three story arcs whose characters rarely interact with one another , they share a common thread , and that is the need to escape from the cold harsh realities of their unsatisfactory life , through , what else , their various periods of stay in malls , where they can enjoy some bliss in their respective fantasies . Clara longs to be loved and run away from the superficiality of " tai-tai friendships " , and bumping into an acquaintance , Valentine Pang ( Adrian Pang ) , a sales person in a departmental store and old school classmate , may just provide that avenue . Aaron Ho ( Aaron Kao ) , a young man stifled in his 9-to-5 job , seeks out friends in the mall , and slowly develops the hots for his best friend's sister Hui Hui ( Magdalene Tan ) , a goth lolita . Renu ( Sonya Nair ) , an 8 year old girl who finds herself abandoned and unloved by her parents , seeking out a new life in the world famous Mustafa Centre , a mall that does not sleep , enjoying the material goods she could possibly never possess , and being caught in a web of intrigue between a conman , and the store's security personnel . Gone Shopping reveals a thick tapestry based on strengths of Li Lin's imaginative mind , and engages the audiences at different levels . Like a shopping mall itself , the movie is full of differen tcomponents that will appeal to different demographics , but yet all coming together to make it a completely satisfying experience . Some scenes were just so cunningly full of wit , that you can't help but to crack up for its sheer brilliance and cheekiness . The actors too , from familiar TV faces past and present , flesh their roles with aplomb , and are a delight to watch . I only rue that the wonderful Adrian Pang didn't get a lot of screen time , and his moustache does make him look kinda serious , departing miles away from his funnyman persona . What is superb too for a local film , are the cinematography and art direction . The colours are beautiful to look at , building upon those already available in the malls ' surroundings , and scenes come alive with its many locations that audiences would find familiar . After all , we do visit these places from time to time for our dose of retail therapy . And for the overseas audience , you're in for a real visual treat as well , as Gone Shopping made the malls actually look sexy , and for those who have been here before , take a look if you can recall where they were . While it is obvious these places are touristy and would make Singapore Tourism Board beam with brimming pride , it doesn't , not for a minute , look like a huge " Come Visit Singapore / Come Shop in Singapore " commercial , which is great . Retail therapy might pay off to chase those blues away , but Gone Shopping certainly is well worth the admission ticket , being able to straddle the arty film realm that most local movies seem to fall under , and having the commercial legs as well . If Singapore movies are growing from strength to strength with each output , then Gone Shopping has certainly stamped its mark for 2007 . Highly recommended !
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515,547 | 317,399 | 1,220,719 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Ip Man
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I shall now proclaim unabashedly that I absolutely love this movie ! It's been some time since we last saw a biopic on one of the Chinese's martial arts folk heroes , with Jet Li's Fearless being the last memorable one to hit the big screen . While Li lays claim to three of such roles in the iconic Wong Fei Hung ( in the Tsui Hark movies ) , Fong Sai Yuk and Huo Yuan Jia in Fearless , after which he felt he had to hang up his martial arts roles because he thought that he had communicated all that he wanted about martial arts through these films . And thank goodness for Donnie Yen still being around to pick up from where the genre left off , and presenting a memorable role which he truly owned , with Ip Man being the first cinematic rendition of the Wing Chun martial arts grandmaster . In this bio-pic , Ip Man , one of the earliest Wing Chun martial arts exponents credited to have propagated its popularity , gets portrayed as the best of the best in 1930s Fo Shan , China , where the bustling city has its own Martial Arts Street where countless of martial arts schools have set up shop to fuel the craze of kung fu training . With each new school , the master will pay their respects to Ip Man and to challenge him to a duel . Ip Man , an aristocrat who spends most of his quality time developing and perfecting his brand of martial arts , will take them on behind closed doors , so as not to damage his opponents ' reputation nor embarrass them in public . His humility is his virtue , and his style is never violent or aggressive , which often gets assumed and mistaken for being effeminate , since Wing Chun after all was founded by a woman . The bulk of the story gets set in the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war , and it's not all fight and no story . Witth this historical setting , at times it does seem that there is an air of familiarity with the type of stories told , with how the Japanese Imperial Army had made life really miserable for the Chinese , and how the Chinese being fragmented in spirit , fail to unite during dire straits . More often than note , martial arts become a unifying force , and this aspect of the narrative might seem to be a walk in the usual territory . But with its array of charismatic supporting cast with the likes of Simon Yam as Ip Man's best friend and industrialist Quan , and Lam Ka Tung as a cop turned translator , there are little nicely put sub plots which seek to expand the air of respect that Ip Man commands amongst his community . The story by Edmond Wong did not demonize all the villains , often adding a dash of empathy and sympathy to the likes of the Japanese General Miura ( Hiroyuki Ikeuchi ) , a highly skilled exponent from the North called Zhao ( Fan Siu Wong ) as well as Lam's translator character who is deemed as a traitor for being in the service of the Japanese . Ip Man the family man also gets put under the spotlight , where his passion could sometimes leave him neglecting his wife and kid , and through the course of the story this focus often leaves one quite exasperated for his family's safety as he puts his countrymen above self and family when going up against the oppressive Japanese forces . So what's the verdict on the action ? Action junkies won't have to wait too long before watching Ip Man in action , and to Sammo Hung and Tony Leung Siu Hung's credit , they have intricately designed some of the most varied martial arts sequences in the movie , such as private fights in his home , a factory mêlée , a Japanese dojo battle as seen in the trailer , ( which I know has actually sent some positive vibes amongst moviegoers , mouth agape at that incredible scene of Yen continuously beating down a karateka ) being somewhat of a throwback and reminiscent of Bruce Lee in Fists of Fury , and a ringside duel amongst others . And it's not just Ip Man who gets in on the action , but specialized martial arts moves designed for the various practitioners as well . It's so difficult to name any particular one as a personal favorite , though I must add that you definitely won't feel short changed by the time the inevitable final battle comes rolling along and gets delivered with aplomb . I'm no Wing Chun practitioner , but Donnie Yen has this marvelous calm and zen like approach with his Ip Man taking out his opponents quite effectively with the minimal of moves . Like Huo Yuan Jia , he doesn't deliver the killing blows to friendly opponents , but rather simulates the various hit points , which actually calls for some astonishing control of strength and precision . This approach will change of course as the opponents become anything but friendly . And unlike the usual martial arts stance of crouching low , here we see him standing tall and striking with such precision and efficiency , it's like poetry in motion with some astounding closed quarter combat utilizing plenty of upper limb strength . With Wong Kar-wai at one point also declaring interest in making a Ip Man movie , I thought that this effort will be hard to beat , just like how Tsui Hark has crafted some of the more definitive movies in modern times about Wong Fei Hung and Jet Li benefiting from a major career boost , I'd say Ip Man just about cements Yen's reputation as a martial arts leading man , which I guess the cinematic world these days severely lacks . This has to go down in my books as one of my favorite movies of the year , and I'm already setting some money aside to get the best available edition of the DVD when it gets released . Highly recommended , so make a beeline for the box office now !
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515,302 | 317,399 | 376,541 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Closer
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Hello Stranger . Fate allowed us to meet , first as strangers . Then we become friends . We share a relationship , boyfriend / girlfriend , husband / wife . You tell me you love me . I tell you I love you too . But , do we really mean it ? How sure are we about it ? Will we stray from each other ? Will we lie to each other ? Or will we be honest about everything , and I mean , everything ? Mike Nichols opens The Graduate with Simon and Garfunkel's Sounds of Silence . Here , Closer opens with Damien Rice's The Blower's Daughter , whose lyrics contain the lines " I can't take my mind off of you , can't take my mind . . . my mind . . . ' Til I find somebody new " which forms the basis of the movie . " If you believe in love at first sight , you never stop looking . " says the movie's tagline , and while watching , I was thinking about the loads of questions the movie subtly throws at the audience , about modern relationships , as seen through the eyes of and experienced by its 4 main characters , whose lives and relations become intertwined . Fate allows the accidental ( pardon the pun ) meeting of strangers Jude Law and Natalie Portman , one a struggling writer , the latter a stripper . They become fast friends , and soon , a relationship develops . But what happens when Law starts to also fall for photographer Julia Roberts ? You'll start to ask - does he really love Portman ? What's the deal with his feelings for Roberts ? Love at first sight ? Lust perhaps ? Does he even care about Portman's feelings , or is he just selfish , wanting things his way ? Is he tired of Portman ? And Roberts , at first rejecting Law's moves as she knows he's attached , still finds herself drawn to Law's charms ( ok , he's good looking ) , and giving in . Portman appears in that same scene too , and she can tell that something's not quite right . This was an intriguing 10 minute scene , and the conversations amongst the characters tense . Law and Clive Owen " meet " in an interesting way , perhaps one of the more light hearted moments in the movie . Fate again intervenes - Owen and Roberts meet , and a relationship which led to marriage forms . Happy marriage ? Think again - Roberts has an off screen affair with Law , and when confronted with it , Owens start to go livid , and wants to know every detail ( even where they slept ) to justify his betrayal and hurt . Law confronts Portman with the same , and we see the heart wrenching acceptance that Portman emotes . Again , questions are raised - do we sometimes become clingy , that you suffocate a relationship ? How do you reveal the truth to the other party , while at the same time trying to cushion the blow ? How do you walk away from rejection with your dignity intact ? Or could you ? Owen and Portman met during Robert's photography exhibition , and again when Owen has separated from Roberts . They meet in a strip club , where Portman has taken up refuge in , entertaining men . This is a poignant scene , where more questions are raised , though in my opinion , it highlights Owen's lust on Portman . What happens then , to the adulterous couple Roberts and Law ? Are they happy together ? Will someone in such a relation be open to the other party meeting up with an ex ? If you're still in touch with an ex , will you tell your current squeeze ? Why ? Why not ? Honesty ? Will / Can your current squeeze accept the truth ? What more if you slept with your ex ? We go full circle at the ending , where you might think that all questions are resolved , all questions answered . There's a twist at the end which leaves you wondering , who's playing who , who's trusting who , who's being honest with who . Is honesty always the best policy ? But isn't honesty and trust the basis of any relationship ? I commend all four leads in the movie - Law , Portman , Roberts , Owen - they were excellent in bringing forth the various emotions required , and multi-faceted ones in fact . The characters are multi-dimensional , which makes them all the more plausible in real life . Nothing is cast in stone , everyone changes . The movie touched me in a personal way , and I'd bet for those who have / are involved in relationships , you'd feel the same way too - you can probably identify yourself in some of the characters , and how they dealt with themes of love , relationships , betrayal , jealousy , honesty , maybe even sex . The movie has a stark social commentary , which will leave you thinking and perhaps reflecting on your personal relationships . I'd recommend it to everyone . Go watch it , and start pondering .
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514,931 | 317,399 | 482,571 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Prestige
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I've said it before , but I'll say it again . Christopher Nolan can do no wrong . Teaming up again with his Batman Begins cast of Christian Bale and Michael Caine , and joined with the Scoop team consisting of X-Men's Wolverinie Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson , the stellar ( eye candy ) cast already set tongues wagging as to whether they'll be able to live up to the hype of Nolan's long awaited movie directly challenging the other picture about Victorian magicians , The Illusionist . The Prestige is the third act of any magic trick , with the first and second acts being the Pledge and the Turn . And this movie lives up to its namesake to a T . The way the movie plays out , it's like a huge magic trick , with the audience waiting to see how it unfolds , getting the suspicion on how it's done , but yet sitting through it thorough engaged to discover how everything will be revealed and resolved . It tells the story of how two magicians , fellow apprentices turned unfortunate rivals , plod down the slow path of jealous obsession , revenge , and the deliberate attempts to go at lengths to steal each other's ideas , to go one up against the other , a fight in romance , life and the long held passionate drive to discredit each other . There are perfect explanations of the value of secrets , and how secrets can sometimes be used as tools for deceit . What I thought was valuable in the movie was the reinforcement of the notion of how " magic " actually worked . Besides the better understanding of the common body of scientific knowledge , things like having pretty assistants to distract , and having planted staff amongst the audience , somehow made me a sceptic to tricks and illusions , and try harder to spot at which stage had things undergone a sleight of hand . More importantly , it introduced me to the notion and importance of a loyal engineer behind the scenes who designs elaborate contraptions solely for the magician's use , and how having disloyal staff can indeed be detrimental to any leaks of secrets . And Michael Caine took on this engineering role as Cutter , responsible for assisting Rupert Angier ( Hugh Jackman ) with loyalty and conviction that they could , as a team , beat Christian Bale's Alfred Borden . I thought the cast in general were superb , with Christian Bale leading the charge . Hugh Jackman too showed that he could play a dark character , as the two leads tackled their characters ' theme of sacrifice , arrogance , and ultimately redemption , especially for Rupert Angier . I thought he did what he did towards the end was a kind of penance to what happened in the beginning , hoping to kill two birds with a single stone , to exact the sweetest revenge he could possibly muster . What also was intriguing about the two lead characters was that there is no right or wrong , no hero or villain . It's always a shade of grey in what they do , and for Alfred Borden , I felt it's more for survival and the provision for family , which is a strong subplot running through the film . I just have to mention though , that Scarlett Johansson being Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive , gets to play a flower vase role here as a magician's assistant , though her role as the pawn between the rivals added a little gravitas . The atmosphere was set up great , and so were the costumes and sets . The soundtrack was hauntingly mesmerizing , capturing the look and mood appropriately . Look out too for David Bowie's appearance as a Serbian scientist ! I was floored by the deftness of how Nolan weaved and juxtaposed the non linear narrative so flawlessly . While the usual techniques is to use placeholders , or flashback sequences , colours etc , here , time is so fluid , but yet the audience will know precisely which era they're in , without being explicitly told , or working too much of the noodle . You just know , and it's just that feeling of being totally transparent with time . Even though the movie clocked in at slightly more than 2 hours , you don't feel its length at all . At the end of the movie , one quote popped into mind : Misdirection - what the eyes see and the ears hear , the mind believes . Quite apt to describe how things work out during the movie , or to describe in general , Nolan ' s films so far . That added richness to lift the movie to a superior plane . Do yourself a favour , if there's one movie you absolutely must watch this week , then Prestige must be your natural choice . It's smart in delivery and slick in presentation . There is none other . P . S . Is it just me , or are notebooks a common feature in Nolan's movies ?
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515,552 | 317,399 | 913,968 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Warlords
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Two's a company and three's a crowd . In movieland , that is almost always true , with no black and white , but with shades of grey instead . Of late , period or martial chivalry movies either look aesthetically beautiful like Zhang Yimou's trilogy of Hero , House of Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower , or opt for the grittier , more down to earth look with plenty of dirt and grime like Battle of Wits . Director Peter Chan's The Warlords follows the latter with its strained colors and muck on everyone's face , in parallel of the grey that befalls everyone in this tale of a trio's struggles with the System , and amongst themselves . Those who are familiar with stories featuring similar themes like brotherly bonds , blood brothers and the likes , will find that The Warlords , when striped away to its core , conforms to the same . But what Peter Chan did , and I thought succeeded , was to fuse really hard core battle action sequences with character driven drama , and having the stellar leads of Andy Lau , Jet Li and Takeshi Kaneshiro play something quite unlike their usual on screen personae , well , except maybe Kaneshiro . Publicity talk has been rife of Jet Li's unbelievable pay package taking up almost 40 % of the production cost , but if that was true , I'd guess it must've been a reward to take on something risky ( to a screen idol that is ) , and as it turned out , it could instead be a career defining role for Li , who doesn't get as much opportunity to show off those slick martial arts moves , no doubt in part wanting to stick the movie as close to reality as possible ( bye , shawdowless kick ! ) Li opens the movie as a disgraced general Ma Xin Yi , who was betrayed and only survived a massacre of his troops by the cowardly act of playing dead ( Yes ! Jet Li , playing a coward , pretending to be dead ! Told you ! ) In his quest to survive incognito , he chances upon a bandit Zhang Wen Xiang , played by Kaneshiro , who acknowledges General Ma's fighting prowess , and recruits him to the gang of Lau's Cao Er-Hu . However , the bandit life is not for a man of war , who sees the poor bandit village getting their arses kicked when soldiers of a rival court raid them , and thus finds the catalyst to encourage the bandit men to draw salary and food , by joining the army . Suspicious and needing assurance of the General , the trio of Ma , Zhang and Cao sign a blood oath , and thus the blood brothers are born - one a charismatic leader , one a general looking to reclaim his honour , and one in every bonding , the earnest and faithful follower . As the story unfolds , you begin to see how de-facto leaders always feel threatened by young upstarts , both in the politics within the small band of brothers , and in the bigger picture with the court officials . With individuals , there's almost always a clash of ideals , with many methods available in achieving common objectives , and one man's insatiable ambition will put the others at risk in Machiavellian terms . Finding themselves stronger in unity , repeated success on the battlefield start to change folks and reveal true intentions . Even the rule of law established becomes subject to interpretation based on the moment's convenience , and core principles like honour and gentlemen's agreement get tossed out of the window . As innermost desires are revealed , you'll begin to see how seriously or not , the blood oath is being treated by each individual , especially when one finds the other being externally threatened , or betrayal of temptation in the highest order courtesy of female lead Xu Jinglei's Lian as the token flower amongst the thorns . However , the story bore strength in its presentation of key moments where you'll be called upon to question and even judge the characters , their decisions , and at times , forced to choose sides . You may be convinced by one argument , yet understand the necessity of why something else was done instead . And I'd think you'll probably won't stick to one side for the most parts , and such bringing out the shades of grey that you'll experience for yourself , if you happen to be in the shoes of the trio's foot soldiers . Naivety is truly unkind , and sometimes one is just a pawn in situations far beyond one's grasp , and you can see how this rings true for almost every character here . While it is easy to dwell on the battle sequences and make this one heck of an action romp in the veins of 300 ( ok , so this one had its " 108 heroes " moment in a nod towards probable upcoming Water Margin movies ) , which it did look to suspiciously tread along the same vein , I thought the filmmakers here were smart to know when to show gore , with the decapitations , piercings and the likes , to knowing when to retract such in your face moments for maximum effect . In the hands of a lesser director , perhaps a key brutal scene will mean to show the obvious full frontal , but in showing you something else instead , with focus on individual reactions and the reactions of compatriots at one point in time , I thought it achieved a more powerful effect , with the audience I'm with tonight completed dumbfounded and silent throughout the scene . A remake of sorts of Shaw Brothers ' Ci Ma some 35 years ago ( directed by Chang Cheh and starring David Chiang , Ti Lung and Chen Kuan Tai in the lead roles ) , Peter Chan has brought to us a worthy Chinese epic movie with lavish production values , and one deserving of being called a magnificent effort . And yes , this deserves a watch in seeing who's actually playing who , and with a stellar cast to boot , I don't see why not . Highly recommended !
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514,363 | 317,399 | 1,024,943 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Om Shanti Om
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Om Shanti Om and Saawariya premiered the same time as the offerings for the Deepavali holiday , and to see how Hollywood money had influenced a Hindi production , I opted for the latter first . In its opening weekend in the UK , Om Shanti Om had trounced Tom Cruise's Lions for Lambs , so OSO went straight to my must-watch list this week . Moreover , while I have watched movies starring Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan , I have yet to see him in action on the big screen , so this provided the best opportunity to do so . And he's not called The King for nothing . Here , his roles of Om Prakash Makhija the junior actor in the studio system , and Om Kapoor the superstar , allowed for plenty of room to put his acting chops to good use . For his stature , watching him play a lowly rated actor with big dreams was a hoot , especially when teaming with good friend Pappu ( Shreyas Talpade ) in sharing those dreams of stardom , and hamming it up for the camera . In a tale of two halves , the first is set in the 70s in a major movie studio where Om Makhija works , and Fate has it that he will become romantically tangled with the hottest starlet of the era , actress Shantipriya ( Deepika Padukone in her debut , going head to head with Sonam Kapoor's debut too in Saawariya ) . But of course the star crossed lovers ( aren't they always ) are dished a cruel hand , and the movie lunges into the second half , which I should avoid specifics , suffice to say that Shah Rukh's new character Om Kapoor ( nicknamed OK ) , is now a bastard of a superstar , full of arrogance and standing for everything that Om Makhija isn't . Naturally there is a running theme connecting both portions together , along the lines of the circle of life , karma , retribution and reincarnation . Having two characters essentially allowed the audience a fun time in comparing and contrasting which Om one would prefer , offering a glimpse of what Om Makhija could possibly become if success went to his head . What I always liked about Bollywood , is its run time allowed for plenty of songs , dance ( which of course are the enjoyable bits with the colourful sets and costumes all put to good use ) , and while certain plot development might be cliché , it does take its time to properly develop the characters , or the leads at least . Om Shanti Om is no different , though there were some overly melodramatic moments , sometimes tongue-in-cheekily offered courtesy by actress Kirron Kher as Bela Makhija , Om's junior actress mother . The song and dance again take centerstage , and they were nicely composed for specific purposes in the narrative , one of many reasons why I admire Bollywood . Om Makhija's fantasy sequences with many beautiful costume changes during his scenes of courtship is memorable , but even audacious was Om Kapoor's superstar-like performance with entourage of scantily clad blondes ( yes , you read that right ) in Dard-E-Disco , where you'll get jealous watching Shah Rukh's well toned abs , and remind yourself to hit the gym more diligently . But what made Om Shanti Om truly enjoyable and stand out , is its almost self-deprecating jokes that it cracks on the industry , the movie it makes and the studio system , but then , it's really a celebration of their cinema and how far they have come . For those well versed with Bollywood , there are tons of references and inside jokes that you can't help but to chuckle at , including very well known stars all being very sporty about their cameo roles ( hats off to Abishek Bachchan , hahaha ! ) . There were the obvious self-indulgent moments like the post - awards ceremony party , where you'll realize why the opening credits had a huge Thank You list to the Who's Who in Bollywood - having appearances by the stars in one 10 minute segment , is a real treat and a good introduction to rookies like me , who become interested in trying to figure out who they are , besides the recognizable few from movies I've watched before . Performing to Deewangi Deewangi , I thought the other scene that was equally fun , was the Filmfare Awards Ceremony , which was almost laugh-a-minute . Thinking about it while writing this still brings back the laughs ! As usual , you'd come to expect some moments of familiarity in the movie , and I don't deny that the storyline does seem deja-vu , but again what makes it a delight , is primarily Shah Rukh's magnetism . Director-writer Farah Khan managed to string together comedic moments and balance them with a tender love story that I thought was pretty sad , given its unconventional ( but not unpredictable ) treatment . Sometimes Bollywood movies are guilty of having set pieces which resemble Hollywood , just like Krrish had a set which looked straight out of John Woo's Paycheck , and here , adopting the special effects sequence for Confession of Pain is hard to deny . But what I thought was a full circle , was the finale song-dance sequence which had the proceedings mimicking screen life , just as how Moulin Rouge had theirs resemble the doomed love affair between Christian and Satine , which in itself had heavy Hindi influences during its own musical sequence . Om Shanti Om has everything - romance , drama , mystery and the supernatural all rolled into one , and if I had just one word to describe it , it will be " Remarkable " . Do yourself a favor , and watch it !
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515,246 | 317,399 | 448,134 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Sunshine
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I have been a fan of Danny Boyle's movies , though I've watched only but a handful of his movies - Trainspotting , A Life Less Ordinary , The Beach , 28 Days Later and Millions . Teaming up with Alex Garland , who wrote the novel The Beach , and the story for 28 Days Later , they team up again for this futuristic science fiction thriller , where a group of astronauts and scientist , aboard Earth's last hope for salvation - the Icarus II , in an attempt to deliver a " payload " of nukes to the Sun's core , to reignite our solar star and bring warmth back to a freezing Earth . From the onset where the Fox Searchlight logo makes way to the horizon where the sun peeks over valley and mountains , Sunshine wastes no time in establishing our crew of 8 - Capa ( Cillian Murphy from 28 Days Later ) the physicist , the MVP crew member who knows how to activate the bomb , which makes him not only valuable , but provided a minor plot hole quibble about this indispensability , Mace the engineer , played by Chris Evans , in a major departure from his usual jock roles in Cellular and Fantastic Four , Corazon ( Michelle Yeoh ) the botanist , in charge of the agriculture , hydroponic food and eco-garden to provide oxygen on board , Kaneda ( Hiroyuki Sanada , whom I last saw in the dismal The Promise ) as the Captain , Cassie ( Rose Byrne ) the pilot of the Icarus II , Searle ( Cliff Curtis ) the doctor , Harvey ( Troy Garity ) the communications officer who finds his value dip when his equipment got fried , and Trey ( Benedict Wong ) the navigator whose " to err is human " shakes up the entire movie . It does seem like the jolly crew of the Enterprise really boldly going where no man has gone before , doesn't it ? Even the Icarus II has a dish like structure for its payload and a separable capsule for its crew quarters . Nonetheless as you sit through the movie , it does bring shades of movie like 2001 : A Space Odyssey for its intelligent HAL-like onboard computer , Star Trek for its crew structure and space walks , Alien for its dark , dank claustrophobic spaceship corridors , and even the all-out action USofA ra-ra movie Armageddon for its nuke mission . However , Sunshine stems its own signature in the crowded field of space mission movies , and quite superficially though , made it a mixture of men and women in a potentially suicidal mission to save mankind from doom , and a multi-cultural / racial crew , as compared to Armageddon's team of redneck jocks . Danny Boyle managed to combined most of the good stuff from those movies , in a sort of adoption of best practices , and weaved in a moving drama about sacrificing for the greater good or for the objective , the perennial morality versus mortality question , and that of self - preservation . It's easy to make it the usual run off the mill movie combining action horror and mystery , but Boyle fused them all together with his distinct style , making Sunshine engaging at every level , be it the set action sequences to keep you at the edge of your seat , or cringe at the unknown horror kept under wraps for the most part , or be quizzical at the mystery as it unfolds . Although the development of team dynamics do seem choppy , there were instances where you can identify cliques and survivor styled alliances . I thought perhaps an extended DVD version will be able to put this aspect of characterization right . The movie's pace is measured and kept tight and tense , leaving no room for idle development though . You might expect certain outcome with regards to the set action pieces , but somehow , you don't feel like trying to guess who'll survive and who'll not . In fact , chances are you're likely to cling onto every sliver of hope that the crew will survive every ordeal thrown at them , and boy , do they get quite a number of challenges to deal with , each of them distinct , different , and likely to keep you engaged as it develops , formulaic or otherwise . Some though , might make you cry . There are plentiful CG effects , most of which are the beautifully stunning Sun images , as well as nifty effects works of the consequences of space travel . There's a nice end credits sequence which almost summarizes the entire movie , giving you an opportunity to relive some of the key scenes again . Accompanied by a great track called " The Avenue of Hope " , I was left curious though that the song was also subtitled ( in Mandarin ) as it played . Sunshine's strengths lie in its ability to release a leash of familiarity , and then reeling you in with a refreshing take on things expected to happen . It's one of the more accessible science fiction movie to date , which doesn't go all too preachy with the supposed messages it's trying to put across . You can watch and enjoy it at face value , or go bonkers debating over the philosophy behind the decisions undertaken by the crew . Sunshine is excellent - two thumbs up !
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514,535 | 317,399 | 82,096 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Das Boot : The Director's Cut ( 1981 )
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This is touted as one of the best WWII submarine films of all time , and it's not difficult to understand why . From the story to the cast , from the cinematography to the sound , everything's top notch on this German film directed by Wolfgang Petersen ( who's now helming more Hollywood flicks ) . I'd rate it above U-571 , K19 : The Widowmaker , Crimson Tide , and The Hunt for Red October . We follow the exploits of the crew of German U-boat U-96 , as it gets sent on its mission to destroy Allied convoys . We learn of the frustrations of inaction , having no targets , and living the lonely life aboard a submarine . We experience the claustrophobic environment , one which is shared amongst crew , where maintaining hygiene and tolerable living conditions is of the utmost importance of staying well . We pick up on the fear of the Captain about his inexperienced crew , most of whom were in their early twenties , and haven't seen much action in the high seas . What's gripping in this film is when things start to pick up . Technology those days aren't as advanced , and we see that U-boats are more likely to be sitting ducks when Allied destroyers hover above them on the water's surface , dropping multiple depth charges to rattle and hopefully destroy their underwater prey . The U-boat is the hunter , but once it has hunted , it becomes the prey . And such is the marvellous depiction of Fear in the crew's eyes , as they huddle in silence each time the enemy lurks above . The suspense literally keeps you at the edge of your seat , the silence , deafening . Many set action pieces bring out the different scenarios and challenges that the crew face in their voyage on the seas , and all these capped by the beautiful soundtrack which accompanies each scene . My favourite was the charge through Gilbratar . Although this movie takes on an Axis power's point of view , one can discard the political aspect of this film , and understand that lives on both ends are similar - each are fathers , brothers , husbands , and are thrown into a senseless political war . It doesn't go preachy on who's right and wrong , but touches on more human and basic issues of survival . Boys become men , and it is this transformation that is most obvious throughout the story . If you've got the chance , you must see the Director's Cut , running at about 209 minutes , just as Wolfgang Petersen envisioned it to be . Excellent stuff !
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514,682 | 317,399 | 448,157 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Hancock
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I'll stick my neck out and state this : Should anyone tell you Hancock is not a good superhero movie , then that somebody probably isn't a superhero comic book fan to begin with . Or perhaps prefers the heroes as morally upright boy scouts with unexplainable fetish for Lycra tights . And for those who reckon that the Hancock trailer had shown its hand , for once I thought that a trailer barely , and I mean barely , scratched the surface of what surprisingly was a thoroughly enjoyable story , which will take its stand proudly amongst this year's line up of comic book / super hero movies . But first , I'd got to admit , I'm a Will Smith fan . So at least you might have this review put into perspective . I've been enjoying the Will Smith Express with the kind of movies he's been doing for his career , even for the badly received Wild Wild West . But this guy has been in almost every genre from action ( thanks to Michael Bay ) to science fiction with I , Robot , romantic comedy with Hitch , a powerful dramatic performance with Pursuit of Happiness , and the recent remake I Am Legend , and each one I find little or no fault with . In fact , save for one or two movies in his filmography which I have not watched , it's no wonder that Smith's A-list material for his legion of fans around the world , having a name that can marquee a blockbuster movie , and one of the more consistently bankable contemporary stars . And Hancock ( ok , for this review I'd lay off all the jokes ) continues in this tradition of entertainment that isn't frivolous . To tell you more about the story would be to ruin whatever surprise it has in store , so I'll not do that . Suffice to say that like all superhero movies , Hancock is also about sacrifice , and I think that's a theme that the genre cannot do away with . It's almost always an exploration about doing the right thing , be it for the love of mankind , or those that touch on the more personal . If you'd believe the trailer as it suggests , then it's suffice to say that Hancock had to grapple with bad public relations from his jerk like behaviour ( stuffing heads up arses being his arsenal of choice ) , and that assistance comes free through the services of Ray Embrey ( Jason Bateman ) , a life which he saved by , well , causing millions of dollars in damages . If I were to scratch the surface just a little bit deeper , then I'd say that Ray represents the kind of normal life that Hancock probably wished to have , the simple , no save-the-world responsibility lifestyle , with a nice little family with wife Mary ( Charlize Theron ) and son Aaron ( Jae Head ) to boot . Director Peter Berg , who last brought us The Kingdom , dabbles with plenty of technology to bring us a man who can fly , possess incredible strength and being invulnerable to bullets . What I'd enjoyed about his take on this superhero movie , is that he didn't find a need to explain everything in verbatim , i . e . what are the powers he possess , where did he come from , and so on . sure they are addressed , but there's no need for putting it in your face , which I suspect lesser directors would have filmed flashbacks , origin subplots , enemies who are megalomaniacs who want to conquer the universe , and so on . They can be mentioned in passing , or a glance , or to let it work it out in your imagination , which of course is a powerful tool . And keeping it simple helped too , as I was really thrilled at how effective , and deceptively simple , its crescendo was developed , that it's tough to fight back tears as it goes for the juggernaut to reach out for your emotions . Clearly there were bits from the trailer which were probably put in as red herrings , or likely to have been reserved for the DVD as deleted scenes . While it runs at just over 90 minutes , the pace is frenetic , though of course not without the usual loopholes , especially with a major sequence probably to show off some cool graphics . If I were to gripe about certain things , it would be how YouTube got a significant product placement , and not actually having the actual , exact clips available ( I may be wrong but I did do a search ) , and having the camera seemed to want to take a jab at Will Smith action movies of old by continuously circling around his face ala Bad Boys . Some may also gripe about not having to see much of the born again Hancock in action , but again , the strength of this movie lies not in how it delivers its set action pieces . So what's my verdict ? To Berg , Smith and the rest of the cast and crew , Good Job ! And don't be a jerk and bolt for the exits the minute the end credits start to roll , or you deserve to have your head stuffed up another's arse .
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514,370 | 317,399 | 120,863 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Thin Red Line ( DVD )
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It took 20 years for Terrence Malick to return to the cinema with The Thin Red Line , and if I recalled correctly , the audiences here were spoilt that same year by another much hyped about war movie , Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan , which delivered to action junkies some of the more in your face type of action with plenty of violence and gore , coupled with dismembered limbs flying all over the place . By the time Malick's movie was released , war movie fans here had already been spoilt by Spielberg's offering , and have already given respect to Tom Hank's Captain John Miller , so much to say that Malick's movie , without the fast cutting action sequences that the Private possessed , was boring . Personally , I'd like to set the record straight . If Private Ryan is akin to fast-food , delivering what is expected of a war movie without much frills , with its realistic war violence , then The Thin Red Line is like a fine restaurant cuisine that deserves to be savored and appreciated slowly . Not to say that it is slow paced , but for a war movie , it is exquisitely filmed , and captures real human emotions , good and bad , from both sides of the battleground , not just having Matt Damon looking afraid . And to anyone debunking the action sequences here as being less than stellar , they do not know what they're talking about . Granted that there are only 3 major action pieces , and the wait of almost an hour to get a shot fired , it was well worth the wait , but remember that action here takes a backseat . For anyone who has been in the armed forces , I'd like to think that we can easily identify with any of the perspectives that were presented here by the ensemble cast . And when I say ensemble , I mean it with a capital E . One of the plus points for the marketing folks of this film to go ballistic with , is the wealth of talent at Malick's disposal - Adrien Brody , James Caviezel , Ben Chapin , John Cusack , Nick Nolte , Woody Harrelson , Elias Koteas , and folks like George Clooney and John Travolta who were obviously there for cameo star power . Some were filmed but dropped off , like Tom Cruise , Martin Sheen , Viggo Mortensen etc , and I hope one day we do see that ultimate extended originally conceived cut of this movie . What make this film a triumph , was its characterization of the folks caught up in war . Not everyone allows for adrenaline to take over and becomes a Rambo overnight . More often than not , even with weapon at hand , we are afraid . Afraid of death , of the necessity to tote the line and follow dumb orders ( we know how stupid sometimes officers can get ) , and the constant lingering thoughts of loved ones when you're out in that field . Yes , even though I , and many other local males , have never been at war ( and hope not to be ) , training exercises and operations do allow for such experiences ( hey , we are dealing with real equipment , and if safety isn't followed , then at the extreme , death would come knocking ) . While many films have been made about the European theatre of war , very few good ones have been made on the Pacific theatre , and The Thin Red Line is set in the Battle of Guadalcanal , were a group of American infantrymen get ordered to take a hill and an airstrip on that island , to secure bragging and landing rights for their fighter jets , so as to achieve air superiority over a 1000 mile radius . It is the build up to their initial attack , that we learn a bit about our characters , and you can treat them like the buddies in your platoon - the one who goes AWOL , the one with a wife / girlfriend , the officer looking for his days of glory at all costs , and the one looked down for being soft . What I liked about Malick's presentation , was through the use of narration in between dialogues , it tells a lot more on the background of the character , and allows us to read into their thoughts , hypocritical or otherwise . And it doesn't shy away from the negative aspects , and what I found amusing , was how corrupt the process of awards can be . The Thin Red Line is one excellent movie which looks at the mindlessness and insanity of war . And for action junkies , it doesn't roll over from providing some of the most intense war action sequences , with soldiers attempting a full scale frontal assault charging up an enemy occupied hill , but my favourite would be where it captures perfectly in fluid motion , total confusion and utter mayhem unleashed when two sides meet in a village , where you can either follow the lead character on the camera's foreground , or focus on the wildly active background .
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514,439 | 317,399 | 901,488 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Eye in the Sky
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First time director Yau Nai-Hoi's Eye in the Sky gets the two thumbs up from me . It's an excellent movie with a strong storyline that gets zoned into the moment , with no room spent on unnecessarily bloating the movie beyond what it should be . Director Yau , a frequent collaborator and scriptwriter for Johnny To classics , brings to Eye in the Sky , a taut 90 minutes cop-robbers story on surveillance , of the men and women who do the thankless anonymous tasks behind the scenes on following suspects and trawling the streets for them . Surveillance is never easy , and trust me I know , from work experience . While there are countless of CCTV cameras and various technologies , nothing beats having up to date field intelligence . The opening film of the HKIFF , I had hoped to have watched this on its first screening , but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise , as I had one week to trawl the streets of Hong Kong and Kowloon , and being able to identify the locales used , was an added thrill . Although this is a cop thriller , it doesn't have the usual car chases , explosions or fancy gun battles . It's quite muted in these aspects , however it brings about a refreshing realism to the story , a great departure from the days when action has to be stylized ( flying through the air shooting two guns anyone ? ) The way the surveillance team operate , with its arsenal of disguises , tricks and vehicles , and the skills that one must possess - keen observation , alertness and an elephant memory , makes it like a cross between The Recruit and Mission : Impossible . Eye in the Sky tells the story of a new recruit , nicknamed Piggy ( Kate Tsui ) by her mentor Dog-Head ( Simon Yam ) , as she undergoes an on-job training of sorts in their case to track down some armed heist robbers , led by " Hollow Man " ( Tony Leung Kar Fai ) . It becomes a tight cat and mouse game as identities are attempted to be established , and the team comes up against a villain who's truly aware of his environment , turning the tables as the hunter might become the prey . There are strong performances all round , led by the veterans Simon Yam , in a change of alignment given his outings last year as villains , and Tony Leung , as a chillingly observant , cool and methodical sudoku-playing mastermind . In her first movie role , I thought Kate Tsui did remarkably well in her role as Piggy , the newbie lacking field experience , yet being thrown in the deep end of the pool to sink or swim . Perhaps it is truly her being new to the scene , that eased her comfortably into a role which is similar to herself , but the story does allow her room to showcase some of her acting chops , and she holds her own well against the veterans . Maggie Tsui too added some comedic moments as a foul mouthed police madam . Eye in the Sky is a recommended Hong Kong cop thriller ( time to let go of mole stories ) which is tight , and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow the surveillance team through high angles ( akin to CCTV camera angles ) , tight teamwork and features an incredible soundtrack as well to keep it fast paced . You must watch this when it makes it to our shores in Singapore , tentatively scheduled for mid April .
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514,886 | 317,399 | 478,311 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Knocked Up
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Writer-director Judd Apatow is probably best known for last year's sleeper hit comedy The 40 Year Old Virgin , where Steve Carrell played the titular character whose friends tried to get him laid . In Knocked Up , most of the familiar faces in Virgin returns for Apatow's latest offering , this time with Seth Rogen cast as one of the protagonists who has his hands full when he learns that he's going to be a father . But here's the catch - the pregnancy is totally unplanned , and was a result of a drunken one-night stand . Knocked Up is fertile ( pardon the pun ) ground for comedy , and Apatow's script , while it doesn't have much slapstick , turns it on by having plenty of winning dialogue , as the film chronicles the entire 9 months of the pregnancy period . And at its core , it's a true blue romance movie , with some seriousness at the side as it takes a long hard look at modern relationships , and the challenges faced by the modern family . It's expectations versus sacrifice , and Apatow really nails it all in with aplomb . The entire film is witty and so spot on , it sometimes hurts when you see things happening on screen , happen so close to home . Seth Rogen stars as Ben Stone , an unemployed man living off his insurance benefits for having been hit by a truck . He spends the day idling with his geek friends , who together , are setting up an Internet website which documents the exact moments when actresses appear nude in movies . Simply put , he's your undesirable plumb nerd who girls wouldn't want to go near . But opposites attract , and in a moment of brilliance , he manages to snog Alison Scott ( Katherine Heigl ) , a beautiful executive for E ! Entertainment , the It-girl with a bright future ahead of her , until their unprotected tryst . So it's a tussle between the two who are poles apart , to try and learn more about each other , to see if they like each other enough to want to try and do something serious about their situation . To Alison , she's keeping the baby , and to Ben , he's in for the ride , if he can prove that he's serious about it . What I liked about the movie is the subtle reminder never to judge a book by its cover , that hey , geeks ( rule ) are just as fun to be with , despite their encyclopedic knowledge about totally random bits of trivia , and that they don't have model good looks . But more importantly , as I mentioned , it takes a good hard look at modern relationships , and contrasts this perfectly by having Alison's married sister Debbie ( Leslie Mann ) , sharing the spotlight as well , with Paul Rudd as Pete her husband . They seem like the perfect all-American family , but if you chip deeper into the psyche , you can see that all is not so well , and that is contributing to the fear factor our new couple are trying to grapple with . Like The 40 Year Old Virgin , Knocked Up has its fair share of geek jokes , tons of movie references that movie fans can cheer about , and a number of uncredited cameos who just are a hoot to watch . And Ben's posse of geek buddies just about steal almost every scene they're in , despite being a little too predictable with their weed-smoking , free-loving , frequent-cursing ways . Very rarely do comedies come with a lot of heart . Knocked Up balances fun and seriousness all too well , and as a result , with its feel good ending offering plenty of hope , makes this movie one of the best this year . Highly recommended !
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515,158 | 317,399 | 42,355 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Story of a Love Affair
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The very first feature film of Michelangelo Antonioni , Story of a Love Affair as introduced by Lorenzo Codelli , was a film that dealt with the metaphysics , and had very little neo-realist elements which was a departure from what one would come to expect from a filmmaker whose documentaries were neo-realist . Watching it for the first time , I thought it would make a wonderful thriller / crime-mystery involving two lovers , and I suppose in the hands of Hollywood , we would get just that . But this is not Hollywood we're talking about , so again I get to throw all standard notions I was weaned on out of the window . As I was warned by a friend , I would be in for a rough ride because whatever structure of story-telling I was familiar with was going to be challenged , and strangely enough , I am beginning to find this challenge quite liberating , like the hitting onto a goldmine or an oilfield , and just raking in the sights and sounds from how beautiful a black and white movie could be , in terms of story , and characters . However , the characters need not be goody-two-shoes , or perfectly looking beings with zilch problems that they couldn't take care of within 2 hours . There are some serious and complex issues that the leads here have to grapple with , and together with an audience , we try and probe , and discover for ourselves just what those are , though naturally we aren't given all the answers on a sliver platter , and have to work hard at it , sometimes even utilizing some precious moments to breathe , digest , and compute , only being able to scratch the surface . Whatever the story or mystery is , it never really got addressed , not directly anyway . But story aside , I was really intrigued by the lead characters . We have a beautiful married woman Paola Fontana ( played by Lucia Bose whom we'll see later in another Antonioni movie , and at one time the reigning Miss Italy ) who seem to have the best of what luxuries life can offer , but is stuck in a loveless marriage to a rich man Enrico ( Ferdinando Sarmi ) . We're told that in her youth , she was a head turner , and almost always changes her boyfriends , each being the alpha-male type . Surprisingly , her lover whom she maintains contact with , Guido ( Massimo Girotti ) is anything but an alpha-male type . In fact , I would call him a loser in the classic sense of the word . No real job and penniless , he has some magnetic qualities to be be able to mesmerize Paola into trysts in cheap motel rooms . Meeting on the sly , we see how a high society woman have to dodge around from being discovered , and setting up alibis just to meet Guido , and we soon learn how wicked a woman she can be , for coming up with plans for crime to be committed to get things done her way . Which brings us back to the original thought of how she was involved in a more heinous crime / accident , where she could well be the chief manipulator then made to be seen as the victim . The main crime thread that got weaved into the story , was one involving a certain unseen Ms Giovanna , whose demise was linked to the two lovers . We never really learned what exactly happened , and Antonioni makes us work in order to try and piece clues and accounts together . And the probing of this mystery by a private investigator serves as a catalyst to the rest of the story , where we first see our lovers meet after a long while , but instead of enjoying each other's embrace , seem a lot more concerned with the PI's probe , as if afraid that it'll uncover hidden skeletons in their closets . Story of a Love Affair becomes an examination into these 2 characters , and interesting enough , to dwell on the problems that they face , in a somewhat lose-lose situation throughout their relationship . The first was when Giovanna served to be in the way of their coming together , being an in-between , and when that's settled , there's the other more pressing issue of whether they can elope successfully , where pragmatism takes over romanticism with Guido knowing for sure that he has no money , and little means to support both of them , especially the lifestyle that Paola currently enjoys . Definitely deserves a second viewing to try and develop my thoughts on it further ! And to enjoy the beautiful score all over again too !
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515,034 | 317,399 | 413,300 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Spider-Man 3
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Spider-Man 3 ushers in this year's many sequels in what would be a crowded blockbuster summer , but the question on everyone's lips is , with so many villains he's up against , will our friendly neighborhood arachnid prevail the movie sequel curse - that with many villains and being the third superhero movie in the franchise , it will most certainly be a dud and a victim of its own success ? Sam Raimi will have none of that , and found a special x-factor from within his own Spidey movie franchise to ensure sustainability . And it worked great . Superior sequels are a tough act to follow , and only a handful managed to survive the fatigue . It's not about putting in better effects , or introducing new and more powerful villains , but rather about the characters whom we have followed through from the previous movies . Here , we continue our journey with Peter Parker ( Tobey Maguire ) , Mary Jane Watson ( Kirsten Dunst ) and Harry Osborn ( James Franco ) , their love hate relationship with one another , and the will they or won't they situations . Having the creative team return ( sans Danny Elfman for the score ) and the principal cast intact ensured no continuity issues , which have casted a shadow on and doomed many other superhero productions like DC's Superman-Chris Reeves franchise , or the Batman one started by Tim Burton . Instead of relying on fluffy showmanship on the latest progression of how Spidey swings through Manhattan , and the temptation to shift all its grandeur action pieces to top gear , Spider-Man 3 actually had its characters spend much of their time out of costumes . Which is great , except for those impatient to get things going . It allowed for plenty of space for character development , a continuation of the relationship between Peter and Mary Jane , which on the previous movie's final scene , seemed to have an ominous feeling hung overhead . And yes , things are not going well for our couple . One's a public figure behind a mask , getting plenty of adulation from the common man on the street , while the other , still a struggling artiste in a cold unforgiving city . For Peter Parker , he's thrilled to have people celebrate his prowess , and allowed for success to get to his nerdy head . A nerd getting all the attention , certainly puts him a bit out of whack . He hardly listens , and the keyword here is listen ( take note , important to sustain relationship lesson abound ) , to his partner , and becomes emotionally unavailable , especially when she most needs him . And with miscommunication or the lack thereof , jealousy comes in the form of hot blonde bombshell Gwen Stacy ( Bryce Dallas Howard ) , with whom Peter violates a special bond between him and Mary Jane at the heat of the moment ( ok , all those who think it's being petty , might want to rethink that again ) . As a reminder , this is not the comic's Spider-Man . If it is , then Peter won't have organic web-shooters . So don't go all rile about Gwen's introduction at this stage of the franchise . It's her on screen , so celebrate that instead . Although she's a bit role , I thought Bryce Dallas Howard allowed fan boys to salivate at the prospect of having Gwen Stacy feature heavily in possible future movies . If Kirsten Dunst wish to bury her Mary Jane Watson aside , the franchise can definitely move on with Bryce stepping in with her Gwen , even though this time the comic time line will totally go out of sync . But to be fair to Dunst , her Mary Jane almost always have nothing much to do when Spidey's in costume , unless she decides to challenge for scream queen honors . It's again the same old damsel in distress the character finds herself in for a fair bit , and there's certainly a number of times where you can be held hostage , before some smart alec will deduce the reason why .
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515,420 | 317,399 | 1,056,437 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Sky Crawlers
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The Sky Crawlers seem to live up to its name , that it really took its time to tell a story , but in doing so , allowed for the narrative to sink in . After all , it's brought to us by Mamoru Oshii , and as far as his filmography goes , this Japanese maestro's works is often deep , and have more than enough room for multiple viewings , each time allowing you to take away something different , or unnoticed from the previous time round . Adapted by Chihiro Itou from Hiroshi Mori's story , you could see the themes that this movie had that would interest Oshii to be at the helm . They are nothing relatively new , as fans would see some similarities in the characters ' struggle about their own existentialism , and what I enjoyed most , the connected thread between war and peace . It's like the notion of having to prepare for war that you get to enjoy some peace , and I guess every National Serviceman would have heard that at one point or another during their tour of duty . While one can find some distinct parallels from Americanized films that pay homage or blatantly ripping off Oshii's earlier works , what I thought could have been toned down , was how toward the end , subtlety wasn't the rule of thumb , and almost every theory got explained verbatim . There were enough unanswered questions along the way to tickle your brain , leaving you guessing and drawing your own conclusions , but there were at least two crystal clear moments that decided to tell all and show all , taking away most of the fun . So in a way , you have less room to maneuver your thoughts during that after-movie discussion with friends . I could imagine and understand any kid sitting inside a theatre hall having absolutely no patience for this masterpiece . Except for the opening sequence which had packed in the action at Top Gun pace , one's notion that this was going to be a war-action movie gets thrown out the window within 10 minutes . Naturally it has the potential to go in that direction by playing up and extending the aerial dogfights , but to do so would be to dumb this film down a lot of notches . Granted its characters are pilots , and kid pilots at that , " Kildren " ( I would like to think of it as Killer-Children ) who don't seem to grow up , get careers in Corporations that seem to be waging war on behalf of nations , and pilot propeller-powered warplanes to engage their enemy in attacking and defending routines . Heck , there's even a Red Baron equivalent as the resident bogeyman too ! They smoke , they kill ( up in the air ) and they make love , with nary an adult batting an eyelid , that you would deem them all turning a blind eye to their kids ' shenanigans ( of course there's a reason for this ) . Imagine the adults being quite nonchalant , and some even supportive , of kids fighting wars while they go about their daily lives , being quite unaffected other than being a feature in news bulletins . So we follow the adventures , and mysteries weaved amongst the characters of Kannami Yuichi ( voiced by Ryo Kase ) , base commander Kusanagi ( Rinko Kikuchi of Babel fame , who had also collaborated in Oshii's omnibus movie Kill under the segment Assault Girl 2 ) . The remaining supporting characters serve out their primary purpose , such as Tokino ( Shosuke Tanihara ) as the wingman / buddy , and Mitsuya ( Chiaki Kruiyama , Kill Bill's Gogo Yubari ) as the tell-all mouthpiece , which I thought that even without , the coda after the end credits roll would have summed it all up nicely . This is Japanese anime , so its quality is excellent , with some really photo-realistic moments , and aerial dogfights that look as real as if they really built those planes and shot them in mid air . John Woo would also be proud at how balletic the shoot-em-ups can get , pulling back its punches as well to avoid any explicitness in its violence . The main theme of the soundtrack is extremely hypnotic and would linger on you for some time after the end credits roll . After all , it's by Kenji Kawai . This is not an action movie , period . If that's the kind of movie you're expecting , then my advice would be to save your ticket money . If you're looking toward something that's more contemplative , and dealing with themes that would make you think along the way ( until the two mentioned moments where the hints get more obvious ) , and maybe even appreciate life a little more , then march up to the box office when this opens next week . Highly recommended , and definitely a contender when I compile the top ten list for the year !
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514,611 | 317,399 | 365,737 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : Syriana
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Based loosely on real life CIA agent Robert Baer's experiences in the Persian Gulf , and brought to the big screen by Traffic scribe Stephen Gaghan , Syriana tells the tale of extremely shady dealings , politically and economically , of the oil industry . It takes on the entire vertical chain , from the Arab Emirs , the profit driven businessmen , the corrupt politicians , the clandestine networks , down to the alienated worker , the determined terrorist , and even as high as the top political office of the USA . It's no wonder that many have called this film anti-American , and pro-Arab . But in the way it's presented , you can't help but nod in the film's direction for daring to discuss and suggest what it says at point blank . It's serious , no holds barred , and brilliant . George Clooney won a Golden Globe for best supporting actor as CIA operative Robert Barnes . Yes , supporting , as there are so many characters in this movie , each with almost equal screen time , there isn't just one protagonist's viewpoint , but a myriad of others . So many different emotions of the characters are evoked , and the actors all delivered them well . Much has been said of paunchy Clooney and his beard and all , but don't let that distract you from his performance as the pawn in the entire game , and from noteworthy others . Everything's related , and everyone's connected . You'll have to sit through it very attentively , and pay attention to almost every line of dialogue to appreciate the very rich and complex story . It helps though , with both English and Mandarin subtitles , for you to read what your ears have missed . But perhaps what struck me most , were the sections on the unidentified Gulf country , with the challenge for power in the changing of the guard , and the focus on the individual downtrodden migrant worker , who through misguided teachings , finds himself on the forefront of the war on terror . It cut close to probably what could have happened , and the reasons behind it happening . And with so many suggestions on the wheelings and dealings of the corporate world , its effect on governments , the oil industry in general , the quest for insatiable power , US foreign policy , this film is loaded with political " big picture " firepower . Once you're through with the movie , if you haven't been reading current affairs in between the lines , perhaps this " fictional " story might just spur you to not take things verbatim , and spark that conspiracy theorist in you . Highly recommended stuff .
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515,154 | 317,399 | 46,313 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Lady WIthout Camelias
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While this is the third feature film of Michelangelo Antonioni , it would mark the second time that Lucia Bose had starred in his film , the first being Antonioni's debut feature Story of a Love Affair . As Lorenzo Cordelli pointed out , Antonioni's The Vanquished had made its debut at the Venice International Film Festival , and in this movie , it contains scenes from the Festival , thereby giving it a somewhat documentary feel as it serves as a backdrop . It tells the story of a fictional star , charting the meteoric rise and fall of her career , and made quite a statement on the Italian film industry of the time , which was producing more than 300 features annually . Again , the female of the species turn out to be quite strong in character , while the male counterparts continue the trend of being rather meek , and lacking some alpha-male qualities befitting of a leading character status . Here , we have Lucia Bose's Clara Manni , a shopgirl from Milan who was talent spotted and brought to prominence on celluloid by film producer Dr Gianni Franchi , who together with the film world , fell in love with the dazzling beauty ( Bose herself was crowed Miss Italia once before ) . In today's context , this would be akin to continued casting calls for any scream queen / sex siren / teenage starlet to be typecast in a role in their respective blockbusters , with nary an opportunity for them to venture out of the tried and tested , all in the name of profit . Being rushed into marriage in the middle of a film production , we see how Gianni turns into a green-eyed monster , possessive of his trophy wife and chiding her for wanting to go along with the norm in getting herself casted in roles that require the revelation of some flesh , be it in steamy love scenes or in seductive poses in glossy magazine spreads . Granted , his idea of marriage is to have her become a homemaker given his wealth to provide her a more than comfortable life , but to Clara , it's akin to being imprisoned . So one will come to expect the usual marital woes that befall couples as fools who rush in , and find themselves smashing head on toward a rocky time . In today's blockbuster world , I guess it's obvious that sex and violence sells . In those days , as explained by the producer character Ercole ( Gino Cervi ) , sex , religion and politics in movies put bums on seats , which accounts for why scantily clad women could have been considered a de-facto " must-have " in order to appeal to the lowest denominator amongst audiences . To Gianni , in his good intent to want to elevate his wife's status to drama-mama , decided to make an art-house Joan of Arc ( which we are spared the torture of watching , only provided glimpses of it ) , much against the common grain of film-making , and with Clara being bored to tears , decided to go along with the project . With her Joan of Arc being both a critical and commercial failure , Clara becomes vulnerable . But here's where her character got interesting . Like Eve , she's fully aware of the forbidden apple , but yet found herself weak to resist the advances from a fan . She conscientiously knows of the destructive path she'll be walking down , both in reputation and personal life should she embark on an affair , but I guess the appeal that Mr Nardo ( Ivan Desny ) had , was being the wedge at the right point in time when she was emotionally at her weakest . Again , Nardo is a slimy male character that one would love to hate , given his motive of personal satisfaction in having to conquer a famous actress . However , you must salute his thick - skinned persistence and his great pretension , well hidden behind a suave demeanour . The saddest character here remains Gianni Franchi . You'll realize that while he has the best of intentions for his wife , life would have it that her reaction to his concern would go unappreciated most of the time . And pride would come in the way when someone who had broken your heart once , come knocking on your door for an opportunity . As Clara's character develops , she slowly learns about her naiveness , and becomes more aware of the business side of the industry . Here's where the film becomes a critical mouthpiece of the state of Italian cinema at the time , which led to potential Claras dropping their willingness to star in the film lest they offend industry folks . It makes comparisons and draws parallels between the exploitation of an actress's good looks , versus grooming them into serious thespians , and through Clara's bold reinvention of herself , one would have thought she would have learnt a valuable lesson to apply , given an about turn with her new found understanding and strength . But as it turns out , there's this invisible glass ceiling in place . I thought the ending was one of the most powerful ones , and a definite heart-wencher , seen thus far . It has a resignation to Fate , that no matter how hard one tried , the outcome has already been pre-determined by the stars , and try as you might , you just cannot effect any change . The streaming of tears down the eye , while masking it as tears of joy and forcing a smile , probably reflects Clara's greatest acting moment to date , smiling to mask some extreme unhappiness toward her life and career choices , that she became nothing more than a train on a railroad , following the tracks laid out in front of her . The absolute last frame that lingers , is well worth a ticketed admission , for the fact that Clara finally got to act .
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515,259 | 317,399 | 407,887 | 10 |
A Nutshell Review : The Departed
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The big question on the minds of those who have seen the original Hong Kong movie is whether this Hollywood remake is worth watching . I'd say hell yeah , down to your last dollar , weekend price or otherwise . Infernal Affairs ( 2002 ) earned its place in recent Asian movie history for reenergizing the cop thriller genre . Directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak , the movie had a one of a kind storyline about mole vs mole in the underworld and the police , and starred heavyweights Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai in the lead roles , with support by recognized character actors Anthony Wong , and Eric Tsang , with the appeal of Gen-X / Y actors in Edison Chen and Shawn Yue . After opening to rave reviews and becoming a trilogy , the rumour mill was out and about with Hollywood wanting to do a remake , starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise , whom to my personal speculation , would have just been as riveting with either actors taking on either role . It's a kind of Face / Off situation where the distinction between good-bad guys gets blurred . Essentially , with any spectacular , gripping story , you can have it done and made countless of times , and each version should all come out great given that the source - the story - is the same . However , it is always easy to screw up and not meet expectations , and herein likes the innate pressure that the cast and crew must have felt , taking on something that works , and making it their own . In Martin Scorsese's The Departed , the director teams up once again with Leonardo DiCaprio , after two consecutive collaborations in Gangs of New York and The Aviator . Here , DiCaprio takes on Tony Leung's role as the police mole in the underworld , headed by Frank Costello ( Jack Nicholson ) . As Billy Costigan , the biggest challenge is always to be on the positive side of an unsteady gangland boss , and maintaining some form of sanity while dealing with an identity crisis . Matt Damon is Colin Sullivan , in a role modelled after Andy Lau's , as the gang member inside the police force , feeding information to Costello . He finds himself living the good life . and contemplates the risk in having throw it all away should he get caught . And the cat and mouse game begins as both moles try to outwit , outplay and outlast each other , knowing that any revelation of their true identities will be totally disastrous , each trying to flush the other guy out . The acting's all round superb from both leads , with a stellar ensemble featuring recognizable faces in Mark Wahlberg , Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin . It's a welcome return for Nicholson back in the bad guy role after his recent attempts at comedies . I thought each instance where Wahlberg came on is a hoot , as his character , Dignam , comes with a dirty mouth which shoots off the cuff . In fact , Anthony Wong's character had to be split into two , shared between Sheen and Wahlberg ( which I think is a nod to Wong's ability , given two persons required to fill his shoes ) . Newcomer Vera Farmiga took on Kelly Chen's role as the psychiatrist and Sammi Cheng's role combined into one , doing away with probably an additional unnecessary character which the original featured . There are other minor changes along the way ( no remake can be an exact copy of another ) , but none too drastic , keeping intact the integrity of the premise , key scenes , and plot elements and devices . Clocking in at almost two and a half hours , an hour longer than the original , you will not feel its length , even as the movie took its time to establish the story and its characters . The dialogue is a major draw with some memorable lines , and if you've watched the original , your mind is constantly racing to draw parallels , but in most times , you'll find it equally engaging and as exciting , as if you're coming across the story for the very first time . Of course the pivotal ending , which was marred with the original having two of them to pander to being politically correct , is one such scene which actually helps to build anticipation as to how Scorsese would have to conclude . It's that sense of familiarity , yet a sense of something new . With some scenes being extended in duration , it helped build a certain depth for the characters as well , which does wonders for the movie . But what I felt lacked in this remake , was that personal link between the two moles , of a " what-if " scenario between the two before they faced off each other . Here , they are adversaries all the way , but the original provided a sort of hint , that if these two were on the same side of the law , they could have been the best of friends . Also , in the first mole versus mole match up , while in an attempt to be different from the original , it unfortunately lacked the intensity that Infernal Affairs had , but just for this particular scene . If you're wondering if The Departed is as good as Infernal Affairs , I'd say it is a worthy remake , except for that cheesy last shot before the end credits rolled . Some folks are already screaming Oscars . But remember , Asian Cinema produced this gem first ! P . S even though rated M18 locally , there were noticeable cuts in the movie , especially in dialogues .
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