Anig-2 Reviews

Dersu Uzala (1975)

Still the best movie I have ever seen

[10/10 · 22 December 2004]

Dersu Uzala is slow, serene, beautiful, but nevertheless gripping. It tells of the friendship between a nomadic Siberian native and a Russian army explorer, and how the former is able to help the latter and his team to negotiate the many obstacles presented by the Siberian wilderness. We see how traditional survival methods and intrinsic common sense can help the more urbanised army men to cope with the extremes of climate and geography. Eventually the nomad is persuaded to join the general on his trip back to a town. His ignorance of urban life is apparent, but interesting nevertheless, as we do not imagine such people nor meet them in everyday life today. Kurosawa is on top form here, letting the camera take in the vastness of Siberia, and still allowing the viewers to observe the characters closely. The story is interesting too, with a sadly ironic ending (won't say any more!). I think everybody should watch this film, because everybody will have something to learn from it.

The Expedition (1962)

Interesting

[9/10 · 22 December 2004]

I saw this somewhat slow, B&W 1962 film at London's National Film Theatre a couple of years ago, during their excellent Satyajit Ray retrospective. It displays the qualities which most Ray fans like about his earlier films: the camera is thoughtful, and the time it takes to reflect on the characters is useful time for the viewer to do the same. The story is interesting as well, and much of the scenery and dialogue provides a fascinating insight into 1960s Bengali life, e.g. references to quinine (an antimalarial compound whose chemical derivatives, which are more potent, are used in modern prophylactic antimalarial preparations). Highly recommended as an introduction to Ray's best era. I personally haven't seen his Apu trilogy e.g. Pather Panchali, but I know that they have been criticised for being too sentimental. Abhijaan is nothing of the sort: it is a well-made exploration into an eventful period of a 1960s Indian taxi driver's life.

Ivans xtc. (2000)

Stunning

[10/10 · 14 August 2004]

Ivans xtc is shot with slow shutter speeds and no 'tripod', with the result that it looks like a documentary - but it's not. Add to that some superb acting performances and the result is an extremely credible fiction film. One reviewer here complains of a lack of wisdom; I wasn't looking for wisdom. I was just watching a film about some very believable characters and what happened in a short section of their lives. Yes, it was interesting and gripping. It was also supported by some magnificent music, including excerpts of Richard Wagner's Tristan. I cannot recommend this film highly enough.

Touching the Void (2003)

Amazing: everyone must see this

[10/10 · 18 January 2004]

This film describes the true story of a climbing accident in South America in 1985, using dramatisation with voice-overs and interview excerpts from the three British men who were actually involved. It may sound boring, but I cannot stress this enough: this film is much more tense, and nail-bitingly gripping, than any Hollywood action movie - because you know that everything you're seeing and hearing really did happen to these guys.

The story itself is incredible. It will redefine for you the capabilities of the human mind and body. There is action, sadness, hope, and even brilliant humour in places.

Please go and see this film; you won't regret it.

Buffalo Soldiers (2001)

A dark and witty film, highly recommended

[10/10 · 4 October 2003]

Buffalo Soldiers contains several subplots, which cover issues like corruption, drug culture, romance, military hierarchy, promotion interests, and even dream interpretation. All of the subplots are weaved together in a superbly intelligent manner to create a film which is moving, but at the same time very funny.

The plot is satirical and well-observed, with a totally unexpected twist at the end; the acting is superb; and the music is sublime (this movie has an AMAZING soundtrack which enhances the experience even further). I cannot recommend this film highly enough, especially to Americans, who will surely begin to question why it took the distributors so awfully long to release the film, and why the release for such a cinematic masterpiece should have been so limited. In other words, for the makers of this movie, there was no 'freedom' of expression, but rather, suppression of expression. This is a shame as it would otherwise have been very successful.

Fear X (2003)

Intriguing film, stunning soundtrack, but ultimately slightly disappointing

[7/10 · 31 August 2003]

This film is intriguing all the way through. Plot elements are revealed quite slowly, but towards the end it gets a bit more exciting. However the ending is disappointing. I don't generally mind "make-it-up-yourself" endings, but this really was too abrupt and confusing. Even the director doesn't know what he thinks happens at the end. I know this because I went to the London premiere at Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, and the director answered questions from the audience at the end. He said the film included three "elements": reality, dreams, and hell. This might help you in interpreting the film.

If the soundtrack comes out, I'll buy it. Lots of low frequency sounds (nice), and very eerie / mysterious / intriguing.

I still don't know whether I liked this film. It's perhaps worth seeing for novelty value, and one of the sequences at the end is a bit mind-blowing.

Equilibrium (2002)

Laughably awful

[4/10 · 15 March 2003]

This is the worst film I have ever seen at the cinema. It's based on a totally flawed premise, the acting is lamentable, the characters are not believable, and the plot gets cheesier and more ridiculous as the film progresses.

Please DO NOT waste your time (or money) with this film.

If you like Christian Bale, see American Psycho. If you like Emily Watson, see Hilary and Jackie. But don't watch this rubbish, in which both actors are wasted.

Gangs of New York (2002)

Too short

[6/10 · 17 January 2003]

One really gets a sense of the epic historical masterpiece that Scorsese was trying to produce, but unfortunately he does not pull it off. This is probably because the film had to be cut down in length and thus much explanation is gone. Many scenes don't totally follow, and the ending is abrupt and disappointing. The music, acting, set, direction, and research are all impeccable - but it somehow doesn't come together to make a good film.

The Tribe (1998)

Uplifting and beautiful

[8/10 · 13 August 2002]

This film is about a concept which most people don't tend to think about: how could a group of people isolate themselves from surroundings which they don't like and manage to lead a paradisiac life? Admittedly the story is sometimes a bit silly, but if you complain about these things you're missing the point, which is about how willing people might be to leave their current life, job, wife, etc. I really liked this film, and it's a shame it's not available to buy.

Braindead (1992)

one of the goriest & funniest films I've seen

[9/10 · 13 August 2002]

This film is VERY gory. But it's also hilarious - perhaps in the same way that American Psycho (2000) combines gore and humour, so if you liked that you'll love this film. I was gobsmacked when I learnt that this was directed by the director of 2002's Lord of the Rings. They are TOTALLY different films. Braindead is a cult gore classic which makes me laugh every time I see it, or in fact every time I think of the phrase "Sumatran Rat Monkey" (see the film).

The Family Man (2000)

Cheese

[5/10 · 9 January 2001]

Don't bother going to see this film - it is an enormous pile of cow dung. To be more precise, it was an interesting premise ruined by lack of originality; it was patronising and not nearly as sententious as it was trying to be - the saccharine music (apart from a brief period near the end) exacerbated the naffness / cheese factor which is so definitely present here. Please save your money on this one: it is ground-breakingly boring, and its only redeeming quality lies in the attractiveness of both the leads. David Duchovny is to be envied.

Fantasia 2000 (1999)

Enjoyably cunning

[8/10 · 14 March 2000]

Viewed on an IMAX screen, as the film is supposed to be, it is a remarkable audio-visual experience; in particular, the way in which each musical event and/or orchestral variation is tied in with the animation is delightful. the animation itself is not always of the best quality which you might find in, say, Toy Story (or its sequel), but the mini-stories themselves are amusing. The interludes, narrated by famous Hollywood stars, are completely superfluous and tend to spoil the film. I wouldn't recommend seeing this film on a normal cinema screen, because it detracts from the novelty value, but if you can see it on IMAX, then do so (especially if you have at least a mild appreciation of classical music)

The Matrix (1999)

Stunning in every way

[10/10 · 13 July 1999]

This movie is truly an essay in superlatives: the acting, story-line, direction, special effects, sound effects, music, editing, and overall feel of the film are all stunning. There are so many arcane mythological references that even Umberto Eco would have difficulty in understanding all of them. You have to concentrate while watching, but the experience is unforgettable. All people with an open mind must see this movie, preferably on the big screen.

Notting Hill (1999)

Predictable, clichéd, feel-good romance

[6/10 · 13 July 1999]

This was a fairly predictable romantic comedy about Julia Roberts (mega-star) falling for Hugh Grant (small bookshop owner in Notting Hill), and although some tension is kept up through the film, the happenings are too obvious. It would have been better had Hugh Grant died at the end, or something like that

King Kong (1976)

Amazing

[8/10 · 13 July 1999]

This movie has everything: a tried & tested plot, some good special effects (for the time), some decent acting, a lovely lead couple (Jeff Bridges & Jessica Lange), some heart-wrenchingly romantic music (especially the main theme), and the ability to make the viewers want to believe the story. I think this film is heavily under-rated. People are so quick nowadays to label colour remakes as poor bastardisations of the original "classics". I haven't seen the original, but it doesn't matter: this is a great film.