lulu88 Reviews

Parlez-moi d'amour (2002)

Technically good

[4/10 · 18 April 2003]

As Sophie Marceau's debut, it is technically sound with pretty good lighting and cinematography. However she seems to be struggling with the story-telling. It's supposed to be a very touching movie about love worn away through the years by all kinds of torment in life, but... it just isn't quite reached the point that touches peoples' hearts yet. Anyway it's not bad as a debut and I look forward to more good works by Sophie -- not just a beautiful face!

Road to Perdition (2002)

Just kill them all!

[2/10 · 28 February 2003]

According to this movie, it seems like you just can't be safe until you kill everyone that's not with you!!! A lame attempt to create a godfather-style epic -- the only comparable aspect is the cinematography, which is really superb, and Paul Newman's acting is truly flawless -- even a still shot of the back says more than most actors' attempts to act with all their might! Other than that, there's not much worth seeing in this movie, I'm afraid...

Cube (1997)

Not only a disturbing portrayal of human nature

[8/10 · 7 July 2002]

It's disturbing, yes, but I still see this movie as being good natured basically. It's pretty much a portrayal of how people react to different pressures in life -- some will withdraw from reality, some resort to violence, betrayal or blaming others as their burden... it is under such pressure that the good or evil deep rooted in one's mind comes into play -- in the end it's the "good" and "innocent" that is able to find the way out (although "evil" follows closely). Try looking at pressure and teamwork from a different perspective and see if you get any inspiration from this movie... Plus, I'm not sure if that was done on purpose but most of the audience felt rather stunned when the exit of the cinema led us into a narrow passageway (which looked rather "cubical") lighted in green...

I Not Stupid (2002)

I urge all parents to watch this

[9/10 · 6 July 2002]

I urge all parents to watch this with their children and/or teenagers if possible. This movie is based in Singapore and is mostly targeted against the Singaporean society and government (no chewing gum, etc.), but the struggle between parents and youngsters are universal -- "I'm doing this for your own good", "Why do adults always say I'm wrong?". The defects of an education system that stresses on English and Mathematics are common to most Asian countries as well. Watch it -- and you will certainly find something sweet or bitter you've been through. The message is brought out in a much better way than the government promotions to "lend your child an ear".

Il Mare (2000)

Life of isolation

[9/10 · 30 December 2001]

A heart-wrenchingly beautifully filmed movie -- the cinematography is absolutely perfect and it makes me wonder whether Korean seaside residences are all that beautiful. But after a little while I sense this alarming message -- these days we prefer living in isolation and talk to people we do not know, and even regard them as our "true love" without any real contact (see the booming of ICQ), while on the other hand, we refuse to give the ones around us a chance, as Sung-Hyun did to his father and ex-girlfriend. I am not sure if this is what the movie is trying to say but it's such a sad reality...

Rent a Friend (2000)

A ridiculously true portrayal of yearnings for friendship

[8/10 · 4 November 2001]

In this age where people live mostly in isolation emotionally, there really is the yearn for a friend in need from the bottom of most people's hearts. This movie starts off in a seemingly ridiculous way, but in the end you'd think, hey, I'd like to rent a friend some time... I'd definitely recommend this video -- it's dazzling funny with substance.

The Road Home (1999)

Disappointing...

[3/10 · 8 August 2001]

For a Zhang Yimou movie, this one is quite disappointing. The cinematography is superb, but that's about it. And the lovely scenery looks so familiar if you have seen "Not One Less". In fact it repeats the movie in portraying the stubborness of Chinese women -- without caring for the feelings or limitations of others. Even many scenes seem to be repeated in the two movies that it seems like the two were made in one shot and edited into two. Otherwise it is really bland when compared to "Not". I think it is high time we spread our focus to other new Chinese directors and stop believing Zhang as the quality trademark.

Elvis and Marilyn (1998)

Sad but probably true

[7/10 · 18 October 2000]

Somebody told me it's a comedy when I decided to go for this movie. This is very untrue -- although the journey that the main characters went through was close to ridiculous, it conveyed the very sad truth in most communist (and former communist) countries -- that their people are dying to leave their country at all costs, even if they are heading towards an unknown destiny. One other message is that looks are so deceptive -- "Marilyn" is seen by everyone as a dumb, easy, indecent blonde but she is actually sweet, good-natured and pours her heart out to every stranger she meets. I wonder if that might explain the mishaps of the real Monroe too?

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

The reality of revolution

[22 May 2000]

There was a note at the entrance of the cinema stating that the quality of the reel is damaged to some extent, so I didn't expect much and even took an aisle seat, planning to sneak off early. But as I noticed, every viewer stayed till the very end despite the frequent disappearance of subtitles (I don't think everyone there understood French and Italian).

Other users have mentioned enough about the authenticity of the explosion and street battle scenes, which I shall not repeat. I noticed that the music that accompanies those scenes are thrillingly touching as well, and I'm impressed that the soundtrack has been preserved way better than I'd expect.

Kader's quote, "It is hard to start a revolution, even harder to carry it on, and even harder to win it. And what happens after the victory?" brings out the reality of revolution, which certainly applies to almost anywhere and any time. Certainly a lesson to be learnt.

Beyond Silence (1996)

Story of my life!

[8/10 · 12 May 2000]

As the child of a single parent who is deaf, Beyond Silence is, in most aspects, a very true portrait of how I grew up. Scenes such as going to the bank and talking to the teacher were my actual experiences and difficulties I have faced all the time. It was just so real I couldn't help getting emotional as the story went on. For those who live or work with deaf or hard-of-hearing people, this is a must see; for those who don't, you should definitely see it as well and cherish your good sense of hearing -- being able to communicate easily is not a gift for everyone as most people take for granted.

Postmen in the Mountains (1999)

Simply excellent!

[10/10 · 9 May 2000]

The story looks as simple as it can be. It is simply a record of the journey of two postmen in the mountains, father, son and their dog. The father is retiring and the son is taking over the job, with the help of their dog Buddy, who has been helping all along. But wait...

If you enjoy the docudrama style of "Not One Less" by Zhang Yimou, you will love this movie. It makes use of similar techniques but to an even more superb level. It does not attempt to 'tell a story', but simply lets the facts, conflicts and feelings unfold as the journey of the father and son goes on. It is so 'real' that even the names of the characters were not mentioned, they are just 'the postman', 'the son' as people would address them. (And as you would address your postman.)

The 'son' is one of the very few Chinese actors in recent Chinese cinema with cute looks and top quality acting. All the other actors did a great job as well.

The cinematography is excellent, especially when compared to most Chinese movies where lighting is poor. But this is not too surprising, knowing that the director had been an Art Director before.

The movie was based in the early 80's in China, and I just wonder if they are still using the same methods to distribute mail. Anyway I would like to pay my respect to all mail staff who have taken part in the difficult process of helping people communicate with each other, making the world a smaller and happier place.

Not One Less (1999)

A movie I'd love to hate

[8/10 · 24 January 2000]

Zhang Yimou is pushing his 'docudrama' style of movie another big step further from 'Qiu Ju'. It is so natural that it seems like part of life, and in fact that is life in rural China. The 13-year-old teacher Wei Minzhi depicts a stubbornness that is so often found in Chinese people -- something we ourselves would hate to love, and love to hate. I think all city kids should see this movie and get to know more about what real childhood is, what life is without brandnames and all the city hype.

Over the Rainbow, Under the Skirt (1994)

Sweet memories

[9/10 · 24 January 2000]

This one is even better than its predecessor, Ji de... xiang jiao cheng shu shi I (Yesterday, Yesteryou, Yesterme), which doesn't usually happen. I bet each person will see a bit of his own reflection in it the movie brings back all the sweet memories and challenges of adolescence and will certainly hit some soft spot of you, no matter how old you are. A gem for teenagers of all ages.