Maxine-20 Reviews

X-Men (2000)

An anti-semitic movie

[27 August 2000]

Have we all seen the same film ? O.K. there are a lot of good things in this movie and I would have enjoyed it a lot if I was not really shocked by the director's doubtful discourse . The film starts with a long and painful scene in a concentration camp . Is it to make sure we realize that the bad guy who threatens the world is Jewish ? Bear that in mind and watch the film again.A lot of symbols and images reinforce the idea that the Jews represent a strong, creeping and almost invisible threat . I really wonder why nobody says nothing about it or just shyly evokes the problem.

The Taste of Others (2000)

9/10

[9/10 · 26 March 2000]

This is great film-making. Agnes Jaoui doesn't use anything spectacular but knows how to film the attitude, the gesture, the word which will make you feel like laughing and crying at the same time.You may feel a little bit sad after watching the film but you also feel good. Because you had a good laugh but also because she poured love into your heart. Jaoui succeeded in making us love all the characters' mistakes, their stupidity and also in making us see the good sides of all of them .Among other things this film encourage us to look at people differently, to like them whatever they do. Consequently it encourages us to look at ourselves differently.Don't miss it !

The New Eve (1999)

7/10

[7/10 · 3 March 2000]

Camille's story could be every woman's story and actually the main parts are played by women.Men are desired, missed, run after, dropped but it's the women who call the tune. If men seem useless it's only because Camille has to remain alone to acknowledge she needs someone to reach the happiness she's longing for. She needs to touch Eden and to lose it to keep it when met again. Before she succeeds her demands are strong even if not clearly defined but what is difficult to handle is the way society functions nowadays. Rules don't exist anymore and she has to make sense with a deconstructed and puzzling world : family doesn't exist anymore and in order to find a sort of equilibrium people get married, have children, are in politics, cling to real or occasional friends, use drug or forget themselves in a sexuality deprived of taboo. Indeed as they fail to be taboo sexual relationships become less attractive, deprived of desire . Camille is completely lost in this world she doesn't understand. The director succeeds in showing the life of this `new Eve' without making concessions but without judging her. Even when we could or do blame her for what she does, he manages to let her pain show in a very touching way. Moreover the way she throws herself into the fight makes her very likeable. Actually if the film was a success I think it's because she's a sort of French Bridget Jones and a lot of women can identify with her. Karine Viard is really wonderful in that role and makes of Camille a very endearing character. You really have to see that film.

The Beach (I) (2000)

0/10

[1/10 · 3 March 2000]

How can someone make `The beach' after having directed `Trainspotting' ? How can someone make such a disastrous film with so great actors as Leonardo Di Caprio and Guillaume Canet ? There's no story, no message, no atmosphere, no sensible dialogues, no beauty, no logic, no soul, not the least trace of intelligence in this film. Moreover I'm not used to being moved by blood or violence in movies but here it was really unhealthy and made me feel sick and uneasy because they were completely gratuitous. I really watch lots of different films and even when they are not very interesting I never feel like leaving . That time I had to cling to my seat not to run away. Anyway I have at least had the great joy of hearing the most wonderful quote of this new millenium. Just picture yourself as a French boy swimming across the sea with your girlfriend and a new American pal.There's about one mile behind you, and one before. Of course, you suddenly feel like making a good joke. You pretend a shark is attacking the girl. Of course, when he realizes you're just teasing him he's furious.Of course, he yells and tells you that's if that is French humour it's not a wonder French cinema can not be exported (?!!). Can you imagine the scene ? What would you answer if you were that French boy ? No idea ? Here it is : `What about Molière ?'. I couldn't stop laughing and I still would if I wasn't so disappointed. I like Guillaume Canet very much and I promise he's a very good actor. It is so bad he should start his international career in such a bad movie. If you go and see the film be sure you're carrying your sense of humour with you. If not, stay at home and watch TV.