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Sariha
Reviews
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
A life lived in fear is a life half lived
I first saw this film as a little eleven year old for a school excursion. I loved it, but only because of the dancing, the costumes, and the fact that, like all the other girls in my class, I was in love with Paul Mercurio.
Nine years later, after seeing Moulin Rouge for the third time, I remembered how much I loved this film as a child, and so I went out a week ago and bought the video. I watched it eight times in six days.
This is an amazing film. It evokes such incredible feelings in me, and I appreciate it on so many levels: as a dance student, as a film student, and as a human being.
When I was eleven I never realised how electrifying the chemistry is between Mercurio and Morice. The scene where they dance behind the curtain at the state championships gives me goosebumps; my tape is probably already wearing thin in that section! And the climactic ending is wonderful; verging on cliche, but that is what makes it so uplifting.
The characters are perfectly fleshed out and believable in an unbelievable way, and the comedic angle is played to perfection. My mother watched it with me on one of my repeated viewings and said, "Oh, I forgot how funny this film was!". I agreed wholeheartedly.
Also, another highlight is the amazing editing. Different scenes and shots are bound to each other seamlessly, and even the occasional montage of speedier cuts are not too noticeable or too imposing, as they suit the action on screen so well.
This is a magical film with a simple but beautiful message. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates fine film making and, as previously mentioned by others, a very sweet, old-fashioned romance which doesn't resort to putting the leads in bed together to make it intense and rewarding. 10/10
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Masterpiece
Calling a film "the best film I have ever seen" is not a compliment that comes easily. But for Moulin Rouge, I can personally make an exception. I can understand why some may not like this film, but for anyone who is well educated in the art of filmmaking, surely Moulin Rouge rates highly in terms of ingenuity.
Every scene knocked me off my feet. I saw this film with a group of fellow film students, and every single one of us thought it was fantastic, astounding, hilarious, moving. The "El Tango De Roxanne" sequence was simply amazing, really powerful stuff! And who knew of the enchanting vocal talents McGregor and Kidman possess?
10 out of 10. I cannot believe it didn't get a look in at Cannes. Just shows how stuffy and conservative the industry is getting. Hurrah for this wonderful work of art; I can't wait to see it again... at least twice more!
The Pirates of Penzance (1994)
Wonderful entertainment
This is one of my favourite videos in my collection. Jon English is fantastic as the Pirate King, and Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson and Derek Metzger all perform outstandingly. With great comedy and audience interaction thrown in, it is a joy to watch over and over again. I only wish I'd been able to see the show live!