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EugenioKalina
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Sin City (2005)
A hyperbolized reality of a corrupt society
Let's start with the fact that I heard about the film a long time ago, and that it is an adaptation of a comic book, I learned only in the credits at the beginning of the film. I only knew that it was a noir, which made me want to watch this film. And what I saw changed my consciousness and attitude towards cinema. I saw a real movie comic. The movement of characters and vehicles is parallel to the laws of physics. All that was missing were clouds with text voiceovers of explosions and blows. The work with color was also impressive - a black and white base with the integration of bright colors in the elements of clothing, characters' eyes and blood. By the way, about blood. There is a lot of blood, but this is clearly not a minus of the picture. She very well conveys the "aesthetics of violence" that is inherent in paintings of this genre. It was also a good decision by the director to invite the maestro of "bloody aesthetics" and a lover to play with the plot twists - Tarantino. His presence is noticeable and brought to this film what makes us love his work. In general, I can call this movie "a hyperbolized reality of a corrupt society." Great!
Amadeus (1984)
Mozartpiece!
Well, what can I say. The film is a masterpiece.
Filmed in a format that I love more than anything - a narrative format where there is a narrator who is also a character in the film. One of my favorite films - "Suspicious Persons" - was shot in this style.
The contemporary life of bohemians and, occasionally, ordinary people is beautifully conveyed.
This is a film about a rock star of that time - outrageous, extraordinary, a little provincial. The main character's problem, in my opinion, is a partial non-acceptance by the contemporary society, caused by established stereotypes and frameworks, unable to grasp something new and ingenious. But at the same time, Amadeus achieves recognition, and the problem of geniuses is precisely that they are often misunderstood by society.
In fact, the main character is the narrator Salieri, who touches on the subject of God and tries to explain everything that happens by the actions of a "higher power", because of which he develops fanaticism, which leads to personality disorders. And, simply put, envy is a deadly sin.
Returning to Amadeus himself, one can see his certain lack of independence and inability to take the initiative into his own hands. Most of his decisions are made through the mediation of first the father, who is skeptical of his son's talent and hobbies, and then the woman, who has a mercantile outlook on life and demands that the man concentrate more on wealth than on creativity.
I myself performed Mozart's compositions on the piano, so it was very informative and exciting to evaluate this film.
Tonari no Totoro (1988)
Make the World kind again
Not being a big fan of anime, I really admire the work of Hayao Miyazaki. Although he is not the founder of this genre, he is the most influential and talented representative. What amazes the most is his ability to harmoniously combine the love of technology and the cult of nature in his works. Sometimes the departure from the classical construction of history and plot is surprising. Dialogues between the characters are not always of great importance, and sometimes it comes to the point that the plot itself loses its importance. The viewer simply enjoys the picturesqueness of the drawn nature or observes the actions of the characters. And the main surprising feature is the absence of an antagonist, although not always. Apparently, the author wants to bring more good into this world, for which we are grateful to him.
Mean Streets (1973)
Scorsese criminal comedy - The Beginning
This film was the beginning of a great friendship between the director and the actor, whose talent I admire. This is what prompted me to look at and appreciate this picture. Knowing their joint works, one could imagine what could be waiting for us in a film from the early seventies. And indeed, watching this film, you are like flipping through a mature person's children's album. This is where the criminal comedy in the style of Martin Scorsese begins. The lack of experience is very noticeable: not always high-quality cinematography and a little clumsy work with sound - watching it now, it makes you smile and makes you understand that progress does not stand still - neither the progress of masters, nor the progress of technology. This year is probably the last film of Martin Scorsese, 50 years after the release of this picture with the same actor in the main roles. Very symbolic in terms of cyclical art.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg (2022)
Thanks, Team!
In order to fully appreciate all the details of the picture, you need to be familiar with the everyday life of the Ukrainian province in advance. Hear the speech of local residents, know the peculiarities of their coexistence.
The film tells about two brothers who look the same but are so different in essence. The director seems to want to show two sides of the same coin: one brother works in the police, and the other is involved in illegal activities. But it's not just about that. It is about the experiences that the brothers face after learning about their father's terminal illness. On the one hand, this is a person who gave you life, and on the other hand, a person who abandoned his sons in childhood. It's a contest between rationality and humanity.
In my opinion, this is one of the best tragicomedies in the history of Ukrainian cinema. The actors have a bright sense of humor, which they convey to their characters in the picture. Basically, they are playing themselves, but under different names. I was also surprised by the cinematography with unexpected angles, transitions and playing with landscapes.
The fact that this is only the director's second full-length film is very pleasing, and the film does not look unfinished, but deserves high marks.
Mavka. The Forest Song (2023)
Ukrainian magic!
This picture is a work of art in the field of animation. The team worked on the cartoon for about five years, which passed in vain. As a result, we have a quality Ukrainian product that can compete with the outstanding films of famous filmmakers. The voice actors were chosen very well, they seem to live the lives of their animated characters. And it is very nice to know that the basis of such a beautiful cartoon is the literary work of the Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka. I am very happy and very proud that my country has such talented people who can satisfy my aesthetic needs as a film lover.
The Menu (2022)
Not about cuisine
As a connoisseur of cinematography and culinary arts, I have been waiting for the premiere of this film for a long time. I experienced different emotions while watching. On the one hand, the plot kept me in suspense from the middle of the film to the end, but the resolution came out blurry and not completely understandable, but unexpected. And on the other hand, the topic of cooking has receded into the background, if not further. It was a bit not what I expected. But in general, the picture is not bad in terms of scenery and acting. Thanks to the team that worked on this film. Not luxurious but pretty cool.
Bullet Train (2022)
Amazingly brilliant!
I'm not a fan of action movies, but this director made me love them. I'm always impressed by his ability to choose locations, cast and set, and great soundtracks to complement what we see with our eyes. The picture is a great proof, that it is not necessary to have many locations in order to shoot beautifully. The charm of this picture is also added by the coexistence of different national cultures, which look harmonious and at the same time funny next to each other. Well, of course, I cannot but note the charisma of the main character and the wonderful acting other artists. The cast includes both experienced "players" and young talented actors, which is very gratifying. The plot line of the film did not let me tear myself away from the screen while watching it. That is, there is no division into dynamic and non-dynamic "parts". Through the screen, we can also feel the good sense of humor of the director and screenwriters, because there is a considerable amount of jokes and gags in the picture.
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920)
Sehr alt, aber vielen dank!
This film is a vivid example of where the origins of the film industry came from. I have the feeling that I have been to the theater without visiting it. Acting skills and the presence of scenery when depicting premises and locations well convey the spirit of the cinema of that time. Such a picture does not allow us to forget that cinematography is closely related to theatrical art, which can be seen from the manner of the game and the facial expressions of the actors, which are also related to mental disorders of several characters.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Underrated
I was warned that after the trilogy, the era of "Pirates" was over. Because of this, my expectations from the picture were questionable. But after watching the film, I can say that despite the lack of a direct plot connection, this part has the right to recognition. Everything was in the best traditions of this franchise.
Zelyonyy slonik (1999)
Total exhaustion
Foreigners can not fully understand the whole thrash which is happening. You need to be a member of contemporary russian society. It's a bright example of "great russian culture" and russian mentality. It is mentioned that this film critics problems in military community and armed invasion into Afganistan. But it does not justify all the disgust and sodomy that occurs throughout the movie. And all of this is followed by unprofessional filming. I don't give the lowest score just out of pity for actors who have sacrificed a lot and risked their reputation.
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Deserves the appreciation
It is the non-typical Disney movie about the princess but with traditional studio's animation. There are some unpredictable jokes and plot twists.
I highly recommend it for the family watch.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Bravo!
Typical American comedy of 50s. But there is amazing Marilyn Monroe and fantastic duet's role play. What else we need?
Operators's work is also on high level. But the costumes are the masterpieces. These things made this film.
Booksmart (2019)
Not funny comedy
I expected for irony upon the US pupils and stereotypes of education during the whole film. But as a result we got not funny comedy without even a dramatic final scene.