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Reviews
Incendies (2010)
A truly masterful piece of cinema
I went into this not knowing anything about the plot or having any knowledge that it was nominated for the best foreign film at the 2010 Oscars. This was undoubtedly one of the most pleasant surprises that a film has ever given me.
I will not go into the plot to spoil anything for those of you that have not had the pleasure of seeing this. What I will say is that this it is definitely one of the best films I have ever seen. The direction is superb, there are some breathtaking shots of the rundown, war torn Middle Eastern landscapes. The score containing various works from Radiohead is fantastic and really sets the bleak tone of the movie perfectly. I'll be honest and admit that I did not recognise any of the actors or actresses but they are all exceptional, particularly Lubna Azabal who gave one of the best performances I have seen in a long time. She really encapsulated the dire situation she found herself in.
If you enjoy the work of Alejandro González Iñárritu, you'll love this. Bleak, dark, gritty and thoroughly captivating! 10/10
Harry Brown (2009)
Hits the nail on the head
Having grown up in South East London, I can relate to this film on a personal level. The fact that the youth of today have no respect for any generation but their own is painted here in its entirety. The scene where Caine takes interrogation into his own hands underlines this point.
Caine was perfect for this role and for my money should be recognised at the Academy Awards. We all know of course that this will not happen but that doesn't mean he is not worthy of the accolade.
The casting throughout was spot on and the way the run-down, decrepit council estate was shot was excellent. The score added to the dark and dangerous theme of the film too.
I'm sure this will be seen as "Britain's answer to Gran Torino" but those that have witnessed first hand what the communities in these areas are inflicted to each and every day will beg to differ.
A fantastic and somewhat moving film that really did hit home for me and made me appreciate all the more that I now call Australia home! 10/10
C'est arrivé près de chez vous (1992)
An absolute masterpiece!
This is without doubt one of the greatest and thoroughly original films I have ever seen. It was obviously filmed on a shoe string budget with no big stars but my word did they strike gold with this! I found myself in fits of laughter at most of the humorous dialogue, which is surprising given what actually takes place here. I think had that element of humour not been introduced the film may not have found its way past the certification board. I have to hold my hands up and say that I was in hysterics during the scene at the work site where they check out the black guy's manhood.
This was a flawless performance from Benoit Poelvoorde. You can see that he had such fun playing this part and he shines in every scene.
To think that this was made by a few Uni students is astonishing and I am shocked that they did not follow up on this and become huge names in the industry.
If you want to see a completely original picture that is as funny as it is depraved then look no further. 10/10
Taken (2008)
Hell hath no fury like an angry father!
Now this is how you make an action film! The film takes time to build the characters and explain Liam Neeson's position with his wife and daughter which for me, makes the action scenes that follow all the more rewarding.
Fome then on, it is all-out action. The thing which sticks with me about this film is that this is exactly how any father would react in the same circumstances, albeit probably not as professionally as Neeson.
If you love action movies and haven't seen this already, make sure you do!
King of New York (1990)
A Monster
Abel Ferrara created a monster here and Christopher Walken grabbed it by the neck and made it one of the best gangster movies ever made. A truly faultless performance by Walken. The scene where his crew first see him after his release from prison is superb, he may try to act as one of the boys but his unnerving manner is there for all to see.
Considering this film was released in 1989, the cinematography is highly impressive. The shots of Walken as he looks cold-eyed into the night are tremendous, as are many of the New York shots. This movie has a very dark feel and edge to it and I thought the score complemented this superbly.
Larry Fishburne also does an excellent job as a drug-fuelled punk and the drug deal scene is one of the films many highlights. What impressed me most about this film is that not one scene is wasted. It is short, sharp, action packed and to the point and it is one of those rare gems that actually has a fantastic ending.
Well done Ferrara, this movie is one of the greats.
Martyrs (2008)
Depraved, brutal but highly rewarding movie
France have somewhat mastered the horror genre of late. I absolutely loved Haute Tension and so I expected big things from Martyrs, this movie did not disappoint.
There are some very disturbing scenes but for those that can stomach the Saw movies will have no problems here. It's not as gruesome as the Saw movies but the twisted plot leaves you speechless.
This is fantastically acted and the director has nailed the ability to keep the tension throughout.
I'll be honest, I really did think that this film was going to fall flat on his face after what was an excellent opening 45 minutes. But I was pleasantly surprised with the ending twist which left me thinking, 'that was a great movie'.
I think what makes this movie so good is it's originality, I cannot think of a film which has taken this path before and this is easily one of the best horror movies I've seen.
9/10
Chugyeokja (2008)
Don't wait for the remake!
It's easy to see why America is constantly remaking Asian movies. They are truly a cut above at the moment. It is such a shame though as the originals are rarely bettered and I can think of no other reason than some people are too lazy to read subtitles, so they make an American version. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the Departed but I find it hard to believe that anyone from the UK, Australia, Europe, the US or anywhere outside of Korea for that matter would not enjoy the original version of The Chaser.
The acting is very good and as is so often the case with Korean cinema, the cinematography is faultless. The plot keeps you gripped and doesn't let up until the credits roll. There are a few twists and turns along the way and I enjoyed an experience of complete escapism throughout this movie.
I am often lost for words with Asian movies. I'm not sure if it is because I have seen so many US movies but I find them fairly predictable and I often figure everything out long before the end of the film. Asian cinema is often a different beast though. I think this may be down to the fact that they pull no punches and are not scared to shock the audience. Again, this movie had a finale which I truly did not expect. I don't want people reading this to think that I am having a pop at US movies. Far from it! I just find that whenever I watch an Asian movie, I think about it for days, if not weeks afterwards, something that I have rarely been able to say since such classics as The Usual Suspects and The Shawshank Redemption.
I think the fact that so many Asian movies are being remade in Hollywood, including this one, paints it's own picture.
Don't wait for the remake, you will not regret it! 10/10
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Another Tarantino Masterpiece
I was absolutely blown away by this movie. I am a huge Tarantino fan and this is certainly a movie which extends his flawless directorial streak.
The characters were perfect for their roles and all acted exceptionally, particularly Christopher Waltz who gives a simply astounding performance as Colonel Hans Landa, or the 'Jew Hunter'. If he does not pick up an Oscar for his performance it will be criminal! As you would expect from a Tarantino movie, the cinematography is perfect, some of the shots in the French countryside at the very start of the film are extraordinary. Quentin also manages to create and build some very tense moments, notably in the basement bar and floorboard scenes.
Needless to say that Tarantino fans will love this film, in fact I would encourage anyone who remotely likes movies to watch this. My only gripe is that we have to wait so long between Tarantino's movies
but then again, that may be why they are all so flawless! 10/10
Boksuneun naui geot (2002)
Astonishing!
I've been a fan of Asian cinema since I was a child and I have to be honest, this movie is right up there with the very best, which includes Oldboy and A Bittersweet Life. It is so original that I can honestly say that I haven't seen a movie that is similar to this in terms of plot and direction.
I never go into details of storyline as I know how I always like to be surprised with what happens. However, what I will say is that the acting, cinematography and plot twists are nothing short of breathtaking. The way that the drama is shot is spectacular and you are left with a lot to ponder long after the credits roll. I can't see how some reviewers can call this gory, there are certainly a few scenes which are pretty hard hitting but compared to the goreporn US movies like Saw etc, this is pretty placid!
As I stated previously, I am a huge fan of Asian cinema, particularly anything coming out of Korea at the moment, to the point where I rarely watch Hollywood films but I can guarantee that if you are even remotely interested in anything by Scorcese or Tarantino, you're in for a treat!
If you want to see a fresh and innovative movie that will keep you glued to the screen for 2 hours, check this out.
10/10
American Psycho (2000)
Don't just stare at it, eat it!!!
So often films fail to live up to the books that preceded them, American Psycho however is a masterpiece in its own right. I absolutely loved the book but I feel that the book and the movie have a totally different feel to them and both are exceptional works of art.
This is one of my favourite movies of all time and definitely in my top 5. Bale gives a faultless performance and gets so involved in his character that, given the character, it is quite worrying! The way he plays the suave perfectionist and goes off on rants about Phil Collins and Whitney Houston is masterful.
The movie is shot superbly and the 80's theme is well executed from the hang out locations and clothing worn by the characters, right down to the hairstyles. The sound track is excellent too.
I personally see this movie as a black comedy and I laugh out loud at many parts on every viewing.
What is also great about this movie is that you can have your own take on the meaning. Does Patrick actually commit all of the deaths but the Wall Street yuppies are so stereotyped that no one even notices that people are missing? Or is the killing spree all in his imagination?
This is definitely a movie which keeps you full of thought long after the credits roll. Some may look at the title and immediately write it off as a slasher movie. Don't be fooled. There are some scenes which may not be to all tastes but this movie can be classed as a black comedy or 80's Wall Street biopic horror!
Do you like Huey Lewis & the News?
A masterpiece. 10/10.
Dalkomhan insaeng (2005)
A Bittersweet Masterpiece
This film had me gripped entirely from beginning to end. The action is constant and very realistic. The choreography is superb and you find yourself flinching at some of the fight scenes.
I was impressed with the acting throughout and some of the cinematography was astounding.
If you haven't been made aware of some of the excellent Korean movies around at the moment, i.e A Bittersweet Life, Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr Vengeance to name a few, take my advice and see these films immediately! I actually think that this movie is my favourite Asian movie I have seen and the best foreign movie I have seen since City of God.
If you like action, you'll love this! 10/10
Dead or Alive: Hanzaisha (1999)
Another Miike Masterpiece
Wow! I can't believe this gem passed me by until now. What a great film.
The opening 5 minutes contains more drugs, sex and violence than the UFC Christmas party. And if I thought that the beginning was intense, the ending is absolutely insane! The movie is superbly acted throughout particularly by Riki Takeuchi and Sho Aikawa. The camera-work is superb and brilliantly shot. Although the pace slows down during the middle part of the movie (yeah as if they could keep the pace of the opening throughout!) it is still engrossing and I found myself glued to the screen until the credits rolled.
I won't ruin the finale for anyone who hasn't watched this movie yet but I will say this, I was told beforehand to expect a bonkers finish to the film, so I sat there fully expecting to be shocked. But that still didn't prepare me for the ending. I was still sat there gasping 'WHAT THE ^%#@'.
This is yet another Miike movie that has you thinking it over long after it has finished.
Takashi you've done it again! 10/10
Kataude mashin gâru (2008)
Flying limbs, sliced torsos and more. An instant classic!
This is quite possibly the funniest movie I've ever seen. The blood comes by the gallon and the deaths are hilarious. The lead actress is a fox too.
While Asia are creating movies such as this, Audition, A Bittersweet Life, Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance and Tokyo Gore Police to name a few, is there any need to watch US movies anymore? Before viewing, you just need to take this movie for what it is – An over-the-top comic/manga all-out bloodbath. If you are looking for a movie to watch on a night in with the lads, this is it! Get the beers in and prepare to laugh your heads off.
Text-book cinema.
Ôdishon (1999)
An absolute Masterpiece by Takashi Miike
What a fantastic film. I can honestly say that I have never seen a movie quite like this. Nor have I been left with such a strange and extraordinary feeling after a film. This movie makes you think long after the credits roll which, in my eyes, is the sign of a great film.
I'm not going to touch too much on the plot as I feel that viewers should be struck by the events in the same way that I was.
This film was well shot and the suspense is built masterfully. The fact that you do not see all of the gruesome acts but instead hear and are left to envision them somehow adds to the sinister theme of this movie. Miike makes excellent use of silence and subtle sound effects throughout and the pace, particularly at the beginning, also serves its purpose.
This is somewhere between horror and psychological thriller, although if you are seeking an all-out gore fest, you would be better of checking out Ichi The Killer, Tokyo Gore Police or The Machine Girl. The subtlety of the extreme depravity of some scenes is, for me, what makes this film so well made. Although it is not as gory as the 3 movies previously mentioned titles, it is by no means any less brutal.
This is yet another title that highlights that Japanese movies are streets ahead of the American horror market and makes the US slasher market seem laughable. This movie is both realistic and horrendous. You could easily see this story happening in the real world and that undoubtedly strikes a chord with the viewer.
If you have even the slightest interest in horror and/or psychological thrillers, you MUST see this movie.
A masterpiece 10/10