keachs Reviews

Salut d'Amour (2015)

Poignant

[9/10 · 8 February 2016]

I watched this on a flight to Asia. Though I was born in Japan and live in the US, I find some similarities in Japanese and Korean culture. I think Korean films do a very good job of incorporating appropriate humor and funny scenes while tackling some serious subjects. Salut d'Amour is a good example. Without giving too much away, what starts out as a comedy with some quirky characters turns into a very touching and moving film with a surprise ending. As a grown adult caring for an aging parent with dementia this film touched my heart deeply. I hope it gets distributed on DVD or thru the internet so it gets the viewership it deserves.

The China Syndrome (1979)

Underrated Thriller

[9/10 · 8 February 2016]

Wow. Not sure why this thriller has so few rating in IMDb. (Actually not so unusual for any non-blockbusters from this era) Almost every aspect of the film is rock solid: setting script, acting, story-line, and the issue is still relevant 35 years later. The characters and scenes in the studio and nuclear power plant are totally believable. There no superfluous scenes at all, no added sex scenes, no smart alack comedy or in-your face scenes. Jack Lemmon in my opinion is also very underrated and gives a great performance as Jack Godell, and Jane Fonda and Michael Douglass are very good in their respective roles. I had not realized that Michael Douglass produced this film, along with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest four years earlier when he was barely 30 years old. Though some of the costuming and settings obviously reflect the era of the film, it does not feel dated at all. The China Syndrome holds it's own with the other more well-known films of it's day and probably surpasses in quality, the majority current releases put out by Hollywood.

Million Dollar Arm (2014)

Average up until the end

[7/10 · 9 April 2015]

As another reviewer stated, this is a bit predictable, with your underdog character and not too likable agent whose main interests are image and the lifestyle that accompanies it. Maybe I am being a bit harsh, as all of the main actors, with the exception of Alan Arkin, were not familiar to me, and hence at least they were refreshing in a way. The storyline has some funny moments, and real on-set locations in India. Also refreshing to see a movie these days with no foul language or sex or nudity. What made the movie for me though, was the the ending and the credits at the end, which made the characters and story much more real and personal. A good family film.

Prince of the City (1981)

An Underrated Masterpiece

[9/10 · 26 November 2014]

I remember watching this many years ago, probably on TV, soon after it came out. It's always been on my mind and I watched it again over the last two evenings. I am just in awe of the powerful story, great acting and the gritty setting of this amazing film. To this day, I cannot believe Sidney Lumet never won an Oscar for best director for all the other great films of his: Twelve Angry Men, Serpico, Network, Dog Day Afternoon, and this masterpiece. With no special effects, no big name actors, no sex, Mr. Lumet has me glued to the screen for nearly three hours. I agree with the other reviewer that this is in the class of the great ones like the Godfather, On the Waterfront, Raging Bull, along with the French Connection, and Serpico. It's a shame that only a minuscule percentage of the IMDb population even has heard or seen films like these from this era, where films were truly an art form, rather than the commercial vehicle that they have become today.

The Great White Tower (2003–2004)

Excellent Medical Drama but also addresses actual ethical issues concerning disclosing information by Japanese doctors

[9/10 · 30 October 2014]

This was Fuji TV's 45th anniversary drama special and an all-out effort was made to create a memorable epic mini-series, twice as long as the usual series. Goro Zaizen and Shuji Satomi are doctors at Naniwa University Medical school. They were classmates in medical school and now work at the same hospital, though in different disciplines and departments. From a humble background, Zaizen through his giftedness ,discipline and ambition, has become a star surgeon in the elite 1st Surgical Dept. He has craftily married into a medical family, and his father-in-law runs a maternity clinic. Though he has a faithful wife, Zaizen has a mistress on the side, who is a bar hostess. Satomi is equally intelligent , but is more interested in research and the human side of medicine. He is an idealistic family man. The first 10 episodes deal with the power struggle and politics of choosing a successor to the professorship position held by Dr. Asuma, who has reached retirement age. Zaizen is seen as the natural successor, but Asuma is concerned about Zaizen's ethics and naked ambition, and throws a wrench into the selection process for his successor. Episode 10 ends with Ziazen indeed landing the prestigious Professorship of Naniwa University Medical School. Episodes 11-21 deals with a lawsuit from a patient whom Zaizen operated on and ultimately died. Though the patient had terminal cancer and would have died regardless , the family is upset that Zaizen was not more forthright in giving them options for treatment. Through many twists turns and consequences, colleagues are pitted against each other with stakes being high. Careers and reputations are on the line.

This is a pure drama, with very little light or comedic moments. The actors are superb and the plot is very tight, with each episode introducing a twist which leaves you waiting breathlessly for the next episode.

In addition to being a highly realistic medical drama, the mini- series address the real life issue of doctor disclosure which has not been very open in Japan. Patients are often not told of terminal diagnosis, and the authority of doctors is unquestioned. Things have become more transparent and open more recently, but Fuji TV showed some courage in addressing this very real but hidden secret regarding Japanese medicine. I particularly enjoyed the performance by Yosuke Eguchi (Tokyo Love Story, 101st Marriage Proposal, Under the Same Roof 1& 2) Who shows he can do drama as well as comedy. The ambitions Goro Ziazen is played superbly by Karasawa Toshiaki as well as the rest of the cast, whose roles become more central as the series progresses. Unlike a lot of US series, it did not have the abundance "over the top moments" just to shock. As is the case with many Japanese dramas, some scenes do pull on your heartstrings, but in a sensitive way.

Copies of this drama are available on DVD from Asian outlets or through some download sites.

Watashi no guranpa (2003)

A well made film of friendship and redemption

[7/10 · 21 November 2013]

The story revolves around the grandpa, Godai Kenzo, who we learn has spent the last 13 years of his life in the local prison somewhere in Tochigi-ken, and is released and comes back to the house of his adult son, who is married and has a middle school daughter named Tamako. Godai's wife does not want to have anything to do with her husband and leaves for Nagoya.

Apparently, Godai had killed someone associated with the local mob, which is why he ended up in prison, but the motive for the crime is not what one would think.

The story is about the friendship between the elderly Godai and his granddaughter Tamako. The movie captures life outside the big city, and how young kids who start as bullies there who veer off the path, can end up in a lifestyle of thugs.

The pace holds one's attention, and there are a couple of tense scenes, but it does not resort to gratuitous violence, the characters are well developed, and there are subtle scenes of comedic relief to balance the somewhat serious message of crime and redemption. If you are expecting an action mystery, this is not the movie for you, but I enjoyed the slice of Japanese life, and how people can change their ways.

The Pacific Century (1992– )

A bit dated but still an excellent series

[8/10 · 25 September 2013]

I would watch some of these episodes on my local community college cable channel and was intrigued by the history. Though the series was made 20 years ago and much change has taken place, the series does an excellent job covering the older history of most of the Pacific Rim. Bear in mind that in 1992, Japan was just entering its "Lost Decade" after the economic rise of the 1980's. Taiwan and China were just beginning their meteoritic rise as economic players on the world stage. South Korea was coming into its own also. Many noted academic and political figures are interviewed and give commentary to add to the content.Peter Coyote's narration is excellent. Overall a very useful work for the local school, or just to learn more about this important region of the world.

The Red Tent (1969)

Haunting - Based on a Actual Events

[24 April 2013]

I looked up this little-known gem because the director Mikhail Kalatozov had also directed Letter Never Sent. Though the story is a bit hard to follow, since it is told as a recollection and an imaginary reunion of the principals involved. The cinematography is outstanding, capturing the desolateness and starkness of the arctic, along with a haunting soundtrack. The cast is very solid, the story - true life outweighs fiction. I have always found films dealing with survival in the elements to be fascinating. This film keep the viewer engrossed, without resorting to cheap dramatics, or sentimentality. Just solid filmmaking.

Mao's Last Dancer (2009)

A beautiful personal movie of two cultures and ballet

[8/10 · 3 November 2012]

I don't normally watch many movies about ballet, I respect it as an art form but as a guy, just don't "get it". This movie however, transcends the ballet aspect because it involves a personal and true-to-life story. I think the film captures well post-revolutionary China and the US in the early 1980's.

Even though the story is based on a actual events and you know actors are portraying these real people, the acting is quite believable (both Chinese and Western) . The dancing scenes are quite good, this coming from a layman. Chi Cao's acting was a bit forced as it was apparent that though he was Asian, probably was probably well versed in Western culture. (Being an Westen cultured Asian myself) it takes one to know one. This very slight oversight can be forgiven, given that Chi Cao's dancing is obviously authentic.

The early relationship of Li Cunxin and Elizabeth is very well portrayed, capturing the cultural differences which were a bit more pronounced 30 years ago. There were some very touching family scenes that made me cry.

I had not heard of Bruce Beresford before, but I see by his filmography that he has had a long and distinguished career and may check out more of his films. Yet another underrated and unappreciated gem of a film which deserves more exposure, squeezed out by the big studios and their big marketing budgets churning out inferior, self gratifying fare.

30 for 30: The Best That Never Was (2010) Season 1, Episode 29

Perhaps the Best Sports Documentary Ever

[10/10 · 14 October 2012]

I think this may the one of the best if not THE best sports documentary ever. I know that is a heady statement to make, but I found myself moved to tears at the end of the story. This is an amazing story of one of the most gifted high school football players to ever walk on a football field. Looking at the clips showing Marcus as a college player reminded me of similarities to one of the greatest ever to play the game, Walter Payton. And Payton's rigorous off-season training regimens were legendary. Marcus DuPree already had most of that without the need for the extra training. Yes, the story is tragic, but there is redemption for Marcus when he does eventually make the roster of an NFL franchise, only to be let go for some unexplained reason.

For every Emitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, there are a dozen Marcus DuPree's. Not in terms of athletic ability, but in the failure of the college football system and false hopes young talented athletes put into of achieving a long term professional football career. Mort often than not, especially in football, injury drastically reduces the chance of a player developing or continuing a career for any meaningful length of time and many end up just like Marcus, at some menial job even though they attended college on an athletic scholarship and could have graduated with a college degree if they chose to finish or go back to school after they turn pro. But yet there is an insatiable appetite for professional sports and as long as spectators and the common fan continue to worship and put pro (and college, and even high school) sports on the pedestal that we do, people like Marcus will continue to be exploited and make unwise choices.

This documentary highlighted this and much more. Shakespeare himself could not have penned such an artful tragedy.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Good insight into Japanese culture

[7/10 · 14 October 2012]

Many people would categorize this as a "foodie" movie. Yes the main character is a sushi chef, and the food scenes are beautifully shot, but I felt that the film dealt with a topic much deeper than food, but of the purpose of life itself. One obviously has to respect Jiro and what he has accomplished in his life, but it seemed there were some thing missing for a life lived at that high of a level. His wife never appears in the movie, apart from a b/w picture. You rarely see Jiro smile. And the most telling part is that many of his customers felt intimidated dining in the presence of such a great master.

I see this film highlighting a basic structural cornerstone in Japanese society, the concept of respect. From what I can see and have experienced, respect is the highest honor that can be paid in Japanese society, and Jiro has achieved it. Respect from his customers, his peers, his family. I saw the love of perfection Jiro had for the art of creating sushi. I'm not sure if there was love shown for his family and sons who were carrying on the tradition.

The Intouchables (2011)

A rich funny movie which will make you laugh and cry

[9/10 · 11 October 2012]

I saw that this movie had made it on the top 250 list rather quickly so I had to go see it. From the opening scene, the movie kept you engaged with its memorable characters, which provide great chemistry with each other. Makes you wonder if a price can be put on your health and freedom. I had to ask myself if I would trade places with Philippe, with all his status and material riches, but to be totally dependent on a caretaker for the most basic of daily tasks. The Driss character was a total contrast and provided what Philippe could not provide on his own, not just from a physical viewpoint. When I went to see this it was only playing in one theater in the Chicagoland area, a shame that a quality films doesn't get the distribution while the mass marketed produced junk that Hollywood churns out pushes out rich films like this one. Hopefully it will be released in DVD soon.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

A Beautiful Film

[9/10 · 25 December 2011]

I first saw this when it was released in theaters 30 years ago. Watching it again, I was struck how beautiful the film was, from the musical score, the costuming, and the location, all capturing well, the feel of Cambridge, England in the 1920's. The framing, use of slow motion and the colors are top notch. The acting, superb. This time around, I noticed the contrasting characters of the driven and confident Harold Abrams, and the humble Eric Liddle maintaining his integrity and faithfulness, yet both arriving at their goals via differing routes. The film stands out even more so now against the steady stream of mass produced Hollywood movies with all the blockbuster names and special effects do not come close to touching the heart and soul of a work of art like this film. It is a bit slow and requires the viewer to invest some focus and attention rather than be entertained, but the reward in the end is that much greater.

North Face (2008)

Intensely realistic

[10/10 · 25 December 2011]

This is a beautifully shot film, and captures the feel of 1930's Germany. The actors are very believable and the climbing scenes and scenery, stunning. I wondered how they filmed the climbing scenes so realistically, and found out in the extras that although they employed special effects and CGI images, they are so realistic and well integrated that you absolutely cannot tell where they used the effects. The storyline is gripping, made even more so knowing that the movie was based on actual events. The actual account on Wikipedia is even more heartbreaking. Easily one of the best mountaineering movies out there, along with "Touching the Void".