Grizzily Man was not even considered for the Oscar nominations in documentary for a reason. This was simply because it was not included on the ballot paper. This was Werener Herzog's choice. He has no time for playing the Hollywood game. Though it would've been wonderful to see him win it, you've got to admire the man's integrity. He remains one of the greatest and most original film makers at work today. The White Diamond is no exception. It starts out almost like a typical BBC documentary, but it quickly becomes apparent that this man is no ordinary professor, but yet another human being with obsessive drive of dreams and vision. Where does Herzog find these people! May he continue to illuminated us.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Come Drink with Me
(1966)
Period costume drama with great martial arts!
4 November 2005
This film is an outstanding example of the quality of pictures Shaw Brothers were capable of producing. The picture easily transcends the genre to be a period drama with martial arts (and not just a martial arts flick!) Shot in 1966, easily Cheng Pei-Pei's best film. She returned to the genre with a bang in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON playing the villainous Silver Fox. Despite popular myth, a very young Jackie Chan does NOT appear in the film. Though martial arts movie fans will notice a very young Mars (longtime friend of Jackie, actor and former member of the Jackie Chan stunt team). A sequel had been on the cards recently, featuring Marsha Yuen, Cheng Pei Pei's daughter, but doesn't seem to have got off the ground.
My Sassy Girl
(2001)
The best romantic comedy since Annie Hall
11 October 2005
Hillariosly funny, occasionally violent and tearfully heart rendering film about love and fate. Anybody who watches this film who is single will be left with such a longing to be in love. Jeon Ji-hyun is beguiling as the deceptively complex sassy girl and Korean pop singer Tae Hyun Cha transcends any doubts about casting a mere pop star in such a role. Korean cinema is unique in its ability to mix tones in a single genre, and this film manges to surf comedy, action, romance, drama and sentimentality without getting lost. I can't imagine a US version pulling this off. There is no need to remake this picture, it is perfect. Though perhaps a remake, no matter how artistically successful, will turn people on to the original. If you want to track this down on Region 3 DVD, there is a director's's cut but I would recommend the shorter version. The extra scenes are great but the pacing is better in the original. If you end up loving this film as much as I do then check out WINDSTRUCK, which was the director's follow up to this and also stars Jeon. It's a bit of a miss-mash but it's worth seeing for the last 2 minutes. You'll understand why!
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