trvpup Reviews

Winged Migration (2001)

breathtaking

[10/10 · 15 March 2005]

Even if you are not a bird watcher, the magnificent film footage will take your breath away. Using motorized gliders, you will view the world as the birds do and fly with them as they migrate south for the winter. The cameras take you through all four seasons with various kinds of birds as they follow their instincts through all kinds of tough weather and situations. Although the film could've been used for social commentary, I think you will find that the filmmakers' choice to provide the viewer with an objective bird's eye view was both appropriate and tasteful. All you need to do is sit back, enjoy and imagine that you are 'just one of the birds'! The stunning views of the landscape alone make this a must-see film. I highly recommend the "making of" extended DVD version to get a first-hand look at the special relationship that developed between the crew and the birds.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

hard-hitting, smart movie

[10/10 · 15 March 2005]

Although this movie 'flopped' at the box office at $53 million, this just may be one the smartest movies you haven't seen. With great performances from an ensemble all-star cast and a clever script, the dramatic tension of this modern film-noir classic is an absolute must-see! Told through a variation on the theme of "good cop, bad cop" with an overarching corruption angle, this film cleverly deals with issues of racism, social justice and ethics in a non-discriminatory manner. Character development is well-done and the dramatic tension is superb. If you are a fan of crime-drama and detective stories, you won't be disappointed!

Seven Samurai (1954)

a must

[10/10 · 15 March 2005]

Quite possibly one of the most influential and inspirational films ever made, the Seven Samurai must rank as one of the best all time movies.

The popular success of the derivative Magnificent Seven is a testament to its greatness; not to mention its enormous influence on the common Hollywood themes of the nameless hero, social justice and "saving the world." Whether viewed as a culturally specific motif of the transition that the samurai was forced to make in the modern era or as a timeless story of honor, integrity and justice, this is a masterful piece of film-making. No wonder that Lucas, Spielberg and Coppola,who all liberally borrowed from Kurosawa, all agreed that he was the best filmmaker of all time.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

powerful

[10/10 · 15 March 2005]

Even for those who find Conrad a bit much, this film brings the quagmire that we call the "Vietnam War" into clear focus. Like Lawrence of Arabia, the film forces us to ask the question of what would induce a high-ranking officer of the dominant Western country to "go native." In forcing us to reconsider the justification of military intervention into other peoples' cultures--and especially in light of recent U. S. efforts to democratize Iraq--this film provides provocative social commentary. Although disturbing, the film is a reminder of what happens when we blindly follow the ideology of a dominant elite that falls prey to its own rhetoric. Astute observers will see that Conrad's discussion of early British coloniailsm in Africa, this film's focus on U. S. intervention in Vietnam strikes a familiar chord to the present occupation activities in Iraq.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

an absolute must

[10/10 · 15 March 2005]

Quite simply, this is the best film ever made on the potential absurdity of the doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), which since the end of World War II has been the dominant mode of thinking of the world's foreign policy elite regarding nuclear strategy. As this film was made in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, it tried to make comic light of a very heavy handed topic, i.e. Namely, as the title suggests, defending against another nuclear power with second strike capabilities in the event of an "accident." In this case, the "accident" is that one paranoid high-ranking General decides the time to strike the Soviets is now before they can attain nuclear superiority over the U. S., which since JFK was entering a period of detente. For those who have studied international relations, military strategy, and the history of war, this film is filled with biting insight and clever humor. For those without such predilections, this is still one of the most humorous satires on the Cold Wat around. In fact, this film is so good I have been using it in my class for years. Check it out! By the way, Kubrick had high level clearance to interview the top brass of the military and civilian think tanks to make a serious movie about the dangers of nuclear war. That is why much of the footage of military technology, protocol and methods are authentic for its time frame. Unbeknownst to them at the time, Kubrick decided to make a satire instead. This explains why the armed forces forced Kubrick to make the disclaimer at the beginning of the film, distancing themselves from the content of the film. Perhaps he was a little "too accurate"!

Super Size Me (2004)

valuable social commentary

[9/10 · 15 March 2005]

Despite the absurdity of the notion that 'sane' person would want to eat McD's for one month as their sole source of food, this film is filled with some powerful illustrations through the effective use of factoids of the fast food industry. Although I was an 2-3 times per month fast food eater, I can honestly say that I can no longer 'stomach' the idea of eating a Big Mac knowing that the meat, the bun and even some of the vegetables are expensive,man-made, chemical and hormone filled creations. The interviews with some food experts are a must as well. I think you owe it to yourself to know what goes into your body.

Touching the Void (2003)

eye-opening

[9/10 · 15 March 2005]

Even for those who cannot understand why anyone would attempt to risk their life to climb a peak that most will never even know about, this film is a true eye-opener. It will show you the part of climbing that many amateurs such as I will only read about..and now, through dramatic reenactments as described by the survivors, see in this film. The beauty of the mountain is juxtaposed in tense dramatic fashion by the two climbers struggle to survive. In pitting human against nature, it will force the viewer to confront themselves with the fundamental principle of American culture--the morality of self-interested, rational behavior. As the law prof reviewer suggested, you may come away from this film with a different outlook on "acceptable" behavior in an ethical sense.