SimchaNu Reviews

The Secret Life of Geisha (1999 TV Movie)

Unexpected enjoyment

[8/10 · 29 December 2006]

I didn't know what it was going to be about so the movie was a surprise. I really got into it, enjoyed it, and learned quite a bit about Japanese lifestyles, customs, etc.

Beautiful scenery, great photography, and outstanding soundtrack.

I'm a bit confused about what was being passed around when the bidding began.

This movie does not end with the traditional American love story finale (man and woman fall in love, marry, and live happily ever after). It does, however, present a different lifestyle that we (Americans) are not really comfortable with- that of the other woman.

Match Point (2005)

Like they used to make them

[10/10 · 13 February 2006]

I love old movies. If it's in B&W. I will probably watch it. Why don't they make them like that any more? They do. At least Woody Allen does. He captured the British aristocracy, Irish easy, and American money-lover in a dynamic dance of suspense and lust.

I could feel the tension in the theater as the plot twisted and the viewers' minds tried to grapple with passion, deceit, and crime. At the end of the movie, there was an audible gasp - "Is that it?" "Wait, go back!" "What happened?" I'll be thinking and talking about Matchpoint for quite a while. I rate it second to Crimes and Misdemeanors which had a better motive for "eliminating the problem".

Not to be missed if you like movies the way they used to make them!

The High and the Mighty (1954)

Campy in the sky

[6/10 · 4 August 2005]

What a great trip back into the 1950's when airplane travel was new and dangerous! This picture has it all: A big silent hero, the young "scientific" pilot, the cast of passengers, etc. As bad as this movie is (a 10-year-old kid who sleeps for 12 hours on a rock-and-rolling prop plane, and an Italian immigrant who is treated like a child) there's something to love about it. It's the innocence of the time and the drama of Hollywood. My favorite part is when they are going to decrease the weight of the plane to save on fuel. While an average size, middle age passenger hangs on to the Duke, luggage is tossed out the door of the plane. Oh sure! And, if that isn't campy enough, a wealthy woman with a new attitude sacrifices her mink coat to help with the weight of the plane. What's in the pockets, gold bars? With all the flaws, I still hold my breath when the Duke says, "We can't turn back, we've past the point of no return." Drama like it used to be!

Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York (1975)

Jeanne Berlin is one of the most underrated actresses!

[9/10 · 4 August 2005]

Jeanne Berlin (daughter of Elaine May) is perfect in this movie! What a funny, brilliant woman! The movie reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. All women are not beautiful and rich. You go girl! Another wonderful aspect of this movie is an early role for Roy Scheider who plays her love interest. My favorite part is the main character's job at a children's recording studio, Wha Wha Records. Everyone does a rather mundane job until a musician needs "backup". All the employees jump up and become the chorus. Gail Parent is one of my favorite writers (remember Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman on TV?) and she develops wonderfully real women in her comedies. Great movie for then and now.