Change Your Image
imim123
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
12 Angry Men (1957)
A Hot Debate over the Jury System
Listening to people talking for an hour and a half in only one scene, it is strange that I don't feel bored at all. Every single line is logically composed with its special meaning. What strikes me most is what one of the jury said, it almost summarize the whole film:
"We have a responsibility. This, I have always thought, is a remarkable thing about democracy. That we are... What is the word? Notified. That we are notified by mail to come down to this place to decide on the guilt or innocence of a man we... we have never heard. We have nothing to gain or lose by... by our verdict. This is one of the reasons why we are strong. We should not make it a... personal thing." This film also reveals that sometimes we don't treasure our right. At the start of the film, almost everyone is impatient and wants to get out of the room as soon as possible. But we should not forget that it is our right but also responsibility at the same time, and our decisions directly have influence on the fate of another man.
The film also repeatedly reminds us that, as a jury, another point to bear in mind is that a man is not guilty until proved. The presumption of innocence is the basic principle of modern legal system of criminal procedure.But sometimes because of prejudice, we always jump to the conclusion before we see the evidence. Just like one of the jury said:
"Some of the time... I tell you. It's always difficult to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. Wherever you run into it, prejudice always obscures the truth."
It's been a wonderful time for me while watching the film. Thanks the cast for their amazing performance. Each of 12 jury represent one type of people and the audience can find their own reflection in them. For these who plan to watch it, I can assure you that you won't be disappointed, and I will recommend this film to everyone.
Cidade de Deus (2002)
Another Side Of Brazil
Among countless merits it enjoys, this is a most conspicuous one: It shows a strong sense of reality. Since it is based on a true story, it demonstrates another side of Brazil, one which consists of chaos, crime and death. Despite several objective reasons on how "City of God" come into existence, people's ignorance is the main cause. By this I mean, Neither rich people nor the government want to have anything to do with "City Of God", thus their deliberate ignorance of poor people should be held responsible for all the misfortune that happened. In this deserted city, poverty breeds crime and crime leads to more poverty. As a consequence, it is hard for people to leave the city and even if they do, they always get dragged back.As we can see, the only way to break this wretched cycle is education. Fair and quality education will enable kids of the next generation to have more options other than become another gang member.
Zhuo yao ji (2015)
A brand-new start for Chinese Animation Film
It is exciting to finally watch a domestic Chinese animated film. "Monster Hunt" is a combination of advanced animated technology with Chinese Culture such as Kung fu, ancient Chinese myth and magic. "Yao", nickname for mystery monsters in China, owns a long history since ancient time and plays an important role in traditional Chinese mythology. Compared to Hollywood Animation Films, although "Monster Hunt" is by no means any superior with some obvious shortcomings such as loosely written script and insufficient character modeling, it marks a brand-new start for Chinese animation industry. In fact, it already stands out in all the Chinese movies that was released this summer and it is also well-received in the market with a total box-office revenues of 2.44 billion. According to the plot, a lot more stories can be developed with regard to "Huba", the main animated character, it remains a pretty good chance that there will be a sequel to this film. The audience will be curious about what will happen to "Huba", the main animated character after it departed its father "Song Tianyin", what will become of Song Tianyin since he decided to be a professional monster hunter. Some will also wonder what Song Tianyin's father is like since he is repeatedly mentioned in the film but never actually showed up. I think everything will be explained in the sequel.
Although "Monster Hunt" is pretty good compared to certain standards, the overall Chinese domestic films are still primitive, and excellent projects are scarce in number and low in quality. Only a couple of high quality films can be produced due to China's strict censorship policy. It has a long way to go for Chinese domestic film industry, but we shouldn't give up our hope. Roma is built in one day, I believe positive changes will happen to Chinese domestic film industry in the near future.
Intouchables (2011)
A Special Movie with Highlightened Sense of Reality
I can't say it will be a classic film, but it sure will be a special one. Unlike the usual Hollywood films, Since it is based on a true story , it contains less drama thus becomes more realistic. To me, watching the movie feels like listening to a normal but beautiful story about common people.
In short, it is a story about a strange but beautiful friendship of two people from complete different worlds. Cruz is an aristocrat who becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, while Sy is a failed robber and typical jobless young man. Almost by accident, Cruz hired Sy as his personal caregiver. Though before they met they have nothing in common except that they are both sad and depressive, an unexpected but also amazing friendship blossoms between they two. Sooner than they realize, they've become each other's essential spiritual companion and life support. While their relation deepens, they also bring out the best in each other. Cruz teaches Sy to appreciate art and get out of his comfort zone to try something new. In return, Sy persuaded Cruz to open up his heart, be comfortable with himself and enjoy the present. In the end, they both become a better person and regained their hope for life. If there is anything we can learn from this story, it is sometimes you have to reach into someone else's world to find out what's missing in your own.(It's also this movie's slogan)
Lie ri zhuo xin (2015)
It restored my hope in Chinese domestic films
Before I stepped into the cinema, I was worried that this film may be a waste of money and time. But after I watched it, to my relief, I found out it is actually pretty good. It may sound strange to you, but as a Chinese, I don't often go to theaters to watch Chinese domestic films, because after years of disappointment from the domestic film industry, it is hard for me to have any confidence in buying another of their tickets. Most of the time it is American popcorn movies I am looking for in the cinema. So when I come to the realization that "The Dead End" is a good film, there is a little excitement in my heart.
My favorite character is Guchun Yi, the policeman played by Yihong Duan. Duan gave his best performance to portray us an experienced Chinese policeman .Yi is a complicated character. On one hand, he is the typical kind of policeman who serves justice with on reservation. Even when Xin becomes his best friend, he still arrested him once he is informed of his criminal identity. On the other hand, before he comes to his final decision to arrest Xin, he went through difficult emotional struggle. Even when he is aware of Xin's identity, he still tries to help him within limit of law.
Though "The Dead End" enjoys considerable merits, frankly speaking, it is still a long way from being a classic crime/mystery film. Due to China's strict censoring policy, it is hard for Chinese Film industry to produce a lot of movies of high quality every year. I wish Chinese censoring administration to loosen restrictions on film industry to make room for more quality movies.
Django Unchained (2012)
Tarantino Unchained
This is one of my favorite movie this year. Thank Tarantino for giving me two short but happy hours of surprise and excitement. I've heard a lot about this film before, but never had a chance to watch it until now. Tarantino's work never disappoints me before and yet He brings us another masterpiece of his film fantasy.
Just to make it clear, I am not really a big fan of "Westerns", whether it is American Western or Spaghetti Western. The last Western I remembered is still "No Country For Old Man". However, I am a big lover of Rockstar's classic game, "Red Dead: Redemption". After watching this film, it just gave me an urge to play the game from start once again.
First, I'd like to share my opinions on this film from an overall perspective, then shift our focus on the performance of the cast.
To beginning, I like Tarantino's version of aesthetics of violence, thus every minute of the film is of great joy to me. Watching gun blazing like fire spitting, blood splashing like a fountain and people hit by bullets like a watermelon, not to mention the splendid explosion scenes, makes my blood burning and heart pumping fast. Every aspect of violence scene is done well and some horseback riding scene is excellent. I always tend to think Tarantino creates films in a way like a kid playing with his toy as he can do whatever he likes. As a result, in the making of this film, Tarantino's imagination is like an unchained horse running wild.
As is expected, Tarantino's film always comes with great music. Every piece of music used in this movie has the mark of his unique taste. If we listen to these music separately, most of them would feel special, some even odd. But when put under the context of movie, every single piece of music just blend in with background and it surprises us to realize that they are in perfect harmony with each other. It always gives me great pleasure to listen the background music as the movie progresses, and I smile every time when I don't understand why the music feels so right in the movie. But there is only one problem, the rap songs. Is it just me or the rap is really out of place? It always bounce me out of the movie. Not that the raps are bad, but whenever it is played, it just don't feel so "western" anymore. But anyway, it could be just me.
Although this film enjoys considerable merits, it's not flawless. As I said, Tarantino's imagination is unchained. But as a result, it also lacks direction or focus. As I quote from another high voted review, "I enjoy every minute of it, but I could never shake the feeling of how messy and thrown together it all feels"(Reference Link). For example, the search for the Britle Brothers which I initially thought to be the centerpiece of the film ends too fast. I anticipated it to last at least half an hour before Django and Dr.Schultz complete their first mission. However, it ends in minutes. It would be episodic if it is more detailed. Beyond this, the film ending seems too smooth for Django, even a little unreal. For example, it is totally unreasonable for Stephen the butler and Lara the hostess to give Django away to a railway company when they have a chance to finish him. For a merciless and skilled bounty hunter like Django, he is certain to come back and take his revenge. He kills a dozen of fully armed slave overseers within minutes, how can you feel safe when he is in custody of anyone? Nevertheless, a few flaws can not belittle many virtues of the film. Djanglo Unchained still remains to be a great movie, so I will rate it 9 out of 10 honestly.
Although this film has a genius director and a well-written script, it still can't become a classic without its wonderful cast.
First of all, Dr.King Schultz played by Christoph Waltz is my favorite character. Christoph gave great performance in this movie. as he did in "Inglorious Bastards". Though Dr.Schultz is a merciless bounty hunter, but he deeply despises slavery.
Many other wonderful performance are present in this movie as well. Another actor that stands out of the cast is Leanardo Dicaprio. His brilliant performance portrayed a seasoned and cruel slaver with greed and hypocrisy. Jamei Foxx as the main lead, though shadowed by the above two actors, still gives great performance. Though at first he is not comfortable in Django's shoes, but once he finds his foot, he does a fantastic job walking the thin line between empathetic and sadistic. I think he has a special talent for comedy, because it feel extremely funny when he tries to play serious, like when Django tries to give the slaves a piece of his mind in order not to "break his character". As a subtle actor, He is also able to offer audience a peek into Django's emotions with a little changes in his expression or gesture. Summel L. Jackson's performance as the black butler Stephen is also outstanding. Stephen is obviously more experienced than Dandie. After nearly 70 years of torturing slaves, he completely betrayed his race and degenerated into a lick-spittle for the slavers. Djanglo calls him "snowball" not only because his hair whitened because of age, but also because he is a "white" slaver with a black face. The audience hates Stephen more than Dandie, so it gives me great joy to see Djanglo put Stephen into justice.
In summary, "Django: Unchained" is a must-see for a Tarantino fun and anyone who is looking for a western with thrilling action and funny comedy.
Terminator Genisys (2015)
A Great Popcorn Movie
I am not a big fan of the Terminator Series and I've only watched the first and the second "Terminator" before. Since I understand that this sequel movie is produced because Hollywood wants to make more money out of the Terminator Series, I already lowered my expectation before I entered the cinema. But to my surprise, when I came out of the movie theater after watching it, I actually felt quite happy and relaxed. To make it clear, my only motivation to buy the ticket to this movie was to refresh myself after five days' hard working. In this sense, what I was expecting is exciting actions scenes that keeps audience on their toes and some funny and stupid jokes which can take away all of my pressure and anxiety of work, not an artful, subtle little movie. To that purpose, "Terminator Genisys " has severed me well.
Arnold Schwarzenegger give great performance in this movie as a hard-core machine killer, once again. If I remember correctly, he is almost 70 year old. Though I still hear criticism of his acting method, but anyone who can pull off a blockbuster like this at the age of 70 is someone who deserves my respect. Besides, from What I am seeing, I don't think He has aged much since "Terminator 1". The makeup team's excellent work and Schwarzenegger's whole-hearted performance made it possible for us to enjoy yet another Terminator movie.
Emilia Clarke is one of several highlights in this movie. I still can't shake her performance in "Game of Throne" as the dragon queen Daenerys Targaryen out of my head, especially when both of the characters are strong-minded woman with ambition. Though her problem of overacting still exists in this movie, It doesn't influence my affections for her. Actually she is one of biggest reasons why I chose this movie.
In summary, if you are looking for a popcorn movie which can refresh yourself, this movie is a good pick. However if what you are expecting an artful movie which subvert the classic Terminator Series, I suggest you choose deliberately in case of possible disappointment.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
A Typical Good Movie with a Bad Script
English is not my mother tongue, please excuse any errors on my part.
I really like the concept of a gentleman spy. The idea that there exists a secret spy society that saves the world from villains while still maintaining the image of a perfect gentleman leaves us infinite imagination space. I hope there will be a sequel to this movie because much more stories can be told about this secret organization.
Another great feature of this movie is the decent actions. Certain aspects of the action scenes were done well and some of the bullet time actions was good. My favorite action scene is the massacre in the church though a lot of people claim that it is revoltingly violent and disturbingly bloody. But I prefer to call it "the aesthetics of violence". No where in the world has the issue of media violence been such debated as in our society. From my point of view, there is no necessary correlation between media violence and "real" violence. On the contrary, I expect movies to be an outlet for pressure and stress.
The best performance came from Colin Firth. He took his role seriously and played it to the hilt. The personality of the role "Harry Hart" is one of several highlights in this movie. Colin's wonderful performance and wholehearted dedication perfectly interpreted the meaning of a gentleman spy.
This movie has many advantages, but its disadvantages are equally notable. The worst of all is the bad script. I expected this new movie might be a innovation, but is still a stereotype. As a throwback to the old spy flick, it fails in many aspects. the concept of a kid taking over for his dad and quasi predecessor is a cliché. The idea of a Swedish princess offering anal sex to the hero is just absurd. moreover, it tells a story about a dotcom genius with an aversion to blood who wants to destroy the world, does this sound familiar? These film clichés are overused in cinemas and it astonished me to see them in this movie.As the movie progresses, the entire of validity of the character's morals were flushed down the drain.
Beyond that, the English jokes always bounce me out of the movie. Granted I am used to American jokes and I get that English humor is a bit different, but I still don't think nuclear head explosion or McDonalds being served on a sliver plate is that much funny anymore.
Once again, I apologize for any mistake in my English.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
A Highlighted Sense of Reality
English is not my mother tongue, please excuse any errors on my part.
I haven't watched a lot of movies about slavery, but this one is definitely my favorite. A mixture of a talented cast, a compelling plot and a wonderful cinematographer created a highlighted sense of reality. I am not a black, therefore I can't say I totally understand what slavery can do to humanity. But when Soloman struggles to keep his footing while being hanged by Tibeats, my breath was totally taken away. Along with nearly five minutes of that long, stead shot, I felt I was experiencing slavery from the first-person perspective. In this sense, both Solomon's pain and hope became mine. I came to realize slavery is evil in a sense that it not only brings pain and misery to the slave, but also brings out the bad side and dark nature in the slaver.
From my point of view, the best performance came from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyon'o and Michael Fassbender, their wonderful performance and wholehearted dedication took us on an emotional journey through the dark history of slavery.
Though it is a great movie, but it still shares some shortcomings with other movies of the same genre. This movie took too much time to illustrate the cruelty of slavery which keeps people on their toes, but the problem is that the tension never lets up since Solomon gets kidnapped. It would serve me better if once in a while, we can get a moment of light relief away from all the depression and sadness, so we can better identify with Solomon's plight. After numerous representations, the incessant miseries almost become expected. During watching this movie, I actually felt a short moment of boredom.
Is it just me or does the movie end too abruptly? It could have provided more details to describe how Solomon finally escaped slavery. Because after almost two hours of watching Solomon endure all the pain and hardship, it is difficult to convince me that he can regain freedom in only 15 minutes. I understand the difference between the time in movie and the time in real life, however it still gives me a feeling that Solomon's freedom comes at a cheap price.
Despite all the disadvantages , watching the movie still gives me great pleasure.
Once again, I apologize for any mistake in my English.
Gone Girl (2014)
A good thriller but also unrealistic~~spoiler alert~~
English is not my mother tongue, please excuse any errors on my part.
"Gone Girl" is my favorite movie of this year. It is a good thriller and it is perfect in almost every possible way. I really love the female character played by Rosamund Pike. She really convinced me that she is an evil incarnate. I also love Ben Affleck and Neil Patrick's performance. This movie get me to think about the true meaning of marriage. Do you really think you know about the person who sleep beside you every night? Obviously Nick Dunne of this movie don't know all about his wife like he thinks he does. I believe they really love each other at the first several years of their marriage. But as the sweetness and passion of love wear off, they begin to realize that the person they married is not the person they used to love anymore. Amy think Nick is lazy and Nick find Amy to be mean and boring. But Nick still thinks that they can go on with their life even when there is no love between him and Amy. He is terribly wrong. After Amy finds out that he is having an affair with another woman, she become furiously angry and come up with a evil plan to fake her death and frame Nick for it. She thinks Nick deserves to go to prison for being dishonest to her. Nick, on the other hand has no idea what is waiting for him when he wakes up on their anniversary. when he come home later that day to find his wife missing, he is confused and reports Amy's disappearance to the local authority. The police come and he is very cooperative at first. But when all the evidences point to him, he finally realized that he is being framed. In my own perspective, though Nick is the victim, I think neither of them is innocent. Their irresponsible and selfish behaviors killed Desi Collings and wasted a lot police resources which could be put into good use. The ending was really shocking. I can't believe Nick still decides to live with Amy after everything. A lot of people think it is unrealistic, but I think it is also irony. It's just a movie, it doesn't have to be like real life all the time. I think the movie is just trying to tell us that in real life there are a lot of couples like Nick and Amy who go on with their marriage even when it is just full of unhappiness, dishonesty and resent.
Once again, I apologize for any mistakes in my English.