Dramas
1832 as if you were there...
Le Hussard sur le toit is based on a novel written by Jean Giono in 1951.
The storyline describes the travel of a young married woman and a colonel of Italian hussars all over France while the cholera epidemic is spreading.
Directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau, and realised in 1995, the film presents a prestigious cast : famous French actors like Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez as the main characters, but also François Cluzet, Isabelle Carré, Pierre Arditi or Gérard Depardieu.
The script is really attractive even if it is quite romantic : a young Italian colonel who is called Antonio, is fleeing his country because he is preparing the revolution. He meets Pauline de Théus, a beautiful woman in the South of France. He decides to help her to join her castle. In fact he cannot bear leaving a woman alone in a country where danger and illness are everywhere. However the unimaginative part of the story is when we understand that, of course, Antonio is in love with Pauline whereas she is a married woman. But I guess it is that detail that made the film more attractive. Nevertheless, the film seems to be endless ... and it is quite disappointing.
Moreover, the landscape and the set are amazing except that the images of cholera crisis are really impressive and awful. Nevertheless, those of historical contains seem interesting because they let the spectator soaking up in the climate of the 1832 epidemic.
Furthermore Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez are really charming and they truly express the nature of their characters : Juliette Binoche as the cold and proud Pauline, and Olivier Martinez as the callow and bull-headed Antonio.
To sum up, this is a great historical pageant, that I strongly recommend to everyone who is interested in the nineteenth century and also to romance lovers.
A dark tale of murder and corruption in the north of England
Red Riding Trilogy is a dark and disturbing film. It tells the story of police corruption in the north of England, in Yorkshire. The acting and the script are both first-rate, genuinely frightening performances by the lead actors. I can't recommend it highly enough. JB
A young woman becomes the assistant to cynical Runway editor, Miranda Priestly.
A suave , classy movie , it is a dream come true for fashion lovers. Merryl Streep shines brilliantly as Miranda Priestly, the demanding ,ruthless chief editor of the fashion magazine Runway.Anne Hathaway plays Andrea , the rookie who knows little or nothing about fashion or trends, but gets in as one of the co-assistant to Miranda.Emily Blunt plays the experienced , stylish assistant to Miranda, who despises Anne but comes around in the end. Anne tries to learn the ropes slowly with the help of Nigel, an old friend of Miranda.The movie follows as Andrea juggles challenges thrown at her by Miranda,how she is finally accepted by Miranda and shows her loyalty to her.
Merryl Streep is truly brilliant in her role, starting from the biting remarks to the ruthlessness leading to earn a nomination at the Academy Awards. A must see movie for all ages.
The Twilight sequel “New Moon” was a highly anticipated movie to a very successful prequel and it lived up to its expectations. The movie is based off of a fantasy-romance novel by author Stephenie Meyer. Unlike the first movie that surrounds the discovering of vampires and the relationship between vampire Edward and human Bella, this one was more about Bella and her developing relationship with her best friend Jacob. Still taking place in Forks, the cast returns for more drama. The Cullen’s throw Bella an 18th birthday party and while there, Bella gets a paper cut and starts to bleed. The smell of the human blood makes fellow vampire, Jasper try and attack her. Luckily, he is stopped by Edward but he realizes that he needs to leave Bella because she is human and he fears that he or another vampire will hurt her. After Edward leaves her, she is devastated and remains depressed for months after. She begins to hang out with Jacob Black and they become very close. Jacob also changes physically from the first movie. He is more built and it turns out that he is a werewolf. Jacob and his pack of werewolf’s have a pact with the vampires that they will stay out off of each others land. Jacob also does like Edward because he has feelings for Bella. She then is faced with a love triangle between her first love, Edward and her best friend, Jacob. Bella keeps doing dangerous stunts because she believes it will bring Edward back. She decides one day to jump off of a cliff into the water. Meanwhile, Edward's sister Alice, who has visions, sees this and thinks Bella had died. Through a series of miscommunications, Edward thinks that Bella is dead and he decides to go the Italy to the provoke the Volturi, vampire royalty who are capable of killing him. Alice and Bella rush to Italy and save Edward just in time. They return to Forks and Bella forgives Edward. The Cullen’s vote in favor of Bella being transformed into a vampire, to Edward's dismay. The very last scene leaves you wondering what Bella will do because Edward asks her to marry him but she doesn't answer.
Since this movie was based off a book, there are many literary aspects. The movie is a fantasy fiction and the plot is an adventure of Bella trying to stop Edward. There is also character development in this movie. Jacob Black emerges as this strong, protector figure for Bella and their relationship also grows into becoming best friends. Bella's character goes into a deep depression and she is more vulnerable. The love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob shows a dilemma involving the main characters.
The dramatic aspects in this movie include the suspense of trying to save Edward before he is killed by the Volturi. Alice and Bella rush to Italy to try and stop him because he thinks Bella is dead when she's not. Another is the emotional connection that views have to Edward and Bella's relationship. When they break up it is a very dramatic event. The ending is a major cliffhanger when the last line of the movie is Edward asking Bella to marry him. It makes viewers want to see the next one.
The movie had many good cinematic aspects. The special effects in this movie were more complex. The effects of the humans changing to werewolf’s were very good. Also, the vampire effects of their supernatural powers was good.
The plot of the story is intriguing and keeps you entertained. Overall I would give this movie 8 out of 10 because it was good and kept the audience entertained but there were some points in the movie that were unrealistic and boring. I did not like how Bella went into a deep depression for months just because her boyfriend left. Also she seemed to forgive Edward very easily for leaving him. The movie capitavated audiences with its love story and action. I would recommend this movie to those who enjoy a good love story or a movie with fighting.
Up in the Air is by far the best movie of 09/10 and is truely oscar worthy.
Up in the Air is a breath of fresh air in the stagnet movie climate. Unlike, the recycled air in all the planes Clooney flies in, he is refreshing and honest. At first it is hard to know whether or not you are going to like his character, but come on this is George Clooney. Even he can take an isolated character, who fires people for a living and make him lovable.
The most striking thing about the film is that an unlikely plot and a quirky cast of characters can be so real and revealing of the human condition. The main character is meticulus and very good at his job, but he hates being home alone. He would rather be traveling and firing people than have to live in his one bedroom appartment. He is given a shock when a new know-it-all 23 year old girl comes in and tries to revolutionize the company, and in doing so turns his life upside down. This movie shows the economic climate and down sizing in an all new light.
Of course, since his character is the best at what he does he has to 'train' the new go getter about what she is really doing. He also ends up meeting an interesting love intrest who is appropriately his own age. Throughout the movie his is juggling between these two completely different women and their oppositional takes on love and life.
In the end there is a suprising turn when Clooney's character actuallly tries to open himself up and make a real connection with another human being. This movie deals with both the subtly and complexity of the human connections and looks deeply into the human desire to not be alone.
It doesn't end how you would think and to me that is the most surprising and endearing element of this film. I recommend anyone to see this movie. You will walk away with a new perspective on life, with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
The story of Michael Oher, an homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.
Not only does “The Blind Side” depict a remarkable true story of Micheal Oher and Leigh Anne Tuohy, but it creates an atmosphere of kindness and compassion. The main plot starts when Mrs. Tuohy spontaneously invites "Big Mike" to stay with her family after she sees him walking alone on a cold, Memphis night. From that instant, his new life began. It shows his struggle of working his way up in society. I loved watching his journey through life and his ability to reach his goal of having a family that adored him as much as he did them. Also, it was nice to watch a sports movie that revealed how much work it takes to succeed. This funny, touching, and emotional film is one of the better sports-inspiration stories you’ll see.
The atmosphere in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List is gloomy at best. Of course, taking into consideration the subject matter, this seems to be exactly what was intended for the environment of this film. The choice to film this in black and white unquestionably created a more poignant emotional denouement as well as developing a more historical feel for the film.
The scenes, for the most part, are shot with fastidious sharp contrast between the light and the shadows, with the shadows being the prevailing element. In addition to these tangible elements, much of the movie is shot from a rather low camera angle when showing almost all of the Nazi warmongers. There's also a decisive lack of adornment throughout the movie, creating a desolate feeling that generates a feeling of vulnerability and imminent infringement. This seems to be a
premeditated attempt to make the Nazi’s appear bigger than life and to create a feeling of intimidation in the audience.
Although it is very rare for an open, outdoor area to be used as a setting at all, in the occasional times it is show, it is inevitably filled with a enormous amount of people. More familiar in the film are scenes inside. The viewer feels almost smothered by this constant thrust of people on the screen, and it is quite effective in achieving a sense of misfortune.
All of the elements that have been described, not only lead to the ending, but also are extremely effective in producing a powerful emotional reaction of fear, desolation and terrorization. It is safe to assume that Spielberg's intention was to have the audience believe as though they were part of the Jewish populace in the film, not the Nazis. This seems to be trying to stress not only the utter numbers of Jews that were massacred during this muted age of history, but also the situation in which they lived in.
Lars and the Real Girl
By Victor Palin
Lars and the Real Girl is comedy/drama film (dramedy?) released in the year 2007. It tells the story of Lars (Ryan Gosling), a socially inept man who lives in the garage that he and his brother Gus (Paul Schneider), inherit from their deceased father. Lars is timid around other people, but Karin (Emily Mortimer), Gus’ pregnant wife, basically forces him to have dinner with them. Once again, displaying his shyness, Lars quickly leaves Gus’ house after dinner. One day however, Lars buys a life-size doll over the internet and claims it’s his girlfriend. Gus and Karin are extremely dumbfounded. Gus especially is quick to point out that Lars might just be crazy. As time goes by, Lars begin to open up more, break away from his shyness with help from his lifelike, but lifeless doll, Bianca. Lars is convinced to take Bianca to the doctor, but in fact, it is to a psychologist to check on Lars’ mental health. Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) tells Gus and Karin, that this whole thing is a part of Lars’ delusion that he, himself is controlling. Dagmar urges Gus and Karin to treat Bianca as if she were real in order to help Lars. The townsfolk are also aware of the situation. They want to help Lars as well so they also treat Bianca as if she were a real person; people start inviting her to places, give her a job, ask her to do volunteer work and because of all of this interaction, Lars also begin to interact more with people, slowly breaking that wall of bashfulness that he’s been hiding behind for many years. Eventually, some townsfolk begin to speak for Bianca as Lars was speaking for her. This makes Bianca the busiest inanimate object in town. Lars stars getting frustrated by Bianca’s schedule, and is also stressed by Karin’s pregnancy; Lars and Gus’ mother died from childbirth, Gus’ left as soon as he could leaving Lars alone with a depressed father. Though we can only guess what happened inside the household, this explains why Lars is so withdrawn from people and society in general. Gus, who is very critical of Lars in the beginning of the movie, has grown sympathetic for him, he apologizes for leaving the house, and leaving Lars alone with an emotionally disturbed father. Margo (Kelli Garner) has been trying to catch the attention of Lars since the beginning of the movie. Lars just pays no mind to her since he’s so timid of other people. Eventually, they develop a relationship, and even go bowling together. However Lars reminds Margo that he can’t cheat on Bianca. One day, Lars says that Bianca is unconscious. They take her to the hospital where she is diagnosed with something bad. Lars takes Bianca back home and the townsfolk learn that Bianca is ill. Dagmar tells Gus and Karin that since this whole thing is Lars’ delusion, Lars is in control of everything that is happening, Bianca’s sudden illness, her actions, her decision to reject Lars’ marriage proposal, and eventually, Bianca’s death. The townsfolk are saddened in the funeral and Gus thanks Dagmar for all her help. Lars and Margo start a conversation, and now with Bianca’s death, Lars asks Margo for a walk, representing his newfound confidence, the overcoming of his past, and finally, breaking the barrier of bashfulness Lars shielded himself with almost his entire life.
Lars and the Real Girl has a unique topic for the most part., which gets people interested in the movie. How many movies have you seen about an anti-social man who imagines the thoughts and actions of a sex doll? The soundtrack does an adequate job of capturing us in the mood of the characters, and the characters themselves are superb. Lars development is fantastic; he goes from a man living in a shell, a man who didn’t interact with anyone, who ran away from everyone to a positive, confident; secure man at the end of the movie albeit the development is kind of ruined at the end. It’s great that Lars breaks away from his shell, but he gains confidence to talk to a woman right after Bianca dies which is…insensitive. I know Bianca’s a doll, but Lars seems to have so much genuine feelings for her. I know that Dagmar says that Lars is in control of the whole thing, but it seems a little farfetched that Lars bought a sex doll, make up her action, and had her die, so he himself wouldn’t be shy anymore. It just doesn’t make sense to me. Gus’ development is also great. He goes from critical brother who thinks Lars is crazy, to caring, and understanding brother who is willing to help him with Bianca, and everything else. The development is done justice also because of the acting. Gosling, Schneider, Clarkson, and Mortimer all do an excellent job in this movie. The only small exception Emily Mortimer, who I just said did great and she did, but there was one scene that brings her down a bit. The scene where Karin and Lars argue, she starts screaming at Lars. Emily Mortimer doesn’t have a good screaming voice. Her voice cracks too much as if she’s crying, when she’s not. In a scene where she has to capture our undivided attention by shouting, turned from serious scene to a laughable one.
For the most part, this film is an enjoyable one. I love the deadpan humor, and the unique topic of the movie. The characters are great, and the plot is done well. Of course though, I thought the ending was inconclusive; they could have done a better job with that. Plus we should’ve gotten more of Karin’s pregnancy. I believe that with Lars’ fear of childbirth, plus a scene where Karin is giving birth would’ve made a great drama scene where Lars could be desperate and be panicking. Maybe led to the successful birth of Karin and Gus’ baby, making Lars lose his fear of childbirth. I will admit, some of the movie had me groaning because of how serious they took Bianca, a lifeless doll. But we have to understand the movie is made like that, and is supposed to be like that. You’re supposed to take Bianca seriously, like everyone in the town did, like Gus and Karin did when Dagmar told them to, so it could help Lars. So in retrospect, Bianca was real, because everyone made it so, because we, the audience, made it so. So this film really is appropriately titled, Lars and the Real Girl.
In 1952, a young medical student and a biochemist from Argentina set off on a road trip across South America. As they straddled their beaten up motorcycle, the men talked in awed tones of the sights they were about to experience. The record of their trip
Che Guevara is a revolutionary communist and a international t-shirt icon. This is what I knew about Che before I watched The Motorcycle Diaries. Far from the face stamped on t-shirts and posters of rebels all over the world hides a man in all his simplicity and honesty, the Brazilian filmmaker tells the story of a universal initiatory voyage of this honest man.Long before he became a guerrilla revolutionary fighter and icon splashed across countless T-shirts worn by rebels all over the world, the world changed this man and he changed the world with the ambitious journey of Motorcycle Diaries.
Che Guevara; The internation T-shirt Icon
In the spring of 1952, two young men set out by motorcycle(Norton 500 which they’d dubbed “the mighty one”) on an ambitious, footloose journey that they hoped would carry them from Buenos Aires up the spine of Chile, across the Andes and into the Peruvian Amazon.As the book and this film adaptation would have it, this road trip had a such a profound impact on the young Guevara that it ultimately dictated the direction he later took in life. Che was an 23-year-old medical student named Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, whose subsequent career as a political idol, revolutionary martyr and T-shirt icon — Che! — reflects a charismatic, mysterious glow onto his early life. And his companion was the older, a 29-year-old biochemist named Alberto Granado, is still alive and appears at the very end of “The Motorcycle Diaries”
Being my first Spanish movie, I loved the movie. But it is not the only reason I liked it. The movie as other traveler’s story is exciting as it doesn’t stick to one place but keep moving. The cast of the movie makes this an fantastic and fascinating journey one must watch.The movie is also,visually stunning; the cinematography of fog-cloaked mountains, lush, green forests and sunburnt deserts is breathtakingly beautiful enough to serve as a travel advert for the entire continent. There are places which shows Alberto and Ernesto talking the revolution where Che says “A revolution without gunshots. You are crazy” This shows the growing revolutionary within him.
Rodrigo de la Serna in Walter Salles's film "The Motorcycle Diaries."
Gael García Bernal playing Che in the film "The Motorcycle Diaries."
Ernesto’s sombre musings of how a civilisation capable of building such beauty could be destroyed by the creators the polluted urban decay of Lima. The experiences of the this journey will affect Ernesto more than he can imagine. He will grow up to be Ernesto “Che” Guevara, a Marxist revolutionary in the Cuban revolution. Alberto Granado will also follow him to Cuba. There are some scenes which shows the revolutionary Che but those are just limited. And it seems that Salles and screenwriter Jose Rivera aren’t interested in Guevara’s later political life. The night of his birthday, he launches into his first political speech, and then swims across the river that separates the sick from the healthy, symbolically unifying the two river banks. Their care for lepers, turning talk into and a youthful joy makes this movie a must watch. Nevertheless, one of the strongest images is the last, where the real Granado waves to a plane taking off.
Real Alberto Granado as shown in the movie.
The Motorcycle Diaries may not give you an answers as to how a 23-year-old medical student went on to become arguably most famous revolutionary of the latter half of the 20th Century, but it has an undeniable charm that it imbues the memories of youth with a sense of altruism and purity. It’s an incomplete portrait to be sure, but it’s a beautiful depiction of two best friends riding unknowingly into the history. And as Che tells, you also be changed after watching this moving. At least, you will not be the same inside.
Consensus:The riding of the young students to change themselves is as beautiful as one can enjoy.
This movie was good. Mickey Rourke was a great actor to put in front of the camera. It was a man that I enjoyed and it really worked for me. This movie wasn't bad. It had no bad moment. It was good. Nothing really horrible happened. It was sad but it was great. And everyone will enjoy this movie. And tells about a guy who never gave up on a dream and he says. A lot of people told me I'd never wrestle again but the only people who's gonna decide when I'm through doing my thing is you people here. That I loved brave words and script lines by Rourke. Overall it was good and great.
For overall rating I give The Wrestler ********* nine stars.
