Official Film Recommendations Thread
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Cyrusbales
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THE BLUES BROTHERS
The Blues Brothers, is a cultural icon, featuring an enormous host of musical stars and a selection of scenes that have reached classic status. This is one of the biggest cult films in cinema history, directed by a huge presence in cult cinema, John Landis.
The story is simple, two brothers, Jake(John Belushi) and Elwood(Dan Aykroyd) try to reform their blues band from before Jake's incarceration. They collect all the members and begin to rekindle the music, getting into all kinds of trouble, involving masses of police, angry country singers, and Nazi's.
This film has an immeasurable level of energy, which comes across and gives the movie a feel unlike any other. The entire film has a pace and rhythm, each scene is anchored with music and there is always a backing track that links one musical number to the next.
Although highly entertaining, this film does have a huge artistic merit also, John Landis' use of camera is as instinctive and powerful as ever, truly showing us some wonderful images and fantastic visuals. The piece is also edited to a high standard, cutting scenes to keep them infused with energy and match the music.
The acting may not be the powerful realism that a lot of people now demand from cinema; however this piece is more of a surrealist movie, not held by any constraints of realism or filmic standards. Casting wise, there could never be greater choices, seeing as the movie was designed for the characters, rather than the other way round, no expense is spared in the depiction of the protagonists.
The Blues Brothers was made to bring back focus to the blues music movement, reaching the phenomenal level that this film has, it can surely be said to do so. The music used throughout is some of the finest ever recorded, featuring so many artists of such remarkable talent, and some truly classic songs. The choreography in this film is sublime, keeping the energy and passion running through the movie, and then there is probably the biggest car chase in cinema, featuring many police cars, that are all speeding through downtown Chicago, which is beautifully organized and coordinated.
This movie is a classic, achieving a massive status and cult following, and deservedly so. Whether you watch it for the comedy value, the cinematography, or the fantastical music quality, The Blues Brothers is a revelation, definitely a film that all parents should show their children, one of the few 'must see' movies for everyone.
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Monday, October 23, 2006
THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, is often overshadowed by Nosferatu, and rarely receives the praise it deserves, as the finest of the expressionist films.
Francis is a young man, who is telling us about a series of mysterious murders in the town he was born in. This narrative builds to give us a compelling story, with one of the greatest plot twists in cinematic history.
The first thing that jumps out at you, is the astoundingly high level of attention paid to set design. Every single scene is shot in a custom made set, that oozes a sumptuous quality of expressionist art. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari has one of the best, if not the best, ever sets constructed, rather than each frame being like a painting, the whole film is in fact a complete painting, a visual masterpiece. The jagged edges and sharp lines of the buildings, windows and streets, breeds a unique atmosphere of surrealism and of a viscous fear, where even the buildings seem threatening.
Lighting in this movie is highly commendable, creating large contrasts between light and dark, and stretching out swathes of fantastical shadows and silhouettes across the screen. Like the buildings, the shadows themselves take on a life of their own, twisting and contorting beneath the dim sources of light. Everything in the town of Holstenwall is alive with an almost tangible essence of fear and deceit.
This film is possibly the most influential piece of film ever. Three years before Nosferatu and seven years before Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari inspired them both. Murnau's famous 'shadow on the stairs' scene from Nosferatu owes a great debt to a murder scene in this film. This movie is a shining example of pioneering filmmaking, establishing the horror genre, and defining the key aspects of cinema.
Although immensely influential, this film cannot be said to be the greatest ever. Although it holds pace and interest extraordinarily well for a silent film, it is still limited by the technology of the day. It is both uplifted and let down by the nature of itself. In establishing early cinema, it was highly experimental, greatly achieving on most fronts, but still failing in some technical and creative aspects. By using theatrical stereotypes, it fails to generate a three dimensional quality for all it's characters, and the establishing of technique shows, as there isn't the mastery over the technical aspects that we now come to expect from cinema.
All in all, this film is nothing short of a masterpiece, certainly not for all audience, but the more cerebral film fan, who loves attention to detail and sees film as an art form, will never be disappointed. Not only influencing the horror genre, film noir and cinema in general, this film also provides a political, social and historical critique, and at the time, carried a very important political warning, which sadly was missed by many upon it's release. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari is the finest of all the great expressionist films, a key film in so many aspects, and Un-missable.
The Blues Brothers, is a cultural icon, featuring an enormous host of musical stars and a selection of scenes that have reached classic status. This is one of the biggest cult films in cinema history, directed by a huge presence in cult cinema, John Landis.
The story is simple, two brothers, Jake(John Belushi) and Elwood(Dan Aykroyd) try to reform their blues band from before Jake's incarceration. They collect all the members and begin to rekindle the music, getting into all kinds of trouble, involving masses of police, angry country singers, and Nazi's.
This film has an immeasurable level of energy, which comes across and gives the movie a feel unlike any other. The entire film has a pace and rhythm, each scene is anchored with music and there is always a backing track that links one musical number to the next.
Although highly entertaining, this film does have a huge artistic merit also, John Landis' use of camera is as instinctive and powerful as ever, truly showing us some wonderful images and fantastic visuals. The piece is also edited to a high standard, cutting scenes to keep them infused with energy and match the music.
The acting may not be the powerful realism that a lot of people now demand from cinema; however this piece is more of a surrealist movie, not held by any constraints of realism or filmic standards. Casting wise, there could never be greater choices, seeing as the movie was designed for the characters, rather than the other way round, no expense is spared in the depiction of the protagonists.
The Blues Brothers was made to bring back focus to the blues music movement, reaching the phenomenal level that this film has, it can surely be said to do so. The music used throughout is some of the finest ever recorded, featuring so many artists of such remarkable talent, and some truly classic songs. The choreography in this film is sublime, keeping the energy and passion running through the movie, and then there is probably the biggest car chase in cinema, featuring many police cars, that are all speeding through downtown Chicago, which is beautifully organized and coordinated.
This movie is a classic, achieving a massive status and cult following, and deservedly so. Whether you watch it for the comedy value, the cinematography, or the fantastical music quality, The Blues Brothers is a revelation, definitely a film that all parents should show their children, one of the few 'must see' movies for everyone.
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Monday, October 23, 2006
THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, is often overshadowed by Nosferatu, and rarely receives the praise it deserves, as the finest of the expressionist films.
Francis is a young man, who is telling us about a series of mysterious murders in the town he was born in. This narrative builds to give us a compelling story, with one of the greatest plot twists in cinematic history.
The first thing that jumps out at you, is the astoundingly high level of attention paid to set design. Every single scene is shot in a custom made set, that oozes a sumptuous quality of expressionist art. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari has one of the best, if not the best, ever sets constructed, rather than each frame being like a painting, the whole film is in fact a complete painting, a visual masterpiece. The jagged edges and sharp lines of the buildings, windows and streets, breeds a unique atmosphere of surrealism and of a viscous fear, where even the buildings seem threatening.
Lighting in this movie is highly commendable, creating large contrasts between light and dark, and stretching out swathes of fantastical shadows and silhouettes across the screen. Like the buildings, the shadows themselves take on a life of their own, twisting and contorting beneath the dim sources of light. Everything in the town of Holstenwall is alive with an almost tangible essence of fear and deceit.
This film is possibly the most influential piece of film ever. Three years before Nosferatu and seven years before Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari inspired them both. Murnau's famous 'shadow on the stairs' scene from Nosferatu owes a great debt to a murder scene in this film. This movie is a shining example of pioneering filmmaking, establishing the horror genre, and defining the key aspects of cinema.
Although immensely influential, this film cannot be said to be the greatest ever. Although it holds pace and interest extraordinarily well for a silent film, it is still limited by the technology of the day. It is both uplifted and let down by the nature of itself. In establishing early cinema, it was highly experimental, greatly achieving on most fronts, but still failing in some technical and creative aspects. By using theatrical stereotypes, it fails to generate a three dimensional quality for all it's characters, and the establishing of technique shows, as there isn't the mastery over the technical aspects that we now come to expect from cinema.
All in all, this film is nothing short of a masterpiece, certainly not for all audience, but the more cerebral film fan, who loves attention to detail and sees film as an art form, will never be disappointed. Not only influencing the horror genre, film noir and cinema in general, this film also provides a political, social and historical critique, and at the time, carried a very important political warning, which sadly was missed by many upon it's release. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari is the finest of all the great expressionist films, a key film in so many aspects, and Un-missable.
Cyrusbales
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disgrace, how can people not appretiate it? Without it there would be no King kong, no nosferatu, and so on...
Killgore
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Because it's as boring as hell. I appreciate it's significance, but it hasn't aged well. The only thing worth watching it for is the expressionist set construction. The plot, acting and pacing is so hokey. As far as there being no King Kong or Nosferatu, I seriously doubt that the later and much better films are that dependant on the somnambulist.Cyrusbales said:
Cyrusbales
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It's not boring, I feel it's well paced, and the acting etc is all stylistic. Nosferatu is much worse in terms of pace etc. I always find myself really sucked into caligari, and when it's over i'm like, "Wow, that was quick, it jus flew by" cause it's so enjoyable,
KingOfDreams
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Good Night and Good Luck
Fantastic movie about journalist Edward R. Murrow and his "crusade" against McCarthy. The guy who played Murrow looked and sounded almost exactly like the real thing. George Clooney is definitely a competant director...having seen both this and the highly underrated Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Clooney's acting was good too, although he really was nothing like the real Fred Friendly. Perhaps my favorite thing about this movie though is the cinematography. It was shot all in black and white but was also very crisp and clear. Black and white in my opinion does a much better job of capturing light and shadow effects that color does. Also, it was interesting how all of the movie took place indoors, and mostly in the CBS offices and studio.
Fantastic movie about journalist Edward R. Murrow and his "crusade" against McCarthy. The guy who played Murrow looked and sounded almost exactly like the real thing. George Clooney is definitely a competant director...having seen both this and the highly underrated Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Clooney's acting was good too, although he really was nothing like the real Fred Friendly. Perhaps my favorite thing about this movie though is the cinematography. It was shot all in black and white but was also very crisp and clear. Black and white in my opinion does a much better job of capturing light and shadow effects that color does. Also, it was interesting how all of the movie took place indoors, and mostly in the CBS offices and studio.
XwolverineX
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Hard Candy - One ****ed up movie. That is all.
MaskedManJRK
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Lucky Number Slevin
With the all-star cast of Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, Lucy Liu, and Josh Hartnett, unlucky Slevin (Hartnett) goes to New York to visit his friend, Nick Fisher...only to find that his friend is missing, and two rival mob bosses--The Boss (Freeman) and The Rabbai (Kingsley)--mistaking him for the Fisher, who apparently owes a lot of debts to them, Slevin has to do jobs for both, while an enigmatic assassin known as Mr. Goodkat (Willis) is after him and falls for his friend's next-door neighbor (Liu).
What sounds like a fairly standard, if not complicated plot, is really just the beginning of things. This movie is wrapped in twists and turns (definately a movie you need your complete attention in order to understand), cool action, and great comedy, you can't help but find something to love about this movie.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) has gone from a small-time crook in New York City to a rising actor in Los Angeles when he stumbled into an acting audition to escape the cops. In a Hollywood party, he meets private eye Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), who acts as an aide to be a detective for the show, and his childhood friend, Harmony Lane. Eventually, Harry and Perry have the dead body of a Hollywood exec's daughter thrown on them (literary) and Harmony, thinking Harry is really a private detective, asks him to check in the "suicide" of her younger sister. All of this tangles together into a massive mystery, trying to find answers to both cases, and whether they're actually related and if so, how?
A brilliant murder mystery with laughs a minute. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic in the role, very human and yet very aware of his role in the movie (his voice-over breaks the forth-wall more times than I can count).
With the all-star cast of Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, Lucy Liu, and Josh Hartnett, unlucky Slevin (Hartnett) goes to New York to visit his friend, Nick Fisher...only to find that his friend is missing, and two rival mob bosses--The Boss (Freeman) and The Rabbai (Kingsley)--mistaking him for the Fisher, who apparently owes a lot of debts to them, Slevin has to do jobs for both, while an enigmatic assassin known as Mr. Goodkat (Willis) is after him and falls for his friend's next-door neighbor (Liu).
What sounds like a fairly standard, if not complicated plot, is really just the beginning of things. This movie is wrapped in twists and turns (definately a movie you need your complete attention in order to understand), cool action, and great comedy, you can't help but find something to love about this movie.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) has gone from a small-time crook in New York City to a rising actor in Los Angeles when he stumbled into an acting audition to escape the cops. In a Hollywood party, he meets private eye Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), who acts as an aide to be a detective for the show, and his childhood friend, Harmony Lane. Eventually, Harry and Perry have the dead body of a Hollywood exec's daughter thrown on them (literary) and Harmony, thinking Harry is really a private detective, asks him to check in the "suicide" of her younger sister. All of this tangles together into a massive mystery, trying to find answers to both cases, and whether they're actually related and if so, how?
A brilliant murder mystery with laughs a minute. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic in the role, very human and yet very aware of his role in the movie (his voice-over breaks the forth-wall more times than I can count).
Carmine Falcone
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The best western since Unforgiven is a bloody, brutal, beautifully shot kickass flick. Spectacular performances from Ray Winstone, John Hurt and Danny Huston. It all takes place in the outback. Great use of locations. Amazing atmosphere, very, very gritty.
KingOfDreams
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Carmine Falcone said:
Whoa! When did Mississippi John Hurt come back from the dead?
(dumb joke I know, i'm sorry)
MaskedManJRK
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Brick
The mystery of the movie focuses on Brendan Frye, a loner in his high school. After getting a frantic phone call from his ex-girlfriend, Emily, telling him she's in danger and begs for his help. Unfortunately, she turns up dead under an irrigation river. Desperate to find out who did it and, in the words of one of the characters in the story, "break some well-deserving teeth," Brendan, with the help of a fellow loner, Brain, goes deep in the corruption of the city, meeting many strange characters: The mysterous rich girl Laura; The Pin, a 26 year-old drug dealer who still lives with his mother; and Tug, a strong-man for The Pin with an ulterior agenda.
This is a very clever murder mystery, taking the well known hard-boiled dective story in a place never seen: a modern-day American high school. It's a fantastic concept, espicially if you, like me, are in high school. This, however, is not a ploy--this would have been an fantastic, brilliant murder mystery with or without the new scenery. There's brilliant acting, great cinementography, and jazzy, cool, catchy music.
If you're a fan of mysteries, or even a fan of teen movies, I highly recommend this movie.
The mystery of the movie focuses on Brendan Frye, a loner in his high school. After getting a frantic phone call from his ex-girlfriend, Emily, telling him she's in danger and begs for his help. Unfortunately, she turns up dead under an irrigation river. Desperate to find out who did it and, in the words of one of the characters in the story, "break some well-deserving teeth," Brendan, with the help of a fellow loner, Brain, goes deep in the corruption of the city, meeting many strange characters: The mysterous rich girl Laura; The Pin, a 26 year-old drug dealer who still lives with his mother; and Tug, a strong-man for The Pin with an ulterior agenda.
This is a very clever murder mystery, taking the well known hard-boiled dective story in a place never seen: a modern-day American high school. It's a fantastic concept, espicially if you, like me, are in high school. This, however, is not a ploy--this would have been an fantastic, brilliant murder mystery with or without the new scenery. There's brilliant acting, great cinementography, and jazzy, cool, catchy music.
If you're a fan of mysteries, or even a fan of teen movies, I highly recommend this movie.
Max J Power
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Cannibal! the Musical
Directed by Trey Parker
Starring Trey Parker (credited as Juan Schwartz), Matt Stone, and Toddy Walters
"Cannibal! The Musical" is the first film by the guys behind "South Park" (though only Trey Parker is credited here). It tells the story of Alferd Packer, the only person in the United States ever to be tried for cannibalism. Alferd (Parker) is chosen to lead a mining expedition to Colorado, but after his prize horse is stolen, his quest becomes about finding her. In the process, he leads the miners far away from their destination. Eventually, the forced to eat each other. The premise sounds grim, but the movie is a musical comedy.
Directed by Trey Parker
Starring Trey Parker (credited as Juan Schwartz), Matt Stone, and Toddy Walters
"Cannibal! The Musical" is the first film by the guys behind "South Park" (though only Trey Parker is credited here). It tells the story of Alferd Packer, the only person in the United States ever to be tried for cannibalism. Alferd (Parker) is chosen to lead a mining expedition to Colorado, but after his prize horse is stolen, his quest becomes about finding her. In the process, he leads the miners far away from their destination. Eventually, the forced to eat each other. The premise sounds grim, but the movie is a musical comedy.
KingOfDreams
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Max J Power said:
I saw this in middle school when my friends and I were obsessed with South Park. Pretty funny movie...although incredibly stupid.
Killgore
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Finally got around to watching this. What was surprising was how well acted the lead roles were.Ginger Snaps
Starring Emily Perkins, Mimi Rogers, and Katharine Isabelle
Plot Summary: Is becoming a woman analogous, in some deep psychological way, to becoming a werewolf? Ginger is 16, edgy, tough, and, with her younger sister, into staging and photographing scenes of death. They've made a pact about dying together. In early October, on the night she has her first period, which is also the night of a full moon, a werewolf bites Ginger. Within a few days, some serious changes happen to her body and her temperament. Her sister Brigitte, 15, tries to find a cure with the help of Sam, a local doper. As Brigitte races against the clock, Halloween and another full moon approach, Ginger gets scarier, and it isn't just local dogs that begin to die.
Wonderful, great, story of sisterhood and a great little horror film to boot. Also highly enjoyed the sequel, Ginger Snaps: Unleashed. Don't recommend the prequel, Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning which is just a less good remake of the original really.
L0ngsh0t
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By mearly existing Children of Men makes the world a better place
go see it, so it can make some money, and convince studio exec's to make more movies like it
just got home from it ten minutes ago, and i can't watch anything else, for fear of it sucking in comparison
go see it, so it can make some money, and convince studio exec's to make more movies like it
just got home from it ten minutes ago, and i can't watch anything else, for fear of it sucking in comparison
War Party
Ve vant ze money,Lebowski
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A Bittersweet Life
[SIZE=-1] An elegant sky lounge floating like an island in the sky above Seoul, it's like Sun Woo's own little castle. After 7 years he has climbed to the top, managing the upscale lounge and restaurant. An intelligent, cool-headed perfectionist, Sun Woo has earned the absolute trust of his boss with his undivided loyalty and by adeptly managing the business. His boss, Mr. Kang, is a callous man with a secret--his young love, Hee-soo. When Mr. Kang suspects Hee-soo might have another boyfriend, he orders Sun-woo to keep a close eye on her and to kill her if she has betrayed him. After following her for a few days, Sun-woo barges in on Hee-soo and her boyfriend with a clear mission--but to his own surprise, he lets them go. Sun-woo hopes everything will just go back to the way they were. But his decision has launched an irreversible war with the whole gang, guys who were like brothers just the day before. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1] An elegant sky lounge floating like an island in the sky above Seoul, it's like Sun Woo's own little castle. After 7 years he has climbed to the top, managing the upscale lounge and restaurant. An intelligent, cool-headed perfectionist, Sun Woo has earned the absolute trust of his boss with his undivided loyalty and by adeptly managing the business. His boss, Mr. Kang, is a callous man with a secret--his young love, Hee-soo. When Mr. Kang suspects Hee-soo might have another boyfriend, he orders Sun-woo to keep a close eye on her and to kill her if she has betrayed him. After following her for a few days, Sun-woo barges in on Hee-soo and her boyfriend with a clear mission--but to his own surprise, he lets them go. Sun-woo hopes everything will just go back to the way they were. But his decision has launched an irreversible war with the whole gang, guys who were like brothers just the day before. [/SIZE]
War Party
Ve vant ze money,Lebowski
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Tae Guk Gi-The Brotherhood of War
This 2004 Korean film is about two brothers caught up in the national tragedy of the Korean War. The older brother is large and strong and shines shoes for a living with the hopes of becoming a shoemaker. His younger brother is 18 years old and the pride of the family because he is going to college. We first meet these brothers in a happy time when their future looks bright and the older brother is planning to get married. But suddenly, war is upon them and the family is forced to flee their home in Seoul. The two brothers are forcibly drafted and we soon see them on the battlefield.
The older brother is determined to protect the younger one. He risks his life to go on dangerous missions because he knows that if he receives a medal, the younger brother will be able to get out of the army. The battles are gruesome and real and better than any I have ever seen. I understand that the director accomplished this with a very small budget and I have nothing but applause for him for this effort. There's a human side of every battle, and I felt real emotion watching them.
Somewhere along the line, the older brother turns into a monster of aggression. Not only does he show exceptional bravery, he also shows exceptional cruelty.
This story goes deep into the heart of Korean national identity. Both sides are equally cruel to ordinary villagers who are just trying to survive. But one thing is clear and that is the bond between the brothers. This is a serious film about brotherhood. And it is also a film about Korea. Actually, it helped me understand what is happening there today.
The film is 2 hours and 20 minutes long and it didn't drag for one single moment. Something new is happening constantly, whether it is the relationship between the brothers, the different kinds of battles, or the horror in Seoul when the South Koreans are executing North Korean sympathizes and the brothers see their family involved.
If you hate watching war films, stay away from this one. This is surely one of the bloodiest I've ever seen. But if you are interested in history and in the impact war has on people, this film will help you understand. It might haunt your nightmares, but it is certainly worthwhile. War film buffs especially should make a note not to miss it. Highly recommended.
This 2004 Korean film is about two brothers caught up in the national tragedy of the Korean War. The older brother is large and strong and shines shoes for a living with the hopes of becoming a shoemaker. His younger brother is 18 years old and the pride of the family because he is going to college. We first meet these brothers in a happy time when their future looks bright and the older brother is planning to get married. But suddenly, war is upon them and the family is forced to flee their home in Seoul. The two brothers are forcibly drafted and we soon see them on the battlefield.
The older brother is determined to protect the younger one. He risks his life to go on dangerous missions because he knows that if he receives a medal, the younger brother will be able to get out of the army. The battles are gruesome and real and better than any I have ever seen. I understand that the director accomplished this with a very small budget and I have nothing but applause for him for this effort. There's a human side of every battle, and I felt real emotion watching them.
Somewhere along the line, the older brother turns into a monster of aggression. Not only does he show exceptional bravery, he also shows exceptional cruelty.
This story goes deep into the heart of Korean national identity. Both sides are equally cruel to ordinary villagers who are just trying to survive. But one thing is clear and that is the bond between the brothers. This is a serious film about brotherhood. And it is also a film about Korea. Actually, it helped me understand what is happening there today.
The film is 2 hours and 20 minutes long and it didn't drag for one single moment. Something new is happening constantly, whether it is the relationship between the brothers, the different kinds of battles, or the horror in Seoul when the South Koreans are executing North Korean sympathizes and the brothers see their family involved.
If you hate watching war films, stay away from this one. This is surely one of the bloodiest I've ever seen. But if you are interested in history and in the impact war has on people, this film will help you understand. It might haunt your nightmares, but it is certainly worthwhile. War film buffs especially should make a note not to miss it. Highly recommended.
Cyrusbales
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Tae Guk Gi-The Brotherhood of War
This 2004 Korean film is about two brothers caught up in the national tragedy of the Korean War. The older brother is large and strong and shines shoes for a living with the hopes of becoming a shoemaker. His younger brother is 18 years old and the pride of the family because he is going to college. We first meet these brothers in a happy time when their future looks bright and the older brother is planning to get married. But suddenly, war is upon them and the family is forced to flee their home in Seoul. The two brothers are forcibly drafted and we soon see them on the battlefield.
The older brother is determined to protect the younger one. He risks his life to go on dangerous missions because he knows that if he receives a medal, the younger brother will be able to get out of the army. The battles are gruesome and real and better than any I have ever seen. I understand that the director accomplished this with a very small budget and I have nothing but applause for him for this effort. There's a human side of every battle, and I felt real emotion watching them.
Somewhere along the line, the older brother turns into a monster of aggression. Not only does he show exceptional bravery, he also shows exceptional cruelty.
This story goes deep into the heart of Korean national identity. Both sides are equally cruel to ordinary villagers who are just trying to survive. But one thing is clear and that is the bond between the brothers. This is a serious film about brotherhood. And it is also a film about Korea. Actually, it helped me understand what is happening there today.
The film is 2 hours and 20 minutes long and it didn't drag for one single moment. Something new is happening constantly, whether it is the relationship between the brothers, the different kinds of battles, or the horror in Seoul when the South Koreans are executing North Korean sympathizes and the brothers see their family involved.
If you hate watching war films, stay away from this one. This is surely one of the bloodiest I've ever seen. But if you are interested in history and in the impact war has on people, this film will help you understand. It might haunt your nightmares, but it is certainly worthwhile. War film buffs especially should make a note not to miss it. Highly recommended.
my favourite war film, as the it's the war that intrigues me most, considering it's still technically on, only at a cease fire...
War Party
Ve vant ze money,Lebowski
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The Devil's Backbone
Plot synopsis from Amazon.com:
It is 1939, the end of three years of bloody civil war in Spain, and General Franco's right-wing Nationalists are poised to defeat the left-wing Republican forces. A ten-year-old boy named Carlos (Fernando Tielve), the son of a fallen Republican war hero, is left by his tutor in an orphanage in the middle of nowhere. The orphanage is run by a curt but considerate headmistress named Carmen (Marisa Paredes) and a kindly Professor Casares, both of whom are sympathetic to the doomed Republican cause. Despite their concern for him, and his gradual triumph over the usual schoolhouse bully, Carlos never feels completely comfortable in his new environment. First of all, there was that initial encounter with the orphanage's nasty caretaker, Jacinto, who reacts even more violently when anyone is caught looking around a particular storage room the one with the deep well. Second, and more inexplicable, is the presence of a ghost, one of the former occupants of the orphanage named Santi. Not long after Carlos' arrival, Santi latches onto Carlos, badgering him incessantly at night and gloomily intoning, "Many of you will die." As if that wasn't enough to keep the orphanage's occupants in an unrelenting state of terror, there's the un-exploded bomb that dominates the orphanage's courtyard, still ticking away; With the orphanage left defenseless by its isolation, and the swift progression of Franco's troops, the ghost's prediction seems depressingly accurate. Nevertheless, with every step of the plot, it becomes apparent that the ghost's predictions as to who (or what) will die, the real source of danger and even the definition of death itself may be more ambiguous than first thought.
Pan's Labyrinth made me think of this movie, so I decided to watch it again. It's pretty awesome. Del Toro said that Pan should be seen as an informal sequal to Devil's Backbon. If you have seen Pan's Labyrinth, give this one a chance.
Plot synopsis from Amazon.com:
It is 1939, the end of three years of bloody civil war in Spain, and General Franco's right-wing Nationalists are poised to defeat the left-wing Republican forces. A ten-year-old boy named Carlos (Fernando Tielve), the son of a fallen Republican war hero, is left by his tutor in an orphanage in the middle of nowhere. The orphanage is run by a curt but considerate headmistress named Carmen (Marisa Paredes) and a kindly Professor Casares, both of whom are sympathetic to the doomed Republican cause. Despite their concern for him, and his gradual triumph over the usual schoolhouse bully, Carlos never feels completely comfortable in his new environment. First of all, there was that initial encounter with the orphanage's nasty caretaker, Jacinto, who reacts even more violently when anyone is caught looking around a particular storage room the one with the deep well. Second, and more inexplicable, is the presence of a ghost, one of the former occupants of the orphanage named Santi. Not long after Carlos' arrival, Santi latches onto Carlos, badgering him incessantly at night and gloomily intoning, "Many of you will die." As if that wasn't enough to keep the orphanage's occupants in an unrelenting state of terror, there's the un-exploded bomb that dominates the orphanage's courtyard, still ticking away; With the orphanage left defenseless by its isolation, and the swift progression of Franco's troops, the ghost's prediction seems depressingly accurate. Nevertheless, with every step of the plot, it becomes apparent that the ghost's predictions as to who (or what) will die, the real source of danger and even the definition of death itself may be more ambiguous than first thought.
Pan's Labyrinth made me think of this movie, so I decided to watch it again. It's pretty awesome. Del Toro said that Pan should be seen as an informal sequal to Devil's Backbon. If you have seen Pan's Labyrinth, give this one a chance.
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