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ladywarrior0505
Reviews
Les misérables (1995)
Absolute most intriguing version of Victor Hugo's novel!
I had seen the Broadway version of this story and was very thrilled since I really had never heard of this story before going to see it on the stage. When I heard that this film was being played at a local Art Theatre, I eagerly gathered my family to go see it. I was horrified at first, because the entire movie was in French with English subtitles. No where was to be heard the incredible lush musicals I had seen in the play. You see, I knew nothing of the story, other than getting the chance to see it in a live performance. So I had "tricked" my family into going to see what we all thought was going to be a musical.
Foreign films with subtitles are the worst kind of torture to my family and the few friends I dragged with us. However, as the story unfolded, I could see not one of my family (scattered around the theatre) got up to leave. At the conclusion, we were all extremely moved, and I realized the incredible nature of this story by Victor Hugo. I have since seen other versions of this timeless story, but I have to say, this one is the most moving and my favorite.
It was so incredible to see the cross stories, of the WWII present and the Victor Hugo past. The present day characters could see themselves in the plot in the book. All the characters made me long for their safety and survival and I was moved beyond words to be part of their lives (both the present day characters and the past characters). Sometimes it was frustrating to get caught up in one story line and then switch to the other story line. But soon, you were caught up again in that change in time and place and you didn't want to switch to the other story line.
Every one of my teenage children came up to me at the conclusion and thanked me for making them see something they would never have chosen for themselves.
Bacheha-Ye aseman (1997)
This is an incredible movie
I know it may sound hokey, and I hope it doesn't put you guys off, but I was on the verge of tears from the very beginning. Only because of the very sweet and innocent relationship between the characters. Many times they are gruff, and difficult with each other, but you can't mistake the love. Your heart just completely opens and cheers on the two main characters, and I was really crying at the end. Only because it really touched my heart. I would have liked to have seen the ending a bit different. We are given a hint as to what was to come, but I would have preferred to see it, rather than just imagine what was going to happen.
Wonderful movie, great for everyone who can either read the subtitles or know the two languages it's in. The two children are absolutely breathtaking in their emotional portrayals.
Emotional Arithmetic (2007)
Heart warming reminder of lives torn apart by hate
I liked this movie a lot, however, as in some previous remarks, I feel that they all came up short on where they wanted to go. I agree that more of the past should have been developed, and tied to the characters in the present. For me, it was a bit confusing that it seemed like such a modern time, and I just didn't believe that they had survived the Holocaust. I felt they should have shown more hauntings from the past, and perhaps a bit more clinging to each other, after having survived in the emotional shipwreck of Drancy. I think, perhaps more of their message could have been brought out if they had just spent more time in the scenes from the past. After seeing this movie, I did some research on Drancy and was shocked to learn it was the French, with the approval of the Nazi's, who did this. There should have been more history lessons, I feel, so we could see the larger picture. Anyway, I loved Max von Sydow's portrayal of Jakob, and I liked Susan Sarandon's suffering, but I just felt it seemed to be disconnected from what happened in the past. I was expecting a multi hankie movie, and only shed an occasional tear. All the actors are really good, and this is well worth the money to rent or own, and to open discussions about the atrocities of WWII and the Nazi regime.
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988)
20 hankie movie that will embrace you while you weep
I love foreign films when they are done well, and this movie is by far a masterpiece. I feel it is a movie that all people should see, even if you have to read subtitles. The film captures you, engages you as you move along with the rich characters that everyone can identify with.
I never saw the version that won the Oscar, but heard so much about this gem, that I rented the Director's Cut, and I can say that if they took one minute out, it had to be murder of an exquisite movie.
Remember to take lots of hankies, I cried so much, but not from sadness, but because I could identify with the events in the film, so it touched all those haunting memories I have stored away.
You will not regret seeing this movie.
Transformers (2007)
I loved this movie
First I have to say, get there early, or wait till the movie is old. We ended up in the extreme first row, so we ended up with neck pain from trying to see all the action...of course we couldn't...so we are determined to buy this when it comes out...plus, go see it again in theaters.
What an incredible and entertaining movie! So action packed, and the original voices was a definite plus! I was surprised that my kids remembered the voice of Optimus Prime! This movie is full of super action, very intense, and the humor is fantastic. I do remember my kids afterwards complaining (a little) about how they changed some characters, but believe me, I know they completely enjoyed the experience. Anyone who watched this as a kid (or like me, mom) will completely enjoy this movie. The human characters were so entertaining and enjoyable, and the Transformers themselves were so great, and enjoyable.
The few technical errors were not important, and never detracted from the movie experience! But my suggestion is go early to make sure you get seats where you don't need a chiropractor afterwards!
The Last Kiss (2006)
Wonderful look at relationship challenges and choices
I completely enjoyed this movie and so did my children, who only wanted to see it because Zach Braff was in it. I think this is an incredible insight into the challenges of young people to make the right choices, and also how most people (young and old) don't delve too deeply when they make choices that will affect their whole life. It also demonstrated that a lot of young people, superficial happiness is what they seem to be drawn to, in the name of love. To see Zach deal with his doubts and failing the test is quite insightful. I'm sure there are millions of young men and women who can identify with the characters. I feel the story is sensitive, and at the same time does not offer easy solutions for the issues that the characters deal with. I think the best line is from Blythe Danner (who I absolutely LOVE in anything she does) when she firmly tells her daughter "You have no clue what goes into a 30 year marriage!" She is wonderfully lost in what she wants out of her life at this stage in her life and it is balanced by Tom Wilkinson's quiet patience and wisdom, as he waits to catch his suffering wife. He plays a therapist, and I think they did a wonderful job of him not being the emotional voice of the movie, trying to teach people how to deal with relationships. One side effect is that Jacinda Barrett is from Australia with a distinct accent, and Tom Wilkinson is from the UK with a very distinct accent. It is wonderful to see so many actors from across the water who can actually pull off sounding very American.