Change Your Image
thessaloniki65
Reviews
Birth (2004)
beguiling
This is something different than the usual movie going experience. This is actually a film. Beautiful is one word for it and beguiling is the other. My suggestion before you see the film is to put aside all expectation and picture nothing but a blank canvas as the screen. This might enable you to enjoy a piece of art unfolding before you. Forget dramatic structure of the typical three act kind. Lose the idea of the stars in the film being anything but characters in this tale. And don't believe the hype about any controversial scenes. I can hardly believe there was any controversy at all. It is almost laughable to find anything shocking unless you love shoot 'em up films where gore is fine but emotional expression is confrontational.
This is a haunting metaphysical film that will not tick all the boxes for you. You need to participate in the unravelling of the story and make up your own mind about what is really going on. If you do not leave thinking about the film from then on, I think you have taken judgement into the cinema with you and have missed the opportunity for a great cinematic experience. Great touches and brilliantly handled. This is more art than movie making.
Cracker Bag (2003)
Charming
It was only when I saw Napoleon Dynamite that I remembered seeing Cracker Bag. Just beautiful sentiment and yet never stooping to being soppy. There is some terrific cinematography and the lead girl is quite brilliant. It captures more than the nostalgia of the time. It has a real heart to it. It is the Achilles wound of childhood that is exquisite and painful. A simple story is always effective when done well. This Glendyn Ivin has a big future and I for one, am looking out for his next project. The follow up is always the most difficut thing. It's like the second album blues for most people.
I just hope his next film is not something lame like a shark film. Cheers to all. Enjoy your cinema.
Up the Sandbox (1972)
Tops!
This is a top 70's flick and highly underrated. I can imagine that it caused a stir in its release and still puts some viewers off. If David E. Kelley didn't get ideas for Ally McBeal from this, I'll go hee! Wonderful performance by Babs and hits the mark nicely.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Scary beautiful
This is a great piece of cinema. Nice writing to directing and acting. It is the Child Catcher that has stayed with me and many others for the eerie Nosferatu-like work of Robert Helpmann. That is one scary character. It is a terrific film that still stands up today. What greater compliment is there? Cheers to your choice of film. AP
Tmavomodrý svet (2001)
A cinematic poem
This is a gem - a charming step back in time and a testament to marrying the image to the period. You know you have been touched by a film when it resonates long after leaving your seat. A movie will be gone from your thoughts if it has no layers to its storytelling and this film still lingers in the mind and begs to be revisited. A fundamental error made by film-makers is not allowing the audience to participate in the film by insulting their ability to work things out for themselves. Dark Blue World is poetic, exciting and ultimately a most rewarding cinema experience. If only Pearl Harbor and its ilk could learn something of this art for their particular brand. I cannot wait for the follow-up to this special team. 8/10.
Lantana (2001)
See it!
This is one of the best flicks for the year. A great script and a brilliant cast. Kerry Armstrong deserves all the rewards coming for her portrayal. What a delight to see a wonderful piece of cinema again. Excellent work and this cannot be recommended enough. Ray Lawrence is back and back in form. Check out 'Bliss' if you like this. I also recommend, Weekend of Shadows. Enjoy it and your cinema. ANDY
Une liaison pornographique (1999)
Brilliant
This is a frank and wonderful film. Subtle and yet enthralling. The two leads are superb and the connexion between them is beautifully conveyed. I highly recommend this. Probably one of the must see films of 99 and sure to stand the test of time. It's what you don't see that is the real craft. Enjoy it and your cinema.
Up the Sandbox (1972)
Tops!
This is a top 70's flick and highly underrated. I can imagine that it caused a stir in its release and still puts some viewers off. If David E. Kelley didn't get ideas for Ally McBeal from this, I'll go hee! Wonderful performance by Babs and hits the mark nicely.
A Kind of Loving (1962)
Boy oh boy
This is a wonderful exploration of a young man's misgivings about being attached. It explores issues of manhood and love with great sincerity and sensitivity. Alan Bates is at his best here and the whole cast hits the mark under a careful eye. I think it is optimistic in its depiction, but most of all honest. The language is impeccable. How can you go wrong with lines such as "I am your husband if you did but know it"? Whistle Down the Wind is another with Bates in top form. Worth a look.
Queen Christina (1933)
A true classic!
This is a great piece of cinema. The perfect vehicle for Garbo to show what brilliance she could give without seeming to try. This is a genius of acting giving the audience her gift. The scene where she takes in all the room is breathtaking. I do not know how she gives us what she feels and thinks, but it is there and tangible. Mamoulian utilises her craft to make a great work of art and I only wish that there were films like this played late at night as they did in days gone by. A gem of a film with a jewel of an actor.
Enjoy your cinema, regards, Andy.
Weekend of Shadows (1978)
Great sleeper
This is one of the top films of the late seventies. It is a real sleeper, as not many people will have had the opportunity to witness its charms in an actual cinema. I believe it shows great insight into character and the human condition. John Waters gives a finely restrained performance and the balance of tragedy to comedy is deftly worked. A terrific piece along the possible lines of Whistle Down the Wind - Bryan Forbes film starring Alan Bates. Well worth the effort. Enjoy your cinema. Andy
Brighton Rock (1948)
tops!
Possibly one of the finest re-workings of one's own novel. I actually enjoyed the film more than the book. Pinky is probably one of the most evil and pathetic characters in screen history. Superbly acted and directed. When the Boulting brothers were at their best, their work is timeless. I recommend this film wholeheartedly, and suggest viewing Dead of Night (1945) if you found Brighton Rock to your taste.
Enjoy the world of cinema, regards, Andy.
Dead of Night (1945)
Ripper
This is an excellent piece which, apart from the episode of comedic relief, maintains its eerie quality despite the passing of years. Alberto Cavalcanti should be recognised as one of the greats of the directing craft, for his episode alone. It would be intriguing to see his other work. Dead of Night is the height of cinema and a yardstick for what can be accomplished without the histrionics of blood and guts. Hope you all enjoy it, regards, ANDY