Change Your Image
manjavhern
Reviews
Nashville (1975)
Good movie just not my cup of tea.
I saw this film for film history class and even had a special guest speaker come and talk to us about the film. It was a good film with a lot of cool ideas, but I just couldn't get myself to enjoy the film. The character cast was vast and massive. The music numbers were interesting to say the least. I liked all the controversy and hypocrisy the characters represented and presented. The intro with the politician speaking through the van speakers was interesting, showing the disconnection of the characters and all. I loved the intro with the differences in the two songs going on; especially when the lead singer tells the "hippie" to go cut his hair. I really did get a good laugh from that since he was singing a song about America and doing something right. He was a total star crazed person who only wanted attention. I couldn't help and see Jeff Goldblum as the only person I recognized and just focused on him for half the time and tried to remember other movies he was in. The movie does have a lot of funny stuff if you look and listen carefully. Each character has their own quirks and parts of the movie. In the end they all come together to bring the whole idea together as a whole. Before that they pass each other not knowing them in public places. Over all it was a good movie, but I just couldn't get in to it for the life of me. I recommend everyone see it and just come up with their own opinion. Some will like it and some will hate it. It did have a lot of good symbolism if you look for it.
Lost Boundaries (1949)
Good movie based on actual events!
I had to watch this film for film history class and was very impressed with the fact that something like this actually happened. To think that something like this actually happened is a real eye opener. Most of us have never, nor will we ever, have this experience, so to see what this family went through was very moving. The acting was actually good. Though the casting is said to be cowardly, for the time it was made I thought they did a wonderful time. Racism still exists today, so for their time it was the best they could do. I applaud them for making the movie. When the daughter tells her father how upset she is about the "coon" coming to their house I was very shocked and then later moved by the response of her father to her. When the confirmation of the family actually being black and the towns peoples response to that was a bit unsettling to me. The ending with the speech from the preacher was very moving and emotional. A message we can all take note of. I loved the movie and the message it holds and tells to viewers. I recommend everyone see it and take note of the message it tells.
Chung Hing sam lam (1994)
Great film!
I saw the film Chungking Express for my film history class and fell immediately in love with it. It is an art film with a creative take on the whole connection to life and people, that makes one think about their own life. The movie is full of comedy and awkward moments. It is full of internal dialogue and thoughts. The camera work is unique and takes time to get used to in the beginning. The whole idea of being wanted and desired by someone else starts the whole film off deep. The rest just falls into place with song and comedic moments of reality. I loved it when the cop talks to his apartment, trying to comfort himself, because everyone has inner dialogue of themselves talking to themselves. Everyone does it; there is no shame in that. The characters are a bit out there but we still fall in love with them and cheer them on. I was confused with the first couple, but the cop I that part did serve a good purpose with his ideas of expiration and love. The song played by the second girl gets played a lot, almost to the point where it is your favorite song or you hate the movie because of it. The ending is classic good and long expected between the two ending characters. You can't help but feel good for the two finally connecting and "seeing" each other. I recommend this film to all who wish a good time and good movie. The film does have hard to read subtitles at some times but it just takes a while to get used to as the film progresses. Don't expect anything big and flashy, but go in with an open mind and just enjoy the film.
Oktyabr (1927)
Do not watch! Run away!
I saw this film for film history class and hated every second of it. The movie is so full of symbolism and fast editing that you can't enjoy it unless you have an extensive knowledge of the time period in what is being shot and the director. The people who were there for the revolution didn't even understand the film. I mean come on if they couldn't understand it, how am I supposed to enjoy it when I don't have the slightest idea of the Russian revolution. Not to mention the film is major long! It gave me a headache and as soon as it ended I ran for the door and did not look back. If someone wants you to watch this movie just run the other way and don't look back. You'll thank me later. The film is good on editing, but other than that I could not enjoy it. I could not get a sense of character development nor could I identify any characters for that matter. There is no sound, no color, just fast paced movement and random symbolism scenes cut in. Everyone I talked to in my film classed agreed it was one of the weakest and most boring movies we saw in class, and I agree with them. There are those that enjoy this movie, right on man, but don't try to tell me why because I honestly saw it, judged it, and have already made up my mind. I will never watch this movie again.
Simón del desierto (1965)
Good movie, weird ending.
The movie Simon of the desert I watched for my film history class, and I got to say it was a crazy acid trip. I enjoyed the experience as a whole, but was just confused with the ending. I felt they jumped the shark with the ending. I just didn't get it. The whole idea and movie was well done. The movie is trying to be serious but continuously pokes fun at the whole concept of Simon's devotedness to god. There is a little person who attends the sheep, the healed man shrugs off the miracle and goes on living his life as if nothing happens, the devil is just too funny, and the ending is people dancing out of their mind. The ending is what killed the movie for me. I didn't understand if he was in hell with the devil or what? He was devote to god and sent to hell in the end, which just didn't make sense to me. The time period confused me as well. One would think they are in a pre-modern time, but Simon is pretty cool with the idea of being in a New York nightclub, just sitting there smoking, chilling. The devil was freaking hilarious in tempting Simon. I loved the disguises and the "ugly" naked true form of the devil as the old woman. The casket scene was well done. This movie is good, but just leaves me wondering a lot about a lot of unanswered questions about it. I felt they should have done the movie justice and gave some closure, or at least answer some questions on a DVD special about it and the meaning behind some of the stuff they did. But everyone is going to have to answer their own question and ideas about the movie when they watch it. It's worth watching, just confusing with questions that bother you.
The Whole Shootin' Match (1978)
Great Independent Film
The Whole Shootin' Match is a great independent film that any Indi movie lover should watch. I personally am torn about the movie, but it is worth watching at least once. The characters are just your average guys trying to survive and make a living in the world. I personally didn't like the character Frank. He was just a lousy bum who parasite off his buddy, Loyd. He didn't have any ideas of his own, just wanted the easy way out and didn't work hard for anything. He cheated on his wife, he spends all the money on himself, and he can't even kill himself like a man. I hated him and all he represented. Loyd on the other hand I came to like, save the fact he hangs out with Frank. Loyd works hard for what he has, though he isn't the brightest crayon in the box. He doesn't let the world get to him; he picks up his tools and starts working and building to better himself. That I can respect, that's a real cowboy. The movie just revolves around these two trying to make ends meet and find the one thing that will make them rich fast and easily. The movie did its job in giving off the sense of real life and real life in Texas for the time. A great independent film that inspired the Sundance Film Festival should be watched by any movie lover and independent film goers. Those who watch it just have to decide for themselves if and why they love it or hate it. It's no big block buster movie, keep that in mind. It is a low budget independent film that should stand on its own and be judged on that standard alone.
8½ (1963)
Crazy ride of a movie.
I saw this film for my film history class and was found left feeling weird about by the movie. The intro of the movie with the music was very good as well as the movement. This is hands down an art film and if you aren't into it don't even bother with it. It's full of random moments and characters, each having significant symbolism and meanings. So if that is not your cup of tea just stay away and go watch something else you will enjoy. Other than that the movie is fairly good. The main character is a director pressured by the world to come up with this new movie, but he hasn't the slightest idea for one. That leads him down a winding trail of lying confusing the people around him with his tirades and crazy schemes. The movie has musical numbers in them, which I for one didn't get nor fully enjoy. They were just flashbacks from his life and his own fantasies. I felt they just killed time and proved the man's obsession with women and his craziness. There was one mistake in the film that I could not get over, it's in the end when he is told he has a gun in his right pocket, but he clearly pulls it out of his left pocket. That ruined the movie for me. I mean it's such a huge detail in the movie to screw up, and they did it royally. That just ruined the whole thing for me. I don't know if they meant to do that on purpose, but they had this whole movie based on nothing but a man with no idea for a movie being pressured for greatness, all to lead to his demise and they screw up the part where he pulls out the weapon. I mean come on have some class and respect for your movie! Mixed reviews on this movie, its good, but I'll probably never see it again.
North by Northwest (1959)
Alfred Hitchcock, enough said!
I saw this film for film history class, and I am not addicted to all Alfred Hitchcock films! Ever since I can remember I heard of films by Alfred Hitchcock and barely saw his film North by Northwest, and now I know why he is considered a master of film. The film was top notch from beginning to end. I could not get enough from the brilliant story and characters. The comedy was so great in the movie that I could not stop laughing the whole time with so smart and witty dialogue. The movie was suspenseful and entertaining, one of Alfred Hitchcock's areas of perfection. A case of mistaken identity, witty characters and humor, throw in a love interest and you have a great movie done by a wonderful director. The scene on top of the U.N. building was a beautiful spectacle and should be viewed on the big screen in high def. Even today the film is held with high standards and referenced a throughout many TV shows and films. The infamous airplane scene is still paid homage today. The protagonist is a regular guy who just happens to be at the right spot at the wrong time and be mistaken for someone who doesn't exist. The ending did seem to drag on a bit, then just end abruptly, but other than that I had no complaints about the movie. I loved how Alfred Hitchcock stuck it to the man by having the train enters the tunnel in the end, to reference sexual activity between the couple, when the production company did not want a love scene between the two in the end; a masterful loop hole found and used to the advantage of the director and audience. Everyone should see the movie at least one time, and guaranteed you will enjoy this fun filled comedic ride of a movie. From there you will be addicted to all Alfred Hitchcock movies and beg for more.
Shichinin no samurai (1954)
Great samurai movie!!
I saw Seven Samurai for my film history class and was greatly pleased in seeing it. To see the movie that started off so many other cult classics such as the magnificent seven is very moving. The film itself is greatly done with so much going on in the three hours it runs. Yes that is correct three hours! It is a long movie to watch but very well shot. The movie is in subtitles, which does take away from seeing the movie fully, but it is much better than having horrible voice-overs. The movie is also in black and white. The movie is full of deep emotional moments as well as comedic lifting scenes. They are blended well together to keep the viewer interested and entertained. The movie drags on a bit, but it does give you much information about each samurai and the lives they live. The movie also shows the impact and change in each warrior and the villagers. The love relationship between the samurai and the villager was a bit of an annoyance but bearable. The end battle is very well done with many awesome battle scenes and deaths. I was very surprised with the arrow and sword battles, they were well done and very believable. Even in today's movies they aren't done half as good as they were done in this film. The last epic battle costs many lives but does serve its purpose and symbolism. The end of the movie with the samurais contemplating the cost of their actions and their lives is very moving and deep. This is one film every action buff and movie goers must watch at least one time in their life. You will not be disappointed. After watching the movie, go and read the BFI film classics book of Seven Samurai for a great deal of insight and information to enhance your experience.
Le quai des brumes (1938)
Good misty film.
I saw Port of Shadows for my film history class and was pleased with it. The movie surprised me from the start with Jean saving the dog by swerving the truck. The whole scene with him being confronted by the driver leading to an anti-climatic ending between the two of them was just too comedic for me to take seriously. The whole scene is dark and gloomy, and the situation is pretty serious, yet they shrug it off as if it is nothing to be bothered about. Had I been the driver of that truck I would have knocked Jean out. For the film being so dark and gloomy, most of the characters were very comedic in their actions and ideas. When Jean slaps and beats up the "gangsters" that was just too funny and by slapping them he just insulted them even more. When Jean steals the identity of the artist and tells the captain what he sees when he paints, it is just too funny to see the reaction of the captain and his thoughts of Jean the artist. The random artist who commits suicide, the want to be gangsters, the perverted uncle, the war torn veteran, they all come together and act upon each other, and that just leads to a comedic outcome every time. The movie is deep in the meaning and sense of it all. The lonely characters finding comfort in each other, helping one another find meaning in their lives once again. That was a good part of the movie. I was very surprised with the ending and Jean being killed in the end by the gangster he humiliated. I was expecting a happy ending with the lovers sailing away together on the boat to a new life. But that's just the way life is, dark, lonely, gloomy, and disappointing. All in all, a good film to watch at least once and get its gloomy reality.
Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)
Slow and Steady horror movie
I saw this film for my film history class and was greatly impressed with it. Being of the 21st century and seeing films that have so much violence, blood, and gore in them it's a little bit hard to be scared from "classic" horror films. But if you set your mind into the pasts time state of mind, you get an appreciation for the film. The film is very suspenseful and from reviews I read by film critiques, very symbolic. When I watched it I didn't get the feeling of the effects of World War II on the population; though after reading the reviews and seeing the film, I can see the connection between the two. After reading the papers, I then understood the actions and fears the protagonist felt from his experience with Nosferatu. I can only imagine the horror the movie brought to audiences in its time. Never having seeing anything so horrific or terrifying on the screen before must have been a tremendous eerie feeling. The movie did drag on a bit, but the scenes of importance were well done and very entertaining. I loved the scene where he slowly rises from his slumber. That scene is infamous and still inspires film today! To have that affect on the cinema is outstanding. I was very surprised with the ending. Even today it is uncommon to not get your happy ending, but for that time, I just didn't see it coming. It was very surprising when his love died in his arms. The music was very eerie and gave the film its horror feeling. I loved the scene with the carriage and the speed it went. It truly did give the feeling of being in a supernatural state. Over all a good horror movie for its time that would have a lasting effect the film industry for years to come.
Baby Face (1933)
Great movie
I saw this film for my history film and thank god we got to see the uncut version. We got to see the edited version after viewing the film, and I was very disappointed with what I saw. If you have to see this film, and it's not a bad film at all, just make sure you watch it uncut! For the time the movie was made, I did not see that type of story playing out. Even today there are not that many movies that portray women that way. But I was very impressed with it and the way the movie progressed, as well as how she "worked" her way to the top. The script wasn't bad at all, though the acting at some points was a little over done, on a whole I was very pleased with the film. The background story of Baby Face just makes you cheer for her, instead of despising her. I could not stop laughing at the old man who "taught" her to use her body to use men to get what she desired. It was just weird, creepy, and too funny to take seriously. I saw the edited version where he sends her a note telling her he is disappointed and ashamed of her, which was just too ridiculous and didn't go with the original plot. I was disappointed in the end scene where her lover tries to kill himself by shooting himself in the chest? Not his head. That just didn't add up for me, and kind of killed the reality of the movie for me. I mean come on; do you really want to end up with a guy who commits suicide by shooting himself in the chest instead of the head? No wonder he went bankrupt. The ending was good with her falling in love and not caring about her riches, only her love. I thought that was a good character development and "happy" ending for the movie.
True Heart Susie (1919)
Great love story movie!
True Heart Susie is a heartwarming movie. I saw it for my film history class, and I fell in love with it. Though it is an "old" movie with no words spoken at any point, the entire movie is told through the actions and facial features of the actors. I loved the acting done by Lillian Gish, she did a magnificent job! Everyone falls in love with her due to her innocence and true heart. William is just the silly boy she falls head over heels for and that's just the way it is. Watching the movie one can't help but just tense up every time something goes wrong to hinder Susie and William connecting with one another. Though it runs a little slow at times, it is very entertaining and fun to watch. From the start of the film with the title cards telling you it's about "stupid" people in love, your heart can not help but to break for Susie and her constant life of sorrow and desire. For the film history class we read some reviews and insight papers that helped explain some actions of the characters that help greatly in appreciating the film. Such as Susie's twitching and leg kicking at certain moments in the film, due to her inner turmoil in not getting a kiss, as well as when she balled her hand into a fist; both showing her inner anger surfacing. The color scheme of the film is well done shot through gels. It is much better than it just being shot in black and white or just one color. I felt the movie dragged on a bit and could have been cut shorter, but it's all a different time and age. Due to its length I probably will never watch it again; however everyone should watch it at least one time in their lifetime. Other than that it was a good movie.
Hypocrites (1915)
Good movie and idea, just drags on too much.
All in all as old as this movie is, it is quite a decent film. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of things that made this movie unlikable. For its time the movie was very deep and thoughtful. I myself found the theme and idea to be very appealing. The point of the movie is clear and in your face so, so, so, so, so much that it gets quite a bit boring. I felt the movie dragged on just trying to get every, little hypocrisy they could get in before they reached the time limit to where the audience members would just say "screw it I'm leaving!" When the character moved in from scene to scene they took their sweet time like they had no care in the world. We get it your righteous and can move really, really slow, but come on if the audience didn't get what you were trying to say then you shouldn't do it slower! They just aren't meant to get it if they didn't get it by now! The idea of the truth being naked and transparent was beautifully done! I really grasped the symbolism and embraced it well. It's a shame that kind of filming is lost in most of today's films. All in all it was a good film. I did not think films in this time period were so thoughtful and well done. I was very surprised for the nudity and deep thought put into this film and its creation. But if you are going to watch it prepare for a long, slow movie in which the same thing is repeated over and over and over and over and over again. No color, no words, slow, slow, slow, slow, slow movement, and a plot that does not end up going anywhere.