Change Your Image
jamesrlballard
Reviews
Det røde kapel (2006)
An excellent, sometimes difficult to watch, glimpse into the warped world of North Korea
I think the three young men who made this are now very different due to what they experienced in North Korea. It's a case of them biting off more than they could chew and it affected them profoundly.
Another reviewer described this as being close to Borat. Yes it is however it is Mads, Jacob and Simon who are the 'victims' and come out looking very uncomfortable.
I really don't think they were aware of just how ingrained in North Korean life the Kim Jong Il Cult and Kim Il Sung cult is and that the population has been totally brainwashed into non flinching obedience and faith. This was graphically shown by Ms Park's emotional display at the statue of Kim Il Sung.
There is some really good acting on both sides. The North Koreans showing how life is wonderful and the Danes in towing the line and embracing their host's ideology.
This is one documentary that shouldn't be missed if you want an insight into such an odd country and also how it has a profound effect on the three Danes.
Grumpy Old Men (2003)
A funny series made brilliant by Arthur Smith and Will Self
Oh how I identify with this series. As an early 40's male who's lived in London, I agree with so much that the grumpies have to say. Some things about living in the UK and particularly London are so frustrating and we all swear under our breaths at yet another tube delay or the gritters coming out three days after the snow's fallen.
I suspect residents of NYC or Sydney or a dozen other cities would have similar complaints about their respective cites but they would lack the spark and bite of Arthur and Will who don't hold back. Wonderful!! The funniest thing about the grumpies is that they would be so bored if everything was perfect.
The Odd Angry Shot (1979)
Australian film making at its' best.
One of many tight budgeted, well acted films with a good cast and script produced by Australia back in the 70's and 80's and so absent today.
This film shows the difference between Australian and US forces in Vietnam is mirrored in film production differences between the two countries. There are no huge explosions, flotillas of helicopters or A grade actors rather; characters that are believable and whose pain is felt when their comrades are killed.
This is no fairytale either as only two of the main characters survive unscathed. All the others are either killed or (Bryan Brown) maimed beyond recognition.
The Day the Universe Changed (1985)
The greatest science series I've ever seen.
For a start, TDTUC is now available on DVD. Finally!!! This series really is the finest there is. It does what it says on the tin; "explores influences of discoveries and shared knowledge and perception of the Universe and man's place on it. James Burke looks at times when new knowledge or discoveries has altered that thinking and explores the cultural changes those discoveries effected." Through Burke's quirky appeal and the use of period actors, the series draws you in and you become interested in the science being explained.
There should be provision in every high school budget for a copy of this series, it's that good.