Male aristocrats like the Monteils are perverts and their daughters are frigid. Parvenus prefer to get laid with house-maids which have to paid off later. French society outside Paris is characterised by bizarre personalities and religious hypocrisy. Former soldiers are Jew-baiting fascists who rape and murder nine-year old girls in the forest. Didn't we all know that before? Worse: important events are reflected in nature: whenever something important happens, thunder strikes. This movie is French cinema at its worst. Due to the fame of Bunuel as a former avantguardist it has gained the status of a classic. But it does not contain one element of surprise. Even the acting is far from brilliant (which saves many other French movies). But this is not the actors' fault. Getting life into such a boring plot and flat characters is most likely impossible.
Reviews
30 Reviews
Zabriskie Point
(1970)
Some great pictures...
5 February 2003
but a more than thin story. Though the first half provides some great moments (the ad landscape of LA and the grotesque office interiors) the second half causes a lot of boredom. Together with the music, the first half just lifts this film over the average (6/10).
The Princess and the Warrior
(2000)
deadly boring
22 November 2000
The general public was expecting a follow-up of "Lola rennt". This film will not only disappoint them but also those who were impressed by Tykwer's "die tödliche Maria".
Except for the first thirty minutes were Tykwer creates a thrilling atmosphere by contrasting fast cuts with long silent scenes, the film lacks any form an structure and it is obviously too long.
This does not suit the plot. Right from the beginning we know how the movie will end. The details are not too interesting. Had Tykwer used the artistic brilliance of the two movies mentioned above, he could have created a new masterpiece. But now we have a unstructured mix of elements of "Lola rennt", "die tödliche Maria" and "One flew over cuckoo's nest" in German. A mix that lacks the strength of these movies.
Except for the first thirty minutes were Tykwer creates a thrilling atmosphere by contrasting fast cuts with long silent scenes, the film lacks any form an structure and it is obviously too long.
This does not suit the plot. Right from the beginning we know how the movie will end. The details are not too interesting. Had Tykwer used the artistic brilliance of the two movies mentioned above, he could have created a new masterpiece. But now we have a unstructured mix of elements of "Lola rennt", "die tödliche Maria" and "One flew over cuckoo's nest" in German. A mix that lacks the strength of these movies.
little bit too much folklorism
19 October 2000
Warning: Spoilers
this coming of age drama has been the first of a number of Tunisian films that gained the interest of the Western public.
Nevertheless it is not a major work of art. The acting is sometimes poor, the streets of the Halfaouine neighborhood are depicted in a much too folkloristic way, the dream sequences are embarrassingly bad. However the last quarter of the film in which Noura actually becomes of age and discovers sexuality raise the film slightly above the average.
But better watch "Un ete a la goulette" or especially "Samt al-qsour" the director of which, Moufida Tlatli, did the cutting of this movie. 6/10
Nevertheless it is not a major work of art. The acting is sometimes poor, the streets of the Halfaouine neighborhood are depicted in a much too folkloristic way, the dream sequences are embarrassingly bad. However the last quarter of the film in which Noura actually becomes of age and discovers sexuality raise the film slightly above the average.
But better watch "Un ete a la goulette" or especially "Samt al-qsour" the director of which, Moufida Tlatli, did the cutting of this movie. 6/10
Madadayo
(1993)
underappreciated
9 October 2000
This film is perhaps the most moving film about aging.
It shows how a old professor deals with the losses the war and old age inflict upon him. But the loss of his cat after the war disturbs him much more than the complete loss of his books and his house. The story is not sentimental as some people might object, but it shows people getting sentimental.
Interesting for non-Japanese viewers is the life-long attachment of students to their professor.
On the artistic level there is nothing innovative therefore 8/10.
It shows how a old professor deals with the losses the war and old age inflict upon him. But the loss of his cat after the war disturbs him much more than the complete loss of his books and his house. The story is not sentimental as some people might object, but it shows people getting sentimental.
Interesting for non-Japanese viewers is the life-long attachment of students to their professor.
On the artistic level there is nothing innovative therefore 8/10.
Alexander Nevsky
(1938)
abysmal decline compared to Eisenstein's montage films
2 October 2000
Compared with his masterworks this film by Eisenstein represents an abysmal decline.
It is a piece of patriotic propaganda and hence shows all the deficiencies of the genre, even if the purpose, resisting Nazi Germany is honorable. But it is interesting that this film in fact shows striking similarity to Nazi propaganda insofar it represents the Russians as fair haired Aryans and insofar it praises belligerent heroes.
Some scenes with grandiose choreography and design do raise the film above the level of average Soviet propaganda. Therefore 6/10.
It is a piece of patriotic propaganda and hence shows all the deficiencies of the genre, even if the purpose, resisting Nazi Germany is honorable. But it is interesting that this film in fact shows striking similarity to Nazi propaganda insofar it represents the Russians as fair haired Aryans and insofar it praises belligerent heroes.
Some scenes with grandiose choreography and design do raise the film above the level of average Soviet propaganda. Therefore 6/10.
Throne of Blood
(1957)
dull retelling of Macbeth
7 August 2000
This movie is separated from Kurosawa's masterworks like "Rashomon" and "shichin no samurai" by such a gap that it is difficult to accept that they were produced by the same director.
Of course there is the problem that the story is already known to most watchers. But this id not the real problem. Kurosawa does not succeed in creating any tension and psychological depth. He indulges in battle scenes or in exaggerated acting. The film is moreover devoid of the masterly depiction of architecture which is so typical for many Japanese films. In this respect "Kumonosu jo" may be compared to his later "Kagemusha" and not to his masterworks. Or even the masterworks of Ozu and Mizoguchi. (4/10)
Of course there is the problem that the story is already known to most watchers. But this id not the real problem. Kurosawa does not succeed in creating any tension and psychological depth. He indulges in battle scenes or in exaggerated acting. The film is moreover devoid of the masterly depiction of architecture which is so typical for many Japanese films. In this respect "Kumonosu jo" may be compared to his later "Kagemusha" and not to his masterworks. Or even the masterworks of Ozu and Mizoguchi. (4/10)
A Geisha
(1953)
lacks the strength of Mizoguchi's historical dramas
2 August 2000
In fact Mizoguchi's historical dramas like "Saikaku ichidai onna" deserve more attention than this movie.
The fate of the two Geisha' is described too much in a text book manner "let's see the culture clash" in post war Japan. Thus the protagonists lack any psychological depth and they are rather symbols for tendencies than persons. Similar sujets have been dealt with by Ozu with much more artistic skill and of course, humour.
As a "typical" Japanese film , however, it is produced with enormous diligence regarding the mise en scene.
Therefore (7/10)
The fate of the two Geisha' is described too much in a text book manner "let's see the culture clash" in post war Japan. Thus the protagonists lack any psychological depth and they are rather symbols for tendencies than persons. Similar sujets have been dealt with by Ozu with much more artistic skill and of course, humour.
As a "typical" Japanese film , however, it is produced with enormous diligence regarding the mise en scene.
Therefore (7/10)
Earth
(1998)
textfilm
25 May 2000
Mehta shows us the partition of India as if it was a sudden catastrophe that broke into a world which was free of any conflicts before.
In Sidhwa's novel were the perspective of the child this is no problem, but in the film this gains the quality of objective truth. But everybody studying the history of the Punjab cannot look over the fact that except for a short intermezzo in the 1920's the relations between the communities were generally strained. The jolly community of friends would thus have been rather an exception than a symbol for Lahori society as a whole.
In Sidhwa's novel were the perspective of the child this is no problem, but in the film this gains the quality of objective truth. But everybody studying the history of the Punjab cannot look over the fact that except for a short intermezzo in the 1920's the relations between the communities were generally strained. The jolly community of friends would thus have been rather an exception than a symbol for Lahori society as a whole.
Central Station
(1998)
deeply moving
27 March 2000
This movie is after "American Beauty" the outstanding film of the nineties.
The story is moving, and it is told in a interesting and highly sophisticated way, especially the scenes in the trains and at the pilgrimage in the North.
Nevertheless two reasons prevented me from giving a ten:
At the end the story endulges into religious kitsch too much.
Moreover the film shows the deep influence of Ozu's "Nagaya Shinshiroku". Ozu's use o aesthetic tools, however, is more rigid and off course his film is more original, therefore I had to make a little difference.
The story is moving, and it is told in a interesting and highly sophisticated way, especially the scenes in the trains and at the pilgrimage in the North.
Nevertheless two reasons prevented me from giving a ten:
At the end the story endulges into religious kitsch too much.
Moreover the film shows the deep influence of Ozu's "Nagaya Shinshiroku". Ozu's use o aesthetic tools, however, is more rigid and off course his film is more original, therefore I had to make a little difference.
Der blaue Engel
(1930)
One of the most overrated films I have ever seen
27 March 2000
This film is a myth but I really can not understand why. The story itself is relatively absurd but that alone would not have made it impossible to make a good movie out of it. But the actions of Professor UnRath and Lola are never really motivated. He changes from being infuriated to being fallen in love from one moment to the other, she becomes a vamp without really showing the reason for it. Moreover to my opinion the acting is not too good: the characters move around relatively uncoordinated.
Nevertheless the film was deeply influential. Even in the Nazi periods films like "Zu neuen Ufern" by the later emigre Detlef Sierck/ Douglas Sirk or "Feuerzangenbowle" took some elements from it, although it was forbidden. Fassbinder's outstanding "Lola" draws heavily on it.
The film itself is inspired by master works of German expressionism, especially "Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari" but it does not succeed in creating a dense atmosphere.
Therefore: interesting as a document of film and general history. (4/10)
Nevertheless the film was deeply influential. Even in the Nazi periods films like "Zu neuen Ufern" by the later emigre Detlef Sierck/ Douglas Sirk or "Feuerzangenbowle" took some elements from it, although it was forbidden. Fassbinder's outstanding "Lola" draws heavily on it.
The film itself is inspired by master works of German expressionism, especially "Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari" but it does not succeed in creating a dense atmosphere.
Therefore: interesting as a document of film and general history. (4/10)
Cruel Story of Youth
(1960)
terrific beginning some lengths in the middle
16 February 2000
Kiyoshi is a student with a completely immoral attitude towards women (and other things too). His young lover Makoto seeks adventure with him. Unlike her younger sister, a former left winger she doesn't bother about changing the society but she just wants fun, but the completely egotist attitude of her lover brings about ruin for both.
the beginning of the film which is ingenious and visually very inspiring is followed by a rather mediocre middle part, where their method of gaining money by luring middle aged men into a trap is described excessively. Nevertheless you don't get to know if the first scene of the film is already a part of that profession or a mere accident.
But now watch the film for yourself.
the beginning of the film which is ingenious and visually very inspiring is followed by a rather mediocre middle part, where their method of gaining money by luring middle aged men into a trap is described excessively. Nevertheless you don't get to know if the first scene of the film is already a part of that profession or a mere accident.
But now watch the film for yourself.
Die Überlebenden
(1996)
excellent docu on Germany's youth in the seventies
11 February 2000
After twenty years classmates of a Stuttgart high school meet again. Many of them are successful as doctors, lawyers or teachers.
But three of them are missing because they have committed suicide. director Andreas Veiel emphatically portrays two of them and thus shows the conflicts that the German youth after 1968 had to cope with.
His analysis reaches back to the war and the Nazi past but also touches on individual problems like homosexuality. One of the most convincing docus I have seen.
But three of them are missing because they have committed suicide. director Andreas Veiel emphatically portrays two of them and thus shows the conflicts that the German youth after 1968 had to cope with.
His analysis reaches back to the war and the Nazi past but also touches on individual problems like homosexuality. One of the most convincing docus I have seen.
In the Realm of the Senses
(1976)
porn for eggheads
10 February 2000
Some people like the inevitable windbag Lacan consider this one of the most intense movies ever made.
But let's be honest 104 minutes of intercourse and b*-jobs are a little bit boring, though setting them in traditional Japanese houses may add some exotic flavor for Western spectators. But marvelous Japanese cinematography you can also get from Ozu, Kurosawa and Mizoguchi and they present some more interesting subjects. (6/10)
But let's be honest 104 minutes of intercourse and b*-jobs are a little bit boring, though setting them in traditional Japanese houses may add some exotic flavor for Western spectators. But marvelous Japanese cinematography you can also get from Ozu, Kurosawa and Mizoguchi and they present some more interesting subjects. (6/10)
To New Shores
(1937)
Detlev Sierck miles away from Douglas Sirk
10 February 2000
Shortly before his emigration to the US Detlev Sierck made this movie. For those who love his later American movies it will be a little bit disappointing.
The story is very melodramatic but not very convincing. A man makes bad use of his fathers money for the sake of a Vaudeville singer. She is therefore sent to Australia for imprisonment. The man joins the army and they meet again...
Nevertheless you will recognize some elements of Sirk's later cinematography also in this movie, like the frequent use of mirrors an element which was later adapted by his great admirer Fassbinder). A ridiculous element of Nazi censorship is the fact that the dancing girls are forced to dance to a mock version of Offenbach's Can-Can.
The story is very melodramatic but not very convincing. A man makes bad use of his fathers money for the sake of a Vaudeville singer. She is therefore sent to Australia for imprisonment. The man joins the army and they meet again...
Nevertheless you will recognize some elements of Sirk's later cinematography also in this movie, like the frequent use of mirrors an element which was later adapted by his great admirer Fassbinder). A ridiculous element of Nazi censorship is the fact that the dancing girls are forced to dance to a mock version of Offenbach's Can-Can.
The Bridge
(1959)
mislead youths
9 February 2000
A number of German teenage boys are recruited for the "Volkssturm" in the final days of World War II.
Before they are just normal guys experiencing their first love or having a taste for adventure. This taste for adventure has been exploited by the regime who now tries to use their idealism for delaying the defeat of Germany. They boys think they will contribute to the "Endsieg".
A lieutenant who is like most other grown up persons in the film devoid of any enthusiasm makes a plan to secure them. But the "idealism" the Nazi regime has inculcated into them shatters his plans.
This film moves a generation of Germans growing up around 1960. I think its honors in demasking the Nazi regime among that generation can not be doubted. Therefore some flaws (some melodramatic scenes, mediocre acting by the boys) may be excused. (8/10)
Before they are just normal guys experiencing their first love or having a taste for adventure. This taste for adventure has been exploited by the regime who now tries to use their idealism for delaying the defeat of Germany. They boys think they will contribute to the "Endsieg".
A lieutenant who is like most other grown up persons in the film devoid of any enthusiasm makes a plan to secure them. But the "idealism" the Nazi regime has inculcated into them shatters his plans.
This film moves a generation of Germans growing up around 1960. I think its honors in demasking the Nazi regime among that generation can not be doubted. Therefore some flaws (some melodramatic scenes, mediocre acting by the boys) may be excused. (8/10)
Children of Heaven
(1997)
Another Iranian version of "Ladri di biciclette", but simply the best
17 January 2000
At the Iranian film academy de Sica's "Ladri di Biciclette" as well as Ozu's early films like "Tokyo no Yado" have been studied closely. Not in all cases the results have been convincing.
In this film the allusions show the impact of the above-mentionned directors. But in this case the result has been excellent (though not superb). Unlike other Iranian films it is not depressing and sinister but tries to show the effects of poverty in a comical way without forgetting its disastrous effects on the human mind, thus reminding one of Chaplin's "The Tramp" (I think it is no accident that shoes plays such an important role).
The film does show the bitter reality of a large part of the Iranian population without compromise. Thus it unmasks the pretenses of the revolution which was fought in the name of the "mostazafin", the disinherited.
In this film the allusions show the impact of the above-mentionned directors. But in this case the result has been excellent (though not superb). Unlike other Iranian films it is not depressing and sinister but tries to show the effects of poverty in a comical way without forgetting its disastrous effects on the human mind, thus reminding one of Chaplin's "The Tramp" (I think it is no accident that shoes plays such an important role).
The film does show the bitter reality of a large part of the Iranian population without compromise. Thus it unmasks the pretenses of the revolution which was fought in the name of the "mostazafin", the disinherited.
The American Friend
(1977)
two hours of refined boredom
14 January 2000
Though some people might praise the film for it: it is simply boring. And the story is absurd.Moreover the film abounds with cliches like greedy Americans, honest Europeans, innocent children.
Moreover the film is pretentious arthouse kitsch. It is full of pseudo-philosophical talk. The reference to other films, most notably the Paris metro-scenes in Bresson's "Pickpocket" only show the inability of Wim Wenders to narrate a good story.
Moreover the film is pretentious arthouse kitsch. It is full of pseudo-philosophical talk. The reference to other films, most notably the Paris metro-scenes in Bresson's "Pickpocket" only show the inability of Wim Wenders to narrate a good story.
The Straight Story
(1999)
10 for the first 20 minutes, 7 for the rest
13 January 2000
The first twenty minutes of this film are of the best I have ever seen. Especially the air pictures of the Mid-Western landscape and the landscapes in the faces of the elderly in Laurens.
Unfortunately Lynch does not succeed to continue the atmosphere of the beginning through the whole film. And thus it is not an absolute masterpiece, but nevertheless highly recommendable.
The music deserves an extra applause.
Unfortunately Lynch does not succeed to continue the atmosphere of the beginning through the whole film. And thus it is not an absolute masterpiece, but nevertheless highly recommendable.
The music deserves an extra applause.
An Inn in Tokyo
(1935)
best work of realism, better than "Ladri di biciclette"
12 January 2000
This film deals with an unemployed man and his two sons who rover through the industrial areas of Tokyo during the depression in the search for work.
After some bad luck the father is able to find a job but then the pity for a single mother and her sick little daughter makes him do something he should not have done.
This is the very simple story but this is not what makes the film a masterpiece. The great achievement is that Ozu shows how poverty affects the human mind. He depicts the fear and the feeling of senselessness in a way that nobody else has ever done. Many of the devices him employs are very imaginative. Many people might compare this film to de Sica's "Ladri di biciclette" which was made 12 years later. But without doing a disservice to de Sica's masterpiece: "Tokyo no yado" is the best film that was ever made about poverty and unemployment,
After some bad luck the father is able to find a job but then the pity for a single mother and her sick little daughter makes him do something he should not have done.
This is the very simple story but this is not what makes the film a masterpiece. The great achievement is that Ozu shows how poverty affects the human mind. He depicts the fear and the feeling of senselessness in a way that nobody else has ever done. Many of the devices him employs are very imaginative. Many people might compare this film to de Sica's "Ladri di biciclette" which was made 12 years later. But without doing a disservice to de Sica's masterpiece: "Tokyo no yado" is the best film that was ever made about poverty and unemployment,
Until the End of the World
(1991)
absurd and sometimes embarrassing
29 December 1999
Wim Wenders took another chance to bore the audience.
In his almost three hour opus Wenders does again try to solve all the problems of the world.
A number of people travel across the globe in order to search for someone or something: a love, a fine and a camera enabling to see ones dreams. Especially the last hour during which the enigma of the camera is solved, is embarrassing.
The whole plot is absurd and a pretext to satisfy all the sponsoring countries. Again Wenders hides his inability to tell a story behind supposedly meaningful allusions to other films.
Because of some beautiful pictures of Lisbon, Japan and Oz a 3, not a 2.
In his almost three hour opus Wenders does again try to solve all the problems of the world.
A number of people travel across the globe in order to search for someone or something: a love, a fine and a camera enabling to see ones dreams. Especially the last hour during which the enigma of the camera is solved, is embarrassing.
The whole plot is absurd and a pretext to satisfy all the sponsoring countries. Again Wenders hides his inability to tell a story behind supposedly meaningful allusions to other films.
Because of some beautiful pictures of Lisbon, Japan and Oz a 3, not a 2.
The Blair Witch Project
(1999)
There's one thing you can learn...
15 December 1999
Don't forget a reserve map.
But let's be serious. Those who made this film successfully create the appearance of authenticity although they cheat the viewer a little bit (remember when Heather reads passages out of a book the sound is continuous and but the footage has been cut)
They managed to scare the audience considerably and it was amazing how the actors played the enmity and the closeness the protagonists experienced under the great distress.
One of the most interesting films of the nineties (9/10)
But let's be serious. Those who made this film successfully create the appearance of authenticity although they cheat the viewer a little bit (remember when Heather reads passages out of a book the sound is continuous and but the footage has been cut)
They managed to scare the audience considerably and it was amazing how the actors played the enmity and the closeness the protagonists experienced under the great distress.
One of the most interesting films of the nineties (9/10)
The Silences of the Palace
(1994)
Best film ever made in the Arab World
13 December 1999
The best film ever made in the Arab World really isn't a superlative that would be difficult to attain, but this film is really a masterwork.
Aliya a singer with an superb voice but little success is invited to the palace where she spent her childhood as the daughter of a servant. She never really got to know who her father was, that she has been invited back to the palace after the head of the household, member of the Turkish ruling family of pre-independence Tunisia has died is no accident.
Back in the palace all her childhood memories come back to Alia. She remembers her mother being the concubine of the deceased. His wife was barren, and she becomes sure that she is his daughter.
She also remembers how her love for music helped her to gain prestige in the palace. But the songs she sang were not just entertainment. The melodies of Umm Kulthum were broadcasted by Radio Cairo to spread the message of Arab awakening and the longing for independence. Albeit its political aspects also the ruling family, a puppet on the strings of the French, enjoys the music. But for the masses the songs also become a symbol for the longing for freedom. falls in love with one student who is an independence activist. He is hiding in the palace where his aunt is another servant. He promises her a brilliant future but already at the beginning of the film we are told that the promise was not to be kept.
The film is a ingenious ridiculization of political rhetoric and seldom ever has Oriental music bee integrated in a film so brilliantly (except perhaps Ray's Jalsaghar). You will enjoy it even if Arab music doesn't mean anything to you.
Aliya a singer with an superb voice but little success is invited to the palace where she spent her childhood as the daughter of a servant. She never really got to know who her father was, that she has been invited back to the palace after the head of the household, member of the Turkish ruling family of pre-independence Tunisia has died is no accident.
Back in the palace all her childhood memories come back to Alia. She remembers her mother being the concubine of the deceased. His wife was barren, and she becomes sure that she is his daughter.
She also remembers how her love for music helped her to gain prestige in the palace. But the songs she sang were not just entertainment. The melodies of Umm Kulthum were broadcasted by Radio Cairo to spread the message of Arab awakening and the longing for independence. Albeit its political aspects also the ruling family, a puppet on the strings of the French, enjoys the music. But for the masses the songs also become a symbol for the longing for freedom. falls in love with one student who is an independence activist. He is hiding in the palace where his aunt is another servant. He promises her a brilliant future but already at the beginning of the film we are told that the promise was not to be kept.
The film is a ingenious ridiculization of political rhetoric and seldom ever has Oriental music bee integrated in a film so brilliantly (except perhaps Ray's Jalsaghar). You will enjoy it even if Arab music doesn't mean anything to you.
All About My Mother
(1999)
highly overrated, credits for Gaudi and Cadafalch i Montaner
10 December 1999
This movie has been praised by The German reviewers very loudly. Unfortunately they did not miss to spoil the watchers impression by relating every detail in advance.
But anyhow there are not to many surprising developments in the movie, you can guess the outcome of almost all substories of the plot. The single scenes are cut far too fast, so no intense feeling can develop.
Nevertheless the film is beautifully set in Barcelona's turn of the century architecture, but the credits should not go to the director but to the abovementionned architects.
But anyhow there are not to many surprising developments in the movie, you can guess the outcome of almost all substories of the plot. The single scenes are cut far too fast, so no intense feeling can develop.
Nevertheless the film is beautifully set in Barcelona's turn of the century architecture, but the credits should not go to the director but to the abovementionned architects.
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