sundplega Reviews

Flyboys (2006)

Flyboys is the story of some pilots in the Lafayette escadrille, WWI, and their exploits, with historic and flying accuracy.

[10/10 · 23 September 2006]

"Fly Boys" is an exciting movie portraying the flying exploits of volunteer American pilots in the Lafayette escadrille of France during WWI. Several of the main characters are based on real people, and finding the "rest of the story" at the end was satisfying, as I ended up caring about these daredevils. The flying shots are terrific and would have been impossible before we had computers. Many books are out there about the planes and the pilots, but one I especially admire is Frederick Libby's "Horses Don't Fly: A Memoir of WWI." It seems that many people today don't know the history and don't believe young men could have been so adventurous, naive, idealistic--but they were. And some probably still are. See this movie for a real experience of flight. As well as some characters that catch your interest.

1776 (1972)

A "musical" (American opera) that recounts for us how the USA came to be.

[10/10 · 3 July 2006]

I saw "1776" , the movie , when it was first released, and on the stage as well, but i had not seen it for many years now. I had forgotten how really special it is, until watching it again, tonight July 3rd. The history it recounts is accurate (what a change from all the tedious "docudramas" we see on TV). The writers actually used the real written words of John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and all the now historic figures. The Quotes on this database are a fabulous resource. If i make the musical sound too scholarly--think again. It is highly entertaining, at times humorous, funny, touching, and even makes you proud to be American. The actors are all outstanding, especially William Daniels who plays Adams. I am surprised "1776" isn't shown every 4th of July.

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

Cartoon narrates Grandmere's efforts to rescue her beloved bicycliste, with the help of an aged singing trio and a fat dog.

[3/10 · 29 April 2006]

I don't understand why the "Triplettes" received such rave reviews from the critics, and one of the NYTimes top ten for the year. I was disappointed when I finally saw it. Yes, the art work is interesting, but the movie has a depressing subtext on France. Note: Perhaps what follows is a "spoiler." But most obviously, first, the frogs the trio catch and eat are ambiguous, especially when you recall that "frogs" was slang during the trio's heyday for the French. And the American trio catch and eat the frogs. Second, the Tour de France is the country's greatest sport, but its athletes are depicted as not just dedicated but automatons with no initiative. All the initiative is Mme. Souza, and her creator says that "Souza" and/or the character are inspired by a Portuguese--not a French grandmere. Third, the opening depictions of the black dancer, probably after Josephine Baker, are insulting. No one in the US would ever make such a cartoon of black people. Fourth, using the dog as a wheel on Mme. Souza's van would have US animal lovers in an uproar. I would not recommend this cartoon to anyone, and least of all to children.

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)

Holmes' private life is of as much interest to his fans as his public cases, but he has a right to some privacy, doesn't he?

[24 April 2005]

Billy Wilder's version of the the real Sherlock Holmes is as interesting as Dr. Watson's, and Watson's version, after all, must satisfy the demands of the Strand magazine, and the popular fiction audience. As the story unfolds, we are treated to Sherlock's wit, as well as his mistakes, which, as he says, Dr. Watson does not write about. We also see him unraveling a couple of mysteries, one more serious than the first mystery of the Russian prima ballerina's plot. His interest in the mystery woman who is delivered to his door unfolds gradually and that interest is underplayed, so pay attention. That point brings us the acting--all excellent, all underplayed, especially Robert Stephens. I don't find the plot hokey, as some 21rst century viewers seem to do--in fact. knowing what we do of the Victorian era, the political machinations before WWI, it seems as possible--if not likely--as many things that happen today. And Wilder being European adds spice to the reality of the fantasy of imagining a real Holmes.

A Chef in Love (1996)

A Frenchman with a Rabelasian love for life, food, and a beautiful princess falls in love with the country of Georgia.

[9/10 · 3 March 2005]

Pascal has a marvelous enthusiasm for life, and when he travels to the country of Georgia, he feels himself finally at home: he says that before he was like a cloud, floating here and there, but in Georgia, he finally could float down and stay. As in a fairy tale, he and the Princess fall in love, and he opens a restaurant where he creates beautiful and delicious food. All seems perfect, until the Revolution intrudes, exemplified by the cloddish Zigmund. Then we see that Pascal makes choices that will determine the rest of his life, that of the Princess, and also for those who come after. Many comic scenes are a delight in the movie, especially Pascal's revenge at the picnic. But tragic elements linger in the background. Music holds the film together --especially Georgian folk music setting an atmosphere that, like fine cuisine, will outlast ideologies. The movie is beautifully photographed with memorable and brightly colored scenes of food, love, and the Georgian countryside. Surprising that this movie is not better known.

The Aviator (2004)

Spectacular story of a complex man's life.

[10/10 · 8 January 2005]

I did not expect to enjoy or admire this movie. Instead I found myself entranced, as Howard Hughes' life unfolded on the screen. Visually, the movie is unforgettable. The colors that are filmed add to the emotion of the actions and sometimes seem like a painting. For that reason, some of the movie may seem slow--my friend thought it was too long. But I thought that the complexity of HH's character demanded length if you want to understand him and the ambitions and obsession for perfection that drove him. I would not shorten the movie. For example, although I hate to fly, I loved the flying scenes. The scene where you are(the camera is) sitting behind Howard as he whizzes up and then down to the runway makes you feel something of the thrill that made him love flying. I will say that I had to find out more about HH, just to see how much in the movie was accurate. Good job.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

I loved this movie because it portrays the love that family members have for each other, no matter their disagreements.

[10/10 · 2 November 2003]

I loved this movie because the two soccer-playing girls and their coach remind me so much of details in my own growing up. And it's nice to see a movie where people can get mad at each other, but still love each other, can follow their dreams, can have fun. And, for me, this movie is FUN. I also enjoyed the director's comments on DVD--I'd like to be able to talk to her. In my opinion, the movie is unpretentious and happy.

13 Conversations About One Thing (2001)

I liked this movie because it made me think.

[2 November 2003]

I liked this movie because it made me think about what I'm doing with my life. Although I think the photography is usually dull, and the pace is slow, I think it's a movie worthy of consideration for the conversations it shows us--very like real life, which, as the movie tells us, we can only live forward.

The Quiet American (2002)

Beautifully photographed film that captures the moral ambiguities of political decisions.

[9/10 · 2 November 2003]

Michael Caine's performance is outstanding as the "reporter" who has prided himself on not taking sides--being an observer, not a participant. When he does take action, he finds himself against a friend who appreciates even the same Victorian poet A.H. Clough, a friend who believes fervently in the rightness of his actions; but a friend who also has fallen in love with the reporter's mistress and the country VietNam. Caine is able to portray all the irony he perceives in his situation simply with his eyes and his voice.

Burnt by the Sun (1994)

A brilliant movie in every sense that will enter your brain and stay with you as you ponder the moral issues it raises.

[10/10 · 26 July 2003]

"Burnt by the Sun" is a great movie for all who know Russian history and for those courageous enough to enter into the time--1936--when Stalin's purges were burning the Russian people of all classes and politics. The film is beautifully acted and photographed, but what I will remember is the way it captures the characters of more or less ordinary people--individuals who also stand for the class or politics or humanity of various human types. I especially liked Kotov's statement that a human being always has a moral choice, and that some choose out of fear, and some out of love of country. The movie also shows how a person of despicable character can be quite charming. We are lucky if we have not had to face such choices.

Last Orders (2001)

Last Orders is amovie that can be appreciated on many levels: the superb acting, camera techniques, exquisite use of flashbacks, and the beauty of friendship and loyalty.

[10/10 · 16 June 2003]

Last Orders is a film that challenges the viewer to think about death, friendship, and love. The friends and adopted son are following Jack's "Last Orders" and, in doing so, learn more about themselves and their own lives still to be lived. We learn also about Jack, whose charisma influenced all of them. I think the film is beautifully put together, and I recommend it to all who want to see great acting, a serious subject presented thoughtfully, and beautiful camera work, direction, and editing.

Red River (1948)

Red River makes real a now forgotten part of our history--how enough cattle were brought to market to feed the fast growing populations of the cities after the Civil War.

[16 June 2003]

I had not watched this movie in years, but it is as outstanding as I remembered it. Nowhere else can Americans get a taste of what the huge cattle drives were like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For us today, the fact that it took 40 days to reach the Brazos after leaving the Rio Grande is incredible. John Wayne gets better as his role develops--the passage of 14 years. Montgomery Clift is unforgettable as the young Matthew, who is caught up in the almost Oedipal conflict with his adoptive father, who has grown old and stubborn to the point of death before our eyes. Please watch this film for the history it portrays, the unglamorous picture of cowboy life, and the acting of M.C.

The Cup (1999)

We enter the simple lives of the monks and find that they have the same human desires and needs that we in the world have.

[8/10 · 28 July 2002]

I really liked this film because in entering the lives of the monks--refugees from Tibet--we find the qualities that all human beings share--desire, love, kindness,need, and more. We also learn from this simple story how in the complexity of our own Western lives we need to take time out to recognize the values that make us human--at our best.

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Charming story of a single father and three daugters.

[8/10 · 28 April 2002]

A Taiwanese master chef has raised his three daughters to adulthood, but as he says life is not like putting the ingredients together to make a perfect dish. The movie will make you hungry for Chinese food--beautifully portrayed and interesting cooking practices--from all the boiling pots and frying sizzles, you would think more cooks would be burned and scarred. The family story is charming and tender.

The Shop at Sly Corner (1947)

Oscar Homulka is superb in the role of the sly antique dealer.

[17 March 2002]

I expected this movie to be oldfashioned in acting style with an easy plot. Instead it surprised me with a fairly complex plot and some actions by the characters I did not foresee. Most important, I thought the acting style of Homulka was extremely "real," and he did not sound like he was speaking lines. Take yourself back to the 30s --which is what it looked like, even if it is 1947, and enjoy.

The Road Home (1999)

Recommend this movie--beautiful and touching.

[10/10 · 6 February 2002]

"My Mother and My Father" is a beautifully photographed movie that emanates the tao of landscape painting, as well as the touching story of the love of two people for each other and the dedication of a rural schoolteacher. Americans who seek action will find it slow, but if you are looking for an uplifting story of love--and I include the love of a son for his father and mother, because the son fulfills his mother's wish for properly recognizing his father's death--then this is the movie for you. Many aspects of Chinese culture and traditions are revealed, as well.