lord_KRISHNA Reviews

Titus (1999)

Interesting film

[7/10 · 3 June 2003]

I catched this on TV and I didn't see it on its entirety. I did not read the original play and can not comment on the movie's integrity to the original. For both reasons my judging of this movie can only be clouded.

Having said this little disclaimer, I believe the negative comments seen on this page had lots to do with not realizing that this film is deliberately anachronistic, in a kind of "roma aeterna" alternate history setting. It is deliberately shocking with its use of modern imagery, which is visually reminiscent of such movies as Mad Max, in order to suggest a dystopia where everything acquires a sense of tragedy and not a lot of hope is to be expected.

Anthony Hopkin's performance was excellent, especially on the dinner offered to Tamora and the Emperor. Soundtrack was fittingly powerful.

The movie has some drawbacks namely some very boring scenes ( like the last scene ) and also the use of Shakespearean language which seems unfit in a modern setting. This is a problem facing similar movies such as Romeo and Juliet : the dialogue has absolutely nothing to do with the setting. I would think you either make a movie according to the original play and with the intended settings or you fully adapt it into modern times, by updating the dialogues and expressions but keeping the storyline. Shakespeare's plays, like those of all great world masters, are intemporal stories involving the same emotions modern people have. Why not then update it into a contemporary time ?

This sort of uneasy mix is too arty and pretentious.

Spirited Away (2001)

One of the best movies I ever saw

[10/10 · 17 March 2003]

This movie took my breath away. Everything, from humour, storyline, to the characters and backgrounds, was absolutely perfect, with the possible exception of the soundtrack.

Chihiro meets the most fantastical creatures and gods in her quest to reclaim her parents transformed into pigs for eating the food meant for the gods. At the same time, her love story with Haku is charming in its progression; the little fur balls down in the boiler were very cute as well. The movie is, I'm sure, very enjoyable to any children, it took me right back to being a kid watching The Lion King again. yet, for an adult, the movie can also be perceived and enjoyed in many different planes. I can't make any more comemnts on this movie, and as with all masterpieces, you'll have to see it for yourself.

Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)

Intriguing film

[7/10 · 21 February 2003]

Let's not be fooled here. This movie is not really worthy of the praise made in this site by other users and some critics, but I can't say it is a bad movie either.

The movie is strenuous and the three hours can be felt very much. The digital camera produces mixed results in what comes to cinematography with some really bad shots and other really quite surprisingly beautiful ones.

The story is a bit complicated for us to understand, being spoken in a very unintelligible language and with the names of the characters appearing so weird to western eyes. But I wouldn't advocate the movie being spoken in any other way because it would destroy its charm, and it is a handicap that the audience simply will have to understand and forgive.

I imagine this movie being really great when you're in a weird mood and ready to embrace its other-worldness, but is you're not then you're just gonna get a really boring film.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

A great movie with a good rythm

[9/10 · 17 February 2003]

This is a movie that made me really leave the theater in a good mood. The characters are very well drawn, particularly Frank, which is very suited for Leonardo, with all his versatile talent. There are some moments in the movie that really funny and the rythm of the movie makes the two hours pass in a no-time. The music is quite good as well.

All in all, the movie depicts how two persons apparently playing cat and mouse with each other can end up as the biggest of allies and also how a frightened kid can do the most outstanding things just to get by, live his fantasies, and try to bring his parents back together in the meantime.

A great movie.

Die Another Day (2002)

Best Pierce Brosnan 007 movie

[8/10 · 17 January 2003]

Babes...gadgets...impossible villains...stupid jokes....all the elements of a great Bond movie were right here, and I believe this to be the best of the Pierce Brosnan 007 movies.

The plots takes us halfway across the world from North Korea (very aptly since its inclusion in the real world's Bush's "Axis of Evil")to Cuba, London, and Iceland, home of a spectacularly impossible ice palace.

Best scenes: the whole depiction of Bond as a North Korean prisoner and the first part of the battle between the two gadget cars in the icelandic glacier.

Changing Lanes (2002)

A weak movie

[5/10 · 16 January 2003]

Going out to see this movie was only worth thanks to the company I went with...the movie itself had very little substance; I almost slept at some of the parts.

One great actor and one reasonable but certainly charismatic actor both had their talents going to waste on this one. The elements were there for a great movie, but the way it was treated ended up creating just another dumb battle of dubious moralities. Everyone treats the other very bad and very stubburnly, but in the end both get pseudo-philosophical and just forget everything.... I found the story hard to believe.

What saved the movie was mainly due to the cinematography, which I quite enjoyed.

Bulworth (1998)

A good mix of comedy and current issues

[9/10 · 16 January 2003]

I've seen this movie yesterday on TV and I found it quite enjoyable. I had expected a dumb movie about American politics but was very pleaseantly surprised.

The plot was shady at times (why couldn't Bulworth sleep for three days ? What truly powerful reason would make a man arrange for his own assassination ?) but I found it quite beautiful. The enduring problems and lack of solutions of the black men in America, the picture of a society too centered on money and keeping up appearances, the unsustainable situation of a health care and ensurance system where only the fortunate majority can be expected to have any rights.

I especially enjoyed the part where Bulworth shouts out, in the midst of his rapping, "Socialism !", to an audience of big finance contributors; as well as the easy-goingness that a matter as sensible as a U.S. senator smoking some pot, or an accessor getting addicted in sniffing coke, is portrayed.

Bulworth's plan of continuous interracial f*****g, until all colour lines are blurred out, also seems a very reasonable plan for the elimination of social inequities...

You go Bulworth !

One Hour Photo (2002)

Suberb interpretation by Robin Williams, but...

[8/10 · 5 December 2002]

But really the movie doesn't do very well in the genre it pretends to be good at, which is a sort of psychological thriller. Giving away the ending in the beginning can never be a good idea for this kind of movie.

On the other hand almost everything is quite good, starting by the Robin Williams part which I think is very deservedly oscar material. Photography and other techinal parts, like the soundtrack, or set design is also very good and very clear.

The Yorkin house is very beautiful and so is Nina. I wouldn't mind getting a little psychopath over any of them as well...

In the end, this is not, as I said, a good suspense movie, but rather a reasonable mix of other genres. I laughed a little at certain sections of the movie and the way the movie develops makes you swing from hating Sy to sort of love him for his determination in righting the wrongs of this society.

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Great flair and brightness, but not a very good idea.

[6/10 · 23 September 2002]

Yes, I must admit this movie is extraordinarily fast-paced, bright, and attractive. Cinematography and sound track all great a great visual experimente, as in Moulin Rouge.

However, the idea of the movie seems weird and a bit outlandish. One thing, you stay absolutely true to the Shakespearan original plot, cenarios, etc. (but obviously it wouldn't appeal to the public it set out to appeal) or you do a modern adaptation and bring the story to a modern context.

The idea of reading 16th century baroque dialogues while shootings go on and fast cars roam just seems extremely strange and intriguing. It just feels like an unfortunate mix Shakespeare's undisputed prestige and action movie's undeniable attraction that doesn't really work that well.

The two things are simply very different. It's like olive oil and water: they just don't mix no matter what you do or how hard you shake them.

Still, worth a good look.

Fight Club (1999)

Violently blunt about life

[10/10 · 22 September 2002]

This movie exposes with an intricate setting the conditionalism people are willing to go in order to have a "safe", controlled and expectable life.

Yet, when a release is offered in the form of an unofficial fight club, thousands of people fed up with their dull, meaningless, and regular, average lifes, there is no hesitation in moving to a more carefree if yet violent life.

It is an excellent film.

Apt Pupil (1998)

A chilling movie

[8/10 · 17 September 2002]

I'm not an adept of the thriller ar horror genre (yes, I get nightmares at night....:) ), but I thought this movie was worth watching as it promised a good character study, as stated by another reviewer.

Sure enough, it did provide. It depicts with brutal clarity the prevertions that can be hidden for years under a blanket of normal suburban banality by an old german nazi officer; and those that can arise in a smart kid fascinated with the history of the period.

As the movie progresses, a hate-love relationship develops between the two. They are fascinated by the life and tales of each other but are also compelled to continuously ascertain some kind of power over the other. Each one being threatened and threatening the other with some kind of unspeakable secret.

The movie gave me chills (but perhaps I'm too sensitive to this genre; more hardened fans will surely think this is very soft), helped by the music (like those Wagner operas on a grammophone) and the cinematography. The plot is a little bit cliched, but it does entertain in an intelligent manner.

Overall, I think it's definitively worth a good look.

American Beauty (1999)

A modern classic

[10/10 · 15 September 2002]

I'm glad to a see a luso-descendant made such a great movie, which I probably rate highest of those films I had the time to watch in the big screen.

The movie is an interesting and profound look into the banalities of suburban life (or life as a whole); middle-class living in a american suburbs (in european suburbs generally lower classes live); a topic that is fast becoming a modern cliché, but is wisely exploited in this movie, with a good plot and an ironic sense of humor.

Technically, both the cinematography and the soundtrack are very big pluses.

A must not miss.

Deterrence (1999)

Most Improbable Plot Ever

[4/10 · 15 September 2002]

WARNING: SOME SPOILERS; AND SOME POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON THIS REVIEW.

This movie must be one of the dumbest ever seen. The situation should seem quite promising for a juicy development, but the writers pushed it so unlikely it is frightening. One must wonder if this is actually sponsored by the US Government (we all know how dumb they can be) and is supposed to function as some kind of brain-washing movie about the necessity for the arrogant behaviours the US takes in its foreign policy and their need to be cop of the world.

But no, I suppose this is just a regular movie, and its stupidity can not be explained by governmental ties (I guess they've learned from propaganda in nazi and soviet times to use more subtle means).

Not even the US Government would behave like its is depicted in this movie. Nuclear weapons are no kid's play, which is precisely how it is regarded here.

The ending is at the very least, offensive to every self respecting freedom-loving man anywhere. Everyone looks only half shocked when they learn their US bomb crushes one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world, Baghdad, but are relieved to find their own american asses are saved because they tricked Iraq. Hey, don't bother about those millions of iraqi civilans, we can conti

Am i the only one thinking that all nuclear weapons should be destroyed, be they Iraqi (run by a madman), American (run by a village idiot, that's not that much better), or anywhere else's ? Or is this too "peaceful and idealistic" ? Or perhaps too "european" for american minds to digest? (referring to the current Iraqi situation now)....

Indeed, it would be hoped that fifty years after we managed to put a man in the Moon, humanity would have evolved enough to understand the horror and futility in any war, be it nuclear or conventional. I am saddened to see Stanley Kubrik's vision in "2001" is millions of light years from becoming true, and it's already 2002 as I speak.

In any case, the movie does provide its entertainment. It is worth a watch, but a not too enthusiastic one, at the risk of getting brain-washed. Watch like you'd watch a B series ( I agree with the other user) or a Bollywood film.

She's All That (1999)

Best teen movie

[3/10 · 12 September 2002]

Out of the crazed teen-movie-mania of the late 90s this one is the only one deserving anything more than a 1 or a 2.

Yes, this ugly-duckling plagiate is as unimaginative as all the other top teen movies, but, this one isn't just about getting oral sex (such as the terrible-most movie of all time, Scary Movie, which I had the displeasure to watch in a cinema) and vaguely attempts to throw some supposed sophistication into itself, such as the experimental play.

For the serious film fan, this is the only teener worth seeing, just so you can say you are familiar with the genre (hey, keep an open mind !).

As for the people who like the other films like Scary Movie, rent a porn tape or consult with your local hooker, and I'm sure you'll derive more enjoyment out of that. No need to add a non-storyline just to say it isn't porn.

Awakenings (1990)

Nice film, it avoids the cheesyness of some in the genre

[7/10 · 12 September 2002]

This is a movie about a chronic disease and a doctor's determination in improving the conditions of his patints, and how it eventually accounted for little.

Despite exploring a topic I dislike in other movies, that of exploring the "cuteness" or "cry-factor" of bad situations or diesases, such as Simon Birch, A Beautiful Mind, etc. this one avoids a certain feeling of cheesy underlying morality, except for perhaps the last part.

Responsible for this are convincing interpretations by Williams and de Niro (even though he is clearly overacting) and the storyline based in a real case.

It is a nice portrayal of one of life's miracles, how it inexplicably appears out of the blue, and out it equally inexplicably crawls right back. Worth a good look.

Our Lady of the Assassins (2000)

A good but slightly unaccomplished film

[7/10 · 11 September 2002]

This has been one of the rare films I got to watch in the big screen. It conveys all the power and emotion of latin american cinematography and deals with complicated yet simple issues like the existence of God and the need to endure hardships or the inevitable tendency for things to fall into chaos and wether or not is it worthwhile.

The movie is very bitter at points, while at others seems to be stepping out of normality. Throughout the whole thing it is quite weird.

There are some technical problems which make it look somewhat amateurish, at least in my opinion. I also don't think the actors can quite squeeze all the drama out of their characters.

People who don't enjoy gay films should be advised there's some action in that department.

Otherwise, it does raise excellent points and should definetively be seen.

And Your Mother Too (2001)

Latin American Cinematography in its full might

[9/10 · 11 September 2002]

This movie is truly unique. Though it may be mistaken for a summer teen movie, because it features teens having sex and taking drugs, the truth is that it is quite an amazing reflection in the troubles of growing up, especially those connected to sexuality or relationships, as well as providing a closer look at the disparities of contemporary mexican society.

The movie has a very enjoyable "road movie" feel, and can be erotic, adventurous, dramatic and funny in all the right places.

A movie not to be missed.

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

The best television show yet

[11 September 2002]

This series is absolutely brilliant, at times being funny, at times being dramatic, just like life is, it manages to give a clear and unbiased view of all the good and bad aspects of growing up and of life in high schools.

It's set in the late seventies-early eighties, and is filled with all the music, design, fashion, etc of the period, but manages to evoke an era in a "cool" way, without sadness for times long gone or paternalistic judgements.

This is with little doubt the best television series I've seen yet. NBC executives must have been crazy in dropping the series just as it was getting interesting (the last episode is quite phenomenal with Lindsay finally coming out as the agitateur she really is, facing the president)

The Fifth Element (1997)

Beautifully made

[8/10 · 11 September 2002]

I personally think this movie is one the great films of the last decade. It is the template by which "futuristic" films (not really sci-fi) should guide themselves; it is a good exercise in extrapolating the current situation and imagining a future out of it, full of nice little details such as the MacDonald's in the sky.

It is beautifully shot, and showcases the absolute mastery of the visual effects department (let's not forget this is one of most important aspects for such kind of picture), and other details like Donizetti's music during the extravagant opera scene and the costumes designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier add to a very unique and appealing image.

The storyline, though nothing great, is quite accomplished nevertheless.

Finally, let's not forget the lovely Milla Jovovich is present, and for her I'm sure even the most hardened of critics will change his mind....

Simon Birch (1998)

Stupid Film; another case of overacting

[2/10 · 10 September 2002]

American movies in past recent are filled with overacting, they're all about people who by some twist of fate are born with some disability and then by the stroke of luck or by some special talent turn their lifes arounds and become great heroes... examples: Forrest Gump, A Beautiful Mind, etc., for which suiting actors are chosen to perform suitingly overacted defficiencies. Like in the times of silent films where speech was not available to convey the adequate emotion.

These movies, though uplifting and with fitting all-american morales, and some also good on a technical and entertainment level, often fall in the "corny" fringes when attempting to call them art. Art mirrors life, and in real life such cases are saddly the exception and not the rule.

Bottom line being that it is a good film for purely entertainment reasons, but I'd hesitate to call them art, and they shouldn't get as high as a rating as they've had.