Tokyo Story is a masterpiece deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest films of all time. The minimalist cinematography and the introspective dialogue never falls into obscurity and pointlessness because they have in harmony with each other. The "tatami" shots or low angle shots invite the audience into Ozu's masterful interpretation of the real world. And the quietness and unhurried dialogues about famiy feel modern and always relevant. Then you realized it was filmed in 1953! While other films of that time are melodramatic, Tokyo Story lets drama unfolds naturally. I find myself coming back to the film whenever I feel melancholic.
Reviews
9 Reviews
In the Heights
(2021)
Great musical classic
13 June 2021
It's a well-made, well-acted musical about people in that particular neighborhood and their love for it. The multiple stories are easy to follow and secondary to the main character which is Washington Heights itself. It's about people wanting to move out of the Heights, wanting to do something about their lives, but their heart and soul belong to the Heights. And the stereotypes in no way insult the hispanic community. This is a feel-good film. I don't understand the negative reviews, like people have already hated it before seeing it. Maybe they don't like the director? Or they don't like musicals? Or they expect a dramatic plot because they are not used to a nonlinear narrative? There is nothing here to hate, but I guess haters have their reasons. In any case, I thought it was entertaining and it went by fast.
The Breakfast Club
(1985)
Sometimes unrealistic, but overall a satisfying teen flick
11 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I was a high school teen when I saw Breakfast Club. I was part of the "burn-out" crowd, so I was curious to see Judd Nelson AKA the criminal. In all honesty, he looked more like a wealthy freak from a Beverly Hills high school. His demeanor seemed genuine at times but he was largely too "Hollywood" to resonate with me. Adding to the disbelief was him scoring Claire after taunting and berating her throughout the film. Another character I found unconvincing was Brian Johnson the geek; he becomes mr. cool after smoking a joint for the first time? The movie was essentially about five young actors turning on their charm while they read their lines and improvised. But, that was not a bad thing after all. There was group chemistry and their unlikely friendship influenced teenagers for generations to come.
The movie was well acted and I can definitely see the teen appeal; the actors embodied this all-American persona that drew kids in. It put a spotlight on high school teens and their struggle with peer pressure and identity issues. The movie became a mainstream phenomenon, and every American kid wanted to act out their "celebrity status" afterward. The last time something like this happened was during the 1950s with Rebel Without a Cause and The Blob. It was time that people took notice of high school teens again. They are after all, our kids as well.
In real life, however, this breakfast club would never materialize - Judd Nelson would sit far away from everyone else; Ally Sheedy would be quiet throughout; Emilio Estevez would only talk to Molly Ringwald; and Anthony Michael Hall would be too shy to talk to anyone. There is a possibility of social interaction, but it's unlikely they would bare their soul and share their personal lives with one another.
But alas, that is the appeal of the movie - and why this movie has an enduring charm. Despite the fact that the Breakfast Club consisted of kids coming from different backgrounds, they were able to form a common bond, and found themselves through each other. It has a timeless message of tolerance and humanity, as told by The Breakfast Club.
The movie was well acted and I can definitely see the teen appeal; the actors embodied this all-American persona that drew kids in. It put a spotlight on high school teens and their struggle with peer pressure and identity issues. The movie became a mainstream phenomenon, and every American kid wanted to act out their "celebrity status" afterward. The last time something like this happened was during the 1950s with Rebel Without a Cause and The Blob. It was time that people took notice of high school teens again. They are after all, our kids as well.
In real life, however, this breakfast club would never materialize - Judd Nelson would sit far away from everyone else; Ally Sheedy would be quiet throughout; Emilio Estevez would only talk to Molly Ringwald; and Anthony Michael Hall would be too shy to talk to anyone. There is a possibility of social interaction, but it's unlikely they would bare their soul and share their personal lives with one another.
But alas, that is the appeal of the movie - and why this movie has an enduring charm. Despite the fact that the Breakfast Club consisted of kids coming from different backgrounds, they were able to form a common bond, and found themselves through each other. It has a timeless message of tolerance and humanity, as told by The Breakfast Club.
Death by China
(2012)
Terrible documentary
14 April 2015
This documentary is so one-sided that it is unbelievable. The discovery of toxic lead-covered toys and defective products did happen and they were called back. I am sure many American products were guilty of similar public outrage at some point or another, such as contaminated eggs, milk, and poorly designed cars that resulted in deaths to name a few.
It is also hard to see China as the sole perpetrator when American multinational corporations were also accused of pouring money into the Chinese government to persuade them to turn a blind eye on factory and environmental regulations.
I believe that corrupt Chinese officials and the American multinational corporations are equally responsible. Wealthy men in power are playing number games at our expense. It's all about power.
It is also hard to see China as the sole perpetrator when American multinational corporations were also accused of pouring money into the Chinese government to persuade them to turn a blind eye on factory and environmental regulations.
I believe that corrupt Chinese officials and the American multinational corporations are equally responsible. Wealthy men in power are playing number games at our expense. It's all about power.
The Sand Pebbles
(1966)
Great Movie - Steve McQueen's finest hour
2 June 2014
I love the music that is so reflective in this underrated sleeper, filmed on location in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Within this rarely told war epic lies a young love story that seems genuine. The acting is good all around, especially Steve McQueen as the lonely sailor who is torn between duty and conscience.
My only gripe is the way the sailors talk to the Chinese coolies. But I guess the director wanted to keep the atmosphere authentic because this was how people talked back then.
It is one of those movies that have an inner beauty, and it is perfectly captured by the romance between Steve McQueen and Candice Bergen.
My only gripe is the way the sailors talk to the Chinese coolies. But I guess the director wanted to keep the atmosphere authentic because this was how people talked back then.
It is one of those movies that have an inner beauty, and it is perfectly captured by the romance between Steve McQueen and Candice Bergen.
The Big Lebowski
(1998)
Almost perfect
28 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The Big Lebowski's beginning monologue was enough to make me want to sit down and forget about everything so I can watch the movie in its entirety. The dialogue, although filled with the F word, sounded genuine, coming from real people in real situations. The acting seemed so natural that it was on par with movies like the Godfather. I can watch the movie several times and see something new simply because of the acting. There is no one who can play the dude better than Jeff Bridges. The role was made for him.
The plot twists and ongoing zany adventures kept me smiling throughout the film. UNTIL THE END. SPOILER: Donny dies. What a bummer. I thought this ruined the movie. Otherwise it would have been perfect. If he died because he was shot, it would have been better. If there is one thing this movie should not have is a meaningless tragedy.
The plot twists and ongoing zany adventures kept me smiling throughout the film. UNTIL THE END. SPOILER: Donny dies. What a bummer. I thought this ruined the movie. Otherwise it would have been perfect. If he died because he was shot, it would have been better. If there is one thing this movie should not have is a meaningless tragedy.
The Pacific
(2010)
A brief review of a good series
27 April 2012
This is a great companion piece to The Band of Brothers. You can see every dollar up on the screen. It is an epic, beautifully realized, and the idea of seeing the saga through three people is highly enjoyable. After a while, you grow with the leading characters and you become a part of the experience.
The daily routines of the marines and their fighting in battle are intense and realistic. You could smell and feel the sweat, dirt, mud, rain, blood and poop in every jungle scene. And yet, there is a beauty here that makes the pacific feel like a summer vacation. In a way, the realism and intensity of the battle scenes surpass those from the Band of Brothers.
Joseph Mazello's portrayal of Eugene Sledge is very complex and he did a decent job portraying a conflicted individual. Mazello's Sledge slowly became a hateful, soldier who just can't seem to express his true feelings about the horror of war. He then filled himself with hatred, signifying his logical point of view that war is ugly and will turn anyone into an animal. He became an angry killer, only to be humbled by a dying woman's plea for mercy. It was then than Sledge regained his humanity. And Mazello did a wonderful job bringing this to the screen. Sledge in real life went to China after the war and stationed in Beijing where he befriended many people there. He wrote a book about his war experience, including his time in China.
Anyway, great work for the other two actors, James Badge Dale as Robert Leckie and Jon Seda as war legend John Basilone. They both did a great job.
I hope that Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg will create more war series in the future. I would love to see the Vietnam War and Civil War recreated!
This series is highly recommended.
The daily routines of the marines and their fighting in battle are intense and realistic. You could smell and feel the sweat, dirt, mud, rain, blood and poop in every jungle scene. And yet, there is a beauty here that makes the pacific feel like a summer vacation. In a way, the realism and intensity of the battle scenes surpass those from the Band of Brothers.
Joseph Mazello's portrayal of Eugene Sledge is very complex and he did a decent job portraying a conflicted individual. Mazello's Sledge slowly became a hateful, soldier who just can't seem to express his true feelings about the horror of war. He then filled himself with hatred, signifying his logical point of view that war is ugly and will turn anyone into an animal. He became an angry killer, only to be humbled by a dying woman's plea for mercy. It was then than Sledge regained his humanity. And Mazello did a wonderful job bringing this to the screen. Sledge in real life went to China after the war and stationed in Beijing where he befriended many people there. He wrote a book about his war experience, including his time in China.
Anyway, great work for the other two actors, James Badge Dale as Robert Leckie and Jon Seda as war legend John Basilone. They both did a great job.
I hope that Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg will create more war series in the future. I would love to see the Vietnam War and Civil War recreated!
This series is highly recommended.
Red Cliff
(2008)
Some problems with the movie
8 September 2011
Part 2 is much better, however they both suffer the same problem: the trumpet music. For an historical epic as Red Cliff, the movie makers should have installed some authentic music along with a string orchestra. I think the trumpet doesn't match the period and this is where the movie enters unintentional melodrama that is best avoided at all cost. I am very surprised that no one questioned John Woo's musical selection.
Some fighting sequences are over the top and blood splattering out of body armors are obviously fake so it looks ridiculous.
The acting is unsteady and there seems to be a lot of eye darting to and fro from person to person. I guess it is the camaraderie between warriors that we the audience cannot understand?
Wait for Part 2 and you will be rewarded with great dialog and action. This Part 1 is good, but as mentioned before, contains flaws that brought the movie down from classic to high quality camp.
Some fighting sequences are over the top and blood splattering out of body armors are obviously fake so it looks ridiculous.
The acting is unsteady and there seems to be a lot of eye darting to and fro from person to person. I guess it is the camaraderie between warriors that we the audience cannot understand?
Wait for Part 2 and you will be rewarded with great dialog and action. This Part 1 is good, but as mentioned before, contains flaws that brought the movie down from classic to high quality camp.
The Searchers
(1956)
No one understands this movie
13 July 2004
Warning: Spoilers
The Searchers is perhaps John Ford's greatest film. The character studies are rich and complex and never too revealing, adding mystery and depth. The location in Utah's Monument Valley is magnificent. The Technicolor is simply stunning. And of course, the story set a standard for all action movies to come. The plot is simple and engaging and the subplot allows us to take a break from the relentless search. John Wayne's portrayal of Ethan Edwards is memorable. The dark, anti-hero persona gives the movie an edge not seen in those days. Jeffrey Hunter (Martin Pauly) and the rest of the cast give solid performances that are very natural and spirited. All of this is credited to the brilliant directing of John Ford. It is a great movie to watch. It is a great outdoor movie that should be seen on a big screen.
People say that this movie is very racist and stereotype Indians. I disagree. I think this movie is about racism, period. Both races are ruthless and barbaric in this movie. Let's take a look:
1. The calvary massacres an Indian village.
2. Ethan's hatred of Indians consumes him. But his hatred has a reason. And he is not naturally racist.
3. Ethan is a loner, hated and feared by his own people.
4. When Ethan and Marty are hiding out in the canyons, they shoot the Indians in the back as they retreat. Not very noble, is it?
5. Ethan shoots three white men in the back during a shootout. I guess Ethan can do it to his own people as well!
6. When Ethan sees a group of tortured white women who were rescued from the hands of "savage" Indians, he fears for the worst. But when Lucy is found, she looks well and cared for. Ethan, upset with this unexpected result, decides to kill Lucy because she has turned 'injun.'
7. Marty accidentally marries an Indian woman. Although ridiculed by Ethan, the Indian woman is portrayed favorably throughout the film.
8. Marty and a friend fight for Laurie's love (Marty's fiancée). It is a civilized fight among gentlemen. Ethan and Marty meet with Scar, the Indian chief who abducted Lucy. Scar realizes who they are but does not kill them on the spot. Why? It is a Commanche code of honor not to kill someone when he is at a disadvantage.
9. Both races are good and evil in this movie. Ethan and Scar are both driven by revenge. One dies in the end, the other continues to live a life of a loner, dead in the eye of society.
There are many reasons why I love The Searchers. It is a very simple story, yet says a lot. It is very entertaining and never boring. Unless you are a meat-head who cannot handle anything except mindless action sequences, this is the movie that stands the test of time, up there with Citizen Kane, Vertigo and The Godfather.
Enjoy! Watch it on the big screen if possible. The special edition 2-Disc DVD set from Warner Brothers is an absolute must. If you are a fan, you will not believe your eyes when you see the new transfer. The film has been restored to its original VistaVision widescreen, color by Technicolor!
On a final note, the last scene is pure poetry. Truly one of the greatest moment in film's history. John Ford really struck gold with this one.
People say that this movie is very racist and stereotype Indians. I disagree. I think this movie is about racism, period. Both races are ruthless and barbaric in this movie. Let's take a look:
1. The calvary massacres an Indian village.
2. Ethan's hatred of Indians consumes him. But his hatred has a reason. And he is not naturally racist.
3. Ethan is a loner, hated and feared by his own people.
4. When Ethan and Marty are hiding out in the canyons, they shoot the Indians in the back as they retreat. Not very noble, is it?
5. Ethan shoots three white men in the back during a shootout. I guess Ethan can do it to his own people as well!
6. When Ethan sees a group of tortured white women who were rescued from the hands of "savage" Indians, he fears for the worst. But when Lucy is found, she looks well and cared for. Ethan, upset with this unexpected result, decides to kill Lucy because she has turned 'injun.'
7. Marty accidentally marries an Indian woman. Although ridiculed by Ethan, the Indian woman is portrayed favorably throughout the film.
8. Marty and a friend fight for Laurie's love (Marty's fiancée). It is a civilized fight among gentlemen. Ethan and Marty meet with Scar, the Indian chief who abducted Lucy. Scar realizes who they are but does not kill them on the spot. Why? It is a Commanche code of honor not to kill someone when he is at a disadvantage.
9. Both races are good and evil in this movie. Ethan and Scar are both driven by revenge. One dies in the end, the other continues to live a life of a loner, dead in the eye of society.
There are many reasons why I love The Searchers. It is a very simple story, yet says a lot. It is very entertaining and never boring. Unless you are a meat-head who cannot handle anything except mindless action sequences, this is the movie that stands the test of time, up there with Citizen Kane, Vertigo and The Godfather.
Enjoy! Watch it on the big screen if possible. The special edition 2-Disc DVD set from Warner Brothers is an absolute must. If you are a fan, you will not believe your eyes when you see the new transfer. The film has been restored to its original VistaVision widescreen, color by Technicolor!
On a final note, the last scene is pure poetry. Truly one of the greatest moment in film's history. John Ford really struck gold with this one.
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