miovan Reviews

Autumn Sonata (1978)

An uncompromising masterpiece

[10/10 · 1 July 2008]

Ingmar Bergman claimed, in the DVD-introduction, that Ingrid Bergman told him that she wanted to make a film with him. The result was, and still is, a cinematographic masterpiece that compromises neither with style or emotion to get the message out. Ingrid Bergman is simply astonishing in the role as the world famous singer that after years of neglecting her children returns to find her oldest daughter full of hatred towards her. A hatred she doesn't understand, somewhere inside being a child needing attention herself. The tension between mother and daughter is building up, at first it is jolly but soon we see cracks in the surface of both Ingrid Bergman's glamorous Charlotte and Liv Ullman's quiet and suppressed Eva.

"Höstsonaten" is beautiful, but it takes its toll on the viewer. If you aren't prepared for it, it can be an emotional roller coaster ride that leaves you chocked when its over. The beauty and the ugliness of the human soul, ripped apart by anger, disease and sadness, is clear in this work of art.

Equilibrium (2002)

Worth watching - but not original

[8/10 · 18 June 2008]

This is a good movie. Its well made and the acting is high quality. Its problem lies in its unoriginality. It is quite predictable and has big similarities with, but do not reach the same standard as, 1984 and Fahrenheit 457. Well be it, they are books, but as I said, it is in the story itself that the problem occurs.

"Equilibrium" wants to be something big, a tale of the spirit of humanity in a cold and dark post-apocalyptic future. But it just doesn't reach that level. If you have seen the more prominent films in the genre, like The Matrix, or is a general fan of these kinds of movies, you realize that this film doesn't surprise you enough to become a real classic. That said, it is high quality and would have been a favorite of mine - if I hadn't felt like I've seen it before.

Pleasantville (1998)

A wonderful film with more depth then you see at first

[10/10 · 17 November 2006]

At first, the plot seems quite obvious and not a whole lot challenge you. But as the film progresses, you realize there is more to this film then the complications of traveling from the 90's to the classical 50's. I loved this film and was stunned by the depth it showed. It was surprising, but I can understand that some might not see this. This is also a good feature with "Pleasantville". It works very good (Specially with the acting of the wonderful Reese Witherspoon) in one level, but it can take you up another level as well, if you choose to be receptive to this.

It is definitely worth seeing, since it all blends together perfectly. Acting, sound, picture and context makes for an experience. Joan Allen portrays Betty Parkers silent questioning and discovering in such a heartbreaking way. She and Reese Witherspoon (Who plays Jennifer) almost makes the whole movie worth watching just because of their incredible acting.