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Dr_Dmitri-Yuriev
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Munich (2005)
Incredible film with a beautiful message
The film starts off at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. A group of Arab terrorists capture and later murder 11 Israeli athletes. The Israeli community is outraged with the murders and they set out to investigate who planned the massacre, in order to send assassins to settle the score. Eric Bana (who plays Avner) is chosen as the lead assassin and the film takes us on a thrilling, violent and heartbreaking ride watching how Bana and his team accomplish their morbid task and the dangers they go through in order to finish it.
After the film ended, I thought about the reviews that complained it was too cold and detached for their taste. I Don't know why some critics felt nothing because I did care for Eric Bana and his family. At first it's hard to like him for what he's doing, but after we see his remorse, guilt and paranoia(nightmares, trouble sleeping, fear of being murdered) start to kick in as why he's doing what he's doing and if his actions will accomplish anything, I began to care for him. The film also offers great suspense and the haunting score adds depth to it. We know Avner (Bana) is an assassin, he has to kill people and the film builds an unnerving suspense around this; anything can go wrong with the operations and we fear for the life of innocent people such as the target's family or innocent bystanders who have nothing to do with the events in Munich.
Another complain I've seen from a few people is that the film had no point. My guess is they weren't paying attention since Avner (bana) had two discussions with other characters, which clearly show what the film is ultimately about; the discussion with Ephraim (Geoffrey Rush) at the end of the film and the discussion with Ali (Omar Metwally) outside the safe-house. I thought the film was made to show how pointless and absurd revenge can be, that violence cannot bring about peace. Group A kills people from Group B and vice versa, but it doesn't stop there, the slain people are replaced the endless cycle of killing continues. This in effect made the film thought-provoking, it makes you think about subjects you wouldn't normally think of or discuss with other people. Thinking about it fills you with sadness since the events in it are in reality still happening and it's sad to see how the two groups (Jews AND Arabs) don't realize that death and violence will continue if they don't learn to listen and forgive others and let the authorities decide what punishment people should get.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Almost good
The film is about a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom that hides in a French Opera house and loves to terrorize the group of singers and performers that perform there every night. The Phantom is eccentric and crazy but he is a talented musician that ends up tutoring a young soprano chorus girl, who he falls in love with over time. The love however drives the Phantom into further madness and despair when he realizes his love's heart belongs to someone else.
One of the great things the film has to offer is the beautiful and eye-catching visuals, which are truly amazing. Although, the lavish scenery might be too stunning for it's own good since it can become quite distracting. While, you're admiring the elaborate costumes, set-design and cinematography you might miss some important aspects of the film and story. Other things to admire are the exceptional performances especially from Emmy Rossum (plays Christine) the revelation of the year and Gerard Butler (plays Phantom). Emmy exudes such beauty and innocence; that you can't resist liking her. I was also surprised by her astonishing vocals, she actually sings better than many of today's musicians. Gerard Butler's voice was also a surprise since I heard so many people say his atrocious singing had ruined the film. Now his voice wasn't spectacular, but it worked, it was rough, powerful and passionate. You can tell he tried his best since he put a lot of emotion into his singing; he was able to convince us of his great love and obsession for Christine and might I add that he looked great as the Phantom, I really can't imagine anyone else for the role after viewing the film. Also, the last 50 minutes of the film were quite good since it became fast paced, entertaining and more action filled. The final piece of the film I enjoyed were three songs in particular. I really liked "The Phantom of the Opera" especially it's haunting melody and I also enjoyed the sweet and sorrowful, "Think of Me" and "Angel of Music".
Unfortunately, I hated quite a few things about the film. I wasn't particularly fond of most of the music and songs. It was missing catchy and fun music like "Moulin Rouge!" and the entertaining upbeat songs from "Chicago". I also thought the lack of spoken dialogue throughout the film dragged it and it became annoying at some points listening to song after song without any breaks for long periods of time. I would have liked a nice balance of singing and spoken dialogue much like "West Side Story", "Chicago" and "Moulin Rouge!" managed to work with. The last thing I despised was Minnie Driver's (plays Carlotta) performance. It was extremely annoying and I understand her character is supposed to be annoying, but I felt like she went overboard. Seriously, every time she opened her mouth I wanted someone to slap her. But it doesn't stop there she also had an atrocious strong accent, which at times made it difficult to understand what she was saying, and don't even get me started on her vocal performance. Minnie singing voice was dubbed, but the person who provided her vocals was excruciating to listen to. I didn't think it was good, but it wasn't a bad film either. I could see myself watching it again if I had nothing better to do or watch on TV.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Epic Masterpiece
Though the film needs no introduction or summary, since I'm sure the grand majority of the western world knows who Jesus was and his teachings of loving everyone, I'll still give a brief account of Christianity's most beloved man. Jesus was known for claiming to be the Son of God and performing miracles such as bringing people back from the dead, healing the sick and walking on water. However, this film is not about any of that, it's about Jesus' passion, his suffering and death. Christians believe Jesus died for all our sins and director Mel Gibson does an amazing job of portraying how Jesus suffered. At the start of the film we see Judas (one of Jesus' 12 disciples) telling head Jewish priests where to find Jesus for money. The Jewish priests send their guards to apprehend Jesus in order to bring him to trail. The Jewish Priests are appalled with Jesus' claim of being God's son and take him to the Romans who at first try to convince people he (Jesus) has done nothing wrong and that he should not be punished, but fearing a massive riot from the Jewish mob they decide to have Jesus crucified. So, the rest of the film shows us how Jesus was tortured and beaten before his crucifixion.
The film in my honest opinion is a masterpiece in every way. The cinematography, customs, sets and music were all extraordinary; the great technical aspects engaged, enamored and pulled us into the time period, giving us the sense that what we were viewing was truly filmed in the first century. The moving dramatic score provided the story and scenes dramatic intensity. The make-up is top notch, the gore looked impressive and real; the flesh being split open looks painfully real; its clear the film is not for the faint of heart its one of the most violent films ever made. Some people believe such intense violence was not necessary, but I believe it adds to the realism, we're so used to seeing and hearing watered down versions of Jesus' suffering and now for once we see the great pain he went through. The performances were also moving especially Maia Morgenstern's who played Mary, Jesus mother. We see her distress and agony watching her only son being beaten with cruelty and hate. I have to admit the film actually brought me to tears seeing how cruel we humans can be with one another. Mel Gibson (director) also included a sexless Satan in the film who lurked in the background in many scenes, the presence of this evil being brought creepiness and atmosphere to the film. I thought the film is a great piece of film-making and though people may think I'm biased since I'm Catholic, I don't think anyone can deny the power the film will have on everyone; showing us of what evil we humans are capable of doing and the suffering we can bring with it.
Out of Sight (1998)
Incredibly fun to watch
The film starts off with Jack Foley (played by George Clooney), who as were told is a legend having held up over 200 banks. Jack is imprisoned in a hilarious and embarrassing manner; his get away car doesn't start and the cops catch him. Months later Jack manages to escape with the help of his partner in crime Buddy (Played by Ving Rhames). However, during the escape Jack and his buddy are surprised by a beautiful young Federal Marshall named Karen Sisco (played by Jennifer Lopez). Both cons capture her and hide her in the trunk of the car with Jack inside. There Karen and Jack have an interesting conversation which leaves both with a strong attraction towards each other. Hence the dilemma of the film, Karen is a cop she's supposed to return him to prison, but the new found appeal she has for him leaves her confused. Jack is in the same predicament he likes Karen and wants to get to know her more, but how can he if she's a cop? The film sets off on a cat and mouse game where Karen desperately searches for Jack and her doubts of what to do when she finally finds him. Between the chases we're introduced to a vast array of colorful characters. Among these characters is the notable psychopath "Snoopy" (played by Don Cheadle) he's quite deadly you wouldn't want to mess with him, and the blabbermouth stoner Glenn Michaels (played by Steve Zahn) who offers comic relief to the story as we watch his foolish antics.
I thought the film was going to be all action and shootings, but it actually turned out to be more of a character study packed with a witty and enticing script. I never thought it would be this much fun to watch people having conversations. The best part of the film though was the magnetic chemistry and performances by the two leads Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney. You can't help but smile at their charming and smooth dialogue. The way they look at each other and how they talk to each other. They do a magnificent job of showing us how much they lust for one another. Jennifer Lopez is sexy and relaxed in her performance she doesn't over act and she delivers her lines naturally and convincingly, we can see she was born to play this role. George Clooney is also great his performance is oozing with charm and presence. Even though he's a criminal we can't help but like him and cheer for him; his charisma manages to win us over.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Nice little film
"Lost in Translation" a film about two strangers who meet and form an unlikely bound and friendship; the film stars are played by comic genius Bill Murray (Bob Harris) and the charismatic rising young actress Scarlett Johansson (Charlotte). Bob is a washed up actor who was once a famed celebrity, but now he's stuck doing commercials in various places, for the film he's sent to Japan (he seems to be famous there). Bob is pretty much bored the moment he arrives in Tokyo, he has nothing in common with anyone, thus doesn't talk much. He does however have several humorous encounters with citizens, which never end well thanks to the language barrier. Charlotte on the other hand, is a recently married young woman who's accompanying her photographer husband on a work related trip, which happens to be Tokyo, Japan. She like Bob is also bored in this new foreign environment and she spends most of her time moping around the hotel bedroom. All this changes though with the eventual meet between Bob and Charlotte where they click right away. Despite the age gap they seem to get along and understand each other. They are both American after all. Thus, both Charlotte and Bob spend the rest of the film exploring the city visiting strip clubs, dance clubs and bars. Their excursions have a positive effect on them since they learn to appreciate the Japanese city life and for moments they forget about all their problems.
The film takes time getting used too and a second viewing is beneficial as well; the first time I saw it I was a bit bored, since I was expecting a hilarious romp like so many critics promised. The film has some humorous moments with the language and culture gap between the American leads and the Japanese extras, but it's really more of a nice drama that explores human loneliness and boredom. The two leads are miserable and lonely characters whose desperation and misery brings them together. They have long conversations about their life and try to figure out who they really are and the meaning of everything in their lives. It sounds boring, but the film offers things of interest such as the cinematography and the leads subtle performances and chemistry. The cinematography was quite amazing and it in no way made the film seem low budget, which it was with a production budget of 4 million (looks more expensive). The performances were also great. As I already mentioned they were subtle, so they felt real and natural. While watching Bill and Scarlett on screen they made you forget you were observing actors perform they truly became their characters, they felt human, real. I felt like I was viewing a documentary about two people's long friendship. Bill and Scarlett's characters might have just met, but their on screen chemistry really makes you believe they've been friends for a very long time. With the performances realism I ended up caring for them, I felt sympathy for them. I also loved the last good bye between Bob and Charlotte, it was moving and heartbreaking, I empathized with them watching their sad facial expressions and the quiet love they shared which never went beyond a kiss on a cheek.
All in all, I'd say the film is not for everyone, it may be too quiet and subtle for a few people, but I'd suggest a second viewing since the film grows on you thanks to the performances, gorgeous cinematography, upbeat and entertaining soundtrack which set the mood and added a bit of life to the quiet scenes and the leads enchanting chemistry.