yulenko Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Meeting most expectations

[10/10 · 26 January 2005]

I've always loved this musical (as all Webber's works)! I've never seen it on stage. I've never read the book of Leroux. I've followed lyrics line by line. All that is pre-history. When "Phantom" was released, I got soooo excited! "That's a chance to see and listen to it all!" then... "What if it's another poor attempt of Hollywood..?" I felt some inner uncertainty, being ready for something different, but not "The Phantom" I adore. Though the name of Andrew Lloyd Webber gave certain guarantees. AND IT HAPPENED! For more than two hours I felt absorbed by music and vocal. Amasing, but even subconscious comparing with Sarah Brightman's singing couldn't break the pleasure from the heard. Casting is just wonderful! Like anything else in this movie. It's a great opportunity, granted to those, who appreciate Webber's works, but have no possibility to watch musicals on stage.

Burnt by the Sun (1994)

Post-watching thinking

[10/10 · 27 September 2004]

Soviet times... Stalinizm... unlimited tyranny... millions innocent victims of the regime... Yes, it's all the surroundings, a terrifying picture of those times. While there's something more, deeper, actual in any epoch. Being true to yourself, your ideas and principles irrespectively of ideology. It's a story of one person, one family, it's a story of the whole nation; it's a story that makes think again and again, how to live this life with dignity, strength and love, not betraying yourself; with no remorse and regrets at the end. It's a story from Brilliant Mikhalkov, Splendid Menshikov. (though honestly, I still can't understand, how they could dare make a sequel... after the words "was killed"; after everything said. Is that just a mark of the time?)

Oci ciornie (1987)

Truly Mikhalkov's

[20 September 2004]

It's a movie in the best Mikhalkov's manner: simple but deep; funny and serious; a Russian picture with (this time) Italian colors; and as always, about the deepest depth of a Russian soul. Some may say, Mikhalkov's movies are of universal things - true, but they always touch something deeply Russian. Waiting ... love ... faith ... sincerity. When all that meets in one point, harmony and happiness come; when at least one element is missing, ... Romano comes. With all the consequences. Mikhalkov reminded me again - we live by the consequences of our actions. (i need to add a bit - they asked for the 10th line here :) BUT quantity is not quality!)

The Blue Planet (2001)

Brief

[10/10 · 3 February 2003]

Everything I can say, is that it's one of the best documentary movies of the ocean ever seen. It impresses immensely by professional filming, scenery and idea! What I've seen during those 50 minutes cannot be compared to any other visions of the blue planet

The Very Same Munchhausen (1980 TV Movie)

post-thinking

[10/10 · 3 February 2003]

What are true values? Can you be true to your principles under any circumstances? Are there romantics in this world yet? A bit crazy and totally free people? Few of those questions you'll ask yourself, on having watched it. Or without any questions just enjoy this masterpiece of Zakharov "the Great" :)