Brief film reviews! Part 1

Hello!
I would very briefly talk random shit about some of the wonderful films I have seen recently.

Le Samouraï (1967) - French 

This was the first time I have ever seen Alain Delon on screen and god he is so pale!! (lol, what?)

Sorry but every time his face is shown I couldn't help but think that haha. Anyway, while this wasn’t

personally the most exciting film ever, it was still great to see the wonderful French cinematography and the beautiful Alain Delon for the first time!

And I would like to say when the man at the police showed on screen…

OSCAR YOU BITCH. 
It is so often you see an actor/actress in both French films and Italian films isn't it?

Stand by me (1986)

This was so much more than I expected. I loved it so much. I still feel kinda fuzzy (lol I don’t know why). This was the first time I have ever seen River Phoenix but god he is amazing! 

I loved this film so much.. I think it will remain in a special place in my heart, seriously. I thought the dialogue was amazing. I just love how the film is so short but we know so much about each character’s lives. Uh. I wanted to hug Chris so bad. This film reminded me a lot about the film I watched previously, “Shoeshine” (but wow, exactly 40 years apart.)

Brink of Life (1958) - Swedish: Nära livet

My third Bergman film! Yay. I loved how there were so many actresses/actors from the two previous films I've seen (I love it so much when directors have a “family") While I think that this is a lesser known Bergman film (I think), I actually enjoyed it the most. It personally made the most sense to me (Yeah… Bergman films are very very difficult to understand.) 

The young girls of Rochefort (1967) - French: Les demoiselles de Rochefort 

This film was so much more than I expected! (And yes, I watched this film because of Gene Kelly) I liked this film way more than The umbrellas of Cherbourg. I don't necessary like romance on films (I do, but there aren't very many that I like) or those “love at first sight” cliches, but this was wonderful to look at. At the end it made me go “AHHHH HURRY UP AND MEET” haha. God Gene Kelly was sexy as hell. This film kept getting better as it progresses. 


The way he looks (2014) - Portuguese: Hoje eu quero voltar sozinho 

I am so happy I discovered this film. I enjoyed this film so so much. Ahh… so tender and romantic. Although I personally thought that this film

was not absolutely flawless, it was perfect in it’s own way. I loved all the characters. But one of the things that I didn't quite understand is how did Gabriel fall in love with Leo?? (oh my god I sound so stupid) I love how they love each other (of course) but I just wasn't too convinced.. well, maybe that's how things work out I suppose, you just fall in love with someone without any reason. I mean, I totally understand how Leo fell in love with Gabriel, he was kind and charming, and caring but ..Leo, I just didn't quite get that. But, It’s ok cause I love their relationship! They are adorable together. But if I had to point it out, it just wasn’t too believable I guess. But It’s ok cause films don’t need to be realistic at all! Another thing I want to say is the uniforms for the school they went to was the cutest thing ever. Owl patches on T-shirts? Yes please. 

I don't know why but I really love romantic films focused around a blind character and I also loveeee gay cinema which makes this film pretty much perfect for me. It was my first Brazilian film ever but it didn’t feel “foreign” at all. The only difference will be that they speak in a foreign language I guess (Not saying this in a good or bad way) I guess that modern films are kinda similar (talking about the style) But, it was great to watch a film from a country I have never seen before! To be honest I didn't even know that people in Brazil speak Portuguese...lol. Screw School.

Random film talk: "Ginger e Fred(1986)", "Heat(1995)"

Hello!
I'll just talk about the two recent films I watched! yay.


Ginger e Fred (1986)
A 80's Federico Fellini film starring Giulietta Masina and Marcello Mastroianni about
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers??? What the hell, how can it get any more perfect? lol.
I would like to say this film was much more than I expected and Giulietta Masina was
absolutely adorable (as always) and Marcello Mastroianni was awessoommeee!! I've actually only
seem him in La Dolce Vita but damn, I really really love him now I've seen him in Ginger e Fred...
I thought this film was different from the other Federico Fellini's I've seen. It was... hmm, I don't know exactly, but more... more everyday, more subtle (I think lol). But it gave you the same bittersweet feeling that lingers after you watch the film. I loved this film, I thought it was so special.


Heat (1995)
I don't know why but this film took me so long to finish.. Anyway, this was an amazing amazing film. The ending, oh the ending was just --- I got goosebumps. No kidding. I could just give this film
five stars with only the ending. Holy holy shit. To be honest, there were aspects in this film I didn't quite understand (Like Vincent's wife, like seriously, what?) but the ending was just moving as hell so theres that! lol. Both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino were amazi-zi-zing (of course) and I was just "Oh god oh god" when they were finally on the same screen.

So well, that's it for today! My watch next list is The good the bad and the ugly which I rented on friday and 8½ which was (very very luckily) the film of the day on Mubi.com yesterday :)

Blabbing about: Ivan's Childhood (1962)

Hello!



I'm not really sure how I came to this film, oh wait, I was searching for an anti-war film
and this came up. It looked the most interesting so I decided to give it a go and watch it.
(I really like films with a child as a main character. You could see the whole world through
the child's eyes.)

So lets the review begin!

Basic information:

Name of film: Ivan's Childhood (Russian: Ива́ново де́тство)

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky

Release year: 1962

Length: 95 minutes

Type of film: Drama, war, art-house

Basic plot: 

During World War Ⅱ, a 12 year old Ivan works as a spy on the eastern front (From IMDb)

Setting: 

The film is set during World War Ⅱ, on the eastern front (Well that's what it says on the "basic plot" haha)

Who was your favourite character and why?

Ivan, of course. how can someone not feel extremely extremely sad for him?

The dream sequences just make me cry. I also loved the Lieutenant and the Captain too.

Everyone was so kind. 

Did you feel any connection/sympathy towards any of the characters?

YES. Ivan, of course. I felt SO MUCH sympathy towards him. I just wanted to grab Ivan and drag him into this world and hug him and tell him that everything is okay...(Even though we can't really communicate lol) ...oh man.

What was your memorable/favourite scene and why?

I think that every scene from this film was memorable! But hmm... I would say all of Ivan's dream

sequences. UH, and that ending...oh god oh god. I just loved everything! I can't explain it all.

There were tons of memorable scenes, like when Ivan is in the car saying he doesn't want to get

sent to the school, the scene where Ivan and the Lieutenant talk and Ivan just starts to cry, the famous kissing scene...(But one of the thing I didn't quite understand was what was so significant about

the Masha? for example, I didn't really understand when she smiles at the forest... well, I'll get it someday I suppose.)

What was your most memorable/favourite quote and why?

There were heaps of memorable quotes in this film. I mean, pretty much every dialogue was memorable... 

Did this film remind of of any other films and why?

It reminded me of Wild Strawberries(1957), very surprisingly. I don't know why, but I kept

of remembering it while I was watching this film. Well, on Wikipedia it says:

"Famous filmmakers such as Ingmar Bergman, Sergei Parajanov and Krzysztof Kieślowski praised the film and cited it as an influence on their work"

So I guess I am actually making sense haha. And wow, it also says Ingmar Bergman said:

"My discovery of Tarkovsky's first film was like a miracle. Suddenly, I found myself standing at the door of a room the keys of which had, until then, never been given to me. It was a room I had always wanted to enter and where he was moving freely and fully at ease." 

(I really need to watch more Bergman films don't I?)

What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?

Definitely the brutality of war.... and it told me a lot about human relationships as well.

(The relationship between Ivan and Captain was just extremely heartwarming)

Did you enjoy the film? 

YES. It was much much more than I thought (And I did expect a lot!) 

I didn't think that it will haunt me this much. Ivan was just hanging in my head the whole day.

I really, really loved this film. This is definitely a film you have to watch at least once in your lifetime. I thought the acting was AMAZING, Ivan was just fantastic. 

(and the Lieutenant was so handsome!) 

This was such a flawless film. I thought it was as perfect as a film can ever be. 

I'm sure I would watch this film over and over again. It is definitely going on my "favorite films" list!

Ahh... I am completely in love with the director. I can't wait to watch more of his works and discover

many many amazing films. I am actually starting to get addicted to foreign cinema, which is great!

Bye bye!

Random film topic: Gelsomina, Iris and Cabiria - Blabbing about the trilogy of loneliness

Hello!

    

Yes, I have finally completed viewing Federico Fellini's trilogy of loneliness! YAY!
(Man I can never get used to the strangeness of that La Strada poster.. Gelsomina, why is you hair pink?)

I don't know why, but I love trilogies. When I find out about a trilogy, I have to watch the whole thing.
But.. hmm... not like a franchise, I do love franchises like the original Star Wars trilogy and the Rocky series but... not like that. I love trilogies that the stories aren't connected but there is something else, something special that connects the three films together.

For example. well, in Fellini's trilogy of loneliness, the three films are completely different (the characters and settings etc) but well, as you can already tell, the special thing that connects the three films is that they are all made up of lonely characters. Other examples are like James Ivory's F.M. Forster trilogy and George A Romero's trilogy of the dead (the F.M. Forster trilogy is all based on his novels and are set in England in the early 20th century and trilogy of the dead all feature zombies) Uh, I love trilogies! By the way, at the moment I am looking forward to watching The Dollars Trilogy, yay!

Well anyway..back to the trilogy of loneliness topic...

I'll talk a little about "Il Bidone(1955)". I want to say that Picasso and Iris were just ADORABLE! Daym. I personally thought that Giulietta Masina looked the most pretty in this film (Well, of course she looked amazing in all three but) It was great that the character Giulietta Masina plays has a happy life.  But one of the things I can't stop wondering is how the filming goes when the actors/actresses are speaking in different languages.

  

This scene is so cute. I hope I can be in a relationship like that with my future husband (HA! you wish...)

My personal favorite out of the three was, as you can tell, The Nights of Cabiria.
But I loved everything of course. I am extremely happy. La Strada was like the film that got me into Federico Fellini and the art of Italian Cinema. (And well, Bicycle Thieves as well but lol)
But well, most of all, it introduced me to the wonderful, charming Giulietta Masina!
Oh Giulietta, you are my idol. I always remember you in La Strada and The Nights of Cabiria when I am feeling down. On the Wiki page someone explained you as "The female Chaplin" but well, that explains everything!

I've watched 5 Federico Fellini films at the moment. I really can't believe it lol, that is like a lot for me who hardly watches foreign cinema! But I am getting into it now. I love everything.

So that's it! I just wanted to say that I loved The trilogy of loneliness. It's my favorite film trilogy so far.

Random Topic: "In the Realms of the Unreal"

Hello!

Recently, well, more like two days ago, I found out about an artist named Henry Darger.
Well, I actually knew about him from a TV program I saw a few years ago and never
forgot about his works but I didn't really know his name.

Anyway, I was on a random website and his works just popped up. The moment I saw them,
it was like BA-BAYM. It struck my heart, and I nearly cried (seriously lol)
It was just... I can't explain it in any other way except "BA-BAYM" haha.
I had to search more about him and found out that there was a documentary film
(Called "In the Realms of the Unreal(2004)") about him and watched it right away.



God the poster is so pretty (well.. I think the credit goes to Henry Darger but lol)
To be honest, I thought the documentary wasn't too perfect, but it was still great that
I got to know about his life and the stories of the novels he wrote.

Oh, and the night I watched the documentary, I dreamed about the Vivian girls!
I can't really remember how it went exactly but it was about me
(I'm 16 now so I don't think I, myself as a little girl...)
and how I got completely lost at my school. (I always dream about my school but it's not actually my school, it's a place where my primary school, my middle school, and my high school is all mixed together) Well anyway, yes, I get lost...oh wait I'm beginning to remember this now.

OK, so, I was at the strange mixed up, huge school and I had some random class next
but to be able to go to class I had to go through the swimming pool. When I walked to the swimming pool, I saw these dead ducks floating in them. I thought "Oh shit" and decided to look away and
run through so I don't have to see them. But, when took my first step, I stepped on something strange.
I looked at my feel and it was a dead chick. I screamed and ran away.
I didn't know any other way to class except through the horrible swimming pool so I wondered around finding trying to find another path. I failed.
Well, something happened after that and I was suddenly in this.. huge room with big furniture
(like a very old fashioned British room) and I needed to get out but I couldn't.
I saw this little blonde girl on the other side of the room of me (It's one of the Vivian girls!)
and she magically opened the big, heavy door and enormous butterfly wings grew out her back
and she fluttered away. That's when I woke up.
(Ok that made no sense... lol)
The actual dream was way more magical and the Vivian girl was more alive and pure but
I can't remember! So sad.

UGH, god, what am I supposed to do. Is there any books about him that I could read?
Are there any books showing his art works which I can purchase?

I don't know why, but looking at his paintings just makes you forget everything.
I seriously don't even give a shit about my sad life when I look at his works.
Oh.. and I want to say is that the paintings of the torture and massacre of
the little girls are the most horrifying thing I have ever seen. If I had to pick the most
horrifying art work I have ever seen, it will definitely be that.

I hope when I choose a art subject for school next year, I can choose my own
artist model because I will definitely choose Henry Darger.

That's it folks!

Random Topic: why can't I be you Princess Leia

Hello!

Well, since it's Star Wars day I'll talk about my personal views and experiences with: Star Wars.
(This is so pointless but oh well, I'm bored lol)

Ok, I am relatively new with Star Wars. I think I first watched A New Hope at the end of last year.
I really loved it and I was obsessed. To be honest I just fell in love with Han Solo and Chewie.
But the thing about it is, I don't like liking Star Wars. lol, does it make sense?
I don't know but it might but only me cause I'm weird but I always like liking something.
I really like liking classic films and I really like liking make up. I don't know, but it
feels nice when you like something, especially when that something is unique.

BUT.... Star Wars is so much in fashion now that I feel like people say "I love Star Wars" to
seem cool. Like you know.. those "I love Star Wars and I'm such a geek but I'm so hot"
kind of people. I just don't like them. At all.
That is the main reason I don't like liking Star Wars. It's just so normal.

But I can't help it, I just love it. Everytime I watch the original trilogy,
I just can't help feeling sad by the fact that I don't live in the Star Wars universe.
Like, everytime I go "UGH WHY CAN'T I GO AND HUG CHEWIE" or
"UGH WHY CAN'T I BE A PRETTY PRINCESS SO LUKE, HAN AND
CHEWIE CAN COME SAVE ME"
Well, that's life I guess.

I like Star Wars, but I don't want to be deeply into it and keep up with the latest news or search about
every information etc cause I simple can't be bothered...meh.
But it's kinda like my dream to have a perfect friend that loves Star Wars and will tell me all about it.
Ugh, wouldn't that be nice? (And they would own a Stormtrooper costume and would wear it
around with me )

So well, in conclusion, I don't really know if I like "Star Wars", I just love the original trilogy.
I just love the costume, the characters and set design. I don't think I will ever watch the
prequel trilogy and I'm not too interested in "The Force Awakens" (Well I am not interested
and interested at the same time cause holy shit Harrison Ford)
Well.. I kind of just spend my time staring at Han Solo's butt and scream at how adorable the
Ewoks are and cry because I am not a Princess.

That's it folks!

Blabbing about: Walkabout (1971)

Hello!

So, yes, it's Mubi.com again. I really appreciate this website.
The synopsis sounded very interesting so I decided to watch this film.
It was my first ever Australian film I ever saw, yay I'm trying out on so many
different types of films since I signed up for this site haha.

So here goes my review! Or well, just randomly talking about my thoughts...

1) Basic information:

Name of film: Walkabout

Director: Nicolas Roeg

Release date: 1971

Length: 100 minutes

Type of film: Drama, Adventure

2) Basic plot:

A young sister and brother are abandoned in the harsh Australian outback and must learn to exist in the natural world without their usual comforts, in this hypnotic masterpiece.

(From MUBI)

3) Setting:

This film is set in Australia and I am pretty sure it is during the time of release, the early 70's.

4) Who was your favourite character and why?

My favorite character will be the main character, the girl. Man, I just realised this but none of the character has names in this film! That's awesome! I love it when names don't really matter in films.

It makes everything more mysterious and poetic. Well anyway, I don't know how old the girl is, but I was surprised at how strong and independent she was. I have a little brother about the same age as her little brother but I don't think I can do shit! And... I was surprised at the fact there was nudity!

I mean, how old is she, like 14 maybe? I have never seen a film where a little girl has full frontal nudity, it probably is a taboo nowadays.  

5) Who was your least favourite character and why?

That stupid asshole who kept on telling the kids they can't touch anything.Ugh.

6) Did you feel any connection/sympathy towards any of the characters?

Well yes I did feel connections towards all three main characters in this film.

7) What was your memorable/favourite scene and why?

All the scenes were breath taking. The scenery of Australia was just beautiful. I thought that

pretty much every scene was memorable but I might say that it was ...hmmm.....

I don't know but I will have to say that that scene where the girl and her brother finds

the Aboriginal boy in the tree was just shocking. 

And this film was pretty full of dead animals and flies/maggots ahaha. I'm not those people

who go hysterical over animals dying but some scenes were hard to watch. I'm 

extremely bad with blood and gore.

8) What was your most memorable/favourite quote and why?

I don't really think the dialogue was important in this film. I mean, it's more

like the least important thing in the film isn't it? The Aboriginal boy and the two kids

didn't even understand each other but they developed a friendship. Maybe that is one of 

the ideas that the director wanted to convey.

9) Did this film remind of of any other films and why?

No, not really. As the tagline says, it was, "Just about the most different film you'll ever see"

10) What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?

I don't really know, but I thought maybe just human relationships and how adults are cruel and

children are alone. It made me think about how people are pretty much all kind, and that the world

has some hope(well, not in the city perhaps) Aborigines have a very dark past don't they?

It makes me sad. It is just so different from how the Maori people have been treated in New Zealand.

11) Did you enjoy the film? 

Yep I definitely did! It was a very cruel but tender film.Very very interesting also.

Some scenes really scared me. There were a ton of aspects I didn't quite understand but oh well.

(Anyway, don't you think it is so strange how I actually got a excellence mark on my

film study assignment? Ha! Well I have to get the best mark, look how much films I watch)

Bye bye!

Blabbing about: Shadows of forgotten ancestors(1965)

Hello!

I was on Mubi.com and this very interesting looking film was the film of the day.
I have never seen a Russian film before and was very interested so I gave it a go.

Well, I just realised that the language is actually in Ukrainian. Hmm...
so it's a Russian film but the language is in Ukrainian? So it's like how Leon: The Professional 
is a French film but the language is in English? Wait.. so how come it is a Russian film
if the story is set in Ukraine and the language is in Ukrainian... (god I sound so stupid haha)
Well anyway, lets get onto the review(well..more like just screenshots and a bit of what I thought)

1) Basic information:

Name of film: Shadows of forgotten ancestors (Тіні забутих предків)

Director: Sergei Parajanov

Release date: 1965

Length: 97 minutes

Type of film: Drama, Romance, Art house

2) Basic plot:

In a Carpathian village, Ivan falls in love with Marichka, the daughter of his father’s killer. When tragedy befalls her, his grief lasts months; finally he rejoins the colorful life around him, marrying Palagna.(From MUBI)

3) Setting:

The story is set in a Carpathian village in Ukraine and I'm not sure when this film is set but

It might be the time of release, the mid-60's?

OK, I'll skip question 4 to 6 just cause it's kind of hard to answer lol.

7) What was your memorable/favourite scene and why?

I thought that pretty much every scene was memorable... but I guess the MOST memorable

was that scene near the end when Ivan see's a ghost (?) of Marichka and you hear the two

singing. That scene still haunts me. Uh... so sad. That scene just makes my heart brake.

The costume, setting, music, everything was so new for me! I had completely no knowledge

about Ukraine so it was so awesome! Everything was just so beautiful.

I thought the directing was just amazing! It was unlike anything I have ever seen before.

(At the start when Ivan's brother gets killed was just took my breath away!)

It was just so unique. The use of the colour red was just amazing. Oh, and the awesome use

of the POV shots. I loved the shots taken from under the water.

8) What was your most memorable/favourite quote and why?

I don't even know if you call this a quote but this scene(with the quote lol).

UGH GOD THIS SCENE.

9) Did this film remind of of any other films and why?

Nope, not at all! I think this film is extremely independent and unique, it's a genre on it's own.

And well, I've never seen any other Russian or Ukrainian films so I can't really compare I guess.

10) What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?

Properbly just love and redemption. I personally thought of this film as more of a 

and admiring the beauty of the scenery film more than story. Well, I don't know.

I have no knowledge (as you can tell) and I'm pretty stupid so I don't understand a lot of aspects,

but I did enjoy it in my own way so thats that!

11) Did you enjoy the film? 

Yes I did! But it was very different from what I thought this film will be like.

I thought it was going to be more story based, like, by reading the synopsis I thought it

was going to be like a Romeo and Juliet melodrama love story (well.. I'm not too far off I suppose but) But it was more than that. As the film says at the start, It was, a "poetic drama".

This whole film was like a poem. 

Well, in conclusion, it was awesome getting to watch a Russian, Ukrainian language film

because I have never seen a Russian film or ever seen any films set in Ukraine.

It did really teach me a lot of things and I'm sure it widened my views on films! 

I really enjoyed this film, and it didn't bore me one bit, but I don't think it will be a film I will

continue on watching. I really have to thank MUBI for choosing this film to show to us because

I'm sure if it's not for them, I would have NEVER seen it or even knew about the existence haha.

You don't know how much I love film stills. Here are some more of the pretty scenes.
I hope MUBI will show more awesome films.

Well that's all for now folks! Bye bye!

Blabbing about: Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence(1983)

Hello!

Well, ok. I first found out about this film quite a while ago when I was browsing through
the wonderful Criterion Collection website. I was just randomly scrolling through the 
list of films and there, BA-BAYM was this:

I just completely fell in love at first sight of the dvd cover. I mean, well, look at that!
It's just oozing out with homoerotizim isnit it?? (lol)
(I thought "hmm.... these are soldiers so it's a war film and the man facing his back looks Japanese...
and why is that blonde man so close to him?! god this film looks interesting!")

But, it did take quite a while to watch this because..you know, it's a war film and
I don't really enjoy them because they are depressing.

BUT...I actually recently just found out that the main(?) character is David Bowie and
I was interested even more. And I really like Kitano Takeshi and oh my god I forgot the name
but the wonderful composer who was also in The Last Emperor.
And I mean, I'm Japanese. I should be watching this. (And I just found out that this is 
a Japanese/UK/New Zealand film! haha I'm a Japanese who lived in New Zealand,
this is like perfect for me)

OK, enough with this random talk I shall get onto my review.

1) Basic information:

Name of film: Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence

Director: Nagisa Oshima

Release date: 1983

Length: 123 minutes

Type of film: Drama, War

2) Basic plot: 

In 1942 British soldier Jack Celliers comes to a Japanese prison camp. The camp is run by Yonoi, who has a firm belief in discipline, honor and glory. In his view, the allied prisoners are cowards when they chose to surrender instead of committing suicide. One of the prisoners, interpreter John Lawrence, tries to explain the Japanese way of thinking, but is considered a traitor.(From IMDb)

3) Setting: 

The film is set in a Japanese POW camp in Java, Indonesia in 1942 during World War 2.

4) Who was your favourite character and why? 

That's a difficult one.... I actually liked all the characters. I liked Celliers (of course),

and I like Yonoi as well. But I also like Hara and Lawrence too. Hmm...

5) Who was your least favourite character and why?

No one. There wasn't anyone I didn't like. Which is kind of strange.

It's just that... people were so brutal and heart-less but it's not their fault.

6) Did you feel any connection/sympathy towards any of the characters?

Yes pretty much every character that appeared on the film. I felt sorry for every character.

I mean... there are 4 main characters and 3 of them has a bad ending....

7) What was your memorable/favourite scene and why?

I thought every scene was memorable but well, I would have to say the famous scene

that is shown on the cover art where Celliers kisses Yonoi on the cheeks.

That scene was just so powerful - ugh, and haunting.

OH AND of course, the ENDING. One of the most saddest endings I have ever seen.

(I just love endings where it is sad but the character(s) is still smiling.)

8) What was your most memorable/favourite quote and why?

"Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence!"

9) Did this film remind of of any other films and why?

No not really.. this film was unlike anything I have ever seen before.

I've never seen a war film that involved the Japanese army. It was great that I got to see that.

10) What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?

Humanity and the brutality of war and relationships... I think this film covered a lot of ideas.

Well, I'm just a stupid teenager who has pretty much never studied history before so I 

have no idea about the details but it got me thinking about how in war, people just go..mad

and it's not because they are a mean person or anything, it's because of war.

 "You're the victim of men who think they are right." It was so sad when Lawrence said this,

yes, Hara and Yonoi were brutal to the people, but they are also the victims.

(I guess everyone is a victim in war) I mean, if Hara, Yonoi, Lawrence and Celliers met in a different,

much peaceful world, you never know what they might have become.

(They would of been like best friends!... uh..makes me so sad.)

And with the "homo" factor, it was much more than I expected. Man...like.. when people

normally watch this, how can you not realise Yonoi's feelings towards Celliers??

I mean, when Yonoi first saw Jack at the..um....court? you could just see that he fell in love.

(and when he tells Jack to prove that he has been beaten...) 

Well, I don't really know if it was supposed to be the directors intention but it says:

As Celliers in interned in the camp, Yonoi seems to develop a homoerotic fixation with him

on Wikipedia so I guess I'm not too wrong haha.

11) Did you enjoy the film? 

Yes. Well, in the "enjoyment" factor it might of been pretty low because it was pretty noir

but I really loved this film. It was so tender (which is kind of weird with all the violence)

I'm not really sure if I would watch this film again though. Well.... I probably will lol.

Overall, this was a beautiful film with a ton of memorable scenes.

Man, look how happy he is.

I want to say that this was a weird experience having to hear Japanese words and then english haha.

My head was muddled up sometimes but I did better than I thought. 

Random topic: "I'm an unspeakable of the Oscar Wilde sort"- Blabbing about Maurice (book + film)

Hello!

"I should have gone through life half awake if you had the decency to leave me alone.
Awake intellectually, yes, and emotionally in a way; but here-" He pointed with his pipe stem
to his heart; and both smiled. "Perhaps we woke up one another. I like to think that anyway."

(Holy shit this is one of my many favorite lines from the book and I am going to cry)

Ok, since I watched the wonderful wonderful film Maurice, I HAD to read the book.
I got at out at my local library and was surprised at how thin it was and read it in a few days.
(I took my time reading it because I kept of saving it for later- I just didn't want to finish it.)

So here goes my talking about the book and film in general!

I LOVED this book. It is my new favorite book ever. I have finally discovered how beautiful
novels can be. I am completely in love with this book. Ugh, I am just so sad I finished it.
Well, I'm sure I will read it over and over again though.

I just loved everything, it was just flawless. The very surprising this was I actually
prefer the book over the film! (I can't believe I am saying this since I hate people who
says the book is always better) I thought the book made more sense. 
Like, in the film, I felt that the chemistry and love was so strong between Maurice and Clive 
and it just never went away. So when Alec came along, I didn't feel too convinced.
(I just couldn't help but think that Maurice and Clive is the true couple, even though they
is no way they could be ever together)
But, when I read the book, I understood everything. I never thought I will ever think this
way though haha. 

And yes, I liked the ending in the book more than the film. I thought it was more romantic and 
haunting when Maurice disappeared off into the darkness, leaving Clive all alone.
But, I absolutely LOVE the film as well, don't get me wrong! haha.

It was just awesome because the impression I got from the book and the film are so different.
For the film, I was just completely heartbroken and was pretty much depressed for the whole day.
Even though Maurice has found Alec, it just seemed like still, Clive was the "true" love.
(And of course, Maurice was Clive's only one) I don't know but - I just felt that way (Sorry Alec lol) BUT, in the novel, I didn't feel any of that.
I knew that Maurice absolutely loves Alec and so does Alec. Maurice and Alec was the "true" couple with the only happy ending. And Clive is just standing there all alone.
In that way, I enjoyed the book better.
(The film was just extremely sad, but the novel made me happy at the end.
Although it was absolute torture half way reading Maurice shattered to pieces.)

Of the many heart breaking chapters and episodes, this scene was the most memorable for me:

"Miss Edna May is not only beautiful, she is attractive."
"She doesn't attract me," said Maurice pettishly.
"Oh Mr Hall, what an ungallant remark. Look at her lovely hair."
"I like short hair best."
"Why?"
"Because I can stroke it -" and he began to cry.

Oh man I'm going to cry.... this scene...UGH THIS SCENE.
I thought the "Stroking hair" is a important symbol in Maurice.

When Clive faints at Maurice's house, the book tells us he is not in love with Maurice anymore
and he becomes interested in women. These scenes really confuse me.
Did Clive just actually, lose interest in Maurice (and men and general) or did he just
"try" to not love him? I don't know exactly (of course) but I will just say that I personally think
that Clive would always love Maurice - well, more like Maurice's shadows (Although he 
would never admit it, even to himself) I think that Clive was so guilty and disgusted at himself
(of being "abnormal") he just thought that he has changed. And by believing that, he has
fallen in love with Anne. Clive is a fascinating character. How can someone completely hide
everything of their true self and act as someone else? 
So I personally think that Clive has not changed, he can't change, but he has wished so much
to be normal that he ...well, has. So well, I think that Clive thinks that he has changed and
loves his wife - but he really doesn't. And he himself doesn't even know that. If he does,
it will be the end of him. 
(Hmm.....This kind of reminds me of a scene in "The boys in the band(1970)"
When Harold tells Michael:"You're a sad and pathetic man. You're a homosexual and you don't want to be, but there's nothing you can do to change it. Not all the prayers to your god, not all the analysis you can buy in all the years you've go left to live. You may one day be able to know a heterosexual life if you want it desperately enough. If you pursue it with the fervor with which you annihilate. But you'll always be homosexual as well. Always Michael. Always. Until the day you die."
Daym this quote is like perfect for my feelings towards Clive!)

A lot of people, well, more the everyone I have read their opinions so far says that
Clive and Maurice was never meant for each other and they have never gotten along if
Clive didn't run away, but I don't think that way.
I just don't think there is a "If they were together..." thing. They will always be parted,
not matter what. It's their destiny(destiny is a cruel thing...) 
It is like, they are TOO perfect for each other they have to be separated.
(It reminds me of this manga book published in the 80's where a prince falls in love with
a man who is in love with a woman. The prince tells the man:
"Why can't we be together?If we are together, the whole world will be ours. 
We are perfect for one and other!" The man says 
"That is why we have to be parted. we are TOO perfect. God has made us
both men so we cannot be together, to avoid us from loving each other.")
In this case, I think god made Clive the way he is so they cannot be together.
(lol wtf am I saying I'm a freaking atheist haha)

Well anyway, in conclusion, I thought that both novel and film versions of Maurice
are absolutely amazing and I'm sure I would read/watch them over and over again.

"While beyond the barrier Maurice wandered, the wrong words on his lips and the wrong
desires in his heart, and his arms full of air."

Ohhh and I loved the terminal note by written in 1960. I loved it when he wrote
(About Clive)"He has annoyed me. I may nag at him over much, stress his aridity and 
political pretensions and the thinning of his hair, nothing he or his wife or his mother
does it ever right."

Uh..I just love everything about this novel. I just love the fact it was written in the actual time
the story is set. Now, that is just rare. I am definitely going to read "A room with a view"
written by F.M. Forster next. I've watched the film last year but I hardly remember it...


"And now we shan't be parted no more, and that's finished."

Blabbing about: Teorema (1968)

Hello! 

As I have said previously, I signed up for this website called Mubi.com

Where you could watch all types of art house films online.

I can't really remember when but a few days ago the film of the day was

a film called "Teorema". I read synopsis the and was very interested (I mean, I have

never seen a film with a story like that before) and decided to give it ago.

1) Basic information:

Name of film: Teorema

Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini

Country: Italian

Release date: 1968

Length: 98 minutes

Type of film: Art house

2) Basic plot:

A wealthy family hosts a strange visitor. He seduces the maid, the son, the mother, the daughter, and finally the father, before leaving after a few days. After he’s gone, no one can continue living as before. Who was the visitor? Was he God?(From MUBI)

3) Setting:

The film is set somewhere in Italy and I'm pretty sure it is set at the time of release.

OK, since this is a art house film, the questions 4 to 8 do not really fit in

so I'll just skip them out and just talk about what I personally thought in general.

First of all, I thought that this was a very, very interesting film.

All I could pretty much say it that I found it very, very interesting (lol)

(Well it really was!) I actually didn't think that I would like it very much,

but surprisingly I really enjoyed watching "Teorema".

I thought this film was - uh, it is hard to explain. It was... strange but made sense.

Well, kind of. Maybe I'm too stupid to understand this. 

I thought the directing was wonderful and the scenes were extremely beautiful.

Oh man... while I was watching this film I felt so many things but now I am up to writing about

it I cannot think of anything to say.

I thought the combination of the close-ups of the faces and the long shots were just amazing.

And I don't know why but all the faces of the characters looked so.. raw, like, they were real. 

(You don't get much of that in Hollywood movies I have to say.)

I don't know how well known this film is (nor the director) and I knew absolutely nothing
about anything before watching this film, but I am very glad I watched it!
I am so happy I signed up for MUBI since if it wasn't for them, I don't think I would have
EVER watching Teorema in my whole life. Or even knew about the existence to be honest.
I really enjoyed Teorema, but I don't think I will watch any other films directed by
Pier Paolo Pasolini since they sound a bit extreme for my tastes lol.
But if there were some other film (I haven't done a lot of research yet) that I think will be
suitable for me, than I will definitely check it out :)
(uh, I just love finding new directors and looking for the next film to watch.
My goal is to watch every film directed by at least one director!)

 

Yes... I did take a lot of screen shots. Just cause. I just loved the (extreme) close-ups!
If I had to describe what this films was like , I'll say that this was a very quiet, tender but also passionate film. It was a very enjoyable experience watching this!

7) What was your memorable/favourite scene and why?

My most memorable scene was this scene:

This scene where the house maid is found floating up in mid air was very.... interesting.

(well if you look at it as a still it just looks like the woman had jumped up doesn't it.)

There were many many other memorable scenes in this film (for example when the

maid is buried in the sand and the ending when the father is running around naked)

8) What was your most memorable/favourite quote and why?

As the tagline for this film says: There are only 923 words spoken in "Teorema" - but it says everything!" (But I wonder if it is 923 Italian words or the translated english words?)

But I think one the most memorable quote for me was:

I don't know why, don't ask me. 

9) Did this film remind of of any other films and why?

Nope! Not at all lol. It didn't remind me of any other films.

I don't watch too many art house films and I hardly watch foreign films.

10) What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?

I have absolutely no idea!! This was one of the hardest films to understand.

But well, I'm sure everything had a meaning and is there for a purpose,

but it's an art house film, and it doesn't necessary have to make sense does it? 

11) Did you enjoy the film?

Yes I did very much! it was actually strange because I watched half of the film

before going to bed yesterday and had a dream about finishing the rest of the film haha.

While I was at school I just couldn't wait to go home and watch the rest.

This film was haunting me in class.

I did some research about the director (just now) and he sounds like a very very interesting man...
Everything about his life sounds like it is off a book or something.

Well anyway, I'll finish for now! Bye bye!

"You must have come here to destroy"

Hell yeah 80's Horror: Blabbing about The Thing (1982) The Evil Dead (1981)

Hello!

Yes, I love horror films. I love horror films not because I am some random
emo kid trying to look cool by saying that (Or you know.. those people who
just say it cause they think they're cool that they're not scared)

I love horror films because I LOVEEE special effects and make-up.
Ugh, I just love, love it. That's why I don't watch ANY horror films made after the 90's.

Um, seriously, CGI gore? no way. Horror's dead.
My favorites will always be the 70's and 80's.

Well, anyway, lets start with my random review of two very major and popular 80's
horror films.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

1) Basic information:

Name of film: The Thing 

Director: John Carpenter 

Release date: 1981

Length: 109 minutes

Type of film: Horror, Sci-fi, Action

2) Basic plot:
Scientists in the Antarctic are confronted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of the people that it kills.(From IMDb)

3) Setting:
The film is set in Antarctica and I am pretty sure it is set in the time of release, 1981.

4) Who was your favorite character and why?
lol That's a hard one but probably the Kurt Russell character.
I liked him because he was smart, calm, leading and well, he was the main character.

5) Who was your least favorite character and why?
Um..... hmm... that is a hard one too, actually. I don't really have a least favorite
character because everyone was pretty mediocre in my opinion.
No one really stood out besides the main character (that I remember..)

6) Did you feel any connection/sympathy towards any of the characters?
Well, yes. I would never want to go through what the characters in the film
went though! 

7) What was your memorable/favorite scene and why?
Pretty much ALL the scenes where "the thing"attacks!!!!
That was just AWESOME AS HELL. It doesn't get better than that.
Ahh, I just LOVED it. But I enjoyed the scenes when the people
turn into "the thing" rather than the dog. It was much more interesting and fun.
Hmm... I think my favorite was that..uh..I don't know names but the spider-head dude.
That was just- ugh, genius.

But I loved all the other scenes too! My also favorite scene is when the same guy's
torso opens up and bites the other dudes arm off (daym I'm so good at explaining lol)
I loved that scene too. I just loved everything.
Whoever did these makeups and special effects, god bless you(But I forgot your name sorry!) 

8) What was your most memorable/favorite quote and why?
"You gotta be fucking kidding". Lol, is that good enough?

9) Did this film remind of of any other films and why?
Well...... it did kind of remind me of Alien(1979) and The Fly(1986).
And it also reminded me a bit of Day of the Dead(1985).
Alien as in there is a...well, alien that you don't know what it is (and you
also don't know who has become it) The Fly for some of the make-up and
Day of the Dead in the scene where the doctor does an autopsy.

10) What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?
I don't really know lol. I watched this film 100% for entertainment purposes as well
as any other horror films. But maybe things like trusting others?

11) Did you enjoy the film? 
YES I DIDDD it was amazing. The special effects can't be explained in words.
I just couldn't help smiling while watching it. It was just super super original and
awesome as hell. I don't think this film was gorey in any way though.
It was just- yes, super awesome! and extremely fun to watch.
I can't believe I never had this film in mind to watch lol. I thought it was really bad!
Uh, I am so glad that I watched this.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Basic information:

Name of film: The Evil Dead 

Director: Sam Raimi

Release date: 1981

Length: 85 minutes

Type of film: Horror, Action

2) Basic plot:

Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.(From IMDb)

3) Setting:

This film is set in an isolated cabin in a forest in the Tennessee hills.

And I am pretty sure this film is set near the time of release, the early 80's.

4) Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was, of course, ASH.

Haha, I've waited so long to view the cult icon Ash actually on screen.

5) Who was your least favorite character and why?

Everyone except Ash and Cheryl. I don't really have a reason, I just didn't like them.

I mean, why did Cheryl even go stay with them? She was such a third wheel.

6) Did you feel any connection/sympathy towards any of the characters?

Well properly Cheryl because I am a third wheel like her(lol)

7) What was your memorable/favorite scene and why?

Um...... hmm...... maybe...uh..... um....Oh yeah, I likes the scene when Ash

Rips off Linda's head off with an Axe. I thought that ...uh...special effect? lol was

pretty fun. And also the scene when Ash pulls out that ...was it a twig? out of Scotts leg 

and the blood just flows out. OH YESS and of course, the stop motion scene

at the end when the bodies of the demons decompose (my favorite was when the tongues of the

demons just randomly started moving around in a weird motion haha). 

 
 

Other scenes that were interesting were when that white liquid started spewing out of the bodies.

I think "White liquids" are always pretty disgusting to watch. 

I don't know why, normally you think it can't be that gross compared 

to things like red blood, but personally, no.

White liquids are gross. Like in Alien(1979) and Eraserhead(1977).

8) What was your most memorable/favorite quote and why?

"You bastards, why are you torturing me like this? Why?" haha I loved the scene when 

Ash says this. It was so campy and perfect.

9) Did this film remind of of any other films and why?

It reminded me A LOT of "The Exorcist(1973)". People being possessed by evil demons and 

having a very violent behaviour, having a different (very annoying, usually deep)voice....

I personally thought this was like a cross between The Exorcist and Night of the Living Dead(1968). I actually did think this was a zombie film for a long time. Well, that was because on the poster you can see a hand coming out of the ground so I thought it was a dead body that was buried that became a zombie and was attacking the woman(lol)

10) What do you think were the main themes/ideas of this film and why?

I don't know lol. This is purely for entertainment like most horror films.

But well, the themes will be something like Evil vs Good I guess.

11) Did you enjoy the film? 

Well, yes, kind of. But I didn't really like this film though. I don't know, but it just wasn't
too original for me (Though the tagline by stephen King doesn't agree with me lol)
I don't know, maybe it was a bit too dark for my tastes. And the demons were just...
hmm... they were kind of cool, but not that..cool? lol I don't make sense.



They weren't too appealing to me I suppose. It was just that they had some wrinkles with
grey faces with white eyes. But, I did think the "White eyes" was very new. I actually
can't think of any other previous horror films that used white contacts.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, one other thing I want to say is that to be honest, I don't really like the posters
of the two films :/ It's sad since it's both so iconic, but personally..meh.
I like the design of The Evil Dead poster, but the films kind of got nothing to do with it lol.
I mean, who is that woman? who's hand is that? and Ash is the protagonist so shouldn't he be
on the poster?? (Well maybe people prefer a woman being attacked on posters rather than a man....)

And another thing I want to say is that daym, the female roles are so useless in both films haha.
I mean, The Thing didn't even have a single female character and The Evil Dead's female characters all became a demon and died first. Yes, the interesting things about the two were the protagonist where both Male. I actually kind of liked it when it was the guy that was weak and scared and getting beaten up by the monster rather than a girl. Like, I always think this but what would it have been like if "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(1974)"'s protagonist was a male?
lol I chose that because I think that that films protagonist had the most intense "scare".
Like, personally, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre's most disturbing thing was the main girl ahaha.

Well, back to the subject but I personally didn't like the fact that Cheryl became the demon first,
I mean, normally wouldn't be the final girl? She was smart and picked up that something was
wrong before anyone else has, she didn't deserve that :(

Well anyway, I'll stop for today lol. I cant talk about horror films for ages lol.

Bye bye!