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: Maurice (1987)

Hello!

So, I've known about this film so a pretty long time but never really
gave it a go because..well... I just didn't have the opportunity.
And, recently, I signed up for this website called Mubi.com and Maurice was shown on there.
I thought "oh yay!" and watched it as soon as I can.

So here goes my review!

1) Basic information:

(God this poster is so pretty! I've never seen it.)

Name of film: Maurice

Director: James Ivory

Release date: 1987

Length: 140 minutes

Type of film: Drama, Romance

Cast: James Wilby as Maurice Hall
Hugh Grant as Clive Durham
Rupert Graves as Alec Scudder

2) Basic plot: After his lover rejects him, a young man trapped by the oppressiveness of Edwardian society tries to come to terms with and accept his sexuality.

3) Setting: The film is set in England in the 1910's.

4) Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was obviously, Maurice. I loved him so much.

I just- UGH. I felt SO SORRY for him half way through the film.

I wanted to like, step into the film and hug him and cry and tell him everything

will be okay.... oh mannn.......

5) Who was your least favorite character and why?

My least favorite character was, the Hugh Grant character Clive.

Goddammit Clive you're such an asshole. WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DO THIS??

But, yes I understand, but still.... 

This film was very hard to understand, I mean, Clive was very hard to understand.

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

Yes.... Maurice. I felt SO MUCH sympathy towards Maurice.

Ahhh...oh Maurice oh Maurice....

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

There were so many memorable scenes in this film.

Um....properly... Scene I liked: Making out scenes of Maurice/Clive

Scene that tore my heart out: When Clive told Maurice they should "change".

 

 

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

Memorable quotes:"Think how easy life would be if we didn't have to go

all through this, this secrecy, and never being able to tell who you

are in love with to anybody."

"But don't you think it will be wonderful if there were someone who

I can care about in the same way I do about you?"

What Clive says to Maurice when he goes visit him. Just so, so sad.

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

Um...probably "A room with a view". Well, its from the same

creators right? And it also reminded me of the British film "Victim" a bit.

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

The main themes are, definitely and obviously homosexuality.

I think that the director is telling us that we can either hide our true selves and

remain safe or risk everything and be with the person you love.

But..the confusing part is, I don't know if Clive even loved Maurice that much 

in the first place. Maurice was always the more well..what do you call it,

touchy..? well you know what I mean.

Clive didn't seem like he had any problem with going out with a girl and seemed

perfectly happy and I think he really loved his wife(maybe....)

So what the hell was up with him?? He tells Maurice that they both should marry

and the next moment he is... Hmm.... that's the hard part.

So did Clive not really love Maurice in the first place and really fall in love

with his wife or is he just hiding all his feelings even though Maurice is the one?

 

 

(God they are so hot lol)

Well... I personally think it is the second one, and after Maurice runs off with

Scudder I think Clive realises everything that he has lost.

Maybe Clive has the most un-happiest ending, I think he will regret it for the rest of his life.

(He will be happy, but probably only in a shallow way. )

11) Did you enjoy the film? 

Yes I did! I enjoyed the film very very much. But I don't really know if

I liked it because it was so sad!! 

I loved when Clive and Maurice were together, but it was absolute torture watching 

Maurice alone after Clive has left him.

Gay-themed films are just amazing aren't they? I mean, it makes mainstream
romance movies so boring. I dunno but it just makes it more interesting and
it's just...hotter when its two guys ahaha(shut up)
It just makes everything more sadder for me personally.
Now I can add Maurice to my gay-themed film list! yay!
Watched gay-themed films: 
Victim(1963)
Boys in the band(1970)
Maurice(1987)
Philadelphia(1993)
The celluloid closet(1995)
The Birdcage(1996)
Beautiful thing(1996)
Juste une question d'amour(2000)  
Brokeback Mountain(2005)
Mysterious Skin(2004)
Shelter(2007)
I love you Phillip Morris(2009)
Prayers for Bobby(2009)
Kill your darlings(2013)                           

Ohhh nearly forgot but I actually did a drawing/made a poster!!

Lol I actually put some effort in it. And the hardest thing
about it was the placing of the quote on the bottom.
And... I actually made all the GIFS here too ahaha. I'm so proud daym.

"If I were in love with anyone now,

It would be some nice girl."

Bye bye!

Blabbing about: "The panic in Needle park(1971)"

Hello!

It's be so long since I last posted on this blog lol. Anyway, I would like to write a review for this wonderful(looking) film that I have not yet seen. This time I will write a before watching and after watched thingso it's a little different.

Ok so here I go!

Details about the film:



The panic in needle park (1971)Drama

Plot(from IMDb.com):This movie is a stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in "Needle Park" in New York City. Played against this setting is a low-key love story between Bobby, a young addict and small-time hustler, and Helen, a homeless girl who finds in her relationship with Bobby the stability she craves. She becomes addicted too, and life goes downhill for them both as their addiction deepens, eventually leading to a series of betrayals. But, in spite of it all, the relationship between Bobby and Helen endures.

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

BEFORE THE FILM

I have to admit this, I think I am starting to get addicted to Al Pacino.
After viewing scarface, I HAD to watch another Al Pacino film.
And, I decided to watch this for a few reasons.

Ok, It's not that I don't like romance films.
I just always get annoyed of the heroine. A lot.
And I also get tired of all the cliches. There a a few romance themed films
I absolutely love, but I dislike most. I don't really know why.
I'm just really picky I guess.

So..... I went on IMDb and read the brief plot and it kind of hit me somewhere.
I want to watch a heart breaking romance between young Al Pacino and the poor
homeless girl(I don't know anything about this film really but I'm guessing this is correct, right? lol)

I REALLY, REALLY want to love this film.
I want this film to be one of the best romantic films I have seen(well, at least this year.)
lol I really am expecting so much aren't I... maybe this is bad. oops.

But seriously, look at the poster. The tagline "God help Bobby and Helen. They're in love
in needle park" makes me really want to watch it!
Oh man.... I really hope I can enjoy this film...
I hope I don't get pissed of at the heroine...GOD HELP ME (lol)
(Oh my god every time I try to spell "heroine" I always type heroin)

So what I expect to see in this film is a very sad, tender romance between
Bobby and Helen that will tear my heart out.
And I hope I can love Helen. So I can love the whole film.

Oh yeah and I don't really like the title of this film.... It doesn't sound too
appealing to me. If I just heard the title somewhere I would never bothered to even
search about it, seriously.
And by the way, the Japanese title of this film "哀しみの街角" translates to
"The street corner of sadness". I actually like that title better lol. Just talking about the title ok....

AFTER THE FILM:



(My favorite scene)

Ok, it has been a few days since I finished viewing this film actually but I'll
write the review now!

To be honest, yes... I was kind of disappointed. Maybe I just expected too much.
But besides that, the film was extremely noir raw and I thought it was fantastic.
The drugs, constant smoking/drinking, prostitution... there was nothing glamorous
about anything and thats what made the film so bold.

This film took me so much time to finish even though its a relatively short/normal
length film. I think that it's just because it was so dark and heavy.
(The no soundtrack was extremely effective)

So to be honest, no I didn't really enjoy.... well....enjoy is a strange word isn't it.
I mean, I don't think this is a film that most people can enjoy since the whole
film has a very quiet and dark atmosphere and the story is very slow paced.
It wasn't a film that you can necessary enjoy viewing but it was great watching
a nice 70's film with young Al Pacino!

So in conclusion, I thought this film was great on it's own but It's not the type of  film
that I personally like. What I thought was great about this film was that
everything was so realistic. Like, there was no Hollywood glamour or movie
cliches or stereotypes. For example, the ending when Bobby gets out of
prison, there is no dramatic reunion where "the girl runs up to the guy crying, shouting his name
and jumps onto him and they kiss and the movie ends"(lol).
It was just so casual, so real.


"In the dark corner of the city, they found light"

(I think the taglines are pretty amazing.
ahh...70's taglines.)

Bye bye!

Blabbing about: The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Hello!

I was interested in this film since I
was looking for a nice classic romantic comedy.
(And look at the cast!)

well.. I knew about this film and had a DVD for quite
a long time but didn't feel like watching it.

Anyway, lets get onto the review(ish)
shall we.

Warning:May contain spoilers!

And oh, this is going to be a extremely short post.
I think...




The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Romantic comedy

I have to say first, that I didn't feel like watching
this film for a long time since I found out that
this was the.. what is it called?
The original version? of "High Society(1956)".
So, I knew that..I knew the plot so felt
very.."oh what....".
(Damn... If I only knew...I would of definitely
watched this first!) 

But, Since I thought I HAD to give it a go
for the last time, I finally did watch it all the way.

OK, so the first thing I have to say about this
film is that I thought Katharine Hepburn was GORGEOUS.
She was absolutely beautiful...uh.
(lol, I've actually only seen her in 
"Guess who's coming to dinner(1967)"before.)



And, of course the wonderful Cary Grant and
James Stewart was extremely handsome as always.


OK...about the story-line...
Well... I really can't say I got any surprises
or anything since I pretty much knew it all,
but..yeah,Personally, I can't say I loved the story,
Since I don't really like "two guys taking over one girl"
settings.(well... this is more like three guys, and I
have said this before haven't I? haha.)
I also don't like "girls taking over one guy"settings as well! 
I prefer it when it's just you know, two humans.No more!

Overall, I thought the casting of the 3 main characters
were great and enjoyed watching Katharine, Cary and James
very much, but would personally thought the story was so-so.
(Just not my thing.)

And, one last thing:
I know I'm not supposed to compare,
But yes, I liked Katharine Hepburn as Tracy
waaay more then Grace Kelly, haha.
But...though I love both "Philadelphia Story" and "High Society",
I personally enjoyed watching "High Society" more,
Yes, Because of the music.
(Everything in "High Society" was great, 
except Grace Kelly. Sorry!)



Bye bye!

Blabbing about: Wings (1927)

Hey-low!

I am really excited about writing this review(ish)!

So, I first knew about this film by..of course, watching "The celluloid closet".
I didn't really care much about it at first, but ever since I knew that
the wonderful Clara Bow was in it, I had to watch it.
It was a pretty lengthy for a silent film, and I took 3 days to watch it, haha.
But it was well worth it!

Warning: May contain spoilers!

 
Wings(1927)
War/romance

(I have NO knowledge on war and all that,
so I can't say anything about anything else then
the characters and the plot! sorry!)

The first thing I have to say is that,
the relationship(or should I say bromance?)between
Jack (Charles Rogers) and David (Richard Arlen)
was just AMAZING.
As hell.(They are both so handsome! ugh.)

I thought that they were.. adorable together.
Yes,yes, I know that they are just two good friends
but still, It just hit me.
(I can feel the "pre-code Hollywood" atmosphere..hehe)
I thought how the "celluloid closet" explained it,
"there was a time where men could express tenderness 
on the screen" was perfect.
That is the whole thing, you know?
just plain tenderness.



I thought that well, of course,
Clara Bow so charming as ever.
She lit up the whole screen every time
she appears.
And well, I can understand how she didn't really
like her role, but, there would of been SUCH a 
big difference if she Mary wasn't in the film!
Thank you Clara Bow, for being there.

Oh yes, I thought Gary Cooper was EXTREMELY
handsome. like, oh my god.
(He had a Cameo in another Clara Bow film "It(1927)"
Didn't he? I thought it will be like that in this film too,
But it was great that he actually was on screen for 
more then 10 seconds. And how amazing was 
that close-up shot on his face... )

Ok, so back to Jack and David.
I actually have so many things to say
now I don't know .. what to say (what??)

I thought this film was just so romantic.
Everything about Jack and David's relationship
was just beautiful.
(Hmm... the main romance is supposed to be
between Mary and Jack but how come
I always focus on just Jack and David?
and It's not even supposed to be a romance haha)

But, well, we are all supposed to see films
(or books or art..etc) and interpret it in our own way,
so, I personally believe.. or maybe something more like
want to believe is maybe that Jack and David's
relationship was something beyond friendship.
I actually don't want to say something
very straightforward like "they were gay",
Because that makes me sound really stupid.
Yes, I think it does, but... oh my god, I can't stop
myself from wanting that to be true! oh man.
Never mind. 
But I do really really think that they were "more then friends".
Yes. That has to be true.
(Maybe something in-between friendship and romance?)














What, what is it photo supposed to mean? haha.
Jack and David are having fun together and
Mary is left alone???

OK...now I shall talk about the
most famous(maybe?) part of this film.

The first on screen kiss between two men.


I feel like I have seen this scene so many times before
watching it with the actual film,
But it hits me every time.

I think this scene when David is lying down in Jack's arms
is one of the most saddest moments in film history. Really I do.

I think that this is one of the great things about silent movies.
I have to say that David's death tore my heart out but it
was extremely beautiful at the same time.
(A "sad" scene where someone dies in movies nowadays are
often really cheesy. They try so hard to make to us cry.. like wtf?)

Oh David...David....ahhhh..David..

I can't say anything to explain this scene then "beautiful".

But I have to say that "the kiss" isn't really a "kiss".
It's just beside the lip, as you can see. 
But, that's just as great. I'm extremely grateful for them to actually
make it happen!
(This "kiss" is told as a very good example of "pre-code Hollywood"...
so.. would this scene be cut if there was a production code then?
It wasn't supposed to be a romantic kiss, and its hardly as kiss anyway!
hmm.... production codes are stupid. As we all know.)



Oh yes, and I want to say that I thought the
action packed war-scenes were incredible!
I thought it was extremely well done and very realistic.
(I bet there are way more phony-looking scenes in recent
movies using crappy CGI haha.)
I don't understand anything about these war-fighting-scenes
so I pretty much had no idea what was happening
while all the planes were flying everywhere and going crazy
shooting one million holes through their enemies..but,
oh well. No one can understand a movie perfectly!


Best scene:

Of course, the "kissing scene".
I can watch it everyday, and cry all day.



In conclusion,
I thought this film was amazing, 
and was much much more then I expected.
Although I LOVE Clara Bow, and her character 
Mary, I have to say that I thought the relationship
between the two main characters, Jack and David was the best
thing in the whole film. Well, for me.
I will definitely watch this film again.
(hoping next time I can watch this on Blu-ray...)





What, why does Clara Bow look so left out 
in pretty much all the photos with the 3 main characters???
Like.. look at the second pic! you can just see her
Mumbling "Fu#k this... I hate you two."
(Oh and it isn't Clara Bow right... it's Mary.)


"You- you know there is nothing in 
the world that means so much to me as your friendship-"


Bye bye!