My Way is a South Korean war film from directer Kang Je-gyu. The film stars Jang Dong-gun as Jun-shik the passive and calm Korean whom's passion is running. The films other main character is Joe Odagiri as the passive-aggressive Tatsuo whom's passion is also running.
The Plot: Jun-Shik (gun) is a Korean living in 1930's Japan working as a rickshaw runner. He's not aloud to take part in sports events as he is Korean. Tatsuo (Odagiri) is his lifetime rival for various reasons, he's Japanese and is aloud to compete in the marathon events. I don't want to go any further with the story than that but to give you an idea without giving anything away, in short, an incident happens and one of them get's pushed into the army and one goes by choice and so begins their triumphant and epic story.
The Performances: Both Jang Dong-gun and Joe Odagiri are just as astonishing as each other, very emotional, very poignant performances, especially toward the end of the film, where the hard hitting emotion takes place, that being said the entire film is a triumph of emotional story-telling and events that truly do bring goosebumps from the beautiful opening scenes, to the dramatic ending.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is breathtakingly well done my Lee Mo-gae who also did the cinematography for I Saw The Devil, he's truly talented. There's one particular scene involving Jun-shik going after a sniper the camera movements and angles are absolutely mind-blowing, truly epic. Same goes for the editing.
The Writing: I've always found with foreign films it's hard for me to get a good idea on what I think of the script, but it is a great script, it never stood out, but that isn't a flaw, as I said, when reading the subtitles it's hard to pick up on it, plus, script has a lot to do with the way actors present lines, in English it's easier to pick up on. As I said, not a flaw.
Re-Watch-Ability: As of now I've only seen the film once, but it's not a one-watch-wonder let me stress that, it is one to re-visit in the coming months and guaranteed to be in awe of again and again.
The Verdict: My Way is a thing of cinematic beauty, the artistry behind the film-making is that of the highest order. The emotional core is strong, with great characters, tears flowing at the end. The film is a 10/10 from me, a must see, essential viewing for any fan of true cinema. Thank you for reading my review!
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Monday, 19 November 2012
Shame - 2012 - Film Review
Shame is a 2012 drama film directed by Steve McQueen. The film stars Michael Fassbender as Brandon, a 30 something year old sex addict. Carey Mulligan Plays Sissy, Brandon's sister. The film was made on a 4 million dollar budget which is incredible, I'm proud of films on small budgets, makes it all the more special as they do more than most Hollywood-ised films, with less.
The Plot: Brandon (Fassbender) is a sex addict living in an upper class apartment in New York. When his sister comes to stay with him things grow even more complicated. There's not much else more to add to the plot, it's fairly simple, but it works as it is more about the characters.
The Performances: Michael Fassbender delivers a career defining performance, he's mesmerizing to watch, hands down one of the greatest performances ever to be put on screen. Carey Mulligan is incredible also, but she's not getting anywhere near Fassbender's in this one, but she is amazing, proving to be a brilliant actress. There is a particular scene involving Fassbender and Mulligan arguing in front of the TV, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest scenes in film history, the dialogue is breathtaking, as is Michael Fassbender, every word he puts out is pure gold.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is downright gorgeous, the camera angles are very original and have their own, completely different style to them. The film has a lot of one take shots that are truly genius, such as the before mentioned argument scene is all in one take, about 6 minutes in length. There is a scene at a Restaurant all in one take, truly incredible.
The Writing: It's absolutely marvelous scripting, especially Fassbender's lines, he own's them all. Again, the argument scene in front of the TV is just genius writing, and Fass and Mull bring it to life so well.
Re-Watch-Ability: Just got done watching it for the second time after about 5 months of not seeing it, still incredible. I'd hold off from watching it too much, as it's a film that deserves the time and the place, for the sake of immersion.
The Verdict: Shame is a masterpiece, one of the greatest films ever made without a doubt in my mind. It's a triumph in cinematography, writing and acting. It's a 10/10 from me. Thank you for reading my review!
The Plot: Brandon (Fassbender) is a sex addict living in an upper class apartment in New York. When his sister comes to stay with him things grow even more complicated. There's not much else more to add to the plot, it's fairly simple, but it works as it is more about the characters.
The Performances: Michael Fassbender delivers a career defining performance, he's mesmerizing to watch, hands down one of the greatest performances ever to be put on screen. Carey Mulligan is incredible also, but she's not getting anywhere near Fassbender's in this one, but she is amazing, proving to be a brilliant actress. There is a particular scene involving Fassbender and Mulligan arguing in front of the TV, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest scenes in film history, the dialogue is breathtaking, as is Michael Fassbender, every word he puts out is pure gold.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is downright gorgeous, the camera angles are very original and have their own, completely different style to them. The film has a lot of one take shots that are truly genius, such as the before mentioned argument scene is all in one take, about 6 minutes in length. There is a scene at a Restaurant all in one take, truly incredible.
The Writing: It's absolutely marvelous scripting, especially Fassbender's lines, he own's them all. Again, the argument scene in front of the TV is just genius writing, and Fass and Mull bring it to life so well.
Re-Watch-Ability: Just got done watching it for the second time after about 5 months of not seeing it, still incredible. I'd hold off from watching it too much, as it's a film that deserves the time and the place, for the sake of immersion.
The Verdict: Shame is a masterpiece, one of the greatest films ever made without a doubt in my mind. It's a triumph in cinematography, writing and acting. It's a 10/10 from me. Thank you for reading my review!
Sunday, 18 November 2012
I Saw The Devil - 2011 - Film Review
I Saw The Devil is a 2010 Korean film from acclaimed directer Kim Ji-woon. The film stars Lee Byung-hun as the total bad #ss secret service agent Soo-hyun. The film also stars legendary Korean actor Choi Min-sik as the menacing villain Kyung-chul.
The Plot: I'll give you just the beginning of the film therefor not spoiling more than the first 15 minutes, the trailer gives you more. The film starts out in the snowy night, Soo-hyun (Lee) is talking to his soon to be wife Joo-yun on the phone, she is soon murdered by serial killer Kyung-chul (Choi) Soo-hyun wants his revenge and so begins a sinister game of cat and mouse. It may sound un-original, but let me stress it is one of the most original films of today in how it plays out. Utterly enthralling.
The Performances: Lee Byung-hun is utterly bad #ss but in a subtle, more toned down way, he mixes emotion and depth along with it. There is a reason to care about him. Choi Min-sik is just incredible as the villain, he's repulsive and menacing. Both performances are brilliant, as are everyone else in the film.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography has it's own, very unique style, it keeps the film captivating, almost changing tones throughout, but never seems disjointed, always remains fluent. There is a stand out scene, and one of my favorites of the film, in which involves a fight with Choi and a couple of people in a car, it's astonishing the way the camera is rotating around the car as it happens, it's utter genius.
The Writing: No complaints whatsoever, there is some brilliant scripting in the final scenes. Other than that it never fails, it's not the greatest script, but it's still brilliant.
Re-Watch-Ability: Endlessly re-watchable, I can stick it on anytime and am always impressed.
The Verdict: Overall a flawless gem of a film, never fails to amaze, remains consistently hypnotic throughout, with brilliant cinematography by Le Mo-gae, amazing set pieces and a poignant and awesome tale of loss and revenge. 10/10, one of my all time favorite films. Thank you for reading my review!
Achievements In Cinematography - Will Be Added On As I See More
City Of Life And Death
I Saw The Devil
My Way
Pan's Labyrinth
Birdsong
Children Of Men
Drive
Shame
The Tree Of Life
Titanic
Black Swan
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Take Shelter
No Country For Old Men
The Dark Knight
Hanna
Inception
I Saw The Devil
My Way
Pan's Labyrinth
Birdsong
Children Of Men
Drive
Shame
The Tree Of Life
Titanic
Black Swan
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Take Shelter
No Country For Old Men
The Dark Knight
Hanna
Inception
Take Shelter - 2011 - Film Review
Review - Take Shelter - 2011
Take Shelter is a 2011 psychological thriller-drama film directed by Jeff Nichols starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. The film is made on a five million dollar budget which I respect, I love seeing films on a small budget just kick the living daylights out of most Hollywood-ised films. Some think small budget means bad, to be blunt that's just ignorance.
The Plot: Curtis LaForche (Shannon) Keeps having end-of-days apocalyptic visions including very vivid dreams. I don't want to say any more than that as it is a film that needs to be gone into knowing not much about it. I will say this, from the films mesmerizing opening to it's fantastically, strangely epic ending, it unfolds with such captivating story telling that slowly captivates the viewer.
The Performances: Michael Shannon delivers a powerhouse of a performance, he sent chills down my spine in several scenes of utter acting genius, it still sends chills down my spine as I wright this, honestly it's one of the great performances of all time in my opinion. There is a scene, and don't worry I won't give anything away, but it involves Shannon losing it in a food court, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest moments in cinema. It's utterly goose-bump educing. Jessica Chastain is proving to be one of today's best actors, she is brilliant in the film but this is Michael Shannon's courier defining film and performance.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is just downright gorgeous it captivates the viewer right from the beginning and in dramatic sequences it remains fluent, it never seems disjointed, it remains it's own. The angles are precise and the editing is nothing short of incredible, can't speak highly enough of the technical aspects.
The Writing: The script is brilliantly written by directer Jeff Nichols and is especially standing out in the food court flip out scene, ahh, how I love it, it's a thing of cinematic genius how that played out.
Re-Watch-Ability: It's highly re-watchable, one to be in awe of every time, I recommend a straight up purchase.
The Verdict: Take Shelter is a triumph in film-making and acting, it's one of the great films as far as I'm concerned, 10/10, a must see for everyone. Thank you for reading my review!
Take Shelter is a 2011 psychological thriller-drama film directed by Jeff Nichols starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. The film is made on a five million dollar budget which I respect, I love seeing films on a small budget just kick the living daylights out of most Hollywood-ised films. Some think small budget means bad, to be blunt that's just ignorance.
The Plot: Curtis LaForche (Shannon) Keeps having end-of-days apocalyptic visions including very vivid dreams. I don't want to say any more than that as it is a film that needs to be gone into knowing not much about it. I will say this, from the films mesmerizing opening to it's fantastically, strangely epic ending, it unfolds with such captivating story telling that slowly captivates the viewer.
The Performances: Michael Shannon delivers a powerhouse of a performance, he sent chills down my spine in several scenes of utter acting genius, it still sends chills down my spine as I wright this, honestly it's one of the great performances of all time in my opinion. There is a scene, and don't worry I won't give anything away, but it involves Shannon losing it in a food court, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest moments in cinema. It's utterly goose-bump educing. Jessica Chastain is proving to be one of today's best actors, she is brilliant in the film but this is Michael Shannon's courier defining film and performance.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is just downright gorgeous it captivates the viewer right from the beginning and in dramatic sequences it remains fluent, it never seems disjointed, it remains it's own. The angles are precise and the editing is nothing short of incredible, can't speak highly enough of the technical aspects.
The Writing: The script is brilliantly written by directer Jeff Nichols and is especially standing out in the food court flip out scene, ahh, how I love it, it's a thing of cinematic genius how that played out.
Re-Watch-Ability: It's highly re-watchable, one to be in awe of every time, I recommend a straight up purchase.
The Verdict: Take Shelter is a triumph in film-making and acting, it's one of the great films as far as I'm concerned, 10/10, a must see for everyone. Thank you for reading my review!
Saturday, 17 November 2012
The Masterpieces I've seen - Will Be Updated As I See New Masterpieces
In No Particular Order: Keep in mind more gets added every time
I see a film of this caliber
Pan's Labyrinth
City Of Life And Death
Apocalypto
Battle Royale
I Saw The Devil
Birdsong
Blue Valentine
Children Of Men
Drive
Requiem For A Dream
Shame
There Will Be Blood
The Departed
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
No Country For Old Men
The Prestige
Shutter Island
Take Shelter
The Dark Knight
Inception
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Norwegian Wood
I see a film of this caliber
Pan's Labyrinth
City Of Life And Death
Apocalypto
Battle Royale
I Saw The Devil
Birdsong
Blue Valentine
Children Of Men
Drive
Requiem For A Dream
Shame
There Will Be Blood
The Departed
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
No Country For Old Men
The Prestige
Shutter Island
Take Shelter
The Dark Knight
Inception
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Norwegian Wood
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - 2012 - Film Review
Review - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - David Fincher 2011
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is an American re-telling of the original bestselling novel directed by David Fincher. The film stars Rooney Mara as the troubled computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist the somewhat suave, sophisticated co-owner of Millennium magazine.
The Plot: Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) has just lost a libel case brought upon him by a corrupt businessmen, at the same time he is asked by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to investigate the murder of Henrik's grandniece in which took place 40 years ago, but to this day, has never been solved. With the help of Lisbeth Salander (Mara) they must work together to solve the mystery.
The Performances: Daniel Craig is suave as per usual, delivering yet another astounding performance, he's shaping up to be one of the best actors of today. Rooney Mara is who I really want to talk about, she is perfect in her role, absolutely faultless. Right down to the way she moves is perfect, she's mesmerizing to watch. I can't speak for how good her portrayal of Lisbeth was compared to the book, but I can tell you this, she is the definitive Lisbeth Salander compared to Noomi Rapace in the Swedish adaptation back in 2009. Every line Rooney delivers struck a spark that fires the screen with excitement. She's one of the best actresses today based solely on this role. How I adore when she comes in the room with the golf club.
The Technical Aspects: The Cinematography is hands down some of the best I've seen, every scene is made with such precision with the camera angles and lighting, it's truly breathtaking, certain scenes stay with me to this moment and always will. Same goes for the editing.
The Writing: Brilliant script is brilliant, especially Rooney's lines, she has some of the best "I have a high metabolism I can't put on weight" is one of my personal favorites, I know it seems like nothing but the way she presents herself as saying it in the film and the way she say's it is just class.
Re-watch-ability: Endlessly re-watchable for me.
The Verdict: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 2011 is a masterpiece, a perfect film, it's a 10/10 from me, one of those faultless gems. I'm literally obsessed with it. Thank you for reading my review!
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is an American re-telling of the original bestselling novel directed by David Fincher. The film stars Rooney Mara as the troubled computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist the somewhat suave, sophisticated co-owner of Millennium magazine.
The Plot: Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) has just lost a libel case brought upon him by a corrupt businessmen, at the same time he is asked by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to investigate the murder of Henrik's grandniece in which took place 40 years ago, but to this day, has never been solved. With the help of Lisbeth Salander (Mara) they must work together to solve the mystery.
The Performances: Daniel Craig is suave as per usual, delivering yet another astounding performance, he's shaping up to be one of the best actors of today. Rooney Mara is who I really want to talk about, she is perfect in her role, absolutely faultless. Right down to the way she moves is perfect, she's mesmerizing to watch. I can't speak for how good her portrayal of Lisbeth was compared to the book, but I can tell you this, she is the definitive Lisbeth Salander compared to Noomi Rapace in the Swedish adaptation back in 2009. Every line Rooney delivers struck a spark that fires the screen with excitement. She's one of the best actresses today based solely on this role. How I adore when she comes in the room with the golf club.
The Technical Aspects: The Cinematography is hands down some of the best I've seen, every scene is made with such precision with the camera angles and lighting, it's truly breathtaking, certain scenes stay with me to this moment and always will. Same goes for the editing.
The Writing: Brilliant script is brilliant, especially Rooney's lines, she has some of the best "I have a high metabolism I can't put on weight" is one of my personal favorites, I know it seems like nothing but the way she presents herself as saying it in the film and the way she say's it is just class.
Re-watch-ability: Endlessly re-watchable for me.
The Verdict: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 2011 is a masterpiece, a perfect film, it's a 10/10 from me, one of those faultless gems. I'm literally obsessed with it. Thank you for reading my review!
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