Criterion Collection, List 5

I had a small sense of disappointment with this one. This was one Bergman film I was highly anticipating, but when the time came I found it be be lesser, and it didn't helped that I watched it after I'd already seen 'Wild Strawberries'. Although I may say I was disappointed, that is in no way implying that the film is bad. The story is sad at moments and the acting is just as good as it usually is in Bergman's pictures. You also can't discuss this film without mentioning the beautiful set pieces. In no way, shape, or form do I regret taking the time to take this watch this, but what is regrettable is that it's not at the top of my list of favorite Ingmar Bergman films...

Paul Schrader seems to be one of the figures in cinema history who never got the exposure he deserved. 'Mishima' is a prime example of a beautiful piece of work that was kept hidden, especially for the 1980s which seemed to suffer in the cinema category. The score by Philip Glass was definitely a highlight for me, and I consider it to be some of Glass' best work. The life and works of Yukio Mishima on display here are beautiful and tragic to watch, but you can detect the passion Schrader had for the project while you watch it. I very highly recommend checking this one out, or at the very minimum check out the soundtrack...

The driving force behind the Lars von Trier film 'Europa' is undoubtedly the visuals. If there's one thing that goes never goes in unmentioned in a discussion about this picture, that's it. Everything from sets and costumes, to colors and camerawork, it's gorgeous head to toe. The story had me pretty much glued the entire time, but to say I completely comprehended everything I saw after one viewing may not be accurate. The performances were terrific and a have to Von Trier a little more credit still for getting Max von Sydow to do the narration pieces, everything is always better with a little Sydow. It may not be for everyone's taste, but I certainly enjoyed it...