My Favorite Movies

Greatest feel-good movie out there. Michael Haneke is truly a genius, without peer. I recommend this over the Americanized remake with Tim Roth and Naomi Watts. Arno Frisch (also in the title role in Haneke's 'Benny's Video') truly shines in this film, and Frank Giering is fantastic, but great performances really are delivered by all. Warning: can be stressful to watch if you hold any empathy for the family portrayed in this film...

Though slightly tense at first, this film should definitely be viewed as a very effective black comedy, with some very satisfying brutality thrown in. There's a strong 'survival horror' theme, but what I enjoyed the most was a uniquie premise in this film. Yes, the villains are insane - driven so by a broadcast signal. However, our protagonists are also insane. Everything is a matter of degree and relativity, just as it is in real life. I also strongly recommend the special features on this disk, particularly the four mini-movies.

Now will someone please broadcast that signal?

This film is now my favorite historic epic, probably because it is not a traditional period piece. It is, in fact, a drama about Temujin, his life, and the relationships between him and the people in his life. It is also a love story about his undying love for his bride and all their love endured. There is action, but if you want an action movie, look elsewhere. There is war, but if you want a war movie, look elsewhere. And if you have issues with films over 90 minutes long, stick to American mainstream cinema. This is not a film about what Temujin DID. The film ENDS when he becomes Great Khan. This is a film about who he WAS and WHY.

Alexandre Aja is certainly making a name for himself, and this jewel has formed the cornerstone, in my humble opinion. I don't know how many times I've seen it. It has a satisfying, cold brutality to it whose quality is seldom seen in horror these days. Yes, there is graphic gore, and it's well done. But like Michael Haneke, Alexandre Aja knows that the best gore occurs off camera. Visually, your canvas is the screen and therein lie its limits. Using sound, your canvas is the human imagination, which knows no limitation. The most disturbing sensations in this film are delivered by sound effects and that which we can only guess at. This is not teenie-bopper horror. Haute Tension combines sophistication, brutality, and subtlety to achieve a satisfying effect. A common complaint about this film is that the plot twist seems like a bit of a leap at first. Learn more about human psychology, and it does not.

And I can't say enough about a beautiful, psychotic woman brandishing a lethal powertool. How can you go wrong?

This is the film which ranked Johnny To as my favorite Hong Kong director. I'd say this is his magnum opus, though 'Exiled' comes a very close second, with 'PTU' hot on its heels. With a cast of Hong Kong's heaviest hitters (why wasn't Simon Yam listed here?!?), I'd say this is my favorite role I've seen the versatile Anthony Wong in. This is another film about brotherhood and brotherhood being tested, a similar theme to many of John Woo's works, but I feel that 'The Mission' constitutes an effort done with more art . My favorite scene is the "paper ball" scene, where the characters are just kicking a ball around (a subtle illustration of the growing bond between these triad soldiers). Then there's the running "cigarette load" gag, as well. Finally, mention must be made of the technical proficiency of this film regarding the use of firearms. When observed closely, certain details are mind blowing. Actors are specifically trained not to blink when firing. And in the shopping mall shootout, Roy Cheung has memorized how many rounds are in his magazine. He ejects it with one in the chamber (the slide doesn't lock back). Think carefully: why would you do this in a gunfight? And the gunsmithing montage is simply a tool to characterize these five men as consummate professionals. This is easily my favorite shoot 'em up of all time. With impeccable attention to detail, a compelling story, and performances from six of Hong Kong's best, I'd have to rate it flawless. If you do find it hard to follow, it's just because it's a story that requires you to think about it. Some people still like that sort of thing.

Pure Miike Takashi joy. To be honest, I find it difficult to get into a lot of his movies, even though I have a few. I did love his cameo in Hostel. However, Audition is just... pure joy. Sophisticated direction and acting and working with a wonderful script combine to make this an absolute jewel. I have this one filed amongst my "feel-good" flix.

I would not characterize this film as a terribly "watchable" movie, but that is not what it attempts to be. This is not a conventional film. 'Nails' is an art film, and in that sense, it is also 'film as art'. It absolutely has to be viewed with that in mind. See it with open-mindedness. Look for nothing more than a spectacle, an exhilarating, disturbing ride, and you will not be disappointed. If you need conventional entertainment, see Star Wars again.

Made by Cthulhu cultists, for Cthulhu cultists, the faithfulness with which this film is done impresses me each time I view it. The imagination which went into the production is gratifying to see. I'll never forget the shot of the man who falls INTO convex architecture. Beautifully executed work of film. I'd love to be a part of something like this one day.