Sacha's Talk

Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs)

A film I've been meaning to see for so long and at last I have. It has to be the first film I've watched where I like both the original and the remake (The Departed) equally.

The storyline here is a truly original and clever idea, increasing in tempo as the polt unfolds.

Capturing the Friedmans

It?s dvd cover describes this documentary as ?thought provoking?. Even the most open minded of people are probably thinking ?why?? this seems like an open and shut case.

As the documentary unfolds, you realise just how complicated the case actually is, how the family appears to show biased support to the family members accused of these unthinkable crimes, how they filmed themselves continuously through years as a family ? (in fact supplying most of the footage on this documentary), how the evidence is challenged and what in fact is or isn't true in connection with the case.

Questions pop into mind throughout the documentary, many are answered within the film, others have been answered in the very lengthly special features and of course there may be questions that will never be answered.

Before the Fall (Napola)

An intense Drama of powerful proportions. This is a film about ambition, conformity and above all, questioning beliefs. A film that cannot fail to make an impact on you.

The style of this film was an interesting perspective, aiming the storyline at the Cadet age group, which brought forward some interesting characters and led to some interesting training scenes.

A wonderful performance from Max Riemelt. This film is an instant favourite with me.

The Woodsman

Whilst taking on a theme that people usually unite together in hatred against, Kevin Bacon takes on the brave part in possibly his best performance of his career.

Not an easy subject to tackle, especially when we are seeing it from the flip side of the coin, yet the storyline is based on the power of suggestion as opposed to graphic content, yet still manages to create a psychological discomfort for the viewer.

Interesting Drama that will leave you questioning the moral dilemma throughout and the people?s views envolved.

Rory O'Shea Was Here (Inside I'm Dancing)

A theme that?s very rarely portrayed as natural as this film was able to, it dealt with the issue in hand in a realistic manner; whilst keeping a realistic sense of humour too, the extremities of the emotions allowed the storyline to flip in a moment?s notice, which created good Drama.

Brilliant performances from all envolved, James McAvoy?s character was truly infectious and really brought the rebel side out of the story and with regards to Steven Robinson, well I was just reminded of the great Daniel Day Lewis?s portrayal of Christie Brown in My Left Foot (co-incidence both films had Brenda Fricker in them??).

I have personal links to the theme of this film, but have rated it according to the film and not my personal feelings. This is life in the real world, with tears and laughter thrown in for realistic measure.

Rory O'Shea Was Here (Inside I'm Dancing)

A theme that?s very rarely portrayed as natural as this film was able to, it dealt with the issue in hand in a realistic manner; whilst keeping a realistic sense of humour too, the extremities of the emotions allowed the storyline to flip in a moment?s notice, which created good Drama.

Brilliant performances from all envolved, James McAvoy?s character was truly infectious and really brought the rebel side out of the story and with regards to Steven Robinson, well I was just reminded of the great Daniel Day Lewis?s portrayal of Christie Brown in My Left Foot (co-incidence both films had Brenda Fricker in them??).

I have personal links to the theme of this film, but have rated it according to the film and not my personal feelings. This is life in the real world, with tears and laughter thrown in for realistic measure.

Rope

Another great Hitchcock film! Shot mainly in one location, with what appeared to be seemless filming, the characters are well developed and the plot provides great suspense. The storyline also demonstrates a thin line between theory and practice.

A comical role for Jimmy Stewart and without a doubt one of Hitchcock?s best.

Obsluhoval Jsem Anglického Krále (I Served the King of England)

This movie tells the journey of a man who plays different roles in various bars & restaurants in order to achieve his dream of becoming a millionaire. Art direction captures the charm of old-world Prague . It's a sumptuous mix of ambition , splendor & extravagance . This witty comedy also reflects on the compulsions & principles of men in times of war in a subtle manner.

Oorlogswinter (Winter in Wartime)

An engaging war movie set in Netherlands . A young boy discovers through his own experiences the nuances & compulsions of war which go beyond the initial euphoria & adventure. Direction is good along with the cinematography.

London to Brighton

Exceptional!!! Without doubt one of the best films that I have watched in a long time. A gritty, true to life storyline with very natural performances, particularly from the two main characters. This film held me from the get go and never failed to grab my attention throughout. Quite a frightening reality, which makes it a sensational Drama.

This is a film that should be on everyone?s ?must see? list (or at the very least every Brit?s ?must see? list).

People who are easily offended by bad language should probably give it a miss.

Charlotte Gray

Such a different perspective on a war-time film, showing this through a strong woman?s eyes, in a man?s world. This story is essentially driven by love.

Blanchett yet again, pours emotion into her performance and is of course a believable role. I too, have to give Billy Crudup credit for his performance here which I feel is his greatest to date.

Impressive all around with a much enjoyed plot.

RocknRolla

As predicted Guy Ritchie?s ?RocknRolla? is even better second time around, it?s funnier more calculated and it really give you change to unclutter the complicated characters, who?s with who etc. The three of course who really stand out, even in this great cast of Actors is Tom Wilkinson, Toby Kebbell and Gerard Butler.

Again, second time around, you really get to measure the amount of content squeezed into this film.

L' Appartement (The Apartment)

I was completely blown away by this storyline. The plot travels along steadily at first and is very 2-dimensional, but soon enough, come clever flashbacks, sub-plots and intertwining relationships, which all managed to link together and yet still keeps you surprised throughout.

Vincent Cassell is as always impressive and monica Bellusi (something I rarely comment on!) was absolutely stunning.

Enjoyably confusing and quite brilliant.

Shattered (Butterfly on a Wheel)

A film I underestimated greatly and one that develops into a clever little Thriller. Enjoyable performances all around.

The concept of the film really makes you question, how to choose between the lesser of two evils and in parts really shows you the fear through the character.

An enjoyable surprise.

Synecdoche, New York

Kaufman displays his elements in this intense & stirring movie. The multi-layered plot kept me engrossed for it's entire duration.

The Kite Runner

From book to film this intriguing story is quite an insight into the war-torn years in Afghanistan. Directed by Marc Forster, the film appears authentic and natural.

The Kite Runner takes a little while to show which direction it is heading in, but during that period the foundations of the tale are set and character development is established.

The film evolves into a class dividing, guilt ridden, culture changing journey, which questions loyalty and friendship to the deepest of levels.

My one complain if any, is that the older Amir, was less of a good Actor than the boy who took the part of the younger Amir.

Gothika

A film that isn?t highly rated by most, but remains to be one of my favourites and most re-watched films that I own.

Gothika has the dark creepy atmosphere, which is maintained throughout the film and a storyline which urges you to feel the frustration of the main characters, played by Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz.

Admittedly it has it?s clichéd moments and it?s not without predictability, but it?s certainly worth watching (in my opinion) if you enjoy supernatural Thrillers.

'Behind Blue Eyes' became one of my favourite songs after watching this film.

Before Night Falls

Quite a difficult one to rate, as the acting was superb, whilst the film was long and drawn out. Great narration throughout by Javier Bardem, which worked well and he, as always was very impressive.

The story of Reinaldo Arenas? life is certainly an interesting one, but the film does take some perseverance.

A very small role here for Johnny Depp and an even smaller (almost unrecognisable) role for Sean Penn.

The Tenant

The biggest problem with this film, is that it is incredibly drawn out, however, it?s storyline is captivating and Polanski plays a great main role as well as Directing this piece, plus all the characters have been very well developed.

The story evolves well into a world of conspiracy and paranoia, this was conveyed well from the build up of the story.

There were a few badly dubbed scenes, but despite it?s drawn out length, this is a film to be remembered.