Stella's Talk

The Blind Side

a feel good story that rings true......recommended.

Rumba

What makes this movie unique can also be considered as a problem: it's a slapstick comedy with some original and funny scenes and unlike other slapstick comedies, it has real characters and as the story goes, really bad things happen to these characters and you feel for them, you feel uncomfortable to laugh when a handicaped woman falls down or their house burn or they get beaten for bread.

Abel, Gordon and Romy, the writer-director-actor trio, did a very good job coming up with ideas and executing them, they are probably good friends, you can see the sincerity, the passion and the love in this little movie they made together.

Red Cliff (Chi Bi)

A grand epic piece of entertainment. The editing seems a bit rushed in scenes other than the battle scenes. This may be because of the cutting down of the two part version released in China. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that the theme song, A River that has No End (?), if eligible, will be nominated for an Oscar. CGI was used to expand the horizon of wide shots and navy boats on the river. There really were massive numbers of live soldiers in the battle scenes though. Unlike Ninja Assassins, which I saw recently with its fighting sequences heavy on the CGI, this historical epic allows you to see the martial art skills of the lead figures in the battles. This is like China's version of War and Peace. Based on the 14th century novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the story is set roughly in the 3rd century CE.

Prime minister Cao Cao (Zhang), who has conquered many warlords of northern China, bullies the young emperor into sending him to defeat two "rebel" armies to the south. Liu Bei (You) leads the smaller force and Sun Quan (Chang) is lord of the southern kingdom. Liu Bei's military strategist/diplomat/reader of signs of nature especially the weather, Zhuge Liang (Kaneshiro) travels to form an alliance between the two armies in preperation for Cao Cao's attack. Kaneshiro is awesome in this wise scholarly role. This is the type of wise adviser role usually played by an old man with a white beard, but he is young and easy on the eyes according to my wife. Sun Quan's viceroy Zhou Yu (Tony Leung) is the other major military strategist, who really appreciates the art of war and the beauty of music. Leung is also excellent in a strong heroic role. Sun Quan's sister wants in on the action too and serves as a spy for awhile. Zhou Yu's wife Xiao Qiao seeks peace and is willing to do what she can to further the success of the Alliance's cause. Other generals and skilled fighters in the Alliance include Zhao Yun, the ex-pirate Gan Xing, and Guan Yu. Some of these men are hard to keep track of in the heat of battle. But the military planning and missions each man takes on does a lot for making the elaborate clashes accessible for the audience. The brief moments of humor, the romance between Zhou Yu and his wife, the carefully planned attacks and counter attacks, the kinetic and disciplined hand to hand combat all add up to a historically epic story worth seeing!

Synecdoche, New York

Extremely unexpected. A must watch.

Dung fong tuk ying (Eastern Condors)

Tulitikkutehtaan tyttö (The Match Factory Girl)

Absolutely heartbreaking, The Match Factory Girl is an absolute masterpiece and a fine final instalment in Aki Kaurismäki's outstanding 'Underdog' trilogy. Kati Outinen's performance is wonderful, my only criticism is that it was far too short!

Varjoja Paratiisissa (Shadows in Paradise)

The first film in Aki Kaurismäki's 'Underdog' trilogy is a brilliant example of how bounteous minimalist cinema can be. The story is simple, funny and touching without ever being over the top. This is cinema in its purest form, no nonsense, just a joy to watch. I'm absolutely gutted to find out that my new favourite actor died 14 years ago! :o(

Höstsonaten (Autumn Sonata)

I might be alone on this, but I prefer Autumn Sonata to Persona, Seventh Seal and maybe even Wild Strawberries. Wild Strawberries remains my favourite of Bergman's best but I believe Autumn Sonata is the better produced film, purely due to it's awesome script and the impeccable performances from Ullman and especially Bergman. Her performance, when put in perspective (she was dying of Cancer) is just amazing. I'm not ashamed to say that this film made me cry a little. Pure brilliance!

The Lookout

This movie really, really surprised me. I thought this was going to be one of those genre movies that capitalized on the teen generation of the time (see The Invisible, and the marketing really followed that) and this is a huge mistake. This is a great thriller. It plays out with a young lead, but the characterization of all of the part players works well. All the leads and supporting are perfect in their roles. I couldn?t think of anyone who would be better in any of these roles. We get involved with all of these people, and it is all fleshed out really well. The script and how it plays out is all familiar, but still seems fresh. It does take some unique views and brings you on a ride that does get you sitting up.

But it isn't just a great story and performances, it has a great look and production overall. This movie gives you a great visual take on many scenes and gives great subtle visuals and camera work. It's a polished visual flair that makes you think about so many movies that lack it, and make you want it in so many more movies.

This movie falls into the unsung category and should be seen.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

The worst Herzog I have ever seen. New German Ferrara makes no sound for me. Big frustration. 7.12.09

Directors fall out over film remake showcased at Venice festivalLet's have a drink and make up, says Werner Herzog, after Abel Ferrara criticises new version of Bad Lieutenant

66th Venezia. 5.9.2009

Testament of Orpheus

It has been a while since a film has touched me as much as Testament of Orpheus has. I was absolutely blown away by its beauty and Jean Cocteau wry honesty, it's so capitulating and enduring, I can say without a doubt that this has shot straight to the top of my list of favourite films of all time. I urge you all to watch it when you can, it's quite simply breathtakingly beautiful.

Room 666 (Chambre 666)

An interesting historical piece. I say that because it's basically pure speculation from 1982. Some directors get it right, some get it wrong, it's fascinating to see who has 'Made it' since and who has disappeared into nothingness. Highlights include Godard's mumbled wisdom, Herzog taking his shoes off, Spielberg being right on the money and Paul Morrissey getting it completely wrong and showing himself up for what he is. A great insight for real film fans!