ana's Talk

Caligola (Caligula) (Edited Version)

Caligula is one hell of a porn film, above any other label. Of course orgies were a common thing in ancient Rome, and in alot more civilizations by then, and so there's absolutely no reason to produce any other, far from the truth, prudish depiction of the Roman living like Hollywood got people used to. And yes, the added sex scenes are a bit too excessive, too extravagant and too perverse, and there's controversy on that, but then wouldn't be a real portrayal of the history, specially on Caligula's reign.

Caligola (Caligula) (Edited Version)

Caligula is one hell of a porn film, above any other label. Of course orgies were a common thing in ancient Rome, and in alot more civilizations by then, and so there's absolutely no reason to produce any other, far from the truth, prudish depiction of the Roman living like Hollywood got people used to. And yes, the added sex scenes are a bit too excessive, too extravagant and too perverse, and there's controversy on that, but then wouldn't be a real portrayal of the history, specially on Caligula's reign.

Nanook of the North

Undeniable is its importance to film industry history, even if being considered a faux documentary. Flaherty wanted a portrayal of the true Inuit ancestors in the cold arctic, so he fooled the audiences to accomplish that, by adding a bit of staging. The result is in sight. An unscrupulous depiction of a now lost kind of living.

Battle Royale (Batoru Rowaiaru)

I can't agree more that this is a real shocking film. The idea of having your country's youth in some slaughter game created by their own fathers, is a thing kind of hard to digest, specially by the fathers out there, and of course 'grown ups' in general. that was probably why it was to be banned by the japanese government before its release, and after its release, which only contributed more to its success. I find it a bit overrated nevertheless. People foccus on its controversy, where there are friends killing friends on adults demand, which is simply mindblowing and shocking, but then, on the other hand, its all about gore and psycho killers, nothing Japan haven't shown us already.

Singin' in the Rain

truly a remarkable film. and as much people say they don't like musicals, me included, they always end up admiring films like these.

Splendor in the Grass

" What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind..."

House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu)

colourful, with breathtaking scenarios and a brilliant first part. but then, it became really boring after the first romantic scenes.

Were the World Mine

The lead guy (I forgot to check his name) is an excellent protagonist, very talented actor, and it's also fantastic to see Wendy Robie (without her eye-patch), the songs are good and its a very creative movie; I just hate how they have to make it look like the guy and his mother moved to the only town where no one has ever seen a gay guy because, of course, being a movie with a gay theme they have to treat like it was some Very Special Episode where everyone reacts to the news dramatically and then comes to terms with it by the end. I really hate that.

Were the World Mine

The lead guy (I forgot to check his name) is an excellent protagonist, very talented actor, and it's also fantastic to see Wendy Robie (without her eye-patch), the songs are good and its a very creative movie; I just hate how they have to make it look like the guy and his mother moved to the only town where no one has ever seen a gay guy because, of course, being a movie with a gay theme they have to treat like it was some Very Special Episode where everyone reacts to the news dramatically and then comes to terms with it by the end. I really hate that.

Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire) (The Sky Above Berlin)

Alphaville

Boy, oh, boy. Here I go again: I love how the movie looks and feels, I like the cast very much and the whole "Brazil meets noir" thing Godard does. But, I'm sorry to say it, I just couldn't get into it. Yes, the same old excuse I use all the time that's starting to feel like some cheap excuse I use so I don't have to write longer sentences applies for this movie in my case. I just couldn't get into it; and not for like of trying, tried 3 times to watch it.' Sorry.

The Man Who Wasn't There

despite being similar to past films like Blood Simple, Miller's Crossing or Fargo, and I mean by using the same formula - everything that happens surrounding a man's killing, it was still quite wonderful, wether by its noir essence, the twists through out the whole story, or by Thornton's performance.

Poltergeist

horror classic. outstanding special effects.

The Man Who Wasn't There

despite being similar to past films like Blood Simple, Miller's Crossing or Fargo, and I mean by using the same formula - everything that happens surrounding a man's killing, it was still quite wonderful, wether by its noir essence, the twists through out the whole story, or by Thornton's performance.

Spring Breakdown

The film starts and ends with no discernible purpose, plot, jokes, characters or screen time for anyone who isn't Amy Poehler (but it's okay, she's very funny), but it's still an amusing, sometimes funny movie that boasts and incredible cast and a hilarious Missi Pyle.

Watchmen

the whole rating goes to the actors performances and for most of the special effects, excluding, of course, some of the actors caracterization (Robert Wisdon aka Nixon, for example), which was plain awfull. the soundtrack is another thing I must criticize, like many did too already. Snyder seemed a bit confused on what songs to use in background, passing instantly from a mellow orchestral song to Jimmy Hendrix. too much avant-garde, if you ask me.. 300 was far better.

Sita Sings the Blues

Unbelieveable. We've all seen it before when they take someone's music and create an original story with it (Mamma Mia!, Across the Universe), but Sita Sings the Blues does it better than anything I have evers seen before. Mixing the lovely jazz music of Annette Hanshaw with different styles of animation to tell th story of the Ramayana, Nina Paley has created something unique and has shown us how talented and promising she is. Something not be missed and definitely something to fall in love with.

(500) Days of Summer

So, after so many movies that have exploited the archetype of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, this film finally shows us that other side of the desirable, unattainable woman that makes us gloomy men want to live again; I'd call this film an anti-Garden State of sorts, as well as an anti-romantic comedy, despite being funny and romantic (in a soul-croushing, dreams-shattering kinda way). Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the hapless romantic who follows Zooey Deschanel (playing Zooey Deschanel) who wants nothing to do with relationships. Though on paper it might sound like a simple reverse of the roles, the film manages to bring both life and a sense of reality into these people because we've all been a Tom or a Summer and the type of relationship this film portrays is the one I believe we get stuck in the most. Mark Webb does a fine job at adding his own indie/music video touches and quirks without drowning the film with it making the all-around experience one worthwhile. To laugh, cry, think and reflect, (500) Days of Summer is a breath of fresh to a genre in the worst decline possible and a nice alternative to all the other summer fodder.

A Very Brady Sequel

Okay, the reason why I saw this movie in the first place (other than my adoration for everything camp and kitsch) was that there's this website called denofgeek that totally goes batshit crazy for this movie and I wanted to see why. This was one of those early forays into adapting T.V. shows into movies and, while most of them tend to suck, the greatness of A Very Brady Sequel (and its predecessor, I imagine) was that instead of re-creating what made the television show popular, they basically spoof it piece by piece. The setting of the Brady family in modern times (well, modern being 1996) and have them look like retards on acid is absolutely hilarious, particularly with rain girl Jan, played by the brilliant Jennifer Elise Cox. All in all, it's a very entertaining, funny and self-referential delight easy to enjoy. True blood fans of the original show must hate it.

Jacob's Ladder

brilliant.