Log in

View Full Version : 24th Hall of Fame


Pages : 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 7

edarsenal
01-01-21, 02:31 PM
Do we want to play guess who nominated what tomorrow?

Sure!

Mine is pretty obvious -- to me anyways lol
But, yeah, it is VERY obvious

Citizen Rules
01-01-21, 02:44 PM
Here's a hint about my nom: it's good:D

MovieGal
01-01-21, 03:10 PM
I don't mind playing the guessing game.

pahaK
01-01-21, 05:58 PM
Here's a hint about my nom: it's good:D

Hope we didn't nominate the same film 'cause mine is good as well. I guess I could say mine's even great.

Citizen Rules
01-01-21, 06:25 PM
Hope we didn't nominate the same film 'cause mine is good as well. I guess I could say mine's even great.I like that! Wouldn't that be weird if we did nom the same movie:p

MovieGal
01-01-21, 06:28 PM
I know my film is beyond good..

CosmicRunaway
01-01-21, 07:49 PM
I didn't have as much time this week as I thought I would, so I didn't start thinking about nominations until last night.

I'm trying to decide if I want to go with a film I only just watched and am still digesting, or something I haven't had the chance to rewatch since I first saw it. They're both films I think more people should have watched when they were new, but neither are going to be crowd pleasers, since one's quite slow and the other's a satire.

Wyldesyde19
01-01-21, 07:58 PM
I didn't have as much time this week as I thought I would, so I didn't start thinking about nominations until last night.

I'm trying to decide if I want to go with a film I only just watched and am still digesting, or something I haven't had the chance to rewatch since I first saw it. They're both films I think more people should have watched when they were new, but neither are going to be crowd pleasers, since one's quite slow and the other's a satire.
You have plenty of time yet, so need to fret. Remember, you can decide on it even after the reveals (and that could even help you decide on a film) are made. Up to a week iirc.

CosmicRunaway
01-01-21, 08:47 PM
I had a message with my nomination ready to hit send, but I just got this weird feeling. If raul is taking late nominations, then I might wait and see what work is like next week - at least the first couple days. It's been unexpectedly busy and I don't want to commit to something I might not have time for.

Or maybe I'll just sleep on it, since it's late now and I might feel more confident about my time management skills in the morning.

cricket
01-02-21, 10:50 AM
I'm going to watch one as soon as they're revealed

MovieGal
01-02-21, 11:00 AM
I need to see how many I want to watch versus how many I dont.. :D

rauldc14
01-02-21, 11:19 AM
I had a message with my nomination ready to hit send, but I just got this weird feeling. If raul is taking late nominations, then I might wait and see what work is like next week - at least the first couple days. It's been unexpectedly busy and I don't want to commit to something I might not have time for.

Or maybe I'll just sleep on it, since it's late now and I might feel more confident about my time management skills in the morning.

Are you more confident? I'd like to say around noon Central for an unveil. Little less than 3 hours.

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 12:21 PM
I hope Cosmic joins:) It wouldn't be the same without her. Some of my favorite past HoF nominations have been Cosmic's.

pahaK
01-02-21, 12:48 PM
I'd like to say around noon Central for an unveil. Little less than 3 hours.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/vyVxeMNGUBT7q/200.gif

rauldc14
01-02-21, 01:35 PM
It's coming in about 10 minutes!

MovieGal
01-02-21, 01:36 PM
I would like to see what pahaK nominated. They are unusual little gems.

pahaK
01-02-21, 01:38 PM
I would like to see what pahaK nominated. They are unusual little gems.

You've seen my nomination, and you've said you liked it.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 01:39 PM
You've seen my nomination, and you've said you liked it.

Thats good. Then its one point for me to participate.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 01:40 PM
Remember I won't post names, we can guess who nominated what

MovieGal
01-02-21, 01:42 PM
Remember I won't post names, we can guess who nominated what

I'm good with that.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 01:44 PM
Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer)

https://mediartinnovation.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/1932_dreyer_vampyr_c.jpg

La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini)

https://cdn.onebauer.media/one/empire-tmdb/films/439/images/mOz8GDmE5em5o7ImqiMEIN35qqz.jpg?quality=50&width=1800&ratio=16-9&resizeStyle=aspectfill&format=jpg

The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes)

https://img.reelgood.com/content/movie/c438fbce-370d-4d9a-8a50-1fdf9ef335b7/backdrop-1920.jpg

Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman)

https://www.zekefilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Shame_1-960x600.jpg

The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann)

https://www.hometheaterforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/JackalGeweer1-1280x720.jpg

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder)

https://jojud265nia2bj9sy4ah9b61-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Ali-Fear-Eats-the-Soul-1600x900-c-default.jpg

Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick)

https://filmforum.org/do-not-enter-or-modify-or-erase/client-uploads/_1000w/barry-lyndon-slide-2.jpg

Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill)

https://i1.wp.com/thisdistractedglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/Hardtimes2.jpg

The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino)

https://jojud265nia2bj9sy4ah9b61-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-Deer-Hunter-2-1600x900-c-default.jpg

In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga)

https://offscreen.com/images/articles/_resized/9_12_cage.jpg

Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington)

https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/uploads/film_reviews/images//antwone-fisher-hero.jpg

The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar)

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/72/11/8f/72118f0a174936d25be1e25dc6c41e57.jpg

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella)

https://cinema1544.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/train_farewell.jpg

The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom)

https://jojud265nia2bj9sy4ah9b61-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/the_man_from_nowhere_film2-1600x900-c-default.jpg

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin)

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2012/06/10/arts/10BEASTS1_SPAN/10BEASTS1_SPAN-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale

Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy)

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/10/17/arts/17RUDDERLESS/17RUDDERLESS-superJumbo-v2.jpg

Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman)

https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/0517-FEA-BHR-L-aniara.jpg?w=1024&h=512

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 01:47 PM
Amazing selections. Most of these, are on my very long watchlist!

Only 2 of these I’m not familiar with. Rudderless and In a Glass Cage. The latter is most assuredly Pahak

rauldc14
01-02-21, 01:50 PM
Super diverse HOF was my first thought

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 01:53 PM
Only 7 films from the new millennium.
Really glad they’re really spread out over several decades

rauldc14
01-02-21, 01:54 PM
Just the 40s, 50s and 90s not represented. Usually the 90s always are.

Miss Vicky
01-02-21, 01:58 PM
Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer)
La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini)
The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes)
Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman)
The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann)
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder)
Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick)
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill)
The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino)
In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga)
Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington)
The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar)
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella)
The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom)
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin)
Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy)
Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman)


Quite an interesting mix of films here, most of which I haven't seen. I recall liking Shame, though honestly I have trouble differentiating between many of the various Bergman films I've seen. I loved The Man From Nowhere which is a rare thing for me, especially with foreign films. It was nominated in the 12th HOF and I was sorely disappointed when the person who picked it didn't finish and it got disqualified.

Barry Lyndon is the one Kubrick film I've ever actually wanted to see, so I might check it out. I may also rewatch The Man From Nowhere because it's awesome. I am going to stick with my decision to take a break from the HOF though. It just hasn't been as fun for me as it used to be.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 02:02 PM
I've seen 4 of those (including my rec). Nice selection, guys! Are we allowed to reveal what movie we nominated or are we supposed to keep that a secret?

rauldc14
01-02-21, 02:02 PM
I've seen 4 of those (including my rec). Nice selection, guys! Are we allowed to reveal what movie we nominated or are we supposed to keep that a secret?

I was going to let people guess for a day or so.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 02:03 PM
I was going to let people guess for a day or so.

Gotcha. One last question: What date should we watch and review all these films by?

rauldc14
01-02-21, 02:03 PM
I've only seen 5 of the 17 total. Quite a bit of new watches on the horizon.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 02:04 PM
Gotcha. One last question: What date should we watch and review all these films by?

It's usually about a week per film. No official date yet though as a few could join/leave yet.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 02:05 PM
It's usually about a week per film. No official date yet though as a few could join/leave yet.

Okay, thanks. I might start tonight.

seanc
01-02-21, 02:06 PM
Very cool. Seen 9. Definitely a couple I need to see again and a couple I have really needed to get to. I will make some guesses later on. Good job guys, made me excited for a HOF again.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:07 PM
I have seen

Vampyre,
In A Glass Cage (which I actually found the dvd when still unpacking from a move),
The Sea Inside,
The Secret In Their Eyes (which I love Ricardo Darin. First watched with my friend from Argentina),
The Man from Nowhere (I know who nominated this but I won't say as they know mine)

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 02:08 PM
This is going to be an epic HoF! Glad we got so many new people to join👍 Looks like a diverse and well chosen group of movie noms too. I'm pleased.

I haven't had the time to read about the movies yet. Some I haven't heard of. I'll take a guess at who nominated what, but I actually don't have any clue about that:p Back to work for me....

seanc
01-02-21, 02:11 PM
My first guesses are MG is Vampyr, Raul Antoine Fischer, Citizen is Barry Lyndon.

seanc
01-02-21, 02:11 PM
I will say Cricket is The Man From Nowhere

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:14 PM
rauldc14, Im in.. there are only 2 that I dont care to see so they may be my last.

Believe it or not everyone, I am a fan of Charles Bronson.. I haven't seen many but what I have seen was a bit intense for the time I watched them. When I saw Death Wish, I cringed on the glass eating scene.. I must have been in my 20s at the time. If it wasn't Death Wish, it was another Bronson film.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:15 PM
My first guesses are MG is Vampyr, Raul Antoine Fischer, Citizen is Barry Lyndon.

No :D

pahaK
01-02-21, 02:18 PM
Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer) - The first time I saw this, I liked it surprisingly little. I've been meaning to rewatch it as it should be something I like.

La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini) - Haven't seen this but it's a familiar name. Considering I like a lot of Italian films these days, this is sort of interesting.

The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes) - Doesn't ring any bells at the moment.

Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman) - I don't know why I've watched so few Bergmans, especially as I've liked most of those I've seen. Definitely interesting.

The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann) - Seen this as a kid. Semi-interesting rewatch.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder) - I think I've seen this film mentioned in here, but other than that I don't know anything. Very unfamiliar with Fassbinder as well so mostly a mystery film to me.

Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick) - Seen this 10-20 years ago and I remember liking it. Been meaning to rewatch this one too.

Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - I'm pretty sure I've seen this one too, but don't remember much. Should be OK.

The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino) - Seen this twice (first time as a kid, second time like 10 years ago) and never been a fan. Maybe third times a charm?

In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga) - A masterpiece of disturbing and relentless cinema.

Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington) - No idea what this is about. Denzel is a good actor, maybe he's a good director too?

The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar) - Never heard of.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella) - Never heard of.

The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom) - I may have seen this, or at least multiple other Asian "a professional of violence saves a kid to save his soul" movies. Maybe this is better than usual, please?

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin) - This one has to be Citizen Rules nomination, or at least he's suggested this one to me. I haven't yet seen it, but it's on my watchlist. Hopefully it delivers.

Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy) - Never heard of.

Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman) - Never heard of.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 02:18 PM
rauldc14, Im in.. there are only 2 that I dont care to see so they may be my last.

Believe it or not everyone, I am a fan of Charles Bronson.. I haven't seen many but what I have seen was a bit intense for the time I watched them. When I saw Death Wish, I cringed on the glass eating scene.. I must have been in my 20s at the time. If it wasn't Death Wish, it was another Bronson film.

Sweet. Really look forward to your film so that's good news.

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 02:19 PM
Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer)

This has been a film I’ve always been interested in but could never find it available. Really glad to see it appear here.

La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini)
Fellini films are hit or miss for me. Really liked La Strada, couldn’t stand Satyiricon, and I, Clowns was mediocre. Those are just a few examples. *
Dolce is supposed to be among his better films, as is 8 1/2, so I’ve been meaning to get to this at some point.

The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes)

Seen this once, enjoyed it and found it a sad tale of a lonely woman.

Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman)

Another films I’ve been meaning to see. My experience with Bergman is, regrettably, few and far between. Which is odd because I loved The Seventh Seal

The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann)

Seen this and enjoyed it thoroughly. It can get a little slow at times, but I’m thinking a second viewing will make me appreciate it more.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder)

Yet another film I’ve had marked on my watchlist, as is the director. My first Fassbinder.

Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick)

Own it. Seen it a few times. Consider it a underrated gem that doesn’t get discussed as often as Kubrick other films.
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill)

Walter Hill with Bronson as the lead. Interesting pick.

The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino)

Seen it a Few times. Once in 1997, when I first started watching films seriously, and again about 4 years ago. It still holds up, even if a little over long.

In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga)

Never heard of this. Looks interesting.
Pahak picked this I’m sure.

Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington)

Denzel Washington’s first film as a director as I recall. I’ve read it’s recommended.*

The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar)

Another film on my watch list. Get to finally cross it off.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella)

Same as above. Also helps me with 2021 challenge, since it’s from South America.

The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom)

This title sounds familiar. Until I look it up. And see there were many films with the same title. So now I don’t know if I know of this. What evs. It’s South Korean crime film? Sign me up.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin)

Same as countless others. Been meaning to watch this.

Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy)

Second film I’m sure I’ve never heard of.....

Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman)

This is familiar to me. The poster is what stands out. It’s trippy. Glad to see it nominated.*
MovieGal?

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:22 PM
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella)

Same as above. Also helps me with 2021 challenge, since it’s from South America.



Get it right, its from Argentina.

At your guess, no that's not my nomination.

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 02:25 PM
Get it right, its from Argentina.

At your guess, no that's not my nomination.
Argentina is in South America

seanc
01-02-21, 02:28 PM
Knew I had heard of Aniara, it's been in my Hulu que for a long time. Sure I must of heard of it on a podcast.

I will be able to check this off my watch a movie from a country list...is Argentina a country. ;)

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:29 PM
Argentina is in South America

Yeah, I know that. But still... you saw my comment about my friend and I wanted it to be specific. Marcos and I watched a lot of films together.. I even asked him about another HOF coming up which Ricardo Darin film I should nominate. I have seen a lot of his so expect a good one soon.

I may even pick one that could be controversial by some.

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 02:32 PM
Yeah, I know that. But still... you saw my comment about my friend and I wanted it to be specific. Marcos and I watched a lot of films together.. I even asked him about another HOF coming up which Ricardo Darin film I should nominate. I have seen a lot of his so expect a good one soon.
Yep understood. For the record I am aware it is from Argentina. My post was just in reference to a specific category on a challenge.
I’ve been wanting to see this film so I’m glad to see it nominated.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:32 PM
so In A Glass Cage is pahaK. I have seen it and really liked it and he said the same thing.

Its very good and disturbing so yeah... my type of film.

seanc
01-02-21, 02:36 PM
When people start figuring out where they will watch In A Glass Cage let me know. No illegal means please.

I am good to go on all the others. This will be a good Hall I think. Seems like we have a lot of active members.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 02:36 PM
Vampyr- really liked it. Dreyer is a cool dude.

La Dolce Vita- I remember it as my favorite Fellini

The Whisperers- I think Honeykid loves this film? Only reason I've heard of it.

Shame- probably most excited for this one.

The Day of the Jackal- Zinnemann is a really underrated director

Barry Lyndon- a decent Kubrick entry, maybe ill like even more for round 2

Hard Times- never really heard of it.

Ali Fear Eats the Soul- hopefully I'll love a Fassbinder at some point

Deer Hunter- never seen and not sure how I'll feel

In a glass cage- maybe most afraid of seeing this one.

Antwone Fisher- Luke's performance is underrated. Like the film quite a bit.


The Sea Inside- heard great things, really look forward to it

Beasts of Southern Wild- great performance

The Man from Nowhere- never heard of it

Aniara- know nothing of it

Rudderless- seems like my jam

The secret in their eyes- never heard of

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:40 PM
When people start figuring out where they will watch In A Glass Cage let me know. No illegal means please.

I am good to go on all the others. This will be a good Hall I think. Seems like we have a lot of active members.

Perhaps we can work out a deal with me shipping you my dvd. :D Maybe.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 02:41 PM
When people start figuring out where they will watch In A Glass Cage let me know. No illegal means please.

I am good to go on all the others. This will be a good Hall I think. Seems like we have a lot of active members.

seanc

Do you have a fire stick or some type of game system will you can download apps?

Tubitv has it. I have that on my Firestick.

https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-a-glass-cage

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 02:45 PM
Rudderless, The Whisperers and The Man from Nowhere are a available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Aniara is available on Hulu.

I think I can find most of these at my local rental store. Going to hit it up shortly now.

seanc
01-02-21, 02:46 PM
seanc

Do you have a fire stick or some type of game system will you can download apps?

Tubitv has it. I have that on my Firestick.

https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-a-glass-cage

I do, I will check it out.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 02:51 PM
My nomination should be easy to track down. You can find it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and the Criterion Channel.

Torgo
01-02-21, 02:53 PM
Looks like a good list to me. Most of these are ones I want to see and/or have been bouncing around my watch list for a long time, so this gives me a good excuse as any to see them! If anyone knows how to legally stream or digitally rent La Dolce Vita, please post it because JustWatch doesn't list any options.


Oh, and SpelingError: Vampyr is yours, right?

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 02:54 PM
I don't do streaming. So if anyone has links for free watching of their nom, PM me, but don't post the link in the thread.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 03:04 PM
My nomination should be easy to track down. You can find it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and the Criterion Channel.

You are either Vampyre, La Dolce Vita, Shame, Ali: Fear eats the Soul or Barry Lyndon. I know they are on Criterion DVD/Bluray.

I do have the criterion of some of the films but I won't be using that because I haven't plugged in my DVD player since the move.

Takoma11
01-02-21, 03:21 PM
When people start figuring out where they will watch In A Glass Cage let me know. No illegal means please.

I am good to go on all the others. This will be a good Hall I think. Seems like we have a lot of active members.

In a Glass Cage is on Shudder (through Amazon), which is where I plan to watch it. It's funny--they just added it to Shudder and it's on my watchlist (I've seen it already, but it seemed about due for a rewatch).

MovieGal
01-02-21, 03:23 PM
In a Glass Cage is on Shudder (through Amazon), which is where I plan to watch it. It's funny--they just added it to Shudder and it's on my watchlist (I've seen it already, but it seemed about due for a rewatch).

Don't you have to pay to have the Shudder addon? I have Prime but I had to pay extra for the Masterpiece Theatre addon. I pay monthly for Amazon which is about $11.99 then an extra $5.99 for MPT.

cricket
01-02-21, 03:25 PM
I'm very happy with these nominations. There are 5 I haven't seen; The Whisperers, Antwone Fisher, The Sea Inside, Ruderless, and Aniara. There's only 2 I've seen more than once; The Deer Hunter and Hard Times. There's nothing I've seen in the last year and nothing I dread watching. I'm going to watch something I've already seen now.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 03:29 PM
I'm very happy with these nominations. There are 5 I haven't seen; The Whisperers, Antwone Fisher, The Sea Inside, Ruderless, and Aniara. There's only 2 I've seen more than once; The Deer Hunter and Hard Times. There's nothing I've seen in the last year and nothing I dread watching. I'm going to watch something I've already seen now.

I'm doing the same. Starting with something I know will be high on my list.

cricket
01-02-21, 03:35 PM
Ok I found a perfect link right away so I'm watching The Secret in Their Eyes for the second time.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 03:43 PM
Oh, and SpelingError: Vampyr is yours, right?

You are either Vampyre, La Dolce Vita, Shame, Ali: Fear eats the Soul or Barry Lyndon. I know they are on Criterion DVD/Bluray.

I do have the criterion of some of the films but I won't be using that because I haven't plugged in my DVD player since the move.

It's Vampyr.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 03:47 PM
I don't do streaming. So if anyone has links for free watching of their nom, PM me, but don't post the link in the thread.

I sent you a couple links.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 03:55 PM
It's Vampyr.

great film. I have the criterion DVD but I will find it streaming somewhere unless I get desperate and then watch the DVD.

TheUsualSuspect
01-02-21, 03:55 PM
So I watched Deer Hunter for the first Personal Recommendations HoF, which was in the summer. I don't particularly feel like watching the 3 hour film again so soon and I highly doubt my opinion on it would change either.

So if no one has any objections, I'd like to post my review from that HoF.


The Deer Hunter

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w154/zdxFmSQFQudQTEMY5jcACxDaDVy.jpg

3.5

Another 3-hour movie down....and it's the last one. Thank God.

I've always assumed The Deer Hunter would be an overrated movie and that it would be a bloated mess that thought itself as more poignant than it really was. While some of it is true, I couldn't help but feel some depressed emotions by the time the friends raised a glass to their fallen brethren. The Deer Hunter isn't about Vietnam, we hardly spent time there. It's more concerned with the horrors of war and what it does to a human. For the most part, the film does it really well, on the other hand, a film like Born on the Fourth of July really digs into that subject matter.

The Deer Hunter feels messy. Each hour is more or less dedicated to BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the war. A solid hour to get us acquainted with these characters does feel a bit much. I appreciate the artistry in having the viewer pick up on a lot of social cues in the wedding scene without much dialogue, but this could have been a learner movie. Just because something is 3 hours long does not make it an "instant classic" or "important" by any means. I don't need to see the bride and groom walk around an altar with crowns above their heads. Small details like this taken out don't change the emotion you feel towards these characters at all, instead, it makes a 3-hour movie into something more or less 2:45 or 2:30.

Then we get to Vietnam and we are almost immediately POWs. Then the famous scene of the film happens and much to my surprise it was still pretty intense. It's hard to go into a movie you haven't seen, but know exactly how the next scene will play out. I couldn't get a grip on the PTSD that Walken's character feels because the Russian Roulette sequence is one and done. I felt like we could have spent a little more time with them captured, to show how they're mentally beaten down. Being thrown almost directly into the mess feels like a missed opportunity. With that in mind, I found it hard that Walken would re-live the Roulette scenes and that he would become famous for it. No skill is involved, it's pure luck and he somehow manages to do this for months and when DeNiro finally shows up it just so happens to be the end? I understand the emotional need and pull for this, but reality set in pretty quickly for me and I didn't buy it.

The third act has DeNiro try to put his life back together back home. He purposely drives past a welcome home party because he can't face his friends after the horrors of war. Too much too fast and he prefers a small and quiet re-entry to life. He strikes up an emotional bond to Meryl Streep, one that felt underutilized in the first two thirds. There is something in this film, a sense of loss, a sense of not being able to get back what once was...it feels genuine. We all have things in our lives that we would like to have back, it could be something as silly as our youth or a long lost friend. This film nails that aspect and the ending feels depressingly poignant.

The Deer Hunter is a messy film with spotlights of brilliance. I would put most of that mainly on the talent of the cast and the relatability of the content. I might have never fought in a war, but I know what loss feels like.

cricket
01-02-21, 03:55 PM
For those who don't have Shudder, In a Glass Cage is also on effedupmoviesdotcom. I've used the site many times and there's no popups

cricket
01-02-21, 03:56 PM
So I watched Deer Hunter for the first Personal Recommendations HoF, which was in the summer. I don't particularly feel like watching the 3 hour film again so soon and I highly doubt my opinion on it would change either.

So if no one has any objections, I'd like to post my review from that HoF.

That was so recent there's no reason to watch it again.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 03:56 PM
For those who don't have Shudder, In a Glass Cage is also on effedupmoviesdotcom. I've used the site many times and there's no popups

again its on TubiTV for free. You can download the app to your phone as well.

cricket
01-02-21, 03:59 PM
again its on TubiTV for free. You can download the app to your phone as well.

A great free app, everyone should have it.

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 04:43 PM
Starting tonight most likely. Aniara probably first up.

edarsenal
01-02-21, 04:52 PM
I got very f@ckin giddy from the get-go of reading the list of nominations. The first two being on my watchlist for the 2021 Movie Challenge (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2154355#post2154355) THANKS again Wylde for getting me involved in that!
Quite the echelon of films with such a wonderful diversity -- this is gonna be VERY f@ckin cool!!

Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer) I've always been curious to watch Dreyer's vision on the Vampire genre. And now I can!
La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini) Had this on my Watchlist and pretty stoked that it showed up here. Gotta love me some serendipity!
The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes) Completely unknown to me but intrigued.
Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman) I have been on the hit or miss with Bergman but I've come to welcome the viewing opportunity.
The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann) This has been on a life long watchlist and, seeing it as a One Pointer on the current Countdown, I finally cracked it open and f@ckin LOVED it! Excited for a rewatch.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder) I remember hearing of this when it came out and off and on through the next couple of decades. . . I will be searching out a version IN German with subtitles.
Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick) I've seen this a few times through out my life and found a little more depth upon each viewing. Looking forward to what this mid fifties brain connects to this time around.
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) Have not seen this since I was a teenager. A fan of both Hill and of Bronson, so it'll be great to revisit this, all over again.
The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino) An intense, long film that I haven't seen in a few decades.
In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga) Completely unknown, but after reading about it on IMDb I would consider this a cricket film.
Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington) Remember hearing of this but this will be brand new to me.
The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar) Pretty excited to see Javier Bardem in a very serious dramatic role.
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella) Hey! Look! A film from South America!! Sorry, MG, I just HAD to mess with ya ;);) I have seen the remake from 2015 so I'm happy to see, what must be the superior original.
The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom) Great film!! Seen it a few times and can't wait to see it again. VERY happy to see it get a second chance in an HoF.
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin) Unfamiliar but quite curious about it
Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy) This caught my eye a couple years back but I've had yet to venture a look. Now I get to!
Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman) Another unknown that has my curiosity.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 05:10 PM
I got very f@ckin giddy from the get-go of reading the list of nominations.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella) Hey! Look! A film from South America!! Sorry, MG, I just HAD to mess with ya ;);) I have seen the remake from 2015 so I'm happy to see, what must be the superior original.


Ed, you always tease me.

However, I have and will not watch the American remake of this film. I have loved the Argentine version and will keep with that.

I believe it was last year or 2019, that they remade Efter brylluppet (After the Wedding). I will not and never will watch the American remake of it. F*ck Michelle Williams over Mads Mikkelsen. HE** NO!!!!

I really super dislike when they remake great foreign films to English films and they are never better than the original!!!

Takoma11
01-02-21, 05:34 PM
Don't you have to pay to have the Shudder addon? I have Prime but I had to pay extra for the Masterpiece Theatre addon. I pay monthly for Amazon which is about $11.99 then an extra $5.99 for MPT.

It is one that you have to pay for, but you can get a week for free as a trial.

I have Shudder anyway (I started it back in October and have been pleased with their selection).

seanc
01-02-21, 05:38 PM
One of the guys on a podcast I listen to directed a doc series on Shudder I am interested in, so I will probably go that route and keep it for a month.

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 06:08 PM
Count me in as a fan of Shudder. Almost 2 years running now

CosmicRunaway
01-02-21, 06:15 PM
That's a nice collection of nominations! There's a pretty good balance between films I've seen and remember well, ones I've seen but am hazy on the details, films I know about but have never watched, and a couple I've never even heard of haha.

Hopefully The Man from Nowhere doesn't get disqualified this time. It was at the very top of my list in the 12th Hall of Fame.

cricket
01-02-21, 06:18 PM
That's a nice collection of nominations! There's a pretty good balance between films I've seen and remember well, ones I've seen but am hazy on the details, films I know about but have never watched, and a couple I've never even heard of haha.

Hopefully The Man from Nowhere doesn't get disqualified this time. It was at the very top of my list in the 12th Hall of Fame.

That's when I first watched it. Who nominated it? I had thought it was Ed.

CosmicRunaway
01-02-21, 06:21 PM
Who nominated it? I had thought it was Ed.
I just looked it up, and apparently it was RoyaleWitCheese. Forgot about them.

cricket
01-02-21, 06:22 PM
I just looked it up, and apparently it was RoyaleWitCheese. Forgot about them.

Jesus the name doesn't even ring a bell with me.

CosmicRunaway
01-02-21, 06:26 PM
Guess they didn't leave much of an impact haha. They were a fairly new user at the time, I think here for a couple of months. Then they disappeared without a trace.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 06:29 PM
There has been a film removed from the Hall of Fame.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul.

cricket
01-02-21, 06:32 PM
There has been a film removed from the Hall of Fame.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul.

Someone drop out?

rauldc14
01-02-21, 06:33 PM
Someone drop out?

They've decided to not participate.

cricket
01-02-21, 06:34 PM
They've decided to not participate.

Who dat

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 06:36 PM
There has been a film removed from the Hall of Fame.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul.Really, bummer that was the only nom that I've seen recently enough not to watch it again. I seen it for the Personal Recommendation and thought it was pretty darn good.

CosmicRunaway
01-02-21, 06:37 PM
I'm pretty sure I've been saying that I need to rewatch Ali: Fear Eats the Soul ever since I joined this site, but still haven't. It even came up recently in another topic haha.

Edit: Probably the Personal Recs thread CR just mentioned.

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 06:37 PM
They've decided to not participate.Did they need help finding the movies online? I'm always happy to help do that.

CosmicRunaway
01-02-21, 06:38 PM
Who dat
If I had to guess, it would be one of the few people who mentioned wanting to wait to see the reveal.

cricket
01-02-21, 06:39 PM
My guess was that it was Citizen's since he just watched it and thought highly of it, and it's a movie that I also wanted to see it again. Maybe I nominated it for CR? Maybe I nominated it here and decided this was too much for me?

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 06:42 PM
My guess was that it was Citizen's since he just watched it and thought highly of it, and it's a movie that I also wanted to see it again. Maybe I nominated it for CR? Maybe I nominated it here and decided this was too much for me?That's funny, cause I hadn't done the guessing thing yet, but my guess was that you had picked it for me, as I know you like Fassbinder films. But you've not dropped out! So I don't know who it was:p

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 06:44 PM
Raul, enough of the guessing game:cool: Let's see who nominated what?

cricket
01-02-21, 06:45 PM
That's funny, cause I hadn't done the guessing thing yet, but my guess was that you had picked it for me, as I know you like Fassbinder films. But you've not dropped out! So I don't know who it was:p

I once nominated The Marriage of Maria Braun but I think I've only seen that and Ali.

seanc
01-02-21, 06:47 PM
I didn't care for Ali, but definitely wasn't going to be bothered by a rewatch. O think Fassbinder has grown on me a lot since that watch. It was either the first or second of his O had seen.

cricket
01-02-21, 06:49 PM
The Secret in Their Eyes

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KtrWxaygpYA/maxresdefault.jpg

This was my 2nd time watching this Oscar winner for best foreign language film. It beat out the more talked about The White Ribbon, and I'd say for good reason. I literally found it by googling "the best movies you've never heard of". I thought it was brilliant before and my opinion has not changed.

An American remake came out in 2015 which I have no interest in seeing. Sure, you can recreate this film's plot, but you cannot recreate it's soul. It's packaged as a thriller, and it works as a thriller, but it's so much more than that. This movie is about love, loss, regret, dealing with trauma, putting the past behind, and looking towards the future.

It's beautifully directed, the characters and performances are wonderful, and the score is elegant. It's a movie that touches my heart, makes me think, and brings tears to my eyes. One of the best movies of the last 20 years and despite it's darkness, one of the most moving movies I've seen. Great nomination!

5

seanc
01-02-21, 07:07 PM
Can't wait to see it Cricket. I have watched the remake. I don't think it's real good but not as bad as people say either. Definitely coming late in the game this one. Been on the radar a long time but I just haven't pulled the trigger.

SpelingError
01-02-21, 07:13 PM
Ah, dang. I was planning on rewatching Ali: Fear Eats the Soul tonight. Fortunately, I've already seen it, but yeah, it's great. I recommend watching it anyways if you guys haven't yet though.

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 07:18 PM
As usual I'll read all the reviews/write-ups everyone post but after I've seen the movie. Raul will have links to our reviews on the 1st post.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 08:35 PM
I forgot to reserve the second post, so everything will be on that first post. Sorry guys.

Deadline for add on nomination people is January 8th. Then no more will be accepted.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 08:53 PM
I wonder who dropped out. It wasnt me.

TheUsualSuspect
01-02-21, 09:01 PM
I've seen Deer Hunter and Beasts of Southern Wild.


I saw the American remake of Secret in their Eyes, hope original is better.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 09:02 PM
I've seen Deer Hunter and Beasts of Southern Wild.


I saw the American remake of Secret in their Eyes, hope original is better.

it IS FAR BETTER Im sure.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 09:05 PM
IMO, any American remake of a foreign film s*xs a**.

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 09:09 PM
Think I'll watch Hard Times (1975) tonight. It looks like my type of movie as it's a historical period piece. I'm a fan of James Coburn too. Should be good!

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 09:23 PM
I wonder who dropped out. It wasnt me.

Probably Tak

cricket
01-02-21, 09:24 PM
Probably Tak

That's what I was thinking since it said participation pending.

Takoma11
01-02-21, 09:29 PM
Probably Tak

That's what I was thinking since it said participation pending.

https://media.giphy.com/media/Z6I0nGyjabhKM/giphy.gif

You're gonna watch my movie and LOVE IT.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 09:33 PM
To end the speculation Thursday has decided to drop out.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 09:33 PM
Probably Tak

Nope I know it wasnt Takoma11.

I think either Tongo or Agrippina.

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 09:35 PM
To end the speculation Thursday has decided to drop out.That's a bummer, Thursday is always a good person to have in an HoF. But I appreciate it that she told us at the very start. Hope to see her in future HoFs:)

Thief
01-02-21, 09:53 PM
Ok, I was out all day and just saw the "reveal". I've seen 6 out of the 17 nominations, but there are two in particular that I haven't seen in a while (Barry Lyndon and The Deer Hunter).

I don't know most of the MoFo's well enough to guess their noms. However, I knew Vampyr was SpelingError's, and my choice would probably easy to guess for my fellow RT/Corrie refugees since I think I drooled over it quite a bit back there when I saw it (I think it was 2019). I thought Man from Nowhere could be Takoma11, but I don't see her name in the OP. Is she still in?

Finally, I know some of you have thrown around where to find some, but I'm going to get it all here for sake of completion...


Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer) - HBO Max, Criterion Channel
La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini) - ???
The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes) - Prime
Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman) - Criterion Channel
The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann) - Starz
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder) - HBO Max, Criterion Channel
Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick) - HBO Max
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - WWE Network
The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino) - Peacock, Showtime
In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga) - Tubi, Shudder
Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington) - Hulu
The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar) - Only rental
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella) - Only rental
The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom) - Prime, Tubi
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin) - HBO Max
Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy) - Prime, Tubi
Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman) - Hulu


That's where they're streaming *free* according to JustWatch, which is correct 95% of the time. Most of them are available for rental on the main platforms, though, except La Dolce Vita.

rauldc14
01-02-21, 09:56 PM
I'm surprised La Dolce isn't on criterion. I think it was a few short months ago.

Thief
01-02-21, 10:04 PM
Well, that's what JustWatch said, but like I said, it's not always 100% accurate. Anybody that has Criterion can confirm.

MovieGal
01-02-21, 10:08 PM
I'm surprised La Dolce isn't on criterion. I think it was a few short months ago.

Are you saying its not on Criterion DVD?

Its on their website.

Im not sure if its on Criterion Channel.

Wyldesyde19
01-02-21, 10:11 PM
https://media.giphy.com/media/Z6I0nGyjabhKM/giphy.gif

You're gonna watch my movie and LOVE IT.
I’m actually glad you decided to stay.

Suuuuper bummed Ali is out. Would have been my introduction to Fassbinder. A director I’m sorely lacking in experience with.

edarsenal
01-02-21, 10:11 PM
Ed, you always tease me.

However, I have and will not watch the American remake of this film. I have loved the Argentine version and will keep with that.

I believe it was last year or 2019, that they remade Efter brylluppet (After the Wedding). I will not and never will watch the American remake of it. F*ck Michelle Williams over Mads Mikkelsen. HE** NO!!!!

I really super dislike when they remake great foreign films to English films and they are never better than the original!!!
The remake was a bit disjointed and when I saw it kept feeling like there was something missing.
And I fully agree about great foreign films being remade into not so great American films.
It happens FAR too much.
The oldest one I know of was the French Pépé le Moko being made into Algiers. Which I didn't even know of until last year. The studio bought out the secondary characters and literally used most of the outside shots that were shot on location. The Producer, Walter Wanger tried to get copies of the original destroyed while keeping the film from distribution in the States till a couple of years after his movie debuted.
F@ckin d#ck-knob

Speaking of, cricket's review has got me even more excited to see it.

edarsenal
01-02-21, 10:16 PM
Sorry to hear Thursday Next changed her mind :( Always wonderful when she joins in.
Look forward to the next time.

Citizen Rules
01-02-21, 10:25 PM
I have a HD quality link to La Dolce Vita with English subs. And it's on a legit site, free too. If anyone needs it just let me know.

Thief
01-02-21, 10:32 PM
I have a HD quality link to La Dolce Vita with English subs. And it's on a legit site, free too. If anyone needs it just let me know.

https://media1.tenor.com/images/ef650e636a3792e5c1ed630033e8bfa2/tenor.gif

seanc
01-02-21, 10:44 PM
La Dolce Vita wasn't on the channel, even when they had the Fellini bundle. I bought it last sale because of that. Been looking forward to a rewatch.

TheUsualSuspect
01-03-21, 12:51 AM
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - WWE Network

Wait...what? They have movies outside of their wrestling content?

Wyldesyde19
01-03-21, 01:23 AM
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - WWE Network

Wait...what? They have movies outside of their wrestling content?


Wait....what? Is this a some prank?
🤨

Takoma11
01-03-21, 01:46 AM
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - WWE Network

Wait...what? They have movies outside of their wrestling content?

That's not actually all that surprising. WWE Studios has helped produce quite a few horror and thriller films that feature wrestlers (like No One Lives or The Rundown or *shudder* Leprechaun: Origins).

I'm not surprised that they would get streaming rights to films that they think would engage their core audience.

Wyldesyde19
01-03-21, 02:45 AM
That's not actually all that surprising. WWE Studios has helped produce quite a few horror and thriller films that feature wrestlers (like No One Lives or The Rundown or *shudder* Leprechaun: Origins).

I'm not surprised that they would get streaming rights to films that they think would engage their core audience.

I’m aware, it was more of a joke really, though the tone didn’t carry over via post.
Must work on that......

Thief
01-03-21, 10:44 AM
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - WWE Network

Wait...what? They have movies outside of their wrestling content?

I thought the same when I saw it listed on JustWatch, but yeah, they're branching out :D

Can't say I'm that surprised, considering the insane amount of money they make.

Thursday Next
01-03-21, 11:19 AM
Sorry everyone, but thought it was best to drop out sooner rather than later. I've explained my reasons to raul.

I hope the rest of you enjoy the hall of fame. Watch Ali anyway, it's a great film!

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 12:25 PM
71024
Hard Times (Walter Hill 1975)

Hard Times was a sweet way to start of this HoF. I enjoyed it. It was an interesting nomination too. I would describe it as straight forward, non-pretentious film making. The film style was well suited for Charles Bronson...a no nonsense, laconic actor. I appreciated the camera work and score as I was never aware of either aspect during my viewing of the film. To me, the style of the film was enhanced by the unobtrusiveness of its components. That's not to say the film's cinematography is in anyway blasé, just the opposite. The viewer is treated to effectively filmed cityscapes of New Orleans, especially the French Quarter.

There's quite a bit of on-location shooting, both for interior and exterior shots. As someone who spent a wonderful weeks vacation in the French Quarter I just love seeing the sites of those grand ole buildings with their wrought iron trimmed balconies.

I read on IMDB trivia that the director didn't think much of Jill Ireland's acting and cut many of her scenes. I can't say I've seen her in anything else except as a guest star on the original Star Trek series. I thought she was fine in Hard Times. I would've liked to seen more of her and Chaney's (Charles Bronson) side story, as it would've fleshed out more of Bronson's enigmatic character.

cricket
01-03-21, 12:36 PM
71024
Hard Times (Walter Hill 1975)

Hard Times was a sweet way to start of this HoF. I enjoyed it. It was an interesting nomination too. I would describe it as straight forward, non-pretentious film making. The film style was well suited for Charles Bronson...a no nonsense, laconic actor. I appreciated the camera work and score as I was never aware of either aspect during my viewing of the film. To me, the style of the film was enhanced by the unobtrusiveness of its components. That's not to say the film's cinematography is in anyway blasé, just the opposite. The viewer is treated to effectively filmed cityscapes of New Orleans, especially the French Quarter.

There's quite a bit of on-location shooting, both for interior and exterior shots. As someone who spent a wonderful weeks vacation in the French Quarter I just love seeing the sites of those grand ole buildings with their wrought iron trimmed balconies.

I read on IMDB trivia that the director didn't think much of Jill Ireland's acting and cut many of her scenes. I can't say I've seen her in anything else except as a guest star on the original Star Trek series. I thought she was fine in Hard Times. I would've liked to seen more of her and Chaney's (Charles Bronson) side story, as it would've fleshed out more of Bronson's enigmatic character.





I was thinking this exact same thing when I saw that it was picked. Not that the others are pretentious, but Hard Times is just what the average moviegoer would watch and enjoy. It's something I could put on when my wife is home and she won't say wtf. I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 12:42 PM
I was thinking this exact same thing when I saw that it was picked. Not that the others are pretentious, but Hard Times is just what the average moviegoer would watch and enjoy. It's something I could put on when my wife is home and she won't say wtf. I'm looking forward to seeing it again.Yup all that...Also it's a hidden gem, at least to me as I'd never heard of it before. I think that's the only film I've seen Bronson in, except I've seen him in bit parts in 1950s films.

edarsenal
01-03-21, 01:07 PM
An excellent opening gambit, CR. I was seriously considering going with this one as well.

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 01:15 PM
An excellent opening gambit, CR. I was seriously considering going with this one as well.It's also short, only like 90 minutes, so an easy watch.

Wyldesyde19
01-03-21, 01:53 PM
Aniara

We begin with an earth in peril. That shortly becomes a space ship in peril. A spaceship delivering hundreds of passengers to another planet, disaster strikes when space debris drives it off course. The film follows it in short order.

This film is all over the place. What begins as a disaster flick, veers into philosophical look into the breakdown of essentially a society as the passengers are forced to live out their live son the large ship forever floating in space.

As the years go by, despair takes hold on many, hope clings to a few, and cults form all while the main star, Mimarobe, tries to adjust to her new life. She had nothing waiting for her, after all. Along the way she has to deal with a Captain with tyrannical tendencies.

All of this would have have been fine had we actually gotten to see more insight on these characters instead of brief glimpses that explain nothing.
The same goes for certain scenes. We’re not given proper time to consider the implications of the important ones before the director jumps to the next scene. The whole thing feels slightly rushed. For a philosophical film, we should be given time to consider and even see how the crew members various actions and decision throughout the film impact those around them.

Instead, we get a film full of promise but fails to deliver. What we have is a fairly predictable film, a near miss. The special effects are great, but that’s really it.

SpelingError
01-03-21, 01:57 PM
It looks like some people have already submitted their first review. I might need to speed up a bit (I should have my first review out by today or tomorrow).

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 02:11 PM
It looks like some people have already submitted their first review. I might need to speed up a bit (I should have my first review out by today or tomorrow).I always like to start watching the films right off the start. For me it's more fun that way and it's easier too, as I don't end up having a lot of movies to watch at the end. Actually I usually finish early, though people can go at their own speed of course.

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 02:14 PM
Aniara
I'll read your write up once I've seen the movie. I'm looking forward to Aniara as I've never seen a Swedish sci-fi, and I do love sci-fi. I found the movie, but I haven't looked for subs yet. I hope that's not going to be hard to find.

Wyldesyde19
01-03-21, 02:30 PM
I'll read your write up once I've seen the movie. I'm looking forward to Aniara as I've never seen a Swedish sci-fi, and I do love sci-fi. I found the movie, but I haven't looked for subs yet. I hope that's not going to be hard to find.

I do the same thing. If I haven’t seen the movie yet, I’ll avoid the reviews until afterwards. 👍

cricket
01-03-21, 02:51 PM
My 1 write up so far I didn't even mention the story. I often don't in these HoFs.

Takoma11
01-03-21, 08:20 PM
I’m aware, it was more of a joke really, though the tone didn’t carry over via post.
Must work on that......

Gotcha. I mean, I was genuinely surprised to find out how involved the WWE was in film production, so it seemed natural that others might be a bit surprised by it.

seanc
01-03-21, 09:57 PM
The Whisperers: Wish I had more to say in my first write-up for a HOF in a a hot minute. Pretty straight up story. I like the theme of the terrible way we treat the poor and elderly. At times I think maybe that was layed on a little thick though. Many of the elements lacked context as well. At first I thought that might be a way to show the leads dementia. I don't think it was though, can't even be sure they were going for that.

Not all bad by any means. I mostly enjoyed following this poor lady, and the film drew out a lot of sympathy from me. Most of tge elements here are fine, which just made it an average watch for me unfortunately.

SpelingError
01-03-21, 10:07 PM
Aniara (2018) - 2.5

For all the MoFo regulars here, I'm a pretty big science fiction fan. It's been my favorite genre for a while as I always like checking them out, so I'm happy to start off this list with a science fiction film. As far as this film goes though, I wasn't too impressed by it.

The ideas for a great film are certainly here. A group of people attempting to form a society in a spaceship after they have no hope of making it back to civilization which is set against their deteriorating mental states is definitely an interesting concept. I mainly enjoyed seeing the various ways the passengers coped with this, such as cults or sex orgies popping up, or the Mima being heavily relied on by the passengers as a way to keep calm. I appreciated the undercurrents of escapism in these scenes and I responded the most to them. In that sense, the film is at its best when one views these scenes in a vacuum for their stylistic and sensory merits.

Skimming through some critical reviews, I noticed that a lot of people liked the production design. I enjoyed some elements of it such as the exterior shots of the ship or the framing of the Mima. Overall though, I wasn't a fan of it. While I didn't mind that the interior of the ship didn't look futuristic, I wish that more work would've been put into it as it felt like the film was mostly shot in a shopping center and a hotel. To a degree, this distracted me as I could feel its low budget.

Also, after finishing the film, I couldn't shake the feeling that, in spite of all its craft and ideas, it had ultimately failed to connect with me. For one, I wasn't a big fan of the pacing. The film operated at a high pace, leading to a handful of segments and some various scenes being glossed over, as if the film was always in a hurry to get to the next scene. This style of pacing clashed poorly with how mundane and uneventful life on the ship was, making it hard to get on the character's wavelengths. While I don't think that every film should represent sculpting in time, displaying such felt especially necessary for this film concerning its tone. I also felt like the pacing harmed a few character motivations since there wasn't enough breathing room to flesh the ideas out in them fully, like the Astronomer's or Isagel's final scenes in the film.

Overall, I wasn't too impressed by this film. The groundwork for a great film is certainly here and the film managed to work a couple wonders out of its script, but ultimately, I don't think the film delivered on its promising setup and it ultimately left me cold.

Next up: Antwone Fisher

Torgo
01-03-21, 10:07 PM
The Deer Hunter

I'm glad I have a good reason to watch this again because it's one of my favorite Best Picture winners. It's been said that the best movies are about something and that they're about something else. In addition to capturing the disillusionment and dearth of patriotism found in America during and after the Vietnam War, it depicts adult bonding and friendship in a sweeping, near-operatic and indelibly affecting way. There is a lot to praise here from the sudden and jarring transition to the war and its harrowing imagery to he performance of Christopher Walken - which is iconic for how good it is, of course, and unique for how closely he makes Nick's transition parallel the country's during this era - to a scene that always seems to be a point of contention: the wedding. Naysayers point out how long and/or boring it is, but I believe that it is the movie's secret weapon. To be fair, I'm a proponent of strong first acts in general, but I think the impact of the movie's most impactful moments would be much duller if the movie only showed us the wedding's highlights and/or gave us a montage. I've talked about how affecting and intense the movie is, but it also deserves credit for its comedy, the best of which comes from the male bonding moments. I still laugh at and, well, ponder the meaning of the line "this is this. This ain't something else. This is this." This is not my favorite movie about the Vietnam War - that would be Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket - but it is one of the best, not to mention one of the most honest portrayals of the Vietnam war or any other war at home. Oh, and how sad is it to watch John Cazale in this movie, which featured his final performance? He does his best, but he could only do so much to conceal his deteriorating state.

Wyldesyde19
01-03-21, 10:11 PM
Aniara (2018) - 2.5

For all the MoFo regulars here, I'm a pretty big science fiction fan. It's been my favorite genre for a while as I always like checking them out, so I'm happy to start off this list with a science fiction film. As far as this film goes though, I wasn't too impressed by it.

The ideas for a great film are certainly here. A group of people attempting to form a society in a spaceship after they have no hope of making it back to civilization which is set against their deteriorating mental states is definitely an interesting concept. I mainly enjoyed seeing the various ways the passengers coped with this, such as cults or sex orgies popping up, or the Mima being heavily relied on by the passengers as a way to keep calm. I appreciated the undercurrents of escapism in these scenes and I responded the most to them. In that sense, the film is at its best when one views these scenes in a vacuum for their stylistic and sensory merits.

Skimming through some critical reviews, I noticed that a lot of people liked the production design. I enjoyed some elements of it such as the exterior shots of the ship or the framing of the Mima. Overall though, I wasn't a fan of it. While I didn't mind that the interior of the ship didn't look futuristic, I wish that more work would've been put into it as it felt like the film was mostly shot in a shopping center and a hotel. To a degree, this distracted me as I could feel its low budget.

Also, after finishing the film, I couldn't shake the feeling that, in spite of all its craft and ideas, it had ultimately failed to connect with me. For one, I wasn't a big fan of the pacing. The film operated at a high pace, leading to a handful of segments and some various scenes being glossed over, as if the film was always in a hurry to get to the next scene. This style of pacing clashed poorly with how mundane and uneventful life on the ship was, making it hard to get on the character's wavelengths. While I don't think that every film should represent sculpting in time, displaying such felt especially necessary for this film concerning its tone. I also felt like the pacing harmed a few character motivations since there wasn't enough breathing room to flesh the ideas out in them fully, like the Astronomer's or Isagel's final scenes in the film.

Overall, I wasn't too impressed by this film. The groundwork for a great film is certainly here and the film managed to work a couple wonders out of its script, but ultimately, I don't think the film delivered on its promising setup and it ultimately left me cold.

Next up: Antwone Fisher

I share these sentiments. And, like you, am a big Sci Fi fan.

SpelingError
01-03-21, 10:16 PM
I share these sentiments. And, like you, am a big Sci Fi fan.

I read your review of this film earlier today, and I agree with your points as well.

And yay, another sci-fi fan!

Wyldesyde19
01-03-21, 10:19 PM
I read your review of this film earlier today, and I agree with your points as well.

And yay, another sci-fi fan!

Oh yeah. I grew up on that during the 80’s.

There is still a lot of recent ones I have to see. Interstellar comes to mind.*
And then there’s the independent ones I’ve missed out on such as Cube. I need to get back on that

Thief
01-03-21, 10:19 PM
Ouch, 0 for 2 :(

SpelingError
01-03-21, 10:29 PM
Oh yeah. I grew up on that during the 80’s.

There is still a lot of recent ones I have to see. Interstellar comes to mind.*
And then there’s the independent ones I’ve missed out on such as Cube. I need to get back on that

I think Interstellar is alright. It has its strengths, but I also think it acts as a showcase for Nolan's biggest weaknesses. It's worth watching, but I probably won't watch it again.

Cube is a solid sci-fi/horror film.

edarsenal
01-03-21, 10:57 PM
https://kirkhamamovieaday.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/fc36a-screenshot840.png?w=640&h=356


Hard Times (1975)

Speed: Chaney, I'd like you to meet my old friend Poe. He'll fix up your cuts, bruises - all sorts of good things.
Poe: I have two years of medical school to recommend me.
Chaney: Two years doesn't make a doctor.
Poe: Well, in my third year of studies a small black cloud appeared on campus; I left under it.
Speed: What he's trying to say is that he's a dyed-in-wool hophead.
Poe: I have a weakness for opium.
Chaney: That's a habit that's hard to quit.
Poe: Some are born to fail, others have it thrust upon them. Could I see your hands?

Charles f@ckin Bronson (Chaney) - f@ckin James Coburn (Speedy) -
and, holy f@ck, Batman! Strother mutha f@ckin Martin (Poe)!?
We, my friends, have a trifecta!

For me, this is a helluva, excellent start for this HoF.
I was in eighth grade (1978) when I last saw this on Night at the Movies on Local TV. Everything I enjoyed back then was even more so now.
Adding to that, an appreciation for the camera work. A few scenes, in particular, had a tip of the hat to old-time Noir that I loved. Sadly, I was unable to locate some photographic examples. But, you all may see them when you view it, yourself.

Set during The Depression, penniless, and content to be, Bronson comes across an illegal bare-knuckle fight where Coburn is the top Manager/Money Man.
Coming to an understanding, they head down to New Orleans, to earn cash, playing the odds; Bronson takin out everyone he comes against. Climbing their way to the biggest game with the most dangerous players. Things go, as they should - askew, due to Coburn's gambling addiction digging an ever-widening hole for everyone. While Bronson does what Bronson does d@mn f@cking good at. Talking calmly and kick th' livin sh#t out of anyone fool enough to give a reason.

An exceedingly common premise. BUT, it is played with absolute, sweet finesse by masters, across the board. So, for me, this very familiar song - rocked.

Oh, and how is the fighting in this??
THAT I quite easily found an example of:
https://i.gifer.com/3dzC.gif

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 11:01 PM
Hard Times (1975)

Oh, and how is the fighting in this??
THAT I quite easily found an example of:
https://i.gifer.com/3dzC.gifGlad to see another fan! I'm not a boxing expert, but I believed the fighting looked well. I mean damn it must be hard for the actors to choreography that. And damn! that big baldie looked pretty darn tough to me.

edarsenal
01-03-21, 11:16 PM
Glad to see another fan! I'm not a boxing expert, but I believed the fighting looked well. I mean damn it must be hard for the actors to choreography that. And damn! that big baldie looked pretty darn tough to me.
Robert Tessler. I best remember him playing the "I broke his f@ckin neck" guy in The Longest Yard (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071771/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_52).
But yeah, the lawless boxing was pretty d@mn good.

Citizen Rules
01-03-21, 11:20 PM
Robert Tessler. I best remember him playing the "I broke his f@ckin neck" guy in The Longest Yard (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071771/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_52).
But yeah, the lawless boxing was pretty d@mn good.I have yet to see The Longest Yard, one of these days! You know I liked Robert Tessler as an actor as he had this almost friendly demeanor about him.

edarsenal
01-04-21, 12:56 AM
I have yet to see The Longest Yard, one of these days! You know I liked Robert Tessler as an actor as he had this almost friendly demeanor about him.

He definitely enjoyed his work and understood it was just work

pahaK
01-04-21, 03:04 AM
In a Glass Cage (1986)

I'll start with my old review. It's a little over two years old and was written in response to my first viewing of the film. It's not a very good review, but it'll save me some typing none the less.


In a Glass Cage (1986) N

A film that's been on my watchlist for quite some time because of its reputation as dark and disturbing piece of cinema. It didn't disappoint on any level.

46975

Klaus, a former Nazi doctor, has a fetish for sexual violence towards young boys that includes killing them. After one incident he attempts suicide which leaves his entire body paralyzed and himself trapped within a machine that keeps him breathing. Soon a young man, Angelo, arrives to the house and becomes Klaus' nurse helping his wife and young daughter, Rena, to take care of Klaus. But Angelo's motives aren't exactly philanthropic.

While there isn't much graphic violence in the film In a Glass Cage is quite daring and it has had some issues with censorship. It's topic of sexual abuse and fetishized murder of children is a touchy one and the film's depictions of such events are more brutal than usual. The film digs deep into the worst of humanity and doesn't offer much light or redemption.

46973

I was surprised how good the film was technically. It's cinematography is masterful and its often cold color palette drains its world from all warm emotions. It mostly happens within one large house and every shot inside is brilliantly composed (nothing wrong with the few outside shots either). There's also one long murder scene that would have made Argento proud. Acting is also great by everyone (especially the chemistry between Angelo and Rena worked really well).

A relentless film about controversial topics, a drama with a hint of art house and most of all a great film. One of the most disturbing films out there but definitely recommended.

4.5

It's not an easy task to combine a compelling story and an arthouse film that dwells in symbolism and vague, personal interpretations. In a Glass Cage goes from a thriller to horror to unashamed arthouse and never misses a step. There's nothing forced in these style changes; the film just gradually becomes more abstract, and you don't even know when the change happened.

People have written about its connection to post-Franco Spain, but I don't think you need that specific background to give the film meaning. Violence breeding violence and the temptation of evil are universal enough themes for anyone to grasp. We all feel that life is out of our control at times, that we're trapped in a cage of someone else's making.

After the rewatch, I can safely say that In a Glass Cage takes the title of the best debut film away from The Reflecting Skin. It's simply amazing that a first-timer has managed to craft almost a flawless film from such a difficult subject.

rauldc14
01-04-21, 10:56 AM
The Whisperers

https://img.reelgood.com/content/movie/c438fbce-370d-4d9a-8a50-1fdf9ef335b7/backdrop-1920.jpg

Overall it was a pretty frustrating movie to watch. When I had read the premise and what the film was all about I thought it could be one of those sleeper/gem movies but the film just wasn't executed to my taste. I found the acting to be rather dull overall, there wasn't a whole lot of life put into the characters. The story seemed to skip from place to place and never could really hold my attention. Like I said a shame because I thought it could have potential. I thought the film looked pretty decent to the eye and that's probably my franfest compliment I can give. It's a tough film that I don't have a whole lot to say about otherwise.

2

rauldc14
01-04-21, 01:37 PM
I'm out and about for a bit but I plan on posting who nominated what soon

cricket
01-04-21, 01:46 PM
I have yet to see The Longest Yard, one of these days! You know I liked Robert Tessler as an actor as he had this almost friendly demeanor about him.

I love The Longest Yard, Burt at his best. Skip the remake.

Citizen Rules
01-04-21, 02:41 PM
I love The Longest Yard, Burt at his best. Skip the remake.I've heard it was real good. Maybe it will turn up in a future HoF. I wouldn't mind seeing it.

rauldc14
01-04-21, 08:38 PM
Here's who nominated what by the way. Forgot to post it:

Raul- Antwone Fisher
Citizen- La Dolce Vita
Sean- Shame
Thief- Aniara
Cricket- A Secret in Their Eyes
Pahak- In a Glass Cage
Suspect- Rudderless
Moviegal- A Sea Inside
Ed- Day of the Jackal
Siddon- Barry Lyndon
Neiba- Beasts of the Southern Wild
Torgo- Hard Times
Takoma- The Man from Nowhere
Spelingerror- Vampyr
Wyldesyde- The Whisperers
AgrippinaX- The Deer Hunter

MovieGal
01-04-21, 09:01 PM
I find it funny that not many knew mine.

1. I kept pushing MovieMeditation to join - He's the biggest fan of Javier Bardem that I know. I can't stand listening to him talk his broken Spanish English but I like Javier in his national language.
2. Did anyone read the synopsis of the film? There are two clues that it's mine - The factual story of Spaniard Ramon Sampedro, who fought a thirty-year campaign in favor of euthanasia and his own right to die.
3. One of my favorite films is Agora which is directed by the same director. Actually, I like The Others, Thesis, Open Your Eyes, and The Sea Inside as well. I was a bit upset over Regression, it didn't hold up to his standards.

I actually suggested this to Citizen Rules and he said "hey that would be a good Hall of Fame film".

Citizen Rules
01-04-21, 10:31 PM
I don't think anybody guessed my nom was La Dolce Vita. I must have over a 100 movie titles saved in a text file for future HoFs. I've been meaning to nominate this one for awhile. I almost went with a musical instead:D Maybe next time!

edarsenal
01-04-21, 10:39 PM
I don't think anybody guessed my nom was La Dolce Vita. I must have over a 100 movie titles saved in a text file for future HoFs. I've been meaning to nominate this one for awhile. I almost went with a musical instead:D Maybe next time!
I sure as hell didn't. It was a big surprise to see that. :)

Citizen Rules
01-04-21, 10:42 PM
I sure as hell didn't. It was a big surprise to see that. :)I wondered if Day of the Jackal might be your nom. I've heard good things about it...and have never seen it, so it should be a treat.

cricket
01-04-21, 10:46 PM
I don't think anybody guessed my nom was La Dolce Vita. I must have over a 100 movie titles saved in a text file for future HoFs. I've been meaning to nominate this one for awhile. I almost went with a musical instead:D Maybe next time!

You probably would have been the last person I guessed for that.

MovieGal
01-04-21, 10:51 PM
I don't think anybody guessed my nom was La Dolce Vita. I must have over a 100 movie titles saved in a text file for future HoFs. I've been meaning to nominate this one for awhile. I almost went with a musical instead:D Maybe next time!

new nickname.. Mr. Arthouse?

Citizen Rules
01-04-21, 10:57 PM
new nickname.. Mr. Arthouse?:p...but nah!

Takoma11
01-04-21, 11:13 PM
I wondered if Day of the Jackal might be your nom. I've heard good things about it...and have never seen it, so it should be a treat.

At risk of prejudicing you, Day of the Jackal is dope. Maybe the best balance of action, thriller, and political film I've seen.

It also has that fascination of seeing how investigations/manhunts were conducted in a pre-internet, pre-network era.

cricket
01-04-21, 11:23 PM
I'm going to watch another repeat before trying something new, maybe tomorrow night.

edarsenal
01-04-21, 11:30 PM
I wondered if Day of the Jackal might be your nom. I've heard good things about it...and have never seen it, so it should be a treat.
I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it
At risk of prejudicing you, Day of the Jackal is dope. Maybe the best balance of action, thriller, and political film I've seen.

It also has that fascination of seeing how investigations/manhunts were conducted in a pre-internet, pre-network era.
very well put!

SpelingError
01-04-21, 11:57 PM
Happy to see a diverse selection of nominations. I plan to watch Antwone Fisher tomorrow (I'll probably watch these in ABC order).

rauldc14
01-05-21, 06:30 AM
Can somebody PM me a link for Aniara?

neiba
01-05-21, 09:11 AM
Vampyr (1932, Directed by Carl Dreyer) - never watched anything by Dreyer, this is a great way to start!
La Dolce Vita (1960, Directed by Federico Fellini) - didn't like it the first time I watched it, but that was ages ago, hoping this time around is different
The Whisperers (1967, Directed by Bryan Forbes) - never heard of it
Shame (1968, Directed by Ingmar Bergman) - if it's a Bergman, chances are I'm going to like it.
The Day of the Jackal (1973, Directed by Fred Zinnemann) - heard of it but have no idea what's it about!
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974, Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder) - Fassbinder is kinda of a hit or miss with me. This was actually ok, but I need to rewatch it.
Barry Lyndon (1975, Directed by Stanley Kubrick) - Part of my Top 10. I'm expecting it to be Top of my list when this is over. A Masterpiece.
Hard Times (1975, Directed by Walter Hill) - never heard of it, I think
The Deer Hunter (1978, Directed by Michael Cimino) - this has been on my watchlist for ages and I've been hoping I would find it in a HoF someday! Glad it finally did.
In a Glass Cage (1986, Directed by Agusti Villaronga) - never heard of it.
Antwone Fisher (2002, Directed by Denzel Washington) - never heard of it but I'm curious to see a Denzel film.
The Sea Inside (2004, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar)- ahhh, this was the go-to-film on euthanasia when I was in highschool and the public debate on it raised. Haven't seen it since then, gonna enjoy the rewatch.
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009, Directed by Juan Jose Campanella) - Watched it very recently and LOVED it. Great pick!
The Man from Nowhere (2010, Directed by Lee Jeong-beom) - been meaning to watch this for quite some time.
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Directed by Benh Zeitlin) - My nomination and a film that doesn't get enough attention, in my opinion.
Rudderless (2014, Directed by William H. Macy) - never heard of it.
Aniara (2018, Directed by Hugo Lilja and Pella Kagerman) - never heard of it.

It's been a while since I'm in a general HoF with so many new watches! And the list seems really rich too! This gonna be fun! :D

Thief
01-05-21, 09:33 AM
I might start with this tonight or tomorrow *crosses fingers*

rauldc14
01-05-21, 06:32 PM
The Man from Nowhere

https://contemplatrix.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/man-from-nowhere-5.jpg

It always cool when movies are nominated that you have never heard of and then you end up really liking the, which is what has happened here. This is my kind of film, a nice revenge film that never lost my interest along the way and the time just seemed to speed by. It was almost like Man on Fire in a way and while it would never reach that type of level for me I still got those vibes from it. I really liked the cinematography in the film and I thought that the acting and the sequences were really cool. Lots of cool action scenes. Some cringy type of scenes with blood but nothing that grossed me out too bad. Really liked that ending too, a sort of another parallel to Man on Fire. Cool relationship dynamic between the main character and the little girl. Cool nomination here!

4-

cricket
01-05-21, 06:37 PM
I'm going to watch that with my wife when we have off together because I think she might like it.

rauldc14
01-05-21, 06:42 PM
The only one I'll probably watch with my wife is Antwone Fisher. She probably wouldn't care for most of these.

Takoma11
01-05-21, 06:56 PM
The Man from Nowhere
This is my kind of film, a nice revenge film that never lost my interest along the way and the time just seemed to speed by. It was almost like Man on Fire in a way and while it would never reach that type of level for me I still got those vibes from it. I really liked the cinematography in the film and I thought that the acting and the sequences were really cool. Lots of cool action scenes.
4-

Yay! It's one of my favorite action films. Glad you liked it. It has its moments, but it's not too heavy. Seemed like a good film for people in January.

The scene where he jumps out of the window and the camera follows him was something that literally made me do a double take and I had to rewind the film twice to see it again and marvel at it.

seanc
01-05-21, 07:20 PM
Aniara: Always hard to talk about a HOF movie you don't care for. Even harder when the film is well made, which this one is. In fact when I say that the director I was reminded of most was Kubrick, I really better have a good reason for not liking it. This is like a mixture if 2001, The Shining, and Eyes Wide Shut. Unfortunately for me it resembles Kubrick in all the ways that leave me cold.

I don't want to spoil anything so I really am not going to say much. What I will say is nihilism is the word that kept coming to mind. For me, the film was void of almost any of the humanity that I need, most of the time, to embrace a film. So thematically the film really didn't work for me at all, and that is mostly what my score will reflect.

I do think the movie looks pretty good, especially considering that it probably was a pretty low budget. The acting isn't bad, although I don't think the captain was very strong. The protagonist was pretty good though. Her first roommate is my favorite part of the film and the closest we come to the humanity previously mentioned.

I think this movie will have some mofos who will really love it, I wish one of those had been me.

Torgo
01-05-21, 07:49 PM
Oof. Well, Thief, I loved Aniara.


I haven't seen it yet. I just wanted you to feel better.

SpelingError
01-05-21, 07:54 PM
Yeah, I was mixed on Aniara. Sorry, Thief. I'm curious though to read your thoughts on the film. They may change my opinion.

Citizen Rules
01-05-21, 08:31 PM
I'm going to try and watch Aniara tonight. I'm looking forward to it, hopefully I like it.

rauldc14
01-05-21, 08:35 PM
Aniara will be my next one.

Thief
01-05-21, 08:37 PM
Yeah, I was mixed on Aniara. Sorry, Thief. I'm curious though to read your thoughts on the film. They may change my opinion.

Even though I saw it fairly recently, I'm planning on rewatching it later, so I'm gonna hold my thoughts until I do that. Hopefully more people will tackle it soon also. It seems that a lot of you decided to go with it early, so we'll see.

I'll just say that, although I liked it from the first time, I didn't went full 5/5 with it (I think I gave it 4/5). But a couple of days after, I still couldn't shake it off my mind. It had that lingering effect that I dig, and that has made me reconsider ratings before. But again, I'll leave any more thoughts until I rewatch it.

Thief
01-05-21, 08:38 PM
Oof. Well, Thief, I loved Aniara.


I haven't seen it yet. I just wanted you to feel better.

You devious... MoFo! :laugh:

Thief
01-05-21, 08:39 PM
The Man from Nowhere

https://contemplatrix.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/man-from-nowhere-5.jpg

It always cool when movies are nominated that you have never heard of and then you end up really liking the, which is what has happened here. This is my kind of film, a nice revenge film that never lost my interest along the way and the time just seemed to speed by. It was almost like Man on Fire in a way and while it would never reach that type of level for me I still got those vibes from it. I really liked the cinematography in the film and I thought that the acting and the sequences were really cool. Lots of cool action scenes. Some cringy type of scenes with blood but nothing that grossed me out too bad. Really liked that ending too, a sort of another parallel to Man on Fire. Cool relationship dynamic between the main character and the little girl. Cool nomination here!

4-

I pretty much agree with everything you said. Kickass action with a heart.

EDIT: I think I might have something written about it, but it's on another laptop. If I find it, I'll post it here. Anyway, this is another one I'm planning on rewatching too.

cricket
01-05-21, 08:58 PM
I figured I'd hate Aniara because it's Sci-Fi, until Sean said it was devoid of any humanity:p

Citizen Rules
01-05-21, 09:00 PM
I figured I'd hate Aniara because it's Sci-Fi, until Sean said it was devoid of any humanity:pI'm trying soooo hard not to read those reviews of Aniara:) Though being devoid of humanity could work in a sci-fi for me. I'm really curious about the film.

MovieGal
01-05-21, 09:16 PM
I'm trying soooo hard not to read those reviews of Aniara:) Though being devoid of humanity could work in a sci-fi for me. I'm really curious about the film.

I started it but something came up. I like it so far but I enjoy sci-fi.

Wyldesyde19
01-05-21, 09:17 PM
I want to be clear, Aniara wasn’t a “bad” film. It just couldn’t overcome its shortcomings despite great special effects and an interesting premise.

Citizen Rules
01-05-21, 09:29 PM
It's certainly a topical film and that's a big plus for an HoF.

rauldc14
01-05-21, 10:40 PM
Reviews from 10/16 of us and 12 reviews total! That in 3 days!

MovieGal
01-05-21, 10:42 PM
I hope to have 2 reviews up within a few days. Every time I start a movie, something comes up. Started In A Glass Cage, then had to go to my daughter's. Again started Aniara but something came up. I will finish Aniara and restart In A Glass Cage soon.

SpelingError
01-05-21, 11:14 PM
I want to be clear, Aniara wasn’t a “bad” film. It just couldn’t overcome its shortcomings despite great special effects and an interesting premise.

Yeah, that's where I stand on the film.

edarsenal
01-06-21, 12:30 AM
just finished The Man From Nowhere. I do believe this is the third time I've seen it. I'm a HUGE fan of South Korean films and this is a d@mn good one.
Should be getting a review up tomorrow evening.

pahaK
01-06-21, 12:35 AM
I watched Barry Lyndon yesterday. Will try to write something soon.

rauldc14
01-06-21, 01:35 PM
Aniara

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5909e36815d5dba8afc8fdd8/1557949516294-V1PWYA1YQBYE90ZHIO96/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBR_20yJMkgNqcBauJPRgNYUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIII bLZhVYy7Mythp_T-mtop-vrsUOmeInPi9iDjx9w8K4ZfjXt2doBI3RWSKCSi1UbdxBrxS_2hOfT9Tq4uB_c3aRZn45BToRwB-dUGsSquCnVTFQcaRg/2_%7B31baf97f-126e-e911-a986-0edcbcd33718%7D.jpg

I like how eager and bold this movie was, even if I feel like I didn't catch everything. It certainly seems like one of those films where it's hard to digest it all in one viewing, which could ultimately hurt it's chances of a strong rating. I feel like this is something that I will want to jump back to sooner rather than later, so for that I think it's a really solid nomination by Thief

I think that the world of outer space is one that just intrigues me more and more in the film world and this one is really no different. I feel like it did pick into a bit of elements from other movies (most notably, had a lot of Kubrick vibes) and I thought that was pretty cool. The sex scene reminded me a bit too much of Eyes Wide Shut and felt a bit disturbing, although I'm sure that's the type of tone it was going for.

It will never be a favorite, but I liked the chances that the film took. It's not a film that depends upon great acting and I've seen that can ultimately be a challenge in trying to achieve universal likeness in film. But it did it's job in keeping me glued even if I didn't think it was a masterpiece. I can easily see why one would really like the film and I hope it works for a few others here. Pretty decent is where I'll have it land.

3+

Citizen Rules
01-06-21, 02:43 PM
Alright...I've evaded my eyes from those Aniara reviews, but I soooo want to read them! So I'll get my review up first, then read them:D

Citizen Rules
01-06-21, 03:10 PM
https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=71273

Aniara (2018)

This was a cool nom. The kind of nomination that makes these HoFs interesting. But as appreciative as I am for the nom, I also have to be honest in my review...

I love sci-fi and not just the big budget, glossy CG Hollywood stuff. Actually I prefer my sci-fi to be varied and I do have a fondness for indie sci fi. I don't know the budget of Aniara but it felt like a smaller budget indie film. So I didn't have a problem with the spaceship even though it looked more like a modern shopping mall than a spaceship. We often rank on the overuse of CG and so I can't complain that the real sets didn't look sci-fi enough. I was fine with them.

The first 30 minutes held my attention. In fact I was never bored during the movie and that's a good thing. But once the space accident happened the story then went a half dozen different ways. These story mini arcs were never fully realized or gelled into the main story and so I was constantly disappointed in what never was brought to fruition.

I read that this was based on a 1956 Swedish poem. I'm guessing the film makers felt obligated to be true to the poem. But I never read the poem so I ended up feeling unconnected from the story.

There were cool story aspects that I wanted explored like: The probe they recover, that supposedly contains needed fuel and yet they can't access the hull of the probe. That seemed to be key to the story and yet just when the probe arc got interesting, the film moved onto another chapter. I think those chapter stories are the main weakness of the film. Maybe if this had another hour we could've learned more about the food shortages, the loss of moral, the religious cult group and the authoritative captain of the ship.

Speaking of the religious cult, the orgy scene seemed to be put into the film for box office draw. I kinda hate films that have to include something extra controversial in a 'hey look at this' manner. It seems like 'carnival side show film making'.

So this might sound like I hated the film, but it was a positive film watching experience, which allowed me to think about the movie quite a bit and for that I say good nom🙂

seanc
01-06-21, 03:58 PM
I'm not so sure orgy scenes are for box office draw. I'm not a fan of them either, but just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's done for money. The first two movies that come to mind are Midsommar and Eyes Wide Shut. Hardly known for their box office prowess.

Citizen Rules
01-06-21, 04:05 PM
I'm not so sure orgy scenes are for box office draw. I'm not a fan of them either, but just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's done for money. The first two movies that come to mind are Midsommar and Eyes Wide Shut. Hardly known for their box office prowess.I agree actually. Box office draw isn't the best way to describe what I was trying to relay. What I mean is: when a film includes something controversial which then gets it attention & press coverage. We had Pretty Baby in one of these HoFs and I liked the movie but there was one scene that seemed to be placed in the film for maximum notoriety, which made Pretty Baby noteworthy, when otherwise it might have been all but forgotten.

Back to Aniara...then again the Swedish did 'invent' Swedish Erotica, so maybe in Sweden it's just a du jour scene.


*Midsommar and Eyes Wide Shut...I've not seen them.

seanc
01-06-21, 04:11 PM
I agree actually. Box office draw isn't the best way to describe what I was trying to relay. What I mean is: when a film includes something controversial which then gets it attention & press coverage. We had Pretty Baby in one of these HoFs and I liked the movie but there was one scene that seemed to be placed in the film for maximum notoriety, which made Pretty Baby noteworthy, when otherwise it might have been all but forgotten.

Back to Aniara...then again the Swedish did 'invent' Swedish Erotica, so maybe in Sweden it's just a du jour scene.


*Midsommar and Eyes Wide Shut...I've not seen them.

I get you. I'm on the fence about it because I do like effective provocation. I definitely have a moral objection to hardcore sexual stuff though, that scene definitely went over that line for me.

Thief
01-06-21, 04:18 PM
I'm glad that Aniara has managed to spark conversations one way or the other. That's more or less what I was going for with the nomination. I almost rewatched it yesterday, but went with something else. Maybe I'll see it tonight.

seanc
01-06-21, 04:21 PM
I'm glad that Aniara has managed to spark conversations one way or the other. That's more or less what I was going for with the nomination. I almost rewatched it yesterday, but went with something else. Maybe I'll see it tonight.

It sure has. A couple mofos said it yesterday, and I will also say I didn't hate the movie.

cricket
01-06-21, 06:15 PM
You guys are crazy orgy scenes are the best, especially if there's no men.

MovieGal
01-06-21, 06:39 PM
I get you. I'm on the fence about it because I do like effective provocation. I definitely have a moral objection to hardcore sexual stuff though, that scene definitely went over that line for me.

I haven't got to that scene yet but I'm sure it's not going to bother me.. Nothing anymore bothers me..

Wyldesyde19
01-06-21, 07:09 PM
I'm glad that Aniara has managed to spark conversations one way or the other. That's more or less what I was going for with the nomination. I almost rewatched it yesterday, but went with something else. Maybe I'll see it tonight.
Yeah, it’s definitely an interesting film. The fall of the mini society they create and the cult that springs up were highlights.

MovieGal
01-06-21, 07:55 PM
https://www.cageyfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aniara_09.jpg

Aniara
(2018)
Nominated by Thief

In the distant future, the world has gone into a state of destruction. Mars has been colonized and a group of people is on their way when they are knocked off course by stellar trash. With no way to get back to Mars, they find a way, a "society", within the spaceship. They use a program called "Mima" to bring back memories and visions of Earth.

I thought this was an interesting watch, especially since it's a Swedish film. The unfortunate thing is that, at some point, they will remake it into an American film. That's what Hollywood does to these types of Sci-fi films.

I could imagine the unending and unknowing darkness of the Universe and that it may never change,

Thanks to Theif, I have another Nordic cinema under my belt. It is a memorable film and will be one to suggest to friends who enjoy this type of film.

I personally thought the captain of the ship was a d**che bag.

cricket
01-06-21, 08:00 PM
Beasts of the Southern Wild

https://www.sueddeutsche.de/image/sz.1.1554287/704x396?v=1522537398

This was my second time watching this and unfortunately I feel the same way.

I get excited at first because I find the locale so fascinating and real. I want Hushpuppy to deal with this world and her father, and she does, but then the fantasy element contradicts everything I like about it and I just don't care about the story anymore. That's my big problem, I just lose interest. It's too bad because I love the look and the performances. The beasts would be super cool ripping people apart in a horror movie.

I can definitely understand why some people love this film but it's just not for me. Sorry Neiba but it will probably still do well.

2.5

cricket
01-06-21, 08:27 PM
I think the next nomination I watch will be Aniara, since it's fashionable.

pahaK
01-06-21, 09:19 PM
Barry Lyndon (1975)

Kubrick is a director I've always felt lukewarm about. I don't hate any of his films (that I've seen), but neither do I love them. To me, it feels like he's more about technical prowess and innovation than stories and characters. Barry Lyndon is probably my favorite Kubrick, but it still has a chunk of his usual issues.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7d/97/e0/7d97e0f131cfba025de8028bfc1463fc.gif

Barry Lyndon's concept is good, and I should read the book at some point, too (according to some reviews I read, Kubrick made lots of changes that, to me, seem bad). Sets, locales, and costumes look terrific, and for the most part, the film is very pleasing to the eye. I don't know if it's because of the lighting issues, but there are scenes (interior mostly) with haphazard composition/framing (like the camera is just planted at a random point without care). These slightly taint an otherwise beautiful movie.

The biggest issue is Barry himself, or perhaps Ryan O'Neal doing the role. He's completely flat and lifeless, as charming and warm as a dead fish. I can't even fathom how he seduced Lady Lyndon in mere six hours. It's hard to imagine a rogue and a fortune-hunter with less charisma. In addition, he's way too old at the beginning (it's cringy when people call him a schoolboy). This isn't the first time I have an issue with Kubrick's lead actor (I'm pretty sure I touched the subject in my review of The Shining a couple of years ago).

As a whole, the film lands firmly on the positive side still. Fascinating story, dry humor, great use of the period, and a perfectly fitting classical soundtrack make it a good film in my books. Even the omniscient narrator can't ruin it, despite the effort, especially during the second part. If only all Kubricks were this good.

Thief
01-07-21, 12:42 AM
I rewatched Aniara today, but it's late so I'll save any write-up for tomorrow. I do want to say, re: the orgy scene, I didn't think it was that graphic or that long. Anyway, I wasn't bothered by it then or now, but that's me.

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 02:53 AM
I rewatched Aniara today, but it's late so I'll save any write-up for tomorrow. I do want to say, re: the orgy scene, I didn't think it was that graphic or that long. Anyway, I wasn't bothered by it then or now, but that's me.Try watching it with a family member:D

seanc
01-07-21, 10:32 AM
Try watching it with a family member:D

*snicker *snicker You said member

Siddon
01-07-21, 11:16 AM
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ5uh9GfxlC1xldmV72uMZa3ODCU3dS9vqWmQ&usqp=CAU
The Man From Nowhere (2010)


This film is like the director went to the cop cliche factory threw up his arms and said... give me everything. I mean for gods sake this is the story of a pawnstore owner who has a surrogate daughter taken by a pair of drug traffickers while avoiding the well meaning cops. The villianize crew is taken down one by one while we learn more about the unnamed man...not that the reveal is anything special because it's really not.


With that said I enjoyed this film each action set piece was well done...the characters were well-defined(that's very important for South Korean films). I mean they really do a good job flushing out the gangs/cops/extras which I think elevates this from disposable crap to a standard of the genre. And I do think their is something to be said about a film that is just a series of cliches and unoriginal and yet executes the film well.


My biggest criticism is they picked the wrong final boss in my eyes and they could have made a twist with the cop being a bad guy...it would have helped. But great nom.

Thief
01-07-21, 12:08 PM
Try watching it with a family member:D

:D:D:D

SpelingError
01-07-21, 01:13 PM
Antwone Fisher (2002) - 3.5

This was a solid film. It didn't blow me away, but I found it to be a well-crafted and engaging story anchored by some strong performances from Denzel Washington and Derek Luke.

The acting is one of the film's highlights. I generally like Denzel Washington and this film was no exception. As usual, he gives a strong performance which helps to heighten the emotional power of certain scenes. I was unfamiliar with Derek Luke going into it, but I also admired his work and thought he was able to carry the film well, even in the final act where Washington's character was mostly absent. Though I wasn't familiar with many of the actors who played smaller parts, I thought they were fine as well. Overall, I didn't have any issues with a particular cast member.

As far as its story goes, Antwone Fisher is a character study on the titular character, which explores how he grew up, the many hardships he faced, and the way they made him violent later on. While a lot of the film consists of flashbacks to his childhood, it also spends a decent amount of time detailing how his various sessions with Dr. Davenport influenced his behavior, which is detailed through various people who either help or hinder him, like his relationship with Cheryl, the various people he runs into who provoke him into fights, or his trouble with fitting into various events he attends. This led to a handful of powerful moments which kept me on board throughout the film.

I don't think every scene hit its mark though. For instance, the reunion of Antwone and his mother felt rather brief and not as powerful as it should've been. Also, Davenport telling Antwone that their time together helped him to confront his own demons fell flat as, while Davenport's conflict with his wife was certainly made clear, his own road to recovery wasn't fleshed out enough for me to buy their final conversation. In spite of these occasional missteps though, I did enjoy the story a decent bit, if not loving it per se.

Overall, I enjoyed this film quite a bit. Sure, it's a rather straightforward story and not every beat of it landed, but many other aspects did and the excellent twin performances from Washington and Luke helped to heighten the emotional resonance of the film.

Next up: Barry Lyndon

Siddon
01-07-21, 02:12 PM
https://www.cinemacats.com/wp-content/uploads/movies/dayofthejackal01.jpg


Day of the Jackal (1973)


If film is just a visual medium than Day of the Jackal is a masterpiece, the composition of shots in this film is remarkable. But man was this film a slough to get through. Jackal is the story of a group of french resistance fighters who fail to assassinate the french president. For a second attempt they decide to hire an English assassin called "The Jackal"...and well the film basically completely falls apart. You can tell the film was adapted from a novel because we get these chapters and episodes of the Jackal...problem is we don't see much of a point with the overarching story.


You don't really care about the characters and the film is just so long. Also everyone in this film is British though they are supposed to represent different countries for the story to work. It's limits like that that take you out of the story. Each one of the scenes is great but it doesn't work as a cohesive story.


I watched this six months ago for another Hall (though it should do well here) but yeah I didn't care for it enough to revisit it this year.

Thief
01-07-21, 04:04 PM
ANIARA
(2018, Kågerman & Lilja)

https://i.imgur.com/oLGAsaY.jpeg


"The answer is 'none'."
"None?"
"No."
"What?!"
"There's no celestial body to turn at."


The above exchange occurs at the end of the first act of this 2018 Swedish sci-fi. In it, our lead character, who's referred to as "MR" (Emelie Jonsson) receives the shattering news from "The Astronomer" (Anneli Martini) after a risky maneuver to avoid space debris takes the titular spaceship off its course. There is nowhere to turn, which can be interpreted in multiple ways, as the passengers turn to numerous sources and places in their search of comfort, peace, and reassurance that "everything is under control", or "going as planned", as the Captain repeatedly says. But are they?

Aniara, which is based on a Swedish poem with a title that comes from a Greek word meaning "despair", offers a lot of that. The film follows the ship which is making a supposedly routine journey from a ravaged and almost uninhabitable Earth to newly established colonies on Mars. But when the accident occurs, the ship is left fuel-less drifting into the unknown. Much can be unpacked about the religious, philosophical, and existential symbolisms of it, but on the surface, the passengers find themselves getting slowly but surely more desperate about their situation, while trying to cling to numerous things in their search of hope and meaning.

I found this to be an incredibly thought-provoking film with economically effective production values and a subtle but great performance from Jonsson. Much of the story is focused on her character, a low-level employee at the ship that manages a spa-like AI room called MIMA, where passengers can go to relive past images of Earth in their search for solace. But as the fate of the ship becomes widely known, both MIMA and its "liaison", the "MR", find themselves burdened in more ways than one. But who can we turn to when things don't "go as planned"? The MIMA can be seen as a fairly obvious reference to God or religion, and its failure to completely soothe the despaired passengers works as both a criticism of it and its followers ("there is no protection from mankind").

But as the passengers shift their hopes into various directions, Kågerman & Lilja continue to tear everything down with relentless fatalism. Mars? ("it's cold. Nothing grows except for a small frost-proof tulip!"), science? ("maybe we shouldn't have said it's a rescue probe?"), any "celestial body" out there? But no, there's ultimately nothing or no one that can turn us away from our fate. In many ways, I feel like the film is telling us to learn to live with what we get instead of clinging to false hopes, but also warning us of how we can be taken off course beyond the point where there'll be no body to turn at.

Grade: 4.5

Thief
01-07-21, 04:05 PM
Not sure why the [*rating] tag isn't working there.

CosmicRunaway
01-07-21, 04:10 PM
For the rating tag, you don't need the "/5" part.

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 04:10 PM
Not sure why the [*rating] tag isn't working there.I'll read your review in a minute, but the reason your rating tag isn't working is that in the middle of the tag you put 4.5/5 Just put 4.5 in the middle of the tag for a 4.5

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 04:11 PM
Cosmic beat me to it!

CosmicRunaway
01-07-21, 04:11 PM
I may have been faster, but you explained it better, and gave an example!

Thief
01-07-21, 04:12 PM
For the rating tag, you don't need the "/5" part.

Pffff, stupid me. As if I hadn't used it before. Thanks!

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 04:21 PM
@Thief (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=109353), Nicely written review. A couple of questions and observations:

Have you read the Swedish poem that Aniara is based on? If so did the poem add to your movie watching experience? (I could see that it would.)

I didn't say this in my review but I agree that the lead actress was well suited for her role and I quite liked her and I liked her right from the start.


In many ways, I feel like the film is telling us to learn to live with what we get instead of clinging to false hopes, but also warning us of how we can be taken off course beyond the point where there'll be no body to turn at. I like what you wrote there. Would you say that sentiment/message that the film imparts on you is a big reason for your appreciation of it?

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 04:23 PM
I may have been faster, but you explained it better, and gave an example!You're too nice:) Hey have you seen Aniara? I know you're a big sci-fi fan.

Thief
01-07-21, 04:29 PM
@Thief (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=109353), Nicely written review. A couple of questions and observations:

Have you read the Swedish poem that Aniara is based on? If so did the poem add to your movie watching experience? (I could see that it would.)

I didn't say this in my review but I agree that the lead actress was well suited for her role and I quite liked her and I liked her right from the start.

I like what you wrote there. Would you say that sentiment/message that the film imparts on you is a big reason for your appreciation of it?

Thanks!

I haven't read the poem (it's fairly "long"), but have it bookmarked for some day (here it is (https://gsproject.edublogs.org/gs-texts/texts-used-in-2017/aniara-by-harry-martinson-3/))

As for your last question, I suppose. I mean, if a film speaks to me, makes me think, or moves me in some way, that's obviously going to be a big reason for me appreciating it. But for this film in particular, I can say that as someone who's more or less having existential issues, it hit me pretty hard from the first time I saw it.

SpelingError
01-07-21, 04:31 PM
Thief, I really like your review. I agree with a lot of what you said and I especially liked the way you ended it, though I'm not as ardent of a supporter of the film as you are. Out of curiosity though, what are your thoughts on my review? I'll link it here:

https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2161702#post2161702

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 04:31 PM
Thanks!

I haven't read the poem (it's fairly "long"), but have it bookmarked for some day (here it is (https://gsproject.edublogs.org/gs-texts/texts-used-in-2017/aniara-by-harry-martinson-3/))

As for your last question, I suppose. I mean, if a film speaks to me, makes me think, or moves me in some way, that's obviously going to be a big reason for me appreciating it. But for this film in particular, I can say that as someone who's more or less having existential issues, it hit me pretty hard from the first time I saw it.Cool and thanks:)

Have you seen any other smaller/indie sci-fis from the last 20 years that you would recommend?

Thief
01-07-21, 04:43 PM
Thief, I really like your review. I agree with a lot of what you said and I especially liked the way you ended it, though I'm not as ardent of a supporter of the film as you are. Out of curiosity though, what are your thoughts on my review? I'll link it here:

https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2161702#post2161702

I had skimmed over the reviews everybody posted here cause I didn't want them to "cloud" my rewatch and also because I wanted to have the film fresh in my mind before trying to reply to anything, but I was just now going back to them.


EDIT: Your review is fine because it captures the reasons why you personally didn't connect to the film. And I think the same might apply to most people. I feel that the emotional and philosophical baggage that the film brings means that some people will undoubtedly feel drawn to it (like me) while others will probably be left cold (like you), and there's nothing wrong with that.

There are other few things I disagree with, like how effective or well used the set design was, which I briefly mentioned in my review. I think that the filmmakers were smart enough to know how to balance their budget with a look that wasn't exaggeratedly futuristic but rather mundane and approachable. I mean, they obviously used shopping malls to film, but I can see why a ship that goes back and forth between Earth and Mars would have the same look-and-feel. And it adds to that message of consumerism that the film carries (buy stuff to numb your senses). Take for example the scene where you see zombie-like passengers seeking "entertainment" in the arcade games.

I also had no issues with how the characters of the Astronomer or Isogel were handled because, taking into account that the focus of the story is always MR, those two characters become more like representations of things. The Astronomer represents science and knowledge, and she is constantly shied away and dismissed. People can't/shouldn't "know", and that's why she ends up shot down. Isogel is more crucial, IMO, because I think she (and the kid) represent love, family, stability, etc. and yet that is torn down by the despair clouding the lives of everybody. I think that the scene where MR finds them is absolutely powerful, particularly because it comes after her "success" with the projection. Once again, it says a lot about the time we devote to this or that, and where/how we can feel ourselves fulfilled. MR takes this project because she feels it's important and to a certain point neglects her family. Although this is not explored as much as I would've preferred, we can see Isogel is depressed, aimless, while MR is busy with "the substitute for the substitute", which one can say ultimately led to what happened.

But once again, no one can say how you will perceive a film as a whole, or certain themes in it. I liked how you phrased your issues and concerns with the film.

Thief
01-07-21, 05:12 PM
https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=71273

Aniara (2018)


There were cool story aspects that I wanted explored like: The probe they recover, that supposedly contains needed fuel and yet they can't access the hull of the probe. That seemed to be key to the story and yet just when the probe arc got interesting, the film moved onto another chapter. I think those chapter stories are the main weakness of the film. Maybe if this had another hour we could've learned more about the food shortages, the loss of moral, the religious cult group and the authoritative captain of the ship.




I don't think the probe was the "key to the story". It is introduced fairly late in the film (1 hour into it) and doesn't take up much screentime (barely 20 minutes). Like I said on my review, to me the probe is just another one of many places where the people on the ship look for hope in the middle of all the despair. There are different "levels" or "sources" of hope to them, starting with the hopes of a new life on Mars. But when that vanishes, hope shifts to the deadline offered for a possible "celestial body" to turn around (two years). Then as time passes by, people start looking for different sources of "hope" (cults, sex, games, parties). The probe is one of the last glimmers of hope for them and yet it ultimately is impenetrable and meaningless.

cricket
01-07-21, 05:16 PM
OK it looks like you guys are getting deep into it so I'm not going to read until after I watch.

rauldc14
01-07-21, 07:30 PM
13 of 16 have at least one review. 20 reviews total so far! Nice work!

MovieMeditation
01-07-21, 07:47 PM
13 of 16 have at least one review. 20 reviews total so far! Nice work!
Impressive indeed.

It’s the Hall of Fame 24/7

MovieGal
01-07-21, 09:17 PM
Hey Citizen Rules, see what I found today but I did not buy. It's the price of a used Criterion DVD but it's NOT a Criterion.


71350

SpelingError
01-07-21, 09:19 PM
Yeah, it doesn't feel right to get a non-Criterion version of the film. You aren't getting the full benefit of it.

MovieGal
01-07-21, 09:25 PM
Yeah, it doesn't feel right to get a non-Criterion version of the film. You aren't getting the full benefit of it.

If that copy was $9.99 or so, I would have bought it.. I just won't pay the price of a used non-Criterion from Vintage Stock at a used Criterion price. I have bought some used Criterion from them so I know the average is between $24.99 to $19.99. Sometimes they have 3 for the price of 2 and that isn't a bad deal when you are talking $50.00 for 3 overall.

They had a used copy of The Sea Inside for $3.99 but didn't buy it because I have a copy already and to be lazy, I can rent from Amazon for $2.99.

SpelingError
01-07-21, 09:44 PM
If that copy was $9.99 or so, I would have bought it.. I just won't pay the price of a used non-Criterion from Vintage Stock at a used Criterion price. I have bought some used Criterion from them so I know the average is between $24.99 to $19.99. Sometimes they have 3 for the price of 2 and that isn't a bad deal when you are talking $50.00 for 3 overall.

They had a used copy of The Sea Inside for $3.99 but didn't buy it because I have a copy already and to be lazy, I can rent from Amazon for $2.99.

For me, if a film has a Criterion release, I usually try to get that one, not only for the upgraded video/audio quality but also for all the bonus features and essays they have. They can be interesting to watch/read. Although, some Criterion discs are more expensive than others so, in their cases, I just buy the non-Criterion blu ray discs.

MovieGal
01-07-21, 09:45 PM
For me, if a film has a Criterion release, I usually try to get that one, not only for the upgraded video/audio quality but also for all the bonus features and essays they have. They can be interesting to watch/read. Although, some Criterion discs are more expensive than others so, in their cases, I just buy the non-Criterion blu ray discs.

Don't I know.. I have the Criterion of Shoah... it wasn't cheap!

:D

SpelingError
01-07-21, 09:48 PM
Don't I know.. I have the Criterion of Shoah... it wasn't cheap!

:D

Also, here's the most expensive Criterion boxset I've come across:

https://www.criterion.com/films/29360-100-years-of-olympic-films-1912-2012

It's on sale now, but its normal price is $400 plus tax.

MovieGal
01-07-21, 09:49 PM
But seriously, they didn't have a Criterion copy of La Dolce Vita. I found the non Criterion while looking for The Man From Nowhere in the Foreign film section, which is where The Sea Inside was.


On the website, they sell the used Criterion for $24.99.

https://vintagestock.com/store/products?search=La%20Dolce%20Vita

MovieGal
01-07-21, 09:49 PM
Also, here's the most expensive Criterion boxset I've come across:

https://www.criterion.com/films/29360-100-years-of-olympic-films-1912-2012

It's on sale now, but its normal price is $400 plus tax.

Not something I would buy but thats ok.

SpelingError
01-07-21, 09:51 PM
Not something I would buy but thats ok.

Oh, I don't own it either. I'm not really into sports.

MovieGal
01-07-21, 09:53 PM
Oh, I don't own it either. I'm not really into sports.

I'm into WW2, that's why I have Shoah. I think Night and Fog is more shocking than Shoah. Let's see, 30 minutes of film versus 9+ hours, the shorter has more effect on me than the long.

SpelingError
01-07-21, 09:59 PM
I'm into WW2, that's why I have Shoah. I think Night and Fog is more shocking than Shoah. Let's see, 30 minutes of film versus 9+ hours, the shorter has more effect on me than the long.

Night and Fog is amazing. It's probably the hardest film I've ever watched, but yeah, it's incredible.

Come and See is my favorite war film though.

MovieGal
01-07-21, 10:03 PM
Night and Fog is amazing. It's probably the hardest film I've ever watched, but yeah, it's incredible.

Come and See is my favorite war film though.

I haven't seen Come and See.

My favorite WW2 English speaking film is Defiance. My favorite German WW2 film is Lore. My favorite Non-English/German WW2 film is Äideistä Parhain, which I recently recommended to Citizen Rules.

SpelingError
01-07-21, 10:05 PM
My favorite WW2 English speaking film is Defiance. My favorite German WW2 film is Lore. My favorite Non-English/German WW2 film is Äideistä Parhain, which I recently recommended to Citizen Rules.

I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the recs!

MovieGal
01-07-21, 10:07 PM
I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the recs!

Äideistä Parhain is a very cute drama from Finland about Finnish children being placed with Swedish families during the war.

seanc
01-07-21, 10:09 PM
I'm into WW2, that's why I have Shoah. I think Night and Fog is more shocking than Shoah. Let's see, 30 minutes of film versus 9+ hours, the shorter has more effect on me than the long.

Both are great but the fact that you can feel what happened in those concentration camps with no old footage. Just all current footage with the survivors talking about their experiences. Shoah is astounding.

TheUsualSuspect
01-07-21, 10:25 PM
Beasts of the Southern Wild

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w154/nQJmWekGYlXhezGUb21xFfEfwhH.jpg

3.5

BotSW has a sense of originality to it that doesn't involve something flashy or gimmicky, which is I think a rare feat in cinema. Visually it balances this odd sense of garbage/dirtiness with beauty/fantasy. I found this to be rather striking and worked in the film's favour. We see the beauty through the eyes of the little girl aka Hushpuppy, who lives in the "Bathub" which is a place people are refusing to leave despite the dangers of flooding taking their homes. That POV can be a little distracting at times because we can low level shaky-cam techniques than can be more distracting than artistically relevant.

Quvenzhané Wallis Wallis delivers a rather honest performance and she works well with Dwight Henry who plays her father. Children in movies are a tough sell because it is so easy for them to be annoying little brats. The one question I do tend to bring up with child actors though is can they continue to do this or are they a one-trick pony? This is specific to new-comers. Wallis hasn't had too much of a career after Beasts, she starred in the stinker Annie and the gut-wrenching 12 years a slave, which I don't even remember her role in. What can she do when she is older and loses that sense of innocence that young children have?

I loved the music, specifically the toe-tapping opening bit. The sheer fun these characters have in the opening is contagious and I really dug the fantasy element that emerges from the story. The film does drag a bit in places, which stalls some enjoyment from it. at 93 minutes, this film should fly by, but it doesn't.

Citizen Rules
01-07-21, 10:30 PM
I haven't seen Come and See.

My favorite WW2 English speaking film is Defiance. My favorite German WW2 film is Lore. My favorite Non-English/German WW2 film is Äideistä Parhain, which I recently recommended to @Citizen Rules (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84637).I remember you also talked about Lore once. I like to see that.