The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame III: Foreign Language Edition

[cricket]

Au Revoir Les Enfants

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpnzC_q6L88/XDpoMwAj-1I/AAAAAAAAtyk/zpSOwFSUNsU9N0UTsMmFKe011lWEE1jDwCLcBGAs/s1600/au-revoir-1.jpg

I'm the 2nd of 3 members to watch this movie for this HoF and I knew nothing about it going in. I've seen several other movies from director Louis Malle, and I've looked at them mostly favorably.

Early 40's during the war and the Nazis are in France, the narrative takes us to a boarding school. A good part of the film plays like a coming of age tale as we see how the boys get along and what happens to them. It turns out that the head father is hiding/protecting some Jewish boys by allowing them into the school. The movie seamlessly transforms from the coming of age tale to the more serious story of avoiding persecution. I felt as though I watched two terrific movies in one.

Loved the look of this movie and the acting was strong from everyone. It takes a deeper turn than I had expected. This was a good one.

4+

[Thief]

Au Revoir Les Enfants

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpnzC_q6L88/XDpoMwAj-1I/AAAAAAAAtyk/zpSOwFSUNsU9N0UTsMmFKe011lWEE1jDwCLcBGAs/s1600/au-revoir-1.jpg

I'm the 2nd of 3 members to watch this movie for this HoF and I knew nothing about it going in. I've seen several other movies from director Louis Malle, and I've looked at them mostly favorably.

Early 40's during the war and the Nazis are in France, the narrative takes us to a boarding school. A good part of the film plays like a coming of age tale as we see how the boys get along and what happens to them. It turns out that the head father is hiding/protecting some Jewish boys by allowing them into the school. The movie seamlessly transforms from the coming of age tale to the more serious story of avoiding persecution. I felt as though I watched two terrific movies in one.

Loved the look of this movie and the acting was strong from everyone. It takes a deeper turn than I had expected. This was a good one.

4+

That one's from me. I was surprised at how many of you haven't seen it. It's an incredible film, so I'm glad you liked it.

[cricket]

That one's from me. I was surprised at how many of you haven't seen it. It's an incredible film, so I'm glad you liked it.

You picked it for me? Thank you, I never would've guessed. If anything, I feel like I could be underrating it. It kind of snuck up on me.

[Thief]

You picked it for me? Thank you, I never would've guessed. If anything, I feel like I could be underrating it. It kind of snuck up on me.

Now I'm wondering how you sorted your DMs and the nominations :laugh:

[Wyldesyde19]

You picked it for me? Thank you, I never would've guessed. If anything, I feel like I could be underrating it. It kind of snuck up on me.

This was my back up pick for you.

[Citizen Rules]

I watched Au Revoir Les Enfants in an HoF some time ago and thought highly of it. I had considered it for Cricket I thought I'd let someone else snag it as it seemed like a real good choice for him. I'm not surprised he really liked it.

[rauldc14]

Shoot the Piano Player

https://filmfreedonia.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/shootthepianoplayer04-2.jpg?w=1024

Easily the best of Truffaut that I've seen so far, and although it falls short of being a true personal favorite it has a lot going for it. I thought it was a really well directed film, and the screenplay was pretty good too. I enjoyed a lot of the dialogue and the interactions amongst the characters. The ending scene was shot really well too. The beginning scene almost equally as cool. I love the noir vibes it gives off. Feel like I should like it even more than its rating but there is still something that keep it from the next level.

3.5

[cricket]

I've liked everything I've seen from Truffaut and Shoot the Piano Player was one of them.

[rauldc14]

Rosetta

http://www.magazinecontemporaryculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Rosetta-1999_snapshot_00.14.14_2012.09.13_23.36.02-1024x616.jpg

Movies with themes like this really tend to be down my alley but with this one unfortunately I didn't find a genuine connection
I actually thought the character who played Rosetta was a little weak but I do see now she was highly praised for her performance. I don't know I just didn't see it. It didn't seem believable to me and there just wasn't enough emotion portrayed into the part. And being that the film is basically 100% reliant on how one would feel about her performance in a way that's where I just don't think it connected the dots for me. Would have liked to see more out of the mother and daughter relationship, perhaps a flashback to a happy time or whatever. I get that this was probably the point of their relationship to see an eternally distant one but for me it just didn't check the boxes in what I was hoping it would. I can't blame anyone though for liking it or perhaps thinking I would as well.

2

[cricket]

I'm so unfamiliar with Rosetta that I don't even remember posting it as a nomination.

[edarsenal]

Rosetta

http://www.magazinecontemporaryculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Rosetta-1999_snapshot_00.14.14_2012.09.13_23.36.02-1024x616.jpg

Movies with themes like this really tend to be down my alley but with this one unfortunately I didn't find a genuine connection
I actually thought the character who played Rosetta was a little weak but I do see now she was highly praised for her performance. I don't know I just didn't see it. It didn't seem believable to me and there just wasn't enough emotion portrayed into the part. And being that the film is basically 100% reliant on how one would feel about her performance in a way that's where I just don't think it connected the dots for me. Would have liked to see more out of the mother and daughter relationship, perhaps a flashback to a happy time or whatever. I get that this was probably the point of their relationship to see an eternally distant one but for me it just didn't check the boxes in what I was hoping it would. I can't blame anyone though for liking it or perhaps thinking I would as well.

2

I'm so unfamiliar with Rosetta that I don't even remember posting it as a nomination.
I'm even MORE unfamiliar; this was my Blind Grab for ya raul because the theme is up to your alley. . .
So hoping it would have delivered.
Sorry.

[cricket]

I'm even MORE unfamiliar; this was my Blind Grab for ya raul because the theme is up to your alley. . .
So hoping it would have delivered.
Sorry.

Part of this is preparing for the countdown so there's bound to be some ups and downs.

[rauldc14]

It's all good Ed even I thought I'd like it more. Not a bad film just one that doesn't do much for me.

[Allaby]

I watched Stray Dog (1949). Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, and Keiko Awaji, the film is about a rookie detective whose gun is stolen on a scorching hot day. He spends the rest of the day trying to track down his gun. I thought the film was good, but not great. Acting is good, especially by Mifune and the story is interesting, but not as consistently gripping as I would have expected. I did like the look of the film. I've seen 13 Kurosawa films and this one would not be in my top 10 but I'm glad I watched it. My rating is a 3.5.

[Thursday Next]

The Marriage of Maria Braun

I thought this was good. I really liked the look of it, which has always been one of the main attractions of Fassbinder films for me.

That Maria is a metaphor as well as a character is both a strength and weakness of the film in a way. A strength because it adds a sort of depth and commentary to the story, but maybe a weakness in terms of getting to believe in or like the character as a person. Having said that, I thought the actress playing Maria did a good job in the role and conveyed her determination well.

I really ought to watch more of Fassbinder’s films. I always intended to, having loved Ali: Fear Eats the Soul and liked Fox and His Friends, but I didn’t get on with the first part of Berlin Alexanderplatz and that put me off a bit.

[cricket]

I feel the same as Allaby about Stray Dog, not in my top 10 Kurosawa but still absolutely a good film.

I nominated The Marriage of Maria Braun for a HoF so of course I think highly of it.

[seanc]

The Marriage of Maria Braun

I thought this was good. I really liked the look of it, which has always been one of the main attractions of Fassbinder films for me.

That Maria is a metaphor as well as a character is both a strength and weakness of the film in a way. A strength because it adds a sort of depth and commentary to the story, but maybe a weakness in terms of getting to believe in or like the character as a person. Having said that, I thought the actress playing Maria did a good job in the role and conveyed her determination well.

I really ought to watch more of Fassbinder’s films. I always intended to, having loved Ali: Fear Eats the Soul and liked Fox and His Friends, but I didn’t get on with the first part of Berlin Alexanderplatz and that put me off a bit.

I have loved a good bit of Fassbinder but, unfortunately, his stories don’t stick with me super well.

Maria Braun, Petra Von Kant, and 13 Moons are my faves.

His long form stuff was great too. I really liked Berlin, but liked 8 Hours even more.

Fassbinder is a great character storyteller

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F08%2F95%2F45%2F089545d6e805cf0682fbe211fd484a4a.gif&f=1&nofb=1

Fitzcarraldo (1982)

Fitzcarraldo: This god doesn't come with canons. He comes with the voice of Caruso.

Fitzcarraldo, a man with a dream. A dream to build an Opera house in the middle of the Amazon. But first, he must get the money. How do you get the money? Rubber trees. Find a way to get to those rubber trees and we'll all be rich and you'll have your opera house. Fitz's girlfriend buys him a beauty of a ship for the journey and after the locals spend some serious time rebuilding the PoS he sets sail, upriver, looking for the end of his rainbow.

I found this to be both exciting and dull. It starts slow but once they get on the river it starts moving. A little. Then a little more, then a little more until they (the ship) come to a complete stop, which is were the movie really picks up and turns into a straight up documentary on how to move a ship over a hill using primitive tools. That entire sequence is amazing but I couldn't help but think the entire time it was happening "That poor f'n crew. If they only knew what they were signing up for!"

Herzog has a documentarians eye and it shows up often here. Some of the jungle shots look straight out of Nat Geo. and, let us not forget, he has a little experience in this setting. There are some great, memorable shots in this movie. Kinski is very good as well and his performance kind of surprised me. We've all heard the stories of the production of this movie and somehow Kinski was able to keep all of the chaos and madman shenanigans going on offscreen, offscreen. Aside from Kinski being Kinski and me thinking he wanted to kill everyone all the time just because he's Kinski it never comes through in his performance. So, if you are hoping Aguirre shows up, spoiler: he doesn't. I never got the sense that Fitz was a madman, more that he's just a little nutty.

This is a movie that I respect more than like. It's an amazing production and it's highs are very high but the lulls are there keeping it from being truly great.

[Hey Fredrick]

Shoot the Piano Player

https://filmfreedonia.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/shootthepianoplayer04-2.jpg?w=1024

3.5

I've recommended this to several people and they've all told me to quit recommending movies to them. I thought it was really good but was a wee nervous about recommending it again. Glad you kind of liked it.

[Thief]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F08%2F95%2F45%2F089545d6e805cf0682fbe211fd484a4a.gif&f=1&nofb=1

Fitzcarraldo (1982)

Fitzcarraldo: This god doesn't come with canons. He comes with the voice of Caruso.

Fitzcarraldo, a man with a dream. A dream to build an Opera house in the middle of the Amazon. But first, he must get the money. How do you get the money? Rubber trees. Find a way to get to those rubber trees and we'll all be rich and you'll have your opera house. Fitz's girlfriend buys him a beauty of a ship for the journey and after the locals spend some serious time rebuilding the PoS he sets sail, upriver, looking for the end of his rainbow.

I found this to be both exciting and dull. It starts slow but once they get on the river it starts moving. A little. Then a little more, then a little more until they (the ship) come to a complete stop, which is were the movie really picks up and turns into a straight up documentary on how to move a ship over a hill using primitive tools. That entire sequence is amazing but I couldn't help but think the entire time it was happening "That poor f'n crew. If they only knew what they were signing up for!"

Herzog has a documentarians eye and it shows up often here. Some of the jungle shots look straight out of Nat Geo. and, let us not forget, he has a little experience in this setting. There are some great, memorable shots in this movie. Kinski is very good as well and his performance kind of surprised me. We've all heard the stories of the production of this movie and somehow Kinski was able to keep all of the chaos and madman shenanigans going on offscreen, offscreen. Aside from Kinski being Kinski and me thinking he wanted to kill everyone all the time just because he's Kinski it never comes through in his performance. So, if you are hoping Aguirre shows up, spoiler: he doesn't. I never got the sense that Fitz was a madman, more that he's just a little nutty.

This is a movie that I respect more than like. It's an amazing production and it's highs are very high but the lulls are there keeping it from being truly great.

This one was from me, so I'm glad you got something out of it. Even though I think I rate it higher than you, I kinda agree with your last statement. But like Aguirre, it is a film that kinda stuck with me afterwards.

Two scenes in particular that stuck with me, and both occur in the first half...

1) The scene where the steamboat is about to turn into that other river (was it the Pachitea?) and there's this fear from the crew about what they'll find. I thought that was one of the most edge-of-your-seat, tense scenes I've experienced recently as we are sitting there dreading what will happen. Even if nothing happened, it had me biting my nails off.

2) The scene where Fitzcarraldo arrives at that abandoned train station that's being taken care of by a poor man and his family. To me, the station, which was part of a past project from Fitzcarraldo, exemplifies one of the themes of the film, which is how the working people are subject to the whims of the wealthy, however fleeting and meaningless they are. This was a massive project that was discarded and forgotten without any regard for this man and his family, who has been giving it sweat and blood for years, without the "bosses" even noticing.


Anyway, based on your favorites, which I felt leaned towards grand-scale, adventuresque films (Ben-Hur, Raiders, Jaws), I thought this would be a good fit.

[Citizen Rules]

75592
The Earrings of Madame De... (Max Ophüls 1953)

Good choice for me. I really enjoyed the grandeur of this period piece melodrama.

At the start of the film, when we're introduced to Madame De...she's in her boudoir choosing what to wear to that night's festivities. When she opens her closet it's full of ornate shelves that go right up to the ceiling. I love that scene because it visually defines in a personal way, the type of luxurious life that Madame De lives.

Much of the film is composed of these wonderfully elaborate sets and costumes...and is coupled with creative tracking shots and selective lighting that gives the film a deep richness. I just have to say wow to all that and especially to the gown she wears to the last ball. I would loved to seen that in color, I bet it was red.

Danielle Darrieux who played Madame De...gave a wonderful portrayal. She reminded me a bit of Luise Rainer in The Great Ziegfeld. She had the perfect combination of frivolousness & self indulgence and driven by the boredom of excessive wealth and status.

And hey, it's the director of my new favorite foreign language film Bicycle Thieves...Vittorio De Sica. And a shout out to Charles Boyer who I've of course seen before.

So good film I liked it, except for the duel at the very end. I would've ended the film on a lighter note by having Charles Boyer getting rid of those pesky earrings once and for all by giving them to someone who would never ever part with them.....the nanny.

[Hey Fredrick]

This one was from me, so I'm glad you got something out of it. Even though I think I rate it higher than you, I kinda agree with your last statement. But like Aguirre, it is a film that kinda stuck with me afterwards.

Two scenes in particular that stuck with me, and both occur in the first half...

1) The scene where the steamboat is about to turn into that other river (was it the Pachitea?) and there's this fear from the crew about what they'll find. I thought that was one of the most edge-of-your-seat, tense scenes I've experienced recently as we are sitting there dreading what will happen. Even if nothing happened, it had me biting my nails off.

2) The scene where Fitzcarraldo arrives at that abandoned train station that's being taken care of by a poor man and his family. To me, the station, which was part of a past project from Fitzcarraldo, exemplifies one of the themes of the film, which is how the working people are subject to the whims of the wealthy, however fleeting and meaningless they are. This was a massive project that was discarded and forgotten without any regard for this man and his family, who has been giving it sweat and blood for years, without the "bosses" even noticing.


Anyway, based on your favorites, which I felt leaned towards grand-scale, adventuresque films (Ben-Hur, Raiders, Jaws), I thought this would be a good fit.

1) That was one of the scenes were Herzog the Doc. Dir. stands out. All he's doing is showing us the banks of the Amazon and ANYTHING could be two feet from the shore and you wouldn't know it. It's the what you don't see is sometimes scarier than what you do see thing, a thing that I'm a firm believer in.

2) That scene was one of the high points for me. I felt so bad for that guy.

It is a good fit and it's something I'll watch again and will probably notice things that will bump up it's rating. It's not a movie that will depreciate with multiple viewings, that I can tell already. The good stuff is just too good.

[seanc]

75592
The Earrings of Madame De... (Max Ophüls 1953)

Good choice for me. I really enjoyed the grandeur of this period piece melodrama.

At the start of the film, when we're introduced to Madame De...she's in her boudoir choosing what to wear to that night's festivities. When she opens her closet it's full of ornate shelves that go right up to the ceiling. I love that scene because it visually defines in a personal way, the type of luxurious life that Madame De lives.

Much of the film is composed of these wonderfully elaborate sets and costumes...and is coupled with creative tracking shots and selective lighting that gives the film a deep richness. I just have to say wow to all that and especially to the gown she wears to the last ball. I would loved to seen that in color, I bet it was red.

Danielle Darrieux who played Madame De...gave a wonderful portrayal. She reminded me a bit of Luise Rainer in The Great Ziegfeld. She had the perfect combination of frivolousness & self indulgence and driven by the boredom of excessive wealth and status.

And hey, it's the director of my new favorite foreign language film Bicycle Thieves...Vittorio De Sica. And a shout out to Charles Boyer who I've of course seen before.

So good film I liked it, except for the duel at the very end. I would've ended the film on a lighter note by having Charles Boyer getting rid of those pesky earrings once and for all by giving them to someone who would never ever part with them.....the nanny.




I need to rewatch this. I really loved it the first time. If I remember right, it was quite a bit funnier than I thought it would be. Could contend for a spot on my list.

[rauldc14]

Earrings looks like a film I should check out.

[Citizen Rules]

I need to rewatch this. I really loved it the first time. If I remember right, it was quite a bit funnier than I thought it would be. Could contend for a spot on my list.I guess I missed the humor. At first I thought it was going to be a light French-Farce type of movie, but it did seem to get more serious as it went on. Truth be told I'd preferred it to be lighter. Still, a well made film and looks great.

[seanc]

Earrings looks like a film I should check out.
For, I didn’t realize you hadn’t seen. Feels like something you will like.

[cricket]

I loved Fitzcarraldo and The Earrings of Madame De was very impressive, but I had a hard time getting into it. Maybe I could now several years later.

[edarsenal]

And now, a bit of catching up. . .

FANTASTIC PLANET
(1973, Laloux)

https://indieethos.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/28636id_013_primary_w1600.jpg

Set in the mysterious planet of Ygam, Fantastic Planet follows the clashes between the human-like Oms and the giant, blue humanoid Draags that are trying to eradicate the former from their planet, while also keeping them as pets. Terr (Eric Baugin) is a young Om that has been kept as a pet since infancy by Tiwa (Jennifer Drake). But when he accidentally starts to absorb knowledge from his captors, he ends up leaving Tiwa and joining a group of rebel Oms in order to oust their captors.

I found this film both amazing and mesmerizing for so many reasons. I'll start by saying that the opening scene was such a perfect way to capture what this world is about, to expose the themes without spelling them out, but rather with haunting and eerie visuals. Second, the animation was so effective, and you feel like it suits the plot and the era so well. The use of colors and certain angles only helped to amplify the eeriness of this world. Third, the creativity with which director René Laloux and co-writer Roland Topor build this planet and set its environment and rules is nothing short of impressive. Finally, the music is so cool and helps to establish the trippy mood extremely well.

Fantastic Planet was a troubled project to begin with; not only for its themes and ambitions, but also because of the circumstances surrounding its production. While production started in France, it was animated in Czechoslovakia which had more resources in that field. Halfway through, Czechoslovakia was invaded by the Soviet Union in an effort to suppress a reform movement in the country. Casually, co-writer Topor was of Polish-Jewish descent and had to spend his childhood hiding from the Gestapo. All of this adds more weight to the themes of oppression and subjugation that permeate through the film.

I still have some issues with it. Even though I understand it's not the film's goal, but the lack of character development and depth hinders its effect a bit. Plus, the resolution feels somewhat abrupt and a bit too convenient. Still, I would definitely say that this was one of the most interesting film-watching experiences I've had recently.

Grade: 4
I did not know about the circumstances during productions; thank you for mentioning that. It does add some internal gravitas to the subject matter.
And like Captain Terror remarked, getting high for this flick is a bit of a bonus, lol.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie This is on shaky ground in my Watchlist simply because of my own hesitations, but they have eased nicely after reading your review, Hey Fredrick, which I did enjoy in itself. It's still a bit shaky, but I feel that I should brave through it and discover - what I may discover.

La Grande Illusion when I saw that this was nominated for Takoma11, I could see this going either way and truly am glad it went on a more enjoyable route for you.
Like you, I truly love a good prison camp escape film and found this to be a wondrously unique experience. Making my introduction to Renoir a marvelous one. Since then, I've explored La Bête Humaine and have both Madame Bovary and The Rules of the Game on my Watchlist.

Day for Night This is one that needs a second viewing for me. Since I found myself enjoying it more afterward as I thought about it than while watching it.

Shoot the Piano Player this does look very worthwhile, but having only seen one Truffaut film, the above mentioned, Day for Night, it's hard to gauge if I truly desire to make room for it on my Watchlist. I will be watching 400 Blows for this HoF, so that'll be a strong decision-maker for me.

Smiles of a Summer Night With as serious as the few Bergman's I've seen, I am genuinely surprised that he has a comedic endeavor under his belt. Hmm.
With these HoFs, I have been on a gradual introduction to Bergman that has varied for me. Though with all the high praise I've heard from folks that I value their thoughts very highly, this next venture, Wild Strawberries should be a positive side of viewings.

Contempt I have bounced back and forth on whether or not to watch this film. Having only seen one Goddard, Pierrot le Fou. BUT, I do have Alphaville and Band of Outsiders on my Watchlist, so that should help establish whether I simply respect or enjoy Goddard films. And should I find both, I could very well check this out. I'm already curious about seeing another Brigitte Bardot film after the amazing Le Vérité (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054452/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_10) and my REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2178286#post2178286). Not to mention Fritz Lang's appearance in this film.

Rocco and His Brothers I Have not heard of this, but I am a fan of Alain Delon.

The Marriage of Maria Braun Enjoyed this one during a previous HoF and looked like a good fit for you, Thursday Next.

I watched Stray Dog (1949). Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, and Keiko Awaji, the film is about a rookie detective whose gun is stolen on a scorching hot day. He spends the rest of the day trying to track down his gun. I thought the film was good, but not great. Acting is good, especially by Mifune, and the story is interesting but not as consistently gripping as I would have expected. I did like the look of the film. I've seen 13 Kurosawa films, and this one would not be in my top 10, but I'm glad I watched it. My rating is a 3.5.
I picked this one for you. With the films in TUS' Movie Roulette, this looked worthwhile for you. I agree it is not a top Kurosawa, but definitely, a very good one, that's worth seeing.

Fitzcarraldo Herzog films, so far, have been more of respect than enjoyment. I have heard of the utter chaos of this film's making, with Herzog and Kinski literally fighting with one another.

Au Revoir Les Enfants I Have not seen this, and with hearing cricket/thief/CR's enjoyment of it, along with reading that it is based on a childhood experience by the Director, Louis Malle, really seals it as an addition to my Watchlist.

The Earrings of Madame De... This was a film that has caught my attention when meandering through French films, and I was quite intrigued by it. Having read CR's review and hearing that sean enjoys it as well, it is now, officially, on my Watchlist.
Thank you, gentlemen!

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll be renting a few of these this weekend to get a belated start.
Stay tuned.....

[Allaby]

I watched Sonatine (1993) tonight. Written, directed by and starring Takeshi Kitano, this Japanese film is about Yakuza sent from Tokyo to Okinawa to end a gang war. The film has some nice dreamlike moments and lighter moments, along with some scenes with action and violence. There is some lovely scenery and some really nice looking moments. I also liked the way the film's use of music. The issue I had is that I personally didn't find the characters all that interesting and I couldn't get very invested in them or their fates. The acting was fine, but no one really blow me away. The story was somewhat interesting, but not as compelling as I would have liked. Good movie, but not a great one, in my opinion, although I am glad I watched. My rating is a 3.5.

Now I have watched all 11 films recommended for me. Do I get a shiny gold star now? (I would like one, thanks.) Is there a final step I am supposed to do now that I have watched all 11?

[cricket]

I watched Sonatine (1993) tonight. Written, directed by and starring Takeshi Kitano, this Japanese film is about Yakuza sent from Tokyo to Okinawa to end a gang war. The film has some nice dreamlike moments and lighter moments, along with some scenes with action and violence. There is some lovely scenery and some really nice looking moments. I also liked the way the film's use of music. The issue I had is that I personally didn't find the characters all that interesting and I couldn't get very invested in them or their fates. The acting was fine, but no one really blow me away. The story was somewhat interesting, but not as compelling as I would have liked. Good movie, but not a great one, in my opinion, although I am glad I watched. My rating is a 3.5.

Now I have watched all 11 films recommended for me. Do I get a shiny gold star now? (I would like one, thanks.) Is there a final step I am supposed to do now that I have watched all 11?

Congratulations Allaby, you are the 3rd member to finish!

At your leisure, rank them 1 to 11 and send it to me via pm.

When we receive all of the lists, I will reveal who made the best recommendations to win this spectacular HoF tournament thingy.

[Allaby]

Congratulations Allaby, you are the 3rd member to finish!

At your leisure, rank them 1 to 11 and send it to me via pm.

When we receive all of the lists, I will reveal who made the best recommendations to win this spectacular HoF tournament thingy.

I ranked them and sent you the list in a pm.

[Citizen Rules]

Wow, three people finished in 2 weeks, that's some sort of record.

[rauldc14]

Wow, three people finished in 2 weeks, that's some sort of record.

And here I am going into June I would bet!

[Citizen Rules]

And here I am going into June I would bet!I got this one and the Asian HoF to do and I'd like to be done before the 25th starts. I better start watching two movies a night:p

[Thief]

And here I am going into June I would bet!

I'll be right there beside you, my friend :laugh:

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penwithfilmsociety.co.uk%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fmain%2Fpublic%2Ff ilmpics%2FAU%2520REVOIR%2520LES%2520INFANTS.jpeg%3Fitok%3DxEW0RUgk&f=1&nofb=1

Au revoir les enfants (1987)

Julien Quentin: You scared?
Jean Bonnet: All the time.

This is the first film I've ever seen from Louis Malle and it's very, very good. I remember seeing this being reviewed on At the Movies when it was released and for whatever reason I never forgot about it but also never watched it, obviously. The story is about Quentin and his friendship with the new kid in school, Bonnet, two students at an all boys boarding school in German occupied France. Bonnet is a quiet even for a new kid. It gets Quentin to start doing some snooping and finds out a secret that Bonnet and the school are trying to hide. Bonnet is not Bonnet. He's really Jean Kippelstein

The child actors were very believable and I liked how they were real. These are young boys and they act like it. They know everything yet know nothing. Malle does a nice job with the more intense scenes and the final few scenes are wonderfully done. When called for, he allows tension to build through silence, something I'm a big fan of. The movie is a heartbreaker. I was prepared for the Nazi's being awful (they aren't a huge presence but they're always there) but the French turning on their own was especially tough to take. The film does highlight the heroics of several of the school staff, Father Jean in particular, who has been protecting Jewish kids for apparently some time. There were a bunch of scenes that really stick out but the one that got to me in particular was the look on Father Jeans face when Bonnet, after Bonnet has had an encounter with German soldiers, tries to take part in communion. Another great nomination and would highly recommend this one anyone who hasn't seen it.

[cricket]

Way to go Fredrick!

[edarsenal]

Un Unofficial Review


https://wondersinthedark.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/cap3081.jpeg


The Earrings of Madame De. . . (1953)

Comtesse Louise de...: It's when we have the most to say that we can't speak.

While this most likely could have easily gone in the Latest Movie Thread, it felt more apropos. To go from an addition to my watchlist and now to my favorites.

Ahh, amore and all its nuance, cadence and, it's sublime parting.
Featuring Danielle Darrieux in a truly remarkable performance. Her arc from the confident Comtesse indifferently pursuing amusements to the state she is rendered to from being unable to commit to a true love comes in the gallant Baron Fabrizio Donati (Vittorio De Sica). What begins, as many, amusing flirtation, builds, blossoms into a passion that is never consummated. In part, by the smooth, chalant machinations of her husband, Général André de... (Charles Boyer)
http://i.imgur.com/csfk9AB.jpg
Those moments of despair, agitation, and loss of his wife's love are kept beneath a - not so secure, the care-free appearance of gracious gaiety.

As befitting a romantic period piece, it is elegant pageantry where the human heart's fragility is displayed in poetic cinematography, sublime performances, and both witty and world-weary dialogue.

I was utterly enchanted, invested, and quite amazed by the ending.

F@CKIN BRAVO

[Thief]

Hmm, just added it to my watchlist based on all of you.

[Thief]

RAN
(1985, Kurosawa)
A film from the Criterion Collection whose number includes the #3

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/62/cd/0062cd5941436180197e554513665e03.jpg


"Men always travel the same road"



Spanish poet and philosopher George Santayana once wrote "Those that don't remember their history are cursed to repeat it". In other words, we need to learn from our mistakes as human beings and as a society, in order to not repeat them again and again. Unfortunately, we either forget, or think we're above those mistakes and that we will never trip over them again, only to find ourselves face flat next. That sentiment lies in the background of Akira Kurosawa's 1985 epic.

Set in Medieval Japan, Ran follows Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai), an aging warlord that decides to retire and hand over his empire to his three sons: Taro, Jiro, and Saburo. Unfortunately, he doesn't count on how the thirst for power will corrupt and ultimately destroy their family and the kingdom. As chaos ravages the land, Hidetora starts to lose his sanity, but still finds himself realizing that much of what's happening is a direct result of his past actions and mistakes.

This is a film that I've had on my radar for decades. Even when I was a teenager starting to get into film, I used to be drawn to its box cover which featured the iconic scene with the castle engulfed in flames. For some reason, I never got around to it, and when I started diving into Kurosawa films as an adult, some people suggested for me to start with "lighter" films and leave Ran for later. After watching four other Kurosawa films during the last decade, I thought it was about time.

There are many things that I could say about the film. It is definitely an epic in all its spectacle and scope. The setpieces are breathtaking and grandiose, the set and production design is perfect, and Kurosawa's direction is pretty much flawless. His framing and use of color and symmetry on the shots is so gorgeous that you want to take them and put them on a wall. In addition, Kurosawa uses numerous shots of nature, from the mountains and clouds to the chilling last shot, perhaps in an attempt to contrast the beauty and order of nature against the chaos ("ran") of humanity's struggles and wars.

Because Ran is a film of chaos despite all efforts. Hidetora has lived all his life building his kingdom, and for the most part has managed to avoid the consequences of the actions of his past. But as he realizes towards the middle of the film, as he finds himself in the ruins of a castle he once destroyed, men always travel the same road. Hidetora realizes that the ruthlessness with which he ruled is the same ruthlessness that he's seeing in his sons right now, and that the revenge he's being served right now is the direct effect of his own actions.

The performance from Nakadai is a spectacle in and of itself, as we see the mental and physical decay conveyed through his expressions, his makeup, and his body language. Jinpachi Nezu and Daisuke Ryu are also great as Jiro and Saburo, but Mieko Harada easily steals every scene she's in as Lady Kaede, the cunning wife of Taro. Kudos also to Peter, who plays Hidetora's fool and who probably has one of the most interesting arcs and certainl the best lines (including the above quote).

This film has certainly jumped at the top of my Kurosawa ranking, and is easily one of the most gorgeous films I've ever seen. It has surely joined the list of films I would love to see on the big screen at least once. I've only just seen it, but I would have no issues traveling this road again. A big thank you to whoever recommended this.

Grade: 5

[Citizen Rules]

edarsenal Cool that you watched The Earrings of Madame De. . . (1953), glad you liked it and it sounds like you liked it more than I even did.

[cricket]

I was fortunate to have someone pick Ran for me in the last Personal Rec HoF. This time around I've got Kagemusha.

[Thief]

I was fortunate to have someone pick Ran for me in the last Personal Rec HoF. This time around I've got Kagemusha.

I'm at 5 Kurosawa films and I've liked/loved them all. Look forward to more of his stuff.

[Allaby]

I've seen 13 Kurosawa films now and they were all good-great. Four of them I gave a perfect 10/10 rating to and the lowest rating I gave to a Kurosawa film was a 7/10.

[edarsenal]

edarsenal Cool that you watched The Earrings of Madame De. . . (1953), glad you liked it, and it sounds like you liked it more than I even did.

I may have.
As I've said, I was inquisitive about it when I was searching for films earlier this year. So it was your review followed by sean's positive praise that renewed my curiosity for yet another potential favorite and a serious contender for my Countdown List.

[edarsenal]

These coinciding HoFs have been a buffet for Kurosawa films for those of us that love him but are seriously missing out on those films.
Great review, BTW Thief!

[rauldc14]

A Man Escaped

https://offscreen.com/images/made/images/articles/_resized/amanescaped_1000_420_90_c1.jpg

This film was pretty dry to me. I didn't feel like I really cared about what was going on, specifically no real care about the fate of Fontaine. Never really felt he was in danger of making his escape, which to me really made the film suffer as I basically knew the outcome and also didn't really have a rooting interest for it either. How could this have been rectified? Perhaps a decent backstory or maybe just more emotion for the lead character. This is something that is pretty apparent in all Bresson films although I found a few to be decent. I don't think it's a poorly constructed film but it just doesn't bring any excitement or suspense to me. Which in a film like this I would say is a pretty key point to hit. Just really not my kind of film to be honest unfortunately.

2.5

[Thief]

Hmm, how many recommendations for A Man Escaped were there? :D

[Citizen Rules]

A Man Escaped

This film was pretty dry to me. I didn't feel like I really cared about what was going on, specifically no real care about the fate of Fontaine. Never really felt he was in danger of making his escape, which to me really made the film suffer as I basically knew the outcome and also didn't really have a rooting interest for it either. How could this have been rectified? Perhaps a decent backstory or maybe just more emotion for the lead character. This is something that is pretty apparent in all Bresson films although I found a few to be decent. I don't think it's a poorly constructed film but it just doesn't bring any excitement or suspense to me. Which in a film like this I would say is a pretty key point to hit. Just really not my kind of film to be honest unfortunately.
That about sums up how I feel, no emotions and no involvement in the story from me.

Hmm, how many recommendations for A Man Escaped were there? :D Three. Me, Raul and Edarsenal. Perhaps Ed will be a fan?

[seanc]

I may check out A Man Escaped, since I have to wait forever for you all to finish. ;)

[Wyldesyde19]

So annoyed. Out of all the Kurosawa films my local rental had (Stray Dogs, The Hidden Fortress, Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Throne of Blood). They don’t have Drunken Angel nor High and Low.
Also, no Harakiri. No The Last Emperor. No Persona!
*flips table*

Well, at least I can rent some of these on Amazon.

[Thief]

So annoyed. Out of all the Kurosawa films my local rental had (Stray Dogs, The Hidden Fortress, Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Throne of Blood). They don’t have Drunken Angel nor High and Low.
Also, no Harakiri. No The Last Emperor. No Persona!
*flips table*

Well, at least I can rent some of these on Amazon.

I don't know what streaming services you have, but most of those are available on The Criterion Channel, with the exception of The Last Emperor, which is on HBO Max (Persona is on both)*

* at least according to JustWatch.com

[Wyldesyde19]

I don't know what streaming services you have, but most of those are available on The Criterion Channel, with the exception of The Last Emperor, which is on HBO Max (Persona is on both)*

* at least according to JustWatch.com

I have Amazon Prime and Hulu. Someday I plan on adding Criterion

[Thief]

You can do what I do sometimes. Just use any email to start a free trial and see as much as you can as long as it lasts.

[cricket]

Good job Raul!

[Takoma11]

Hmm, how many recommendations for A Man Escaped were there? :D

I'm finding the tepid reactions to it pretty puzzling, to be honest. I thought it was pretty fantastic and brought to light the way that the survival of so many people who did manage to escape such circumstances hinged on so much luck and trust and bravery.

[seanc]

Watched A Man Escaped. Dry, like all Bresson I have seen so far. I like the methodical nature in a prison break scenario. I definitely got invested in the outcome. Best Bresson of the three I have seen so far.

I will give a star rating since it’s not an official HOF watch. 3.5

[Thursday Next]

I liked A Man Escaped when I saw it. I didn't nominate it for anyone though.

@CitizenRules I picked The Earrings of Madame de... for you as I believe you liked Letter From an Unknown Woman.

Thief I picked Ran for you because it is great and everyone should see it, plus I think you liked some other Kurosawa films. I really like the use of colour in Ran, which is interesting as a good deal of his films are black and white.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75810
Gate of Hell (1953)
Dir. Teinosuke Kinugasa

Pretty much a middle of the road movie for me. No major flaws, nothing to complain about. The cinematography and sets were good but not amazing. The story was effective and probably resonated with Japanese audiences of the 1950s.

The one aspect of the film that did excel was the casting choices of the principal characters.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75811


The actor (Isao Yamagata) who played the brutish, stalker samurai in love with a married woman, who's willing to kill to obtain her, was well cast and well performed. The actor extruded a dangerous obsession and was quite threatening in his performance.



https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75812


In counter-balance the actor (Isao Yamagata ) who played the honorable husband of the pursued wife, was calm, wise and supportive of his wife. He also was well cast.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75813

Machiko Kyô portrays the married lady-in-waiting in the Emperor's court. She's loyal and delicate, but also very strong when needed to be. She had this unique look about her that made the actions of the evil samurai believable. Machiko Kyô also starred in Rashomon.

Somehow I'm thinking the film might've been more effective in black and white. As an aside: I'm not sure what the samurai husband meant by saying 'if she had only trusted me'? He repeated that several times at the end of the film.

BTW: I like that font I used on the photos it's called: SF Orson Casual Shaded.

[Wyldesyde19]

My first review will be up today.
Stay tuned

[Thief]

Thief I picked Ran for you because it is great and everyone should see it, plus I think you liked some other Kurosawa films. I really like the use of colour in Ran, which is interesting as a good deal of his films are black and white.

Thanks so much! It's definitely a film I've been meaning to see for a long time, but just hadn't. Your nomination was the push I needed.

[Takoma11]

Somehow I'm thinking the film might've been more effective in black and white. As an aside: I'm not sure what the samurai husband meant by saying 'if she had only trusted me'? He repeated that several times at the end of the film.

I thought that the idea was that there would be a scandal that everyone would assume that the wife had had an affair with the guy who was stalking her OR possibly that she was worried that he would get killed if he fought the guy.

Either way, I think that the husband was just sad that she felt like she had to handle things on her own.

[Citizen Rules]

I thought that the idea was that there would be a scandal that everyone would assume that the wife had had an affair with the guy who was stalking her OR possibly that she was worried that he would get killed if he fought the guy.

Either way, I think that the husband was just sad that she felt like she had to handle things on her own.Yeah I agree...it could be any of those reasons that you mentioned. I kinda thought the 'didn't trust in him' meant that he believed his wife didn't trust in his fighting abilities and would be killed in a duel with the stalker samurai. It's an interesting question.

[Takoma11]

My first review will be up today.
Stay tuned

Promises, promises.

;)

Yeah I agree...it could be any of those reasons that you mentioned. I kinda thought the 'didn't trust in him' meant that he believed his wife didn't trust in his fighting abilities and would be killed in a duel with the stalker samurai. It's an interesting question.

I think it's interesting that the film really lets you see her side of it. She would rather die than risk seeing her husband killed, which is an understandable if tragic outcome. Even a skilled fighter can still lose a fight, and the stalker guy is ruthless and dangerous.

[cricket]

I liked Gate of Hell ok but what I remember most was how vibrant the color was for it's time. I was surprised to see it get nominated but then I appreciate the out of the norm choices.

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75810
Gate of Hell (1953)
Dir. Teinosuke Kinugasa

Pretty much a middle of the road movie for me. No major flaws, nothing to complain about. The cinematography and sets were good but not amazing. The story was effective and probably resonated with Japanese audiences of the 1950s.

The one aspect of the film that did excel was the casting choices of the principal characters.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75811


The actor (Isao Yamagata) who played the brutish, stalker samurai in love with a married woman, who's willing to kill to obtain her, was well cast and well performed. The actor extruded a dangerous obsession and was quite threatening in his performance.



https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75812


In counter-balance the actor (Isao Yamagata ) who played the honorable husband of the pursued wife, was calm, wise and supportive of his wife. He also was well cast.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=75813

Machiko Kyô portrays the married lady-in-waiting in the Emperor's court. She's loyal and delicate, but also very strong when needed to be. She had this unique look about her that made the actions of the evil samurai believable. Machiko Kyô also starred in Rashomon.

Somehow I'm thinking the film might've been more effective in black and white. As an aside: I'm not sure what the samurai husband meant by saying 'if she had only trusted me'? He repeated that several times at the end of the film.

BTW: I like that font I used on the photos it's called: SF Orson Casual Shaded.

I saw this a few weeks ago. Like cricket, I really liked the color. I just wish I was more intrigued to the story.

[Wyldesyde19]

High and Low

Akira San is mostly known for his Samurai, or chanbara Jidaigeki films. And rightfully so. Certainly, my first foray into his films were all four Samurai films (Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Kagemusha, and Ran).

For Japan, that genre is equivalent to the US western genre. Both were tied their respective countries history. Going even further, his career is similar to John Ford. Both are more known for their work in their respective genres. And both are forever tied to working with a particular actor. Ford had some guy named John Wayne.

Akira San had Toshiro Mifune.

Like Ford, Akira San wasn’t just tied to one particular genre. He did a lot to advance noir in Japan. High and Low is one such example.

It starts off with rival exes meeting about taking over a shoe business. Me Gondo refuses to go along and arranges to take over himself. His son is then kidnapped. Except it isn’t his son. The kidnappers mistakenly grabbed the son of his chauffeur. All of this takes place within the first 15 minutes. We’re in for quite the ride.

What occurs is a cat and mouse game between the detectives and the kidnappers, one filled with suspense, and reminded me of The Day of The Jackal, though not quite as intense. There’s no action, just plain detective work, as they try to figure out who is responsible. The culprit was a surprise.

High and Low also has a running theme involving the how the poor view the rich. There are moments of jealousy, spoken out loud, even by the kidnapper. The dynamic between the two classes is evident with phrases like the following:

“It gets so hot in my apartment, I can barely sleep. And everyday I have to look up at your house above us on the hill.”

“Looking up at his house from down here also annoys me”
And that last line was spoken by a detective assigned to the case!

There is a scene early in the film, where Gondo is told not to call the cops, lest his son is harmed. He complies, until he discovers the mistake. He then proceeds to call the cops without hesitation. He even balks about paying the ransom. At first.

And really, how the characters all react to the situation is what makes this film work even better. Mifune is great as Gondo, as are the detectives assigned to the case. They go from open disdain due to his wealth, especially the one referred to as “Bos’n”, to reverence.

Among the best scenes, are the visit to drug alley, where we see the real destitute, poor souls with no where else to go and are in turn taken advantage of by the kidnapper.

Good pick.

[cricket]

Welcome to the HoF Wyldesyde! High and Low is great, one of my favorites from the master!

[Citizen Rules]

I liked Gate of Hell ok but what I remember most was how vibrant the color was for it's time. I was surprised to see it get nominated but then I appreciate the out of the norm choices.I actually thought it might be your pick for me. How did you take the ending quote by the samurai husband to mean?

[cricket]

I actually thought it might be your pick for me. How did you take the ending quote by the samurai husband to mean?

I don't remember, watched it for the 50's countdown.

[Citizen Rules]

I don't remember, watched it for the 50's countdown.I hear ya, I can't even remember what I just asked you:D damn memory:p

[Takoma11]

High and Low

What occurs is a cat and mouse game between the detectives and the kidnappers, one filled with suspense, and reminded me of The Day of The Jackal, though not quite as intense. There’s no action, just plain detective work, as they try to figure out who is responsible. The culprit was a surprise.

High and Low also has a running theme involving the how the poor view the rich. There are moments of jealousy, spoken out loud, even by the kidnapper.
.
.
.
And really, how the characters all react to the situation is what makes this film work even better. Mifune is great as Gondo, as are the detectives assigned to the case. They go from open disdain due to his wealth, especially the one referred to as “Bos’n”, to reverence.

Among the best scenes, are the visit to drug alley, where we see the real destitute, poor souls with no where else to go and are in turn taken advantage of by the kidnapper.

Good pick.

Yeah, I LOVE High and Low. The performances, the central mystery. Several films have "borrowed" from that excellent train ransom sequence. It stands right next to Seven Samurai as my favorite Kurosawa.

[Wyldesyde19]

Yeah, I LOVE High and Low. The performances, the central mystery. Several films have "borrowed" from that excellent train ransom sequence. It stands right next to Seven Samurai as my favorite Kurosawa.

After an initial viewing, it stands at #3, behind SS and Yojimbo. But it could improve over time on repeat viewings.

It was so simple....no flash. No long winded speeches. Didn’t try to be clever for the sake of being clever. It just flowed so naturally, so effortlessly. Each scene just moved along with such ease.

[edarsenal]

A Man Escaped

https://offscreen.com/images/made/images/articles/_resized/amanescaped_1000_420_90_c1.jpg

This film was pretty dry to me. I didn't feel like I really cared about what was going on, specifically no real care about the fate of Fontaine. Never really felt he was in danger of making his escape, which to me really made the film suffer as I basically knew the outcome and also didn't really have a rooting interest for it either. How could this have been rectified? Perhaps a decent backstory or maybe just more emotion for the lead character. This is something that is pretty apparent in all Bresson films although I found a few to be decent. I don't think it's a poorly constructed film but it just doesn't bring any excitement or suspense to me. Which in a film like this I would say is a pretty key point to hit. Just really not my kind of film to be honest unfortunately.

2.5

That about sums up how I feel, no emotions and no involvement in the story from me.

Perhaps Ed will be a fan?

Watched A Man Escaped. Dry, like all Bresson I have seen so far. I like the methodical nature in a prison break scenario. I definitely got invested in the outcome. Best Bresson of the three I have seen so far.

I will give a star rating since it’s not an official HOF watch. 3.5

Yeah, definitely a fan.
When I watched it, it wasn't even a week after watching Pickpocket. So, having a full understanding of Bresson's preferences in style and technique and fully appreciating/enjoying them, I was in Clarity; Full Throttle.

I'm finding the tepid reactions to it pretty puzzling, to be honest. I thought it was pretty fantastic and brought to light the way that the survival of so many people who did manage to escape such circumstances hinged on so much luck and trust and bravery.

I liked A Man Escaped when I saw it. I didn't nominate it for anyone though.

@CitizenRules I picked The Earrings of Madame de... for you as I believe you liked Letter From an Unknown Woman.

Thief I picked Ran for you because it is great and everyone should see it, plus I think you liked some other Kurosawa films. I really like the use of colour in Ran, which is interesting as a good deal of his films are black and white.

Ahhh, there's the love!

Great call on Madame de..., Thursday! I checked it out as well and raved about it.

And Ran is on the WatchList for Kurosawa.

[cricket]

World on a Wire

https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/images/4850-92d5ec51a1b540d009d93112a6feafdb/WOAW_Essay_Image_medium.jpg

#73 on the most recent Sci-Fi list, just ahead of Fantastic Planet, this 3 1/2 hour flick was originally a 2-part miniseries. Whenever it's Sci-Fi, it's a risky pick for me. I noticed beforehand it was directed by Fassbinder, whose movies I've enjoyed, so that gave me hope.

This seemed to me to be something way ahead of it's time with how it deals with what I'd guess you'd call virtual reality. I was never actually sure who or what was real. The Sci-Fi I do enjoy generally involves action or horror. This one is part crime and that was it's saving grace for me. There's an air of mystery throughout that kept me interested, even if I didn't always have the easiest time following. I'd probably have to watch it at least twice more in order to discuss it without embarrassing myself, no easy task due to it's length and pace. There's also quite an eerie vibe to it. There are moments that reminded me of A Clockwork Orange, a Marlene Dietrich clone, and sound effects that are cheesy but effective. I'm pretty sure that this is a better movie than what I can glean from it, but nonetheless a strong thumbs up from me. On YouTube with subtitles.

3.5

[edarsenal]

Looked up World on a Wire in the sci-fi Countdown and read Kaplan stating that it's theme was similar Phillip K Dick stories so that does sound interesting.

[Thursday Next]

I had World on Wire on my watchlist but dropped it down because I thought it was a TV series.

[Wyldesyde19]

Bicycle Thieves Review will up tonight sometime.

[Citizen Rules]

I wouldn't mind seeing World on a Wire. And I'm looking forward to reading Wylde's review of one of my favorite foreign films.

[Wyldesyde19]

Bicycle Thieves


Post WW2 Italy was a bitter time, with many doing anything they could to make ends meet and to feed families. Poverty and despair reigned. Many directors of the time turned to filming these times to accurately capture and portray these bleak moments.

This film captures that moment in time perhaps the most accurately. The story of a man who is hired for a job, much to his family’s relief. A job that pays well, but requires him to ride a bike to get to each location. All is good. Until a thief steals his bike. Desperate he sets out to find it along with his young song.

That’s it. That’s the plot. It’s so simple, yet there’s a richness to it. It isn’t just merely a search for his bike. It’s about survival. Without that bike, things will go from bad to worse in no time for him and his family. He knows this. The bike is a means to a better life.

De Sica has a way of drawing you in with an almost effortlessness, as you start to pity the poor man. He has been beaten down by life and circumstance. Desperation gnaws at him as the day grows late. Time isn’t on his side. I kept asking myself when and how he will get his bike back. Surely, he must right?

Without spoiling anything, De Sica goes with the right ending. And it left me hollow, as “fin” appeared so suddenly.
My jaw literally open. Film makers today wouldn’t dare consider such an ending. It’s so powerful without really trying to be.

I can’t decide if this is better then Shoeshine (De Sica’s earlier film, with the same theme but dealing with juvenile delinquents in post WW2 Italy). Shoeshine is probably the more “polished” film, but Bicycle Thieves is slightly more powerful. Both were tragic in their own way.
They’d definitely make a great double feature.

Italian Neorealism has become probably my favorite of the film movements. It’s certainly up there with French New Wave and Japanese New Wave, but above Taiwanese New Wave if the 1980’s, which owed a great debt to Neorealism. The similarities are plain to see.
As is the influence.

[Citizen Rules]

Bicycle Thieves

...De Sica goes with the right ending. And it left me hollow, as “fin” appeared so suddenly. My jaw literally open. Film makers today wouldn’t dare consider such an ending. It’s so powerful without really trying to be...Excellent review all the way around and I especially like the way you described the ending. So true.

[Wyldesyde19]

Excellent review all the way around and I especially like the way you described the ending. So true.

Yeah, that ending.....man. And it isn’t even one of sudden violence or anything. Just a simple ending but it conveys so much in it. Such hopelessness and shame.

[cricket]

Keep rolling Wyldesyde!

[pahaK]

Bicycle Thieves

Without spoiling anything, De Sica goes with the right ending. And it left me hollow, as “fin” appeared so suddenly.
My jaw literally open. Film makers today wouldn’t dare consider such an ending. It’s so powerful without really trying to be.

I literally gave it an extra half-star for the ending.

[edarsenal]

I've been on the fence with this film, for the silly reason that it's Italian and I've always had the foolish preconception that, for the most part, Italian films are over my head. But after seeing Dolce La Vita and Rome, Open City, I no longer have that preconception.

[Wyldesyde19]

I've been on the fence with this film, for the silly reason that it's Italian and I've always had the foolish preconception that, for the most part, Italian films are over my head. But after seeing Dolce La Vita and Rome, Open City, I no longer have that preconception.

I’m quite sure there was a lot I missed concerning both La Dolce Vita and Bicycle Thieves, but really, even if I have, it doesn’t diminish the impact nor the process itself.

[edarsenal]

exactly!

[rauldc14]

I've been on the fence with this film, for the silly reason that it's Italian and I've always had the foolish preconception that, for the most part, Italian films are over my head. But after seeing Dolce La Vita and Rome, Open City, I no longer have that preconception.

Weird as I'm starting to feel this way with French films for me

[rauldc14]

Children of Paradise

https://www.filmlinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ChildrenofParadise2_2.jpg

Like I said in the previous post, I can tell that I sometimes have issues with connectivity in regards to French films which is a real bummer because there is a lot to offer. But the main thing going through my head while watching this was wondering if I could ever feel a full appreciation to enjoying this film. There was a lot to offer, and I feel like just one watch will only allow you so much with this sort of a story. I couldn't really find that character to lean on that helped me to really connect to the film, which always seems to be one of my go-to downfalls for not appreciating a movie to the fullest, but that's just how I felt. It's a really well constructed film, there's a lot of great filmmaking to it, but for me the story just isn't fully where it needs to be for me to appreciate the greatness. The length is definitely felt due to this struggle. In a way it's kind of how I feel about The Rules of the Game, another French film considered among the greatest of it's languages films. It's a bummer that it didn't connect for me more. But I can still appreciate it and it does have a lot of technical greatness, especially for a 40s film.

3

[Citizen Rules]

Children of Paradise
...The length is definitely felt due to this struggle. In a way it's kind of how I feel about The Rules of the Game, another French film considered among the greatest of it's languages films. It's a bummer that it didn't connect for me more. But I can still appreciate it and it does have a lot of technical greatness, especially for a 40s film.

rating_3I have Children of Paradise to watch too, and the length has me a bit concerned. I should check it out soon.

I felt the same as you about The Rules of the Game. I was lost for most of the film and didn't know who was saying what. That's because it has so many characters who are all talking fast, that reading the subs took me out of the movie and I couldn't follow the story very well. I like subs when the are placed (left or right sides) over the person talking, that helps to know what character just said what. Of course most foreign films aren't a problem but some fast paced dialogue foreign comedies are for me.

[edarsenal]

Weird as I'm starting to feel this way with French films for me
Yeah, I feel like a kid sitting at the grown-ups table and having NO idea what everyone is talking about and feeling like I should. I want to know. I'm dying to know. . .

So I get hesitant when I venture into such a film and hope I find that "link" into delving into the film/story.

[rauldc14]

I feel like feeling the length of a film often comes out as a dull criticism, but to me you don't feel the length of a film if you are fully engrossed in it. Like Schindler's List for me.

[cricket]

When I first started watching foreign movies I thought I'd be most into Italian movies since I've been there and I've always been around Italians. It turned out to mean nothing because that's the country I've struggled with the most.

As far as Children of Paradise, if I had to make a list of the 10 best movies I've ever seen, it'd be on it.

[rauldc14]

When I first started watching foreign movies I thought I'd be most into Italian movies since I've been there and I've always been around Italians. It turned out to mean nothing because that's the country I've struggled with the most.

As far as Children of Paradise, if I had to make a list of the 10 best movies I've ever seen, it'd be on it.

Interesting. As far as foreign I've always connected with Japanese and probably Russian the most. But I haven't delved into a whole lot of some countries then again either.

[cricket]

La Ceremonie (1995)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UsmlYPprYBs/TNeT16JSE8I/AAAAAAAAAJw/ZTac2YxqXlI/s1600/Ceremonie8.png

This movie is from the Ebert list, and it's also nominated for Siddon. If I remember correctly, this was a member's 4th choice for me after Vengeance is Mine, which was taken, Paprika, which I'd seen but wasn't crossed off my list, and The Terrorist, which I couldn't find a way to watch. A quick look at it's IMDb page and I was happy, although it was still basically a blind watch.

I guess you would say there are 6 main characters, including 4 women. Out of those 6, I'd call 3 the real main characters and all 3 are women played by Jacqueline Bisset, Isabelle Huppert, and Sandrine Bonnaire. I don't see a lot of movies centered on female characters but I really enjoy them when I do. They don't even have to be lesbians. One of my favorite TV shows is Big Little Lies. I just find the interplay more interesting than between men.

A pretty well off family brings in a new maid who has a few secrets. That's a similar concept to a lot of movies but this all felt fresh. The family is somewhat demanding but pretty nice. The maid befriends the local postmistress who has some secrets of her own. That's about all I want to say about the story. This is a slower paced film that had me hooked from the start. I never knew where it was going and the acting is excellent. I see it all over described as a psychological thriller. I wouldn't argue against that but I view it more as a psychological drama, if that's even a thing.

My favorite movies are usually those that I'll remember because they leave a mark on me, something that makes me say holy crap. This movie did that and I was not expecting it. A great nomination and it's on YouTube.

4.5

[cricket]

Mephisto (1981)

https://www.calvertjournal.com/images/uploads/thumbnails/2018/6/thumbnail_1.jpg

This is an Oscar winner from the Ebert list that I was unfamiliar with. It's probably not a movie I would have picked for myself, but I had hope due to the fact that I've generally been fond of the nominations coming from the member who chose it for me.

Klaus Maria Brandauer has a name and a face I know, but I'm not sure from where. He plays the title role and is spectacular. Well, he plays an actor who plays Mephisto, the same Mephisto from Faust, and there's a parallel there about selling your soul. He's a struggling actor in Germany as the Nazis are rising to power. He wants fame, and when the Nazis give him his opportunity, he takes it. I loved this movie when the man was a struggling actor but then struggled myself to maintain interest once the main narrative kicked into gear. I'm not sure why that is because everything about the movie is impressive. I don't have a negative thing to say about it.

3.5-

[rauldc14]

Diabolique

https://frenchculture.org/sites/default/files/styles/max/public/diabolique_0.jpg?itok=8Ag5Kf9d

This one was really good. I always had a feeling that I would enjoy this film and I'm glad I finally got around to it. It has really good acting from the two lead females and a Hitchcock type of a story. The ending was truly shocking, shocking enough that the end credits told everybody to not ruin the film for anybody who hasn't seen it. It comes as a pretty straightforward thriller but for whatever reason has some really good early horror elements. Near the end of the film the film certainly gets pretty tense. The pool scenes we're also really well done and the look of the film was pretty darn solid. Really good nom here.

4

[cricket]

I need to see Diabolique again. I remember not being as much of a fan as I thought I should be.

[rauldc14]

I need to see Diabolique again. I remember not being as much of a fan as I thought I should be.

I'm pretty sure I would elevate it even on my next watch. Lot to think about with this one.

[Hey Fredrick]

Diabolique was very good. I've recommended it a couple of times for these HoF's and it seems to be a pretty safe pick.

Was down to my last pick for Cricket unless I went with a blind nomination. I still think you might like the Terrorist if you can ever find a copy. La Ceremonie I saw for the first time just before this HoF started and thought, yeah, that was pretty good. It has an uneasiness running through it the entire time, keeps you on edge even when it seems like nothing is happening. Isabelle Huppert is someone that I haven't seen often but what I can tell from the few I have seen is that she's pretty fearless when it comes to selecting roles.

Wasn't terribly impressed with Bicycle Thieves, thought it was a little slow in the middle, but that ending bumped it up significantly. For some reason French New Wave and Italian neorealism don't hit for me as often as I wish they would but I keep trying 'em!

[Thief]

Diabolique is pretty good indeed.

For what it's worth, I've benched this a bit until I finish the HOF24, which ends next week. But I already have plans for a bunch of my recs for the second half of the month.

[Citizen Rules]

I watched Diabolique recently...I believe it was chose for me in the one of the other PRs. I liked it and could even rate it higher if I seen it again.

[edarsenal]

It's been a couple of decades since I saw Diabolique to the point where it would be all new to me again. Definitely need a revisit.

[cricket]

Kagemusha (1980)

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6b/1e/19/6b1e1951b0608da374c5714fdff6b23c.jpg

As I've said many times before, Kurosawa is one of my favorite directors. This was the main movie from his filmography that I hadn't seen yet, and a movie I considered to be one of the biggest overall blind spots for me. I was very happy it was chosen for me, much like Ran in a previous Personal Rec HoF. My feelings for this are very similar to how I felt about Ran, though I believe Ran is a bit better.

It's a 3 hour movie, and like anyone else, that's not a problem depending on how it plays out. Unfortunately I did feel the film's length. A Warlord's brother meets a petty criminal who looks exactly like the warlord. They discuss the possibility of the man being able to act as his double if something should happen. Of course something does happen. I was more interested in seeing if the double could pass to the son, mistresses, and horse, than his own and opposing army. For me to really love the film, it would of course had to have been the other way around. The majority of the movie, especially the final two thirds, was only moderately interesting to me. As expected it's a technical marvel on every level. A good to great film depending on the viewer.

3.5

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=76491 Children of Paradise (1945)

Good choice...at first I thought I wouldn't like this as it starts out with the courtesan in a shop with the 'dandy' thief...I didn't know what they were talking about and I feared the rest of the film would be just as confusing. To make things worse the copy I watched had the subs cut off on the bottom third. I could read them but it took my effort and made it harder to concentrate...but not the film's fault.

As it turned out I did really enjoy this and I respected the director's colossal view of Paris street life. Another director might have got a few dozen extras to be in the opening street fair scene. But Marcel Carné not only packs the scene with people from front to back as far as the eye can see, he even has action taking place up on the balconies, like the can-can dancers. Through out the film I was amazed at how the camera moved fluidly with tracking and dolly shots. Modern films could learn a thing or two about staging from this movie.

I thought the actors were all well cast and fit the personas of their characters. For such a long movie, I never got bored in fact after the first 10 minutes which were bumpy, I was fully into the film and waiting to see what would happen next to the lovely courtesan and her four suitors.

[cricket]

Great work CR!

[rauldc14]

I'm surprised you liked it so much CR. That's cool though.

I'll go with Whisper next probably.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm surprised you liked it so much CR. That's cool though.

I'll go with Whisper next probably.My wife liked the movie too, so that helps🙂 Children of Paradise to me seems a bit like La Dolce Vita in that one can just spend time with the characters and their world, without being too worried about the outcome of the story. For me it was more about the individual moments that the overall ending.

[Citizen Rules]

Great work CR!I had so much more I could've said. As I was watching the movie I had all these ideas for a write up...but then several days passed before I could review it. So I just hit the high notes for me in the film. You know it must have been a very expensive film to make, it sure looks like it would cost a lot.

[cricket]

Shoplifters (2018)

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/Shoplifters_025.jpg?bwg=1569602829

I knew nothing about the movie going in. However I was hoping it'd be chosen for me because I had recently added it to my watchlist due solely to positive write ups on the forum.

I think I'd enjoy it even more on a second viewing since I felt like I picked up on the whole family dynamic a little late. At first I just thought it was going to be a consistently solid film, but it turned out to be much more than that. It's definitely a movie that I wouldn't want to give much away of. For me the strength is the wide variety of thoughts and emotions it left me with. A terrific film.

4

[Citizen Rules]

JJ chose Shoplifter's for me after I dropped a hint I'd really like to see it, as someone else had watched it in Suspect's Personal Roulette and really liked it. The movie seems to be having a chain effect on MoFo. Good film!

[Wyldesyde19]

Plan to watch Stalker (finally!) tonight after I watch a tears of the Black Tiger for the Asian HOF

[Wyldesyde19]

Plan to watch Stalker (finally!) tonight after I watch Tears of the Black Tiger for the Asian HOF

[Siddon]

https://www-tc.pbs.org/independentlens/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/jiro-dreams-of-sushi1-1000x679.jpg



Jiro Dreams of Sushi(2011)


85 year old (now 95 year old) Jiro takes us on a journey through his small successful business. This is one of those slice of life documentaries which typically doesn't appeal to me which is why I never watched it.


My opinion of the film is that it's very well made the actual filming is impressive. It's beautifully scored and shot and as we learn about his family we are drawn in pretty well. My biggest complaint of the film is that at the end of the second act we get a little drama and it's just put on the side of the film and not really addressed.


Part of me wishes that the film had more story but the philosophy and wisdom that Jiro possesses is incredibly powerful. This was a very good watch and pick for this Hall for me.

[cricket]

Good going Siddon, I think I'd like to squeeze that in before the countdown.

[cricket]

Vengeance is Mine (1979)

https://cdn-media.fandor.com/keyframe/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/vengeance_is_mine_knife.jpg

This is on the Ebert list, and it's a movie I just discovered as the foreign language countdown was announced and I was going through the lists. When I looked it up, I thought to myself this looks awesome how did I not know about it. I put it on my watchlist right away, and was hoping it would be chosen for me here, but I didn't expect it since I don't recall anyone posting about it. The member who picked it hasn't even seen it but obviously they know what I like. It's from the same director who made Black Rain, which I watched a week ago and is also brilliant.

https://alexonfilm.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/vengeanceismine4.jpg?w=640

Again, I was really looking forward to this and I knew from the opening scene I wouldn't be let down. The police are bringing in a wanted killer that they'd been searching for played by Ken Ogata, who was terrific. As the police are talking to him at the station, the film brings us back in time to show us his story from early on; his family, the women in his life, and his crimes from being a con man to a killer. This director is a major talent and it shows here not only with how the movie is filmed but also with how the story is told. It's probably the best Japanese crime film I've seen.

5

[cricket]

Congratulations Cricket, you are the 4th member to finish!

[Citizen Rules]

Congratulations Cricket, you are the 4th member to finish!Congrats! The funny thing is I noticed that you capitalized your user name there:p


btw, I'm working on this steadily and I believe I have some really neat films left to watch. So far I've seen some great stuff!

[cricket]

Congrats! The funny thing is I noticed that you capitalized your user name there:p


btw, I'm working on this steadily and I believe I have some really neat films left to watch. So far I've seen some great stuff!

I capitalize as a general rule. When I joined, it was the first forum I ever joined, and I just did it quick with my only intention being to post a question in the question thread.

[Citizen Rules]

I capitalize as a general rule. When I joined, it was the first forum I ever joined, and I just did it quick with my only intention being to post a question in the question thread.I'm glad you stuck around! What was the one question you first had?

Me? I came over to MoFo with GBG who was a friend at another board.

[cricket]

I'm glad you stuck around! What was the one question you first had?

Me? I came over to MoFo with GBG who was a friend at another board.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=759847#post759847

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_2y246GrKUI%2FXC2_qhMj82I%2FAAAAAAAAerc%2F-Tt2MJp49jAxkZhytVcFy-CgjZhnhX2QACLcBGAs%2Fw1200-h630-p-k-no-nu%2Fshoplifters.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Shoplifters (2018)

Nobuyo Shibata: Sometimes it's better to choose your own family.

This was very good. The story of a "family" of shoplifters doing what they can to squeak by. One night the father and mother come across a very young girl hiding in the alley and decide to take her home with them. They quickly realize that the girl comes from an abusive home and decide to keep her. They aren't asking for a ransom or anything so it's not really kidnapping and how can you return a child to that environment? It'd be almost criminal to do such a thing. They just add her to the collection which includes Grandma, Big Sis and Little Brother. That sets the table for the next hour and a half of this unique family drama.

And for an hour and a half I kept wondering where the hell is this story going? We find out about their jobs, learn their personalities and while we know they aren't all on the up and up they also don't come across as anything more than a caring family, real basic stuff, until....

that last half hour... and I'm not gonna say anything more about that. The movie doesn't pose any questions that we haven't already seen before but it's execution sets it apart. It's a pretty solid build up to a great ending. This is one of them movies where little things happen in almost every scene that, by themselves, don't seem too important but when stacked on top of each other hits pretty good by the time it's all said and done. I had never heard of this so it was a complete blindside. Nice!

p.s. I did watch Chunking Express last week but I have to try and give it another go before I review it.

[cricket]

Great call with Shoplifters Fredrick, that's why I think I could like it even more a second time.

[Citizen Rules]

I bet Shoplifters does well on the up coming Foreign Language countdown.

[cricket]

I bet Shoplifters does well on the up coming Foreign Language countdown.

Yep, recently bias.

[Citizen Rules]

Yep, recently bias.Shoplifters is one newly watched FL film that will be making my voting ballot...I'm hoping to find some more, hopefully some of my remaining PR choices will make my ballot.

[cricket]

Shoplifters is one newly watched FL film that will be making my voting ballot...I'm hoping to find some more, hopefully some of my remaining PR choices will make my ballot.

Out of the PR recs for you, 2 will definitely make my ballot and 2 others have a chance.

[Chypmunk]

It's HOF bias not recency.

[Citizen Rules]

Here's what I wrote about Shoplifters in the Personal Roulette.

I thought Shoplifters would be right up my alley when I first heard about it sometime back. Right from the get go I was hooked and very interested to learn more about these people and their very different type of lifestyle.

I loved the unique world that the movie shows us. I liked the actors and the characters they portrayed too. They were intriguing and seemed like real people and not just mere props in some movie. I don't even know what city they were in, but it doesn't matter as it was like a candid view of a world that one would never see and to me that's cool.
rating_4_5

[Thursday Next]

What is recency bias, really? Why does it apply to new films, but not to old films that you only watched recently?

[Thursday Next]

The Tin Drum

This is based on a book by Gunter Grass, which I read a long time ago but couldn't remember much about, apart from the beginning and the eels in the horses's head.

It's a grotesque, semi-comic, semi-fantastical story of the time before and during World War 2 from the perspective of Oskar, a boy who decides not to grow. He is played throughout - as a newborn baby and an adult and all in between - by a 12 year old actor, who did a very good job portraying this character (although considering some of the later scenes, I don't think it was right that they had a child actor for this).

I was interested in the story and I liked the colour palette and the way some of the scenes were shot. It was an interesting perspective on a time in history and there was a certain darkly comic energy to the tone and the characters, although the pace flagged a bit at times.

However, it was too grotesque for me. Everything and everyone was unpleasant - deliberately so, I suppose, but it was wearing over 2 and a half hours of it. I felt like I was watching it through my fingers - metaphorically a lot of the time, but sometimes literally. I'd made it through the bit with the eels, but the scenes with Oskar and the girl I thought crossed the line of what should be shown on screen.

[seanc]

I am going to be sticking to my one per director rule for the foreign list and will be picking Nobody Knows instead of Shoplifters for my Kore-eda. I really wish people would check it out.

[rauldc14]

I'm pretty excited for Shoplifters yet.

[Citizen Rules]

76618
Vivre Sa Vie (Jean-Luc Godard 1962)

Big fan of Anna Karina here! I've only seen her in a few films, but I like what I see. She's perfect for French new wave films as she's able to convey moodiness to exuberance with those expressive eyes of hers. Godard sure knows how to fill the frame with her to the film's best advantage. Vivre Sa Vie (Live Your Life) is a showcase for Anna Karina's talents and works well as a case study of a young woman with no real direction in life.

Vivre Sa Vie is Godard's third feature length film and there's lots of experimental film making techniques employed which added to the films up close and personal feel. I enjoyed the various experimentation with camera and sound as much as I did watching Anna Karina.

The first half of the film was a 5/5 for me. I would've preferred if the story continued to follow Nana (Anna Karina) around Paris as she meandered through her own life. The prostitution story of the second half felt more conventional in story telling and lost me some, as I preferred the free form story of the first half. As much as I liked the film I have to say the very ending was disappointingly cliched. The very last scene was the equivalent of a book that starts out with 'It was a dark and stormy night'.

Overall I'm impressed.

[seanc]

76618
Vivre Sa Vie (Jean-Luc Godard 1962)

Big fan of Anna Karina here! I've only seen her in a few films, but I like what I see. She's perfect for French new wave films as she's able to convey moodiness to exuberance with those expressive eyes of hers. Godard sure knows how to fill the frame with her to the film's best advantage. Vivre Sa Vie (Live Your Life) is a showcase for Anna Karina's talents and works well as a case study of a young woman with no real direction in life.

Vivre Sa Vie is Godard's third feature length film and there's lots of experimental film making techniques employed which added to the films up close and personal feel. I enjoyed the various experimentation with camera and sound as much as I did watching Anna Karina.

The first half of the film was a 5/5 for me. I would've preferred if the story continued to follow Nana (Anna Karina) around Paris as she meandered through her own life. The prostitution story of the second half felt more conventional in story telling and lost me some, as I preferred the free form story of the first half. As much as I liked the film I have to say the very ending was disappointingly cliched. The very last scene was the equivalent of a book that starts out with 'It was a dark and stormy night'.

Overall I'm impressed.




One of my favorites. Love the ending too. Glad you liked it.

[cricket]

What is recency bias, really? Why does it apply to new films, but not to old films that you only watched recently?

I think it applies to both but the difference is that new films can only have been seen recently.

[cricket]

I love The Tin Drum, and I did nominate it for someone. The question is did I nominate it for Thursday who didn't like it, Sean who loved it, or Ed who hasn't watched it yet? Oh my the suspense is killing me!

I want to see Vivre Sa Vie again. I know I liked it but I don't remember it well. I can say with all certainly however that Anna Karina gets a 5❤️

[Thursday Next]

I am going to be sticking to my one per director rule for the foreign list and will be picking Nobody Knows instead of Shoplifters for my Kore-eda. I really wish people would check it out.

I will add Nobody Knows to my watchlist.

Undecided whether to impose a one film per director rule on myself for my foreign language list. It might help me cut it down to 25 but how do I pick just one Melville?

[seanc]

I will add Nobody Knows to my watchlist.

Undecided whether to impose a one film per director rule on myself for my foreign language list. It might help me cut it down to 25 but how do I pick just one Melville?

He and Bergman might be the reason why I have to. Those two directors could be half my list.

[Thursday Next]

He and Bergman might be the reason why I have to. Those two directors could be half my list.

I've just remembered that two of my favourite foreign language movies - Purple Noon and Forbidden Games - are both directed by Rene Clement.

Also that I have not seen any of his other films.

So do I watch more of his films or cut one of those from my list...?

Should probably have nominated Forbidden Games for somebody, although it was in a hof not that long ago I think.

[Takoma11]

What is recency bias, really? Why does it apply to new films, but not to old films that you only watched recently?

I think that it applies more to new films not just because you have seen it recently, but it has recently been "in the air"--it may have just won an award, you've been reading reviews of it, there is buzz, etc.

I definitely experience recency bias with anything I watch. I would say that when I revisit films, I tend to score about 60% of them 1/2 to a whole star lower than my original rating.

I am going to be sticking to my one per director rule for the foreign list and will be picking Nobody Knows instead of Shoplifters for my Kore-eda. I really wish people would check it out.

Both great.

[Thursday Next]

I definitely experience recency bias with anything I watch. I would say that when I revisit films, I tend to score about 60% of them 1/2 to a whole star lower than my original rating.


I find it can go either way. Sometimes films I was impressed by or was emotionally affected by can lose power on a rewatch, but other films have grown on me the more I watch them.

Which probably means I should rewatch films more to be sure, but there are so many films I haven't even watched for the first time...

[Citizen Rules]

I haven't seen enough foreign films to limit myself to one film/director. If I did that, I'd have a very thin list. Think I've seen Bergman the most but haven't really been onboard with any of his films. Though I have another Bergman to watch here,The Seventh Seal...maybe that one will do it for me?

[Takoma11]

I find it can go either way. Sometimes films I was impressed by or was emotionally affected by can lose power on a rewatch, but other films have grown on me the more I watch them.

Which probably means I should rewatch films more to be sure, but there are so many films I haven't even watched for the first time...

Yeah, I tend to save rewatches for (1) films I really liked or (2) films I disliked but someone convinced me to give them another chance.

[seanc]

I've just remembered that two of my favourite foreign language movies - Purple Noon and Forbidden Games - are both directed by Rene Clement.

Also that I have not seen any of his other films.

So do I watch more of his films or cut one of those from my list...?

Should probably have nominated Forbidden Games for somebody, although it was in a hof not that long ago I think.

I will try and check out Forbidden Games. I liked Purple Noon quite a bit.

[Wyldesyde19]

I never understood limiting a ballot to one film per director.
Kurosawa has about 4 films fighting for a spot on my list. Truffaut with about 3. I might eliminate one film from each but that just means they’ll have still have multiple films represented by me. (And hopefully others)

To me, if I keep it to one film per, I’m practically throwing in a lesser film that pales in comparison to a directors other films.

Your mileage may vary however.

Ps. Not telling anyone how to do their ballot, just musing on the significance of the “1 film per” restrictions some maintain.

[edarsenal]

I will add Nobody Knows to my watchlist.

Undecided whether to impose a one film per director rule on myself for my foreign language list. It might help me cut it down to 25 but how do I pick just one Melville?

I've been running through a few Melville's this year and I know EXACTLY what you mean


And when it comes to Clement I've enjoyed Forbidden Games and really liked Les Maudits and I have Purple Noon on my Watchlist.

[Takoma11]

I never understood limiting a ballot to one film per director.
Kurosawa has about 4 films fighting for a spot on my list. Truffaut with about 3. I might eliminate one film from each but that just means they’ll have still have multiple films represented by me. (And hopefully others)

To me, if I keep it to one film per, I’m practically throwing in a lesser film that pales in comparison to a directors other films.

Your mileage may vary however.

Ps. Not telling anyone how to do their ballot, just musing on the significance of the “1 film per” restrictions some maintain.

I feel much the same way. I can think of several directors who would have more than one film on my favorites list.

I do think that limiting to one film per director has the benefit of spacing your picks out a little more over countries and eras.

[Citizen Rules]

I just looked up Forbidden Games as I never heard of it...only to find out I've seen it! Making my Foreign Language list is going to be so hard, if I can't remember what I've seen.

[cricket]

I would never limit the amount of films from a director. What's the point? Why not 1 per lead actor, per country, etc? You get my 25 best and nothing less. No games and the movies get the points they deserve. That said, I'm not sure I'll have any repeat directors anyway.

[Wyldesyde19]

I feel much the same way. I can think of several directors who would have more than one film on my favorites list.

I do think that limiting to one film per director has the benefit of spacing your picks out a little more over countries and eras.

I’m hoping to think of a country that deserves a mention on my ballot, but I won’t be forcing it in just for the sake of it. That said, I’ll be thinking of countries to add outside what I consider the “Big 3” (Japan, France, Italy) and a few other countries that also have strong cinema histories (looking at you Russia, Sweden, Spain, and Germany!) and of course the Johnny come lately countries (Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, Denmark). And maybe a few others that don’t have as rich of a history but have decent hidden gems (That's you Thailand, Indonesia, Norway, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia!)
Chances are I’ll include a few of them somewhere because I actually think they deserve it.

[Hey Fredrick]

I never understood limiting a ballot to one film per director.
Kurosawa has about 4 films fighting for a spot on my list. Truffaut with about 3. I might eliminate one film from each but that just means they’ll have still have multiple films represented by me. (And hopefully others)

To me, if I keep it to one film per, I’m practically throwing in a lesser film that pales in comparison to a directors other films.

Your mileage may vary however.

Ps. Not telling anyone how to do their ballot, just musing on the significance of the “1 film per” restrictions some maintain.

Totally agree. Right now Kurosawa has at least two and possibly three for my list. Buñuel and Miyazaki are also in the running for more than one film. The most recent countdown I had three from Spielberg, two from Forman, two from Fleming and two from Kubrick.

[edarsenal]

It was easy to spread the love with other Countdowns while still retaining a strong list of absolute favorites. Having such a wide choice of past viewings with the addition of recent films seen in various HoFs.
I can pull it off here, especially with the large number of incredible films I've seen so far this year and yet more to come to fill out spots in a list of long-time favorites. Though I most likely will have a few of the same Directors and definitely several from the same country.
It may be, ever so slightly, a little more tricky to tag on the One Pointer (#25) this time around, which I always enjoy doing. Probably not, in the end, turning out to be merely a fun challenge.

[rauldc14]

I just looked up Forbidden Games as I never heard of it...only to find out I've seen it! Making my Foreign Language list is going to be so hard, if I can't remember what I've seen.

We watched it in a Hall. We both liked it pretty well

[rauldc14]

I watched Whisper of the Heart yesterday. Try to get a review soon

[Thursday Next]

I would never limit the amount of films from a director. What's the point? Why not 1 per lead actor, per country, etc? You get my 25 best and nothing less. No games and the movies get the points they deserve. That said, I'm not sure I'll have any repeat directors anyway.

In general I agree with you; I'm only considering it because I'm finding it so hard to cut down my list any further!

[cricket]

I just think that when people do things like that, and plenty of members do, we get a less accurate countdown. Of course it's not malicious but it's altering what the real results should look like and I've always thought that was the opposite of the main goal. If someone puts in a movie just for the sake of variety, and it sneaks in instead of something else, I think that sucks. Every countdown someone mentions that they placed a movie in a certain spot strategically. Do some people think it's a competition?

[Citizen Rules]

I just think that when people do things like that, and plenty of members do, we get a less accurate countdown. Of course it's not malicious but it's altering what the real results should look like and I've always thought that was the opposite of the main goal. If someone puts in a movie just for the sake of variety, and it sneaks in instead of something else, I think that sucks. Every countdown someone mentions that they placed a movie in a certain spot strategically. Do some people think it's a competition?Personally it's interesting to me how people compose their voting ballots, but I'm not bothered if they don't do it a certain way. It's like HoFs, some people nominate more obscure films like the HoF was a movie explorer's club...While I see an HoF like the Rock-n-Roll and Sports Hall of Fames, the best of the best. But others don't agree and that's cool because differences make the world interesting.

[edarsenal]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/Ap5Esg5hZ8QiA/giphy.gif


The 400 Blows aka Les Quatre Cents Coups

Psychiatrist: Your parents say you're always lying.
Antoine Doinel: Oh, I lie now and then, I suppose. Sometimes I'd tell them the truth, and they still wouldn't believe me, so I prefer to lie.

Ahh, those glorious halcyon days of being an utter mischievous little sh#t. :devil::randy:
https://i.gifer.com/ESwH.gif

And yeah, the trouble you get into for it.:rolleyes::shrug:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/e9/04/9de9049918d6a79807c3866e0531df1e.gif


Initially, since this is regarded very highly in many cinematic circles, I thought it'll be a good idea to share the experience with a couple of Movie Critics. At least, that's what they assured me they were when I paid for their movie tickets.
They did seem quite engaged during their viewing. I must say.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHzQryQDUow/VsTr7xfRyOI/AAAAAAAA0_U/8tZ0NeneIWA/s400/b2.gif

But, when I asked them to write up their thoughts, they ran off to steal a typewriter, and I haven't heard or seen of them since.
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BoringMindlessKitty-small.gif


So. . .

This was Director François Truffaut's first full-length film, and it is said his most personal film. Having caused all kinds of trouble as a youth as well. And, having done very much the same myself, I was continually chuckling throughout this. Feeling relieved that I cheered them on instead of acting like a grumpy old codger complaining about the problems with youths.
One of my favorites being the gym coach that takes the boys out running in the city streets, and Truffaut uses a long shot from above displaying the dwindling number of students as they all sneak off, a couple at a time. Until the large group of some twenty or more kids was down to only two.
Like so many other scenes, this brought back all kinds of funny memories of similar incidents. Finding myself more and more involved as the film proceeded.

I paused once to research the writer, Honoré de Balzac, that Antoine (Jean-Pierre Léaud) pinned inside a small cupboard within their tiny apartment. Curious to see the connection and learning that Balzac had a love for the criminal element/To Live Wildly as well within his literature and personal life.

Having viewed this, I totally see how this film of a delinquent by a delinquent won a Hall of Fame.
In short, BRAVO Truffaut!
And, BRAVO to whoever chose this for me!!

[cricket]

Beautiful work Ed!!

[Siddon]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/sm/upload/ev/hu/m0/5j/4-months-3-weeks-and-2-days-1200-1200-675-675-crop-000000.jpg?k=308c6b1c3d

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days


During the final years of communism a pair of women attempt to get an abortion. The film is basically about the dangers of communism, sexism, and poverty. This is one of those films I hate to talk about because so little happens, every scene plays for an excruciating long period of time that you either end up horrified or bored.

The moral issues of the story are where the drama really should be but once again they aren't played for any sensational qualities. It's a brave choice for the director and I understand why it was done but this 2 hrs of my life that I'll never get back.

The story also has a massive imbalance when it comes to character development. We only really get to know Gabita the "friend" as she goes through the process of being a good friend. It's shall we say...disappointing.

[cricket]

I watched that^^ not very long ago and liked it quite a bit. Of course it was also a movie that I really wanted to see.

[Takoma11]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/sm/upload/ev/hu/m0/5j/4-months-3-weeks-and-2-days-1200-1200-675-675-crop-000000.jpg?k=308c6b1c3d

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

The story also has a massive imbalance when it comes to character development. We only really get to know Gabita the "friend" as she goes through the process of being a good friend. It's shall we say...disappointing.

I thought that the dynamic of the more-together friend helping the less-together friends was SO well-realized. Especially as she realizes her friend has not fully told her the truth about certain things.

I thought it captured the horror of going through a process like an illegal abortion AND the horror of realizing you didn't realize what you'd gotten yourself into but having to see it through to the end.

And when you consider the strong hints that Gabita herself is also pregnant I think the whole thing takes on even more heft.

I will concede that the pace is, um, deliberate. But I thought it kind of nicely evoked the way that horrible things can also feel drawn out or have these stretches of inaction.

[rauldc14]

Whisper of the Heart

https://d17389e216ygm.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/CE_whisperoftheheart-1024x576.jpg

It's basically at that point where I can like pretty much every Studio Ghibli movie that I see and this one I liked too! I wouldn't throw it in the love category that I have with things like Spirited Away, Totoro, and Porco Rosso but it's a real charming film. It's strengths are like a lot of Miyazakis directed films even though he didn't direct this. But you could still tell he was involved in it. Really nice looking animation and a nice centralized story. Sometimes that story lulls but for the most part it's an entertaining one. I like how the whole book thing was involved in linking the characters. The country roads song was kinda a meh point for me though. Cool to see this on the 90s and animation list, a 2 for 1 knockoff if you will.

3.5

[cricket]

I can't remember if Whisper of the Heart made my animations list but I know it was at least in the running.

[edarsenal]

Actually had to double check to see if I've seen Whispers or not, and I haven't, and like you raul, "It's basically at that point where I can like pretty much every Studio Ghibli movie that I see" so, on the Watchlist, it goes.

[Thief]

I need to rewatch 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days. I saw it shortly after release and the slow pace kinda threw me off, but I feel it would fare better now with me.


In other news, I just finished Bicycle Thieves and, oh boy :(:(

[rauldc14]

Open Your Eyes

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/qMEWY4XISzJ1I7xpWtRYVcULtxpF9r7cTQ5ta51K3j2fz8uCGCoYL9-37yg8tiqpXkRsoj5oUyjZs9gfW8uU6FugS4jotJG09QuWVqwUv-5s9E9NbQXXH_Fpy0Iu1rdeag_23vQ49umtSAhtwRP7mvsJ4JRu23dhdhHMaHgItts9cSCbcI9K336jrEc

When I first saw this one nominated for me, I was pretty pumped because it was by the same director as The Sea Inside which I loved. I also was looking forward to a Penelope Cruz performance as I actually haven't really seen much from her. But it kind of disappointed on both fronts. Cruz wasn't really a huge player in the film and thus I didn't get to see a lot of her talents (well, we saw some of her). I was kind of bored with the lead actor though. I think I would have liked it better as a more straightforward film, the dream and reality sequences kind of through me out of caring about what was happening. And especially the ending just didn't do a whole lot for me. A bummer, I thought I'd really dig it. Not horrible just not my style.

2.5

[Thief]

BICYCLE THIEVES
(1948, De Sica)
A film from the 1940s

https://www.bingewidmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/xDnreVBP7DzeI0FhwaffyacTHlorh9_original.jpg


"Anything serious, Captain?"
"Just a bicycle."



That's how easily a couple of police officers dismiss the crime of a stolen bicycle. But to poor Antonio (Lamberto Maggiorani), it means the loss of a steady income and food on the table. It is a devastating loss that could impact the lives of his family for a long time. So what can he do then?

Set in post-World War II Italy, Bicycle Thieves follows Antonio, a poor man looking for the bicycle that was stolen from him which he desperately needs to keep his job. Antonio, like many other Italians during this time, is desperate for work to support his young family and this job represents a steady income and ultimately food on the table for him, his wife, and their two young children.

One of the many things this film does magnificently is to show how chaotic the economic situation was after the war. From the crowd of people looking for work or the towering stack of belongings that we see have been pawned at the shop to the push and shove of people trying to get on a bus to get to work. In a country so affected by war, any work is a lifeline, and that lifeline is represented by this bicycle, which is not "just a bicycle".

That desperation is perfectly portrayed by Maggiorani, who transmits so much of that hopelessness through his eyes, face, and body language. He is joined in the search by his young son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola), who does an equally great job of showing mixtures of frustration and confusion amidst all of this (Another sign of the hard times is the fact that this 8-9 year old kid is seen working at a gas station).

But what I loved about this film is how it blurs the lines between "good" and "bad" as the plot progresses, which really makes us reevaluate our feelings through the first half of the film. The struggle that we see in Antonio is the struggle in all of us, desperate, holding to whatever lifeline we have, even if it's "just a bicycle".

Grade: 4.5

[Thief]

Whoever recommended this, thank you! It had been on my watchlist for a long, long time, but I never got through with it, and it was so much better than I expected.

[cricket]

It might be a good thing that this is not a movie competition because Bicycle Thieves would have already won.

When Sean watched Open Your Eyes, I seemed to remember that I enjoyed it. Nope. I looked it up and I guess I didn't.

[Wyldesyde19]

Starting Harakiri tonight. Really looking forward to this.

[Takoma11]

Starting Harakiri tonight. Really looking forward to this.

Watched it pretty recently and quite enjoyed it.

[Thief]

Open Your Eyes

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/qMEWY4XISzJ1I7xpWtRYVcULtxpF9r7cTQ5ta51K3j2fz8uCGCoYL9-37yg8tiqpXkRsoj5oUyjZs9gfW8uU6FugS4jotJG09QuWVqwUv-5s9E9NbQXXH_Fpy0Iu1rdeag_23vQ49umtSAhtwRP7mvsJ4JRu23dhdhHMaHgItts9cSCbcI9K336jrEc

When I first saw this one nominated for me, I was pretty pumped because it was by the same director as The Sea Inside which I loved. I also was looking forward to a Penelope Cruz performance as I actually haven't really seen much from her. But it kind of disappointed on both fronts. Cruz wasn't really a huge player in the film and thus I didn't get to see a lot of her talents (well, we saw some of her). I was kind of bored with the lead actor though. I think I would have liked it better as a more straightforward film, the dream and reality sequences kind of through me out of caring about what was happening. And especially the ending just didn't do a whole lot for me. A bummer, I thought I'd really dig it. Not horrible just not my style.

2.5

:(

[edarsenal]

Starting Harakiri tonight. Really looking forward to this.

Watched it pretty recently and quite enjoyed it.

I had nominated it for the Japanese HoF as a Blind Grab where it came in second.
Watched it once before nominating it and then a second time during the HoF and enjoyed it even more. A very rewarding slow burner of a film.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll have my review of Harakiri up today

[Thief]

Just finished Breathless. Will try to write a review tomorrow.

[Wyldesyde19]

Harakiri

Samurai hold their honor and codes closely, and seppuku, or Harakiri, is meant as an honorable way to die.

In Harakiri, the code and honor Samurai live by is challenged.

It begins with a visitor, wishing to commit Harakiri. The counselor is suspicious, as he’s heard too many stories of these, to him, disingenuous attempts when all they really want is a hand out. The counselor relates a story of a prior visitor, one who they figured didn’t intend to follow through with it and so made an example of him. Both strangers gave the exact same story.
And soon it becomes obvious, that the stranger has other reasons to be there.

I won’t go further into the plot, as the plot is an example of a film combining excellent sword fights and a intelligent plot. It raises the question of honor and duty and how it is upheld. Kobayashi frames together some great scenes, and some incredibly bloody ones. I was surprised at the amount of blood in it. And the final fight is also startling in its finality when you realize how far the Samurai have sunk, especially in their choice of weapons.

This is a great film, with great performances, especially by the lead stranger, Tsugumo. His moments of revelations and mocking laughter is a touch unnerving. And he has the look of a ronin with nothing left to lose.


Great pick

[cricket]

Harakiri most likely makes my foreign language ballot.

[Thief]

Harakiri is great. It has become one of my favorite foreign films, and one of my favorite films, period.

[rauldc14]

I think I'll go for Breathless next, then I can read Thief's review

[Thief]

I think I'll go for Breathless next, then I can read Thief's review

Better that way, cause if you read my review first, you might not want to watch the film :shifty:

https://media.tenor.com/images/20d844cf9c0a4f8086cbd47dabe270b8/tenor.gif

:D

[edarsenal]

***A double post for the Asian and the Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame III***


https://media3.giphy.com/media/vxjDJZIvE0qek/giphy.gif
https://i.gifer.com/EwqB.gif


Rashomon (1950)

Somewhat sheltered from the downfall of rain, two men convey to a third the bafflingly emotional experiences of a trial they had just witnessed.

Unlike many judicially oriented mysteries that, at one point or another, muse the fallibilities of Human Nature, Rashomon switches the focus entirely around. To the point that we not only do not see the ones convening over the trial, but we never hear them either. Kurosawa's camera is setting us in their place.
As each person's perspective of events is told and the variance of detail is emphasized, we are given a more metaphorical/philosophical conundrum to ponder. The three men's perspective on Life and Humanity creates a kind of discussion board. They are analyzing the stories given and why people lie. The discovery of the truth of the incident in question becoming secondary.

I have always been hesitant about seeing this film for some cockamamie reason whenever I heard it spoken of. Thinking it may be a hard watch or perhaps a little too much of a dirge to experience.
I was very pleasantly mistaken.
Understanding Kurosawa's intentions beforehand also helped so that my mindset wasn't about who was guilty, who was covering up for who, but, instead, on the greater scheme of things that is a staple of an Akira Kurosawa film: Examining Human Nature via Visceral Scenarios. The examinations are taking a more central stage as opposed to being the filler of good storytelling.
Rashomon, for me, emphasizes this even more than my previous viewings of his Movie List so far.
So much so that it is almost an easy mistake to forget to mention the cinematography that is always exceptional when watching Kurosawa. The composition, Point of View, and so forth, adding so much to the subject matter in the cerebral, emotional and visceral aspects.

Another great Kurosawa film and another excellent experience causing yet another, F@CKIN YAY

[cricket]

Rashomon Rashomon Rashomon

[Thief]

Yeah, Rashomon is pretty darn good. I have some very minor issues with the inclusion of the "medium" among the witnesses, but no big deal.

[edarsenal]

I just looked up Forbidden Games as I never heard of it...only to find out I've seen it! Making my Foreign Language list is going to be so hard, if I can't remember what I've seen.

HA! you did an Ed!! :D

[edarsenal]

Rashomon Rashomon Rashomon
One of us One of us One of us


Yeah, Rashomon is pretty darn good. I have some very minor issues with the inclusion of the "medium" among the witnesses, but no big deal.

That caught me by surprise a little as well at first. I guess during that time period, mediums were the expert witnesses. lol

[edarsenal]

Harakiri

Samurai hold their honor and codes closely, and seppuku, or Harakiri, is meant as an honorable way to die.

In Harakiri, the code and honor Samurai live by is challenged.

It begins with a visitor, wishing to commit Harakiri. The counselor is suspicious, as he’s heard too many stories of these, to him, disingenuous attempts when all they really want is a hand out. The counselor relates a story of a prior visitor, one who they figured didn’t intend to follow through with it and so made an example of him. Both strangers gave the exact same story.
And soon it becomes obvious, that the stranger has other reasons to be there.

I won’t go further into the plot, as the plot is an example of a film combining excellent sword fights and a intelligent plot. It raises the question of honor and duty and how it is upheld. Kobayashi frames together some great scenes, and some incredibly bloody ones. I was surprised at the amount of blood in it. And the final fight is also startling in its finality when you realize how far the Samurai have sunk, especially in their choice of weapons.

This is a great film, with great performances, especially by the lead stranger, Tsugumo. His moments of revelations and mocking laughter is a touch unnerving. And he has the look of a ronin with nothing left to lose.


Great pick
It does limit one's review keeping the plot a secret for others since there is so much more to express and talk about that connects to that.
Harakiri most likely makes my foreign language ballot.

Harakiri is great. It has become one of my favorite foreign films, and one of my favorite films, period.
I second both of these.

[Thief]

BREATHLESS
(1960, Godard)
A film from the Criterion Collection whose number includes the #4 (#408)

https://frenchculture.org/sites/default/files/styles/max/public/a_bout_de_souffle_4.jpg?itok=_i7I8tDX


"Say something nice."
"Like what?"
"I don't know."



That's part of the flirting back and forth between the main characters of Jean-Luc Godard's first film. This is peppered between existential conversations, talks about past lovers, ambitions, goals, and the occasional lies. And even though there's an obvious attraction, they just don't seem to be in the same wavelength; they don't jive. Which more or less explains how I felt while watching this film.

Breathless follows Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a small-time but dangerous criminal who is on the run after shooting a cop. Desperate, he seeks refuge with Patricia (Jean Seberg), a former love interest that is an aspiring journalist in Paris. Even though she doesn't know much about Michel, his past, or even that he's on the run, she still spends most of the film resisting his romantic advances or dancing around the idea of being with him, as they wander carefree around Paris.

Breathless was released in 1960 and is considered as one of the earliest examples of French New Wave cinema. Its revolutionary editing and use of jump cuts, as well as the overall visual style are worth noting. Godard's handling of the camera on several continuous shots is also pretty neat and impressive. Belmondo and Seberg's performances aren't that bad either.

But like Patricia and Michel, I found myself falling in and out of it all through. First, Michel is, by his own admission, "an a$$hole". But more important than that, I didn't think his story was interesting at all. He's just a thief waiting to meet someone that owes him money, and that's it. So what we're left is with his interactions with Patricia, and even though there are a couple of interesting lines about philosophy and existentialism, as a whole, it doesn't amount to much in terms of a story that could've grabbed me.

Overall, I can appreciate Breathless place in film history as well as some of its technical aspects, and it's a good checkbox to tick off my list. But to be honest, if you ask me to say something nice about it, I don't know.

Grade: 2


To whoever recommended this, sorry :(

[cricket]

I didn't like Breathless at all but I've only seen it once.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=76957
Rififi (1955)

Ugh, I just wrote my review and then poof it was gone. So I'll be brief...

I like this! It was a good choice for me too. I had heard about Rififi for a long time so glad I got a chance to watch it. It reminded me of John Huston's The Asphalt Jungle and Stanley Kubrick's The Killing. I'm sure I'm not the first to compare those three film noirs.

It was great seeing Paris in the 1950s and very interesting watching the master mind criminals plan and then execute their caper. Of course there was an even nastier gang afoot and that spelled trouble for them.

[edarsenal]

I knew you'd enjoy Rififi, CR. Didn't nominate it for ya, well I did, but someone else nominated it before me, but I get a serious kick seeing it continually passed along in all three Personal Recommendation HoFs.

[Hey Fredrick]

Saw about a 40 minutes of Breathless and shut it off. I wasn't feeling that one at all and I don't think it's one that can be chalked up to just being in the wrong mood. Tried two Goddard films and haven't finished either.

Rashomon might be my fav from Kurosawa but that's like picking a fav between Chubby Hubby or Cherry Garcia. Can't do it. Whichever I'm into at the moment is the best.

Thought Rififif was outstanding. It seems to be the Paper Moon of foreign films - always gets nominated and it's mostly a hit. Mostly.

[cricket]

Rififi is great, except when I'm doubting my spelling ability.

[Hey Fredrick]

I almost always spell Rififi wrong. Usually with two f's in the middle, sometimes one at the end. Got to get that f in there somewhere

[Citizen Rules]

Rififi is great, except when I'm doubting my spelling ability.I always doubt my spelling ability:p

[rauldc14]

I watched Breathless and will get a review up tonight

[Wyldesyde19]

Rashomon is pretty good, need to rewatch it next week.
I thought Breathless was great.
I remember Rififi being good, but that was well over a decade ago when I watched it. It, along with Bob Le Flambeur, are both due for rewatches sometime.

[Citizen Rules]

Curious about Breathless now.

[Thursday Next]

Floating Weeds

It took me a little while to get into this, but once I grasped who everyone was and got into the rhythm of it, I quite enjoyed this.

What I like most about Ozu films is the stillness of the shots of buildings or interiors. They are obviously films about relationships and humanity but that is what always strikes me first.

I did feel like there was something lost a little in translation for me with this film, some kinds of cultural resonances that I was probably missing. There were some things about the relationships and motivations that I didn't completely understand either, but that didn't stop me appreciating the film.

[Citizen Rules]

I've only seen a couple of Ozu but his style of film making suits me to a tee. I haven't seen Floating Weeds but I bet I'd like it.

[cricket]

Floating Weeds

It took me a little while to get into this, but once I grasped who everyone was and got into the rhythm of it, I quite enjoyed this.

What I like most about Ozu films is the stillness of the shots of buildings or interiors. They are obviously films about relationships and humanity but that is what always strikes me first.

I did feel like there was something lost a little in translation for me with this film, some kinds of cultural resonances that I was probably missing. There were some things about the relationships and motivations that I didn't completely understand either, but that didn't stop me appreciating the film.

I thought it was strange that 3 members tried picking this for you, not that it isn't good because it is.

[Takoma11]

Floating Weeds

It took me a little while to get into this, but once I grasped who everyone was and got into the rhythm of it, I quite enjoyed this.

What I like most about Ozu films is the stillness of the shots of buildings or interiors. They are obviously films about relationships and humanity but that is what always strikes me first.

I did feel like there was something lost a little in translation for me with this film, some kinds of cultural resonances that I was probably missing. There were some things about the relationships and motivations that I didn't completely understand either, but that didn't stop me appreciating the film.

Which version did you watch?

[rauldc14]

Breathless

I thought this film could have went either way for me, as has most of Godards filmography for me. I felt like it was a very passionate debut for a director. To me, it almost felt like an early version of a good Tarantino film, as weird of a comparison as that sounds. The film looked magnificent. The composition and the shots just looked like they had a lot of time put into them. I loved the banter and the dialogue between the two leads. The story had me intrigued from the beginning to see just what would happen between these two people. Really cool nomination and probably my second favorite Godard film so far.

4-

[Thief]

^ I'm glad you got more out of it than me.

[cricket]

Yea it's known as an important classic. Some people will get a lot out of it and it's nice to see that Raul did.

[Thursday Next]

Which version did you watch?

I didn't know there were different versions, to be honest. Apart from that there was an earlier film of the same name.

[Takoma11]

I didn't know there were different versions, to be honest. Apart from that there was an earlier film of the same name.

No, that's what I meant. I've seen the 30s version but not the 50s one.

[Thief]

Just finished Cries and Whispers. Certainly a film that I'll have to think about as it sinks in. Review soon.

[Thief]

Ok, I'm about to finish Sansho the Bailiff. Had to stop for another reason, but before I go back to it, I wanted to throw something out here cause it's been bothering me since it happened.


So at the beginning of the second act, we can see that Zushio has been hardened by his time as a slave, while Anju remains hopeful. Zushio thinks its meaningless to think of escaping or any life beyond Sansho's control, while Anju - who has heard her mother's song - wants the opportunity to meet her again. However, when they have the opportunity to escape, Zushio has a change of heart - which I understand - but then Anju decides to stay behind. Not only that, but she kills herself. I mean, wtf? Where was the hopeful young woman that wanted to meet her mother again, and was trying to convince her stubborn brother to do so?


I'm gonna finish it now, so I'm still holding any final judgment until, but it's the kind of thing that has been nagging at the back of my head since. Other than that, I'm enjoying it a lot.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F90%2Fdf%2Fc6%2F90dfc69f6ee3ac007c2b0c244e129d04.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Hara-Kiri (1962)
Hanshiro Tsugumo: After all, this thing we call samurai honor is ultimately nothing but a facade.

A Ronin, hearing that the Lord of the palace is offering money in exchange for committing hara-kiri in his courtyard, shows up at the Lords home and asks permission to commit hara-kiri in the palaces courtyard. The folks in the palace are aware of this little huckster move and agree that they must go through with letting this man commit hara-kiri as a deterrent for future ronin. It turns out the man is not much of a samurai and his execution goes about as well as Ed Delacroixs' execution in The Green Mile. Shortly after another ronin (Tsugumo) shows up for the same reason and we're off!

There was a point in this where I felt like, okay, this just got a helluvalot more interesting and it's the moment Tsugumo asks for his second (the man who chops off your head after you gut yourself). The man he requests is home "sick". Sick? What?!? Hara-Kiri is a movie that unpacks slowly, mostly via flashbacks and for me how it unfolds is what makes it so good, so the less said about the plot the better. It's not big on action but there are a couple nice fights and it's surprisingly brutal for the time it was made.

Visually there is nothing to complain about. It looks fantastic. Tatsuya Nakadai plays Tsugumo and he does a very good job. He's a burnt out samurai, just tired of everything and he plays it in such a perfect, monotone performance. He looks beat down and sounds beat down but is he really THAT beat down? There were several scenes that felt like I had watched before. Of course I hadn't but this is one of them movies where several scenes have been copied and pasted over and over because they're so ******* good. I was pretty tired when I started this, wasn't sure if I'd finish it and about forty minutes in I fired up some popcorn and grabbed a Dr. P. Outstanding!

[Thief]

I have two reviews pending (Cries and Whispers and Sansho the Bailiff), but work has been hectic these last few days. Still, I'm prioritizing watching the films versus writing the reviews for now. Might try to sneak Tokyo Story tonight, but why oh why you all chose 2+ hour films?? :laugh:

[cricket]

I have two reviews pending (Cries and Whispers and Sansho the Bailiff), but work has been hectic these last few days. Still, I'm prioritizing watching the films versus writing the reviews for now. Might try to sneak Tokyo Story tonight, but why oh why you all chose 2+ hour films?? :laugh:

Check out what Suspect had to watch for the first personal rec.



And Harakiri continues to climb up the upcoming countdown!

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll finally be getting around to Stalker tonight

[edarsenal]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F90%2Fdf%2Fc6%2F90dfc69f6ee3ac007c2b0c244e129d04.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Hara-Kiri (1962)
Hanshiro Tsugumo: After all, this thing we call samurai honor is ultimately nothing but a facade.

A Ronin, hearing that the Lord of the palace is offering money in exchange for committing hara-kiri in his courtyard, shows up at the Lords home and asks permission to commit hara-kiri in the palaces courtyard. The folks in the palace are aware of this little huckster move and agree that they must go through with letting this man commit hara-kiri as a deterrent for future ronin. It turns out the man is not much of a samurai and his execution goes about as well as Ed Delacroixs' execution in The Green Mile. Shortly after another ronin (Tsugumo) shows up for the same reason and we're off!

There was a point in this where I felt like, okay, this just got a helluvalot more interesting and it's the moment Tsugumo asks for his second (the man who chops off your head after you gut yourself). The man he requests is home "sick". Sick? What?!? Hara-Kiri is a movie that unpacks slowly, mostly via flashbacks and for me how it unfolds is what makes it so good, so the less said about the plot the better. It's not big on action but there are a couple nice fights and it's surprisingly brutal for the time it was made.

Visually there is nothing to complain about. It looks fantastic. Tatsuya Nakadai plays Tsugumo and he does a very good job. He's a burnt out samurai, just tired of everything and he plays it in such a perfect, monotone performance. He looks beat down and sounds beat down but is he really THAT beat down? There were several scenes that felt like I had watched before. Of course I hadn't but this is one of them movies where several scenes have been copied and pasted over and over because they're so ******* good. I was pretty tired when I started this, wasn't sure if I'd finish it and about forty minutes in I fired up some popcorn and grabbed a Dr. P. Outstanding!

I nominated this for ya. Helluva d@mn good movie!!

[Thief]

Check out what Suspect had to watch for the first personal rec.



And Harakiri continues to climb up the upcoming countdown!

They dropped some big ones on him :laugh: But nah, it's ok :D it's just that my current situation makes it extremely hard for me to watch a film on one sit for 2+ hours. Forces me to split it in two days most of the time :(

[cricket]

ONE MONTH UNTIL THE DEADLINE!

[edarsenal]

ONE MONTH UNTIL THE DEADLINE!

https://media.tenor.com/images/cc2e5ec1ca6278a3cbf64d5ef8ba1800/tenor.gif

[rauldc14]

Shoplifters

http://www.literallyanythingmovies.com/uploads/8/6/7/8/86780370/shoplifters-2018-011-lilly-franky-in-grocer_orig.jpg

It was cool to finally connect with a Kore-eda film. It was a very touching film that really didn't have much of any flaws. Was it completely realistic? No probably not but with the way Kore-eda told the story it really made me look past all of that. It was very well acted and technically it had no flaws and looked fantastic. Almost felt like a modern Ozu story but perhaps even one that all audiences could connect with better. In the end felt pretty invested in the kids fates and that definitely seems to linger after the end credits role. A really good recommendation for me.

4.5+

[cricket]

Great pick for Raul, maybe I can learn something:p

[Citizen Rules]

ONE MONTH UNTIL THE DEADLINE!Damn, that reminds me of something....

[rauldc14]

Damn, that reminds me of something....

I have to watch approximately 7 minutes a day of Seven Samurai to stay on track!

[Citizen Rules]

I have to watch approximately 7 minutes a day of Seven Samurai to stay on track!It's a long one I hear:eek: I haven't seen it ever myself. One of these days.

[Takoma11]

I feel like Seven Samurai just flies by. And that was especially true of the time I saw it in the theater.

[Thief]

Trying to keep some sort of pace here. Started Tokyo Story, got halfway through. Will finish tomorrow. Enjoying it so far.

[Wyldesyde19]

Stalker


Tarkovsky has always been a blind spot for me. I first heard of him back in 2003, I think? When the remake of Solaris had come out. I had read his original version was the one worth seeking out, as well as Stalker. For some reason though, I never did. Maybe because his films weren’t as easy to find in the Hollywood video rental I frequented at the time.

Stalker begins with a unnamed man who takes anyone willing to pay into the Zone, an area steeped in mystery and legend. A meteor hit it years ago, and when trips were sent to recover it, they never returned. The area was then blocked off and no one is allowed to enter under threat of imprisonment or death. But inside the Zone, lies a room that grants all who enter their desires.
So of course, our Stalker is hired to lead two strangers the writer and the professor, to this mysterious room.

The film is really an essay of sorts, on the human psyche. It is deeply psychological and even on my first viewing, I know there was a lot I missed or it went over my head. As such, it demands repeated viewings. We watch as these three struggle to reach the room, and debate with each other while waxing philosophical. Stalker is deeply philosophical.

It is shot beautifully. Alternating between color and sepia tone, the switch is sudden and almost seamlessly. And there are some scenes of foreboding as they enter the zone. Scenes of tanks from where the lost troops made their last stand.

But what is the Zone exactly? Is it sentient? Seems so. It reacts to you and changes every minute, setting up traps according to our Stalker. And what of the mysterious dog that appears and follows them? Is there some significance to it? And the ending? Does that suggest the Stalker once entered the room?

Indeed, it is more of an experience, and one has to experience it first before you can find the answers. The answers may or not come in repeated viewings. In that way, stalker is much like The Zone itself. Or even the Room that is so desired by them.

[edarsenal]

Shoplifters

http://www.literallyanythingmovies.com/uploads/8/6/7/8/86780370/shoplifters-2018-011-lilly-franky-in-grocer_orig.jpg

It was cool to finally connect with a Kore-eda film. It was a very touching film that really didn't have much of any flaws. Was it completely realistic? No probably not but with the way Kore-eda told the story it really made me look past all of that. It was very well acted and technically it had no flaws and looked fantastic. Almost felt like a modern Ozu story but perhaps even one that all audiences could connect with better. In the end felt pretty invested in the kids fates and that definitely seems to linger after the end credits role. A really good recommendation for me.

4.5+
I do believe this will be my next viewing. Love the comparison you made to Ozu.

[edarsenal]

Trying to keep some sort of pace here. Started Tokyo Story, got halfway through. Will finish tomorrow. Enjoying it so far.
Got that one on my Watchlist. Looking forward to your review when you finish

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn2magazine.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2Fblue-is-the-warmes_2727438b.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Blue is the Warmest Color(2013)

Emma: You still need some practice.
Adèle: I'll give it all I've got.

Had a nice dreary, rainy day yesterday so what better way to spend it than with a 3 hour movie about a young woman, Adele, struggling with her sexual identity. The film starts with us following Adele in high school where she tries to live up to the expectations of her friends by shagging the cute guy in school. I don't believe I'm out of line in thinking it did not satisfy her. A later conversation with one of her friends leads to a kiss which opens Adele up to the possibility that she may be gay. Adele goes out one night with one of her closest friends who takes Adele to a gay bar. After spending some time there, she decides to head across the street to a lesbian bar where she meets the second lead, the blue haired Emma. A relationship forms and that’s what the rest of the movie is about.

The strength of the movie, without a doubt, are the lead performances. These two actresses are fearless and they are very good. The movie itself is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a little jumpy and a few times leaves things sort of unresolved. Not even unresolved more ignored. Adele lives at home with her parents and is still attending high school then, all of a sudden, she’s living with Emma and teaching. How did that come about? Also, after Adele is outted at the bar by one of her friends she gets some serious harassment from her friends and that’s the last time we see her “friends.” Her friends just lob some homophobic stuff at her, there's a little scuffle and that’s the end of that. It seems the movie wants to just jump into the relationship and not deal with any of the harder aspects of what a young woman may have to deal with as far as coming out. The way some of that stuff was glossed over was a bit of a letdown.

There were a couple of things that grossed me out a little and it’s more something that just bothers me and probably won’t bother anyone else. I HATE watching close ups of people eating. It’s disgusting and the director uses close ups extensively throughout the film, and it works 95% of the time, but when the characters are eating? Spaghetti and oysters up close... "Can't do it!" It’s silly but it’s something I have to deal with. Also, Adele is pretty emotional and prone to bouts of crying. Totally understandable in a film like this but who, after the age of ten or so, lets the snot just flow without wiping it? In one of the most important scenes of the film she has snot running into her mouth. That was a bit distracting and I don’t want to say ruined the scene but it did affect the overall impact. What can I say - people are disgusting.

The movie kind of has a rep for being a tad explicit as it pertains to the sex scenes and...it's earned. So if long, explicit sex scenes are a problem for ya, keep the remote handy. I was able to power through them (one in particular was lengthy) but I get it's not everybody's cup of tea.

I liked the way it ended. A lot. Overall this was pretty good and this is from someone who really isn’t into love/romance films. Never in a million years would I have seen this had it not been recommended.

[cricket]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn2magazine.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2Fblue-is-the-warmes_2727438b.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Blue is the Warmest Color(2013)

Emma: You still need some practice.
Adèle: I'll give it all I've got.

Had a nice dreary, rainy day yesterday so what better way to spend it than with a 3 hour movie about a young woman, Adele, struggling with her sexual identity. The film starts with us following Adele in high school where she tries to live up to the expectations of her friends by shagging the cute guy in school. I don't believe I'm out of line in thinking it did not satisfy her. A later conversation with one of her friends leads to a kiss which opens Adele up to the possibility that she may be gay. Adele goes out one night with one of her closest friends who takes Adele to a gay bar. After spending some time there, she decides to head across the street to a lesbian bar where she meets the second lead, the blue haired Emma. A relationship forms and that’s what the rest of the movie is about.

The strength of the movie, without a doubt, are the lead performances. These two actresses are fearless and they are very good. The movie itself is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a little jumpy and a few times leaves things sort of unresolved. Not even unresolved more ignored. Adele lives at home with her parents and is still attending high school then, all of a sudden, she’s living with Emma and teaching. How did that come about? Also, after Adele is outted at the bar by one of her friends she gets some serious harassment from her friends and that’s the last time we see her “friends.” Her friends just lob some homophobic stuff at her, there's a little scuffle and that’s the end of that. It seems the movie wants to just jump into the relationship and not deal with any of the harder aspects of what a young woman may have to deal with as far as coming out. The way some of that stuff was glossed over was a bit of a letdown.

There were a couple of things that grossed me out a little and it’s more something that just bothers me and probably won’t bother anyone else. I HATE watching close ups of people eating. It’s disgusting and the director uses close ups extensively throughout the film, and it works 95% of the time, but when the characters are eating? Spaghetti and oysters up close... "Can't do it!" It’s silly but it’s something I have to deal with. Also, Adele is pretty emotional and prone to bouts of crying. Totally understandable in a film like this but who, after the age of ten or so, lets the snot just flow without wiping it? In one of the most important scenes of the film she has snot running into her mouth. That was a bit distracting and I don’t want to say ruined the scene but it did affect the overall impact. What can I say - people are disgusting.

The movie kind of has a rep for being a tad explicit as it pertains to the sex scenes and...it's earned. So if long, explicit sex scenes are a problem for ya, keep the remote handy. I was able to power through them (one in particular was lengthy) but I get it's not everybody's cup of tea.

I liked the way it ended. A lot. Overall this was pretty good and this is from someone who really isn’t into love/romance films. Never in a million years would I have seen this had it not been recommended.

When I got to that line it didn't even occur to me that you were talking about food and I was thinking well that's a strange criticism. Not sure if that's the movie or how my mind works.

[Thief]

CRIES AND WHISPERS
(1972, Bergman)
Freebie

https://emanuellevy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cries_and_whispers_7-1024x576.jpg


"Don't you hear it? Don't you hear the crying? Don't you hear it? Someone is crying endlessly."



This is the question that maid Anna (Kari Sylwan) desperately asks everybody in one segment of this film. But unfortunately, nobody seems to notice, listen, or care about the "endless" crying, which is a recurring theme in this Ingrid Bergman film. Cries go unnoticed, and whispers are heard "all around".

Set in the 19th Century, Cries and Whispers follows three sisters and their maid as they cope with the terminal illness of one of them. The film opens with Agnes (Harriet Andersson), who is afflicted with an unspecified ailment, writing in her diary "It is early Monday morning and I am in pain". That sums up her days as she goes from just resting in her room to writhing in pain, all while under the watch of her two sisters, Karin and Maria (Ingrid Thulin and Liv Ullmann), and the maid.

The thing is that, beside's Agnes illness, the whole family is plagued by repression, depression, frustration, loneliness, detachment, infidelity, insatisfaction, gossiping, and a good dose of "thumb up their asses". Most of these elicit cries of frustration and anger from the people involved; cries for love, attention, or any sort of contact. Cries that tend to go unheard of or simply dismissed by others. These interactions give Bergman room to explore his usual themes of relationships, gender roles, and sexuality.

This was one of Bergman's first films in color, and he clearly makes sure to make the most of it. His vibrant use of red and white, and how he transitions from scene to scene adds a lot to the film. The performances are great, especially Thulin and Ullmann, who have the most intense exchanges. There is a certain "staginess" to it, and there's a lot of surreal vibe to everything, but for the most part it works.

Like most of Bergman's films, Cries and Whispers is a visually striking film; one that ends up being an emotional rollercoaster, as characters go up and down the spectrum: arguing, screaming, crying, loving, whispering.

Grade: 4

[Siddon]

https://criterion-production.s3.amazonaws.com/carousel-files/bc2b2526e04fbd0d6aa8dc2bb6e23254.jpeg



Rififi (1955)


An aging gangster is released from prison and gets together with a crew for one last job in Jules Dassin. This is a good movie, but it's not a great movie. Dassin loves the art of film-making but he could have used some help when it came to storytelling and pacing. The shot selections are incredible, and each part of the theft is treated like it's own act. The attention to detail works well but it also drags the film down. You do the heist and then you don't really have anywhere else to go so you end up with a new movie after the Heist movie.


One of the things that I found annoying about the film, and this is more reflective of the time period is that the violence mostly occurs off screen, behind a closed door or a wood pile. Dassin definitely overcompensates several Hitchcock homages (though he doesn't necessary get them quite right). Still that is more of a nitpick.


Still I would likely recommend this film, it wouldn't make my top 25-50 noir list but its still a good enough pick for me.

[cricket]

I love Cries and Whispers and Rififi.

Great work guys!

[rauldc14]

Hated Cries and Whispers and I've seen twice. Really like Bergman overall too so it's strange.

[edarsenal]

LOVE Rififi! Haven't seen Cries and Whispers, nor heard of it.


Just finished Shoplifters. That was so beautiful. And yeah, I bawled as the credits rolled. Still am, a little bit.
Should get a review out in the next couple of days. Gonna try to knock out another film, most likely from the Asian, over this weekend.

[Citizen Rules]

I bet Shoplifters is going to do well on the Foreign Language countdown.

[Thief]

Now watching Playtime

[edarsenal]

I bet Shoplifters is going to do well on the Foreign Language countdown.
Definitely will for me. :)

Now watching Playtime
Had to IMDb that. lol
A Tati "Houlut" film. Very nice! Enjoyed the vaudevillian physical comedy in Mon Oncle and Houlet on Holiday.
Familiar with them, Thief? Can't remember what ya said in the preliminary thoughts.

[Thief]

It's my first Tati, actually.

[cricket]

Damn I completely missed Wylde's Stalker review. What a coincidence I also missed the movie when I watched it.

[edarsenal]

It's my first Tati, actually.
I'll be curious to see what you think

[Thief]

SANSHO THE BAILIFF
(1954, Mizoguchi)
A film from the 1950s • A film about mothers

https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/janus_stills/2267-/823id_1021_019_w1600.jpg


"A man is not a human being without mercy. Even if you are hard on yourself, be merciful to others."



That is the important teaching passed unto Zushiō (Yoshiaki Hanayagi) and Anju (Kyōko Kagawa) by his father. "Always keep it with you", he says, as he also hands him a keepsake, a small figurine of the Goddess of Mercy. But time and circumstances often make us forget the most important lessons while leading us away, sometimes in the harshest ways. That is the backdrop of this iconic Japanese film from Kenji Mizoguchi.

Sansho the Bailiff follows Zushiō and Anju as they fend for themselves at the hands of Sanshō (Eitarō Shindō), a ruthless slave owner. Their father banished and their mother sold into prostitution, it would be easy for them to lose hope and forget about mercy. That is what happens to Zushiō, who becomes hopeless and seems complacent in following Sanshō's steps, despite Anju's pleas to not forget their father's words.

It is interesting that the film is titled the way it is, considering that Sanshō is after all a secondary character. We meet him 30 minutes into the film and compared to other characters, he's barely in it. But what's important is what Sanshō represents. He is a presence that hangs above Zushiō all through the film. He is the opposite of his father's teachings: merciless and unforgiving, and by spending more time under his fist, Zushiō becomes more like him and less like his father.

This is my first film from Mizoguchi, but certainly one that has stuck in my mind. Not only for its striking visuals, flawless direction, and shot composition, but also for its sorrowful and powerful message. There is perhaps one event that still bugs me, cause I still don't think it feels true to what we've seen from the main characters, but I understand Mizoguchi's intentions, and it ultimately doesn't detract of the overall impact.

Sansho the Bailiff could be seen as a tragic story of time lost and wasted youth, but it is also a story of change and redemption, mercy and hope; one where there's still time to do good and make up for the years lost, if we keep that teaching to ourselves and never give up.

Grade: 4

[Citizen Rules]

I gotta watch Sansho the Bailiff too. Glad to see you liked it. Hope I do:)

[cricket]

I've seen a few movies from Mizoguchi. None are big personal faves but all have been excellent.

[Thief]

I've seen a few movies from Mizoguchi. None are big personal faves but all have been excellent.

Which ones would you recommend?

[ScarletLion]

Sansho is my favourite Mizoguchi. It's a beautiful film. Ugetsu is good. The Life of Oharu also worth a watch.

[cricket]

Which ones would you recommend?

Sansho is my favourite Mizoguchi. It's a beautiful film. Ugetsu is good. The Life of Oharu also worth a watch.

^^^^

[Thursday Next]

Eyes Without a Face

Somehow, 1960s horror movies are never top of my list when it come to films to check out, which is clearly a mistake, so thank you whoever nominated this for making me get round to watching it!

I really liked this a lot, the atmosphere, the camerawork, the story - all excellent. The score seemed oddly familiar and I thought when it started that I wasn't going to be able to take it seriously as it seemed like the sort of thing that has probably been parodied a lot, but I very quickly got swept up in it.

If I had seen this before the 1960s countdown it would definitely have been on my ballot. I think if you liked Psycho you would probably like this. I know a lot of people rate The Skin I Live In which I believe is at least partially inspired by this, so I'm motivated to check that out now too.

[ScarletLion]

Eyes Without a Face

Somehow, 1960s horror movies are never top of my list when it come to films to check out, which is clearly a mistake, so thank you whoever nominated this for making me get round to watching it!

I really liked this a lot, the atmosphere, the camerawork, the story - all excellent. The score seemed oddly familiar and I thought when it started that I wasn't going to be able to take it seriously as it seemed like the sort of thing that has probably been parodied a lot, but I very quickly got swept up in it.

If I had seen this before the 1960s countdown it would definitely have been on my ballot. I think if you liked Psycho you would probably like this. I know a lot of people rate The Skin I Live In which I believe is at least partially inspired by this, so I'm motivated to check that out now too.

If you can. check out 'Holy Motors'. There's a lovely homage to this film at the end.