The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame III: Foreign Language Edition [Archive] - Page 4

cricket

05-10-21, 02:34 PM

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.

Glad you enjoyed this. I really need to see it again.

Citizen Rules

05-11-21, 11:17 AM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=77518
Sansho the Bailiff (1954)
Dir. Kenji Mizoguchi

Technically & artistically a near perfect movie. I appreciated it and it was a good choice for me. Classic Japanese films like, Late Autumn, 24 Eyes & The Naked Island are my favorite type of personal stories. Those are the kind that I like the most. I would still rate Sansho the Bailiff highly, but for me my reaction to the sad tale was one more of appreciation for the great sets and customs and one rather dismal realization....

The film made me ponder one very deep and truly sad thought... Almost all of mankind's time on Earth during recorded history has been built on the back of slaves. I hadn't realized that in Japan's past they too had built wealth & power out of the bondage of other humans. In one way or another the rich have always consumed the poor.

Wyldesyde19

05-11-21, 02:03 PM

Will dig into Persona in the next night or so

cricket

05-11-21, 07:28 PM

Just 2 more for CR!

rauldc14

05-11-21, 07:36 PM

Waiting for the right time to finish with Seven Samurai

Citizen Rules

05-11-21, 08:39 PM

Just 2 more for CR!
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Woman in the Dunes (1964)

I saved the best for last! So far all the noms have been great choices for me.

Thief

05-11-21, 10:07 PM

Will dig into Persona in the next night or so

That's a great one. For what it's worth, it took me a second viewing to fully appreciate it. It's the kind of film I couldn't shake off, so I had to rewatch it about a week after, and that's when it hit.

Wyldesyde19

05-11-21, 11:05 PM

That's a great one. For what it's worth, it took me a second viewing to fully appreciate it. It's the kind of film I couldn't shake off, so I had to rewatch it about a week after, and that's when it hit.
I’m really behind on Bergman. I’ve seen more Fellini and Kurosawa films then his. But the few I have, I’ve enjoyed them.

Thief

05-12-21, 12:59 AM

I’m really behind on Bergman. I’ve seen more Fellini and Kurosawa films then his. But the few I have, I’ve enjoyed them.

I've really been hitting Bergman and Kurosawa hard during the last 2-3 years, but I still have a lot of ground to cover. I've seen 5 from each, and most of those watches have been within the last three years. Fellini, I've only seen 2.

Citizen Rules

05-12-21, 02:32 AM

I'm always keen to see more Bergman, Kurosawa and Fellini. Though I haven't loved any of Berman's films I'll keep watching them. Especially as I have The Seventh Seal to watch soon.

Thief

05-12-21, 10:59 AM

The Seventh Seal was my first film of his. Saw it about 6 or 7 years ago and I was a bit disappointed by it. However, I know I'm in the minority, so maybe you'll get more from it than I did. It's one of his best regarded films. I've also read that Wild Strawberries and Fanny and Alexander are his best.

Citizen Rules

05-12-21, 01:09 PM

Wyldesyde19

05-13-21, 07:29 PM

Digging into Persona tonight.

Thief

05-14-21, 01:17 PM

Will today be the day that I finally catch up with all my pending reviews? Stay tuned.

Wyldesyde19

05-14-21, 03:15 PM

Persona

Bergman’s Persona plunged into the darkest depths of the human psyche and lays them bare. Feelings of jealousy, desire, anger, insecurity. It is filled with bizarre images and features a bizarre relationship between a nurse and her charge.

An actress (played with such restraint by Liv Ullmann) has suddenly stopped speaking, and she is given to a young nurse (played with such desperation by BiBi Anderson). After some time, they are sent to a private cottage on the sea to better help the actress.

The nurse soon finds herself opening up to her in ways even she doesn’t understand, fully. And it share where things take a turn for the worse.
The sudden shift in tone, sparked by a betrayal, is marked by the change of the women’s attire. From wearing white dresses, it changes them into black clothes to represent it.

The highly experimental film is held together by its frayed edges by its two amazing actresses. Anderson would go in to win the equivalent of her countries oscar award, the Guldbagge.
(The film would also win the award for Best Picture)

This is a film that few directors can pull off. Bergman was amongst the best. It isn’t surreal, like Bunuel, or Jodorowsky, but it features enough bizarre moments that you marvel at how well he kept it together.

Probably not for everyone, admittedly, but man I was hooked to the very end, trying to figure out what was going on.

cricket

05-14-21, 05:51 PM

Persona seems to be Bergman's most acclaimed film but it's not one of my favorites of his. I really need to see it again.

rauldc14

05-14-21, 05:56 PM

Will today be the day that I finally catch up with all my pending reviews? Stay tuned.

No it won't be. :)

Thief

05-14-21, 06:12 PM

Will today be the day that I finally catch up with all my pending reviews? Stay tuned.

Evidently not :(

Thief

05-14-21, 06:12 PM

No it won't be. :)

Ha! Hadn't seen your reply.

Work has been hell this week :furiousdevil:

Thief

05-15-21, 04:35 PM

TOKYO STORY
(1953, Ozu)
A film from the 1950s • A film about mothers

https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5c11371c00842f446303fe33/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/03-yasujiro-ozu-films.jpg

"To lose your children is hard, but living with them isn't always easy either. A real dilemma."

That's part of the conversation that retired father Shūkichi has with some friends as they both trade stories about their children. The bottom line is that regardless of age and circumstances, being a parent is hard. We raise them, spend years, decades with them only to see them leave, one way or the other, while we're left to deal with the separation: be it the physical one which comes from life/death, or the emotional one which comes from distance, distractions, lack of time or connection. A real dilemma.

Tokyo Story follows Shūkichi and Tomi (Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama), a retired couple that have to live with a bit of both. They lost one of their sons, Shōji, in the war and live far from three of their other children, and when they finally decide to take the long trip from Onomichi to Tokyo to visit them, they find themselves feeling like a nuisance, with no real connection to any of them. Ironically, only Noriko (Setsuko Hara), Shōji's widow, seems to be the only one to make an effort to spend time with them.

This is only my second Ozu film, after the excellent Late Spring, but this is such a perfect companion. The way that he weaves a compelling, engaging, and beautiful story out of something as seemingly "banal" as a visit from your parents/in-laws is just magical. There are no gimmicks, just a simple story, great dialogue, and excellent performances.

Most of the performances are great, but special mention goes to the trio of actors from Late Spring that Ozu brings back for this: Ryū, Hara, and Haruko Sugimura. The latter plays Shige, the eldest daughter, and much like her character in Late Spring, she feels real and yet you can't help but dislike her. On the other hand, Ryū and Hara continue their excellent chemistry, particularly during a climatic poignant and emotionally powerful conversation near the end.

Just like Late Spring succeeded in presenting the reality of marriage in post-war Japan (or maybe anywhere else), Tokyo Story succeeds in presenting the reality of father/children relationships; one of endless and unconditional love, but also one that requires letting go, and dealing with loss and loneliness. A real dilemma.

Grade: 4.5

cricket

05-15-21, 05:49 PM

Great job Thief, 20 days for 4 more. You got this!

Thief

05-15-21, 06:27 PM

I only have three left. I saw Playtime a couple of weeks ago. I'm just behind on my reviews.

I CAN DO IIIIITTT!!!

edarsenal

05-15-21, 09:06 PM

https://swedenborgsociety.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/3964_wild-strawberries-627.jpg

Wild Strawberries (1957)

Professor Isak Borg: The place where wild strawberries grow!

Viktor: [to his friend who wants to become a priest] When you were little you believed in Santa Claus, now you believe in God.

I very much loved this.
This will most likely rank the highest Ingmar Bergman for -- a definite f@ckin while, I'm figgerin.
Like each and every film so far and those, most likely joining from those to be seen here, would be the easy first place in a General HoF.
The introspective car drive to an Award Ceremony of Dr. Eberhard Isak Borg, whom Victor Sjöström was quite exceptional in the role. I was, utterly with him from the get-go. This can be said of every single individual from the bickering attempts at trying to be civil with his House Maid Agda, (Jullan Kindahl); to his fellow traveler, Marianne Borg (Ingrid Thulin], Isak's daughter-in-law and the long-held emotional toxins are given air via calm, social, courteous conversations in mixtures of pity and affection. Peppered with ride alongs.
Additionally, a very cool Max von Sydow fix via cameo as a married gas station owner proudly giving Full Service for the good Doctor who is discovering that him, his mother, his son: cold mackerels who would be happy to be dead and the price of loneliness one is sentenced to by one's dreams.

I chuckled at times, I thoroughly enjoyed/appreciated the dream sequences. The opening one setting a beautiful high bar that Bergman glides over.
Another aspect that nimble Berman sashayed over is the cinematography/composition.
https://www.ingmarbergman.se/sites/default/files/styles/inline_image/public/1a_wild-strawberries.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSw-szPWsAADoWR.jpg

In my growth of Bergman movies via HoFs viewings I have come from respect to appreciation and with this, THIS will be one I'll happily revisit on my own accord.

[I]:: the usual gratuitous thank you of theatrical proportions::

Very, very cool. VERY much liked that.
Thank you.

cricket

05-15-21, 09:22 PM

Wild strawberries
Couldn't drag me away...

Wild, wild strawberries
We'll ride them some day...

edarsenal

05-15-21, 10:21 PM

https://64.media.tumblr.com/1f0dc90ffc65b1b8c9df16d2fb49b314/tumblr_plq41y1YXL1x6cal2o2_r1_540.gifv
https://64.media.tumblr.com/28a100797881ec3be4aa57b56dc8db67/tumblr_plq41y1YXL1x6cal2o3_r1_540.gifv
https://64.media.tumblr.com/41001e7f5a8e802198a8a301164bc256/tumblr_plq41y1YXL1x6cal2o4_r1_540.gifv

Shoplifters (2018)

A loving, caring, safe, positive haven amongst a desolute situation. A family of "collectors" that we learn includes the members of this current family. Each of them truly caring about their fellow beneficiaries in this safe, loving, positive hovel. The entire clan also excels at the art of shoplifting as a strategic plan of operation.
I LOVE being able to continue stating in these Personal Rec HoFs that I LOVE what I have: happily drifted off into engrossment/endearment to this family.
And, oh my dear, sweet lord, the ending? Not only did I cry learning where they all ended up at, but I sobbed. Shoulders shuddering, in tiny gasps, sobs.
A personal first.

It
was
glorious.

So I'm feeling, gosh, gee, I don't know. . . I mean, yeah, a kind of affection, sure, if I was gonna be blunt and/or honest about it. I would be, I supposed, inclined to be on the more agreeing spectrum of that theory. Sure, why not?

To me, how can this ensemble, this story, this beautifully shot, emotionally stirring, wonderfully sentimental, a slice of life, by Writer/Director Hirokazu Koreeda, NOT win Best Picture? Sh#t. F@ckin. Yes. It SHOULD.

That was so beautiful.
Truly, truly, oh so very, very beautiful.

The expressing of technical appreciations and the honorary notations of elemental trivia, almost feel unnecessary due to the wondrous gush of emotion that this film gifted me with. This gift leaving a happy muteness to citing the List of Names.
However exceptional they all are.

Yes, yes, I do believe, a F@ckin YAYYYYY is SO in order.
And of course, sincerely, THANK YOU.
THANK YOU

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy

edarsenal

05-15-21, 10:23 PM

Wild strawberries
Couldn't drag me away...

Wild, wild strawberries
We'll ride them some day...

LOL! F@ckin AMEN, brother!

Thief

05-15-21, 10:31 PM

PLAYTIME
(1967, Tati)
Freebie

https://i.imgur.com/Ecbm1c3.png

"All these electrical thingamajigs. You gotta be careful with all these buttons."

Paris. The future. Full of people in constant movement. Cars driving all around. No vegetation around. Traditional buildings have been replaced with sterile, squared buildings full of buttons and thingamajigs. A future where brooms have headlights and doors make no sound. That is the future that we see in Jacques Tati's Playtime.

The film follows Monsieur Hulot (Tati), a bumbling Frenchman trying to find his way around the city. During the course of the film, he gets lost in a maze of offices while waiting for an important meeting, stumbles upon a trade exhibition full of modern gadgets, meets a couple of friends "from the army!", and spends the night with a group of guests at a restaurant being renovated. During most of his journey, he befriends a young American tourist.

This is my first Tati film and I have to say it was, for the most part, a pleasant surprise. The film has a very loose narrative with very sparse dialogue and little "actual" plot, but is rather a cavalcade of physical comedy, slapstick, running gags, "jabs" at modern society, and clever visual jokes. For the most part, it works perfectly well, as I found myself smiling and chuckling most of the time.

Tati's direction was great all around; from the perspective of building this huge set to how he populates every inch of the screen with *something*. For pretty much every shot, you could look at any corner of the screen and see *something* happening, which I found both amusing and impressive.

I do think that the film runs a bit too long for what it is, and the connection with the American tourist just wasn't there for me. Not that it matters too much in the end, but they do try to amp that up towards the last act. But overall, I had a lot of fun with this.

Grade: 3.5

cricket

05-16-21, 09:13 AM

You two each snuck in a second review in the same day? Maniacs!

edarsenal

05-17-21, 11:31 PM

PLAYTIME
(1967, Tati)
Freebie

https://i.imgur.com/Ecbm1c3.png

Paris. The future. Full of people in constant movement. Cars driving all around. No vegetation around. Traditional buildings have been replaced with sterile, squared buildings full of buttons and thingamajigs. A future where brooms have headlights and doors make no sound. That is the future that we see in Jacques Tati's Playtime.

The film follows Monsieur Hulot (Tati), a bumbling Frenchman trying to find his way around the city. During the course of the film, he gets lost in a maze of offices while waiting for an important meeting, stumbles upon a trade exhibition full of modern gadgets, meets a couple of friends "from the army!", and spends the night with a group of guests at a restaurant being renovated. During most of his journey, he befriends a young American tourist.

This is my first Tati film and I have to say it was, for the most part, a pleasant surprise. The film has a very loose narrative with very sparse dialogue and little "actual" plot, but is rather a cavalcade of physical comedy, slapstick, running gags, "jabs" at modern society, and clever visual jokes. For the most part, it works perfectly well, as I found myself smiling and chuckling most of the time.

Tati's direction was great all around; from the perspective of building this huge set to how he populates every inch of the screen with *something*. For pretty much every shot, you could look at any corner of the screen and see *something* happening, which I found both amusing and impressive.

I do think that the film runs a bit too long for what it is, and the connection with the American tourist just wasn't there for me. Not that it matters too much in the end, but they do try to amp that up towards the last act. But overall, I had a lot of fun with this.

Grade: 3.5
Enjoyed the review and I just might have to go searching for this one.
Great job, Thief!

Hey Fredrick

05-18-21, 10:11 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TlvMhoMAr1A%2FWIPgpJR3V-I%2FAAAAAAAAAUo%2FaYCJY0OQpY0ZRTlqwrvmdlpY0qgfGVPBgCLcB%2Fs1600%2F13335_1.jpg%3Fssl%3D1&f=1&nofb=1

Underground 1995

Blacky: Mother F****** Fascists!
Marco: A war is no war until the brother kills his brother.

Not even going to try explain the plot of this one. Maybe I'll try a little. It centers on a group of resistance fighters led by Blacky (charismatic and tough) and his pal Marco (smart and tough) and an actress/love interest, Natalia. Marco and Blacky are a thorn in the side of the Germans during the Germans invasion of Yugoslavia in WW2. They develop a rep amongst the Germans and are forced to live underground for the duration of the war. Underground, they produce arms for the resistance. Blacky, being the leader and most sought after is never allowed above ground. Marco, the man making the deals, however is allowed out. Well, the war ends and Marco see's it as an opportunity to continue making boatloads of cash during the Cold War selling the arms the underground folks are making. He lies to Blacky, tells him the war is still raging and proceeds to marry Blacky's love, Natalia. There is so much more (the time frame goes from the early 40's to the early 90's) but that's enough to get you started.

I guess if I had to pigeon hole this one into a genre I'd say it's a war-time comedy, love triangle, drama, musical (heavy on the brass instruments) and it's absolutely bonkers! The first 40 minutes or so, I had a smile the entire time. The humor almost reminded me of silent film era humor or even a cartoon. I really liked it. This is a movie that really shows the best of what people can be: greedy, deceitful, violent, probably a few more things as well and it's hilarious. I don't think it stayed as consistently funny as the first 40 minutes or so but it was always entertaining. I have been wanting to see this for awhile so thanks for giving me the push I needed!

cricket

05-18-21, 10:54 AM

Underground was picked for me last time and I felt the exact same way.

Citizen Rules

05-18-21, 11:42 AM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=77756
The Seventh Seal (1957)

Excerpt from a MovieForums review 1/24/15
This is my first Bergman and I’m worried. If this considered his best film, then will I hate his others? I’ll give him another chance with Virgin Spring and Winter Light but if I don’t like those, then Swedish cinema isn’t my cup of tea...Friendly Mushroom

That's where I stand with Bergman too, except that I've now seen five of his films. I haven't warmed up to them yet. I can tell all of the Berman films that I've seen are works of art. But like some somber painting hanging in a museum that is surrounded by other paintings that literally explode with a vibrance...Berman's films never stir anything inside me. To me his films seem cloistered and cold even when they are about levity & lightness, such as Smiles of a Summer Night.

My experience watching The Seventh Seal was no different than the other Berman films I've watched. I was impressed with his skill and yet it left me cold...My two word review would be: Masterfully austere.

cricket

05-18-21, 11:58 AM

I'm not saying give up, but at this point I don't think Bergman is for you.

Thief

05-18-21, 12:00 PM

77756
The Seventh Seal (1957)

Excerpt from a MovieForums review 1/24/15
This is my first Bergman and I’m worried. If this considered his best film, then will I hate his others? I’ll give him another chance with Virgin Spring and Winter Light but if I don’t like those, then Swedish cinema isn’t my cup of tea...Friendly Mushroom

That's where I stand with Bergman, except that I've now seen five of his films. I haven't warmed up to them yet. I can tell all of the Berman films that I've seen are works of art. But like some somber painting hanging in a museum that's surrounded paintings that literally explode with a vibrance...Berman's films never stir anything inside me. To me his films seem cloistered and cold even when they are about levity & lightness, such as Smiles of a Summer Night.

My experience watching The Seventh Seal was no different than the other Berman films I've watched. I was impressed with his skill and yet it left me cold...My two word review would be: Masterfully austere.

My reaction to The Seventh Seal was pretty much the same. However, after also five films, I do feel like I've warmed up to his style. To me, Persona is a masterpiece and Smiles of a Summer Night, although not great, is light fun. Shame and Cries and Whispers fall somewhere in between those two.

Thief

05-18-21, 12:02 PM

Anybody knows where I can, uhh, find Le Jour se Leve? Of the ones I have left, it's the only one that's not widely available (only AppleTV)

Citizen Rules

05-18-21, 12:25 PM

Anybody knows where I can, uhh, find Le Jour se Leve? Of the ones I have left, it's the only one that's not widely available (only AppleTV)I got one, I'll PM you.

Citizen Rules

05-18-21, 12:31 PM

My reaction to The Seventh Seal was pretty much the same. However, after also five films, I do feel like I've warmed up to his style. To me, Persona is a masterpiece and Smiles of a Summer Night, although not great, is light fun. Shame and Cries and Whispers fall somewhere in between those two.I haven't seen Persona or Cries and Whispers. I'd be willing to watch more Bergman but I'm thinking nordic cinema isn't for me.

Siddon

05-19-21, 08:16 AM

https://kk.org/mt-files/truefilms-mt/LastTrain3.jpg

Last Train Home (2009)

I sincerely hope this was merely a blind nom, I would hate to think someone watched this film and thought it would be a good idea to give to me. I picked this image because the climax of the film is a father beating his daughter and causing her to permanently estrange herself from her family.

The first half of the film is about this migrant family who commutes into the city to work. It's kinda like poverty porn, we're supposed to feel good about our lives because these people suffer so much. The family has hopes for the future with their children. The film does a great job showing the anxiety of traveling in China.

I was bored by the film and then I hated it...terrible pick for me.

Thursday Next

05-19-21, 04:03 PM

Siddon: People better pick me documentaries or else.

Me: Picks a documentary.

Siddon: Ugh that was a terrible nom for me.

:rolleyes:

Citizen Rules

05-19-21, 04:10 PM

Last Train Home was in the Documentary HoF hosted by Seanc. It was well liked and came in the middle of the pack. I know I liked it as it was an eye opening insight into some of the working class culture of China.

cricket

05-19-21, 08:56 PM

Too bad you didn't care for that, Siddon. I believe it made my ballot for the Doc countdown.

Siddon

05-19-21, 09:40 PM

Siddon: People better pick me documentaries or else.

Me: Picks a documentary.

Siddon: Ugh that was a terrible nom for me.

:rolleyes:

Siddon: I really don't care for films with child nudity

Nomer: Would you like to see a father beat his daughter?

:rolleyes:

pahaK

05-19-21, 09:53 PM

Siddon: I really don't care for films with child nudity

Nomer: Would you like to see a father beat his daughter?

:rolleyes:

So the daughter was naked when she was beaten? A quite daring documentary :D

cricket

05-19-21, 10:14 PM

Siddon: I really don't care for films with child nudity

Nomer: Would you like to see a father beat his daughter?

:rolleyes:

https://media4.giphy.com/media/KfrBJfYw341HLFOhfh/source.gif

Thief

05-20-21, 12:37 AM

Oh man, just finished Le Jour se Leve and that was soooo good! Wow.

edarsenal

05-20-21, 02:49 PM

https://klausming.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/tin_drum.jpg

The Tin Drum aka Die Blechtrommel (1979)

Oskar Metzertath: That day, thinking about the grown-up world and my own future, I decided to call a halt. To stop growing then and there and remain a three-year-old, a gnome, once and for all.

Very much like seanc had written in his review, the precise metaphor to this "cinema" is just beyond my grasp, and yet I am thoroughly engrossed by the beauty and the ugliness that go hand in hand with Director Volker Schlöndorff's dark, fantastical tale with sexual overtones.

Delving into several decades, including how his grandparents met, and his mother was born, to Oskar's (David Bennet) very self-descriptive birth and his early decision at age 3, to no longer grow. Equipped with a tin drum(s) and a scream that can break glass, Oskar's sojourn within a Polish-German community that had instantly welcomed and embraced the dogma of Hitler's regime from before, during, and after the end of, World War II is fraught with an almost cruel whimsy.

It is a bit ponderous at nearly two and a half hours, yet I remained engrossed through it all. The more shocking moments, feeling not so much having been forewarned by reading Thursday Next's review. Thereby my perception included the context of the character's age as opposed to the actor's while filming this.

I also found myself drifting to another fantastical/dark-themed film during WWII, Pan's Labyrinth. Not specifically in content but in how equally balanced the beauty and ugliness gell creating a definitively artistic endeavor with a prominently visceral construct.

A very excellent film that I would never have delved into if not for these HoFs.
THANK YOU to whoever nominated this for me.

Wyldesyde19

05-20-21, 07:07 PM

Ok, Umbrellas tomorrow and then making a run to finish this out in the next few weeks

cricket

05-20-21, 07:22 PM

Great write up of The Tin Drum, Ed, glad you liked it!

16 DAYS UNTIL THE DEADLINE!

neiba

05-20-21, 07:26 PM

Great write up of The Tin Drum, Ed, glad you liked it!

16 DAYS UNTIL THE DEADLINE!

When can we expect Edition 4? :p

cricket

05-20-21, 08:04 PM

When can we expect Edition 4? :p

As long as we get finished on time I'm thinking a few days after the countdown starts. So mid-June?

Citizen Rules

05-20-21, 11:39 PM

As long as we get finished on time I'm thinking a few days after the countdown starts. So mid-June?Sounds good to me.

Thursday Next

05-21-21, 01:02 PM

Fitzcarraldo

Another film that I've been meaning to watch for decades but not quite got round to.

I feel like this is one of those films where the 'making of' story is at least as interesting as the film. I fully intend to check out both Burden of Dreams and My Best Fiend following watching this. In a way, the making of this film parallels the story it is telling - a man with a grand but crazy vision ventures into the Amazon, tries to get a ship over a hill and exploits a few of the natives. It's another film where if you look closely into some of the film-making practices, you wonder whether it is morally justified. I know some people are against animal cruelty on screen, but what about ethically dubious methods off-screen? Or the deaths of crew members?

Fitzcarraldo felt a lot like Aguirre: The Wrath of God mark ii. It doesn't seem to be quite as widely respected as Aguirre, and I guess that has more to do with Aguirre being this dramatic descent into madness and hell, whereas this is slightly lighter fare, more about one man's folly. I enjoyed it more though. I liked the look of the film a lot and the way the opera was woven through it.

One thing that bothered me about watching this was the dubbing. It's one of those films that whatever language you watch it in, it's dubbed, a bit like The Leopard. It's just the way it was made and it makes sense that they chose to do it that way, it's just a little odd to get used to.

Good nomination, will probably feature fairly high on my list.

edarsenal

05-21-21, 01:11 PM

Mid-June sounds great for #4!

Thief

05-21-21, 05:09 PM

cricket

05-21-21, 05:17 PM

I'd have to say Herzog is one of my favorite directors, and Fitzcarraldo may be my favorite film of his.

Mr Minio

05-21-21, 05:55 PM

Shoplifters (2018) This is in Koreeda's bottom half albeit still a good film. Shocked by your joyous reaction, neither is this a top Koreeda nor anything new in Japanese cinema. Similar topics were there pretty much since its conception or at the very least since the 30s. Dunno if you've seen more Koreeda and how well you know Japanese films, but usually, people who think Shoplifters is a masterpiece are too late to the Koreeda hype train and overhype the wrong film. Quite a similar thing with Parasite, which I actually loved, but getting sick of Facebook film group experts who only ever watched Parasite and some other random Korean film and now pretend to be experts in Korean film.

That being said, the above is just an anecdotal observation mixed with my subjective opinion. I do not mean to be spiteful or rude, and I'm actually glad you had such a strong reaction to the film. :) From what I gather topics like this are supposed to make people discover new things, and it's great you did. :) Shouldn't come as a surprise that I suggest you watch other Koreeda films, especially Maborosi and Still Walking. It wouldn't hurt to track the history of the 'what is family' topic in Japanese cinema. Starting from Naruse's No Blood Relation is a good idea.

Siddon

05-21-21, 08:24 PM

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Le Ceremonie (1995)

Tells the story of a rural maid who is taken in by a wealthy family and is then corrupted by a mail clerk. This is one of those films that is sort of all over the place when it comes to tone/pacing/performances. At times I felt like I was watching a dark comedy, other times a drama. My biggest issue is that the first 2 acts just felt so padded. While I enjoyed the central metaphor, and the climax to a point, I didn't care for the film as a whole.

At no point during the film was I able to connect with any of the characters. It wasn't so much that I didn't like them rather they never felt human. The lead is basically a cypher Catherine has very little descernable personality. When she comes across with Jeanne I seriously wonder what age they are because they are behaving like teenagers when they are grown women...it was weird.

I enjoyed the aesthetic of the film, the house was nice and the community felt real and lived in. Though I did have trouble really concentrating on the plot or feeling like the film will have any sort of impact on me.

cricket

05-21-21, 08:34 PM

Too bad you didn't like it^^^more. It was picked for me too and I loved it.

edarsenal

05-21-21, 11:39 PM

This is in Koreeda's bottom half albeit still a good film. Shocked by your joyous reaction, neither is this a top Koreeda nor anything new in Japanese cinema. Similar topics were there pretty much since its conception or at the very least since the 30s. Dunno if you've seen more Koreeda and how well you know Japanese films, but usually, people who think Shoplifters is a masterpiece are too late to the Koreeda hype train and overhype the wrong film. Quite a similar thing with Parasite, which I actually loved, but getting sick of Facebook film group experts who only ever watched Parasite and some other random Korean film and now pretend to be experts in Korean film.

That being said, the above is just an anecdotal observation mixed with my subjective opinion. I do not mean to be spiteful or rude, and I'm actually glad you had such a strong reaction to the film. :) From what I gather topics like this are supposed to make people discover new things, and it's great you did. :) Shouldn't come as a surprise that I suggest you watch other Koreeda films, especially Maborosi and Still Walking. It wouldn't hurt to track the history of the 'what is family' topic in Japanese cinema. Starting from Naruse's No Blood Relation is a good idea.

This is actually my second Koreeda film, the first was The Third Murder and enjoyed his work and yes, I was very "joyous" regarding this second film by him. So getting recs for Maborosi and Still Walking by you definitely sets them on my watchlist. And i'll have to look into No Blood Relation as well.

And no worries, Minio, I didn't see it as spiteful nor rude, and again, pretty d@mn, well, joyous ;) to get a few recommendations from you about a director I'm just beginning to discover and wish to continue to.
So, seriously, THANK YOU

Mr Minio

05-22-21, 01:09 AM

THANK YOU Not at all. I recommended a Naruse film with a similar theme because, in spite of everybody claiming Koreeda was inspired by Ozu, I feel stronger Naruse vibes than Ozu vibes from his movies. Like Father, Like Son isn't a favorite of mine but I liked it more than Shoplifters and it's probably the closest to Shoplifters in terms of the plot even though it's less intricate. I also recommend Our Little Sister. It's nothing like Shoplifters but a great film on its own and one of my favorites from Koreeda. I remember seeing it at the cinema and I was the only person watching it. Haha. Good memories. As a matter of fact, every Koreeda film is worth seeing, so you can just as well watch his entire filmography chronologically.

But yeah, I recommend watching some classics from Ozu, Naruse, Mizoguchi, Shimizu, Shimazu, Yamada, et al. WARNING: these films might temporarily make you feel like all contemporary films suck, so be warned! It's always good to know the past to properly interpret the present. It's not really about seeing a given theme recycled and liking a new film less because of that, though. Ultimately, it's about how they handle the theme and you don't really have to be original to be great. It's good to be learned about something you find inspiring. When I watched Werckmeister Harmonies back in 2011 I decided to seek and watch more films that will make me feel the same thing I felt when watching Harmonies, and this kind of enthusiasm made me a cinephile. You gotta follow your enthusiasm started by Shoplifters and deep-dive into Japanese cinema as hard as you can, and do it now that you feel it because once it's gone you might not want to do that anymore. :)

As far as new films go, I was destroyed by Rebirth (2011). To some extent, it's similar to Shoplifters plot-wise, but then again it's completely different. The ending made me very emotional. :D

Siddon

05-22-21, 09:27 AM

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Come and See (1985)

Sigh...talk about a mixed bag. Come and See is considered one of the greatest films of all-time and I certainly understand why this is a true war epic shot beautifully with a sense of surrealism. You have constant state of the feeling of a nightmare when watching this and to be honest I would have been done watching it after an hour.

But the film is far from perfect a cow is basically tortured halfway through the film, the children give emotionally raw performances that made me feel frankly icky. Communist don't really handle subtle very well and at almost three hours you just want to take a break every 20 minutes or so. In a lot of ways it reminds me of Deklog in the sense that each chapter has a series of harsh messages about war and life.

The flip side to all of this is you had several scenes that were incredibly well done. The director showed some restraint by not showing any of the rapes for the majority of the film and waited until the end to just show the result of them. It was a very powerful scene and it's clearly left an impact one me. And that is the good and bad part of this film, it's a collection of scenes that doesn't really tie together naratively but the scenes are incredibly well made.

I still have two more films to finish for this one so I'm not sure if this is at the top or in the middle but it's a good nom.

rauldc14

05-22-21, 10:17 AM

Seven Samurai will be tackled today finally!

cricket

05-22-21, 11:12 AM

You asked for it Siddon!:)

cricket

05-22-21, 11:15 AM

Seven Samurai will be tackled today finally!

I think it's so amazing, can't wait to read your thoughts

Thursday Next

05-22-21, 11:37 AM

This is actually my second Koreeda film, the first was The Third Murder and enjoyed his work and yes, I was very "joyous" regarding this second film by him. So getting recs for Maborosi and Still Walking by you definitely sets them on my watchlist.

I would second the nomination of Still Walking, a really good film. I haven't seen any others from the director but will put some on my watchlist.

Thursday Next

05-22-21, 12:21 PM

Through a Glass Darkly

I watched this a few days ago but wanted to give it a bit of time to process my thought on it - I'm still not sure what to make of it, to be honest.

The story involves a young woman, Karin, recently discharged from a mental hospital, who goes to a remote island for a holiday with her husband, father and younger brother. There are a lot of underlying tensions in the family, from the father's distance from his children to the younger brother's unpleasant attitude towards women. It culminates in a strange incestuous episode in a boat, followed by Karin's delusion that God is coming out of the walls. The characters talk a lot - or rather, they monologue at each other a lot - but seem to come no closer to an understanding of each other or their situation. Everything that happens seems like it might be a metaphor for something else.

Harriet Anderson's performance was remarkable, and there were several scenes that were beautifully shot, but I couldn't say I liked it overall.

I know some people think Bergman is just not for them, but for me there have been some of his films that I felt I connected with and was interested in and moved by, and others that just left me completely cold - and some in the middle. For example, I like Fanny and Alexander and Cries and Whispers a lot. Perhaps it helped that these were in colour. I always find Bergman's black and white is more austere and cold than some other black and white films.

Also, I think the director of The Lighthouse watched this film too many times.

Wyldesyde19

05-22-21, 08:37 PM

The Umbrellas (Ella Ella ella!*) of Cherbourg (the “g” is silent)

Musicals are difficult to pull off for me. They can range in misplaced numbers that don’t really add to the story as much as it should (The Return of the Prodigal Son for example, where the songs don’t give any hint to the violent ending). Or somewhat miscast actors (Guys and Dolls, which while ok, doesn’t work as well with Brando as a singer). Or Musicals where are subtitled for the dialogue but strangely, not for the musics numbers (Looking at you Mother India).

So imagine the breath of fresh air that is Umbrellas (Ella Ella Ella)*

Every line is sung, and we get a beautiful and talented Deneuve as the lead, Genevieve. Basically a love story, between Gen and Guy (pronounced gee with a soft “g”).
Genevieve’s mother disapproves of the relationship, and is all too happy when Guy is drafted into the army. She tries to match Genevieve with a richer prospect. There are hints that there mother had an unhappy marriage, as evidenced by a few comments and the fact he isn’t portrayed. The mother faces debt and is eager to marry her daughter off to a rich guy, despite complications (you’ll see).

It’s a good film, but it suffers from a mediocre second half that focuses on the mother-daughter relationship, but doesn’t really dig deep enough into it. There’s also the libferibb mystery of the missing letters that is never addressed.
Genevieve never revived them at one point, with her mother claiming none have arrived, and later Guy claims to have sent them but never a reply to them. There was a feeling that her mother hid them, but it’s never properly revealed.
But those are somewhat minor quibbles, and it is a decent enough film. It won’t find its way into my foreign films ballot, but it may have a spot on my musical ballot (if we ever do one that is)

*damn you Rihanna! You have that song stuck in my head!
*shakes fist*

cricket

05-22-21, 11:57 PM

Umbrellas of Cherbourg is about as far off from my taste as a movie can get, yet I thought it was incredible.

Through a Glass Darkly is mid tier Bergman for me, very good for sure.

edarsenal

05-23-21, 01:41 AM

I would second the nomination of Still Walking, a really good film. I haven't seen any others from the director but will put some on my watchlist.
That seals WHICH one goes first if Thursday seconds.
Not at all. I recommended a Naruse film with a similar theme because, in spite of everybody claiming Koreeda was inspired by Ozu, I feel stronger Naruse vibes than Ozu vibes from his movies. Like Father, Like Son isn't a favorite of mine but I liked it more than Shoplifters and it's probably the closest to Shoplifters in terms of the plot even though it's less intricate. I also recommend Our Little Sister. It's nothing like Shoplifters but a great film on its own and one of my favorites from Koreeda. I remember seeing it at the cinema and I was the only person watching it. Haha. Good memories. As a matter of fact, every Koreeda film is worth seeing, so you can just as well watch his entire filmography chronologically.

But yeah, I recommend watching some classics from Ozu, Naruse, Mizoguchi, Shimizu, Shimazu, Yamada, et al]. WARNING: these films might temporarily make you feel like all contemporary films suck, so be warned! It's always good to know the past to properly interpret the present. It's not really about seeing a given theme recycled and liking a new film less because of that, though. Ultimately, it's about how they handle the theme and you don't really have to be original to be great. It's good to be learned about something you find inspiring. When I watched Werckmeister Harmonies back in 2011 I decided to seek and watch more films that will make me feel the same thing I felt when watching Harmonies, and this kind of enthusiasm made me a cinephile. [B]You gotta follow your enthusiasm started by Shoplifters and deep-dive into Japanese cinema as hard as you can, and do it now that you feel it because once it's gone you might not want to do that anymore. :)

As far as new films go, I was destroyed by Rebirth (2011). To some extent, it's similar to Shoplifters plot-wise, but then again it's completely different. The ending made me very emotional. :D
I haven't seen any of Naruse so it'll be an interesting additive when I eventually do.

Amen to the Warning. Nicely f@ckin put, my dear sir.

And rest assured, it's been wonderous spelunking via these HoFs and the kind Recommendations of others into possible venues. (or Crevices should you be of a mind to roll down that thematic rabbit-hole.)
I am quite excited to delve beyond the two Ozu's I've seen and have the remaining two of the "Noriko trilogy" lined up and then I'll make a run from there.
With Mizoguchi, along with the two: Ugestu and Sansho the Bailiff. I have my eye on The 47 Ronin (1941) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033654/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_22).
followed by et al.

I'm so happy I could plot!!!
https://i.gifer.com/1nk3.gif

Mr Minio

05-23-21, 02:45 AM

edarsenal

05-23-21, 02:54 PM

edarsenal The 47 Ronin is my least favorite Mizoguchi, so be warned! Pretty much anything is a better choice for a third Mizoguchi than that if you ask me, but do as you see fit.

Nice to see how excited you are. :up:
Thank you, minio! Been a fan of Asian films since I was a teenager. Though, in all honesty, it involved the more Action-oriented, aka Crime, Martial Arts, Period Pieces and the occasional Ghost/Horror when it came to China, Japan, and with the beginning of this century (that is still weird to say), a love for South Korean films. My discovery of more serious/dramatic/artistic began in these HoFs. And like many first excursions, my own limited, slightly dismal intellect did stumble a bit, but my interest, appreciation, and quite recent, sincere love for them grew and continues to.
I love the root story of 47 and am curious to see Mizoguchi's take on it, and it just looks like a fun watch. I am sure depending on my enjoyment of his Top Two (most spoken of), there's every possibility I'll delve into other films as well. Much like my excitement to view more Ozu has become. So, Yay!

rauldc14

05-24-21, 06:13 PM

Seven Samurai

https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,g_auto,h_1248,w_2220/v1555337710/shape/mentalfloss/samuraihed.jpg?itok=WhMDhqVx

Wish I had more to say about the film. It's runtime was pretty daunting and that's why it took me so long to get to it. It has a nice pace to it though so it didn't feel like a chore as the story was pretty engrossing. Visually the film is beautiful and the film was shot very well. Hard to latch onto the characters but that seems to be something Kurosawa is never really too worried about. It's a film that will go down as one of those that I respect more than becoming an instant favorite. I feel like it will need a rewatch down the road to to fully appreciate it more.

3.5

cricket

05-24-21, 06:24 PM

Too bad you didn't like it more, I loved the characters! Anyway, cool that you've finally watched it.

cricket

05-24-21, 06:26 PM

Congratulations Raul, you are the 5th member to finish!

rauldc14

05-24-21, 06:39 PM

I'll send my list tonight too.

Citizen Rules

05-24-21, 06:54 PM

Congratulations Raul, you are the 5th member to finish!He's tied with me! I watched Woman in the Dunes last night. I just gotta do a review and send in my list.

Citizen Rules

05-24-21, 11:16 PM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=77958
Woman in the Dunes (1964)

Woman in the Dunes is my favorite choice for me in this PRIII. It was fascinating to watch and I'm still thinking about it right now! That doesn't mean I think it was perfect and as I write this I haven't worked out my voting ballot yet.

One thing for sure, there are so many great cinema-artsy shots in the movie that I had a hard time settling on just one image for this review. Visually this is impressive.

What's also impressive is how the TV show The Twilight Zone obviously influenced this movie...right down to the similar music. I loved this story and it's setting at the bottom of a sand pit. There's so much to think about here...and that's a rarity as most movies for me are forgotten the next day.

I do think there was some missed opportunities and I would've nixed the villagers lined up wanting to watch the man and the woman copulate. With all the closeups of their weird facial garb I was reminded of The Road Warrior and something about that scene and it's pacing seemed out of place in an otherwise contemplative type film.

The end scene with the woman being taking away in pain with a ectopic pregnancy, repeatedly crying out 'no-no', 'no-no'...was haunting and oh so sad. I find myself wondering what happened to her. Did she have her baby and return to live with the man in the dune pit? Or did she die? I hope she returned and they lived a good life, albeit a strange one.

cricket

05-25-21, 08:02 AM

Congratulations Citizen Rules, you are the 6th member to finish!

rauldc14

05-25-21, 08:17 AM

Is the next personal rec a general one?

cricket

05-25-21, 06:44 PM

Is the next personal rec a general one?

Yes I would say so

rauldc14

05-25-21, 09:29 PM

Yes I would say so

Cool, good chance that I join.

Wyldesyde19

05-26-21, 05:05 AM

Rome, Open City.

Rossellini’s film is an indictment against the German occupation during WW2. It also a excellent example of the neorealism of its time. Probably the best, from what I’ve seen.
It tells the tale of a resistance leader, named Manfredi, and his attempts to stay just ahead of the SS as they hunt him down.
Loyalties are tested, as are their faith, and their patriotism to their country.
Rossellini does a great job heightening the suspense as the SS draws closer to Manfredi, and his allies attempts to conceal him. His direction was also amazing for its time, especially Anna Magnanis scene as she races towards the camera, a scene that has become famous.
It never grows preachy, as many war films of its time were prone to do, but doesn’t shy away from its brutality as was common during the occupation. And it doesn’t hesitate to point a finger at their own countries collaboration, and guilt.
Good film, with some great scenes and a great script.

Citizen Rules

05-26-21, 11:27 AM

I liked to see Rome, Open City one of these days. Sounds like something I might like.

Thief

05-26-21, 12:21 PM

I saw Hero last night, so I only need to see Woman in the Dunes to finish. That, and catching up with my remaining reviews.

Citizen Rules

05-26-21, 12:30 PM

I saw Hero last night, so I only need to see Woman in the Dunes to finish. That, and catching up with my remaining reviews.I watched Woman in the Dunes for this too. I really enjoyed it, hope you do too.

Thief

05-26-21, 12:37 PM

I watched Woman in the Dunes for this too. I really enjoyed it, hope you do too.

Yeah, saw that you had seen it. Didn't read the review cause I wanted to walk in a bit fresh, but the premise sounds intriguing.

Citizen Rules

05-26-21, 12:46 PM

Yeah, saw that you had seen it. Didn't read the review cause I wanted to walk in a bit fresh, but the premise sounds intriguing.Just wait until you see the giant ant attack:eek:

Thief

05-26-21, 12:51 PM

https://i.gifer.com/7AMh.gif

Thief

05-26-21, 05:13 PM

LE JOUR SE LÈVE
(1939, Carné)
Freebie

https://images.static-bluray.com/reviews/10765_5_large.jpg

"They say lovers are more alive than other people. You think that’s true?"

That is unless their hearts are broken in the process. Because then, the opposite applies. That is more or less what happens in this 1939 French film. Directed by Marcel Carné, Le jour se lève follows François (Jean Gabin), a factory worker that falls in love with *wait for it* Françoise (Jacqueline Laurent), a florist, only to find out she's more interested in a sleazy and narcissistic entertainer (Jules Berry).

The thing is that the film follows a non-linear narrative, starting with François murdering a man in his apartment, and then goes back to show how he ended up in that position. That is when we see how François and Françoise meet by chance, bond over their similarities, their names, and their orphan upbringing, only to see her gush over Valentin later on. The film frequently returns to "present time", as we see François barricade himself in his apartment as the police outside figure out how to apprehend him.

This film was a magnificent surprise, and the kind of film that makes you wonder why the heck isn't it mentioned more often. I had literally never heard of this film before this, and yet I was completely captivated by pretty much every aspect of it. From its structure, its striking cinematography and direction, the great performances, and the edgy script. Every single thing was top of the line.

Gabin and Laurent are great, but they also have an undeniable chemistry that's loaded with a melancholy that's perfect for the story. Arletty, who plays Clara, François' "temporary" lover is also very good. The script and the overall execution, which has tinges of noir, felt so ahead of its time. Finally, the way Carné moved the camera around and the shot composition were both excellent.

This is easily my favorite first-time watch of the year so far (tied with Ran!) so kudos to whoever recommended it. As opposed to the characters, whose decisions end up making them miserable and, well, not alive, like a star-crossed lover just discovering something, this made *me* feel alive! Excellent film.

Grade: 5

edarsenal

05-26-21, 08:12 PM

Very glad to hear you enjoyed it as much as you did, Thief. I have this on my Watchlist and can't wait to check it out

cricket

05-26-21, 08:33 PM

Le Jour Se Leve is indeed an excellent movie.

You're killing it Thief!

Thief

05-26-21, 09:21 PM

Le Jour Se Leve is indeed an excellent movie.

You're killing it Thief!

Not me. You've all given me great recommendations.

cricket

05-27-21, 06:42 PM

10 DAYS LEFT!!

Thief

05-27-21, 10:03 PM

Ok, I came to confirm when was the deadline. Since it's 10 days away, I'm gonna leave Woman in the Dunes for later, cause I'm cutting it very close for my own monthly challenge... but I'll get there.

matt72582

05-28-21, 08:45 AM

Ok, I came to confirm when was the deadline. Since it's 10 days away, I'm gonna leave Woman in the Dunes for later, cause I'm cutting it very close for my own monthly challenge... but I'll get there.

What a great movie. I think Japanese movies hit their peak in the 60s.

I also highly recommend seeing all the Jean Gabin movies you can. "The Cat" and "The Horse" and two excellent movies later in his career. I love the one you just saw, and I'm sure many have seen the wonderful "La Grande Illusion"

For some other interesting Japanese movies, I'd recommend everyone to check out "The Face of Another", "Onibaba", "The Insect Woman", "Pitfall", "The Red Angel", "The Yellow Handkerchief", "Pale Flower"

matt72582

05-28-21, 09:04 AM

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.

I couldn't stand "Breathless".. I think "Rashomon" is Kurosawa's best, although "Seven Samurai", "Ikiru", and "Red Beard" are very close.

"Rififi" was pretty good, but I'm not interested in most heist/caper movies, but "Paper Moon" is a fun movie.

Thief

05-28-21, 11:28 AM

What a great movie. I think Japanese movies hit their peak in the 60s.

I also highly recommend seeing all the Jean Gabin movies you can. "The Cat" and "The Horse" and two excellent movies later in his career. I love the one you just saw, and I'm sure many have seen the wonderful "La Grande Illusion"

For some other interesting Japanese movies, I'd recommend everyone to check out "The Face of Another", "Onibaba", "The Insect Woman", "Pitfall", "The Red Angel", "The Yellow Handkerchief", "Pale Flower"

I've had Onibaba on my queue for quite some time. I should get on that.

Hey Fredrick

05-30-21, 10:25 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fthestandard.co%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F07%2FUPDATE_Chungking-Express_COVER.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Chunking Express (1994)

He Zhiwu, Cop 223: At the high point of our intimacy, we were just 0.01cm from each other. I knew nothing about her. Six hours later, she fell in love with another man.

I watched this about a month ago and did not like it. At all. As with most movies that are considered good I try to give them a second go at some point, usually a year or two later. Was really hoping to get to it again before this HoF ended because I was having a hard time believing it was that bad. I had to have missed something. Well, I got around to it again and am happy to say I did like it much more the second time around.

Chunking Express was tagged as a crime, drama, comedy. I think that was part of my problem the first time around. Expectations. Sure, one of the characters is a criminal and two are cops but this isn't a crime film at all. It's mostly a film about missed opportunities and loneliness. The first story, which is pretty short, is about a detective, his recent break up, flirtations with a drug smuggler and expired pineapple. The second story and majority of the movie is about a beat cop, his affinity for airline stewardesses, his recent break up, chef salads and the new waitress at his favorite diner. This was the part of the movie that threw me on first watch. I found the waitress to be incredibly annoying to the point I couldn't concentrate on what was really going on. Maybe it was just my mood but while I still found her a little much it wasn't nearly as rough. Being able to handle her antics made the ending much better for me.

It was directed by Kar-Wai Wong who directed Fallen Angels which I had seen earlier in this HoF. The two movies share similar themes but Fallen Angels is more of an eye catching movie and I have to admit, I like shiny things, but I am glad that I had the chance to watch this again. Already bumped it up two stars from my previous rating. Chunking will get another watch sometime, possibly getting even better (I hated Dr. Strangelove on first viewing).

And with that I'm done with this HoF. Nice job on the rec's. I watched a couple movies that are probably making their way onto my top 25 for the next countdown and a couple more that just missed.

Thursday Next

05-30-21, 11:25 AM

A City of Sadness

This is a film about a family in Taiwan and what happens to them when it is handed over from Japanese to Chinese control. There are four brothers, the eldest owns a bar, the youngest is a deaf photographer. They variously become involved with gangs and political protests over the turbulent years that follow.

This is the first film I have seen from this director. It was a good film, well made and interesting.

I do not know much about Taiwan at all and looking up information afterwards added more context to the film for me. I was afraid that there were some nuances to it that passed me by not being familiar with the history and politics of the time and place. While the main character are well drawn, there are supporting characters who pop in and out, largely extended family, and I did sometimes struggle to keep up with who they were. Likewise the passing of time was unclear at some points. I feel that I would probably get more out of it on a second viewing for these reasons.

This was one of Tony Leung's first films and he is good in it. I read that they made his character mute because he couldn't speak the language.

I liked this one.

That is my last film for this hall of fame, so I will have my list in soon. Looking forward to the next one!

cricket

05-30-21, 03:18 PM

Congratulations Hey Fredrick and Thursday Next, you are the 7th and 8th members to finish!

Wyldesyde19

05-30-21, 03:32 PM

Santa Sangre

Surrealism films are hit or miss for me. Add to the my trepidation of Jodorowsky films, which didn’t exactly sound like a film that I would “get”. Yet Santa Sangre was a film I looked forward to, due to its horror themes.

I am sad to say, I was disappointed. For some reason this film never clicked for me. Maybe it was because of his style, and how often it changed its tone.
It certainly had style however. The murder of the prostitute, with red light filtered in stylishly, reminded me of giallo films.

I thought Alma was underused for long stretches of the film, which was a shame because she was good as the deaf mute. *

In the end, It’s bizarre, it’s weird, and it’s probably exactly what Jodorowsky was going for. But for me I was just confused and, sorry to say, slightly bored.

Thief

05-30-21, 05:03 PM

HERO
(2002, Zhang)
A fantasy film

https://fromthebalcony.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Hero_anexdu.jpg

"The ultimate ideal is when the sword disappears altogether. The warrior embraces all around him. The desire to kill no longer exists. Only peace remains."

I'm hardly an expert on martial arts films but a good chunk of them are known for their excessive violence, blood, and the swift use of the sword. There is a lot of the latter in this film, but not a lot of the former. Instead, director Zhang Yimou chooses a more zen-approach to his film highlighting not only the way the different warriors embrace their surroundings, especially during a fight, but also the peace they achieve in whether they use it or not.

Set in Ancient China, Hero follows Nameless (Jet Li), a mysterious swordsman that meets with the King of Qin (Chen Daoming) claiming to have killed three powerful fighters that were trying to kill him. However, as he tells his story to the king, we realize there might be more to him than what he claims.

The story has a bit of a Rashomon vibe, as we see the events that led Nameless to where he is now, as he fought the three warriors Long Sky (Donnie Yen), Broken Sword (Tony Leung), and Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung). As the narrative goes back and forth between past and present, as well as different versions of the same story, we find out more about Nameless, the king, and the fighters.

As well acted as it was, I felt the story got too twisty at times, with the motivations of the different characters never clear as we see them through the different point of views of the multiple characters. It might make it interesting to figure out, but a bit harder to latch onto. Plus, the ending felt to me a bit anticlimatic.

But regardless of the story, what takes front and center in this film is its great direction, gorgeous cinematography, and striking use of color to drive the narrative. Director Zhang and cinematographer Christopher Doyle both do a great job in the way they incorporate the characters surroundings, nature, and structures into their shots, while highlighting the colors in the wardrobe, walls, and other items. The end result is magnificent and peaceful to look at.

Grade: 3.5

cricket

05-30-21, 07:37 PM

Out of the 3 Jodorowski movies I've seen, I liked Santa Sangre the best. Unfortunately that's not saying much. Wacky shlt.

Hero doesn't look like a movie I'd like, but it's probably inevitable that I'll see it in one of these HoFs:p

edarsenal

05-31-21, 05:31 PM

Chunking Express has always been just within my radar but for whatever reason, has never truly caught my eye. After that review, it just might.

Have not heard of A City of Sadness but it looks interesting.

I've seen Santa Sangre back in the beginning of the millennium and was a little lost watching it from what I remember.

It's been over a decade, probably more since I saw Hero. Wasn't blown away by it, but I did enjoy it and remember how gorgeous it looked.

I finished off the Asian HoF so I'll be knocking out the final two films by the deadline this weekend

edarsenal

05-31-21, 08:45 PM

Wyldesyde19

06-01-21, 04:33 AM

I need Links for L’Avventura and Show Me Love please.
I already have The Last Emperor on tap. Looking to finish this up this week before the deadline. Thanks in advance 🙂

edarsenal

06-02-21, 12:09 PM

sent you L'Avventura Wyldesyde19 and on a quick search, no luck for Show Me Love
So, I guess I'll show you adventure, but NO love lol

cricket

06-02-21, 03:02 PM

Just like the sale at your local supermarket

3 DAYS LEFT!

Wyldesyde19

06-02-21, 03:54 PM

Will start up L’Avventura tonight

Wyldesyde19

06-03-21, 03:05 PM

Will have a review of L’Avventura up later. Starting The Last Emperor tonight. Might need an extra day to finish this.
Sorry 🙁

Thief

06-03-21, 03:06 PM

I'll see if I can watch Woman in the Dunes tonight. If not tonight, tomorrow for sure.

EDIT:

If anybody has any link for this, it will be appreciated :shifty:

Citizen Rules

06-03-21, 03:38 PM

I'll see if I can watch Woman in the Dunes tonight. If not tonight, tomorrow for sure.

EDIT:

If anybody has any link for this, it will be appreciated :shifty:
I got a link, PMing now.

Wyldesyde19

06-03-21, 07:24 PM

L’Avventura

I’m aware that this film has a strong fan base, and is considered among the best of its time. Somehow, this film failed to make an impact on me though.

The films starts with a woman (Anna) who seems reluctant to meet her boyfriend (Sandro). They’re to meet up with friends and visit a volcanic island of sorts, and swim. This includes her best friend, Claudia. We see Anna as an enigma, as she falsely claims to have seen a shark during a swim, and tells Sandro she feels nothing for him.
She seems selfish in some ways, as she makes herself the focus of the trip. And so we think she is the focus of the movie.

Until she vanishes.....and her friends frantically search for her to no avail. This was the most interesting part for me. And I thought it would be a mystery, one with a payoff at the end where we find out who did it and why?

About an hour or so into the film, this is dropped, by the director, and the actors, and everyone goes back to their own lives as if nothing was amiss. Sandro and Claudia spark up a relationship and here I think “She is going to find evidence pointing to his guilt.”

Wrong again. The film switches everything up and focuses instead on Claudia and Sandro, and it’s here I became frustrated. I wanted to answers to my questions. I wanted closure. I got nothing. I was left feeling cold to this movie as a result.

There are some great scenes in this, especially on the island. And Vitti is radiant on the screen, mixing her emotions of guilt and sorrow and ecstasy.

Maybe it’s me. Maybe my expectations needed to be temepred. And maybe I’ll need to see this again, but for now, it’s a near miss.

cricket

06-03-21, 08:09 PM

2 more Wyldesyde, 2 more!

Wyldesyde19

06-03-21, 08:13 PM

2 more Wyldesyde, 2 more!

Starting The Last emperor tonight.

Wyldesyde19

06-04-21, 02:05 AM

edarsenal

06-04-21, 01:19 PM

Hmmm. So I started The Last Emperor, and about 20 mins in I come across a scene that is very familiar. And I’m thinking to myself....have I seen this before? And I think it’s quite possible.
If I have, it’s been well over 20 years. We’re talking high school. So it’s basically a new watch but yeah. The cricket stands out. The sniffing the poop in the bowl stands out big time.
(Don’t judge me.)

weirdo

;)

I had forgotten I had seen L'Avventura until I searched for a link for you and reading your review, I was the same way. Wondering: so what happened to her? Why is everyone so flippant about it later when it was SUCH an intense hunt for her?
I do believe someone here had some insight into what the Director was aiming for, but, like the film, it has drifted off. Much like the concern for the missing Anna.

edarsenal

06-04-21, 02:23 PM

https://thelongtakedotnet.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/cranes-2.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f4/6b/57/f46b57b35997ae2d1f28d0cd73f9e61d.jpg
https://images.static-bluray.com/reviews/20675_5.jpg

The Cranes Are Flying aka Letyat zhuravli (1957)

Veronika's Father: That is what love is, my dear. A harmless mental illness.

Initially, I had expected a very Arthouse Film. Cold, aloof, a harsh, cerebral experience filled with symbolism. Sans emotion. Sans beauty.
Sans love; for life, for family. . .

All of which is wonderfully dashed within the first fifteen minutes of this exquisite composition by Director Mikhail Kalatozov and Cinematographer Sergey Urusevskiy.
We meet Veronika "Squirrel" (Tatyana Samoylova) and her lover, Boris (Aleksey Batalov), sneaking into their homes early in the morning.
How it plays out and the warmth of their families along with the brilliant camerawork pulled me in, and, in bliss, there I remained throughout this story of star-crossed lovers during WWII.

This was, at the time of its release, a surprise for the audience. Stepping outside the rigorous limitations that had been implanted during Stalin's lifetime:

"When the film was released in the Soviet Union, it caused a sensation amongst audiences weaned on propaganda fare. For the first time, audiences were able to weep at the pain of losing millions of their population in the war. It was also the first time that subjects like draft-dodging, war profiteering, and the black market had been expressed on film."

Like numerous Life-affirming films that illustrate the Beauty of those enduring Horrorific situations, TCAF captures the very essence of it and all the subtitles, nuances, and cinematic magic that we, as movie lovers, crave: To be engaged, be entertained, laugh, cry, and be happily lost in the story/film before us.
The pacing, the story, dialogue, characters throughout held a beguiling spell over me. Experiencing, intimately, the lives of everyone with such artistry. In equal measures of camerawork and the actors who never appeared as if they were acting. Giving performances that express the Beauty, the Love of Life, and Family counterbalanced by the Loss that is heaped upon everyone during wartime. And, in the end, endured as Hope is given a chance.

F@CKIN BRAVO!! BRAVO!!

edarsenal

06-04-21, 02:29 PM

With only one film left to go, and looking over a list of amazing films, I do see the ONLY logical vote for me will be:

First Place: f@ckin EVERY SINGLE one of them!
lol

Wyldesyde19

06-04-21, 03:40 PM

The Last Emperor

Puyi was christened Emperor at the age of two, and yet spent his entire life vying for control, and freedom, because in many ways he was a prisoner.

The Last Emperor shows how he was only an Emperor as long as he remained in the forbidden city. His rule didn’t extend beyond its walls. That would be a theme through this sad tale based on true events.

We watch as this child grows to become an adult, always forced to be a prisoner of some sort wherever he was sent. As a puppet ruler of Manchuria (Then renamed as Manchukuo during the Japanese invasion during the event of WW2), and finally as a prisoner for collaboration with the enemy. His life is told in flashbacks, and how he struggled to control even his city.

There are two scenes that stood out, the first, when his nurse is sent away without his permission and he chased after her vehicle. When he reaches the gate much later, he is refused when he demands it be open. Their scenes plays out again when he wife is sent away during his rule of Manchukuo, and again he chases after her car, and again he comes upon the gate and is refused when he demands it to be open. He realizes then and there his rule is a hollow one. His is a lonely existence.

The direction is tight, and without meandering, as Bertolucci guides us along with a sure hand. We do more then witness these events, we experience them.

The acting was also great, with standout performances by John Lone as Puyi and Joan Chen as his wife. And of course, Peter O’Toole as his tutor.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I was pleasantly surprised. I’m also quite sure I am correct in thinking I may have watched this once when I first started watching films seriously. But it was so long ago (about 25 years iirc?) that the scenes weren’t fresh and recognizable, except for a few, that it is basically a new watch.

Great film.

Wyldesyde19

06-04-21, 04:55 PM

Show me love will be tonight

cricket

06-04-21, 06:47 PM

Well looky here, 2 more members with only 1 movie left. It's a good think because the Deadline is upon us!

Thief

06-05-21, 12:08 AM

Just started Woman in the Dunes. I'm not gonna finish it today for sure, but I just wanted to get it going. Deadline is tomorrow midnight?

Thief

06-05-21, 01:45 AM

Just started Woman in the Dunes. I'm not gonna finish it today for sure, but I just wanted to get it going. Deadline is tomorrow midnight?

Oh boy, 40 minutes in and this is the kind of film that I can't stop watching :eek: Have a tough day of work tomorrow, though, so it will have to wait. :(

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 02:55 AM

Started up Show Me Love and I’m 20 mins in but I just wanted to jump on and say that this is perhaps the most 90’s movie I have seen yet.

cricket

06-05-21, 06:59 AM

rauldc14

06-05-21, 10:42 AM

Siddon

06-05-21, 01:25 PM

https://vhx.imgix.net/criterionchannelchartersu/assets/dbe852f0-f9d7-48a8-a2e0-9769eda736c6.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=720&q=75&w=1280

The Conformist (1970)

The Conformist tells the sweeping story of Marcello a man navigating Europe during the rise of fascism. It was shot by Bernardo Bertolucci in one of his earlier works. I adored this film, I'm glad I saved it for near last. I found all the characters to be well written and engaging, and with a film like this the lead is almost the dullest person in the story. Sometimes the idea behind that doesn't work but it really worked here.

Visually it's stunning, it feels like a true period piece even though you really only get interior shots it still works. It reminded me a bit of Fanny and Alexander with how the rooms and settings have their own life. Now a days you get those CGI helicopter tracking shots and everything looks clean and unlived in...this film looks actually lived in. This is also the most restrained I've seen from Bertolucci sexually, especially for a film where sexuality is a major driving plot point.

Also the plotting of the story is just great...the film starts off using flashbacks and slowly does away with them once the story is established. It's a cool effect to give context to most of the scenes. This might not be my favorite of his work but it was very good and I enjoyed and feel the need to revisit it.

cricket

06-05-21, 02:05 PM

I watched The Conformist for the 70's countdown and thought highly of it. Good going Siddon!

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 02:27 PM

Show Me Love

There’s something about the Swedish language that sounds sounds so beautiful when spoken. I don’t know what it is exactly.

This films centers around two young girls who couldn’t be more different. Agnes is turning 16. She’s withdrawn, ha son friends, is a vegetarian and harbors a crush on Elin. Elin is wild, outgoing, provocative, and likes to party. A bit of a brat to be honest.

Agnes is understood by her parents too well. Her mother seems to think her vegetarian diet is a phase of sorts, seen when she cooks roast beef for her birthday party. One where she made Agnes give our invitations that only a few attend. One of whom was Elin, and that was only because she was bored. Once she discovers Agnes is gay, she kisses her on a date and there her whole world changes.

Moodyson obviously watched Kids before making this, as it has a similar feel, but far more light hearted, even though it has a serious tone. I was surprised to find myself invested in Agnes and Elin, even if I thought they were a bit bratty. Still, this was a surprisingly good pick.

cricket

06-05-21, 02:57 PM

Congratulations Wyldesyde, you are the 9th member to finish!

I watched that about a month ago and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the ending.

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 03:02 PM

Congratulations Wyldesyde, you are the 9th member to finish!

I watched that about a month ago and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the ending.

I’ll have my ballot sent it shortly.

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 06:53 PM

Ballot sent. 1-7 were incredibly hard to order, as they were all great films. 8&9 were easier as they were good, but not quite great. 10&11 were easy, and may surprise some people considering they’re rep. *
Sorry.

Citizen Rules

06-05-21, 07:06 PM

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 07:16 PM

My movie choice for you was probably your # 10 or 11:p
Yeah man, I’m sorry. I’m guessing L’Avventura was your choice. I’m glad to have watched it, so no worries.

edarsenal

06-05-21, 07:29 PM

Ok waiting for 1 from Ed, Thief, and Wylde, and 2 from Siddon.

Don't worry about midnight, just try to get them to me sometime tomorrow. I'm off Monday so I'd like to have some time to tally them up and post the results Monday evening.

Cool.

I had an utter sh#te work week, Friday night being the worse, so tonight, there is a Freedom Festival with a beer tent, food, music, and fireworks a few blocks from me. In fact, I'll be watching the fireworks from my driveway, just off the main street. A parking lot in front of me that'll have a bit of a crowd watching as well.
So, tonight: I relax. Recharge.

and then,
Tomorrow night:

https://media3.giphy.com/media/3tHXcEdHhGvDRqtFJV/giphy.gif

Let's just say; it's gonna be d@mn near Closing Time, but my associates have reassured me of both their Delivery Services' efficiency - AND, may I add, Award-Winning promptness.
So,

This has been,
much like the previous two Personal Rec HoFs, and with each, an ever growing:
F@CKIN YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a Wonderful, Relaxing, Satisfying night, Everyone!!

Takoma11

06-05-21, 07:44 PM

Moodyson obviously watched Kids before making this, as it has a similar feel, but far more light hearted, even though it has a serious tone. I was surprised to find myself invested in Agnes and Elin, even if I thought they were a bit bratty. Still, this was a surprisingly good pick.

Have you seen many of his films?

I really love Lilya-4-Ever (though it is brutal to watch) and We Are the Best! (which is more lighthearted).

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 08:01 PM

Have you seen many of his films?

I really love Lilya-4-Ever (though it is brutal to watch) and We Are the Best! (which is more lighthearted).

I haven’t yet, although I have heard oh Liya-4-Ever. After being surprised with Show Me love, I’m definitely eager to watch more of his films in the future.

Takoma11

06-05-21, 08:26 PM

I haven’t yet, although I have heard oh Liya-4-Ever. After being surprised with Show Me love, I’m definitely eager to watch more of his films in the future.

I am very drawn to his work because he seems to approach his characters with such empathy. The way that he filmed Lilya-4-Ever made me completely rethink the way that sexual violence is presented in film. And, more broadly, his portrayal of teenagers (and especially teenage girls) feels very respectful of them as people.

According to Crumbsroom, A Hole in My Heart is a pretty bad departure from his usual approach, so I haven't sought out that one.

You know how there are certain people that deep down you just really hope aren't secretly creeps or rapists or whatever? He is on the shortlist for me in that regard. Please don't break my heart, Lukas Moodysson!!!

Thief

06-05-21, 08:34 PM

It's 7:30pm here and I'm still stuck at work; been here since morning, and I don't know when I'll get out or how tired I'm going to be. If I can, I'll finish Woman in the Dunes tonight, but if not today, I'll try to make it early tomorrow.

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 08:58 PM

I am very drawn to his work because he seems to approach his characters with such empathy. The way that he filmed Lilya-4-Ever made me completely rethink the way that sexual violence is presented in film. And, more broadly, his portrayal of teenagers (and especially teenage girls) feels very respectful of them as people.

According to Crumbsroom, A Hole in My Heart is a pretty bad departure from his usual approach, so I haven't sought out that one.

You know how there are certain people that deep down you just really hope aren't secretly creeps or rapists or whatever? He is on the shortlist for me in that regard. Please don't break my heart, Lukas Moodysson!!!

Agreed, his approach to the teen girls was well done, it left an impression with me because they were real.
As much as I loved The Edge of Seventeen and Lady Bird, and liked Juno, I had slight issues with their dialogue, especially in the case of Juno. Hmm, I’m finding myself at a loss for an accurate description for their dialogue.

Takoma11

06-05-21, 11:18 PM

Agreed, his approach to the teen girls was well done, it left an impression with me because they were real.
As much as I loved The Edge of Seventeen and Lady Bird, and liked Juno, I had slight issues with their dialogue, especially in the case of Juno. Hmm, I’m finding myself at a loss for an accurate description for their dialogue.

Well, I really liked Lady Bird.

But I think maybe what you're talking about is dialogue that is very clearly an adult writing for a teenage character. Something about the rhythm and quirk feels too contrived and it makes the characters feel ungrounded.

It's actually something that I really liked about We Are the Best--the interactions and dialogue felt very real, and in a much deeper way than just the vocabulary of the kids.

Wyldesyde19

06-05-21, 11:44 PM

Well, I really liked Lady Bird.

But I think maybe what you're talking about is dialogue that is very clearly an adult writing for a teenage character. Something about the rhythm and quirk feels too contrived and it makes the characters feel ungrounded.

It's actually something that I really liked about We Are the Best--the interactions and dialogue felt very real, and in a much deeper way than just the vocabulary of the kids.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved Lady Bird as well.
contrived is absolutely the best word for it, thank you. Although I’m not so sure Lady Bird felt contrived as much as Juno did.
I haven’t seen We are the Best either. Same director, and also looks interesting

Siddon

06-06-21, 04:56 AM

https://nitratediva.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/15.jpg

Story of a Love Affair (1950)

This film gave me a headache, I actually became physically ill watching a film from these countdowns. Funny thing is this is a good movie, it's a seedy noir tale about a murderous trio. But the film is unwatchable because of the score. I mean how do I explain how bad the sound is for this film...try and imagine a goose and then slowly killing that goose and then playing the sound of that dying goose for an hour and half.

Lucia Bose plays the femme fatale lead in this and she's fantastic...I loved her performance and that's through the bleeding of my ears. Michelangelo Antonio does a great job with the visuals and this is his most restrained work. You have several moments of great intimacy...that's ruined by the sound.

It kinda sucks to make a list because I'm in a bad mood over this and I'm not going to hold the score that much against it but..yeah not pleased.

Thursday Next

06-06-21, 06:15 AM

Agreed, his approach to the teen girls was well done, it left an impression with me because they were real.
As much as I loved The Edge of Seventeen and Lady Bird, and liked Juno, I had slight issues with their dialogue, especially in the case of Juno. Hmm, I’m finding myself at a loss for an accurate description for their dialogue.

That is one of the things I always loved about Show Me Love, that it felt much more like the reality of teenage experience than a lot of the American high school offerings. It probably helped that I was a teenager when it came out in the 90s and the scenes of the kids just sitting around comparing their rubbish mobile phones seemed so close to home.

Thursday Next

06-06-21, 06:16 AM

The Cranes Are Flying aka Letyat zhuravli (1957)

I need to see this now based on your review and those pictures.

cricket

06-06-21, 06:21 AM

Thief

06-06-21, 10:51 AM

Thief

06-06-21, 11:38 AM

Whenever I'm ready, I just send a ranked list of all the films I saw, right? Just like the other HOF.

cricket

06-06-21, 11:46 AM

Whenever I'm ready, I just send a ranked list of all the films I saw, right? Just like the other HOF.

That's it

Thief

06-06-21, 01:08 PM

List sent! Let me know if you got it, cricket.

What a wonderful bunch of pictures.

EDIT: I'm working on my write-up on Woman in the Dunes. Not sure how urgent that is, now that my list is sent, but I'll try to have it up later today, if not tomorrow.

Thief

06-06-21, 05:26 PM

WOMAN IN THE DUNES
(1964, Teshigahara)
A film from the 1960s

https://www.criminalelement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/woman-in-the-dunes-top.jpg

"Make the sand work for you, not against you."

That is one of the advices that Junpei (Eiji Okada) gives the titular "woman in the dunes" (Kyōko Kishida) as they ponder about the possibilities given their current situation. You see, they are both trapped in a sand pit and forced by local villagers to work by shoveling sand so the village can survive. The woman, who has been there longer than Junpei, has already accepted her fate, but Junpei holds on to "hope... that things will change tomorrow". But will things change? can things change? or is it us that have to change?

That seems to be one of the statements made by this 1964 Japanese New Wave film; not that it offers any concrete conclusion, but it does put forth that clash between freedom and free will, "rigid thinking" and adaptation, and also complacency. The film puts the lead characters in a situation that seems hopeless, as their respective prospects of life clash. Junpei doesn't want this change as he longs to return to civilization, but in rejecting it, isn't he as "trapped" as his companion?

In the opening scene, Junpei, who is a schoolteacher and entomologist, visits the desert looking for insects, which in turn leads him to his capture. There's an interesting juxtaposition as we see him trap insects that he puts in a bottle, only to have him being trapped and "put into a bottle" himself. The difference being perhaps in the practicality of one vs. the other. The former, he does more as a "hobby", while the latter is done to maintain the village's lifeline. One could certainly argue the ethical and moral implications of both, but as time passes, Junpei rejects his past hobby in favor of practicality (see the scene where he gets rid of his insects in order to please/help the woman).

Having just finished this film a couple of hours ago, I certainly have a dozen thoughts in my head about both its raw story as well as all its symbolisms, and it certainly seems like a film that will stick in my mind for a long time. The way it balances a story that's mysterious, intriguing, tragic and sad, with messages of isolation, identity, life purpose, sexuality, and primal instincts is simply marvelous.

But it doesn't stop with the story. The film is also impressive from pretty much every other aspect. The performances from Okada and Kishida are pretty much flawless, as we see them shift and change like the sand; the score by Toru Takemitsu goes from subtle to harsh in a fluid, seamless way; director Hiroshi Teshigahara and cinematographer Hiroshi Segawa make great use of the camera, using both wide shots and closeups to convey different emotions. The nature shots of the dunes and their shifting sands also add a lot to what the film is trying to tell us: much like that sand, things in life can change slowly or they can change suddenly. The key is how we react and adapt to whatever change comes, and make the sand work for us.

Grade: 5

cricket

06-06-21, 05:31 PM

Congratulations Thief, you are the 11th member to finish!

edarsenal

06-06-21, 08:52 PM

I need to see this now based on your review and those pictures.

you would love this, Thursday!
Highly recommended

edarsenal

06-06-21, 08:55 PM

okay, going to start my final film right now.

edarsenal

06-06-21, 11:57 PM

Annnd, Vote Sent.

It's too late for a review for Ali: Fear Eats the Soul so that'll be tomorrow.

cricket

06-07-21, 08:45 AM

Ok I've got to water the grass, do the shopping, do the laundry, take the dogs to the park, finish Blackkklansman, and get my 2nd shot, then maybe, maybe I'll tally this bitch up.

cricket

06-07-21, 08:47 AM

Oh yea, I also have to unload the landscaping rocks I got from BJ's parking lot last night:D

cricket

06-07-21, 12:58 PM

Reveal in 7 hours

cricket

06-07-21, 03:34 PM

About 4 1/2 hours away and the results are in. It's close, but we have a winner and 11 losers.

Anyone think they took the cake?

rauldc14

06-07-21, 03:35 PM

I think I got a shot.

Citizen Rules

06-07-21, 03:44 PM

I picked some awesome films, so that's a win! But will I win? Don't know??? At least one person didn't like my awesome choice:p and I can't remember what I picked for Thursday? Cricket what did I pick for her?

edarsenal

06-07-21, 03:58 PM

I was amazed I took 2nd Place on the second one, so, hopefully, I'll get above 5th to return the favor of so many great films. Don't think I'll make the top three.

If Neiba was in, I would have gone with the safe bet of them winning lol

Allaby

06-07-21, 03:59 PM

About 4 1/2 hours away and the results are in. It's close, but we have a winner and 11 losers.

Anyone think they took the cake?

I think we are all winners.

seanc

06-07-21, 04:02 PM

I was doing good at the start but I’m think I had one too many hiccups. Of course there is the fact that I’m not 100% sure on all my recs now. :)

rauldc14

06-07-21, 04:03 PM

Actually I looked back and a few didn't care for mine. So I doubt I took it

Thief

06-07-21, 04:06 PM

As cliché as it might sound, I don't care where I fall. I got to see some really amazing films with this and that's all I care.

cricket

06-07-21, 06:00 PM

2 hours

cricket

06-07-21, 07:49 PM

We had 2 sets of ties, broken by the highest votes received.

cricket

06-07-21, 07:59 PM

Ok let's go

cricket

06-07-21, 08:00 PM

12th Place and Last
CRICKET-52 Points

https://i.gifer.com/5MfQ.gif

Citizen Rules-Woman in the Dunes (1st)
Wyldesyde-Bicycle Thieves (2nd)
Sean-Knife in the Water (5th)
Thief-Sansho the Bailiff (6th)
Edarsenal-The 400 Blows (7th)
Raul-Children of Paradise (8th)
Allaby-Smiles of a Summer Night (8th)
Hey Fredrick-Blue is the Warmest Color (10th)
Thursday Next-The Tin Drum (11th)
Takoma11-Contempt (11th)
Siddon-The Given Word (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:00 PM

I had gotten 2nd and 3rd in the first 2

cricket

06-07-21, 08:01 PM

11th Place
THURSDAY NEXT-53 Points

https://media3.giphy.com/media/mUrrrKIzlWZos/giphy.gif

Thief-Ran (2nd)
Sean-Senso (3rd)
Citizen–The Earrings of Madame de… (6th)
HeyFredrick-Underground (6th)
Cricket-Mephisto (7th)
Rauldc–Rocco and His Brothers (7th)
Wyldesyde-Show Me Love (8th)
Takoma11–Farewell My Concubine (9th)
Siddon–Last Train Home (10th)
Allaby–Le Cercle Rouge (10th)
EdArsenal–Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:02 PM

10th Place
TAKOMA11-58 Points

https://64.media.tumblr.com/e1d345eeea28ec9b45fcdfdc07ad82c4/tumblr_on5tl3hlmp1u4mt3bo1_500.gifv

Allaby-Come and See (1st)
Thursday Next-Black Orpheus (2nd)
Edarsenal-Army of Shadows (3rd)
Siddon-Rififi (5th)
Seanc-Orpheus (7th)
Thief-Cries and Whispers (8th)
Raul-A Man Escaped (9th)
Hey Fredrick-Shoplifters (9th)
Citizen Rules-Gate of Hell (9th)
Cricket-Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (10th)
Wyldesyde-Santa Sangre (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:04 PM

9th Place
RAUL-61 Points

https://jamietalksanime.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/tumblr_nmevih1k0c1shdhdjo1_540.gif

Hey Fredrick-Porco Rosso (2nd)
Edarsenal-Cranes are flying (2nd)
Sean-The Vanishing (4th)
Thief-Tokyo Story (5th)
Takoma-An Autum Afternoon (6th)
Siddon-Jiro dreams of Sushi (6th)
Citizen Rules-Sansho the Bailiff (7th)
Thursday-The Mirror (9th)
Cricket-Fallen Angels (9th)
Wylde-L'Avventura (10th)
Allaby-Fallen Angels (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:05 PM

8th Place
EDARSENAL-64 Points

https://64.media.tumblr.com/620703a57ad5525190a8b296f776a15a/af735e143982a425-67/s400x600/df549cc93668f772db6b11ad6456ecec6d497e9f.gifv

Hey Frederick-Harakiri (3rd)
Thief-Le Jour Se Leve (3rd)
Takoma11-La Grande Illusion (4th)
Siddon-Port of Shadows (4th)
cricket-Shoplifters (4th)
Thursday Next-A Taste of Cherry (6th)
Wyldesyde19-High and Low (7th)
Allaby-Stray Dog (7th)
seanc-The Human Beast (8th)
rauldc14-Rosetta (11th)
Citizen Rules-A Man Escaped (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:07 PM

7th Place
WYLDESYDE-64 Points

https://media1.tenor.com/images/e3f805fe2d5da2ee4ca493ef48eb428c/tenor.gif?itemid=3301851

Allaby-Au Revoir Les Enfants (2nd)
Siddon-Come and See (3rd)
Raul-Seven Samurai (4th)
Ed-Yojimbo (4th)
HeyFrederick-The Discreet Charm of the Bouegeousie (5th)
Cricket-Kagemusha (6th)
Sean-Le Corbeau (6th)
Thursday-Day for Night (7th)
Takoma-The Discreet Charm of the Bouegeousie (10th)
CitizenRules-The Seventh Seal (10th)
Thief-Breathless (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:08 PM

Ed and Wyldesyde tied, but Wylde got the edge with the higher 2nd place vote.

cricket

06-07-21, 08:09 PM

6th Place
SIDDON-67 Points

https://i.gifer.com/origin/5a/5aa19792b02e4b37956736bdc98cb6ee_w200.gif

Thief-Woman in the Dunes (1st)
Takoma-Ikiru (2nd)
Wyldesyde-The Last Emperor (4th)
Hey Frederick-Au Revoir Les Enfants (4th)
Cricket-World on a Wire (5th)
Citizen Rules-Vivre Sa Ve (5th)
Raul-Whispers of the Heart (5th)
Allaby-Sonatine (9th)
EdArsenal-Wild Strawberries (10th)
ThursdayNext-Through a Glass Darkly (10th)
Seanc-Open Your Eyes (10th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:10 PM

5th Place
HEY FREDRICK-67 Points

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f1/55/42/f15542ee525f6bf91755f928eda10a44.gif

Wylde-Rome, Open City (1st)
Thursday Next-Eyes Without a Face (1st)
Cricket-La Ceremonie (2nd)
Allaby-Le Trou (4th)
Rauldc-Shoot the Piano Player (6th)
Takoma-Hana-Bi (7th)
Citizen Rules-Rififi (8th)
Edarsenal-Rashomon (8th)
Siddon-La Ceremonie (9th)
Seanc-Let the Right One In (9th)
Thief-Hero (10th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:11 PM

Siddon and Fredrick tied. Fredrick got 1 more first place vote.

cricket

06-07-21, 08:12 PM

4th Place
SEAN-72 Points

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/27/f3/09/27f309f53d766c78cf0060ae205b6259.gif

Rauldc-Shoplifters (1st)
Siddon-The Conformist (2nd)
Takoma-Ali: Fear Eats The Soul (3rd)
Citizen-Children of Paradise (4th)
Edarsenal-Samourai Rebellion (5th)
Wyldesdale-Harakiri (6th)
Allaby-Rocco And His Brothers (6th)
Cricket-Mishima (8th)
ThurdayNext-Floating Weeds (8th)
Hey Frederick-Fallen Angels (8th)
Thief-Playtime (9th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:14 PM

cricket

06-07-21, 08:15 PM

2nd Place
ALLABY-80 Points

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/af/b7/0d/afb70d0060dce22476d34507e3d92289.gif

Hey Fredrick-The Cranes Are Flying (1st)
Seanc-The Tin Drum (1st)
Citizen Rules-Bicycle Thieves (2nd)
Wyldesyde-Persona (3rd)
Thursday Next-The Marriage of Maria Braun (3rd)
Raul-Breathless (3rd)
Thief-Bicycle Thieves (4th)
Siddon-4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (7th)
Takoma11-Amarcord (8th)
Edarsenal-The Tin Drum (9th)
Cricket-Taste of Cherry (11th)

cricket

06-07-21, 08:16 PM

1st Place and Winner
CITIZEN RULES-81 Points

http://25.media.tumblr.com/b0470c1a510c7126b5a7d4871b7bdb7e/tumblr_mhgea6SWua1qg39ewo1_500.gif

Cricket-Vengeance is Mine (1st)
Edarsenal-Shoplifters (1st)
Takoma-Tokyo Story (1st)
Raul-Diabolique (2nd)
Seanc-The Blue Kite (2nd)
Thursday Next-City of Sadness (4th)
Allaby-Nights of Cabiria (5th)
Thief-Fantastic Planet (7th)
Siddon-Story of a Love Affair (8th)
Wyldesyde19-The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (9th)
Hey Fredrick-Chungking Express (11th)

Allaby

06-07-21, 08:17 PM

Congratulations Citizen Rules!

cricket

06-07-21, 08:17 PM

After I totaled them I realized I had CR's nom 1st and Allaby's last and I just thought oh damnnn.

Allaby

06-07-21, 08:19 PM

After I totaled them I realized I had CR's nom 1st and Allaby's last and I just thought oh damnnn.

It was rigged! I demand a recount!
(just teasing)

This was a lot of fun. Good job hosting Cricket.

cricket

06-07-21, 08:21 PM

Shoplifters and Woman in the Dunes each got 2 first place votes.

Allaby

06-07-21, 08:23 PM

Shoplifters and Woman in the Dunes each got 2 first place votes.

Both are great films, so well deserved.

Citizen Rules

06-07-21, 08:28 PM

Right on! I won:D finally I won something:) And by only 1 point, geez very close.

Congrats Allaby for second place...and big THANKS for everyone who chose movies for me, I liked or loved just about all of them.

And a BIG shout out to Cricket...your da man!

cricket

06-07-21, 08:30 PM

Right on! I won:D finally I won something! And by only 1 point, geez very close.

Congrats Allaby for second place...and big THANKS for everyone who chose movies for me, I liked or loved just about all of them.

And a BIG shout out to Cricket...your da man!

We ended up picking each other's #1. Woman of the Dunes was one of my picks for you in Roulette but you went with The Swimmer.

seanc

06-07-21, 08:33 PM

Congrats CR. That was a fun HOF. Not ashamed of fourth especially considering I am just getting to know a bunch of you mofos.

Good job Cricket

Citizen Rules

06-07-21, 08:35 PM

We ended up picking each other's #1. Woman of the Dunes was one of my picks for you in Roulette but you went with The Swimmer.Both real good films.

I flipped my ballot from Woman in the Dunes to Bicycle Thieves like 3 times right before I sent it to you. I just could not make up my mind, both are amazing movies.

Wyldesyde19

06-07-21, 09:07 PM

Grats CR!
There were a lot of great films tossed my way for this, and I enjoyed them all. (mostly).

Thanks for hosting Cricket!
Oh, and Ed?

I won the tiebreaker. Eat it! 😜
Mwa
Ha
Ha....

Takoma11

06-07-21, 09:48 PM

This was a lot of fun, ya'll! Even the movies I didn't love were almost all on my to-see list anyway, so I appreciate watching them.

The only thing that makes me a little sad is the tepid response to Santa Sangre, which I think is a genuinely brilliant film.

cricket

06-07-21, 09:58 PM

rauldc14

06-07-21, 09:58 PM

Allaby

06-07-21, 10:18 PM

Maybe I'll open part 4 next weekend. There will be a more relaxed due date than this one so folks will still have time for other HoFs, but still a due date. For this one, I just wanted it done in time for the countdown.

Sounds like fun. I'm already looking forward to it.

Citizen Rules

06-07-21, 10:25 PM

Maybe I'll open part 4 next weekend. There will be a more relaxed due date than this one so folks will still have time for other HoFs, but still a due date. For this one, I just wanted it done in time for the countdown.I'll be in, though I'm not in a rush for the next one to start...I have so much on my plate right now.

edarsenal

06-07-21, 10:38 PM

Grats CR!
There were a lot of great films tossed my way for this, and I enjoyed them all. (mostly).

Thanks for hosting Cricket!
Oh, and Ed?

I won the tiebreaker. Eat it! 😜
Mwa
Ha
Ha....

LOL!

youuu lil prick
;)

CONGRATS CR!!! VERRRRY NICELY DONE and D@MN CLOSE Allaby with a sweet 2nd position! VERY cool!!!
And, AS ALWAYS, Rock out with his c@ck out! Our Man! Your Man! Da Man! CRICKET for his usual Excellent job of Host!!!

cricket

06-07-21, 10:40 PM

Everyone make sure to update your lists during the next week!

Thief

06-07-21, 10:43 PM

3rd Place
THIEF-73 Points

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/GrandioseLoathsomeArachnid-size_restricted.gif

Siddon-Wolf Children (1st)
Allaby-Memories of Murder (3rd)
Cricket-Au revoir les enfants (3rd)
Citizen Rules-The 400 Blows (3rd)
Thursday Next-Fitzcarraldo (5th)
Takoma-Harakiri (5th)
Wyldesyde-Stalker (5th)
Edarsenal-A Man Escaped (6th)
Hey Fredrick-Fitzcarraldo (7th)
Raul-Open Your Eyes (10th)
Seanc-Battle Royale (11th)

lolwut! The weird thing is that Siddon's recommendation was a blind one, as in I've never seen it, never even heard of it, but it came after God knows how many back and forth's with cricket with... "this one?... seen it... this one?... seen it... this one?... seen it" :laugh:

Seriously, though, I'm glad that most of you enjoyed my noms. As I've already said repeatedly, I really, really enjoyed all of the films and the gaps between some of them were just... nothing. I don't know if it was "recency bias" that made me end with Woman in the Dunes on top, but I went back and forth between it, Ran, and Le Jour se Lève.

Thief

06-07-21, 10:44 PM

And of course, congrats to Citizen!

https://media.tenor.com/images/cbd7e37b64328e8e596df2d339b007d3/tenor.gif

Thursday Next

06-08-21, 01:38 PM

Congrats, CR!

I knew I had done badly in this one. I just don't think I know other people's tastes well enough, but it's still a lot of fun.

Citizen Rules

06-08-21, 02:33 PM

Congrats, CR!

I knew I had done badly in this one. I just don't think I know other people's tastes well enough, but it's still a lot of fun.I'm glad you joined:) I hope you'll be in the PR IV...and there's always a next time to improve on your guessing abilities. I liked your choice for me, The Earrings of Madame de…I ranked it 6th only because I had so many awesome films this time and they all couldn't be #1.

BTW my first choice for you was Black Orpheus, but it was already taken.

edarsenal

06-08-21, 03:53 PM

https://jonathanrosenbaum.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ali4.jpg

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul aka Angst essen Seele auf (1974)

I don't know if I had gotten exceedingly spoiled with these Personal Rec HoFs and the HUGE love I've had for the films nominated for me, but I may have had the bar set a little too high for - a very good film that SHOULD have wowed me a lot more, but sadly, didn't quite hit that high bar.

I think it may have been the very wooden Ali (El Hedi ben Salem) to the point of being more a "prop" for the more central figure, Emmi (Brigitte Mira), whom I felt very much for and found her performance a shining point for this film. His stoic manner appearing more like an unsure actor waiting for the camera to stop rolling. Or someone staying still for a photograph.
I did get a kick out of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's cameo as the lazy, good-fer-nuthin son-in-law, Eugen. Along with being the Writer/Director of this bleak film of loneliness and petty, cold-shouldered racism.

What I imagine was a cost necessity; it was interesting to see how empty every place was except for the characters themselves. Almost creating a kind of emotional vacuum in and about itself. Accentuating the solitude of Emmi and Ali as they attempt to make a life together.

A very solid and very worthwhile film that I am pleased to have seen and is, as with all of them, VERY thankful to have it nominated for me. THANK YOU