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Mustanaamio7's Movie Diary 2023
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26
3.9
3.5
30.12. 2023
When a sexy blonde model is kidnapped in South America for ransom, a Vietnam veteran is sent to get her back. However, neither the kidnappers nor the hero realize that the jungle where the kidnappers are waiting is full of cannibals just waiting for some human prey. "The Devil Hunter" is exactly a kind of a film you can expect from its director. It is marketed as an "offensive" film, but the acting and the effects in the film are so bad that I doubt many viewers are going be offended by it. Viewers who are just looking for a simple, trashy cannibal adventure film are definitely going to get something out of it.
When a sexy blonde model is kidnapped in South America for ransom, a Vietnam veteran is sent to get her back. However, neither the kidnappers nor the hero realize that the jungle where the kidnappers are waiting is full of cannibals just waiting for some human prey. "The Devil Hunter" is exactly a kind of a film you can expect from its director. It is marketed as an "offensive" film, but the acting and the effects in the film are so bad that I doubt many viewers are going be offended by it. Viewers who are just looking for a simple, trashy cannibal adventure film are definitely going to get something out of it.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
5376
7.8
8.6
28.12. 2023
Terminator 2: Judgment Day does what all sequels should do: it uses old ideas but also adds something new in a different package. The basic structure and the premise of the sequel is quite similar compared to the first film but there are some changes: Skynet sends an advanced, shape-shifting Terminator to kill John Connor, the leader of the future resistance. The resistance sends a reprogrammed T-800 Terminator to protect John. When "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" was released, the film industry had finally managed to get rid of typical illnesses of the old-fashioned special effect technologies so that filmmakers were finally able to create groundbreakingly realistic illusions: robots and other effects in the film feel like they really exist. The film, of course, required an especially high budget but James Cameron knew what he was doing and masterfully combined practical effects with modern CGI effects thus creating a sci-fi action classic that still looks better than many modern day films of its kind. The sequel isn't all about technology but it also adds more serious elements to the familiar story: the meaning of an individual in the middle of turmoils of the world, self-destructive behavior of humans, technological supremacy, and corruption of big corporations are all equally important elements in the story.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day does what all sequels should do: it uses old ideas but also adds something new in a different package. The basic structure and the premise of the sequel is quite similar compared to the first film but there are some changes: Skynet sends an advanced, shape-shifting Terminator to kill John Connor, the leader of the future resistance. The resistance sends a reprogrammed T-800 Terminator to protect John. When "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" was released, the film industry had finally managed to get rid of typical illnesses of the old-fashioned special effect technologies so that filmmakers were finally able to create groundbreakingly realistic illusions: robots and other effects in the film feel like they really exist. The film, of course, required an especially high budget but James Cameron knew what he was doing and masterfully combined practical effects with modern CGI effects thus creating a sci-fi action classic that still looks better than many modern day films of its kind. The sequel isn't all about technology but it also adds more serious elements to the familiar story: the meaning of an individual in the middle of turmoils of the world, self-destructive behavior of humans, technological supremacy, and corruption of big corporations are all equally important elements in the story.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
1946
6.8
7.4
Frozen (2013)
23.12. 2023
A queen Elsa accidentally discovers her hidden magical powers and escapes from her palace. Princess Anna, Elsa's sister, goes searching for her troubled sister in order to prevent eternal winter. Disney turned Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" into a shallow and safe family film. The musical numbers are at least decent.
A queen Elsa accidentally discovers her hidden magical powers and escapes from her palace. Princess Anna, Elsa's sister, goes searching for her troubled sister in order to prevent eternal winter. Disney turned Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" into a shallow and safe family film. The musical numbers are at least decent.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
39
7.7
7.3
News from Home (1976)
22.12. 2023
"News from Home" is mostly compiled of static shots showing us what New York looked like in the '70s. Once in a while we can hear Chantal Akerman reading letters her mother wrote to her, but often noises of the city disrupt Akerman's voice so that nothing can be heard, like messages in the letters aren't that important. "News from Home" is very subjective work of art and it is probably more interesting to its director than it is to anyone else.
"News from Home" is mostly compiled of static shots showing us what New York looked like in the '70s. Once in a while we can hear Chantal Akerman reading letters her mother wrote to her, but often noises of the city disrupt Akerman's voice so that nothing can be heard, like messages in the letters aren't that important. "News from Home" is very subjective work of art and it is probably more interesting to its director than it is to anyone else.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
66
7.8
8.3
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
20.12. 2023
A kamikaze pilot who survived both World War II and the first Godzilla attack gets a chance to regain his honor but also reconsider his values when the gigantic monster returns to torment the Japanese people. "Godzilla Minus One" serves as a tribute to the original 1954 Godzilla film and it also successfully updates the old idea without losing focus on the main message regarding the threat of nuclear war. It should be obvious that we can survive as species only if we keep up hope for the better future, no matter how impossible it can feel sometimes. While the main plot isn't especially surprising, it is still refreshing to finally see a monster movie where human characters are more than just prey for the main monster.
A kamikaze pilot who survived both World War II and the first Godzilla attack gets a chance to regain his honor but also reconsider his values when the gigantic monster returns to torment the Japanese people. "Godzilla Minus One" serves as a tribute to the original 1954 Godzilla film and it also successfully updates the old idea without losing focus on the main message regarding the threat of nuclear war. It should be obvious that we can survive as species only if we keep up hope for the better future, no matter how impossible it can feel sometimes. While the main plot isn't especially surprising, it is still refreshing to finally see a monster movie where human characters are more than just prey for the main monster.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
6
6.7
5
19.12. 2023
Just like Abraham Polonsky's other films, also "Romance of a Horsethief" is a unique gem because it doesn't fit into any easy definitions. The main characters are mostly jews and horse thieves who witness injustices committed by Russian imperialists. The director doesn't beg sympathy for his characters even though doing that would be tempting considering the main theme. Polonsky is creative as a dramatic storyteller and also as a comedian: his film is a cheerful pea for the oppressed people without overemphasized messages and rigid seriousness. Comedic moments, erotic glances, and scenes inspired by impressionist paintings all feel very natural together.
Just like Abraham Polonsky's other films, also "Romance of a Horsethief" is a unique gem because it doesn't fit into any easy definitions. The main characters are mostly jews and horse thieves who witness injustices committed by Russian imperialists. The director doesn't beg sympathy for his characters even though doing that would be tempting considering the main theme. Polonsky is creative as a dramatic storyteller and also as a comedian: his film is a cheerful pea for the oppressed people without overemphasized messages and rigid seriousness. Comedic moments, erotic glances, and scenes inspired by impressionist paintings all feel very natural together.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
120
5.7
6.5
Smile (2022)
18.12. 2023
A psychiatrist has to figure out a way to deal with her personal traumas after witnessing a horrifying death of her patient. "Smile" isn't entirely original as a psychological horror film but it is especially respectable because it takes issue of mental illness seriously instead of being just another over the top slasher film. Monsters aren't scary because they are work of fiction but people who believe in monsters are scary because they are real.
A psychiatrist has to figure out a way to deal with her personal traumas after witnessing a horrifying death of her patient. "Smile" isn't entirely original as a psychological horror film but it is especially respectable because it takes issue of mental illness seriously instead of being just another over the top slasher film. Monsters aren't scary because they are work of fiction but people who believe in monsters are scary because they are real.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
4
2.3
4.6
Majuri maantieltä (1954)
16.12. 2023
"Majuri maantieltä" is one of the countless military farce comedies that were popular in the '50s Finland and it actually has a decent premise: a tramp who is just wandering around is confused with a major who is expected to scrutinise conditions at a garrison. A film offers few funny misconceptions but it is still disappointing because the director isn't able to utilize full potential of the main idea.
"Majuri maantieltä" is one of the countless military farce comedies that were popular in the '50s Finland and it actually has a decent premise: a tramp who is just wandering around is confused with a major who is expected to scrutinise conditions at a garrison. A film offers few funny misconceptions but it is still disappointing because the director isn't able to utilize full potential of the main idea.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
90
5.2
6.2
Last Knights (2015)
15.12. 2023
A story doesn't get much more unoriginal than this: a sword-wielding hero wows revenge against a corrupt leader who killed his master. "Last Knights" is so predictable that a viewer can guess pretty much guess every line and every scene in the film before even watching it. The world depicted in the film is a ludicrous mess and laughably corny with all its multicultural influences and politically correct worldview. Action scenes are very short and they lack intensity so they aren't saving grace either.
A story doesn't get much more unoriginal than this: a sword-wielding hero wows revenge against a corrupt leader who killed his master. "Last Knights" is so predictable that a viewer can guess pretty much guess every line and every scene in the film before even watching it. The world depicted in the film is a ludicrous mess and laughably corny with all its multicultural influences and politically correct worldview. Action scenes are very short and they lack intensity so they aren't saving grace either.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
3
6
0
14.12. 2023
A mysterious stranger called Cornelius arrives to a remote village and becomes a miller that the village needs, but soon people start detesting him because of his weird habit of howling during night time. "Cornélius, le meunier hurlant" is a French film based on a book by Finnish author Arto Paasilinna. The film mixes elements of comedy and tragedy in a successfull way and the story is a bittersweet reminder of difficulty of acceptance.
A mysterious stranger called Cornelius arrives to a remote village and becomes a miller that the village needs, but soon people start detesting him because of his weird habit of howling during night time. "Cornélius, le meunier hurlant" is a French film based on a book by Finnish author Arto Paasilinna. The film mixes elements of comedy and tragedy in a successfull way and the story is a bittersweet reminder of difficulty of acceptance.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
13
4.5
5.7
Meiltähän tämä käy (1973)
12.12. 2023
Severi Suhonen, an ordinary Savonian man, starts working at a wood processing factory and after some awkward moments he manages to impress his new boss. The director Matti Kassila tried to modernize old fashioned Finnish musical comedies but he only ended up lazily recycling old ideas. The mediocre and forgettable musical numbers aren't able to hide predictability of the main plot.
Severi Suhonen, an ordinary Savonian man, starts working at a wood processing factory and after some awkward moments he manages to impress his new boss. The director Matti Kassila tried to modernize old fashioned Finnish musical comedies but he only ended up lazily recycling old ideas. The mediocre and forgettable musical numbers aren't able to hide predictability of the main plot.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
58
6.9
6.7
Je tu il elle (1974)
10.12. 2023
"Je tu il elle", Chantal Akerman's unique experimental film, introduces us a young woman, Julie, who's addicted to eating sugar alone in her small apartment. Days turn into nights and lighting disappears and returns like it doesn't matter at all to the main character. When Julie finally leaves her apartment she becomes a hitchhiker. A lorry driver offers her a ride and in the next long static scene the driver talks to Julie revealing some slightly creepy details about his private life. The film ends with Julie's sexual encounter with her girlfried, which lasts about 15 minutes. Akerman's film doesn't offer explanations but only observations. It presents real life like it is and it is both fascinating and mundane like only real life can be.
"Je tu il elle", Chantal Akerman's unique experimental film, introduces us a young woman, Julie, who's addicted to eating sugar alone in her small apartment. Days turn into nights and lighting disappears and returns like it doesn't matter at all to the main character. When Julie finally leaves her apartment she becomes a hitchhiker. A lorry driver offers her a ride and in the next long static scene the driver talks to Julie revealing some slightly creepy details about his private life. The film ends with Julie's sexual encounter with her girlfried, which lasts about 15 minutes. Akerman's film doesn't offer explanations but only observations. It presents real life like it is and it is both fascinating and mundane like only real life can be.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
45
6.8
6.8
Robinson Crusoe (1954)
9.12. 2023
The classical story by Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe creates his own native kingdom on an exotic island where he brings all the upper class habits and colonial delusions. Buñuel's only English language film feels unfinished, but it is still exciting and strong statement regarding moral decay of so-called civilized people.
The classical story by Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe creates his own native kingdom on an exotic island where he brings all the upper class habits and colonial delusions. Buñuel's only English language film feels unfinished, but it is still exciting and strong statement regarding moral decay of so-called civilized people.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
19
4
5.6
8.12. 2023
A socially awkward professor living in a messy apartment becomes obsessed with a fascinating model living next door. "Wonderwall" is a weird little movie with hardly comprehensible plot. It could be described as psychedelic experience in film form or just a contrived mess masquerading as psychedelic experience. "Wonderwall" reminds us of the fact that if you need to take drugs in order to understand the film, it is rarely a good sign.
A socially awkward professor living in a messy apartment becomes obsessed with a fascinating model living next door. "Wonderwall" is a weird little movie with hardly comprehensible plot. It could be described as psychedelic experience in film form or just a contrived mess masquerading as psychedelic experience. "Wonderwall" reminds us of the fact that if you need to take drugs in order to understand the film, it is rarely a good sign.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
117
7.8
7.8
6.12. 2023
"The Scarecrow" has a standard scenario that is based on chase scenes and a few moderately inventive tricks but the whole thing is rather forgettable and it sinks into the giant mass of countless generic silent comedies. Keaton made several films like this early in his career when his best years were yet to come.
"The Scarecrow" has a standard scenario that is based on chase scenes and a few moderately inventive tricks but the whole thing is rather forgettable and it sinks into the giant mass of countless generic silent comedies. Keaton made several films like this early in his career when his best years were yet to come.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
397
6.3
6.7
Rare Exports (2010)
3.12. 2023
A mysterious monster that likes to slaughter reindeers poses a threat to people of Northern Finland but a little boy may have some ideas on how to fight against it. The concept behind Jalmari Helander's "Rare Exports" is more interesting than the film itself. It takes way too long for anything to happen in the story and character development is basically nonexistent. Why should we care what happens to the characters if we know nothing about their backgrounds? When something finally starts happening, the film just ends. The monster is somehow unique, but it just mostly exists in the story while doing very little, just like the inept screenwriters when they wrote this pathetic script.
A mysterious monster that likes to slaughter reindeers poses a threat to people of Northern Finland but a little boy may have some ideas on how to fight against it. The concept behind Jalmari Helander's "Rare Exports" is more interesting than the film itself. It takes way too long for anything to happen in the story and character development is basically nonexistent. Why should we care what happens to the characters if we know nothing about their backgrounds? When something finally starts happening, the film just ends. The monster is somehow unique, but it just mostly exists in the story while doing very little, just like the inept screenwriters when they wrote this pathetic script.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
7
4
4.7
Vaaksa vaaraa (1965)
2.12. 2023
A man working at a telephone company receives a mysterious package but when a group of clumsy criminals start chasing him he realizes that the package was delivered to wrong address. It is interesting to see what Helsinki looked like back in the '60s but the film doesn't have much else to offer. "Vaaksa vaaraa" is a comically stupid and badly directed film that lacks coherence and common sense. It is work of an amateur who desperately tries to imitate much better foreign "new wave" crime films. There's a scene in the film where the main character falls through a glass window and somehow survives without any scratches even though he falls at least ten metres on the hard floor. How can anyone take this seriously?
A man working at a telephone company receives a mysterious package but when a group of clumsy criminals start chasing him he realizes that the package was delivered to wrong address. It is interesting to see what Helsinki looked like back in the '60s but the film doesn't have much else to offer. "Vaaksa vaaraa" is a comically stupid and badly directed film that lacks coherence and common sense. It is work of an amateur who desperately tries to imitate much better foreign "new wave" crime films. There's a scene in the film where the main character falls through a glass window and somehow survives without any scratches even though he falls at least ten metres on the hard floor. How can anyone take this seriously?
Mustanaamio7's rating:
49
6.5
6.7
The Indian Tomb (1959)
28.11. 2023
Angry Maharaja captures the two lovers after they failed to escape and imprisons them. The brutal leader plans to make Seetha the dancer a new Maharani but he is so blinded by jealousy and hate that he isn't able to see all the scheming around him. The second part of Fritz Lang's "the Indian Epic" is an incredibly captivating adventure film, especially if you are priviledged to see it at the cinema. Political corruption and lust for life in the film are powerful forces that threaten even the most merciless leaders. The atmosphere gets more intense as the revolution begins and the hero manages to escape from the gloomy prison. The other especially memorable scene in the film is the temple dance scene that was quite audacious for its time. The religious element is also integral part of the film but it is presented in a respectable way: Seetha prays at the temple and ask her god to help the two heroes and the prayer actually seems to work when a spider web suddenly appears to cover the cave entrance. The main characters and also a viewer can only guess whether it was work of god or just a happy and very unlikely coincidence.
Angry Maharaja captures the two lovers after they failed to escape and imprisons them. The brutal leader plans to make Seetha the dancer a new Maharani but he is so blinded by jealousy and hate that he isn't able to see all the scheming around him. The second part of Fritz Lang's "the Indian Epic" is an incredibly captivating adventure film, especially if you are priviledged to see it at the cinema. Political corruption and lust for life in the film are powerful forces that threaten even the most merciless leaders. The atmosphere gets more intense as the revolution begins and the hero manages to escape from the gloomy prison. The other especially memorable scene in the film is the temple dance scene that was quite audacious for its time. The religious element is also integral part of the film but it is presented in a respectable way: Seetha prays at the temple and ask her god to help the two heroes and the prayer actually seems to work when a spider web suddenly appears to cover the cave entrance. The main characters and also a viewer can only guess whether it was work of god or just a happy and very unlikely coincidence.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
38
6.6
7.2
26.11. 2023
Antonioni was an independent master director who never strayed too far from his own path. His film "La signora senza camelie" is one of the most realistic depictions of film industry. Its main character is a gorgeous shop clerk who briefly becomes a popular movie star known as Clara Manni. Her jealous husband can't tolerate her performances in frivolous romance films thus he pushes her into more serious productions. Antonioni carefully constructs his characters and examines their behaviour like an especially determined scientist. "La signora senza camelie" is a character study but it is also a critical analysis of superficial upper class culture that mercilessly consumes and objectifies people. You can also say that Antonioni understands women and their struggles in male-dominated culture very well.
Antonioni was an independent master director who never strayed too far from his own path. His film "La signora senza camelie" is one of the most realistic depictions of film industry. Its main character is a gorgeous shop clerk who briefly becomes a popular movie star known as Clara Manni. Her jealous husband can't tolerate her performances in frivolous romance films thus he pushes her into more serious productions. Antonioni carefully constructs his characters and examines their behaviour like an especially determined scientist. "La signora senza camelie" is a character study but it is also a critical analysis of superficial upper class culture that mercilessly consumes and objectifies people. You can also say that Antonioni understands women and their struggles in male-dominated culture very well.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
146
7.4
7.2
25.11. 2023
An ambulance driver Frank is carrying out his ordinary duties when he meets Diane, an attractive young woman hiding something sinister behind her angel face. Diane's stepmother Catherine wants Frank to take a job as the family chauffeur but Diane, who starts stalking Frank, has less innocent plans. Otto Preminger's "Angel Face" is a crime drama revolving around very ordinary themes: romance, obsession, death, broken relationships. It doesn't have any cartoonish villains or any other pointless exaggarations because Preminger refused to compromise on his artistic integrity. The film coldly but truthfully states that death can strike anytime and it can surprise anyone, and ordinary days are the most dangerous ones.
An ambulance driver Frank is carrying out his ordinary duties when he meets Diane, an attractive young woman hiding something sinister behind her angel face. Diane's stepmother Catherine wants Frank to take a job as the family chauffeur but Diane, who starts stalking Frank, has less innocent plans. Otto Preminger's "Angel Face" is a crime drama revolving around very ordinary themes: romance, obsession, death, broken relationships. It doesn't have any cartoonish villains or any other pointless exaggarations because Preminger refused to compromise on his artistic integrity. The film coldly but truthfully states that death can strike anytime and it can surprise anyone, and ordinary days are the most dangerous ones.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
87
7.4
7.1
19.11. 2023
A mercenary, a mine worker, and a peasant woman end up in the middle of Mexican revolution. "The Mercenary" faithfully follows spaghetti western traditions. The main characters aren't typical bad or good characters and unpredictability of their actions makes them more interesting than average. Ennio Morricone's hypnotic soundtrack supports everlasting battle between greed and honor.
A mercenary, a mine worker, and a peasant woman end up in the middle of Mexican revolution. "The Mercenary" faithfully follows spaghetti western traditions. The main characters aren't typical bad or good characters and unpredictability of their actions makes them more interesting than average. Ennio Morricone's hypnotic soundtrack supports everlasting battle between greed and honor.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
63
6.9
6.6
14.11. 2023
I finally got to see Fritz Lang's masterful swan song at the cinema. It is an opportunity that no one should miss. In the film an Indian Maharaja hires a German architect to build a temple for him but the hero gets in trouble when he falls in love with Maharaja's dancer he saved from a man-eating tiger. The betrayal reveals Maharaja's true nature.
Fritz Lang's colorful and atmospheric film offers exotic locations, impressive settings, mystery, romance, and exciting situations in a perfectly balanced package. This time Lang, master of many genres, wasn't interested in profound psychological examinations. Intensity of simple classic story, old-fashioned romanticism, stability of colors and settings, and simple but clever details are all equally meaningful elements.
I finally got to see Fritz Lang's masterful swan song at the cinema. It is an opportunity that no one should miss. In the film an Indian Maharaja hires a German architect to build a temple for him but the hero gets in trouble when he falls in love with Maharaja's dancer he saved from a man-eating tiger. The betrayal reveals Maharaja's true nature.
Fritz Lang's colorful and atmospheric film offers exotic locations, impressive settings, mystery, romance, and exciting situations in a perfectly balanced package. This time Lang, master of many genres, wasn't interested in profound psychological examinations. Intensity of simple classic story, old-fashioned romanticism, stability of colors and settings, and simple but clever details are all equally meaningful elements.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
309
7.9
7.7
Johnny Guitar (1954)
5.11. 2023
"Johnny Guitar" is a quite unusual western directed by unusual and incredibly creative director Nicholas Ray. During the time of harsh censorship American filmmakers couldn't talk about many relevant issues directly but they had to use metaphors if they wanted to say anything at all. The film has a feminist message rare for its era: women can be as competent but also just as immoral as men. The film is also an allegory of Red Scare and a precise depiction of mass hysteria: Joan Crawford plays Vienna, a successfull saloon owner. Emma, a bloodthirsty member of a lynch mob, believes that Vienna is a member of a criminal gang and she wants to kill Vienna even though there's no evidence against her. Sterling Hayden plays Johnny Guitar who handles a guitar like many western heroes handle a gun. One could easily believe that he is going to be the main character but excluding one fight with a gang member he mostly just witnesses events that happen in the front of his eyes while Vienna is the character that can actually make a change. "Johnny Guitar" is a film that upholds its enery and keeps a viewer excited till the intense ending scene. Action scenes in the film aren't just decorations but they are integral part of the main message: a mob rule inevitably leads to violence.
"Johnny Guitar" is a quite unusual western directed by unusual and incredibly creative director Nicholas Ray. During the time of harsh censorship American filmmakers couldn't talk about many relevant issues directly but they had to use metaphors if they wanted to say anything at all. The film has a feminist message rare for its era: women can be as competent but also just as immoral as men. The film is also an allegory of Red Scare and a precise depiction of mass hysteria: Joan Crawford plays Vienna, a successfull saloon owner. Emma, a bloodthirsty member of a lynch mob, believes that Vienna is a member of a criminal gang and she wants to kill Vienna even though there's no evidence against her. Sterling Hayden plays Johnny Guitar who handles a guitar like many western heroes handle a gun. One could easily believe that he is going to be the main character but excluding one fight with a gang member he mostly just witnesses events that happen in the front of his eyes while Vienna is the character that can actually make a change. "Johnny Guitar" is a film that upholds its enery and keeps a viewer excited till the intense ending scene. Action scenes in the film aren't just decorations but they are integral part of the main message: a mob rule inevitably leads to violence.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
198
7.3
7.1
Rio Grande (1950)
27.10. 2023
"Rio Grande" is a film that gets better every time I watch it. I used to think that the film embraces some regressive values and that is still probably true to some extent, but after repeated viewings I'd say that the positive aspects of the film vastly outshine the negative aspects. The film examines classical dilemmas regarding conflicts between family honor and military honor. The main character is a cavarly officer with an especially challenging task: he has to prove that he is worthy as a soldier, but also as a father and as a husband as well. It is never easy to treat your own son like he was just another soldier but strict regulations can't allow men to put their personal feelings above their duties. It is just harsh reality that people in certain position have to deal with. Drama scenes and action scenes are of course supported by light-hearted humour typical for Ford's films so that the film wouldn't feel overly serious.
"Rio Grande" is a film that gets better every time I watch it. I used to think that the film embraces some regressive values and that is still probably true to some extent, but after repeated viewings I'd say that the positive aspects of the film vastly outshine the negative aspects. The film examines classical dilemmas regarding conflicts between family honor and military honor. The main character is a cavarly officer with an especially challenging task: he has to prove that he is worthy as a soldier, but also as a father and as a husband as well. It is never easy to treat your own son like he was just another soldier but strict regulations can't allow men to put their personal feelings above their duties. It is just harsh reality that people in certain position have to deal with. Drama scenes and action scenes are of course supported by light-hearted humour typical for Ford's films so that the film wouldn't feel overly serious.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
12
7.8
7.1
26.10. 2023
I have fond memories of watching Karel Zeman's animations when I was younger. His version of "Thousand and One Nights" made an everlasting impression on me. "Jester's Tale" is another great example of Zeman's incredible creativity. The plot that tells about two musketeers and their adventures is easy to follow but anything can happen in Zeman's world. The film uses real human characters, smoke, fire, and drawn pictures in a way that it is impossible to tell what's going to happen in the next scene. Absurd elements and slapstick blend together smoothly in the film. Zeman's film is like a hypnotic dream that you don't want to end.
I have fond memories of watching Karel Zeman's animations when I was younger. His version of "Thousand and One Nights" made an everlasting impression on me. "Jester's Tale" is another great example of Zeman's incredible creativity. The plot that tells about two musketeers and their adventures is easy to follow but anything can happen in Zeman's world. The film uses real human characters, smoke, fire, and drawn pictures in a way that it is impossible to tell what's going to happen in the next scene. Absurd elements and slapstick blend together smoothly in the film. Zeman's film is like a hypnotic dream that you don't want to end.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
235
7.5
7.6
Winchester '73 (1950)
25.10. 2023
A cowboy wins a precious rifle in a shooting competition but a scoundrel steals it and the cowboy decides to get the rifle back by any means necessary. "Winchester '73" is an old-fashioned western with some crude stereotypes but the way Mann handles traditional American issues, like obsession with guns, makes it slightly more engaging than average. Masterfully paced action scenes makes me want to forget some awkward scenes like the scene with Rock Hudson playing a Native American character.
A cowboy wins a precious rifle in a shooting competition but a scoundrel steals it and the cowboy decides to get the rifle back by any means necessary. "Winchester '73" is an old-fashioned western with some crude stereotypes but the way Mann handles traditional American issues, like obsession with guns, makes it slightly more engaging than average. Masterfully paced action scenes makes me want to forget some awkward scenes like the scene with Rock Hudson playing a Native American character.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
221
5.3
5.4
25.10. 2023
"The Dead Don't Die" by Jim Jarmusch is based on a simple idea that has been recycled so many times that it has become some kind of a joke: groups of different people in a small town witness the beginning of a zombie outbreak and ultimately the end of the world. There's nothing especially clever about Jarmusch's mix between deadpan humour and horror, but it still keeps the film at least moderately entertaining.
"The Dead Don't Die" by Jim Jarmusch is based on a simple idea that has been recycled so many times that it has become some kind of a joke: groups of different people in a small town witness the beginning of a zombie outbreak and ultimately the end of the world. There's nothing especially clever about Jarmusch's mix between deadpan humour and horror, but it still keeps the film at least moderately entertaining.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
160
6
6.6
House of Gucci (2021)
22.10. 2023
The disastrous marriage between ambitious Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci determines the fate of Gucci company. "House of Gucci" offers a generic story and no surprises, no matter if you already know the true story or not. A truly captivating movie about scheming in the fashion industry would require a better script and more creative director.
The disastrous marriage between ambitious Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci determines the fate of Gucci company. "House of Gucci" offers a generic story and no surprises, no matter if you already know the true story or not. A truly captivating movie about scheming in the fashion industry would require a better script and more creative director.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
4208
8.3
8.5
Psycho (1960)
18.10. 2023
It is truly a privilege to see Alfred Hitchcock's cult classic in a theater. The copy I saw was fortunately the original film copy and not one of those soulless "polished" copies we often see nowadays. Film theaters always offer the most impressive watching experience and there's something about great horror classics that makes them especially unique experiences when you see them on the big screen. Hitchcock always created something new when he was making films and "Psycho" is definitely one of his most creative and frightening films. It is especially scary for several reasons: most viewers probably expect that Janet Leigh's character is the heroine of the film but suddenly against all expectations she is stabbed to death in a shower. The scene is especially effective because she is just as unaware regarding her fate as viewers. It is also impressive how tactfully Hitchcock treats his psychotic killer character: Norman Bates seem relatively normal on the surface but small suspicious details about his behavior reveal that something is seriously wrong inside.
It is truly a privilege to see Alfred Hitchcock's cult classic in a theater. The copy I saw was fortunately the original film copy and not one of those soulless "polished" copies we often see nowadays. Film theaters always offer the most impressive watching experience and there's something about great horror classics that makes them especially unique experiences when you see them on the big screen. Hitchcock always created something new when he was making films and "Psycho" is definitely one of his most creative and frightening films. It is especially scary for several reasons: most viewers probably expect that Janet Leigh's character is the heroine of the film but suddenly against all expectations she is stabbed to death in a shower. The scene is especially effective because she is just as unaware regarding her fate as viewers. It is also impressive how tactfully Hitchcock treats his psychotic killer character: Norman Bates seem relatively normal on the surface but small suspicious details about his behavior reveal that something is seriously wrong inside.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
138
8.1
8.1
Die Nibelungen: Siegfried (1924)
27.9. 2023
Fritz Lang did an impressive job by turning an old German legend into a massive adventure epic. The first part ("Die Nibelungen: Siegfried") was entirely made in studio. The story is set in a gloomy world where humans are small compared to majestic nature. Gigantic trees, foggy forests, and huge buildings play often bigger part in the film than human characters. Some of the static shots in the film feel exhausting but the film doesn't have any especially bad scenes. The dragon still looks better than any comparable modern effects.
Fritz Lang did an impressive job by turning an old German legend into a massive adventure epic. The first part ("Die Nibelungen: Siegfried") was entirely made in studio. The story is set in a gloomy world where humans are small compared to majestic nature. Gigantic trees, foggy forests, and huge buildings play often bigger part in the film than human characters. Some of the static shots in the film feel exhausting but the film doesn't have any especially bad scenes. The dragon still looks better than any comparable modern effects.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
983
8.2
8.2
24.9. 2023
"The Gold Rush" starts with a scene that looks like a documentary: a long line of adventurers defying deadly forces of nature. The scene is actually carefully planned reconstruction of countless old photograph of the Klondike Gold Rush. Chaplin's The Lone Prospector gives a human face to this tragic and dramatic period. Nature might be harsh towards lonely prospectors but so is the society that is just as cold as the mountains of Alaska. Chaplin's most memorable gags revolve around three different kinds of hunger: hunger for food, gold fever, and romance. Chaplin was both a comedian and a realist at the same time: the fight scene with a shotgun and surrealist images of a giant chicken are very funny but they also represent madness and barbarity that civilized people are usually trying to hide. Amnesia plays a crucial role in "The Gold Rush" just like in "The Great Dictator": when Big Jim, The Lone Prospector's friend, goes to report his gold mine claim, he realizes that he has lost his memory. Forunately, he suddenly meets his old helpful friend in the saloon and tells him that he can make them both millionaires. This emotionally powerful scene is a clear and straightforward reminder of randomness of prosperity.
"The Gold Rush" starts with a scene that looks like a documentary: a long line of adventurers defying deadly forces of nature. The scene is actually carefully planned reconstruction of countless old photograph of the Klondike Gold Rush. Chaplin's The Lone Prospector gives a human face to this tragic and dramatic period. Nature might be harsh towards lonely prospectors but so is the society that is just as cold as the mountains of Alaska. Chaplin's most memorable gags revolve around three different kinds of hunger: hunger for food, gold fever, and romance. Chaplin was both a comedian and a realist at the same time: the fight scene with a shotgun and surrealist images of a giant chicken are very funny but they also represent madness and barbarity that civilized people are usually trying to hide. Amnesia plays a crucial role in "The Gold Rush" just like in "The Great Dictator": when Big Jim, The Lone Prospector's friend, goes to report his gold mine claim, he realizes that he has lost his memory. Forunately, he suddenly meets his old helpful friend in the saloon and tells him that he can make them both millionaires. This emotionally powerful scene is a clear and straightforward reminder of randomness of prosperity.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
64
7.7
7.4
Fallen Leaves (2023)
20.9. 2023
A construction worker named Holappa suffers from alcoholism and struggles to keep his jobs. One evening in nightclub he meets Ansa who works in service industry but unlike Holappa, she's victim of Finnish bureaucracy instead of her own habits. Kaurismäki paints a romanticized but still beautiful and truthful portrait of the Finnish society with his camera. He hasn't changed his methods: his scenes are slow and atmosphere is always tense. He always offers something new and something old: the film is full of old objects (jukeboxes, '70s radios, old film posters) and the characters also constantly have to listen to terrible news about Ukraine war that doesn't exactly help them to get rid of their depression. References to classic cinema are everywhere, including the touching ending that is a reference to the famous Chaplin film.
A construction worker named Holappa suffers from alcoholism and struggles to keep his jobs. One evening in nightclub he meets Ansa who works in service industry but unlike Holappa, she's victim of Finnish bureaucracy instead of her own habits. Kaurismäki paints a romanticized but still beautiful and truthful portrait of the Finnish society with his camera. He hasn't changed his methods: his scenes are slow and atmosphere is always tense. He always offers something new and something old: the film is full of old objects (jukeboxes, '70s radios, old film posters) and the characters also constantly have to listen to terrible news about Ukraine war that doesn't exactly help them to get rid of their depression. References to classic cinema are everywhere, including the touching ending that is a reference to the famous Chaplin film.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
490
8.1
8.1
13.9. 2023
The Tramp is searching for a better life but one day he accidentally becomes a successfull performer in a struggling circus. The Tramp doesn't realize he is the star of the show so the tyrannical ringmaster can exploit him without any limits. The film is a masterfully designed strike against capitalist system: making profit doesn't require treating workers well. However, ordinary workers can protect themselves by working together. The Tramp also befriends a horse rider and falls in love with her but she falls in love with a newly hired tightrope walker. The Tramp manages to overcome jealousy but the ringmaster still needs to be told a lesson. There is a scene in the film where the Tramp has to pretend that he is a good comedian. However, the ringmaster thinks that he is awful. The Tramp is still funny to viewers who are watching the film so Chaplin manages to be both unfunny and funny at the same time. That is a rare talent. "The Circus" is a rare case because Chaplin actually wanted to forget the film and didn't even want to mention it in his autobiography. It is understandable considering all the problems and tragedies he suffered during the filming but "The Circus" is still as impressive masterpiece as all his other silent films.
The Tramp is searching for a better life but one day he accidentally becomes a successfull performer in a struggling circus. The Tramp doesn't realize he is the star of the show so the tyrannical ringmaster can exploit him without any limits. The film is a masterfully designed strike against capitalist system: making profit doesn't require treating workers well. However, ordinary workers can protect themselves by working together. The Tramp also befriends a horse rider and falls in love with her but she falls in love with a newly hired tightrope walker. The Tramp manages to overcome jealousy but the ringmaster still needs to be told a lesson. There is a scene in the film where the Tramp has to pretend that he is a good comedian. However, the ringmaster thinks that he is awful. The Tramp is still funny to viewers who are watching the film so Chaplin manages to be both unfunny and funny at the same time. That is a rare talent. "The Circus" is a rare case because Chaplin actually wanted to forget the film and didn't even want to mention it in his autobiography. It is understandable considering all the problems and tragedies he suffered during the filming but "The Circus" is still as impressive masterpiece as all his other silent films.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
127
7.1
7
A Woman of Paris (1923)
13.9. 2023
"A Woman of Paris", Chaplin's first drama film, offers a rare chance to witness Chaplin working purely as a director. Even though we never see him in the actual film, we can still notice his unique touch in every single scene. The story tells about two lovers, Jean and Marie, whose parents detest their relationship. They decide to elope to Paris but a sudden tragedy prevents them from meeting each other. A year later the woman is living luxurious life with rich and selfish playboy but one day she meets her former lover again. Choosing between luxurious life and marriage isn't easy but Marie is pressured to make a difficult decision.
Chaplin's creative visual methods prove how much you it is possible to tell about certain lifestyle just by showing only a single object: In the scene where Jean meets Marie in her boudoir, Jean notices that her maid drops a sleeve on the ground. He realizes that the sleeve can only belong to a rich man and this little detail reveals her relationship to a playboy. Several objects presented in the film have equally important hidden meanings. Another example of Chaplin's uncompromised creativity is the scene where Jean reveals the painting he created to Marie. Marie wanted Jean to paint a portrait of her wearing her new glamorous dress but the painting presents Marie wearing her old dress. The painting reminds them both of the time when the life was still treating them well and their fate was still unknown.
"A Woman of Paris", Chaplin's first drama film, offers a rare chance to witness Chaplin working purely as a director. Even though we never see him in the actual film, we can still notice his unique touch in every single scene. The story tells about two lovers, Jean and Marie, whose parents detest their relationship. They decide to elope to Paris but a sudden tragedy prevents them from meeting each other. A year later the woman is living luxurious life with rich and selfish playboy but one day she meets her former lover again. Choosing between luxurious life and marriage isn't easy but Marie is pressured to make a difficult decision.
Chaplin's creative visual methods prove how much you it is possible to tell about certain lifestyle just by showing only a single object: In the scene where Jean meets Marie in her boudoir, Jean notices that her maid drops a sleeve on the ground. He realizes that the sleeve can only belong to a rich man and this little detail reveals her relationship to a playboy. Several objects presented in the film have equally important hidden meanings. Another example of Chaplin's uncompromised creativity is the scene where Jean reveals the painting he created to Marie. Marie wanted Jean to paint a portrait of her wearing her new glamorous dress but the painting presents Marie wearing her old dress. The painting reminds them both of the time when the life was still treating them well and their fate was still unknown.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
625
7.8
7.5
Contempt (1963)
5.9. 2023
"Le mépris" tells about vanishing love and filmmaking but not in a traditional way. Godard doesn't have any certain style but he constantly uses and examines new ideas and methods when he is making films. His characters may suddenly wander off the screen and scenes sometimes suddenly change colors. Some igorant people might think that these are just pretentious tricks but they couldn't be any more wrong. Godard's film doesn't have any unnecessary scenes and his methods make his films more vivid and captivating than mainstream films that never truly challenge viewers.
Especially fascinating thing about the film is its time period. It is set in the time when older classical cinema is slowly dying like the relationship depicted in the film and making way for something new. "Le mépris", just like "Pierrot le Fou", ends with a shot of the ocean. The ocean is a symbol of eternity and this detail makes the end scene mysteriously beautiful. It is also weirdly relaxing ending scene after witnessing all the tragic things that happened to the characters. Cinema might be an artform without future but at least the ocean is always going to exist giving us comfort like all the other beautiful sceneries and bodies in the film.
"Le mépris" tells about vanishing love and filmmaking but not in a traditional way. Godard doesn't have any certain style but he constantly uses and examines new ideas and methods when he is making films. His characters may suddenly wander off the screen and scenes sometimes suddenly change colors. Some igorant people might think that these are just pretentious tricks but they couldn't be any more wrong. Godard's film doesn't have any unnecessary scenes and his methods make his films more vivid and captivating than mainstream films that never truly challenge viewers.
Especially fascinating thing about the film is its time period. It is set in the time when older classical cinema is slowly dying like the relationship depicted in the film and making way for something new. "Le mépris", just like "Pierrot le Fou", ends with a shot of the ocean. The ocean is a symbol of eternity and this detail makes the end scene mysteriously beautiful. It is also weirdly relaxing ending scene after witnessing all the tragic things that happened to the characters. Cinema might be an artform without future but at least the ocean is always going to exist giving us comfort like all the other beautiful sceneries and bodies in the film.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
1006
8.3
8.3
The Kid (1921)
5.9. 2023
"The Kid" is a very personal film for Chaplin. It is basically his testament to his childhood. It is also tribute to humanity. In the story the Tramp takes care of a baby abandonded by a desperate woman. Years go by and the boy's mother becomes a successfull star in the entertainment industry. However, success can't hide those natural feelings that mother has for her son, even though she never even got to know him. The Tramp and grown up kid somehow manage to survive by working together. They have learned a valuable lesson on capitalism: in this system everyone cheats so also the Tramp and the Kid have to cheat if they want to make a living. Their clever idea: the Kid breaks windows and the Tramp repairs the broken windows for an appropriate price. "The Kid" is a genuinely touching film but in a way it is also quite dark and realistic because it suggests that human life is often dependent on coincidences. The Kid finally gets to meet his real mother but the happy reunion happened as a result of an incredible coincidence. Most of the abandoned kids aren't as lucky as him.
"The Kid" is a very personal film for Chaplin. It is basically his testament to his childhood. It is also tribute to humanity. In the story the Tramp takes care of a baby abandonded by a desperate woman. Years go by and the boy's mother becomes a successfull star in the entertainment industry. However, success can't hide those natural feelings that mother has for her son, even though she never even got to know him. The Tramp and grown up kid somehow manage to survive by working together. They have learned a valuable lesson on capitalism: in this system everyone cheats so also the Tramp and the Kid have to cheat if they want to make a living. Their clever idea: the Kid breaks windows and the Tramp repairs the broken windows for an appropriate price. "The Kid" is a genuinely touching film but in a way it is also quite dark and realistic because it suggests that human life is often dependent on coincidences. The Kid finally gets to meet his real mother but the happy reunion happened as a result of an incredible coincidence. Most of the abandoned kids aren't as lucky as him.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
39
7.3
7.2
Toni (1935)
27.8. 2023
"Toni", Jean Renoir's neorealist masterpiece, is based on true events so it is obvious why the director preferred naturalism over unnecessarily decorative style. The story is set in a remote area of southern France where immigrants are fighting for the same jobs as French natives. The themes presented in the film are still relevant and they will always stay relevant because the film focuses on problems and issues that are common for human nature in general. It is clear that people can never get truly rid of their primitive nature. Desire for love, greed for power, and resorting to violence will always be there. Jealousy can ruin both friendship and romance in a second and a path from jealousy to violence can be short. Renoir's film also proves that personal sacrifice might be honorable but in the end it also might be completely meaningless.
"Toni", Jean Renoir's neorealist masterpiece, is based on true events so it is obvious why the director preferred naturalism over unnecessarily decorative style. The story is set in a remote area of southern France where immigrants are fighting for the same jobs as French natives. The themes presented in the film are still relevant and they will always stay relevant because the film focuses on problems and issues that are common for human nature in general. It is clear that people can never get truly rid of their primitive nature. Desire for love, greed for power, and resorting to violence will always be there. Jealousy can ruin both friendship and romance in a second and a path from jealousy to violence can be short. Renoir's film also proves that personal sacrifice might be honorable but in the end it also might be completely meaningless.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
91
7.6
7.3
Vivacious Lady (1938)
25.8. 2023
A young botany professor falls in love with a nightclub performer and marries her quickly but his conservative father doesn't approve his decision. "Vivacious Lady" proves that mocking conservative culture is always at least a little bit of fun. James Stewart always looks somehow confused and that's why he is perfect for the main role in this film. I don't think a typical botany professor is much different compared to him. Ginger Rogers understandably catches everyone's attention as a blonde nightclub performer who is determined to keep the good man she found in spite all the possible challenges their relationship possess. Aside from everything else "Vicacious Lady" offers a rare change to witness how L.B. Jefferies from "Rear Window" spent his early life.
A young botany professor falls in love with a nightclub performer and marries her quickly but his conservative father doesn't approve his decision. "Vivacious Lady" proves that mocking conservative culture is always at least a little bit of fun. James Stewart always looks somehow confused and that's why he is perfect for the main role in this film. I don't think a typical botany professor is much different compared to him. Ginger Rogers understandably catches everyone's attention as a blonde nightclub performer who is determined to keep the good man she found in spite all the possible challenges their relationship possess. Aside from everything else "Vicacious Lady" offers a rare change to witness how L.B. Jefferies from "Rear Window" spent his early life.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
233
7.5
7.7
Missing (1982)
13.8. 2023
It was inevitable that a leftist director Costa-Gavras would finally end up directing a film about the violent 1973 coup that happened in Chile. Chile, Allende or Pinochet aren't mentioned in the film but it doesn't matter becase countless references and details in the film, like Nixon's smug face on the wall, makes it clear where the story happens. You could say one flaw in the film is that it focuses too much on the American characters instead of all those Chileans that suffered terribly because of Pinochet's brutal terror, but in the other hand, one of the themes in the film is American ignorance regarding US foreign policies and this requires focusing especially on American characters. One of the main characters is an American author who disappears during the coup. His desperate wife and his father try to do everything in order to find him. The father character is naive at first and he believes that US embassy officials are doing their best but all the terror in the streets and increasing piles of dead bodies slowly force him to open his naive eyes. It is very relieving for frustrated viewers when the father character finally realizes that US officials are nothing but dishonest weasels only interested in protecting US interests in Latin America. Links between US capitalist system and violent totalitarianism are clearly visible in the film. "Missing" is a masterpiece that remains as a brave testimony of totalitarianism, corruption, capitalism, and US foreign policies.
It was inevitable that a leftist director Costa-Gavras would finally end up directing a film about the violent 1973 coup that happened in Chile. Chile, Allende or Pinochet aren't mentioned in the film but it doesn't matter becase countless references and details in the film, like Nixon's smug face on the wall, makes it clear where the story happens. You could say one flaw in the film is that it focuses too much on the American characters instead of all those Chileans that suffered terribly because of Pinochet's brutal terror, but in the other hand, one of the themes in the film is American ignorance regarding US foreign policies and this requires focusing especially on American characters. One of the main characters is an American author who disappears during the coup. His desperate wife and his father try to do everything in order to find him. The father character is naive at first and he believes that US embassy officials are doing their best but all the terror in the streets and increasing piles of dead bodies slowly force him to open his naive eyes. It is very relieving for frustrated viewers when the father character finally realizes that US officials are nothing but dishonest weasels only interested in protecting US interests in Latin America. Links between US capitalist system and violent totalitarianism are clearly visible in the film. "Missing" is a masterpiece that remains as a brave testimony of totalitarianism, corruption, capitalism, and US foreign policies.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
125
7.7
7.8
Nazarin (1959)
11.8. 2023
The main character of "Nazarin" is a priest who is truly dedicated to his job but society, police, and church consider him a dangerous rebel who needs to be eradicated one way or another. He takes kind of risks during his journey that make him look mad in the eyes of all the people who just want to survive and live their mediocre life. The priest could as well be a dedicated socialist ideologue who struggles to survive in an oppressive totalitarian state. Buñuel's emotionally thrilling film is an uncompromising study of determination, madness, and organized religion. The film offers simple and harsh truth: people who take their beliefs seriously look mad to mad society.
The main character of "Nazarin" is a priest who is truly dedicated to his job but society, police, and church consider him a dangerous rebel who needs to be eradicated one way or another. He takes kind of risks during his journey that make him look mad in the eyes of all the people who just want to survive and live their mediocre life. The priest could as well be a dedicated socialist ideologue who struggles to survive in an oppressive totalitarian state. Buñuel's emotionally thrilling film is an uncompromising study of determination, madness, and organized religion. The film offers simple and harsh truth: people who take their beliefs seriously look mad to mad society.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
2
3.5
4.6
30.7. 2023
There are good propaganda films like "Battleship Potemkin" and "The Birth of a Nation", and then there are forgettable, dusty relics like "Haigang", obnoxious piece of maoist propaganda. The film actually has something that resembles a plot: a group of dockers are preparing to send a wheat cargo to Africa but one of the workers finds out that somebody has mixed glass wool in wheat. Loyal workers of course have to find the criminal who did it and expose him. "Haigang" is basically filmed theater play that lasts about two hours, although it is so repetitive and hard to watch that it seems ten times longer.
There are good propaganda films like "Battleship Potemkin" and "The Birth of a Nation", and then there are forgettable, dusty relics like "Haigang", obnoxious piece of maoist propaganda. The film actually has something that resembles a plot: a group of dockers are preparing to send a wheat cargo to Africa but one of the workers finds out that somebody has mixed glass wool in wheat. Loyal workers of course have to find the criminal who did it and expose him. "Haigang" is basically filmed theater play that lasts about two hours, although it is so repetitive and hard to watch that it seems ten times longer.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
319
7.3
7.4
Murder by Death (1976)
28.7. 2023
Five world's greatest detectives are invited to a mysterious dinner party. Everyone knows that a murder is going happen at midnight but no one has any idea who is going to be the victim. Old detective stories are quite rich source for jokes with all their tired cliches and stereotypical characters but some jokes in the film have aged worse than the others. Sometimes the film feels like it is both mocking and embracing awkward stereotypes.
Five world's greatest detectives are invited to a mysterious dinner party. Everyone knows that a murder is going happen at midnight but no one has any idea who is going to be the victim. Old detective stories are quite rich source for jokes with all their tired cliches and stereotypical characters but some jokes in the film have aged worse than the others. Sometimes the film feels like it is both mocking and embracing awkward stereotypes.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
16
7
7.6
Special Section (1975)
19.7. 2023
Leftist revolutionaries kill a nazi officer in Vichy's France and corrupt officials working for Vichy's regime desperately wants to punish someone in order to show their power. They decide to establish a new law that would make it possible for them to sentence someone to death retroactively. Some judges think that the new law is preposterous but pressure from higher officials might be too much for them to resist and some of them may have to act against their own will. Costa-Gavras's hard-hitting political thriller explores the true roots of fascism and totalitarianism. The film also talks about certain political issues that don't only exist in totalitarinism: politicians and officials making immoral decisions and uncomfortable compromises in order to please some corrupt leaders and their warped sense of justice is also problem in many democratic societies.
Leftist revolutionaries kill a nazi officer in Vichy's France and corrupt officials working for Vichy's regime desperately wants to punish someone in order to show their power. They decide to establish a new law that would make it possible for them to sentence someone to death retroactively. Some judges think that the new law is preposterous but pressure from higher officials might be too much for them to resist and some of them may have to act against their own will. Costa-Gavras's hard-hitting political thriller explores the true roots of fascism and totalitarianism. The film also talks about certain political issues that don't only exist in totalitarinism: politicians and officials making immoral decisions and uncomfortable compromises in order to please some corrupt leaders and their warped sense of justice is also problem in many democratic societies.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
89
7.7
7.6
15.7. 2023
The main character in Rohmer's film is Gaspard, a maths graduate and a musician, who thinks that nothing ever happens in his life. He becomes friends with Margot, a young waitress, while taking a vacation in Dinard. Gaspard desperately wants to meet Lena, who is almost like a girlfriend to him, but Gaspard's life becomes more complicated when Margot introduces him to Sòlene who is both fascinating and suspicious young woman. Inevitably Gaspard has to make a difficult decision between three different women but can any decision be truly satisfying for him? Why it is often impossible for a man just to be himself while talking to a woman? Maybe sometimes a man meets a woman because he thinks it is some kind of a weird responsibility, but maybe he also truly wants to learn to understand women better. Of course, he also just might be looking for a simple romantic relationship. He ends up playing a role to two women and he finds out that he can truly be himself only when he is talking to a friend. A new friend may help a young man to understand women better but it doesn't necessarily fix his love life. "A Summer's Tale" is a touching film without any hint of sentimentality. It is touching because of it how honestly it talks about common romantic problems and these are kind of problems that almost all young men face at some point of their lives.
The main character in Rohmer's film is Gaspard, a maths graduate and a musician, who thinks that nothing ever happens in his life. He becomes friends with Margot, a young waitress, while taking a vacation in Dinard. Gaspard desperately wants to meet Lena, who is almost like a girlfriend to him, but Gaspard's life becomes more complicated when Margot introduces him to Sòlene who is both fascinating and suspicious young woman. Inevitably Gaspard has to make a difficult decision between three different women but can any decision be truly satisfying for him? Why it is often impossible for a man just to be himself while talking to a woman? Maybe sometimes a man meets a woman because he thinks it is some kind of a weird responsibility, but maybe he also truly wants to learn to understand women better. Of course, he also just might be looking for a simple romantic relationship. He ends up playing a role to two women and he finds out that he can truly be himself only when he is talking to a friend. A new friend may help a young man to understand women better but it doesn't necessarily fix his love life. "A Summer's Tale" is a touching film without any hint of sentimentality. It is touching because of it how honestly it talks about common romantic problems and these are kind of problems that almost all young men face at some point of their lives.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
72
7.4
7.1
A Tale of Springtime (1990)
11.7. 2023
Jeanne, a philosophy teacher, and Natasha, a music student, meet each other at a party and share some words with each other. They decide to leave the boring party and live together few days. Jeanne accidentally meets Natasha's father in rather awkward way but neither of them can guess what happens later. Almost every word and everything that characters do in Rohmer's film means something and reveals more or less significant details about human behaviour. Rohmer's greatest stregth is the fact that he never over-explains anything but examines his characters and their actions in a calm and thoughtful manner. There's nothing especially dramatic in the film from a certain point of view. In the other hand, totally casual issues and problems can also mean much in real life and they can also change the course of your life. Why the two young women become friends so quickly? Does the other woman have some mischievous plans when she introduces her father to her friend? Rohmer appreciates viewers so he prefers raising questions instead of answering them.
Jeanne, a philosophy teacher, and Natasha, a music student, meet each other at a party and share some words with each other. They decide to leave the boring party and live together few days. Jeanne accidentally meets Natasha's father in rather awkward way but neither of them can guess what happens later. Almost every word and everything that characters do in Rohmer's film means something and reveals more or less significant details about human behaviour. Rohmer's greatest stregth is the fact that he never over-explains anything but examines his characters and their actions in a calm and thoughtful manner. There's nothing especially dramatic in the film from a certain point of view. In the other hand, totally casual issues and problems can also mean much in real life and they can also change the course of your life. Why the two young women become friends so quickly? Does the other woman have some mischievous plans when she introduces her father to her friend? Rohmer appreciates viewers so he prefers raising questions instead of answering them.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
199
7.5
7.6
Murder, My Sweet (1944) (1944)
1.7. 2023
Philip Marlowe, a private detective, accepts a job from anyone who is ready to pay good money to him. In the center of the complex plot is a precious jade necklace that is a certain kind of a link between several more or less dangerous characters. "Murder, My Sweet" has everything a perfect film noir movie needs: a confused private detective, violent men, deceitful women, tight atmosphere, and a plot full of twists. In a society that puts money above everything it is hard to say who morally good and who is despicable because in the end all the people have to follow the same overwhelming rules.
Philip Marlowe, a private detective, accepts a job from anyone who is ready to pay good money to him. In the center of the complex plot is a precious jade necklace that is a certain kind of a link between several more or less dangerous characters. "Murder, My Sweet" has everything a perfect film noir movie needs: a confused private detective, violent men, deceitful women, tight atmosphere, and a plot full of twists. In a society that puts money above everything it is hard to say who morally good and who is despicable because in the end all the people have to follow the same overwhelming rules.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
33
6.7
5.1
30.6. 2023
How Don Juan would act if he was a woman? This is the question that Roger Vadim's clumsily directed film asks. Brigitte Bardot's character reveals her sexual encounters to an uptight priest without sparing him from all the dirty details. Vadim's directing style is messy and quite obviously the film would be much less interesting without Bardot in the leading role. Even though the film feels pretentious at times, it still manages to make some correct observations regarding male and female roles and human sexuality.
How Don Juan would act if he was a woman? This is the question that Roger Vadim's clumsily directed film asks. Brigitte Bardot's character reveals her sexual encounters to an uptight priest without sparing him from all the dirty details. Vadim's directing style is messy and quite obviously the film would be much less interesting without Bardot in the leading role. Even though the film feels pretentious at times, it still manages to make some correct observations regarding male and female roles and human sexuality.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
119
7.8
6.9
While the City Sleeps (1956)
24.6. 2023
A serial killer stalks and murders unsuspecting women and an influential newspaper publisher pits three top reporters against each other to catch and expose the killer. The killer is mostly just a pathetic character who suffers from a disturbed relationship with his mother. He is very much like the child killer in Lang's masterpiece "M". Lang's remarks are sharp and impressive: the killer is easy to hate but honorable characters aren't actually that innocent either because they cynically represent the system that values profits and sensationalism before anything else.
A serial killer stalks and murders unsuspecting women and an influential newspaper publisher pits three top reporters against each other to catch and expose the killer. The killer is mostly just a pathetic character who suffers from a disturbed relationship with his mother. He is very much like the child killer in Lang's masterpiece "M". Lang's remarks are sharp and impressive: the killer is easy to hate but honorable characters aren't actually that innocent either because they cynically represent the system that values profits and sensationalism before anything else.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
318
7.5
7.3
Mr. Hulot's Holiday (1953)
23.6. 2023
What I really respect about Jacues Tati is that his main character Mr. Hulot is often just actually a side character in many scenes. This fact defines Tati's art and it proves that Tati doesn't want the film to revolve only around the character played by him. All the scenes are so full of creative gags that you need many viewings in order to notice them all. "Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot" proves how comical everyday life can be: the auteur director focuses on people who are frustrated because of confusing announcements, people who treat vacation like work, people who are stuck with their work, intellectuals who bore people to death, kids and old people who just want to enjoy life, and people like Hulot who always try to be polite but often ends up causing chaos but also amuses many people around him.
What I really respect about Jacues Tati is that his main character Mr. Hulot is often just actually a side character in many scenes. This fact defines Tati's art and it proves that Tati doesn't want the film to revolve only around the character played by him. All the scenes are so full of creative gags that you need many viewings in order to notice them all. "Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot" proves how comical everyday life can be: the auteur director focuses on people who are frustrated because of confusing announcements, people who treat vacation like work, people who are stuck with their work, intellectuals who bore people to death, kids and old people who just want to enjoy life, and people like Hulot who always try to be polite but often ends up causing chaos but also amuses many people around him.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
449
7.4
7
Tenebre (1982)
30.5. 2023
People are getting brutally murdered and an author realizes that his work has something to do with the murders. "Tenebre" is a typical Argento film: thin plot, clumsy effects, and only a few genuinely suspenseful moments.
People are getting brutally murdered and an author realizes that his work has something to do with the murders. "Tenebre" is a typical Argento film: thin plot, clumsy effects, and only a few genuinely suspenseful moments.
Mustanaamio7's rating:
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New diary for a new year. Hopefully I can be more active this year.
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