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Reviews
Belle Epoque (1992)
The Best Spanish Film of the 90's
Belle Epoque is simply that. A beautiful thing. Rarely does a movie manage to affect the viewer on so many levels, and in such a variety of ways. For those seeking comedy, this film certainly satisfies. Now, be forewarned, it is not the generic, brainless, slapstick, comedy that has penetrated into the subconscious of America. Moreover, it's humor is a throwback to simpler times. For a comparison, its comedy can be compared "Life is Beautiful", although not as obvious or abundant.
For those seeking romance, this film is also excellent. Its plot is a take on the old, "Farmer and His Daughters" story that we all heard when we were kids.
If you're in the mood for a feel-good movie for a change, don't hesitate to rent Belle Epoque. ****
Shogun Assassin (1980)
A stylish, action movie that should satisfy anyone willing to stomach a little bloodshed
Shogun Assassin is no longer available in the United States, which is very unfortunate indeed. I obtained a copy through a Canadian film distributor. It follows a man named Lone Wolf, the right hand man of an evil Shogun. When the Shogun feels that Lone Wolf has grown too powerful, he sends his ninja spies to kill him. They fail, and thus begins the saga of Lone Wolf and his toddler son. A must see if you can obtain a copy.
Los perros de Dios (1974)
A mexican film reminiscent of some of Luis Bunuel's work
Los Perros de Dios, The Dogs of God, is a deeply symbolic, deeply allegorical film look at Mexican life. You get the feeling that the director tried his best to make this a serious film, but with so many outlandish visions junxtaposed with a somber plot, you can't help but laugh.
This film reminded me of Luis Bunuel's work especially "Un Chien Andalou","The Phantoms of Liberty", and "L'Age D'or". I'm not sure where you can obtain of copy of it, the only reason that I saw it was that it happened to be a late-night film on Univision, the spanish-language channel in the USA.
Clean, Shaven (1993)
A harrowing look at a diseased mind - ***1/2
This film is one of best movies that I have seen recently. It is stunningly shot; the cinematography is excellent. Peter Greene plays the role of his life as he portrays a deinstitutionalized man searching for his daughter. He is constantly haunted by voices and strange hallucinations, which director Lodge Kerrigan brings into play beautifully. There are some very graphic scenes, so if you're squeamish make sure to close your eyes. Go out and rent it today.
Ronin (1998)
A movie with so many plot twists and complications that it confuses itself.
Usually, when you plunk down your money to see a DeNiro movie, you can rest assured that your money has been well spent. DeNiro is probably one of the greatest actors of all time and definitely one of my favorites. I've loved all the movies that he's been in. Everything from Mean Streets, to Taxi Driver, to Awakenings and Jackie Brown. I'm always left wanting more. Ronin, however, left a bad taste in my mouth. Before you pay to see this movie, realize that you may have already seen it. It was called Mission Impossible and Tom Cruise played the part that DeNiro plays in Ronin. Both films have similar espionage story lines, and both films were a little too complicated for mainstream America. Within the first 5 minutes of Ronin, I had already lost count of how many people around me had said: " I don't get it! " or " I thought he was with them!!" Robert DeNiro is excellent as always, but even his stellar performance can't save this movie. The entire film centers around an elite group of spies and mercenaries who have been hired to retrieve a suit case. They try and try and try and try and try again. Like that last sentence, it too goes on forever. In the movie, DeNiro is asked if he has ever killed anyone. " I hurt somebody's feelings once." he smirks back. Well, this film certainly hurt mine.
Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
A fresh, coming of age story, with some creative twists.
I just saw Slums of Beverly Hills, and must say that I was pleasantly suprised. Although I was sure that I had seen my fill of movies depicting life in the 70's, (I guess it's because no one remembers them!!) but this film isn't over the top with the 70's theme. Natasha Lyonne is great as Vivian, a budding teenage girl who is getting tired of moving every few months. Allen Arkin is perfect as Vivian's father, a down on his luck salesman who is trying to keep his family together. Slums of Beverly Hills accurately portrays the awkwardness of growing up that we all remember so well.
Die Blechtrommel (1979)
A strange, surrealist visit to war time Germany.
The Tin Drum is one of the strangest films that I have seen in a long time. Strange not necessarily being a bad thing. It contains a feel similar to that of other eastern european films. It follows the life of Oskar, a three year old German boy who refuses to stop playing the tin drum that he received for his birthday. After viewing how ludicrous adults act, Oskar decides to stop his growth, and stay three years old forever.
The Tin Drum has been banned in Oklahoma, and was the feature of some programs on censored films. The cause of this controversy is the fact that Oskar grows old, but never changes his toddler appearance. This plot line troubles some, especially when Oskar reaches puberty and becomes interested in the fairer sex.
Despite the controversies, The Tin Drum is a film that should not be missed. It is definetely one of the best films to come out of Germany in the past 20 years.