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Reviews
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Awful, unnecessarily graphic & brutal, painful to watch
How this could rank in the top 50 in the IMDB top 250 movies I don't know. It was extremely difficult for me to watch this film, because I was so disturbed by the graphic deaths/murders of innocent Vietnamese. No doubt that scenes such as that were very realistic, and probably US soldiers did that and worse, knowing how much disregard they have for human lives in real life (i.e. The Gulf War, WW2, Korean and Vietnam Wars). I am extremely disapproving of war in general, and there is a lot of pain left over from these unnecessary battles that are lasting, for the innocent victims. If there should be a movie at all about how horrifying war is, it should not be graphic, intensely disturbing displays of mass murder; but a thorough examination at the psychological aspect of those involved with the war: the soldiers figbting against each other, the families of those who leave for war, the emotional scars of those who have lost a loved one. This is truly an awful movie, to say the least.
Gia (1998)
Tragic life story of a girl in pain
The story about the life of a supermodel who used drugs to dull the pain of the emptiness and hurt in her life; a stunning performance by Angelina Jolie captures the essence of what made Gia--Gia. Opens your eyes to how one wrong decision can destroy your life so emphatically. Heartbreaking and deeply emotional in every aspect, from Gia examining her bisexuality to her struggle to cope with her drug abuse and the onset of AIDs that eventually destroyed her short, deeply tragic life at age 26.
Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
Horrible acting, very stereotypical
Now, it's Brad Pitt, who's too busy looking at himself to truly "fit" his roles appropriately. I didn't expect much of this movie before I saw it and I was rather underwhelmed by the thin plot, stereotypical characters, and horrible acting. Why Pitt was chosen for the title role I don't understand, but he ruined the role AND the movie. I know that this story was supposed to have significant meaning, after all Tibet, where this movie was based in, has had turmoil with the Chinese for so long, but the filmmakers did a lousy job trying to put this story together and KEEP IT together.
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Stunning and Eloquent
Beautifully poetic and artistic film that really captures the mind and spirit of a person. I was so drawn towards, so mesmerized by such a complex film in many ways. Everything, from the martial arts, to the passionate love between Lo and Jen, to the tearful ending, contributes so significantly to the beauty of the film, the deeper inner meaning behind life, that these characters were inevitably searching for. The beautiful Academy Award winning score was perfect in every sense, matching the mood of the film immaculately. A true treasure, true gem to be remembered forever.
Traffic (2000)
Very complex film
This film showcases the disturbing realism of the underground drug world. The characters just get trapped in a vicious whirlwind, an unforgiving incessant cycle of depression and self-hurt. So many films like to portray the positive in life: people winning lawsuits, a love story, etc. However, those very films shy away from the very diverse world earth really is. There is so much suffering in the world: some by people who have no control, such as children abandoned by their parents, some by people who purposely destroy their lives, such as the drug addicts portrayed in this powerful story. This is a very complex film, intertwining 3 very different stories and characters, some of whom are drug dealers and addicts, others are law enforcement working to combat drugs. Whatever they may fight for, you'll see displayed so poignantly in this film, how they are no doubt deeply affected by what they do and the decisions they make in life. Definitely a film realistic in every sense, brilliantly filmed and directed, with superb acting, by all 3 acting leads: Benicio Del Toro (who won a well-deserved Oscar), Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Michael Douglas. You'll come out of the theater with a lot to think about, not only your life but others around you.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Decent acting and story but hardly deserving of the Oscar
I thought the acting was fairly decent by Julia Roberts and her costar Albert Finney, but I do feel that the Oscar was undeserved. It seemed like this year's Oscars were more of a popularity contest than accolades for true accomplishment. Ellen Burstyn was no doubt robbed of her Best Leading Actress Oscar for Requiem for a Dream. The other 2 actresses who I felt won premature, undeserved Oscars were Gwyneth Paltrow in 1998 for Shakespeare in Love and Helen Hunt in 1997 for As Good as It Gets. Don't get me wrong: all decent performances but all in all pretty ordinary. Who was most deserving of the Best Actress Academy Award in the past decade? Without a doubt, Jessica Lange for 1994's Blue Sky, followed closely by Susan Sarandon in 1995 for Dead Man Walking and Kathy Bates in 1990 for Misery. Don't want to get off the subject, but might as well point out how I felt about Best Actor. Russell Crowe---Best Actor? I thought I'd puke. Kevin Spacey, Tom Hanks for Forrest Gump, and Anthony Hopkins---all undeserving. Most deserving??? That would be the brilliant Nicolas Cage for 1995's Leaving Las Vegas, followed closely by Al Pacino for 1992's Scent of a Woman, Roberto Benigni for 1998's Life is Beautiful [which I feel sour that it didn't win Best Picture], and Geoffrey Rush for 1996's Shine.
Schindler's List (1993)
Powerfully disturbing film with lack of credibility/unnecessary storyline of Oskar Schindler
No doubt a powerful and disturbing film about THE MOST tragic time in humanity, and it broke my heart to see all the mistreatment and the carelessness/complete disregard for human life. I can't help wonder, though, if the story is really credible. Why would a German businessman risk his life and undergo bankruptcy to save people that his very people were against? If this story really is true, I doubt he did so out of the kindness of his heart, but more for reputation-boosting. I expected a lot from this film, after all, it outlines something horrifying and truly a tragedy, but I couldn't help thinking that this film undermined the sensitivity of this subject by including a greedy, selfish, profiteering, womanizing German businessman in the story. I think that if you really want to learn more about the Holocaust, it should not be through films such as this, but through actual real-life documentaries that include no "other" unnecessary characters/stories, but truly tell the real pain, the real hurt and loss of the Jewish people who were treated so badly just because they believed differently from others. Regardless, there were some truly powerful moments in the film: The pictures of the starving prisoners who were forced to strip and be inspected by Nazi doctors, who would determine whether they could work or whether they should be killed. The little girl in the bright red dress, the only color, the only sunshine, in an otherwise gray, dark period of time, the very essence of innocence, and her symbolism later in the film when her lifeless body is wheelbarrowed over to the ever-growing pile of dead bodies that were to be incinerated. When Amon Goeth's young Jewish maid asks Oskar Schindler why he shot an elderly woman who was just passing by, bothering no one, looking at no one; his reply: because she meant nothing to him, she was just one of those people who neither bothered nor pleased him, just that she was just a random person with no meaning to him, was the reason why he so cruelly took a life so easily.
I do think this film is worth watching, no doubt, but please don't automatically assume you know everything about the Holocaust because you watched this film; this film portrayed life less harshly than life for the imprisoned actually was. Please watch documentaries on the Holocaust, research more through books and legitimate media, if you want the true facts.
La vita è bella (1997)
Tragic and beautiful
I personally felt that Life is Beautiful was robbed of Best Picture. To name a Shakespearean romance Best Picture over Life is Beautiful? I feel very disappointed in the Academy; subtitles and the fact that it is a foreign language film shouldn't deter you from richly rewarding it with all the accolades you can carry. Brilliant filmmaker and actor Roberto Benigni tries to protect his child from the horrors of World War II and the German Nazi's overtaking of him, his family, and every Jewish person in between. Unlike many films, like Schindler's List, he pretends that the war is a game because as a loving father, he wants to shield his child from the terror that the war really is. Tragic end, but a beautiful film and well-deserved Best Actor Oscar for Roberto Benigni.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
A truly breathtaking and heartbreaking film
First of all, I am a male, and I just have to say this movie truly touched me inside. I know what it is to have that struggle with other people and truly admire the characters for what they did and refusing to give up, even in the end, because they drove off the cliff instead of surrendering once again to the male-dominated world. Why this movie only got 1 Oscar, I will never know, but it certainly deserved Best Picture and more. Thelma and Louise did get the Best Screenplay Oscar, which was definitely well deserved. There are many qualities to a good movie: among them, is a good script, good acting, good background/setting, good music, among other things. The script was superb, absolutely amazing and touching how these 2 friends stood up for each other and were going to be there for each other all the way to the end. The acting was SENSATIONAL, both Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis gave absolutely stunning performances, no flaws, beautifully done, ladies! As for the setting: Could it be any more beautiful? Set in the Mid-US where there are exceptionally beautiful canyons and scenery..... and the music! I loved Hans Zimmers' haunting guitar music, which was glorious, especially in the final few moments of the moment before they made that historic drive over the cliff. The ending was amazing also...that drive over the cliff to show that these 2 brave women will never ever be confined by men again...plus the clips of happier moments of the pair in the past that followed were simply ingenious! That is why I am proud to call Thelma and Louise my favorite movie of all time. I know that there will never be a movie that will demonstrate courage, faith and friendship as beautifully as "Thelma and Louise" did.
Bravo to the whole cast, crew and Ridley Scott, the director!!!
If You Believe (1999)
Great holiday Movie
This is a Lifetime Network Original Movie. Great holiday story for the whole family. I don't want to ruin anything so I won't say anything. You probably won't see this movie on-air right now because it is a holiday movie. However, look forward to seeing it exclusively on Lifetime TV during the holidays, especially during Christmas time.
Mrs. Winterbourne (1996)
An outstanding and heartwarming film!
This is a wonderful movie starring two of my most favorite stars, Ricki Lake and Brendan Fraser, as well as a famed actress, Shirley MacLaine. The story follows the life of Connie Doyle, an 18 year old girl who decides to leave her family and go to New York. She meets Steve DeCunzo, a car-radio thief, who invites her in to stay with him and his friends. She suddenly gets pregnant one day by Steve but he's angry because of that, so he kicks her out and gets a new girlfriend. So she accidentally got on a train to Boston where she met charming Hugh Winterbourne and his pregnant wife Patricia Winterbourne.
Unfortunately, there is a big train crash, resulting in the death of Patricia and Hugh Winterbourne. Connie Doyle is accidentally mistaken for Patricia Winterbourne and Patricia's mother-in-law, Grace Winterbourne, thinks that Patricia is still alive and invites Connie to come live with her family. Now Connie assumes the role of Patricia Winterbourne and eventually, Hugh's brother Bill finds out who she really is but doesn't say anything. At first Bill is hostile to Connie resulting in tears but eventually he comes to really like her and even deeply kisses her.
They both have wonderful relationships with the delightful Cuban butler, Paco, who touched me with his role. The bad thing happens when Steve DeCunzo suddenly reappears at a party thrown by Grace, so he and Connie argue. He wants money and the baby or he threatens to reveal Connie's true identity. So she finally tries to murder him one night but finds he's already dead. Bill finds her and tells her he knows who she really is.
Bill and Connie eventually get married and the real murderer, Steve's former girlfriend, is caught. Everyone finds out who Connie really is and accepts her. What a wonderful and touching movie! I saw this movie on Lifetime TV.
Patch Adams (1998)
Extremely funny and moving movie!
I was very impressed at how much talent Robin Williams has. He certainly is one of the most comedic and friendliest person ever. He does an outstanding job in this movie, just like in every movie. He is very funny. If you think this is all a comedy and all very funny, think again because there are some scenes in this movie when I just broke up crying. You see, Robin plays this older guy named Patch Adams who sees making patients better at the hospital is not by the same philosophy as the traditional doctors, but instead try to make them better by making them laugh. This is indeed a very good philosophy, because Robin successfully made me laugh too. He meets this very intelligent girl who is trying to make something of herself by being a successful student at the university. Patch eventually decides to open a hospital out in the country with some of his best friends. However, then a tragedy strikes: the girl who Patch loved very much is killed by an insane guy who then kills himself. Very sad parts, but Robin always manages to make us laugh in the end. The ending when Robin graduates is very funny; check it out, you'll die laughing. Mr. Williams, I have the utmost respect for you. From Daniel.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Extremely well thought of movie by Disney!
This is one of Walt Disney's most brilliant movies ever! It is pretty sad and suspenseful. All the kids around loved it and so did I. It is really nice how the mermaid Ariel tried to do everything she could to get the one she truly loved, even if it meant crossing the line of a powerful evil witch. That's true love for you.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Cary Grant & Grace Kelly are magnificent!
I cannot believe how much I love this movie. This is probably Cary Grant and Grace Kelly's very best movie. This movie takes place on the French Riviera. She is a beautiful daughter;he's a former thief in the U.S. It can't get any better than this; two of the most famous actors together. Don't miss this!