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narasaki9
Reviews
Only the Brave (2006)
Finally!
This is a terrific film and tribute to an unbelievable group of soldiers and just one of their amazing accomplishments. With all the renewed interest in World War II as this generation of men begin to pass from the scene, I can't believe there haven't been more films about the little- known exploits of this all-Japanese American 442nd RCT. As of this writing, this film has mainly been on the film festival circuit - I can't believe this was a low-budget, independent film - a period piece, and a war picture, to boot. A great cast, including such Asian American luminaries like Jason Scott Lee, Mark Dacascos, Tamlyn Tomita, Pat Morita (maybe his last performance), and others, along with a scrupulous attention to detail - weapons, uniforms, etc. - make this a stand-out film. The script's basic theme - that each of these men were more than just soldiers, they each had families, loved ones, reasons to live - magnify the tragedy of each death, so this film not only honors and glorifies these men's accomplishments, it also serves as a meditation on the true cost of war. Hope this sparks many, many more films about these guys!
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
Moved to Tears
I admit it, with me, Michael Moore was preaching to the converted. I've got all his books and seen all his movies. I've read more than a few anti-Bush books. So was I surprised? YES. I was moved to tears and shocked by images of war that we never see in film or TV. The political trail of tears that Moore tracks is not a new one to a lot of people, but he shows it comprehensively, and here's another shocker: with RESTRAINT. The people
complaining about the facts as they appear in this truly great documentary should be grateful that he doesn't hit us with a far bigger sledgehammer, which he really could have. He presents the facts and just when he can go in for the kill, he more often than not, backs off and lets the viewer complete the thought. Being told of the content vs. seeing it are two completely different experiences, though. If you've already HEARD about Bush's "thousand-yard stare" in the seven minutes after being told that the second Twin Tower had been hit by a plane, you haven't SEEN it: It's perhaps the most chilling thing in the whole film - and that's saying a lot. I understand that people are passionately split in this country, and I understand why a lot of people hate Michael Moore. But I must say, those who gave this film a "1" in this forum almost certainly voted without seeing it. I defy the most rabid Republican to see this film and give it a "1". And to those who voted "1" and did not see it: Make your vote count. Go see it now. And then see if you still hate it. Seriously. You owe it to the rest of the imdb voters, but more importantly: you owe it to yourself.
In America (2002)
immigrant-affirming
Powerful, upbeat, life-affirming, and beautiful, this film deserves all the praise and honors being bestowed upon it. The performances are simultaneously raw and delicate. The always fascinating Samantha Morton is vivid and mesmerizing, Djimon Hounsou is powerful and tender (he's both when he tells one of the little girls that he's an alien "like ET"), and the young actresses that play the daughters are both heartbreaking. Sheridan makes a virtue out of the film's obvious low-budget, giving the film a gritty, cinema-verite look that captures their hardscrabble existence and lends an exhausted urgency to each scene. The older daughter's constant use of a video camera, along with her voice-over narration also lends a documentary/home movie feel that gives the film an even greater sense of intimacy. The (perhaps) necessary anachronisms (though set in the mid-1980s, the film uses a lot of present-day elements, such as the camcorder) gives the film a timeless feel - present, yet not present.
One critique on this site complained that the film was "too lighthearted" for its serious plot, but I found the humor and the irreverence refreshing and a welcome surprise; the filmmaker obviously understands how these immigrants find the will to go on: there are little joys in even the most
difficult lives and there are friends to be found in even the meanest streets.
Angels in America (2003)
Best play now best film
The best play of our generation has now become the best film of 2003 - maybe the best film in years. Gorgeous and moving, filled with brilliant performances, the screen version has been opened up, yet it keeps its theatricality and the densely beautiful language plays just as wonderfully on television as it did on the stage. Mike Nichols has outdone himself and has proven to be the perfect man to bring Tony Kushner's
masterpiece to the screen. This will sweep the Emmys - and I hear rumors that HBO may give it a theatrical run. If that happens, will it also be eligible for Oscars?
Charlie Chan in Shanghai (1935)
oland in yellowface
This is not the worst case of yellowface - and Keye Luke as the thoroughly American son helps this film. However, it's hard for an Asian American to see these films without being revolted by Oland's taped eyes, prosthetic teeth, and weirdly inappropriate grinning. Bizarre!