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Reviews
Baran (2001)
A Touching Film
Baran is the story of an Iranian construction worker, Latif, who is not really doing his job - he serves tea and food to the rest of the workers, managing to avoid the really hard work. He is at first a hot-tempered, selfish youth - but then, 'Rahman', an illegal Afghanistan imigrant, comes to work. He is a young, weak worker, and is at once put in Latif's job - and Rahman does a better job, too. Jealous and angry, Latif tries to make life miserable for his new adversary... until he accidentally discovers that 'Rahman' is not a boy - 'Rahman' is 'Baran', a woman.
Latif, who even though used to be a careless youth, always had a soft, romantic spot in his heart - and when he realizes Baran is a woman, he falls in love with her. He seeks to protect and help her, and his entire life is slowly and surely changed for the better because of her.
Many people have critisized this film, saying it's poorly acted, the script is badly written, etc. Please remember: this is not a Hollywood movie! This movie is not in the least bit American, therefore the viewer needs to be open minded to the different culture of Iranian cinema. Baran never says a single word in the entire film. 'BARAN' is a beautiful romantic drama filled with angst and stunning visual scapes. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Yau ching yam shui baau (2001)
Funny and Cute!
'Love Me, Love My Money' is a irresistably sweet romantic comedy set in modern day Hong Kong. Richard Ma, played by Toney Leung, is alltogether, a hilarious character! He is a tight-pocketed, selfish business man, thinking of only how he can save money and how he can make MORE money. Introduce him to the spirited, charming Choi (played by Shu Qui), and you have 'Love Me, Love My Money'.
While Richard is attracted to Choi from the first meeting, Choi doesn't like Richard at all. Richard decides, after his last girlfriends money-snatching antics, it's best to not tell Choi about his millions of dollars. But thanks to his ex-girlfriend, he is soon after left penniless, jobless, and bedless. But then, to ward off an annoying suitor, Choi pretends that Richard is her boyfriend. This incident draws Richard and Choi together, and slowly, their differences begin to seem... not that different!
This movie was funny, cute, and very romantic. I liked it alot, and think you will too! Shu Qi and Tony Leung make a very sweet and convincing couple.
Zhong Nan Hai bao biao (1994)
Great movie!
**some spoilers** The Bodyguard from Bejing (aka the Defender) is a great Jet Li movie. When I first rented it, I was expecting action, action, and more action. To my delight, I was wrong! Even though I like to see action, I was happy to see Jet in a semi-romantic role. The tension and angst between himself, Christy Cheung, and her rich boyfriend is really nicely done, and the romantic scenes are perfect (although I REALLY wish Jet had kissed her!).
Alot of people also dislike Christy Cheung's character. She is whiny, high-tempered and spoiled, right? Jet's character has invaded her life, and totally changed it. She has every right to be angry with him, and act like a brat. She doesn't treat other people that way. Her character is sweet, friendly, and charming when Jet isn't around. Her behavior toward Jet changes when she begins to fall in love with him. And he in turn softens as time goes by.
There was also a surprising amount of guns and bullets. Usually Jet is all hands and feet, but this time it's more like guns and... more guns. Alot of Jet's got upset about how much gunplay there was, but I say variety is the spice of life. You can rent Meltdown or Hero if you want kung-fu.
Although the picture and sound quality make you think the movie was done in the 50s, the film itself is great. There's comedy, mystery, romance, and of course action! Must see for any Jet fan!
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Little is More on the Romance side
'Last of the Mohicans' is a beautifully done film. The scenery is lovely, the music beautiful, and the actors well cast. Most of the script was very well written as well. There are a few cliche parts to it, but since the rest of the film is so good, you tend to let them go.
The thing I liked most about this film? The romantic undertones between Uncas and Alice. It felt deeper and truer than the Hawkeye and Cora thing. There's something amazing and real about a romance as gentle and untouched as the one between Uncas and Alice. Wonderfully done. I really wish it had ended differently though. Tragedy is beautiful, but happiness is better.
Crossroads (2002)
Oops. She didn't really do anything.
This movie has the dumbest plot I've ever seen. It's overly dramatic, tragic, and cliche. The characters are stiff and bland, the acting overly dull.
As with most pop-stars gone Hollywood, Spears works her music and lyrics into the script so much it's gag worthy.
Britney is an alright actress, but the script she chose is TERRIBLE. She could have picked a thriller or an interesting drama, but no. A stupid teen movie.
I wouldn't recommend seeing this unless you are a Britney fan or you would like to have a movie to laugh at.
American Outlaws (2001)
Oh, Lord.
When I first picked up the movie, I thought it would, frankly, suck. But I watched it and after enjoying the entire film, fell in love! This movie has everything every movie should have: Bad guys, explosions, true love, hot guys, a cute sense of humor, and a satisfying ending.
Plus, the movie is very, very clean. Families can watch without worrying about sex, or prominant language.
I don't like to play with fancy words, or drag stuff out. So, in short... grab yerself a chair n some popcorn and git ready to saddle up, pardner! Yeehaw!