Reviews

Love the foreign comedy/satire element in this excellent indie, a breath of fresh air. I like to be entertained and as such, there are no major flaws that come to mind with "The Motel" (2005).

One of the reviews here rips the American-Asian content for not being sensitive enough to Chinese/Korean cultures. Well, gee whiz! I suggest all indie directors ignore such cultural political nitpicking because we are not in Asia, we are in the melting pot of the USA. There are 100+ nations-cultures-variants now living in the U. S., it is impossible to appease all of their root sensitivities within cinema- no one has the time, the $$, or the inclination to do so, in mainstream theatre.

There are way too many over-analytical reviews ripping this movie to shreds! Folks, this is neither a documentary nor a nuclear physicist's guide to building a real atomic bomb- the whole idea is to entertain and maybe leave you wondering and thinking...what if? It's a story!

Looks like people actually do watch movies with pen and paper, rack up every possible reality defect, and review each one of them here. Doesn't sound entertaining to me. What they are lacking is an imagination. The movie does draw you in fully and take your mind for a good ride. That's what we pay for! Relax and enjoy, suspend your serious reality for an hour or two! It's a decent movie!

I'm only going to mention what other reviews haven't, and the topic is: Did the movie exaggerate the mistreat of children? The answer is no, and here is the factual explanation why:

Note the following excerpt of a public apology presented by BBC News, dated August 13, 2019-

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has officially said sorry to hundreds of victims of historical abuse in state-run homes. From 1945 to 1976 children were sexually abused, beaten and drugged at the homes, an official inquiry found.

This stunning acknowledgement validates everything we see in this excellent movie. As such, it is a documentary presented in drama format.

Likely the most organized and complete visual history of sauna, woven around Finnish culture. They take their saunas seriously! Yet the presentation is applicable to all of Scandinavia, and of interest to everyone harboring that special, deep affinity with sauna- or any nude recreation- notably in nature, far from the cities. The documentary is sensitive to total nudity, but it would be odd to avoid the reality: most northern europeans abhor clothing in saunas- as such, there are full-body scenes of men and boys steaming it up, followed by shocking, breathless plunges into a frigid lake. That is- into a hole carved free of a foot of ice, in outdoor temperatures of thirty degrees below zero. A body shock so extreme, youngsters are carefully supervised, forced to exit the liquid ice in 10-15 seconds. It is clear from facial expressions that words cannot convey the pleasurable skin sensations following such immersions.

At 50+ years since release, the (1964) documentary dialog, and black and white photography, show their age , but should not discourage you from trying to find a copy of this rare, comprehensive, and in-depth look at the world of sauna. Highly recommended.

I never critically analyze a movie vs the book, because the media are too different. Same with a photograph- it's impossible to replicate the original painting. Here, however, there's an inescapable analogy worth mentioning, movie vs book. I'd seen the movie twice before ordering the book. What's mesmerizing is how well Gibson delivers McLeod's character. McLeod is a reclusive intellectual with a unique and harsh tone; many lines uttered to young Charles are not only unforgettable, but it is Gibson's voice that pierces the imagination while reading the book. A first for me, I have nothing but praise for Gibson's skill.

Otherwise, 'The Man without a Face' is an all-around good movie, good entertainment for all but the youngest members of the family.

If you're ok with human sensitivities, this movie will rock you, for the entire 83 minutes. It's about a good kid, experiencing some rough edges, as he moves through early adolescence, preparing to fly from the nest. There's something special about the choice of child actors, he doesn't want to stand out, but he commands your attention. Yes, the director finessed a fine package here, one of those movies that flows like butter, a slice of life, east-european, with an exceptional ending.

Prace (1960, USSR-Czech) has many elements akin to Ivan's Childhood (1962, USSR-Russia) but is more light-hearted, if such terminology is appropriate for an active war zone, with a child protagonist. It's not a classic but is a decent competitor, especially if you've seen the Russian variant. I rated Ivan's Childhood a 10 and would rate Prace a 7.5 if I could. I suspect Tarkovsky modeled his movie after Prace. Entertaining, but may be difficult to find.

I've never seen any movie so obviously devoid of substance. Pardon me, but how can actors, well known actors with solid reputations, just mouth the words, let the minutes slip by, tic tic, knowing they are in an empty movie? Why not walk off the set, it's that weak. I'm in awe - how did this get released? Ok, let's not waste any more time. Bottom line- I can find something in the worst of movies, but not this one, wish I had read the reviews first. Skip this movie, folks.

'Fauve' (translation: wildcat) is an excellently timed 17 minute short movie. A complete but raw boyhood experience, flowing in perfect cinematic prose- rising to a crescendo, with time enough on the other side, to catch your breath. The humanity is this- you are off screen together with the second youngster, searching for assistance, not wallowing in the mud, to witness the inevitable finality. I thank the director, Jeremy Comte, for such grace. This, combined with spot-on casting of the youths, is icing on the cake.

It helps to be bilingual. The Canadian French flowed easily. Just once, it was punctuated with a classic "F..k You" in American English. A total riot, for the linguists out there!

Fauve is a must see for everyone.

This is a realistic movie about mediocre people doing stupid things. If that interests you, it's a decent movie. The German styling, is thick and appealing, with seriousness ever-present. And a road movie, too- the road of life- children with a clean slate, infected by the adults around them, to become broken adults. Never rising out of the swamp of Basic Human Condition-- Hapless. Hopeless. Quite somber!

An interesting, odd, and memorable scouting-type movie, from Down Under. Given the small budget, the (amateur) teen actors compensated by proudly and seriously engaging their all into their roles. Acting is stilted but their values and abilities are impressive- how to make do/survive on a desolate remote island, even including dutiful social order, (in direct opposition to "Lord of The Flies" mayhem). Kudos to their efforts!

It's a one of a kind presentation, so different, it has stayed in mind for decades. For me, it's a rare 'B' gem, definitely.

It cannot be compared to "Home Alone", that's ridiculous! (as suggested by another reviewer). For one, these boys are role models.

But ridiculous is a theme widely explored, mostly due to budget issues, and improvisation. Engage your sense of humor!

"Strange Holiday" is the original uncut movie. "Boys of Lost Island" is the same movie- censored. Edited out (under two minutes deleted) are a group skinny dip, and other minor 'skin' scenes, likely making it more suitable for the US audience.

Fans of off-beat/unusual youth cinema, scouting, and island castaways may appreciate this unique film.

This short movie does an exceptional job- maybe the best ever- of capturing the reality of a very young, partly mature- but impossible love. "Been there- that was me!" Some reviewers have dispensed with (or don't want to revisit) their childhood, calling the film 'childish'. Others seem incapable of absorbing the intense/beautiful love ("To The Death!") emanating from this serious youngster. It literally drips off of him, 55 pounds of pure, kick-ass chivalry! There is the Oscar appeal. Sadly, when the plot turned dark, it became totally unrealistic, a case of 'GTF' -Going Too Far - (Goldie Hawn/'CrissCross').

Still, a highly recommended must see, for cinema lovers.

A big salute to foreign cinema, recreating the history of our Wild West: The obstacles are obvious, and formidable. To be clear- This is not a dazzling Hollywood blockbuster! Tschetan, der Indianerjunge, (Chetan, Indian Boy) (1973), delivers something more thoughtful- earthy, real-time, up-close, and personal. Never dated- it's quite watchable in 2018, 40+ years on. About a slice-of-life, in remote Montana: a relocating sheepherder takes on a scarred Lakota youth; yet the bigger conflict is with another white man. An original plot you have never seen; an outcome you will never guess. The attention to detail -notably American Indian culture- is a highlight, and is impressive. To me, this movie is a rare gem, presenting an outside (of USA) view of the troubled settlement of the West. An entertaining family movie, embedded with healthy messages. Bravo!

The most charming and engaging Saint Nicholas movie ever made. For all ages- children will be fully engaged, while the adults- will evolve into children. Briefly. A bounty of color, confection, and good cheer. Excellent movie.

Note: A reviewer comments the lackluster IMDb rating may be attributable to American influences. IMDb demographics (as of April, 2018): There are 14 US ratings, weighted average = 6.1. A total of 165 non-US ratings = weighted average = 6.0.

The other reviews, wide ranging as they are, give you broad view of nebulous movie. I have wide range of interests; this movie embraces none. This just a summary review. And to let you know Award Films International, of Hollywood address, has online availability of movie in DVD- R. Or, if site is down, call (818) 442 9111. AFI also sells as COA Movies on Amazon.com, presently at a better price. DVD has some still photos beyond the usual trailer, for extras. I wish I could return it, a first. Main character seems to run in place the entire movie, never really arriving. When he does reach new location, it moves so very slowly. This like a dream repeating, never satisfying. Children would not enjoy. If you have specific aim in watching, go for it. if you are taking a chance, I recommend declining. This unless you have inordinate curiosity. It's not a bad view, it's a near-OK indie, artsy, semi-intellectual, esoteric. These non-tangibles are compelling when combined with ample roots. Thousands of movies out there with more to offer. Tough to compare, try Duma meets Sixth Sense, à la mid-budget & indie Espagnol! English subtitles.