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Reviews
Watermark (2003)
intriguing with great performances
This is the best film I have been to in ages. It is a story of a guy who can't put into words what he has seen. It's sort of a thriller and a mystery rolled into one. At its core is a story that deals with an issue that is very rarely discussed. The central character is deeply tormented by what he has witnessed, but the director very cleverly conceals the mystery until the end.
The visuals are amazing and the soundtrack deeply haunting. You are on the edge of your seat for the entire film and that is true cinema. What struck me was that the film was an interesting unfolding of the drama that was very careful not to give away too much at the beginning. Essentially the two women leads really carry the entire film. Both never appear in a scene together and yet both characters have a profound effect on one another in a way that neither fully understands. It's a very clever film and the director excels at telling this very complex story.
Mullet (2001)
fish swimming upstream
The trouble with this film is that it is empty. Ben Medehlson is usually really good but in this little Aussie drama he really struggles to find his character. It's a pity because it had a few things going for it but didn't deliver.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
not the best action film
I have loved all the Tarintino films, but this is his worst film. The digital effects were not that hot. Thurman was good but it lacks the real black humour of the his earlier films. Having said this, I'm really looking forward to seeing what he does next.
Japanese Story (2003)
Not really very capturing
There's a lot of talk in the papers about why you should see this film. But now I know why no one who has seen it, is recommending it. It just doesn't grab you by the heart and take you anywhere. You get more emotion in an episode of All Saints. It's more like television than film.
Le peuple migrateur (2001)
moving drama
Travelling Birds is the closest you will ever come to flying. It is a strange mix of documentary that feels like fiction. The soundtrack was amazing-it all transports you to a different level. In some ways it is like Microcosmos but better. To me it was one of the best movie going experiences I have had. You can really appreciate the French filmmakers subtlety in style leaving it to the visual telling of the tale rather than over narration.
La spagnola (2001)
Potential is there
La Spagnola had a lot of potential but didn't live up to expectations. The plot just was not strong enough. Despite fine acting this was a missed opportunity. It has its heart in the right place but not a lot really happens. Alice Ansara is a real find and is a young actor we will here a lot more from in the future.
Australian Rules (2002)
Interesting but ultimately fails
It is a very good film in parts but as a whole it does not really work. I think that Paul Goldman has great potential but maybe not fully shown in this film.I liked the way the black versus white racial divide was shown in a very sensitive way. It shows one angle into Australian culture.
Lantana (2001)
Fantastic film
Lantana is my favourite Australian movie in recent times. It's one of the only Aus films where you go to it not knowing the story. It is a real mystery that unfolds brilliantly. Ray Lawrence's Bliss was just amazing but this is a real treat too. It marks a turning point in Australian film.