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Reviews
Final: The Rapture (2013)
Astonishing....
This film is a beautifully crafted and harrowing tale of the end times, namely the Rapture. It is, to me, the most important film I've seen for all people to see (I am a Believer myself). The emotions portrayed in this film are those that all 'religious' people should absorb, and then reflect on the fact that oppression is still a strong, ugly force in our lives. Not everyone who cries 'Jesus' will make it to heaven. I have seen Colin's expressions in the faces of the young, agnostic men I have known. We do not live in a "tolerant" society. I strongly encourage people to watch this film and reflect on your God-given knowledge. Do you know him? I cannot imagine what it would be like to see this as a secular person, and my only dissatisfaction with this film is that our society requires the pain and distress of people of faith and the haters of faith. One day God will return. This film capsulizes that perfectly. Great movie.
Suing the Devil (2011)
God is everywhere
Other reviews I have read here do a great job of summarizing the plot and key elements of this faith-based film. I just want to reiterate, first, how incredible the cast is. Working in a plot that demands attention to and awareness of subtleties, *every* actor, on down to the smallest part, puts forth flawless performances, and are directed brilliantly. If I was Tom Sizemore, I'd have calmed it down a little, but if he did that, he wouldn't be Tom Sizemore. :) The film is imperfect, as any great film should be. There are slow moments and perhaps a little too much religion. (But the film is as subtle as it gets). There are marvelous character touches. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Das Boot (1981)
Wolfgang is amazing....
The underwater battles somewhat remind me of Sergio Leone in that Wolfgang Peterson takes forever and a day to get the fights started. Unlike Leone, once the torpedos are launched and the depth charges dropped, the cat-and-mouse game is ongoing and relentless, but never boring.
And despite the fact that most of the film takes place inside a cramped submarine, Das Boot is never boring to look at; in fact, it's a visually spectacular film (given the dated special effects, who hold up reasonably well and add to the old-school charm). And the freedom of the camera in those tight corridors came as an incredibly pleasant surprise. The color and composition of the shots in those tight quarters -- particularly upon approaching the first destroyer when we get the first real glimpse of the interior prepped for war -- it is both haunting and beautiful.
Jurgen Prochnow delivers the most believable performance of a ship captain I've ever seen on film. All the emotions register on his face--his concern for his own life, ship, and crew; his hatred for the decisions he's forced to make; the disbelieving joy of beating the overwhelming odds--while simultaneously holding it back so the crew sees a strong unmoving man forever in control of the situation. His performance is, in a word, brilliant.
The rest of the cast also delivers amazingly believable performances, and trust me, I could write an entire review on the film's characters and their portrayals. It's both disappointing and satisfying that I'm not given enough space to do so (I wish I could state that about a tenth of the films I've reviewed here on IMDb.) I liked the entire crew of this U-boat, the war correspondent and his character arc as he realizes the truth behind these "heroes", the chief and his longing to return to his wife, Johann and the story of his redemption--all well cast, well acted, and believable.
Another aspect I adored about Das Boot - the controversial scenes simply rolled by with no more or less emphasis than any other statement the film makes. In fact, I saw the film before really reading anything or researching it and found myself somewhat shocked to hear about these "talked about" scenes. Granted, the film does pose some moral questions, but I felt the film handled it with grace and great subtlety, showing what it needs to get the point across and not a step further . . . unlike typical Hollywood where controversy gets bold print, italics, and a highlighter. Maybe I should move to Germany.
Sátántangó (1994)
Incredible or amore!
I saw this film at a Bela Taar festival and I remember it having 3 or 4 breaks because it was so long. But it was worth it. I am constantly remembering the images from this piece, I don't even remember the exact story, but the images, the sequences, were just lovely. If you ever have a chance to see this film projected, take it. Don't worry if you can't sit through the whole thing, just see some of it, you won't forget it. Marvelous long takes, wonderful characters. That first scene with the tracking shot of the cows and the two guys walking down the street with the garbage blowing in the wind around them. Wonderful black and white film. I advise all cat lovers to stay away. Bela Taar is one of the best.