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Kaze tachinu (2013)
A (Fictionalized) and Beautiful Viewpoint of Jiro Horikoshi
Review contains spoilers, mostly concerning Jiro's actual life and comparison.
"Who has seen the wind? Neither I nor you: But when the leaves hang trembling, The wind is passing through."
The film consists of three major plot points: his dreams, his love for planes, and his love for love.
His Dreams:
The film begins in a way that is seen in many of Ghibli's film, a film of youth and wonder. It starts with a younger boy and his dreams, and then dwells into later portions of his life, mostly about a ten thirteen year period.
Throughout the film, there are fictional sequences as well. Some of the more Miyazaki scenes are in these dreams. Mr. Caproni, Jiro's hero, based on Giovanni Battista Caproni, shows his love for flight as well. He reveals to be in his own dream as well and they share their love of flight. These happen to be some of my favorite scenes of the film, partially since it is the most Miyazaki like.
His Love for Planes:
While going through the major period of Jiro Horikoshi's young adult life, that is from University to post, it dwells on his idea of what aircraft should be. He wants to solely design planes as a sign of joy but knows that they will be used for war. He eventually designs the Zero plane, a plane that became known in the war as a fierce dog fighter.
His love for love:
There does happen to be a secondary plot point, his love life. In actuality, his wife never had tuberculosis. Knowing of this before the film, I felt a little bit of unwanted sentimentality. It wasn't exactly as necessary and it took away from the film's objectives.
Summary:
The Wind Rises is a rather interesting tale, and one that is unlike many of Miyazaki's films. The closest film in terms of themes is another film by Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies, a movie as critically acclaimed as it is sad. It is highly recommended though.
On another note, Hisashi's soundtrack is excellent. Highly recommended. Visuals are astounding. I also like the creative use of human voices for planes/earthquakes. It almost quite literally breaths life into these machines.
8.5/10
Interstellar (2014)
A movie with a large amount of tesseract-ion
If you get the pun from my summary, you'll probably like the film as much as me. If you like physics, you'll probably really enjoy this film. If you wanted a more scientific/grandiose/unique/different version of Gravity, you'll probably LOVE this movie.
Before I go on, I have one sole complaint about this film (well 2 but one of them contains a spoiler.) My main complaint is that while Zimmer makes another excellent soundtrack, this movie has an Inception-esque problem. The music becomes way too loud at certain points, enough to make the audience not being able to hear some of the important dialogue. The second one refers to someone breathing a bit too long. I won't say more as not to spoil.
The movie is headlined by an excellent performance by McConaughey as Cooper, a farmer/engineer/astronaut, as well as a well done supporting cast including "Murph" by a few people, Hathaway as Amelia, a fellow astronaut, and Caine as Amelia's father. The visuals are beautiful as is the cinematography, the worlds are well-made, and the plot, while convoluted (though not as complex as some of Nolan's other works) works out well.
As someone who finds the concept of black holes fascinating, I highly enjoyed this film.
8.8
Inception (2010)
One of Nolan's Best: The world of dreams, as seen in a blockbuster
Is this life? If everything is realistic, what is fake? Am I, in a dream?
The concept of this film is excellent, take the idea of dream interpretation and turn it into a film, add some Nolan-style plot and some blockbuster visuals and Bam(!), you have this glorious film.
A little complaint before beginning this review is that Zimmer's music becomes a bit too loud at certain points. However, there is rarely dialogue so it isn't a problem.
* Dicaprio, Page, and Cotillard star as the main three characters of the film and all three of them give excellent performances.
Page's dream sequence in the early portion of the movie is fascinating and I wish they spent more time dwelling on what can happen in a dream than go quickly into the action in the later sequences.
The plot thickens, almost a bit too much and then it goes back to the guns and explosions seen in a blockbuster. It somewhat relies a bit too heavily on these guns in the next dream sequence but thankfully it goes back to the plot. I won't say much more as I don't want to spoil anything. Speaking of which **: * Also, his score is excellent, "Time" being one of his best pieces, which is saying a lot.
** In terms of the ending, I do not think he was. See, no spoilers and I gave my opinion.
Un chien andalou (1929)
An eyesore, a funny introduction to surrealism for the uninitiated
My art teacher happened to show this film which was a rather...interesting idea. It did get me more into surrealist artists such as Dali (though my favorite is Magritte.) The film works well due to the period it is from. If it was any earlier, the effects wouldn't have worked as well and if it was any later, blood and gore would have almost made this film either unbearable or make it so people would miss the point. The soundtrack is though unnecessary. I recommend listening to this film in silence allowing your brain to ponder 2 things: 1. What goes on in the mind of a surrealist artist and how are they different? 2. What is your interpretation of the scenes?
Le voyage dans la lune (1902)
Méliès best : Surrealist magical Sci-Fi cinema
Venue: I saw this film along with his version of Joan of Arc and a bunch of short films 12 in all. This was accompanied by piano music and it was quite enjoyable. Anyway, this film represents Méliès at his best, his realm of fantasy, his innovative techniques, and the ability to capture imagination without the need for voices or large amounts of color.
Sure this film is primitive but the way it is done is outstanding, moon with a face and all. For any science fiction fan, I recommend seeing this. It was the inspiration for many and will continue to inspire many more.
8.9
The World's End (2013)
While no means a bad film, this is the weakest of the trilogy
Oh the lovable Cornetto trilogy. With it's crass British humor, and some hilarity by Pegg and the cast. In terms of this film specifically, it has some of the fun from both of his previous films, but it does not feel as creative or as well done, or least for the first half.
The movie starts with the idea of a pub crawl. At this point, the characters are in general rather boring while Pegg is obnoxious, not just to the other characters, but also to the audience (and not in a way that is humorous.) You are happy when they down the first/second/third pint as the characters develop a bit more though you wonder why they followed the buffoon.
The plot that develops from there is ludicrous but much more fascinating, with blue techno-color blood and some humor thrown in there. These fight scenes are similar to the ones in Shawn of the Dead, but not as diverse or well parodied, at least till the end.
The final scene at the World's End is probably the single point in the film where it really feels like one of their films, not your generic science-fiction or apocalyptic film. The conversation between him and the network is both fascinating and absolutely hilarious. It offers an excellent conclusion to an otherwise lackluster film.
The first 1/4 of the film gets a 5. the 2nd gets a 6, the 3rd gets a 7, and the final gets an 8. I'll round it down as it takes way too long to get to the good scenes.
The Overnighters (2014)
A contemporary work on The Midwest, Christain views on helping (thy neighbor,) the oil boom, and sacrifices
FYI: If you wish to review a better review than mine, I highly recommend the LA Times review. Also, as noted by many critics, this is a great film for fans of the Grapes of Wrath, but it is way more than this.
It's the humanizing act of the filmmaker, such as the small talk between the overnighters and especially the scene in the credits. It's the fact that he transforms these faceless people whom the town fears to people that the audience enjoys is what is so astounding. When people disagree with Pastor Reinke's plans, you feel for the overnighters and him. As a respected pastor, it is hard to imagine how quickly the townsfolk are turning against him.
He tries to make you feel for them as much as the Pastor, even if you are not one who thinks "love thy neighbor" or anything related.
My single complaint is that for a very brief time, the movie moves a bit too slow. But then right afterward, there is a breakneck pace that sets up for the films conclusion, one that you might not like but has to be shown.
Outstanding documentary. 9.4
The Wizard (1989)
Are you a (Power Glove) Wizard Harry?
A good way of telling if you will like this film is to watch the power glove scene. It shows exactly the nature of this film, and you wouldn't have it any other way. If you like cheesy films, you will probably like this.
It is rather hard to vote a film such as this. On one hand, there is such blatant advertising for the SNES/Nintendo in general (as well as a certain amusement park) that it should almost be down-voted to a 1 or 2. It is also incredibly cheesy, even as 80 kids films go.
But then on the other hand, this film has an odd goofy nature that really shows when it was from. It also contains some interesting and funny lines and memorable scenes, many which are spoken to or referenced today, for better or for worse.
If you did not know, this film in general concerns a young group of kids trying to go to a video game championship themselves. There is an underlying plot, but why spoil anything else here? This film is bad but in a good way. It has just enough charm to prevent it from being bad. There is a whole lot of advertisement but it somehow does not feel as in the face as lets' say Mac and Me. Though it can't exactly be said that this film is good.
7.3 Nintendiums out of 10
The Squid and the Whale (2005)
The problems of divorce as seen through a pair of kids
The harder thing of reviewing this is that I saw it when I was 15 with my parents (oh the awkwardness) as it was listed as a comedy of all things. I've re-watched portions and I remember this film, for some reason.
I wouldn't exactly consider this a comedy however (maybe a dark comedy but that is pushing it.)It more shows how divorce can affect kids at two different ages when they are both growing and maturing.
Walt (Jesse) and Frank (Owen) are both excellent in this film. The awkwardness they feel at their ages is something that I felt (though not nearly too as much as an extent. I think the scene that fits the film most is the conversation with Walt regarding his plagiarism. It shows the carelessness and wanting of people, especially when the rest of their lives is so troubled.
7.8
Majo no takkyûbin (1989)
An OK film but I don't recommend the English version of this film (at least the former)
There happens to be 2 different dubs of this film. The most recently released English dub happens to be a lot more true to the Japanese story. Regardless of this, I highly don't recommend the English dub of this film. The voice acting is probably my least favorite of all of his translated films.
Anyway: This film does not have a lot of the plot of Miyazaki's other films. It is a bit too whimsical for it's own good. Not much is learned by the main character and a lot of the environmental issues from his other films have been toned down. It just doesn't have the impact of his other films. No major lessons are learned and if anything this is the most Disney like of Miyazaki's films.
I'd give the English dub a 3/10 and the Japanese version a 6.4/10. As the Japanese dub is more important, I'll rate it a 6.
Mononoke-hime (1997)
One of Miyazaki's best
Fun info: This is Miyazaki's first forgo into computer animation, used in the dark "snakes" near the beginning and a few other scenes and is also one of his most violent films. It also has a solid English dub.
It concentrates on a different type of character than most of his films, a young man, Ashitaka, rather than a young woman. His quest does not change him like in many other films but rather he changes many others. The film leans just enough on environmental issues to show a cause while allowing the graphics and story you desire from a Miyazaki film. Special note to the soundtrack which is one Ghibli's best. It concentrates on an iron-works and the battle between various factions of humans, the beasts, and others.
I don't plan on spoiling much else as the films plot speaks for itself. My only complaint is that certain scenes drag a bit too long and if anything a bit too much blood spills at a certain part of the film. Otherwise, this film is excellent and one of his best.
9.5/10
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
One of Miyazaki's best
This was the film that introduced a whole lot of Americans, including myself to Miyazaki. While it isn't my favorite anymore, it's still one of his absolute best. The English VA is also pretty good as well.
The film starts with a whiny girl named Chihiru. As with many of his other films, the girl develops through magic and choreography. The visuals are stupendous with creatures of various sizes, colors, and shapes. No-face is probably the oddest character in the movie, and the one that could potentially give kids nightmares. I'd recommend this movie for 10 and up because of that guy alone.
My single complaint for the film is that the scene in Swamp Bottom is just a bit too happy for it's own good. It somewhat removes the watcher from the experience of the film and makes it a bit to sappy.
Otherwise, this film is well paced and well balanced. I don't want to spoil much as this film is just wonderful.
9.6/10
Hauru no ugoku shiro (2004)
A solid Miyazaki film with a little too much deus ex machina
First to note: This is probably one of the best English VA'd Miyazaki films, especially for Calcifer (who is portrayed perfectly by Billy Crystal.) Anyway, this is another solid Miyazaki film, though probably not his best. The film begins with a character named Sophie in another magical world. There is a French commune undertone in the city. She is transformed into a very old woman and learns to live with her problems by living in well, a magical Moving Castle with Howl, Calcifer, and Markl. The plot becomes convoluted by the end but overall, it's the relationship between these characters that makes the film what it is.
However, the villain is a bit underwhelming here, the oddity between Calcifer, the Witch, and Howl is strange, and the ending has a deus ex machina feel to it. At least past the scene at the King's castle, the movie feels quite rushed as well which results in the ending feeling a bit too weak compared to his other films.
As with most of Ghibli's films, it deals with the environment. The main girl is also older than in many of other Miyazaki films, being in her late teens rather than early or younger like in other films. It is overall different but similar, but not the best of either type.
7.7
Kaguya-hime no monogatari (2013)
Breathtaking visuals with an interesting but unsteady plot
The first thing to note about this film is the beauty of it. Just about all of the scenes of this film could be viewed in a museum which is saying something itself. If anything, watch the film for the portrayal of a young woman and the amazing visuals.
The film begins with a bamboo cutter finding a girl inside the light of a bamboo. The girl grows exponentially and she grows with the plot, going from baby to young adult way quicker than expected.
The first portion of the film is concentrated when she is much younger, (around the age of maybe 1-12?). Her playfulness with Sutemaru and the other children is quite an enjoyable portion of the film. As with many of Studio Ghibli's work, especially Totoro, the film is able to portray her life in a way many studios even without animation cannot.
The other half is concentrated on her moving to the capital and becoming a princess. Unlike the ideals of films in the US, she does not seem to want to become one, but instead wants to be with Sutemaru and the others. It's a refreshing change from the Disney Princess motif where beauty, richness, and a love is what is needed. Her life is transformed, eventually by Sagami, a lady who turns her into well, a princess. She is eventually approached by suitors and others.
I will not mention the ending of the film as well, I wasn't as big a fan of it. The big revelation is as shocking to the audience as it is surprising. I knew of part of the plot through Okami but the way it was portrayed was a little too in your face. The actual ending itself is odd, with many of the people in the theater (at IFC) scratching their heads and thinking, "That is it and what was that?" Also, I was wondering when the film was going to end. It slows down to a crawl but then speeds up to such a speed that it almost becomes silly.
I also wasn't as a big a fan of the father (Okina) through the later parts of the film. His transformation into a man of power/wealth is a bit too severe and one-sided. I preferred his wife (Oina) as she still shows the love and playfulness of them back in the village.
I preferred the plot of the first 4/5ths of the film than the other 1/5th in short. The film is excellent but the plot wears down on itself and by the end, it is harder to care and more think that it is just an odd piece of filming. The movie gets an 8.5...but probably would be closer to an 8 or 7.5 if the graphics/music weren't nearly as amazing as they are. I'm rounding it down for this reason.
Toki o kakeru shôjo (2006)
A solid animated film that gets a little convoluted for it's own good.
The film premise is excellent, a young teenager able to go back in time and fix what is wrong. I mean, what is the worst that can happen? Well some of the worst does.
The actress portraying Makoto does a great job with her role and the film does a good job itself showing a high-school kid's life. However, things become magical when she realizes the power of time travel and tries to fix the wrong in her life. However, she fixes what possibly should have not been fixed and puts a strain on both her and her friends.
It gets a little too complex for it's own good, especially around 3/4ths of the way thorough the film. Sub-plots should have been explained a bit longer and the pace should have probably been slowed down just a little bit. The audience almost expected for something to go wrong and that is potentially a bad thing here as it feels like it weighs down the plot and makes the revelations either arbitrary or more of a Deus ex machina.
7.4
Hotaru no haka (1988)
A film that shows both the cost of war and the idea that animation is not just for kids
Grave of the Fireflies is possibly one of the saddest film I have seen. It isn't one for a feint heart but one for those who wish to see the true cost of war. It should be a required viewing for teenagers maybe...maybe it's a bit sad for that but it probably should be anyway.
The main character are Seita and Setsuko. The film starts at the end and the knowing idea that what happens happens is part of the depressing nature of the film. Seita is a wonderful older brother but it shows how powerless a young citizen such as himself can be in time of war.
This is not a film for a lot of people but it should be shown to that many. It is depressing but for all the reasons that it should be.
8.9
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
A mesmerizing, but bizarre film backed up by outstanding performances by Keaton and Norton
The first thing to note, for those who do not know is that the film looks as if it was done in 1 take. Big "revelation" aside: I came into this movie knowing just about nothing outside of what is listed above, the odd preview, and the fact that I knew I would enjoy the score. I also knew I enjoy the actors in previous films and I knew I previously didn't like the director in Babel. I came out thinking this is my favorite film of the year so far.
Keaton plays Riggan, an actor who is most famous for writing, well, Birdman. He is shown to be rather psychotic, having an altered personality, shown through almost dream-like sequences with him arguing with his creation known as Birdman which results in among other things broken glass. Through him dealing with these sequences, he is trying to make a play while dealing with his self-conscious, the other actors (especially Shiner, aka Norton,) his mentor, his relationship with his daughter, and the "insatiable" movie critic (had to poke fun there, sorry.) Norton is outstanding as well, portraying his relationships as well as his view of his own life compared to what he can act as. He steals the show in the majority of scenes, especially in the roof-top scenes and the play scenes at the table.
The other actors/actresses serve their parts outstandingly as well. The critic is as pessimistic as she should be and his daughter shows the angst and uncontrollable emotions of someone her age. The new actress shows her doubt but how she enjoys what she wants to mean to do.
The film is backed up with an outstanding realized drum-solo score that keeps up with the brisk-unrelenting pace. You feel as tired as the actors but also in awe. Jokes are occasionally said but they work just to calm down the emotions of you and the characters. It builds and builds.
Nominations for sound editing and cinematography are potentially a shoe-in for this movie. Everything just works together, thanks to the powerful direction as well.
9.6/10
The Last Airbender (2010)
A painful directorial sabotage of wonderful source material
You know there is something wrong when there is more back-story than actual dialogue.
As someone who has personally watched both the original series, as well as is someone who staying with the current post-series (as per this review, season 4, episode 5,) there does not seem to be something here for either the fans of the series or others, even with the white-washing of the acting aside.
Why it wouldn't appeal to fans: They got the four fighting styles/bending methods all wrong. People do random movement and boom something shows up. The purpose of the system is to convey the various forms of eastern martial arts, not air karate. For example, when an earth bender pushes to the right, rocks go that way. he doesn't do 50 movements and something shows up. It looks silly Pronunciation of the names (I don't mind translating a name to the traditional name, just translate all of them, or use actors who actually sound like they would speak said language.) Fire bending requires outside fire to be usable. The major point of fire-bending is that it comes from the heart and the body. How can later movies been made if characters couldn't communicate that the will was the problem with fire-bending? It leaves a massive plot hole. How could the air nation have been invaded without massive amounts of fire being there (which there isn't? The avoidance of major characters from the show, among others the Kioshi warriors (who serve a major plot point later.) They concentrate the movie on 5-6 episodes.
Why it wouldn't appeal to others: The movie itself is devoid of a lot of action and what isn't shown is conveyed in both a meaningless and boring way.
There is more back-story than actual viewable plot.
3D is bad, the general graphics are bad as well.
Greenberg (2010)
Mindess: A well acted movie without a plot, without an ending, and without a direct purpose
I'll put the beginning of this bluntly. I don't get this film. I enjoy character biopics. I've enjoyed similar films. I like films featuring depressing jerks. But this is too much to one direction. The main character was too much of a jerk throughout 99% of the film (in the other 1% he wasn't in a scene.) The fact that the woman went along with it pushed me overboard.
The bigger issue is that no one in the movie changed. There is no reason for the woman to fall in love with the man again as he did not change either. I mean, the movie ended on a strangely happy note for such a despicable character.