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kelli-26
Reviews
Yeelen (1987)
Film Art at its Finest
If you're looking to see a mythic quest about a boy who, struggling to become a man, travels throughout his country, taking on quests and facing difficulties while searching out his father, Yeelen is a good candidate. If you're looking for all of this within the context of Hollywood western life, complete with explosions, a fight scene, love affairs, and something scandalous and otherwise unnecessary, then go see something fresh out of Hollywood. No, this is not a film made in the western tradition as a previous comment harped upon, but made in the national cinema.
Made in 1987 by a French film crew in Mali, Yeelen (or "Brightness") is a composition of old Mali myths put together to create a mythic quest of Nianankoro, a boy who travels to a distant uncle to find the second piece of the fabled Kore's Wing, needed to defeat his father who is set of taking his son's life. Throughout his journey, Nianankoro faces the daunting challenges of hunger and thirst, battling tribes, leopard-prophets, his father's wrath, and then his own final battle which eventually causes his death.
Yeelen is primarily an art film which represents an important part of Mali mythology and culture with subtle political undertones. By entering this film and judging it with the idea that it is a "western movie," you will surely not enjoy it. Instead, enter it with an open mind. Dump all preconceptions of Hollywood, open yourself to international film, and enjoy the power messages that Yeelen sets upon myth, culture, and art.
The Village (2004)
very beautifully filmed
Wanting to pursue cinematography myself, I have to say, this movie excelled in it. The plot was decent, I enjoyed the movie, I love all of Mr. Phoenix's roles, and the surprise twist, well, really did surprise me (as it should).
When I left the theatre, I had nothing to complain about. Except the ending annoyed me. I wanted it to continue ^^;; I wish I could explain, but I don't want to ruin the movie. But I will say this: I was hoping for a scene in which one of the elders would be discovered, by possibly Lucius Hunt, in costume.
Adrien Brody's role as the village idiot made me smile, especially during light moments such as Ivy's first sign of an attraction to Lucius.
Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
Cheap thrills and an ending that did no justice
When I sat down in the theatre to see this movie at 10 pm, I was hoping to get scared. I'm one to jump at things popping out at you and little else. In the beginning, I watched a boy get mauled by demonic hyenas, natives have appendages ripped off by the devil, and a baby being born dead and covered (inside and out) with maggots. Disturbing images, yes. Scary, no. It didn't make the movie good in anyway, except to freak out a few people and make them a bit ill.
It wasn't a good film based on the fact you knew when everything was coming, and how it would be presented. Modern technology was obvious..too obvious. It's too bad. The whole ending was absolutely ridiculous. In fact, I laughed in the theatre. When Possessed-Sarah was running down a random stone hallway with her body convulsing and flapping in the wind, it was ridiculous. It looked ridiculous seeing her flap her arms around in the distance.
Considering I went to get scared, I have to admit, in the beginning I jumped. The ending ruined it for me, completely.
I did enjoy, however, seeing the girls run out the door saying "that was SICK. GROSS." in a disgusted voice. Hooray for cheap tricks!