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gwenmaddy
Reviews
Odjuret (2011)
Compelling, realistic, and very human film.
Some friends and I saw Odjuret (English title: Savage) at the 2011 Gothenburg International Film Festival in Gothenburg, Sweden. We're not really the "art film" kind of people but we went to see it mainly because a mutual friend of ours is in it. Also, it has been nominated for the Best Nordic Film of the Year award.
The atmosphere of the film is one of a stifling, nearly suffocating frustration caused by the suppression of the dreams and desires of the characters, all of whom have various needs that are not being fulfilled. This is something to which everyone can relate. There are the things we want and need in life, and then there are the countless circumstances beyond our control that prevent us from acquiring those wants and needs.
The film takes the audience down this path of frustrated dreams and suppressed desires. Along the way we find out what happens when one's dreams are denied until one reaches a breaking point.
I give the film a 10 out of 10 and hope it wins the award.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Entertaining and fun, despite its flaws
From the first uplifting bars of the film's excellent and award-winning score, to the delightful cameo of Sean Connery as King Richard the Lionheart, the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is consistently entertaining, action-packed, and full of wonderful grungy Medieval realism.
I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out, (has it really been fifteen years??) when Kevin Costner was at the height of his popularity. I liked it then when I was too young to realize how ridiculous it was for Maid Marion to be wearing that suit of armor, and I have to admit I still enjoy it, despite those silly improbabilities. Critics and reviewers alike have lambasted the film for Costner's inescapable American-ness, but there are other Americans cast who don't seem to attract much negative attention, namely Mike McShane as the irrepressible Friar Tuck.
Two surprising twists on the legend are the inclusion of Morgan Freeman as Robin's Moorish companion, Azeem, and Christian Slater as Robin's long lost half-brother, Will Scarlett. Maybe these two characters are just a couple more of the film's improbabilities, but their presence adds drama and modern interest to the plot.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a respectable and entertaining take on the Robin Hood legends, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good adventure story. Seven out of ten stars.