Post: #151

I did not really like Blade Runner and was expecting to love it.

Post: #152

(10-30-2015 05:33 PM)LeBeau Wrote:  [b]To help with organization, I would advise forum members to use the search function if they're going to be posting about movies that aren't part of any formal monthly list in this thread.

(11-03-2015 04:30 PM)Brian Shima Wrote:  I did not really like Blade Runner and was expecting to love it.

Id be interested in why you didn't like BladeRunner (considered one of the best SciFi films ever made) and discuss with you here:

/thread-32708...#pid652685

Post: #153

I did not realize this thead was organized in any sort of way. I scrolled past and seen random reviews

Your link didnt take me to a thread.

Post: #154

(11-03-2015 05:03 PM)Brian Shima Wrote:  I did not realize this thead was organized in any sort of way. I scrolled past and seen random reviews

Your link didnt take me to a thread.

Ooops...fixed it

/thread-32708...#pid652685

Just an old thread I found with BladeRunner mentioned

Post: #155

It came to my attention that the link I posted for "Brotherhood of the Wolf" was temporarily down, but it looks like it's back up again.

Since different people have different versions of Netflix or other services, I would check your normal methods for the November movies first, then I've tried to fill in the blanks for the other movies that didn't have links in my original post:

2) 25th Hour

http://gorillavid.in/afjbtfiaupl6

4) All is Lost

http://www.vidlockers.ag/R78t2Lwyz9jhB80zA5Qy.html

5) Gomorra

http://vodlocker.com/wvaxs28hzfqt

6) Heat

http://megashare.sc/watch-heat-online-TWpNNE1nPT0



4) Dirty Work

zumvo.so/watch-dirty-work-1998-4364


I'll do up a post in the next few days to get us started talking about "Brotherhood of the Wolf" and if we discuss a new movie from the Nov. list every 3-4 days we should be able to get through them all before Dec. That said, I'm sure interest will vary and people will watch things in different order so remember to add a spoilers tag on posts.

Post: #156

Brotherhood of the Wolf: Discussion and SPOILERS



I'll get us started with the first discussion. One of the features of this movie that had such a lasting impression on me was the director's sense of style. From the use of slow motion in the rainy opening fight sequence, to the costumes, tattoos, and locations. This is something that can come across as forced in other movies, but I felt it was done smoothly here.

Another strength was the blend of various genres to create a unique film. There are a lot of themes to work with, and it's ultimately a fun and successful balancing act.

Some of my favourite scenes:
1) When Fronsac plays to the ego of the poet to isolate Marianne, game recognized.
2) Mani's opening fight
3) The meeting in Paris, it adds an interesting historical twist
4) Finding out that Sylvia (Monica Bellucia) isn't who you thought she was, and her Mortal Kombat style weaponry.

In terms of the historical references, here's a video that explains more of the backstory, and the relevant link with more info:






https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beast_of_G%C3%A9vaudan


I can't say I've written many formal movie reviews or participated much in film critiques, so I've just discussed the first things that came to mind. Feel free to analyse whatever parts you like, I always like hearing a variety of viewpoints.

Post: #157

DVD finally arrived and I watched this over the weekend. Here is my review:

The movie "THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF" plays like a film with multiple personality disorder but in a really good way It's like they couldn't decide what genre they wanted to pick so they chose several. What they ended up with is a rough beast adventure story cobbled together from a dozen movies. The film involves quasi-werewolves, French aristocrats, secret societies, Iroquois Indians, martial arts, occult ceremonies, sacred mushrooms, swashbuckling, incestuous longings, political subversion, animal spirits, slasher scenes and bordellos, and is incredibly "based on a true story,".

The story involves the "Beast of Gevaudan", (as noted in LeBeau's video) which in 1764, terrorized a remote district of France, killing more than 60 women and children and tearing out their hearts and vitals.

Directed by Christophe Gans, "The Brotherhood of the Wolf" is couched in historical facts. It begins in 1794, at the time of the French Revolution, when its narrator (Jacques Paren), about to be carried away to the guillotine, puts the finishing touches on a journal revealing at last the true story of the Beast. Although a wolf was killed and presented to the court of the king, that was only a cover-up, he says, as we flash back to ...

SPOILER ALERT

The Beast attacks under the opening credits. For the first hour or so we do not see it, but we hear menacing growls, moans and roars, and see an unkempt but buxom peasant girl dragged to her doom. Enter Gregoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan), an intellectual and naturalist, recently returned from exploring the in the New World (Canada I think). He is accompanied by Mani, an Iroquois who speaks perfect French and perfect tree (he talks to them). Mani is played by Mark Dacascos (best known in the US from HAWAII FIVE-O), a martial arts expert from Hawaii whose skills might seem out place in 18th century France, but no: In this movie fights would make Jet Li proud.

Fronsac doubts the existence of a "Beast". Trust science not fairy tales. in once scene at dinner, he passes around a trout with fur, from Canada, which causes one of the guests to observe it must really be cold for the fish there, before he reveals it is a hoax. The Beast, though soon makes him a believer, but he sees a pattern: "The Beast is a weapon used by a man." But who? Why? How? Charting the Beast's attacks on a map, he cleverly notices that all of the lines connecting them intersect at one point in rural Gevaudan. Fronsac and Mani go looking there.

The local arictocrats include Jean-Francois (Vincent Cassel), who has one arm, but has fashioned a rifle he can brace in the crook of his shoulder. It fires silver bullets (this is also a historical fact). His sister Marianne (Emilie Dequenne....WB) fancies Fronsac,(of course) which causes Jean-Francois to hate him. Also lurking about is the sultry Sylvia (Monica Bellucci...WB), who travels around with dudes who might as well have "dirtbag" tattooed on their foreheads. She likes to dance on table tops while they throw knives that barely miss her.

The whole movie is pretty absurd but in a way that really works somehow and is very entertaining. This is basically a high-gloss werewolf movie (but without a werewolf), crossed with a historical fantasy / romance /swashbuckler and a martial arts extravaganza. It is nothing if not unique and you can enjoy it once you let go of pre conceived expectations of it fitting into a specific genre "box".

There is of course a subtle deeper political message too with vague foreshadowings of fascism and survivalist cults, but the movie uses its politics only as a plot points for convenience

More than anything "THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF" is visually incredible. The photography by Dan Laustsen is atmospheric and creepy; he uses fogs, snow, boggy marshes, moss, vines, creepers, and 18th century interior decorating. Each shot is almost worthy of a painting.

The Beast, when it finally appears, is pretty cool, (created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop apparently). It's movements are a little jerky but that it makes the Beast weirder/cooler than if it glided along smoothly.

Overall I highly recommend this movie for its uniqueness and visual style. If you just have fun and don't expect to take it seriously. Enjoy

Excellent choice LeBeau!

Post: #158

(11-11-2015 01:56 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  Overall I highly recommend this movie for its uniqueness and visual style. If you just have fun and don't expect to take it seriously. Enjoy

Great review Papaya!

Glad people are enjoying it for what it is, not an Oscar winner, but an adventure with a "can't quite put my thumb on it" style and format.

Post: #159

Note: feel free to drop reviews/analysis on any of the movies whenever you feel like it, I'm just gonna continue to proceed in order here.

25th Hour: Discussion and SPOILERS



Spike Lee's 25th Hour seems to often be overshadowed by some of his more blockbuster or controversial films, but 25th Hour continues to hold up beyond a decade and rewards repeat viewings.

The greatest strength of this film is the strength of the personalities themselves. It really doesn't seem that consequential where events take place, the particular order, etc. beyond the main plot drivers, as they all serve to showcase how dialed in the actors have their characters.

It also has a particular resonance through the lens of the RVF since it makes it seem so much more realistic. Edward Norton as Monty picks up his girl with some daygame. Barry Pepper as Frank Slaugherty breaks down the need for money to achieve higher echelons of lifestyle and access to women. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Jacob Elinsky is the self loathing liberal with misdirected oneitis. Rosario Dawson as Naturelle Riviera understands her femininity in a supporting role and thankfully spares us any grrl power nonsense.

While most people reference the NYC rant scene as the best in the movie, here's a few I enjoyed even more:

1) Trading floor with Frank - This is a great example of how men can work with each other without the influence of women or HR threats. While the non-pc language is obvious, one of the most subtle tells is when Frank's boss can lay down the law from a professional perspective, but still remind him about the basketball game to hang out later.

2) The diner with Frank and Jacob - This whole scene is threadworthy, as both men make interesting points.

3) The argument between Frank and Naturelle - This is overlooked but you can see how Frank attempts to transfer some of his guilt over Monty's fate to Naturelle. He then rationalizes it the way any man would, and exposes his own bias, further deepening his character.

Side note: The vision at the end is pretty interesting and gets quite specific in the details. Makes you wonder how many men actually try that path and succeed. I'm sure it's much harder with each passing year to attempt something like that.

Post: #160

^ Great review. I believe Ed Norton is the greatest actor of our generation, far ahead of anything Cruise, Pitt, Penn etc. have ever done.

Post: #161

Post: #162

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie, There were many great scenes I remember, One him having dinner with his dad, very emotional scene and during the dinner he calls his dad out on not telling him to stop when he was making payments for his Bar.

Second was the opening scene, Russian character, Doyle the Dog and Superbee, Awesome. That Exhaust sound Ahhhhhhhh ........





Great characters, The Alpha, Beta and the Omega Friends. Great red pill movie for RVFers.

Absolutely loved the Game our hero displayed picking up his Girl. He showed great composure, walking, talking, smiling. His body Language can be emulated as a man who is sure of what he is doing and girls can read this vibe from a mile away and get attracted easily.

Ed Norton's acting was great, I am a great fan. his character was a great king taking care of people around him and had a soft corner in his heart but was tough when he needed to be.

OK I felt sympathetic towards the main character but towards the end felt like the movie is trying to force an Opinion on me to somehow justify the wrongdoings of the main character, IMO I can not support any one who is trying to find solutions by dealing drugs, Drugs add so much to the absurdity of the world that no way our hero can be a part of it.

Great Recommendation, Thanks Labeau.

Post: #163

Watching this reminded me why I like watching movies more than once. I remember seeing and originally not being overly enthusiastic about it but that's definitely changed. First I have to admit that I'm not much of a Spike Lee fan but this is a fine all round piece of film making. I fully expected to be writing a review that was sort of "meh" but this is an excellent movie.

SPOILER ALERT
Like most films Edward Norton stars in the verbal narrative is top notch. The cast in general is top tier as well. Barry Pepper, Phillips Seymour Hoffman (stellar as always), Bryan Cox, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin...even a cameo by the late great Patrice Oneal as the door guy/ bouncer! (This was a pleasant surprise as I became a Patrice O fan long after this movie came out) What I found great was how each scene was almost it's own set piece that could stand on it's own. Take the scene that introduces Frank (Barry Pepper). All it really needs to do is establish his character, which it does in about fifteen seconds: Wall Street, greased hair, Red Bull, fast, abrasive, asshole remarks. But the writer and / or director allot the scene over four minutes, giving the viewer a mini-story instead of just tossing out a few signifiers and moving on to the next bit. Each scene has intrinsic value in addition to its contribution to the greater narrative. The opening sequence when Monty saves Doyle the dog is a great piece that reveals a lot about him...he likes a fighter and in hindsight this foreshadows what this movie is going to be about...overcoming adversity and never giving up....Just like him...just like NY itself. And yet it never becomes episodic, never just a matter of one damn thing after another. So thumbs up for structure.

I also really liked the interplay between the very specific story of Monty's last night before going to jail and the highly charged atmosphere of New York City, 2002 (just post 9/11). I never really caught a thematic connection before, though I see one now (which I'll get to in a moment), perhaps because I didn't really have enough distance from that major event the first time I saw the movie. But I think the movie does great work in capturing what now seems to me like a geographical and chronological landmark.

Ok, let's talk about theme and the ending. The first time I saw 25th Hour I didn't really see any connection among the various storylines — what does the Hoffman / Anna Paquin subplot have to do with anything, for instance? It now seems to me that what unites the various threads of the movie is unsustainable risk. Monty's friends are pissed at him for not getting out of the drug trade while he still could, for trying to press his luck for just a few more months, score just a few more bricks of cash... but how good are they at judging their own decisions? Jacob (Hoffman), after resisting Anna Paquin (his underage student)for several scenes, finally decides to take a chance and kisses her — and, assuming he winds up keeping his job or not going to jail himself, still has to live with the memory of that look on her face. And then there's the scene on the trading floor I mentioned above, in which Frank bets his entire $100 million fund allotment on one unlikely unemployment number, and it actually works out... that time. But in seven years his investment bank won't exist anymore, because there won't be any investment banks, because the entire financial sector is made of reckless, greed-fueled gamblers.... like him. You can say that this is an unrealistic reading because there was no way of knowing at the time that the economy would collapse — but of course there was! There's a reason that "Nobody Could Have Predicted" is a running joke on the blogs. Economic disaster, ecological disaster, geopolitical disaster: all of them are always predicted. Frank says Monty deserves what he got, but Frank and Monty are basically the same guy. They just picked different casinos.

Then we have the ending, the "25th hour" of the title: Monty's dad, driving him to prison, raises the possibility of an alternative plan... and then they're driving west, into a dusty no-name town where Monty can get a job as a bartender, paid in cash, no questions asked... where he'll never see anyone from his old life ever again, except for his loyal girlfriend, who after a couple of years shows up at the Greyhound station. They have children, and their children have children, and as he's old and gray, Monty gathers his family and tells them that he'd once been arrested, that he was on the way to prison for seven years which he was unlikely to survive, but then his dad came up with a plan. "And then you'll ask them if they know how lucky they are to be there. It all came so close to never happening. This life came so close to never happening."

Cut back to the car, heading to prison. Because Dad's plan is just wishful thinking. There are only 24 hours in a day, and Monty is beyond the event horizon (the bridge turn off) now. The near-miss was actually a hit and he's fucked...for now.

For me this is particularly resonant after the events of this past Friday. For all of us there is always a point when we could have taken a different road. For the US of A perhaps a road to a land where, when the planes hit the World Trade Center, we didn't use it as a contrived pretext to launch an unrelated war of choice. Perhaps a land where the solar panels on the White House roof weren't removed, but instead had moved toward sustainable energy sources and away from the fossil fuels that tempted/ caused us to meddle in the Middle East and piss the locals off in the first place. One where we invested that money in schools, in trains, in levees, and kept enough around to stave off the inevitable economic downturn — one rendered much less severe by clamping down on Wall Street's suicidal greed in the first place.

But, 25th Hour forces us to realize, we're past the point where we could have taken that road. That future is never going to happen. We're fucked...for now

Ultimately I think the filmmaker(s) message is that while we can't go back and change the past, we can and still need to, make choices that shape our future

Another excellent choice LeBeau!

Post: #164

Primer: Discussion and SPOILERS



Out of the 6 movies from the "Essentials" list I posted, "Heat" is my favourite, but "Primer" is the one I find to be the most interesting by far.

I've re-watched Primer many times now, and it still astounds me that it was made at all. Shane Carruth is an incredible talent when you consider that he taught himself everything needed to make this film, then did it on such a minuscule budget. People are used to hearing about the screenplay that made it big, or the song that turned into a hit on a soundtrack, but it's amazing think that he was literally responsible for every facet of this movie along with acting in the starring role.

A lot of the genius of Primer is the realism of the lives of Abe and Aaron. A quote from wiki explains:

Quote:...Carruth's goal was to portray scientific discovery in a down-to-earth and realistic manner. He notes that many of the greatest breakthrough scientific discoveries in history have occurred by accident, in locations no more glamorous than Aaron's garage.[6]

"Whether it involved the history of the number zero or the invention of the transistor, two things stood out to me. First is that the discovery that turns out to be the most valuable is usually dismissed as a side-effect. Second is that prototypes almost never include neon lights and chrome. I wanted to see a story play out that was more in line with the way real innovation takes place than I had seen on film before."[6]

Primer also has a great atmosphere when you can find it chilling without truly understanding exactly what's going on, especially near the end. The music, the voiceover, the edits, etc. all give a sense of human interactions being profoundly disturbed, despite how normal the men look on the surface.

I'm also grateful in this day and age that a movie exists where it forces you to really think, and on top of that, forces you to accept that some parts you will never know. The Granger incident: http://theprimeruniverse.blogspot.ca/200...ident.html is a good example of this. It's also such a nice change from dumbed down movies where you can predict the lines the character is about to speak since they are full of cliches, or where the trailer gives away the main scenes/plot.

Some of my favourite quotes illustrating the range of emotions the characters encounter:

Abe: If you ditch work this afternoon, and promise to do the few small things I ask you; I will in return show you the most important thing that any living organism has ever witnessed.

Abe: I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?

Aaron: We know everything, okay? We're prescient.

Abe: What's wrong with our hands?
Aaron: [has his arms tightly wrapped around his chest, his hands tight under his armpits] What do you mean?
Abe: [almost shouting] Why can't we write like normal people?
Aaron: [quietly] I don't know. I can see the letters... I know what they should look like, I just can't get my hand to make them easily.


All that said, if you're having trouble following Primer, it would be a mistake to dismiss it as complicated for the sake of being complicated. If you re-watch, pay attention to what the characters are wearing, how they talk about their surroundings, etc. Every scene is there for a reason, and it actually all works out in the overall story, here's one of the better explanations I've found:






There's so much more I could say about this movie, but at the risk of making a page long post, I'll leave you with some more interviews and links exploring the film:

http://www.road-dog-productions.com/prim...rview.html

http://movies.about.com/od/primer/a/primer102104.htm

http://theprimeruniverse.blogspot.ca/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390384/faq

http://www.kevinmuldoon.com/primer-film

Post: #165

   

Post: #166

   

Post: #167

All Is Lost: Discussion and SPOILERS



This will be a short discussion because this movie is a great example of effective simplicity.

One of my favourite aspects of this film is how the suspense is divided between both physical and psychological elements.

The physical elements being the storm, the problems with the boat, general weather, etc.

The psychological elements being the solitude, the near misses with getting rescued, and the decisions that play out during the film.

The cinematography is beautiful, and Redford gives a great performance as a man who just can't seem to catch a break.

The film also gave me a new found respect for those who make long sailing voyages, and is another showcase to never underestimate the high seas.

Post: #168

Is well worth your time. What you will see is one of the coolest, cleverest, and most innovative time travel movies ever made—it’s also, IMO, by far the most complicated I HAD to watch it twice and still don't have a full handle on it....So I don't think I could "spoil" it if I tried.. But that's what's fun about it. Amazing story telling with a little budget...It's a mind bender!

I found the following diagram that's helpful in understanding the story-line and time disruption....."twist"? (I'm not even sure I'd call it a twist)

Post: #169

Good thread so far. The reviews in blue text are much appreciated. I'm about to start the October suggestions.

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but it might be helpful if the "guide" could provide a brief assessment of their recommendations at the end of the month. Something that talks about the positive/negative feedback from members or a ranking of some kind; most discussed or must watch, etc.

Just a thought for those in the future that may have missed the thread or just joined Netflix that want to catch up when the list gets much longer.

Post: #170

Post: #171

La delgada línea amarilla



A movie about 5 men who are down and out, who must overcome their differences and work together to accomplish a goal that may lead to a better life. Trailer:





I watched this on a cross country flight mainly to help practice my Spanish comprehension, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's definitely a man's movie, one that illustrates the situations that men must overcome in order to grow as people. It shows men suffering in silence but soldiering on anyway, the ability to bring together vastly different people and work towards a common goal, and the importance of leadership in accomplishing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It may seem quiet at times, but those moments gave time to develop the characters and provide depth to the movie. I have to admit it was more powerful than I expected, and I had to fight back tears at some moments. Recommended.

Post: #172

I saw Robert Redford's "All is Lost" yesterday.

Very good film and one that's well worth seeing. How can you not be engaged by this sort of subject matter?

Even if you know how it's going to end, you just want to see how things work out.

The plot: a lone mariner wakes up one morning to find that his yacht has struck a floating piece of ocean flotsam (a cargo container) and is leaking badly.

Things just get worse and worse from there. We get storms, squalls, loneliness, bad luck, and bad timing. But watching the protagonist extricate himself from one bad spot after another is ultimately an inspiring experience.

It's just a man against Nature.

And in the end, it's the story of our own lives. All of us.

Post: #173

(11-27-2015 10:17 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  I saw Robert Redford's "All is Lost" yesterday.

It's just a man against Nature.

And in the end, it's the story of our own lives. All of us.

I really liked this film. It's simple and elegant.

I liked The Grey with Liam Neeson for similar reasons.

Men confronting nature and themselves in isolation is something that is sorely needed in this age.

Nature doesn't care what your social status is. You either have the ability to live or you don't. It's as simple as that.

Post: #174

Gomorrah: Discussion and SPOILERS



Gomorrah takes many of the conventions of different mafia and underworld movies, puts it all in a blender, and gives a great spectacle of messy people in a messy place.

This movie has very few bespoke 3 piece suits, and deaths come so often that any attempt to try to establish a hierarchy among members is quickly shattered.

It's been praised for it's realism, and one aspect I enjoyed is how it intertwines with current events and the bigger picture outside of Naples. For example, with the dumping of toxic waste, there's foreshadowing of the migrant crisis, as well as increased counterfeiting on a global scale.

Favourite scenes include:

1) The different drivers for the dump trucks
2) The initiation with the bulletproof vest
3) The final ambush of Marco and Ciro

For those who are interested in more, there's also the original book and a tv series.

Post: #175

(11-05-2015 11:33 PM)LeBeau Wrote:  Brotherhood of the Wolf: Discussion and SPOILERS

SPOILERS

I saw this last week.

I really enjoyed it. I also think that it is a bit schitzophrenic in that it combines martial arts, romance, mystery, incest, noble savage themes, but I just think its entertaining at the end of the day.

I saw this when it originally came out in the cinemas (art house run), but I was pleasantly surprised to find I didn't remember most of the plot twists.

The only big issue I have with it is the trope of the main character going full warpaint/savage mode out of nowhere to avenge his friend and miraculously developing all the same martial arts/fieldcraft that his friend had. Why didn't he go and use those skills to back up his friend when he needed help? Maybe he would still be alive.

Anyway, for all of that I wish that the director had made similar fantasy films whether based on a true story or not. It can be depressing to find these little gems of foreign films and know that there will never be more of them while hollywood churns out garbage after garbage.