Movies

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January, 2012
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) 4.5/5
2012-01-25 00:53

A very satisfying sequel to the first Sherlock Holmes film. Fantastic cast, moody cinematography with a real saucy punch and a formidable villain make the movie an irresistible treat for Victoriana and detective buffs like me.
0.3
Paradaisu Kisu (2011) 2/5
2012-01-05 23:26

Loved the manga, loved the anime, did not like the movie. Except for Isabella.
0.3
December, 2011
Melancholia (2011) 3/5
2011-12-31 21:18

Yet another pretentious pseudo-intellectual arthouse concoction stuffed with A-list actors? Or a visceral fantastical story about the end of the world and the collapse of all feeling and sense? I still don't know. But what a way to end the 2011 year in film. Also who in their right mind would reject Alexander Skarsgard's advances? SERIOUSLY. End of the world indeed.
0.3
White Vengeance 鸿门宴 (2011) 3/5
2011-12-28 21:44

Saw this in Shanghai Grand Cinema. It's a stunning historical epic about "two brothers contending for supremacy during the fall of the Qin Dynasty". I have virtually no fore-knowledge about this history so it was hard for me to stay focussed when the dialogue was often laced with ancient idioms and philosophy. But it sure is pretty.
0.3
The Last Emperor (1987) 4/5
2011-12-26 12:56

At uni for a film elective I watched about ten minutes of this (the coronation scene) for its sumptuous set and costume design. That was like three years ago, and I've now finished it. And it is indeed epic and gloriously wonderful to look at. More amazingly this was actually filmed in China's Forbidden City, the first Western production allowed in since the founding of the People's Republic of China, so no fake sets here. This was arguably China's lowest period in history – the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, and the introduction to Communism, not to mention a number of foreign invasions; it's humiliating to reflect on now. The political intrigue was both painful and fascinating. What's most interesting is seeing the transformation of a spoilt, self-indulgent deluded little boy growing up to eventually be crushed into serving the new order. The man couldn't even tie his shoelaces when he finally went to detention for correction. He ended up living a humble life in Beijing as a gardener. A worthwhile viewing experience, even if it's just once in your life.
0.3
November, 2011
Real Steel (2011) 2/5
2011-11-23 21:42

Was real shit... Nah, OK, Hugh Jackman's hotness compensated a bit but not much. I can't believe the original source (the novel) was that simplistic! A good mindless popcorn movie nonetheless.
0.3
October, 2011
Norwegian Wood (2010) 3/5
2011-10-21 21:13

Beautifully shot film about the gut-wrenching and tumultuous consequences of lives left to grieve and endure a loss that cannot be explained. I have not read the book so I found a lot of the scenes to be abrupt, but riddled with visual symbolism.
0.3
The Ghost Writer (2010) 4/5
2011-10-19 14:09

This deceptive narrative seemed to progress slowly but I was hooked by the subtle performances from all—every player at full attention. Some questions still need answering but they were tantalisingly teased out that you still get the picture, and what a murky, cold and sinister one it is. Also, I swear, Ewan McGregor is almost always nude in his films...
0.3
Arabesque (1966) 3.5/5
2011-10-18 23:23

A very fun and enjoyable comedy/thriller romp, starring the delectable Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren – a very interesting pairing I have to say.
0.3
Bright Victory (1951) 4/5
2011-10-12 16:13

It's a pretty sad sign of the times that this film is still so relevant to contemporary society. Bright Victory is years ahead of itself in self-awareness, and tackling those touchy issues of race and inequality, as well as the devastating effects of war on soldiers. Sergeant Larry Nevins' blindness is obviously a metaphor for his narrow views, and it's just so nice to see him transform into a less cocky, more confident and more open-minded person.
0.3
Laura (1944) 4/5
2011-10-12 01:19

One of the best noir thrillers I've seen, starring the absolutely gorgeous Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. I just wish there'd been more of them.
0.3
The Tree of Life (2011) 3.5/5
2011-10-09 23:24

A brilliant, ambitious piece of cinema by the mystifying director, Terence Malick. It's visceral and disjointed, self-indulgent to the brim, and let's face it, bloody confusing, but it's just so damn beautiful that I cannot keep my eyes off it. Some kind of metaphor for the wonders of life, perhaps. The soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat, is a key highlight.
0.3
September, 2011
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010) 3/5
2011-09-17 19:21

Enjoyable flick, with some beautiful action sequences and great voicework from the DCU legends. Batman provides some curiously bright comic relief.
0.3
Shim's Family (2007) 4.5/5
2011-09-14 20:46

Saw this as part of the 2011 Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) which for the first time was also hosted in Melbourne. The synopsis reads: "the movie is about a dysfunctional family, each and every member with mental problems of his own. On top of that some old skeletons from the closet come back to haunt them." That's putting it mildly, but the antics of Shim and her bizarre yet somehow familiar family members are hilarious, with the objects and music soundtrack becoming quirky characters themselves. Thoroughly enjoyable.
0.3
August, 2011
Jane Eyre (2011) 3.5/5
2011-08-23 20:57

Jane Eyre is one of my favourite stories, despite my not actually liking the character in particular. I thought the last BBC adaptation was near perfect so how could yet another adaptation add anything better? What I find curious is what the screenwriter chooses to include, change and omit from the origin. I have to say this film did quite well, given the limited screen time. Michael Fassbender's doing extremely well for himself now, so it's marvellous to see him in such varied roles. At least he can now boast of the privilege of playing an emotionally tortured man, dressed in breeches and cravat. He and Mia Wasikowska while initially a little awkward at the beginning, start to assume great chemistry by the second act which is absolutely essential, and what makes for such compelling viewing. The cinematography is lush, subdued and vivid, with a haunting score by Dario Marianelli, who is no stranger to the English pastoral landscape (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement).
0.3
Birth (2004) 2.5/5
2011-08-06 14:00

I've been having an Alexandre Desplat movie marathon. Birth is his Hollywood debut, and you can already see the impact he will have on Tinseltown. It's one of my favourite soundtracks. Pity I couldn't say the same of the movie itself. Though Nicole Kidman is in her element as a widow struggling to deal with the idea of a boy claiming to be her reincarnated husband. There's a mesmerising take where the camera unrelentingly focuses on her face as she confronts said revelation in a theatre with her fiancé – clearly the highlight of the entire film.
0.3
July, 2011
Hiroshima mon amour (1959) 3.5/5
2011-07-19 23:24

"A French actress filming an anti-war film in Hiroshima has an affair with a married Japanese architect as they share their differing perspectives on war." It's beautifully shot. Emmanuelle Riva and Eiji Okada have mesmerising stage presence, their turmoil and intensity palpable. The entire film is made up of conversations which lends deeper intimacy, terror and nuance to the narrative.
0.3
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two (2011) 3.5/5
2011-07-13 09:00

I had immense expectations after seeing the teaser trailer for Part Two. I just could not help it, knowing full well I'd likely be disappointed. The thing is, I couldn't be disappointed. "It all ends." I don't think I can articulate how much I've loved growing up with the Harry Potter books and movies. The closing chapter of the film series signifies the end of an era for many fans. Of course, as JK Rowling so fondly said, "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."
0.3
Ghost: In Your Arms Again (2010) 1.5/5
2011-07-06 22:54

The most loltastic adaptation of a Hollywood film I have ever seen. It's a Japanese remake but features the delectable Korean actor, Song Seung-heon as the sensitive potter left behind in the mortal world. The film follows the original plot to the nth degree. They even chucked in a mediocre cover of Unchained Melody and the cheesy sensual pottery scene. I still got some good laughs out of this – whether intentionally or not. The psychic is priceless here, more so than Whoopi Goldberg ever could be.
0.3
June, 2011
Batman: Under the Red Hood 3/5
2011-06-12 22:44

I've not read the comic arc so I came into this with objective eyes, not that I'm much of a fan of Jason Todd, but it's always fascinating to explore the moral complexes of Bruce and his proteges.
0.3
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008) 4/5
2011-06-12 19:00

I only watched the first twenty minutes or so a couple of years ago (and never the English dub, though North America tends to be getting better at it), but I got the DVD recently and knew I'd better sit down and watch this properly. The story isn't quite deep (pun not intended), but it's so gorgeously visualised that it simply takes on a life of its own, with all its strange and exuberant twists and turns, in true Miyazaki form. Joe Hisaishi has also outdone himself with the music score. It's breathtaking, magical stuff, quite a feat considering how amazing his previous scores have been. I think it's my favourite one now.
0.3
Chico y Rita (2010) 3/5
2011-06-10 21:00

First heard about this film last year at the agIdeas international design forum when the co-director/designer, Javier Mariscal, spoke about Chico y Rita. It looked so atmospheric and sensual and the emphasis on the Cuban/Anglo-American jazz scene called to me like a smoky voiced siren. The reality of the film experience was less seductive – visually and aurally Chico y Rita is a delight, but the love story of purportedly star-crossed lovers was unconvincing. Maybe it's just a Latin thing? The political climate of Cuba is only superficially touched upon, so the weak love story didn't really give the film much substance.
0.3
X-Men: First Class (2011) 3.5/5
2011-06-07 14:19

The success of the X-Men film franchise dissipated with every passing sequel, but it's been revitalised in this prequel, with an entirely too stellar a cast for something like this. That said, it had all the ingredients of an enjoyable, engaging popcorn movie. Some fantastic chemistry between the leads James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender (which frankly is the only thing that matters, all things considered).
0.3
Gone with the Wind (1939) 4/5
2011-06-04 19:30

I saw this on the big screen at the Astor which was pretty damn cool. Everyone should see this classic on the big one!
0.3
April, 2011
Sucker Punch (2011) 1/5
2011-04-30 13:44

The moment I saw those teaser posters I was apprehensive. Scott Snyder excels at intense action-packed spectacles, and certainly the anachronistic aesthetic and (some of) the cast appealed to me, but ultimately I was less disappointed than I was appalled by the silly message in this film, and the blatant objectification of the girls who, for all their empowerment in dreams, are still helpless in reality. I have a longer rant on my Tumblr.
0.3