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silas10961
Reviews
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Nosebulb
Alright, I'm very curious to know what was the earliest year anyone out there has heard the rejoinder "like a light bulb!" to the RTRNR song? Please respond! I recall doing this with other children in the early to mid 1970s, though having no clue where I or we first picked it up. Perhaps it was from the movie, but then again, maybe not. It did catch on though as kids everywhere rattle off the line with...glee. It was perhaps just so obvious and in the air, that it was bound to catch on. Anyone have any clues or specific ideas? I'd love to know the earliest years anyone recalls hearing it. I'd be very surprised if this was happening in the 1960s.
Zero Degrees of Separation (2005)
New Insights
Zero Degrees of Separation takes viewers into the most unique of circumstances through four individuals, all straddling an impossibly difficult cultural/political setting in which their relationships exist. The toll of occupation becomes vivid for those not familiar with the day to day life in this region. The film uses the relationships as a point of departure for insights into the country.
It has been remarked that the film is biased because it does not focus on bombings or the great ethnic diversity in Israel. Bombings are part of the climate in which the stories of these individuals take place. It is assumed one knows that. There are a multitude of references, direct or indirect to diversity. Ezra, the 50 year old plumber and partner of Selim, is mizarachim (Middle Eastern Jews, in his case originally from Iraq). Edit is originally from Argentina. And on it goes, as anyone who has been to Israel knows, it is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, a nation of of immigrants.
For me, the film also underscores the nature of activism in such a country. It seems second nature. Governments and leaders are more readily acknowledged as fallible and that action and change lies in the hands of the people.
The Yakuza (1974)
Admirable Noir from the 1970s
Fascinating moody thriller reminiscent of Blade Runner in a variety of aspects from the score, to sound design, and the fashion in which setting/architecture almost plays a character in the film. Infrequent but intense action scenes punctuate the film. Would make a fascinating double billing with Blade Runner. Mitchum and cast deliver solid performances. Though I doubt the film will reveal as many layers as BR does upon repeated viewings, it is still quite worth seeing and seems to have gone unnoticed or underrated. Still not available on DVD. Mitchum fans, noir junkies. and BR fans are bound to find this a rewarding experience. Highly recommended.