room337 Reviews

The Eel (1997)

redemption,the chaotic path

[15 August 1999]

I actually enjoyed the film a lot. Maybe it's not one of the most articulated films, but there was liveliness in it,and i think that's the reason the eel got cannes. The lives of misunderstood,isolated finds the peace with themselves in a remote country side, reminded me of Mediterriano a bit. The man's murder, suicidal heroine and her mad mother, a guy who is obsessed with UFO, which seems unexplainable and their lives are narrated in a messiest possible way. I think this film is not for analysis or for coming to conclusion, the director wants to show a utopia where misfits can be forgiven and find a harmony with the world, where a human communicates with an eel. And where people can have a chance to get redemption,,,

Mediterraneo (1991)

light film, heavy message

[18 April 1999]

It was a very good Italian film I've seen along with Cinema paradiso and Barnabo delle Mongtagne. On the island they forget everything, just enjoy peace and simple jolly life. 30years later,a few people left the island come back, because they couldn't adjust themselves in the world. Only place to return to was the island. On watching the film, I was quite saddened, because our life is like a dessert where Utopia is nothing but a mirage. Director's words "I'd like to dedicate this film to people who want to run away" says all. Very memorable film!!!

Santa Sangre (1989)

different level of experience

[9/10 · 16 April 1999]

I couldn't believe my eyes during the film. Hallucinatory images and surreal event help to create the most unforgettable film I have ever seen. I couldn't make any judgment on it, it's just out of the world. If I can watch any film equivalent of this in my life, I am very lucky.

Jodorowsky, he is an utter genius.

You can find this film in horror sections, but this is more than that.

Circus Boys (1989, Japan) is a rip-off of this masterpiece, but not a disaster.

The Snowman (1982 TV Short)

beautiful and sad film

[13 April 1999]

It was the most beautiful animation film I've ever seen. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of scenery, the friendship and the Song, it was magnificent. I started to cry when the snowman and the boy flew over the sky accompanied by the heavenly voice. I actually kept crying till the end.

I personally wouldn't recommend it to children, partly because it's too sad but mainly only adults can appreciate the memories of innocent days and the message: our life like snowman doesn't last.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

women's choice in the men's world

[11 April 1999]

Two friend's holiday turned their lives into a sudden turn and self-discovery,that is the main story. But it was quite hard to watch being a woman myself. They couldn't control anger(killing the man who tried to rape Louise), their plan to run away to Mexico failed(partly due to another man who steal their money), and the final choice. I felt their anger, fear,hopelessness and desperation with all my heart. Maybe, they are not the best example of women(and all the men are not the jerks as shown on this film), but Thelma and Louise showed aspects of unfairness and suppression women do feel in our male-centered society. The final scene was so sad. It was a brave, shocking breakthrough in a film. But in real life? I really don't know. Because we don't/can't do what we feel we should do, do we?

Good Will Hunting (1997)

pretentious, whiny genius

[6 April 1999]

What is so good about this film? I hated this film with so many reasons. The hero,Matt Damon is a handsome genius with early life trauma,so he is allowed to do anything and using foul language and fist fighting and all that gives him extra charm. But he seemed like either a complete hypocrite or a artifice-made-to-plot to me. If all he wanted in life was getting drunk and fight why did he choose to work in the university(what a convenient place to be noticed for the sake of story) as a janitor in the first place? Why not burger king? With the vast knowledge and deep insight in politics, economics and psycho-analysis, why wasn't he able to get over with his own problem?

And that counselling session, learn-from-each other and klick!problem solved!!! No, it's so schematic and unconvincing as the whole film. I totally agree on the user comment(what an arrogant...) During the film, listening to their ping-pong talk, I thought of Forrest Gump. Despite all the flaws and non-sensical coincidences, I think Forrest Gump is a very moving film. If you ask the differences of the two films, I would say:

surrealism vs pseudo-realism

running(release of freedom,metaphor of advance, hope)vs talking(do you know what you are talking about?)

Ideal simpleton and whiny, pretentious genius.

Should've watched on big screen, wouldn't have watched on video.

Titanic (1997)

The most disastrous disaster film

[2/10 · 1 April 1999]

I think I've seen enough bad films, but definitely this is the worst. I can forgive acting, what can you ask from such a poor script? But even the last hour of the film deserted me. Fire works, propeller man, vertical ship. It was a theme park on the sea at night. If the film makers thought of 1500 victims, it would have been a lot more different. Two self-indulgent lovers(they might be in love, but do they love?)are just annoying. I hardly saw a bit of love, let alone tragedy but the money they wasted.

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

nature and culture

[9/10 · 1 April 1999]

I really enjoyed this film. Specially beauty of the domestic activity was delightful. But the pianist seemed to lack in depth, and the feeling towards Mui comes seemingly from pure curiosity or selfishness(comfort provided by Mui). If it was not the case, the last scene where Mui(represents nature)'s smile after reading, taught by the pianist(who represents culture) would have risen to the state of beautiful harmony.

Barnabo of the Mountains (1994)

confusing

[9/10 · 31 March 1999]

I was very confused by this film. To be honest, I am not sure I understood the film. Repetitive scenes (blood on the palm of barnabo) and symbolic object(red wine, fog) made me think of lego(?)puzzle. And the girl's attitude? I don't particularly like being tested by a film with christian theme, in particular. I can not judge whether this film is a pretentious art flick or genuine question mark. But I was mesmerised by the images and the beauty of silence. I think I need second view in order to make up my mind.

Patch Adams (1998)

Who needs a doctor?

[4/10 · 29 March 1999]

For whom was this film made? For patients? doctors? audience? robin williams' fans? or real patch adams? I'm sure none of them would have got it. It failed every target miserably. If I was in the hospital with him, I would have laughed not because he entertained me, but because felt kind of responsibility for his efforts (being a kind person). Poor patients, mean doctors, wrong institution and GOOD and RIGHT Patch Adams. It was so preachy and biased that whenever he does heroic acts, I had goosebumps all around my body. I'd rather give them an injection. Called 'sophistication'. Is life that simple? shame.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Don't pass it by

[9/10 · 27 March 1999]

I had a quite low expectation because(1)I didn't like Harry met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle very much.(2)the Title really put me off. But this film was great. Setting, actors,story,music everything seems so natural and warm. And small roles like Lucy's boss and Joe Jr. shines. Even Peter's fiancee didn't annoy me. What can I ask more? There are some film(good or bad, doesn't matter) which made people boundlessly generous (loyal? obsessive maybe?) towards them. It is the one of mine definitely. This is one not to miss. You will probably like it.

Pelle the Conqueror (1987)

Deserves all the awards it won

[9/10 · 25 March 1999]

I was very surprised to see there is only one comment for this film despite of many awards it won. I watched it several years ago, but I can still feel the winter sunshine of Denmark and the boy (I really felt as he felt)who acted as if there were no script or camera around. The scene(you have to see it),the half-witted boy volunteered to get beaten,still keeps me thinking. I wish I was an English to express well enough. I cannot say this is my favorite, but for the first and the last time, I watched a film with intense near physical pain. I don't know whom to recommend but watch it when you feel calm rather than feel good. But it's not depressing at all.