Red"V" Reviews

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A classic.

[9/10 · 30 August 1999]

How could I not add, this film is a classic, because its superlative story touches on timeless themes (the power of faith and of love, the cost of self-delusion), and because it is appropriate for nearly all ages (Hollywood, take note!).

As frightening, as suspenseful, and even as romantic and as touching as this was at various times, it was always tastefully *and entertainingly* directed.

Oscars should abound for this film in nearly every department. M. Night Shyamalan should be very proud of himself.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A metaphor for life.

[9/10 · 30 August 1999]

This superbly crafted film shows the invisible truth, that "...we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7).

The "sixth sense" means more than the child's gift; it refers to our need to move beyond the five material senses and embrace something to believe in, to step beyond our fears and help others, even if that entails challenging them to go beyond their fears.

Structurally, this subtle story has three climaxes, but I look forward to seeing it again to be sure...If you haven't seen it, get to it; you'll be a better person for it.

Eternity and a Day (1998)

"Kolya" meets "L'Avventura"

[11 July 1999]

Not as heart-warming as "Kolya," nor as powerful as "L'Avventura," but still a movingly worthwhile experience. The leaps from one point in the hero's lifetime to another are poignant. Many of the directorial flourishes are quite memorable; the wedding sequence is not to be missed!

Our hero, Alexos, exists in the present urban world in which the weather is gloomy and almost everyone wears black; but his mind wanders to the past, where the sun infallibly shines over the shore and nearly all wear white. Yet when Alexos imagines himself in his past, he's still shrouded in black; he can't even dream that he could be happy, until a street urchin appears to rattle him from his shell.

This film does contain elements we've seen before, but arranges them in a fresh way. It reminded me how precious and fleeting each moment really is, and how wondrous it can be to share our moments with others.

Forrest Gump (1994)

If you liked this...

[7 July 1999]

If you liked "Forrest Gump," PLEASE see two films with similar themes but which are far more profound:

"Dersu Uzala" by Akira Kurosawa. It's the only Kurosawa film on the Vatican Top 45 film list; it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1976; the main character is purportedly the basis for Yoda in the "Star Wars" saga.

"Being There" with Peter Sellers. As funny as it is touching.

If you see these films, you'll be a better person for it.

Dersu Uzala (1975)

A precious, ennobling experience...

[9/10 · 7 July 1999]

This film depicts the breathtaking beauty of the soul as adeptly as that of nature. The story reminded me how profoundly any one person can effect another, even without realizing it: an important reminder in the midst of the information age, which seems to be desensitizing people to our relationships with nature and with our fellow man.

How ironic, that the vast, forbidding landscapes of Siberia host the birth of a true friendship, while the warm confines of the city stifle the passion for life! I don't believe Kurosawa is denouncing modern times entirely; I believe he's reminding us that true sophistication comes from the depths of the soul, not of the pocketbook.

While similar in theme to "Being There," "Forrest Gump," or "The Rain Man," Dersu Uzala is superior, because unlike the subjects of those films, the central character here is merely not well-educated, as opposed to mentally deficient. Kurosawa must have been too lofty a soul, to suggest spiritual simplicity is a result of a defect.

Dersu Uzala is a celebration of love and innocence everyone should see.

The Winslow Boy (1999)

Sophisticated

[28 June 1999]

This "G" rated film is more engrossing than most "R" rated films oozing melodramatic mayhem.

Mamet has done it again: the hottest emotions simmer below the surface; the initial plot of the film is pretext for exploring the characters' most deep-seated conflicts.

Jeremy Northam plays a similar role in a another superbly crafted period piece, "An Ideal Husband." Fans of Rebecca Pidgeon and/or Mamet must see (if you haven't already) "The Spanish Prisoner."

An Ideal Husband (I) (1999)

When wit was the only blunt instrument to fear...

[28 June 1999]

Going into this with my girlfriend, I feared a chick flick. I was very happily surprised. This entertaining film is a well-needed change from the violent, negative, simple-mindedly sarcastic fare that is the norm today.

Jeremy Northam plays a similar role in another superbly crafted period piece, "The Winslow Boy," recently remade by David Mamet.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

If you liked this...

[28 June 1999]

What more can be said about this marvel, other than we are blessed to be able to enjoy its company from its very birth. People will be talking about this story for decades to come.

For a more serious, but also very excellent, exploration of the impact of the Holocaust in Italy, see "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis," by Vittorio de Sica, one of the greatest filmakers ever.

Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story (1996)

The Best Movie No One's Seen

[8/10 · 28 June 1999]

This may be the best film no one has seen, despite the brief but important performance of rising star Heather Graham. {Perhaps the awkward title kept people away). "Entertaining Angels" does what few movies have: explore inner, spiritual conflict dramatically and intelligently. This is an engaging, challenging work for everyone. The film overall is not preachy, yet the religious dimension here is real, just as it is real in the lives of millions of Americans, whether the Hollywood inner-circle likes it or not.

The Arrival (1996)

Underrated

[7/10 · 28 June 1999]

This is a cool film. Very solid story, good performances, catchy SFX. Better than most sci-fi out there.

Mussolini: The Untold Story (1985)

Big Screen Impact

[28 June 1999]

If you can find this anywhere, watch it. An excellent cast, featuring George C. Scott and Raul Julia, propel this engaging and often historically-accurate tale of one of the Twentieth Century's most influential men. Memorable production values.

Hell in the Pacific (1968)

Cain and Abel in a Land Primeval

[8/10 · 20 June 1999]

This is a truly cinematic experience: character and plot develop through visual storytelling. The two characters can't even speak the same language, but compelling performances speak volumes to the audience. The often breathtaking scenery provides a dramatic contrast to the ugliness of Man's cruelty. Marvin and Mifune show Man is bound to 'return to where he started;' sin spoils moments of grace despite our noblest intentions. The devastating ending perfectly completed the metaphor of the film.

The primal setting (in Panavision) and "Twilight Zone" ending reminded me of "Planet of the Apes." Fans of the Boorman-Marvin director-actor collaboration must see "Point Blank." Those who don't like island-survival films with controversial endings should avoid "Limbo."