freemind3000 Reviews

The Beach (I) (2000)

A Film That Takes You Away.

[19 December 2000]

The Beach, from the makers of Trainspotting, is a film that possesses the magic quality in that it actually takes you to that idyllic and secluded island on which it was filmed. An enjoyable and exciting film, it is especially impactful on young people who are likely to connect with it's themes of leaving home, travelling and doing something you have never done before like drink snake's blood (in the film). The acting by lead Leonardo DiCaprio is excellent as is that of beautiful newcomer to Hollywood (however a seasoned French actor) Virginie Ledoyen. These two are supported by an excellent cast that includes Robert Carlisle and Guillaume Canet. The directing by Danny Boyle reminds us that is one of the most exciting directors currently at work. The storyline is suspenseful and the end is definitely not what many expected. The cinematography captures the scenery amazingly and this is matched by a soundtrack that has to be one of the best this year including tracks by Underworld and Leftfield. The Beach shows the viewer what paradise is, how quickly it can be lost and to what lengths some people will go to find it and defend it from others. The Beach is an excellent film, definitely worth watching, 9/10.

The Fifth Element (1997)

Another Fine Luc Besson Film.

[18 December 2000]

The Fifth Element is another fine example of the filmmaking talents of Luc Besson. Luc Besson, a creative genius and the director of classic films such as The Big Blue, Nikita and Leon (The Professional) has returned to the genre that started his filmmaking career, sci-fi. In The Fifth Element Luc Besson realises his life long ambition to make a film based on a story he thought of while still at school, Zaltman Bleros. Writing and directing the film, he skillfully mixes humour with action and amazing visual effects that put The Fifth Element in a class of it's own. Stunning performances are put forward by Milla Jovovich, Bruce Willis, Ian Holm, Chris Tucker and Gary Oldman, who returns to work with Luc Besson after playing Norman Stansfield in Leon. The Fifth Element show us how well comedy, action and romance can be put together. Overlooked at the Academy Awards, Luc Besson won the Cesar for Best Director at Cannes in 1998 for The Fifth Element. Simply, an excellent film, 10/10.