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darrylh
Reviews
Wapawekka (2010)
Very well done
Northern Saskatchewan autumn, very well done, beautiful landscapes with generally level horizons. An efficient film with only four or five main characters. Dialog including three dialects of Woodland Cree spoken and written. Natural and authentic actors speaking nearly enough to make me learn some Cree. A theme that compares and contrasts looking to the future and respecting the past. Writing and Direction that makes me think, and cinematography from sometimes unique and seemingly perfect viewpoint. Very good sound recording and quality, and some relevant and authentic music. Only reason I did not rate it 10 is it could have been even tighter in places, and we fans of the medium generally tend to overrate the films we like.
A Small Thing (2008)
A well-told short story...
I watched this film on CBC TV 'Canadian Reflections'. It is very cinematic, with consistency of place and time and characters. The background music is effective. Importantly, the story and presentation are original. There is refreshing authenticity and believability. It is a short film, with only three main characters, and I appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of it. Although dramatic, and nearly heartbreaking sometimes, there are also excellent comedic scenes and moments. Margaret seems to change appearance and express development of different thoughts or characteristics in each successive scene. Overall, themes of contrasting and conflicting vulnerability and strength throughout.
Conquest (1998)
Time well wasted
I watched this for the first time on CBC television, with frequent commercial interruptions. My opinion it would be worthwhile to rent if available, and see on a better quality screen. Reasons being interesting characters and stories, good acting, and very good locations and cinematography of the southern Saskatchewan or at least Canadian prairie rural roadsides, landscapes, flora, and small town architecture. As an afterthought, look for scenes that were from the hawk's eye view. I would not say that all the accents are authentic, and the symbolic depictions of the antagonist seem out of place. I quickly found myself sympathizing with the protagonists. I would go with the consensus so far and rate it 6/10