asiaropinska Reviews

The Fallout (2021)

Better version of Euphoria?

[7/10 · 20 February 2024]

Intense and very strong film.

I was nicely surprised by Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler's acting performances. The unity and bond between teenagers after surviving the tragedy is an interesting concept of creating relationships and experiencing common pain and trauma. Trying to go back to old life by struggling with everyday post-traumatic experiences.

Shots and cinematography are extremely crucial and needed to understand characters feelings. We can observe many similarities to the famous TV series Euphoria: addiction, family feuds, and apathy. The main character, played by Jenna Ortega, has her own idea for dealing with this trauma. She is keeping up appearances and wearing a mask that protects her from explaining her feelings. On the other hand, she has to deal with her overprotective family. Some relationships are sacrificed and deteriorated to find their own peace and comfort after witnessing the traumatic events.

Robot Dreams (2023)

Can we appreciate animations for adults

[8/10 · 31 January 2024]

As a huge fan of adult animation, this review probably won't be impartial. A beautiful story about solitude and friendship, but also lost, loyalty, and finding your own place beyond people (in the case of the film, animals). The audience observes Dog's lonely life. One evening, while watching television's advertisements, his miserable life alone made him buy Robot Pal. Then we can delight in sequences of peaceful moments between Dog and Robot and the development of their friendship. Unfortunately, during beach day, friends ended up separate from each other. Dog tries several times to save his friend, but without success. Animation is on the highest level, and we got numerous details of this animated New York City where the action takes place. My heart belongs to sound effects; I had a perception of being in this world with Dog and Robot. We can clearly hear every car on the road, seagulls, steps on wood, eating Cheetos, and many more. My personal favourite was an octopus playing on drums in the subway-it was a masterpiece. Please trust animation for adults; sometimes its beauty makes it easier to highlight grave issues and topics.

Kleks Academy (2023)

Recommend for kids but not sure for whom this movie is?

[4/10 · 28 January 2024]

Despite my great desire to whitewash this film with the argument that it is a children's production, unfortunately it is difficult for me to say anything positive about it. I wonder who the target audience of this film is, because it is scary at times, and the "wolves" use a fictitious language with subtitles as a translation, which may be a problem for children up to 8 years old. The film's production is very poor: the dialogues are artificial and quite awkward to listen to for older viewers - people don't talk like that, the magical land looks very cheesy and doesn't seem extraordinary. Moreover, the photos from the movie were better in moments when the action takes place in the "normal world" (my personal opinion). Mr. Kleks himself, as well as most of the characters, are created to be funny, but it doesn't work here either. However, the biggest complaint I have against "Mr. Klesek's Academy" is the length of the film and, at the same time, its incredible chaotic nature and lack of consistency in the continuation of threads or events. Personally, I got lost in space-time a few times and couldn't understand many situations, let alone a viewer aged 6-10. There were many small children in the cinema hall, and I also had an ambitious task to explain to my 6-year-old sister what, where and how. The songs were definitely a big plus as they enlivened the children during the show and most of the room sang along. Additionally, the messages woven into this chaotic projection were very valuable, but I am not sure whether they were catchable for a young viewer. I am not able to rate this film and I am still not sure who it is intended for. However, after leaving the room, my younger sister said that she liked the film, so it seems that the film is popular among children 😉

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

Psychological history in mysterious death

[7/10 · 28 January 2024]

During the whole film we are the audience of the trial of a mysterious death. Family members'lives of the victims were turned upside down. In trials, we can observe the darkness of marriage and unsolved problems of close ones that we couldn't notice even when we live with them. The spectators have to decide what they want to believe in. On the other hand, the lines of accusation and defence that are provided by prosecutor and defender are absurdly impossible to believe in. The purest and brightest point of the film is the character of Daniel, who is a son of the defendant. The latest events in his life made him doubt his mother and rethink his memories of his father. My favourite scene was definitely the conversation between Daniel and judge about his attendance during trials, which shows us the perspective of a teenage boy for his family's tragedy. The film finishes with a closing case of death, and the finish is also with an unmarked ending.

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Not the best of the GHIBLI STUDIO but it still magical

[8/10 · 21 January 2024]

The Boy and the Heron Sometimes all you need is peaceful, beautiful, warming animation to set you in the mood. Ghibili Studio always reaches my expectations and creates elaborate art that sticks with me for years. After almost ten years, we have to wait for another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki. The first hour of the movie isn't packed with action but with calming and mundane scenes from Mahito's (the main character's) everyday life after he moved with his father to the countryside. Then starts an adventurous mission to an alternative world. And that's the moment when the magic happens. Mahito explores and compares two worlds: the real one, full of pain, cruelty, and sadness, and the alternative one, where harmony and peace dominate. Finally, the boy has to make some crucial decisions that affect two worlds. The Boy and the Heron is full of beautiful animated scenes, especially the ones with nature. All of this is complemented by a pleasing soundtrack and many metaphors and allegories.

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Ultimate choice between: perfect world or painful one

[8/10 · 20 January 2024]

The Boy and the Heron Sometimes all you need is peaceful, beautiful, warming animation to set you in the mood. Ghibili Studio always reaches my expectations and creates elaborate art that sticks with me for years. After almost ten years, we have to wait for another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki. The first hour of the movie isn't packed with action but with calming and mundane scenes from Mahito's (the main character's) everyday life after he moved with his father to the countryside. Then starts an adventurous mission to an alternative world. And that's the moment when the magic happens. Mahito explores and compares two worlds: the real one, full of pain, cruelty, and sadness, and the alternative one, where harmony and peace dominate. Finally, the boy has to make some crucial decisions that affect two worlds. The Boy and the Heron is full of beautiful animated scenes, especially the ones with nature. All of this is complemented by a pleasing soundtrack and many metaphors and allegories.

Poor Things (2023)

Movie of the year?

[9/10 · 17 January 2024]

You can clearly describe it as extremely quirky and bizarre. Lanthimos alternates avantgarde and fairytale with philosophical themes, utopian ideas, and other social concepts like feminism and socialism. The main thought is about the exploration of the world and humans' experiences. Phenomenally executed by Emma Stone (who's already got a Golden Globe for her role) and Mark Ruffalo. Behind elaborated and dignified issues, there're numerous humorous scenes. You can easily enjoy your eyes with visual effects (montage, pictures, colours) and creations of disguises. Definitely recommend to go and see it in the cinema. Take your own pleasure from exploring the world.

Saltburn (2023)

Mastery of Barry Keoghan in not the best "mystery" movie

[7/10 · 17 January 2024]

After "Promising Young Women," we had big expectations for the next Emerald Fennell's movie. The trailer and cast were fantastic and hyped us up even more. Jacob Elordi isn't the brightest point on the screen, but he perfectly accompanies and assists the less-known main character, played by Barry Keoghan. Also, I was interested in the role of Rosamund Pike, with her posh, beauty, and humor. The other positive thing are pictures; we can dream about summertime and sunbathing at the pool, huge theme parties, reading, and chilling, which reminded me of the "Call my by your name" summer vibe. Unfortunately, the plot is the weakest part of the movie. From the very beginning, we can expect some mystery and disturbing scenes. But the ending is a little bit problematic. It treats us like dumb kids who need an explanation for everything, while I personally prefer to leave it as an open ending. The other issue is that some characters have their plots cut short at the most interesting moments, and we don't know what happened to them next or why. Many potential characters weren't used enough, and the plot turned into a basic Hollywood story about passionate desire and dangerous obsession.