Persora Reviews

In the Mood for Love (2000)

An elegant depiction of a love that could not be

[7/10 · 3 April 2024]

I was mesmerised by the class the actors ooze, the beautiful photography, the set design, the costumes, the whole production basically.

There is so much subtlety in the acting and the story in general, it pulls you right in despite the slow pace.

Regarding the pace, it's really interesting to have a blurry time frame where you don't really know how much time has passed between interactions making the plot even more intense and intriguing.

I have to admit though that I lost focus of the story during the Singapore act. I don't know if I was a bit bored or not as engaged in the story anymore bur was back in it in the next part.

This is a beautiful experience and I understand why it is so beloved.

Duel (1971 TV Movie)

The longest car chase!

[8/10 · 3 April 2024]

It takes a very talented director to turn the most basic plot into a grasping full length feature film!

Duel is the escalating tension between a salesman taking the scenic route to meet a client and a somewhat psychopathic semi-truck driver. And it's fascinating.

The way Spielberg manages to convey the stress and slow realisation of what is happening to the protagonist, the questions and doubts that cross his mind and the actual horror of the situation are all signs of his undisputed skills even in his early career.

Dennis Weaver, in his red Plymouth Valiant, is amazing in front of the "invisible" truck driver.

I also have to mention the opening credit scene that is quite something!

Ready Player One (2018)

A surprisingly great time

[9/10 · 3 April 2024]

I haven't read the book and didn't know anything about the plot when I watched the film and deeply enjoyed it, even more than I expected.

It's a wonderful piece of entertainment mixing live scenes and cgi footage with a lot of pop culture references that make for a fun watch.

Sure, some tropes are a bit cliche (the love story being a prime example) but they are easily forgiven and even add a little something to the genre.

The main characters are endearing, the pacing is just right and the visuals fascinating. The story is also still very relevant and anyone who plays MMORPG will find something to relate to.

Still Fabulous (2024)

Lovely theme poor execution

[4/10 · 30 March 2024]

I will start by saying that I love the idea of empowering women and conveying how important it is to accept and love yourself especially with the help of a very unusual guardian angel who is an actual pornstar.

I was really happy to see that it was not another film with a makeover trope but a real "this is who I am and this is more than enough" message.

However it is not great to cast an actress that is very beautiful with a conventionally attractive body to play an "overweight" woman and use a body double for the nude scenes and ridiculous clothes to mimic that said body when they are definitely very talented actress that would fit the description. I find it highly hypocritical and completely against the message.

The story is not really believable (I am talking about the main story not the supernatural elements of crochet doll orgies and invisible friends) and the main character has quite a lot of flaws where she treats other rather badly but never apologises. It's reminded me a lot of Bridget Jones as well.

It's also full is silly cliches and some poor acting from supporting roles.

I think the best part, apart from the overall message, is the unlikely Valentina Nappi who is really great and funny at playing herself and empowering women in the meantime. Without her performance I would have given an even lower rating.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

A Baz Luhrmann film

[7/10 · 30 March 2024]

If you don't like the director's style, you should skip this one because it carries his style from the first to the last shot. Fast paced, bright and colourful, "in-your-face" special effects, loud anachronistic music, lavish parties and a tragic love story.

If on the contrary you like his trademarks, you'll feel right at home.

His adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald retells the story in a way that I enjoyed. Filled with mystery and hope and the inevitable ending. It can get a bit boring at times but never for too long.

The sets and costumes are very pretty and the acting is good.

The Teachers' Lounge (2023)

What happens in the teacher's lounge doesn't stay in the teacher's lounge

[7/10 · 30 March 2024]

Having watched the trailer before the film (thing I do not do often), I was expecting a different story more focused on the thefts mentioned in the very beginning. But I was mostly satisfied with how it developed slowly until the point of no return.

The film is actually quite uncomfortable to watch at times but felt raw and realistic.

It deals with a lot of moral dilemmas such as what is right and what is not, what is the limit of acceptability to get to the truth, prejudice, justice... The film is slow and matter-of-factly but very focused on emotions.

Leonie Benesch's performance is outstanding and she basically carries the film along with her "students" who are all incredible.

Madame Web (2024)

A terrible film that made me laugh throughout

[5/10 · 30 March 2024]

Let's be clear this film is utter rubbish from beginning to end. The acting is atrocious but the script is so bad you almost want to forgive the actors for their horrendous delivery. If I was told it had been written by an AI or by a child I would almost be relieved.

It's visually ugly as well. The special effects and the cinematography are abysmal.

I watched it over 3 nights which I think helped digest the mess. But I have to be honest, I laughed non stop and was deeply entertained by the whole thing. When I thought it couldn't be worse, it hit even harder. So I am giving a higher rating than it deserves purely for the "so bad it's good" entertainment factor it provided.

Otherwise as an actual film it deserves a 2 at most.

One Life (2023)

An emotional testimony of true humanity

[8/10 · 17 March 2024]

I will start by saying that the film's structure, photography, etc are nothing exceptional and pretty classic for these kinds of historic scenarios. I am not saying there are bad, I am just stating that this is probably not what you will remember from your viewing.

The story and the way it is told and the acting are definitely what I have kept with me.

This is a beautiful retelling of everything that gives hope, courage, selflessness, mutual aid, humility. Beautiful.

Of course I cried, more than once. Anthony Hopkins is magnificent in this role and delivers so many emotions that you can't help but feel a deep empathy towards him and everything he has done.

I truly hope this film will help people be more human and kind towards one another, the world needs it.

Ferrari (2023)

The fake accents don't help

[5/10 · 17 March 2024]

I was looking forward to watching this but I was left a bit disappointed by several factors.

First, the story: it has the same flaws as Napeolon I.e. Trying to cover too many plots at once meaning that there is no depth at all, it just scratches the surface and you are never fully engaged. I'm certain you can combine telling both the personal and professional stories without sacrificing the quality of the scenario.

Second, the acting: it was rather flat, except maybe for Penelope Cruz who had quite the challenging part but that's it. Adam Driver is just there telling his lines with an atrocious fake Italian accent like he had no emotion. Weird.

Third, the pacing: everything is so obvious all the time. It uses over used tropes and clues so there is not much suspense before something terrible happens.

On that last note THAT scene (during the final race), you kind of know it's coming but it's so visually burtal, it left my jaw hanging for a full minute!

American Fiction (2023)

A wonderful surprise

[9/10 · 17 March 2024]

I didn't know what to expect with this film, which was the last one on my Oscars watchlist, and I wasn't disappointed one bit. It is actually one of my favourites from the Best Picture nominees.

It has the perfect mix of humour, drama and deals with several serious topics using the perfect tone each time.

The cast is incredible and their performances drag you in throughout an emotional rollercoaster. But at the same time it is so absurd that you can't help but laugh. It makes fun of itself until the very end but you still leave with something more.

I'm really happy it won for best adapted screenplay. It is truly deserved.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

What did I miss?

[5/10 · 7 March 2024]

I am stunned to see so many 10 star reviews! I think I must have missed something because I thought it was a let down, especially compared to the first film.

I mean this one is completely over the top and not in a good way.

After all the poster should have given it away, it looks so bad as if they had caught a desert stomach flu.

The acting is mediocre at best, ridiculous at worst (Zendaya and her pouting , Timothée and his screaming). Only Javier Bardem was somewhat endearing and provided some comic relief (hopefully it was intentional).

For someone who split the film into two parts to have enough time to tell the story properly it was extremely rushed. Where the first part really took the time to develop the plot this one just goes all over the place making it hard to follow and understand. Some things just don't make sense, and this time I'm not talking about the sand spice! What's with the sudden character changes out of the blue and don't get me started on the talking foetus!

It's also extremely aggressive on the senses. The scene with Austin Butler in the arena was almost physically painful to watch with a mix of the loudest noise (mr Zimmer, it's not because you make it louder that the music suddenly becomes good) and weird colour way. I'm glad it didn't last too long.

Overall I didn't spend a good time in front of that part.

The best thing to come out of this film are all the memes about the Lisan Al-Gaib and the sand worm so I'm going to console myself with that at least.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

A strange story told through a stunning photography

[7/10 · 7 March 2024]

From the opening scene I was mesmerised by the photography. It is extremely beautiful and atmospheric and pulls you in the main character's universe straight away.

Without giving too much away or spoiling the plot, I must admit that I was very confused for a while until I realised what was going on (and again later on).

This is mostly a story about grief and dealing with it. It also shows how loneliness especially for gay men can be hard despite the progress society has done regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

The scene with Andrew Scott and Claire Foy, over flapjacks, is incredible and so raw. Brilliant acting from both of them.

Paul Mescal and Jamie Bell deliver incredible performances as well.

There were times though were I felt it was a bit too... I don't know how to describe it perfectly, but the quality of the film is not consistent throughout. Sometimes it felt a bit basic. And then it went back to higher standards.

The soundtrack is fantastic with a lot of 80's classics. It does add a lot of dimension to the scenes. Especially the last shot that is haunting with Frankie Goes to Hollywood playing in the background.

Dune (2021)

A visually compelling film

[8/10 · 7 March 2024]

The film is rather slow and contemplative. It has a nice photography and it is made to be watched on the big screen.

I found that first part quite interesting, it builds up the story at a good pace, leaving you enough space to absorb the beautiful visuals.

It does reminisce of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings at times.

However, I didn't like the music. There was no theme that was striking enough to be remembered.

I also don't understand how Zendaya has been such a huge part of the promo tour when all she does is walk in the desert (looks like an ad for Abu Dhabi or something).

Timothée Chalamet is so bland in that film, I question this casting choice.

And sorry but what kind of spice comes from literal sand? The definition of spice is that it comes from a plant. That just doesn't make any sense at all.

Anyway, I still spent a good time in front of that part and want to see the second half for sure.

Legends of the Fall (1994)

A complex family saga

[7/10 · 22 February 2024]

This is such a 90's film! Loved the nostalgic vibes. It almost felt like a tv film that used to air on Sundays afternoon (in a good way).

The best part of this film for me were the breathtaking landscapes by far! This place looks like heaven on earth.

I also really enjoyed Anthony Hopkins's performance. He doesn't say and do much (most of the time) but he is just so charismatic that he is just a delight to observe. And that fluffy jacket: iconic!

Now, for the story and the rest of the cast. Well I'm not as enthusiastic about them.

The storyline is set over several years and follow a family of 3 brothers, their father, and a young girl engaged to be married to the youngest one.

Of course nothing goes to plan and it's just drama after drama. It's like you can never catch a breath for too long in that film before something terrible happen again.

I would love to see a longer adaptation (as a mini series) to have more time to follow in depth the characters progression because it sometimes feel a bit hastened, even during climaxes.

Also Brad Pitt is just annoying most of the time, but he rides horses with his long hair in the wind.

Rustin (2023)

Probably work better if you already know the story

[6/10 · 22 February 2024]

This film goes fast and it is not a problem per se, unless you are not familiar with this part of history, which is very likely if you come from outside of the USA. If that is the case you probably won't know half of the characters and who all those acronyms they keep on mentioning are or what the deep issue is and why they want to protest. Which upon reflection makes it hard to follow.

Yes, Colman Domingo is really good in it. He does carry the film. You cannot do otherwise than get attached to his character and root for him despite his flaws.

But that's pretty much all I enjoyed.

The rest of the casting is ok, except Chris Rock that, and I'm really sorry to write this, cannot be taken seriously at all and makes the scenes he is in feel like skits.

There a nice jazz music soundtrack in the background.

Otherwise it follows the classic arc of that kind of biopic. Not much new here.

The Mask of Zorro (1998)

A nice swashbuckler film

[7/10 · 15 February 2024]

The Mask of Zorro is a very entertaining 90's film with themes of succession and vengeance carried by big names such as Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

It is not the greatest movie ever made but it has a bit of everything to keep you engaged throughout especially when it comes to the duel and fight scenes.

The love story is a bit cliche (the woman, who doesn't seem so bright at first but later displays her own ideas, values and sword skills, falls in love at first sight with the mysterious hero) but it goes with its time.

As for the acting it is a bit flat in my opinion. There were a lot of emotional scenes but I didn't feel anything due to that.

It is quite different from the original TV show but it properly conveys the mystique of the character.

Last but not least, the music is always a delight to listen to, especially the timeless duo played during the end credits.

May December (2023)

Everything is so subtle that you will miss it if you blink

[6/10 · 11 February 2024]

I wouldn't say the film is boring, it is mainly contemplative and a character study which means there is not much action happening.

The storyline is also somewhat confusing. A part of it is inspired by a true story but it feels more like an anecdotic excuse to build something else entirely around that event.

A lot of the plot is also a bit of a guessing game. If you read several reviews and analysis of the film you will see that people interpret everything differently.

What is really good about this film is the acting but it is VERY subtle. You really need to observe the characters to understand them. Natalie Portman slowly embodying Julianne Moore's mannerism is mesmerising but if you focus on the story this is not something you easily notice.

Same with Julianne Moore's character that displays so many layers, all more chilling than the other, but not in an obvious way.

It mostly stems from the silences in the dialogue, they say a lot more than the actual lines sometimes.

Titanic (1997)

A masterpiece that stands the test of time

[10/10 · 11 February 2024]

It doesn't matter if you first watched it in 1997, 2012 or 2022, in 2D, 3D or with a live orchestra, this film is absolutely iconic!

And it is not due to it being a simple cultural phenomenon it is truly because this film delivers quality from start to finish.

It is a 3h14 emotional rollercoaster with no dull moment. In fact it makes you want it to be even longer, that's how amazingly made it is.

The setting, the pace, the acting, all gripping and immersive. Yes there is some outdated 3D effects that look a bit comical nowadays but it's insignificant compared to the breathtaking practical effects.

It is so well made that the tension never fades even after several viewing and despite knowing that the boat will definitely hit the iceberg you still find yourself holding your breath hoping that this time it will not.

It is the kind of film that stays with you because you really live it while watching it. It is a lesson of hope also and encourages to tackle life with courage.

Don't forget the tissues because you will cry!

Blue Jay (I) (2016)

A minimalistic gem

[8/10 · 6 February 2024]

I was a bit dubious it being a Netflix film, in black and white and all that but I am so happy to have been proven wrong.

This is such a beautiful and endearing film full of emotions that I did not see coming at all.

As you follow along 2 high school sweethearts going down memory lane after stumbling upon each other in their hometown years later you will experience with them awkwardness, nostalgia, joy, love, bitterness, heartache, melancholy, despair, hope, and it will make you reflect on your life, your choices and the people you love and have loved.

Shot over 7 days with no scenario it all relies on the 2 talented actors improvising this beautiful story making it even more meaningful.

And this is really all there is to it, only 3 actors (1 being more of a cameo), no colours, a handful of settings, barely any music but a story that transcends it all.

The only "flaw" I found was how fast the last part was dealt with when it is such an essential and gut wrenching part of the plot making it a bit over the top when it could have been even more devastating had it been brought in with more subtlety.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

A powerful experience

[9/10 · 6 February 2024]

The opening shot felt a bit like watching a piece at the MoMA and gave the tone for the rest of the film. This is not your typical movie, as there is no real plot yet it drags you in immediately as it is both beautiful aesthetically and haunting emotionally and sound wise.

You observe the contrast between the horror of Auschwitz (or more what you hear from it) and the heavenly life led by its commandant and his family in their lovely little house next door.

It is very interesting from a History point of view as well as I don't think this is a well known part of WWII.

I must say that I am mostly fascinated with how this film was made and encourage you to read the trivia about the camera work and also the sound design (a real masterpiece) which truly elevate this film.

The acting is absolutely excellent in its coldness.

It might leave you drained but it is a must watch for so many reasons.

Ticket to Paradise (2022)

Perfect for a plane ride

[7/10 · 6 February 2024]

This film doesn't try to be more than it is. It is a simple romantic/family comedy set in idyllic landscapes that is entertaining enough to spend 104 minutes while travelling for example.

Is it cliche? Yes.

Do you know how it will end before it begins? Yes.

Does it have predictable and not-that-funny jokes? Yes.

And yet the powerful and charismatic duo George Clooney/Julia Roberts carries the film throughout and make you feel for their characters which is an achievement in itself given the starting point of the film.

There is no cinematography worth mentioning here but the beauty of Bali kind of compensates for that.

If you don't expect much you probably will have a good time.

The Holdovers (2023)

Meh

[5/10 · 6 February 2024]

I was left truly disappointed by this film. Reading so many positive reviews beforehand associated to the many nominations and wins I excepted way more than what was delivered.

To be perfectly transparent, I had seen the trailer at the cinema and was not interested in it, but award season being here I felt I had to watch it.

Yes the 70's effect of the cinematography is cool, but that was all I enjoyed really. The scenario is as lazy as Giamatti's changing fake eye. You are introduced to a bunch of students that have to stay over for the Christmas holidays for various reasons, but they go away after 5 minutes, those 5 minutes being the most interesting moment of the film! Then you are left with an annoying student, an annoying teacher and a grieving woman, who also disappears for a while, and that's it. That's the movie.

Also the ending felt like a poor man's Dead Poet Society knock-off with no emotion.

It could have been such an endearing and powerful Christmas film if it had wanted to. Maybe it does appeal to boys who went to boarding school in America during that time period but I am none of that.

As for Da'Vine Joy Randolph's performance, I'm sorry to report that I had fallen asleep during what is supposed to be her main moment so I can't give my opinion on that.

Also the movie poster really doesn't capture the spirit of the film at all.

What's in a Name? (2012)

French people arguing at a dinner party

[6/10 · 27 January 2024]

If I had to sum up the story that's how I would do it as the whole name trope (which is literally the name of the film) is just a pretence and doesn't really carry us through the whole film.

It seems funny at first but quickly falls into a screaming fest and blame game. Leaving us frustrated as there is no resolution. All the valid concerns mostly expressed by the 2 women are just swept under the rug in the end because...women are just hysterical creatures who will eventually calm down I suppose... The ending is also a bit ridiculous.

Maybe it works better as a play because the film didn't do it for me.

Nyad (2023)

It's never too late to achieve your dreams

[8/10 · 27 January 2024]

I will start with the positive aspects of Nyad as I enjoyed this film from a story point of view, for the acting and for the message.

What a thrill to see real and raw "older" women on screen! Annette Benning and Jodie Foster deliver impressive performances as women unapologetically living their lives as they want and going against the grain to achieve what they know they can, not what society tells them to do. They are not always likeable but that's what makes them even more authentic.

It's also very interesting to understand how much stamina, courage, resilience and talent is needed to achieve such incredible athletic performances, no matter the age.

And finally it is really inspiring but not in a cliche way. Showing that anyone can achieve their goals if they show enough dedication and get the right support.

But being a Netflix film, it comes with the usual flaws. It's inconsistent, the cinematography is poor (it tries to do interesting things but never fully commit to them leaving us confused), the pacing is not great and it poorly deals with serious matters like SA.

Luckily all the points mentioned first compensate for these issues and make it a good watch for a Sunday afternoon.

Jean de Florette (1986)

This is a sad film

[8/10 · 27 January 2024]

A classic of French cinema with beautiful acting from legends in their field that will leave you haunted and dare I say angry.

Dealing with themes of rural life, property, legacy, resilience, hope ans unfairness it does echo the author Marcel Pagnol's work very well.

The film is beautiful in its simplicity and does stand the test of time. The pacing is perfect and there is not a dull moment despite the topic and setting.

It feels very realistic as well.

As the first part of a diptyque it can easily be watched alone but I will definitely be watching the following film, hoping for a happy ending this time.