sapphire_rain30 Reviews

Undertow (I) (2018)

It's okay, but nothing great

[5/10 · 18 September 2021]

This film had potential, and when I first read the description I was intrigued, and was looking forward to watching. The cinematography was beautiful and I think the casting was great. I understood the concept of the film, as well as the symbolism throughout, but something was missing.

Firstly, it was SO slow-paced. Too many meaningless shots of scenery that dragged on for no good reason. Secondly, the character development was appalling. I wanted to know so much more about Angie, Claire, and Dan! Their characters needed to be explored with more care and detail. For example, I wanted to know about Angie's childhood, and her home life, and her relationship with her parents or her friends, and why she was left to roam the streets and look after herself. Also, when Brett died, his death felt completely pointless, and were we supposed to feel sad!? I felt nothing when he died because I knew NOTHING about him other than the fact he was a footballer. I also believe that the relationship between Angie and Claire should have been explored further. The ambiguity of their relationship really annoyed me. Thirdly, the script was pretty damn bad. I cringed during certain scenes because the writing was so terrible.

Overall, a slightly above-average Australian film, but it could have been SO much better. I personally don't think you should wouldn't waste your time watching it, but it's alright if you're looking for an easy-to-watch drama.

Five Feet Apart (2019)

Cringy Teen Movie for Teen Audiences

[5/10 · 20 April 2019]

This movie is okay, but it is no masterpiece. Sure, there were some 'nice' and 'cute' moments in this film, but it's not worth seeing in the cinemas. Save your money. I found this film to be predictable, poorly written and incredibly cliché. It lacks any kind of originality and creativity. There are SO MANY plot holes. It also lacks important character development. Due to the lack of character development throughout the entire film, I felt hardly anything when the major 'shocks' and 'climaxes' occurred in the film.

In my opinion, I found that Will (Cole Sprouse) and Stella (Hayley Lu Richardson) did NOT have natural chemistry. It was clear that the casting directors only included Cole Sprouse in the film as the lead made to attract his worldwide teenage female fans to the film. There was no consideration as to whether Cole and Hayley actually had chemistry that could work successfully on the screen.

As stated in the title of this review, this is most certainly a teenage movie aimed at a teen audience. If you are a mature adult with a taste for more complex or independent/artistic films, then you'll be disappointed by this one. This is just another typical teen film. It is a misrepresentation of the actual suffering involved in experiencing a terminal illness, such as cystic fibrosis.

Cracks (I) (2009)

A beautiful and emotionally charged depiction of longing and desire

[8/10 · 1 January 2017]

'Cracks' is a truly beautiful film about the all-consuming power of unrequited love. I watched this film a week or two ago and it has not yet left me. I don't think it ever will.

Everything about this film engaged me within the first few minutes: the musical score, the gorgeous, opening landscape shots of English fields, and of course, the very interesting abundance of female characters. I thought the casting was brilliant - Juno Temple was the perfect fit for the unique character of 'Di', as was Eva Green who played the extraordinary and inspiring 'Miss G'. Maria Valverde as the beautiful, mysterious 'Fiamma' was the icing on the cake. I, along with many other viewers (I believe) instantly fell in love with her as a character due to her poise, maturity, mystique and stunning beauty.

This film is a wonderful and honest depiction of the emotionally draining spiral that holds you down when falling in love with someone who doesn't love you. Miss G's visibly deteriorating mental state as she falls in love with her exquisite student is something that deeply touched me. Eva Green's performance as Miss G is simply impeccable - she starts as a vibrant, vivacious, confident teacher whom is admired and loved by everyone. Yet, by the end of the film, she transforms into an unstable and somewhat psychologically disturbed woman who is driven crazy by her love for Fiamma.

Juno Temple as Di also shined in this film, from start to finish. We see Di at the beginning of 'Cracks' as one of Miss G's most beloved, high-achieving students who can do no wrong. She is the 'leader' of the pack and is slightly intimidating to some of the younger students at the boarding school. She can certainly be sweet and sour. Di is clearly Miss G's favourite student, but when Fiamma arrives from Spain, Di's position in the group is threatened as she notices Miss G's growing affection towards Fiamma. As a result, Di becomes angry and viciously jealous, despising Fiamma's every breath. Juno Temple's ability to portray these two sides of Di is a talent of its own that should be commended.

I adored this film for its honesty, as well as its exploration of not just a teacher-student relationship, but a lesbian teacher-student relationship that is unrequited. The film does not show long-winded scenes of Miss G and Fiamma's physical activity, but in my opinion it does not need to. Every feeling these two characters experience can be observed if you watch closely - the eye contact, body language and facial expressions express a thousand words. Further, it goes without saying that 'Cracks' makes a statement about feminism and the complexity of female emotions and desires. Little to no men are part of the cast, which is something I did not even realise until the film was ending.

If you are a lover of independent, raw, emotional films that challenge 'normal' relationships and stereotypes, 'Cracks' is definitely for you.

Lucy (I) (2014)

Absolutely Brilliant

[6/10 · 18 August 2014]

It was a moment of utter spontaneity when I decided to purchase a ticket to see 'Lucy', and wow - I am certainly glad I did. This is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. At the beginning, I thought that perhaps it wasn't going to be my cup of tea. However, as it progressed the storyline became more and more fascinating. In my opinion this film had the perfect balance of realism and sci-fi. Some of the effects were of course slightly questionable... but I cannot really complain because the overall brilliance of this film outshone any negatives I could detect.

Scarlett Johansson was incredible as Lucy and it was astonishing to observe how her character changed so dramatically within just a few moments. Johansson definitely nailed the smart-girl/genius/superhero role, although I do think this role may have suited an actress like Rooney Mara absolutely perfectly. Johansson is just so womanly, attractive and feminine that I found it difficult to completely accept her as Lucy. Perhaps that's just me bring too picky - I just feel that Lucy could have been better portrayed by someone slightly more masculine and cold.

This film is one that will genuinely inspire you to think deeply about evolution, human nature, and life. I left the cinema feeling like I had been given a new kick of energy and a punch of enthusiasm for personal growth and exploration. This film will also encourage you to consider the endless possibilities of technology and science. It will leave your heart pound if and your brain buzzing. Overall, this is a definite must-see for all action/sci-fi lovers as well as those who have an interest in humanity, history and the incredible gift that is life. You will not at all regret purchasing a ticket to see this, and as long as you keep an open mind, you will find this film to be extremely thought-provoking and clever.