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Philajeff
Reviews
Wand vor der Wand (2013)
Wonderful film of everyday life
Wand vor der Wand is yet another tremendous film from Austria. The Austrian film industry is really kicking ass of late. This film is directed by the female Viennese director - Renate Woltron (who also has a major acting part in it.) It is a film about everyday life in a small Austrian city southwest of Vienna. Loneliness and missed connections are often way too present as this film shows ... and yet there is much life and humanity co-existing at the same time. The two main characters are splendidly acted by Manuel Dragan and Krista Böchzelt. Manuel Dragan in particular is new to me but what an expressive face he has. After seeing this film one walks out of the cinema smiling and wanting to say hello to everyone around. See it!
High Performance (2014)
Totally cool film!
What a cool film this is! It perfectly portrays the unique Viennese lifestyle in a humorous way against the backdrop of two brothers who live in two different worlds. Their pursuit of the same girl reveals their brotherly similarities as well as their brotherly differences. The cast of characters one meets along the way add to the coolness of this Austrian cinema comedy. The acting is first-rate - especially Marcel Mohab in the lead role. Manuel Rubey is completely believable as the more uptight brother. The editing is crisp and a great musical score augments your enjoyment. What's not to like about this film? (btw - The film is Austrian ... and not German as listed in IMDb)
Disconnect (2012)
Extremely well-made contemporary drama & thriller
Disconnect is actually three interwoven stories all dealing with the search for a personal connection in a modern digitalized world. Yes this is a theme that has been filmed before but never has it been filmed in such a compelling manner. The ensemble acting team in this movie is excellent with all the actors breathing an authenticity into their characters. The kid actors are exceptional. The dialog is very real as well. And adding to the total package there's even a thriller component to it that keeps one's wholehearted interest in this nearly two-hour film. I doubt Disconnect finds a large audience but even so I highly recommend this film.
Atmen (2011)
A Brilliant Austrian Character Study of a Lost Young Guy ....
This is yet another brilliant Austrian film. It is the directing debut of the well-known Austrian actor Karl Markovics and it is a stunning first film. Perhaps the main reason for this is the acting of Thomas Schubert in the main role. Seldom has a young guy so quietly taken over the big screen and he lives and breathes his character so thoroughly that it's almost hard to believe you are watching a movie and not a documentary. All the supporting actors are likewise presented in a very realistic mode. It is filmed under overcast skies (yes, Vienna has many days of sunshine but not in this film.) When the film quietly ends in a pan-out of another overcast sky, you realize how touched you are by Roman (Thomas Schubert) the main character who's trying to find a path he can travel on through life. Thumbs up!!
Hôtel du Nord (1938)
Charming French cinematic gem ...
Hotel du Nord is a charming and atmospheric film from right before the second world war in France. The ensemble of characters are all likable - of course it helps that the acting is so great and the dialog so sharp. As the star-crossed young lovers - Jean-Pierre Aumont and Annabella sparkle. Though this film deals with the underclass of Parisian society, it's a group of people whom you wouldn't mind at all spending a summer evening with, drinking wine, and conversing together. Final note - This film also makes it clear that the French cinema like its counterparts in other European countries was very far ahead of a more Puritanical American cinema in openly portraying prostitutes or gay people.
Gunga Din (1939)
A boring action comedy that is woefully light on both action & comedy!
Our local library showed this film tonight. Why? Gunga Din has got to be the most boring, unfunny old movie I have ever seen. The action scenes are probably the funniest part of the movie (but I don't think they were intended to be). It's always like 200 people against the 3 sergeants but of course the 3 sergeants always manage to triumph over the stumbling,keystone cop-like (supposedly dangerous) Indian forces. The acting is wooden, the plot thin. But worst of all, it's just boring. I think half the audience walked out tonight before it ended (why didn't I?) leaving a couple of older men who laughed uproariously throughout the film. Rename this film - Gunga Dim!
Mein bester Feind (2011)
Highly entertaining and excellent film
Wolfgand Murnberger is a creative Austrian director who has crafted a thoroughly enjoyable film in "Mein Bester Feind" or "My Best Enemy." He has assembled an all-star cast led by the always reliable Moritz Bleibtreu to act out this story. Just sit back and enjoy the ride as this film combines adventure, drama, pathos, comedy, and even mystery. The setting of World War II in Nazi-occupied Austria will perhaps be considered unlikely for such a multi-faceted piece of filmmaking ... but therein lies its brilliance. Austria certainly produces awesome films that are unfortunately fairly unknown to America audiences (with the exception of the serious film connoisseur.) Add "My Best Enemy" to that list!