anteksw Reviews

Black Swan (2010)

Overdone Melodrama

[6/10 · 6 November 2016]

This is a film I've been meaning to watch for years, so naturally I built up some pretty high expectations over time. I went into 'Black Swan' expecting nothing but greatness… I mean, how could I not? Almost everything about it sounds great: an intriguing female protagonist, a plot centred around the themes of pressure and sanity, set within an intimidating theatrical environment, and on top of that, starring Natalie Portman and Vincent Cassel. There is so much potential in all of this for a masterful art house tour de force, but unfortunately… only a small portion of that potential is actually utilised.

'Black Swan', although rich in clever symbolism and captivating performances, feels like a complete and utter mess in terms of tone and style. In regards to genre, this film is classified as a "thriller/drama"... but it feels like a "melodrama" more than anything, and surprisingly, not due to the performances, but due to its obnoxiously bizarre editing choices. There are countless scenes throughout the film which would have worked so much better if they weren't presented in such an over-the-top manner; scenes that feature raw emotion and truly praise-worthy work from the incredibly talented Natalie Portman - which unfortunately can't be fully appreciated due to the distracting soundtrack being constantly used out of place, as well as abrupt cuts which only seem to be there in an attempt to make the given scene feel more "energetic". It really is frustrating, as all the "energy" that is required is fully provided by the actors themselves; the technical additions just feel forced and eventually become irritating. Almost all of the editing and tonal choices are constructed so poorly… and even worse, they just felt so damn unnecessary.

The tone even shifts into the territory of "horror", and I don't mean cleverly constructed tension or even some of that Lynchian mastery, what I mean is terrible jump "scares" that fail to fulfil their basic purpose - I'm talking about the type of jump scares you'd expect in the lowest tier of juvenile "horror" films. Jump scares, despite sounding cheap, can be done well - David Lynch certainly proved this in his films… but that's definitely not what we receive here, what we receive here is some obnoxious editing that feels like it was slapped together by an edgy teenager because of how corny it feels. This is just one of the few aspects that felt awkwardly out of place, it's as if one of the purposes of this film is to try and distract you from the truly wonderful performances provided by the entire cast, which is truly unfortunate, especially concerning Natalie Portman and Vincent Cassel - these two in particular were perfectly cast and kept me glued to the screen throughout the entire run-time of the film, despite its annoying distractions. The acting and the script are the only aspects that made me give this film an "above average" rating, they are also the only aspects which made this film worth watching, just about everything else brings it down and ultimately makes it a frustrating viewing experience.

In conclusion, 'Black Swan' just feels like wasted potential - it feels like a masterpiece trapped within a mediocre execution. Despite my harsh words, it is a film I would recommend watching at least once for the performances alone; Natalie Portman gives one of the best performances of her career and truly captivates from start to finish. There's even some clever symbolism based on the themes implemented throughout, but just like with the acting, it's difficult to appreciate with all the distracting nonsense thrown on top of it. I'm giving 'Black Swan' a mild 6,4/10 - there is definitely a great film within, so it really is quite a shame that it had to be executed this way.

Room (I) (2015)

A Heart-Warming Story

[8/10 · 6 March 2016]

I didn't really have any big expectations when going into 'Room' - I initially thought it looked like one of those Oscar bait titles that tries way too hard to be emotionally powerful and becomes an overdone melodrama. However, after seeing a few scenes and realising that it's directed by Lenny Abrahamson (previously having directed the quirky masterpiece known as 'Frank') it intrigued me, and started to look like a lot more than just typical Oscar bait... and thankfully, it was. This is one of those beautiful films that manages to capture the strength of love and the importance of family, as well as reminding us that the less we have, the more we appreciate.

'Room' tells the story of a devoted mother's relationship with her five-year-old son, Jack, who has been living in an enclosed 'room' ever since he was born. This is essentially the boy's whole world for the first five years of his life, which immediately establishes the mother as a strong and loving character with the determination to bring up her son properly, providing him with happiness and creativity despite their harsh living conditions. Abrahamson often incorporates tight framing and close-up shots here in order to signify how restricted these characters are in a physical sense, yet how open they are emotionally - making for some genuinely heartfelt interactions. This is where the film succeeds, seeing a realistic relationship between a loving mother and her young son is truly heart-warming, especially if you take their limited surroundings into consideration. Even when the tone switches and tension is built up, realism is still maintained, the characters feel just as engaging, and the overall atmosphere is handled pretty well throughout.

Unfortunately, despite how well these interactions work, the focus always leans towards the character of Jack and his perspective of the world, with segments featuring narration from the little boy himself as he adjusts and learns about the real world for the first time. This basically provides us with the typical portrayal of children in films like this - innocent, naive and somewhat cute... and although there isn't anything wrong with the execution of this, it's nowhere near as captivating as the actual relationship between the mother and the son. After a while, the film starts to slightly lose focus in general, by including some drama which felt somewhat forced and unnecessary. However, these are just minor flaws in the grand scheme of things.

In terms of cinematography, the film seems to switch between Dogme 95 style filming (handheld/steadicam) and standard static shots, which feels quite inconsistent in terms of style, but works pretty well regarding the atmosphere being conveyed. When it comes to acting, everyone pulled off a magnificent job; Brie Larson winning an Oscar for this role was well-deserved, and although I'm not really a fan of child actors (they can either be great or just really cringe-worthy), I thought Jacob Tremblay was pretty fantastic in his role. All in all, this is a heart-warming story with some phenomenal performances and beautiful sequences that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings, which is why I'm giving this film a very strong 8,4/10.

The Revenant (I) (2015)

A Visual Marvel

[9/10 · 22 February 2016]

It has been over a month since I saw this film at the cinema... and I'm certainly glad I had the chance to experience it on the big screen. The visuals are so strikingly captivating that they stayed with me to this day - I wouldn't have a problem with saying that this is some of the best cinematography I've ever seen in film, especially if you take the natural lighting into consideration. If you're anything like me and you appreciate innovative camera work, you'll be amazed with the shots they managed to capture in 'The Revenant'. But besides being a visual marvel, does the film succeed in being a compelling tale like Iñárritu's previous works?

Well, yes, it does... to an extent. We follow Hugh Glass on a harrowing journey as he fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead, and what we get is essentially a simple revenge story. This is one of those films that absolutely excels in some parts, yet barely delivers in others. After the amazing opening sequence and the terrifying bear attack which was just simply masterful, the film felt like it slowed down... and although I wasn't taken out of the story at any point, I definitely felt that there were some pacing issues. It's not by any means a "boring" film - as it crafts tension extremely well and feels consistent with it throughout, but with the addition of slightly pretentious dream sequences and a reliance on style over substance (or in this case, beautiful imagery over narrative) the film unfortunately starts to drag a little.

In regards to DiCaprio's performance, it was great as usual, but was it Oscar-worthy? This was a role that clearly relied on physicality rather than emotion - which is what I felt the character was lacking where it seemed necessary. If this performance wins Leo an Oscar it'll feel like it happened purely because the Academy believes it owes him one. Besides, Oscars don't define good acting, as many great actors have never won an Oscar... but I digress. Tom Hardy pulled off a decent job as usual, Domhnall Gleeson was absolutely fantastic despite his limited amount of screen time, and I was pleasantly surprised by Will Poulter's also small but memorable performance. All in all, I can't really complain about the performances, and despite a lack of emotion on DiCaprio's part, his energy and drive still kept me at the edge of my seat.

If I were to rate this film based purely on its visuals and cinematography, I would give it a perfect 10 out of 10. However, due to its flawed pacing and other minor negatives (such as out of sync dialogue) I cannot give 'The Revenant' a perfect score. Iñárritu decided to showcase physical brutality instead of emotional brutality he incorporated in his previous films such as 'Biutiful' or 'Birdman' - which I found to be more effective and far more emotionally powerful. That being said, 'The Revenant' is still an incredible achievement in filmmaking and provides one hell of a compelling journey. It is a simultaneously mesmerising and suspenseful piece of cinema that not only showcases breathtaking cinematography alongside a beautiful soundtrack, but also displays the dedication of one of the best directors working today.

Spotlight (I) (2015)

A Riveting & Important Piece of Cinema

[9/10 · 2 February 2016]

With 'The Hateful Eight' being my favourite film of 2015, it's pretty obvious that I enjoy dialogue-driven movies which showcase true talent... and thankfully, 'Spotlight' is one of those movies. This film arrived at a perfect time - with the internet slowly killing off print media and people forgetting about the significance of investigative journalism, Tom McCarthy reminds us that real news can have a massive impact in the corrupted world we live in. Watching 'Spotlight' at the cinema restored my faith in the current state of the film industry - alongside all the reboots and mindless action flicks, important works of art are still being created and distributed across the world, and I am truly glad I had the chance to support this film.

'Spotlight' tells the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, but it also explores the painful trauma of those unfortunate victims and the sheer determination of some amazing journalists to get those voices heard and make things right. It's one of those riveting stories that keep you on the edge of your seat simply through a great script and stellar performances; Mark Ruffalo amazed me in particular with his energetic and captivating performance, and even two lesser-known actors (Michael Cyril Creighton and Jimmy LeBlanc) portraying two of the victims managed to impress me quite a lot in their short yet emotionally powerful roles. In short, the casting for this film was perfect - each actor gave their best and worked off the expertly written script wonderfully.

On the technical side of things, the film doesn't exactly "impress", the camera work isn't anything special - simple shots with simple compositions creating and showing what's necessary, and that's okay. The film doesn't need to be visually impressive, it needs to be coherent and represent the story in an appropriate manner... which is what it achieves. If I had to pick out a negative aspect, it would have to be the soundtrack - it's somewhat typical, simplistic and it enters the film way too often, generally making some of the transitions feel either awkward or forced. But that's it, that's the only flaw I could think of in this otherwise magnificent piece of cinema. 'Spotlight' is not just an impressive achievement, it's an important film that needs to be seen by everyone, which is why I'm giving it a solid 9,2/10.

Ida (2013)

Captivating Journey

[9/10 · 17 June 2015]

This morning I decided to watch 'Ida' for the second time, especially as I've had the Blu-Ray release in my collection for a few months... and since my first viewing I remember thinking it would be essential to experience it in the highest definition possible, even if it's purely for the cinematography. However, 'Ida' is one of those works of art that delivers more than just impressive shots featuring the beautiful Agata Trzebuchowska and her luminous eyes, often accompanied by clever visual metaphors as well as of course the incredibly talented Agata Kulesza. This film explores a form of late adolescence, expectedly surrounded by painful discoveries and more importantly the desperate path to self-identity - Paweł Pawlikowski exhibits all this through cinematic subtlety whilst staying true to the setting of the 1960's Poland.

'Ida' takes an alternative route to storytelling, despite being more subtle and at times seemingly jarring in the sense that it introduces normal yet striking and memorable images throughout. The brief yet natural dialogue supporting all this provides simple exposition for each character, repeatedly evoking a sense of enigma within both the quiet and more talkative characters - Kulesza's portrayal of the enthralling aunt (known as Wanda Gruz) held my full attention in particular, along with a feeling of intrigue every time she appeared on screen. However, this aspect unfortunately also served as a negative, as the supporting character essentially overtakes the lead - at least in terms of my engagement within the plot. Regardless, this apparent imbalance doesn't necessarily affect the narrative, if anything, it encourages a closer look into Ida's motives and decisions throughout her captivating journey.

To conclude, 'Ida' simultaneously serves as an exhibition of beautiful cinematography as well as an intricate character study with a great deal of emotion. It utilises a black & white colour scheme as effectively as 'Nebraska' (2013) and explores relatable themes in a refreshingly unique light. More importantly, it serves as a worthy contribution to Polish cinema and makes me truly proud.

End of Watch (2012)

Partners in Life

[9/10 · 12 June 2015]

Instead of revising for an exam which was held this morning, I decided to re-watch a powerful crime flick after approximately 2 years. I could only recall a generally overused style in terms of creating suspense utilised to its absolute best, along with strongly absorbing characters accompanied by even stronger performances. As expected, I was completely swept in the seemingly typical yet compelling story riddled with not-so-typical camera work - impressively evoking more than just crafty tension.

'End of Watch' undoubtedly establishes its style within the first few minutes, and continues to embrace it in a cleverly subtle way throughout the whole film. The naturally elaborate chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña feels almost unmatchable, maintaining its genuine and energetic tone despite the occasional drift to mundane dialogue. In fact, the dialogue surrounding the heartless group of blatant criminals feels too repetitive for the most part, however, whether that's realistic or purposely exaggerated to essentially expose heartless human beings is not for me to judge.

All in all, David Ayer proves himself as a competent film-maker in this urban setting - creating a unique and memorable cop drama by combining supposedly juxtaposing elements which just work, and often help to provide a greater emotional hit. Apart from a few hiccups, 'End of Watch' expresses pride, respect and more importantly loyalty in its sentimental boldness... all the while providing great action sequences that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

A Heartfelt Punch

[10/10 · 4 June 2015]

After anticipating and finally being able to watch 'Inherent Vice', Paul Thomas Anderson's offbeat style led to another one of those times where I discover a writer and director that I admire. This time, I wasn't so surprised about a generally mediocre actor (Sandler) starring in an 'art' film, instead I was pleasantly surprised by how one of the director's previous titles managed to surpass his most recent work. 'Punch-Drunk Love' is another unusually captivating masterpiece that manages to feel fresh and exciting despite following the conventions of a "quirky" formula recurring in these types of films.

One of those conventions is the psychologically troubled protagonist, this time portrayed by Adam Sandler who genuinely accelerates in the role, with a handful of mostly negative as well as positive encounters as the wonderfully engaging character of Barry Egan. In addition to this, the whole experience of the film is made even more compelling through intriguing visuals and a vastly elaborate soundtrack switching from abrupt and monotone to melodic and charming. In general, the constantly switching tone of the film succeeds every time it does so, whether it attempts comedy or suspense it handles each genre excellently.

Each actor pulls off a phenomenal performance, fitting into the light-hearted yet profound feel of the film - Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance for example, although brief, was executed perfectly. In fact, all of the interactions between Sandler, Emily Watson and all the other actors were highly memorable and undoubtedly struck a chord with me. 'Punch-Drunk Love' delivered a heartfelt punch right to the core through its atmospheric exploration of a psychologically troubled hero - Paul Thomas Anderson propelled in crafting a quirky masterpiece that'll stick with you for a long time.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Cute, Clever & Thought-Provoking

[10/10 · 15 May 2015]

Film Club is going to be one of the things I'm going to miss the most when leaving college, not only did it allow me to watch and experience films with a few like-minded people, but it also introduced me to some truly great and unforgettable titles - 'Lars and the Real Girl' is without a doubt one of those titles.

I think it's pretty obvious that I'm a fan of Ryan Gosling as well as the projects he chooses, and this project happens to be a quirky love tale with an unconventional premise which, unsurprisingly, suits Gosling wonderfully. This light-hearted yet thought-provoking story focuses on the character of Lars - an innocently adorable, insecure and "delusional young man" who falls in "love" with a doll, and as a result of this, affects the people around him on a psychological level. If this synopsis doesn't seem appealing to you, or instantly makes you label this film as "ridiculous", then simply don't watch it. However, if you're like me and you appreciate experimental films that succeed in and go beyond being entertaining... this film will be a pleasant treat for you.

Besides a great and certainly unique performance from Gosling along with respectable performances from the rest of the cast, the film unexpectedly brings a lot of profound emotion and social commentary. 'Lars and the Real Girl' is one of those films that will make you think if you engage yourself in its cleverly crafted subtext, and on top of that, all the charming characters and whimsical scenarios make this experience even more rewarding. On the whole, this is one of those precious stories that provides something unique in almost all aspects, and absolutely succeeds in getting to your heart in a way you'd never expect.

Lost River (2014)

Impressive Directorial Debut

[9/10 · 5 May 2015]

Straight off the bat, I am somewhat surprised about the overwhelmingly bad ratings this film received, and no, I won't go down the route of claiming that people "don't understand art". The more I explore art house, the more I realise it is all about preference - not everyone likes reading into films too much, and a particular style may not be appealing to everyone. In 'Lost River', Gosling clearly combines different styles of directors he worked with recently - I definitely recognised influences from Derek Cianfrance and Nicolas Winding Refn in terms of character interaction, cinematography and of course the gorgeously atmospheric soundtrack. Apart from being a learning curve for Ryan Gosling, 'Lost River' is an impressive directorial debut in a lot of aspects.

One of the successful aspects is the overall plot surrounding these strangely intriguing characters, including a family with somewhat typical problems and a protagonist teenager son, along with a love interest played by Saoirse Ronan (who also played the cute Agatha in 'The Grand Budapest Hotel') as well as the haunting presence of a "bully" portrayed disturbingly well by Matt Smith. There's also a side plot involving the troubled mother struggling to maintain her house and family through a dodgy job and a delusional boss. To put it straight, there is a lot happening in this film, yet, it doesn't feel at all overwhelming. It was obvious that Gosling went into this project with a lot of things he wanted to explore, however on the larger thematic scale it seems subtle, at times focusing on style over content with its beautifully composed shots accompanied by an enchanting score reminiscent of Winding Refn.

On the negative side of things, the character interaction feels slightly unrealistic at some points, and overall originality is barely visible. However, "originality" isn't entirely necessary to create an unsettling art house flick - Gosling succeeds in this and definitely deserves praise, especially being his writing and directorial debut. To conclude, 'Lost River' is a disturbingly enchanting addition to the expanding genre of art house - undeniably deserving its spot not only as an adapted experiment paying homage to great directors, but also as a successful collaboration of under-appreciated talents.

Primer (2004)

A Student Film

[5/10 · 23 April 2015]

'Drama' is undoubtedly my favourite genre of film, and I tend to appreciate it even more when combined with other genres successfully - Sci-Fi seems to be the trickiest, and the last time this combination worked flawlessly for me was in 'Moon' (2009). So, after feeling lucky and thankful for winning "review of the week" for... my straightforward review of 'Moon' on the Film Club website, I additionally received a DVD of 'Primer' as a reward. Now, this film seemed really interesting - an independent, low-budget US Sci-Fi Drama with people I have never heard of before, along with a really intriguing plot centred around some sort of invention... and so I went into this film with a completely open and somewhat excited state of mind.

Unfortunately, 'Primer' was a massive disappointment in almost all aspects. As you all (probably) know, I am a fan of the art house genre, I'm also a fan of "different" or "experimental" films - I appreciate brave and passion-filled projects bringing something new to the industry. However, 'Primer', despite clearly attempting to bring something new to the table, falls completely flat in its jumbled narrative structure and pretty much everything it brings to the screen. The interaction between the two main characters becomes almost chaotic - constantly rambling about "science" and essentially forcing the plot down our throats through… even more rambling. This becomes a recurring issue not only due to the inexperienced acting but predominantly due to the poor writing - every piece of dialogue feels either unnatural or just simply melodramatic.

Besides the bland, robotic characters and jumbled plot line, this film does seem to evoke a certain charm. Being a debut for almost everyone involved, using minimal local settings and lengthy, forced dialogue… it strangely reminds me of myself and my passion for films and film-making. It's actually quite adorable, watching two guys in shirts and ties wandering around and discussing their invention or intentions. To conclude, the film fails at its attempt of providing an engaging story, but, I appreciate the whole process behind it.

Bronson (2008)

An Abstract Journey

[9/10 · 29 March 2015]

Yesterday I finally had the chance to watch 'Bronson' - a film I've been wanting to see for quite a while now, not only due to the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed Winding Refn's other work such as 'Drive' and 'Only God Forgives', but also because I was curious about Tom Hardy's performance being described as "his best ever" by many people, as well as of course the film's evident abstract style. Yeah, this time around, there were no sceptical thoughts surrounding my mind... just a lot of curiosity and excitement to view another strangely compelling film.

'Bronson', clearly influenced by Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange', explores the journey of what I would essentially call a "psychopath". This journey essentially entails switching lock-up facilities, creating/developing relations and of course nicely crafted "fight" sequences. This journey, for the most part, is evidently explored through Michael Peterson's simple state of mind - life is seemingly simple and easygoing, and according to our main character's objectives and actions... vocal and physical violence is a vital part of life. Yes, this is a somewhat simple plot, however... the plot is not what makes this film great, it's the overriding quirky yet disturbing tone 'Bronson' carries - the overall style is what makes this film great.

The editing, cinematography and soundtrack are all undeniably masterful - I was additionally very pleased about the Pet Shop Boys being featured. The soundtrack is very elaborate in terms of variety, yet it complements each scene's tone and overall execution almost flawlessly. Apart from the film's unique construction on the technical side, Tom Hardy's performance is what gives it that extra kick - I haven't seen enough of Hardy's filmography to form a proper judgement on whether this is his best work or not, however, it is undoubtedly a brave and powerful performance that will stick with you for days. 'Bronson' is a swiftly paced, cleverly constructed, and an enjoyably abstract journey told through the mind of a "psychopath".

Enemy (2013)

Alluring & Distinctive Character Study

[10/10 · 21 March 2015]

I remember a while back being extremely intrigued by this film during the release of the trailer, and also by the fact that one of my favourite actors (the flawless Jake Gyllenhaal) stars in it. It looked like a stylishly enticing thriller flick, it seemed as if it would pay homage to the classics while simultaneously bringing something new to the table... and it most definitely brought something new to the table. Having recently re-watched 'Enemy' for the fourth time not only strengthened the praise I gave the film upon the first viewing... but also underpinned the certainty that this film completely deserves a spot in the list of my favourite films of all time. Yes, I would go as far as to call this film a masterpiece.

I realised it would be hard to write a decent review for this film without giving any spoilers... therefore, the best way I can decipher 'Enemy' here is to say that it creates a world of its own. The way this film looks, sounds and "feels" is just truly captivating; the consistent dark yellow-ish colour palette, the disturbingly alluring soundtrack and the truly phenomenal performances from Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent and Sarah Gadon combine perfectly to create this immaculately distinctive character study. I must however stress the "immaculate" construction of this film, the screenplay for 'Enemy' is evidently expertly written... and thus the film requires an incredibly attentive approach (or alternatively a second viewing) when it comes to overall dialogue and imagery - as both provide cleverly hidden meanings throughout.

To conclude, 'Enemy' is a masterpiece that showcases more than you'd think, in all terms. On top of that, the film spawned arguably one of the best performances by Jake Gyllenhaal up to date... this actor is continuously impressing me and 'Enemy' is undoubtedly another great achievement in his filmography. Speaking of great achievements, the director, Denis Villeneuve, has previously impressed me with 'Prisoners' - which means I will definitely be checking out more of his work whilst staying observant of any upcoming projects. I'm giving 'Enemy' a perfect 10 out of 10, it is a bravely distinctive and compelling character study that'll entrap you in its own world from start to finish.

Samsara (I) (2011)

Exhibiting The World

[8/10 · 16 March 2015]

Expecting no dialogue whatsoever and an apparent reliance on visuals obviously created sceptical feelings for me. I'm not particularly into what I can essentially describe as 'nature' documentaries, yet, I wanted to see this film... predominantly out of curiosity as providing absolutely zero dialogue throughout seems like a truly risky move. After somehow sitting through the approximate 102 minutes of beautiful cinematography and some captivating segments, and allowing a few days for this film to sink in... I'm still finding it hard to form a proper opinion. However, it is safe to say that I do seriously appreciate 'Samsara' - what it manages to achieve within such a small budget and an elaborate filming process spanning over almost five years is truly astonishing.

There is no doubt about it; the cinematography in this film is practically flawless. Every single shot is evidently crafted with masterful precision, accompanied by a beautifully fitting soundtrack throughout, and edited to the highest standard making the whole film flow nicely with its diverse range of settings and locations. In addition to this, it was truly fascinating to see more of the world - Fricke seems to construct these aesthetically pleasing shots with subtle meaning and undertones, and once again, it's all accomplished in a smooth manner despite the constant change of locations and thus colour palettes. The entire film just flows so nicely, exhibiting parts of the world and allowing its spectator to be educated in the most subtle yet profound way imaginable. The most captivating segment to me personally was the sequence involving Tibetan Monks, as I don't take a particular interest in learning about other cultures... this segment essentially opened my eyes to how delightfully diverse the planet earth actually is. The film does also of course explore the negative aspects to our world, and the pure subtlety in which everything is presented makes it all the more intriguing.

Sadly, I must admit that getting through 'Samsara' within one sitting and no breaks is somewhat difficult, and at times makes the film transition into a 'snorefest' of sorts. The best way I can describe my viewing of this film is to say I have 'experienced' it, I appreciate everything it showcases and how it is constructed. However... it is not exactly a film I would call "enjoyable", "entertaining" or even "exciting". I'd recommend to view it in segments with subtle breaks, in order to completely absorb every gorgeous image and its tone. 'Samsara' is undoubtedly an achievement in film-making, and I applaud everyone involved in the process of creating this enchanting piece of art.

Gattaca (1997)

Exposition Handled Sloppily

[7/10 · 8 March 2015]

'Gattaca' was another film I essentially knew nothing about when going into it, apart from the fact that it explores 'genetic engineering'... and that Ethan Hawke stars along Uma Thurman in it. Therefore, once again, my initial sceptical feelings evolved around whether 'Gattaca' will undertake a profound and simultaneously candid approach to such an elaborate and thought-provoking topic, or whether it will take itself too seriously to the point where it becomes cringeworthy. Unfortunately, the film became 'messy' throughout and felt moderately pretentious, and thus ultimately leaning towards the latter approach.

First and foremost, I want to go on record by stating that I praise the film for what it attempts to explore; 'Gattaca' is woven with intriguing themes and topics throughout, as well as arguably some nice social commentary. However, despite Ethan Hawke's great acting as the protagonist of the film, the exposition and development of his actual character feels rushed and slightly forced; Niccol manages to provide just enough information for us to be somewhat invested in his story, but not enough to be truly affected by it. Furthermore, the 'technology' and 'laws' that surround the film's plot seem too unrealistic, which also makes the film feel dated. Yes, I acknowledge that one of the possible points of the film is to ask the audience questions and thus provide the potential social commentary... essentially providing the "what if..?" scenario. However, for me personally, the unrealistic circumstances made me less attentive to the film's message.

Although, as mentioned previously, the themes explored as well as the overall plot are engaging enough to make for a decent watch. Additionally, Jude Law's character is greatly compelling throughout, his acting doesn't disappoint either and towards the end of the film creates praiseworthy suspense. The final act of the film is indeed the film's biggest achievement; it is continuously enticing and simultaneously nerve-racking in parts. Unfortunately, the actual exposition and development leading up to the final act felt like it was handled 'sloppily'. There is not much point in mentioning Uma Thurman's character, as she honestly doesn't contribute to the film's plot significantly apart from added and unnecessary "love" conflict. To conclude, 'Gattaca' is a mediocre approach to a great idea; it still manages to be an entertaining watch overall but never reaches its full potential. It stands as a simply decent Sci-Fi film, nothing 'special' although it tries to be just that... I would recommend it for simple enjoyment.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

An Effective Mixture of 'Fun' & 'Serious'

[9/10 · 28 February 2015]

Surprisingly, I didn't actually know anything in particular about this film when going into it, the only thing I was aware of was the fact that this film apparently evoked 'female empowerment' and arguably feminist-related views. This initially made me slightly doubtful about the film as a whole, predominantly due to the fact that every "feminist" I have ever encountered in real life clearly didn't know what "equality" stood for, and therefore I was expecting a somewhat weak plot line and a biased representation of characters (e.g. following the formula of featuring only 'misogynistic males' and 'misunderstood females'). Fortunately, the film does not take this specific route; it instead explores both genders in a respectful manner and furthermore features many more perks which made it utterly enjoyable and unexpectedly compelling.

Many elements of this film worked wonderfully for me, mostly the characters and their respective 'quests' and mishaps, as well as of course the journey of our two female protagonists and their 'adventures'. Every occurrence or character action/motive is dealt with either a serious and thought-provoking approach, or with a somewhat "silly" and at times genuinely funny approach. Surprisingly, this unusual blend actually works, which is especially surprising as I personally prefer a completely serious approach to important issues represented in film. Additionally, the film is aesthetically pleasing with convincing sets and gorgeous locations throughout, which... is technically one of those features that every road trip movie MUST get right, and this one certainly does. Furthermore, it truly felt like an 80's film, with its delightful, well-fitted and captivating soundtrack, as well as certain scenes creating abrupt yet very effective comedy. Therefore, the film supplied me with a very entertaining and light-hearted tone throughout, whilst simultaneously providing social commentary (in terms of equality for women) in an appropriate manner. The fact 'Thelma & Louise' genuinely felt evocative of the 80s (or at least very early 90s) arguably made the film even more enjoyable for me.

There are a few minor negative aspects, but they are so insignificant that they never actually distract from the character or plot development... these are basically 'nitpicks'. There are potentially one or two scenes in which Geena Davis' acting felt unconvincing, there is one scene which felt slightly forced only to further expand on the social commentary, and Michael Madsen's character seemed to lack exposition. However, despite the nitpicking, it's safe to say that all of the acting maintained a great standard throughout, and all of the characters contributed to the film's entertainment value significantly. To conclude, 'Thelma & Louise' is an impressively crafted film that effectively blends 'seriousness' with 'fun' whilst never distracting from the film's plot OR overall message/social commentary. It is simultaneously an incredibly enjoyable and thought-provoking film with stellar performances all-round, I highly recommend it to everyone.

Gummo (1997)

Intriguing Showcase

[8/10 · 18 February 2015]

I found this film whilst blandly browsing through IMDb in the look for interesting movies, as I usually do. Initially, the synopsis and trailer of the film alone intrigued me significantly, additionally, as I briefly read a few short critic/audience reviews... my curiosity increased even further as most critics seemed to disregard the film due to its topic, whereas the audience discovered more. Although, as usual, I also had initial doubts about the evidently strange style the film undertakes. The so-called "art house" genre very often seems to be explored on either a very profound and effective level, or simply on a pretentious "open for interpretation" approach. My sceptical feelings about 'Gummo' were initially evoked around the fact it may undertake the latter approach due to numerous reasons, but predominantly due to the director's reputation and filmography.

First of all, I believe it is vital to approach this film with a very open mind... there are touching as well as controversial moments, both of which are explored in a fairly appropriate manner; nor downplayed or exaggerated. However, there are a few character actions/motives which do feel slightly exaggerated simply for the sake of exploiting controversy and thus potential shock value. Thankfully, this is very minimal and did not distract from the emotional aspect of the film… as I'm sure I would end up hating this film if the focus was entirely on exploiting controversy, which is what certain critics seem to suggest. A factor which supplemented this was the somewhat jarring utilisation of documentary conventions; initially the film seems to be unsure of what it's trying to be and seems to randomly incorporate found footage along with interview-like scenes for character development. However, as the film progresses, these seemingly unfitting conventions start to complement each other naturally and form an unconventional yet strangely realistic narrative, introducing new personalities constantly which I instantly became invested in.

Most of the actors pull off a good job, all of the performances felt convincing enough and some of the characters' snippets of narration were executed very well, and thus allowing me to effectively 'absorb' their unique personalities better. Surprisingly, Korine himself starred in one of the segments, but unfortunately overacted his small role quite significantly to the point where the actual subtext of the segment felt overdone. Speaking of subtext, the entire film is woven with daring and extremely intriguing themes throughout, some of which include desensitisation, acceptance, self-analysis and for the most part, attempting to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life in arguably one of the most unfulfilled places stricken by poverty.

One of the main reasons why 'Gummo' worked for me was due to its unusual exploration of what you can simply label as 'outcasts'. Thankfully, it took a suitable approach when exploring these potentially damaged people, as well as mentally challenged people. I personally despise the mockery of such individuals on film, or anywhere in fact, so I was continuously anxious about the film shifting into the comedic route simply for demeaning purposes. Instead, the film showcases these individuals and their raw emotions in its distinctive style and after its halfway mark, utilises the documentary conventions more successfully in order to create its overriding tone of harsh reality.

In conclusion, 'Gummo' is an intriguing and thought-provoking experiment in film making which requires a very open-minded audience. Without trying to give the film more credit than it deserves, I do believe it is ahead of its time in terms of what it explores and how it's presented. Each character isn't ever fully developed, however each character was extremely evocative as I was completely invested in every story and representation. This was mainly due to the compelling themes the film chooses to explore, and furthermore providing a great deal of hidden meaning. However, whether these 'hidden meanings' were intended or whether I was simply reading into the film too much... I do not know. It is truly a unique film, and it's certainly difficult to recommend as it does require a very avid and open-minded approach; definitely not a film that the general public would enjoy, but certainly a film the general public should examine.

Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)

Fun... but Ultimately Disappointing

[7/10 · 16 February 2015]

I had a strange mix of expectations when going into this film, I was feeling sceptical due to initial critic and audience reviews... yet I still expected greatness simply from the chemistry between the trio continuing their strangely delightful shenanigans. After all, the first 'Horrible Bosses' is one of my favourite films, and one of the things which I greatly admired was the naturally flowing chemistry between the trio of Nick, Kurt and Dale; for me, it was one of the most important aspects of the film and helped it maintain as enjoyable as it was. Anyhow, let's get to the actual review of this film instead of showing my appreciation for its predecessor.

'Horrible Bosses 2' was, in all honesty, not a "terrible" film. It's definitely not one of those films that is unbearable to watch purely due to how bad it is. Instead, it is just simply "fun", it had certain (although small) aspects that definitely made the film work, but it also had extensive aspects which ultimately made this film a disappointment. One of those aspects that largely brought the film down throughout was the poor writing, not the actual plot, but some of the dialogue and predominantly the idiocy surrounding every character in the film. This could be understandable in a comedy filled with absurd humour such as 'The Naked Gun' or 'Anchorman', in which the naive characters are constructed in such a way purposely, and on top of that, very effectively in terms of the comedy. In this film, though, the naivety and simple stupidity of some of the characters is highly questionable; it's never clarified and frankly takes away from the engagement in the plot as well as the characters.

Just to reinforce, the script is so badly written that the characters seemingly changed aspects of their personalities as well as their IQ levels severely since the previous film, purely for the comic relief of essentially "acting dumb". This also affects the unforgettable chemistry between the three characters which ultimately made this film a disappointment for me, unfortunately. All of the actors work well with what they have to work with, to put it simply, I would personally blame the poor script rather than the individual actors for certain scenes that felt forced or simply unnatural. However, there are certain segments which certainly pay off in terms of humour and genuinely made me laugh out loud, despite the fact that I wasn't initially expecting great humour as the first film didn't make me laugh that much; it simply succeeded in being entertaining as hell with many more perks.

One thing that is worthy of praise however, is the perfect soundtrack. It carries the tone from the first film smoothly, but unfortunately, that tone also becomes slightly distracted by the poor writing and drastic character changes… as mentioned previously. The plot itself isn't actually bad either; initially I saw a lot of potential for a lot of entertaining 'shenanigans' occurring, but the lack of focus made the supposed 'shenanigans' in this film highly unbelievable and thus left me with the feeling that the whole film was rushed. Overall, it's pretty obvious to assume that I am mostly disappointed due to the sequel not living up to its predecessor (which, in this industry, is highly unusual anyway). Nonetheless, this is a fairly enjoyable film and although its weak points are highly visible throughout… they are not too overly distracting, and the overriding tone from the previous film allows for a decent and light-hearted watch with your family or friends.

Frank (II) (2014)

Simply Wonderful

[10/10 · 11 February 2015]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when going into 'Frank', I remember initially anticipating this film... and suddenly, somewhere along the line, I became sceptical as it started appearing like a pretentious comedy centred around hipsters. However, 'Frank' thankfully turned out to exceed my expectations far more than I would have ever anticipated. I honestly feel a sense of guilt for ever doubting this film, it just proves how a book should never be judged by its cover, or in this case, how a film should not be prejudged due to poor marketing.

First and foremost, the writing in this film is undeniably good; predictability is never an issue as the narrative takes turns left and right constantly. Each character is developed to an appropriate extent; there is never a sense of dwelling on the exploration of these individuals or their respective issues. Instead, everything is simply presented as it is without much context, and personally had me questioning certain characters' motives or actions throughout the film. However, the perfect ending ties everything together, it feels strangely rewarding and certainly proves how well this film is written and directed, as well as of course, acted.

Michael Fassbender, in my opinion, gives an Oscar-worthy performance. I realise this may be a bold statement, but Fassbender delivers everything there is to deliver for an elaborate character such as Frank. Contrary to people's judgement regarding Fassbender's performance relying on physicality due to sporting the giant fake head for almost the entire film; I believe his performance brings far more to the film including terrific voice acting, whilst showcasing familiar traits associated with people such as Frank in an appropriate manner. Domhnall Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal both deliver very good performances, and despite not seeing any other work featuring Gleeson prior to watching this film; I was absolutely enticed in his journey as the supposed protagonist known as Jon. His character is likewise developed to an appropriate extent, being both relatable and simultaneously distasteful at times, and thus all the more realistic and therefore captivating.

The only criticism I can think of is the fact that this film is predominantly marketed as a simple quirky comedy, and just like with films such as 'Sideways' (which is one of my favourite films of all time), it is primarily a drama featuring comedic attributes every so often. 'Frank' does however maintain an overriding sense of quirkiness which thankfully doesn't distract from the plot or the characters, and at times helps the film to maintain on a more light-hearted level; the quirky tone it provides simply makes the film even more entertaining and enjoyable. To conclude, 'Frank' is definitely one-of-a-kind, it is a simply wonderful experience and legitimately makes me upset that it is such an underrated film; it definitely deserves more recognition!

Foxcatcher (2014)

An Exceptionally Haunting Character Study

[10/10 · 3 February 2015]

Over three weeks have passed since I viewed this film at the cinema, and to this day it has been continuously on my mind.

'Foxcatcher' was one of my most anticipated films of 2014; primarily being hooked by the plot synopsis as well as the cast and director involved. The trailers further heightened both my excitement and expectations, surprisingly I wasn't feeling sceptical about actors mostly involved in comedy portraying characters in a serious film like this. In fact, I was pleased to see Carell taking on such a challenging role, and hopefully expanding his versatility as an actor in terms of portraying another antagonist of sorts since 'The Way Way Back'.

Thankfully, this film utterly exceeded my expectations, despite being dissimilar to what the trailer indicated. I was expecting a decent drama with swift pacing and strong performances, instead, I was swept up in a realistic character study which felt strangely atmospheric due to its overriding gritty tone. One of the reasons why the film stuck in my mind as much as it did, was due to the way it 'felt' and left me feeling afterwards; it was as if I simply 'observed' three people's lives. This was achieved by the slow pacing, long takes showcasing REAL emotion and the minimal use of a soundtrack allowing me to effectively experience and take in the chemistry between the characters.

The performances did not disappoint either, they were phenomenal and according to me achieved exactly what was required in order for the plot to feel enticing. Firstly, I believe Steve Carell knocked it out of the park; his performance genuinely felt creepy and haunting, merely his presence and figure expression in a given scene evoked a sense of ceaseless dread. Both Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum equally delivered, their performances felt truly genuine; displaying intensity both mentally and physically in a flawless manner. I personally believe all three performances were equally worthy of an Oscar, both Ruffalo and Carell certainly deserved their nominations.

To conclude, the wait for this film was definitely worthwhile. Although some people may find the slow pacing and gritty tone distasteful, I found that it helped the film and character development maintain engaging throughout. In addition to this, the film looked excellent, the cinematography was alluring and effectively further helped to set the tone. I'm giving this film a strong 9,7 as it provides an exceptionally haunting and enticing character study, and thus essentially achieves everything it strives for as a compelling biopic.

Locke (2013)

Wasted Potential

[6/10 · 14 January 2015]

Reading up on the unusual take on a drama led by the talented Tom Hardy prior to watching the actual film got me intrigued and somewhat excited; I love experimental films, I guess you could say I'm a fan of independent cinema and art house style films. Furthermore, the positive reviews helped to remove any sceptical feelings I might have had before going into this film.

Unfortunately, 'Locke' was ultimately a disappointment. I didn't expect it to 'drag', but personally, I found the struggles surrounding our dysfunctional protagonist so predictable and at times cliché that the film actually began to drag and towards the end just bored me. There are however aspects of this film that really worked for me, notably Hardy's undying and captivating performance along with a nicely matched soundtrack essentially making this film somewhat enjoyable. Added to this, the limited cinematography was also used to its full effect and was quite visually pleasing. However, as mentioned previously, the film's 'dragging' tone eventually defeated this satisfaction and, as the film progressed, made it seem like the crew was struggling to come up with different angles of Hardy's face. The ending was undoubtedly anticlimactic, I was hoping to at least see a montage of the characters that were plainly developed through phone conversations but the film just introduced another different shot and not much else.

In conclusion, I'm giving this film a generous 6/10, I appreciate the concept and its initial potential but unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations, I'd suggest giving it a watch if you're interested in seeing Hardy's versatility as an actor. In short, 'Locke' is purely a nicely shot showcase of Tom Hardy's talent coupled with bad writing.

Moon (2009)

Truly Astonishing in ALL Aspects

[10/10 · 20 December 2014]

I was intrigued to watch this film for a while, predominantly due to the fact that one of my favourite (and undoubtedly underrated) actors, Sam Rockwell, stars in it. Furthermore, the film is directed by Duncan Jones; who has previously impressed me with 'Source Code' and has since left me wanting to explore more of his work. Essentially, I went into this film with high expectations, and oh boy, were they exceeded.

'Moon' takes place on the moon, surprisingly, and explores the isolated character of Sam Bell (played by Sam Rockwell) nearing the end of his three-year stint on the moon, whilst working alongside his friendly computer GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey). I'm not going to give away any more details of the plot, as with all films, it's best to go in blind or with as little information as possible in order to simply 'experience' the story unfold. This film most definitely deserves that approach, it captures isolation and human emotion on a genuinely profound level, and Rockwell's riveting performance is undoubtedly an Oscar-worthy one. Even Spacey's voice acting as GERTY is strangely satisfying to me; evoking this calming yet intriguing tone throughout the film which additionally helped to stabilise the drama, combined with Sam Rockwell's truly magnificent acting preventing this film from falling into a feeble melodrama.

Everything works perfectly here: the cleverly written script, the visually pleasing set design and even the slightly slow pacing which I didn't see as a flaw whatsoever. The pacing was perfect in this film; it made it feel all the more real and thus enticing, along with a captivating soundtrack to create an utterly fascinating atmosphere throughout. This film is without a doubt, truly astonishing in all aspects, and certainly exceeded my already high expectations. Duncan Jones' direction and Sam Rockwell's amazing performance (he absolutely deserves all of the praise) combined with a compelling plot result in a masterpiece of a film that doesn't shy away from exploring human emotion and struggles on a deeper level, whilst delving into two of the trickiest genres to pull off. I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates good cinema, not just the fans of Sci-Fi.

The Counselor (2013)

An Average Execution of a Decent Plot

[8/10 · 13 June 2014]

Okay, here goes nothing. Let's start with the most common issue in this film according to me; wasting valuable potential, this applies to the misuse of the amazing cast, the clever writing somehow turning into a slightly bland, slow-paced, cliché drug-related drama and arguably the biggest issue with this film... the pointless dialogue. I'm not in any way undermining McCarthy's God-given talent of writing pure excellence, what I'm saying is that this film is simply an average execution of a decent and surprisingly compelling plot (despite all the clichés), which is quite upsetting since Ridley Scott usually doesn't disappoint with dramas such as the brilliant 'American Gangster'.

Now for the positive aspects. As I admitted previously, the film does contain some clever writing (especially with foreshadowing) and in this case the character of Cameron Diaz really shines through (also on the wind shield). Her sinister presence actually evokes a chilling tone; sexiness combined with evil and psychopathic thoughts provides the audience with something to look forward to past the boring dialogue, furthermore it's nice to see Diaz experimenting with her acting skills and portraying a truly despicable woman. In regards to the rest of the cast... as I said, it just wastes potential in terms of depth; the lack of character development leaves us with bland archetypal characters carrying the plot along, with Fassbender crying every five minutes and Bardem talking about women throughout the whole film. I'm not implying the acting is bad, hell no, the acting is great, it just feels like the characters weren't explored enough for the audience to be truly engaged.

Let's actually try and talk about the good parts this time. The cinematography is gorgeous, the settings and the overall aesthetic of the film is absolutely beautiful to gaze upon. The gore aspect doesn't disappoint either, being a Tarantino & Scorsese fan myself I enjoy a bit of gore now and again in films; but only if it has a purpose and if it is executed well... which in this case applies. Despite constantly bashing the pointless dialogue, there is some decent dialogue also... you just gotta sit through all the bullshit first. The overall conclusion of the film doesn't disappoint either; with life lessons being reinforced and actually leaving the audience with something to think about is a very nice and satisfying finish.

To conclude, I have a love/hate relationship with this film. However, since the enticing trailers lived up to the hype they built up for me, concluding in overall satisfaction after watching the film... I'm deciding to give it a mild 8 (yeah I know, surprising for the amount of negativity I wrote about). I just wanted you all to know what to expect when going into this film, I don't believe it is as disappointing as the ratings suggest (I've seen films far worse with much better ratings here on IMDb). I say give it a watch, even if it leaves you slightly disappointed you'll still have something to think about... and perhaps reconsider.

Nebraska (2013)

A Realistic, Heart-Warming and Memorable Journey

[10/10 · 28 April 2014]

I decided to watch this film on a rainy Friday afternoon, whilst eating some vanilla ice-cream; with high expectations of another realistic and compelling story from one of my favourite directors, Alexander Payne. Additionally, the cast including the legendary Bruce Dern enticed me further to give this film a viewing. And so, with my spoon dipped in ice-cream, my heart awaiting precious scenes which I can relate to, and my eyes ready to gaze upon the glorious high definition, black & white cinematography... I was ready to watch 'Nebraska'.

The opening shot of the film (seemingly bland to some people) hooked me straight away; the characteristics and carefully crafted movements of Bruce Dern instantly creating the character of a troubled, lost, yet experienced old man (Woody) made me wonder what events will unfold within the film. The introduction of other characters throughout the film evoked the exact same feeling; making me wonder what sort of route each character will take physically and mentally, and how each route will influence further events awaiting to come. Will Forte portrays a caring and loving son perfectly, likewise with Bruce Dern and June Squibb perfectly portraying a lasting old couple, in an incredibly realistic and highly compelling way to watch. There is no need to list all the actors, according to me each actor involved in this film gives it their best, including Stacy Keach once again portraying a villainous character very effectively.

To conclude, the film did not disappoint, in fact it exceeded my expectations far more. Once you become enticed simply through the characters, the film has succeeded, however 'Nebraska' furthermore provides you with stunning visuals to match the amazing screenplay written by Bob Nelson and directed by the master of story-telling, Alexander Payne (a great combination). Tears were shed of course, thanks to the realistic, heart-warming and memorable journey this film created for me and most likely many others. It was delightful watching this film with my Grandmother, and I would highly recommend watching this film with a close family member; your mother, your dad, your grandmother, your grandfather, your uncle, your auntie, your brother or sister... it doesn't matter, because I guarantee they will be moved by the perfectly executed characters from this masterpiece of a film.

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

A Perfect Film In My Eyes

[10/10 · 26 January 2014]

My first review here on IMDb, and so I decided to review one of my favourite films; The Place Beyond The Pines. Just a word of warning, this review contains a few major spoilers; so if you haven't seen the film then don't read this review, as this film is a must-see in my opinion. But hey, let's get to the actual review. The film starts off with our main character, Luke (played by Ryan Gosling) walking through an amusement park accompanied by loud noises, as the opening credits are shown. The strong start (despite the fact not much is happening at this moment) has you hooked from the beginning, as your curiosity grows. Another major character is introduced within the first few minutes, and thus the film keeps you enticed from the very beginning. Some may call this poor narrative structure, as it may seem slightly rushed, I however say this is clever pacing. Mainly because crime/drama films have been so over-done during the past few years, and each one is so similar to the other, along with the clichés which just keep going. This film does it differently.

Derek Cianfrance decided to bring his own style into this, avoiding clichés, and deciding to completely change the focus from one character to another. Luke's character gets killed off 50 minutes into the film, in an intense and at the same time emotional scene. The focus from Luke's character to Avery's character (played by Bradley Cooper) may seem like a silly decision, but the film gives enough time to develop the character of a cop which may seem pretentious, yet gains our sympathy as the film develops. Family problems and teenager issues are brought into the film, and as always I adore reality in films and so this worked perfectly for me; the relationships between the sons and their parents are perfectly executed. With truly amazing acting by the entire cast, the emotions conveyed by each character are absorbed by the audience instantly, and we feel sympathetic towards most of the main characters, especially towards the character of Jason (played by Dane DeHaan) despite some of his doubtful decisions which are common in teenagers. The pressure is always on.

I could praise this film all day, as it ticks all my boxes for a perfect motion picture. I do however definitely need to mention the soundtrack; it's truly amazing, well-fitted, great-sounding and highly memorable. Two gorgeous bike scenes are accompanied by a beautiful theme (The Snow Angel) which fits the film perfectly, many other memorable songs and themes are used throughout film and each one accompanies the scenes perfectly. To conclude; amazing performances, a perfect soundtrack, well-structured characters, memorable sequences and most importantly a highly compelling plot. One of my favourite films of all time, and a perfect film in my eyes.