ridleyrules Reviews

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

George Miller appears to be a huge fan of the ScreenX format, this epic is loaded with expanded scenes

[9/10 · 24 May 2024]

100% spoiler free review, where I focus exclusively on the amazing ScreenX experience of George Millers latest Mad Max epic.

I saw Furiosa in a ScreenX theater in The Hague, Netherlands on 23 April 2024. I have been checking ScreenX showings since 2022, with Top Gun: Maverick being my first encounter with the format.

In a ScreenX theater, selected scenes get expanded, to two extra screens on the left and right of the audience, so you get completely immersed into the environment. Where Imax focuses more on a vertical immersion, with a higher screen, ScreenX is somewhat like a modern, movie-focused version of the Omnimax format. All 8 or so ScreenX movies that I have seen so far had original footage from the filmmakers. You really get to see more of the movie than what you can see in other theater formats. There is no equivalent for home video yet, although I can imagine that there could be VR releases at some point.

My most recent.show before this movie was Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which I enjoyed a lot in ScreenX, read my other review. But Furiosa beats anything I have seen so far! George Miller has embraced the format and although I have not timed it, has shot almost more scenes in the expanded format than parts without it. It is such a trip! There were audience members for whom this was their first ScreenX experience and they were notably impressed.

If you have access to a ScreenX theater in a 3 hour driving radius, seriously consider that journey. It is really worth it to see Furiosa in ScreenX!

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

I just viewed it in a ScreenX theater ... wow, what an adventure! The most appealing post-apocalyptic world I visited as far as I can remember!

[9/10 · 8 May 2024]

100% spoiler-free review

I just watched this on 8 May 2024 in the ScreenX format. Does the format add something? Yes! Is it worth driving an extra hour for? Yes! Will the movie still be enjoyable in the more regular formats? Absolutely, the movie is worth it either way!

As preparation for this movie. I re-watched the Ceasar trilogy Rise (2011, 2D), Dawn (2014, wonderfully, natively shot with 3D cameras) and War (2017, 3D added, partly in post) in my 3D-capable home theater. It is a very moving trilogy that I had not viewed in a while, a worthwhile re-watch. Is it necessary to understand this 2024 edition Kingdom? No, not at all. It will add depth to the experience, but the new story can be understood and followed without having seen the first trilogy.

There is no 3D release of this new feature, Kingdom, unfortunately. No 3D version anywhere in the world, from what I found. In my country (Netherlands) it is playing in the premium formats Imax, 4DX (which is still 2D in this case), Dolby Cinema and ScreenX. I do my research and usually I tend to go for ScreenX if I have similar options to choose from. Why? ScreenX adds peripheral imagery that is specially shot for a selection of scenes, usually the scenes where the viewer can be immersed in the action or the environments. There are 5 or 6 long sections where the side screens are turned on. It is not an add-on effect created in post, there is actual additional, original footage to the left and right that you don't get to see in any of the other formats. There is also no way to see it at home yet, as far as I know, although it could be released for VR glasses, I imagine, similar to how Disney+ recently released Disney and Pixar 3D movies for the Apple Vision Pro.

I am someone who avoids watching previews and trailers. I want to go into a movie with zero information about what I am going to see. I hate those spoiler-ridden trailers that give half the plot points away. So I am not going to say anything about the story.

All I want to say is that this post-apocalyptic world is the most appealing that I can remember experiencing. It brings a totally different feeling than e.g. The Mad Max movies, Fallout, The Road or Akira. Even though there is something imminently sad about this possible future, it has an appeal that is comparable more to James Cameron's Avatar movies on Pandora. Where the Ceasar trilogy showed a not so distant future of earth, here we get to look around in an intriguing green world full of surprises.

I am not very familiar with director Wes Ball's previous films, but he does a wonderful job following into Matt Reeves's (Dawn and War) footsteps. Yes, this is science fiction. Yes, it is a marvel of technology that we can be immersed into this world, but in the end it is a movie where you are swept away by engaging performances and story lines, not by special effects. Go see it, if you enjoy original, intelligent stories.

Troubled Water (2008)

Wonderful performances and score

[9/10 · 6 November 2009]

Brief summary of the first 20 minutes: Thomas, a young man gets released from prison. He had something to do with the disappearance of a young boy. He finds a job as an organ player in the church of the town where he used to live.

Pic deals with universal themes such as guilt, love, expression through music, faith, responsibility, loss of loved ones and the value of family. Although the setting and some references are Scandinavian, this is a story that could have taken place anywhere in the world. I think it can touch sensitive people across many cultures.

It may not be the most original, hip movie that I saw in the last year. I have seen elements of the story before, and the pace is calm.

However, the structure and high quality performances keep things interesting until the finale. Much of the quality of the lead actors comes from body language and non-verbal performances. Also the casting of the smaller adult parts and child actors is simply top.

Some scenes in the movie caused a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I was moved. The general tone of the movie is serious and sensitive, but director Erik Poppe also manages to keep the mood light and hopeful.

I'm a sucker for good movie scores. The music is breathtakingly wonderful. I have never been an avid fan of the organ, but this movie has the power to make people fall in love with this instrument. Much of what Thomas is going through is expressed through the music. It also helps the audience to get involved into this perhaps not so sympathetic, mysterious character. Also the non-organ part of the score by Johan Söderqvist is touching and effective. I had at times brief associations with the music of Philip Glass (but only briefly) and Thomas Newman.

So it is to my big surprise, that the soundtrack of this movie - now one year after the theater release in Norway - is still not available on CD. I found Scandinavian bluray and DVD-releases, but no OST. I hope that somebody can fix this, because this is one of those soundtracks that I would simply would want to play again and again.

Bunny Chow: Know Thyself (2006)

"Seinfeld" in Jo'burg (sorta)

[9/10 · 15 February 2007]

I saw this movie at the 2007 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director and a lead actor (Kegiso Lediga) were present at the screening for a Q&A.

Three stand-up comedians from Johannesburg and a weird white guy are the central characters in this story. Without giving away too much of the plot, here is how the main characters set out.

Dave (Dave Kibuuka) is probably the handsomest of the bunch. His friends think his girlfriend is out of his league, though. He is funny and charming off-stage, but has trouble with his material during performances.

Keg (Kegiso Lediga) has a big mouth and plenty of self-confidence. His beautiful girlfriend Kim (Kim Engelbrecht) wants to take their relationship "to the next level" He seems to have his reservations. She is suspicious when any women gets near him or even calls him.

Chubby Joey (Joey Yusuf Rasden) is the clown of the group. In his quieter moments, he contemplates if he is true enough to his Muslim heritage.

The three of them and the fast-talking white guy Salah (Salah Sabito) go on the road for a stand-up gig at a festival.

Like the successful television comedy Seinfeld, this movie focuses on the daily life of a stand-up comedian. Or in this case: three stand-up comedians. The location is not New York, but another cultural melting pot: Johannesburg. South Africa. Here is where the similarities stop, though.

Bunny Chow's photography (black & white shot in high definition video) gives it a rougher edge. There is no nudity or sex, but there is quite some swearing and macho talk about women. So this may not be your typical dating movie, but perhaps more something for a night with the guys..

What really works in this film are the naturally flowing dialogs and fine acting. What helps of course, is that most actors play characters that are not too removed from their real-life persona. As a result, this all feels very real, and not acted, without becoming a documentary.

What I really like is the good chemistry between all the main characters. This is not very hard to imagine if you know that most of the cast are friends outside the scope of this film. This comes across very well on screen.

Plotwise, there is not much renewing going on, but this will probably not bother anyone very much. This is basically a sequence of many - often funny - situations and events happening with a group of characters who happen to be stand-up comedians in South Africa.

I can recommend this movie to anybody who likes stand-up comedy and who is not easily offended by some male chauvinistic humor. I rate this as an interesting and entertaining watch,suitable for repeat viewing: 9/10.

Language Trivia: Most of the movie is in English, with some dialog in Afrikaans. Be warned that the English dialog is often very difficult to follow, because or poor sound conditions (e.g. noisy background) and heavy South African accents. I spoke with someone who is from Johannesburg and even she had trouble following some of the language..

I saw this movie with only the Afrikaans being subtitled. I missed probably 40% of the English dialog. The remaining 60% is still funny enough to have made this worth my while, though. The filmmakers acknowledge the problem and have plans to have all of the dialog subtitled.

Casting Trivia: The three main characters are in real life also stand-up comedians. Kim Engelbrecht, who plays Keg's girlfriend has in real life also had her go as a stand-up comedian.

Photography Trivia: The black and white photography in high definition video (HD) was chosen after doing a series of tests. The director thought this looked best considering the (very low) budget that they had to make this movie. He also liked what B&W did for urban movies that he admires such as Manhattan and La Haine. He likes the "New York look" Bunny Chow got as a result.

Title Trivia: "Bunny Chow" is a kind of South African food. It is basically a bread with a lot of stuff in it. As is explained in the first minute of the movie, for the filmmakers it symbolizes "the ethnic melting pot that is the city of Johannesburg."

Induction (2006)

Psycho Poem

[8/10 · 7 February 2007]

Poetic aerial shots of a grassy hill. In a house, a naked black man brings an older white man to a freeze. Outside we see a teenage boy - is he a peeping Tom? This short movie boasts seemingly high production values. Sharp images with vivid colors. The sound score is very good and evokes suspense until the last second.

I saw this in a combined screening with Daft Punk's Electroma. Although unrelated, a similar well-made and mysterious audiovisual ride without dialog.

Recommended if you are sensitive to superb images and audio, yet can live with a story that does not spell out all the answers: 8/10.

The Killing of John Lennon (2006)

Nonfiction drama about Lennon's killer is very well made

[8/10 · 7 February 2007]

I saw this movie at the 2007 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director was present at the screening for a Q&A. I saw a finished cut, "straight from the Avid", but with at least partly a temp soundtrack.

Plot summary: This is a dramatized telling of the events surrounding the murder of John Lennon by Mark David Chapman. Chapman (Jonas Ball) is the central character here. We follow his footsteps in the months before and after the killing.

I have recently seen the documentary The US vs John Lennon (2006), It filled a gap in my knowledge about Lennon in the 70's.

This movie, "The Killing of John Lennon" is not a documentary, rather a nonfiction drama. It answers some of the questions about Lennon's death that I still had ofter seeing "The US..." The challenge with this type of story is of course: how do you keep a movie interesting when the protagonist is so obviously not a very nice character. I like how this was handled here. There is a good balance between keeping a healthy emotional distance from this criminal, while keeping things interesting. Ted Demme's"Blow" (2001), a similar type of movie about a famous drugs criminal did not have this balance,. I think, where "The Killing..." does.

Director Andrew Piddington states in the opening titles "All of Mark David Chapman's words are his own." This is important to know, I think, because we get to hear Chapman's words during most of the movie. In dialogs and in voice-over as he recalls the events. It is clear that Piddington has put a lot of research into this, though , He obviously used other sources besides Chapman's testimony.

The end result is a well-made film. Jonas Ball is almost constantly on-screen, and he gives a very believable performance.

Even though this was (as the director told later) made with a very low budget, it feels very well produced and expensive. The creation of the time period is very well done. The cinema scope photography is flawless. I also liked the score, but what I heard was at least partly a temporary soundtrack. E,g, for scenes in the car and taxicab a piece from "The Thin Red Line" (composer Hans Zimmer) was used. The director said this would not be in the final film.

The only flaw that I can see, is that after 3/4 of the movie, it started to feel a bit longish. All in all a very worthwhile watch: 8/10.

Screenplay Trivia: The movie was made without cooperation by Chapman (or Ono, for that matter. All of Chapman's testimonies are public, so that was used to get Chapman's words.

Production Trivia: The entire project took 4 years to realize. Much of that went into research and getting financing.

Day Night Day Night (2006)

Visual beauty, intense experience (minimal plot summary)

[9/10 · 7 February 2007]

Plot summary (as minimal as possible) An American white woman prepares - as we slowly but certainly learn - for a suicide mission. We follow her closely during each step of the process.

Giving away any more information about the elements of her preparations would be a spoiler, I think.

The way the camera does not allow the woman to leave the frame makes this a very intimate portrait. Every shot is so clear, so devoid of any distracting elements.

As the theme of suicide bombers is very contemporary, it seems clear to what the sequence of actions will lead. Exactly this keeps the suspense high until the last minute of the movie, I was on the edge of my seat, almost constantly.

It is of course a bit of a bizarre experience: being so intimate with a woman who is about to commit something so violent and so evil. You feel with her as she undergoes certain unpleasant parts of the preparations, yet you wonder: why, why? The movie gives some hints, but no clear answer, I have not yet seen 'Paradise Now', but this movie pretty much has the same premise, I guess. Except here we follow. a white woman in the US, instead of two Palestine men in Israel. For many (like me) western viewers this must be very confrontational and scary.

When I watched Sin City - totally different genre - for the second time within two weeks, it wasn't as interesting as I hoped. The images were so clear and clean and the story so easy to follow: there simply not so much new to see.

For me, this movie will probably fall in the same category: because of its clarity, good for a very exciting first view, not so much for repeat viewing.

I can recommend this to anyone who likes beautifully, tight shot and tense story that puts your mind to work: 9/10.

Summer Palace (2006)

Beijing student girl in love - for romantics and young of heart

[9/10 · 5 February 2007]

I saw this movie at the 2007 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director was present at the screening for a Q&A.

Plot Summary (beginning only): China in the late 1980's. Yu Hong, a 17-year old girl leaves her boyfriend and father to go studying in Beijing. She befriends a girl who stays in a dorm across the hall. They go out dancing with her boyfriend and another friend, Zhou Wei. She soon knows: this is the love of her life.

This is the start of a story about love, mostly from the viewpoint of Yu Hong, the girl. We get insight into her thoughts as she reads from her diary in a voice-over. The love story is set against the student protests on Tiananmen Square. The protests and riots set off a change in the lives of all the main characters. We skip through time and return with them in the late 1990's.

Summer Palace has a lot to say during its 140 minutes. Becoming an adult in the 80's and 90's in China, student life, friendship, sex and most of all love. The language alternates between high-sounding diary thoughts and realistic taken-from-life dialogs. The photography varies from poetic "print it and hang it on the wall" quality to a grittier style, e.g. during the riots.

I really liked how the director fit love making scenes so integral into the movie. In most movies, scenes suddenly stop to ensure a good MPAA-rating. Or the camera pans and zooms unnaturally to keep the 'dirty parts' out of view. Here, director Lou Ye keeps things flowing to simply tell the full story of two people during all stages of their relation. Notice for instance how Yu Hong's love making changes as the story progresses.

This, and other elements such as "defining love" and the background of political turmoil brought back memories of Philip Kaufnan's The Unbearable Lightness of Being, based on Milan Kundera's book. I must admit that TULoB (the 1988 movie) made more impact on me when I first saw it than Summer Palace does now. But this different ranking may also be the result of my cultural background (I am European), age or maturity.

This movie may speak more to the young of heart and the romantics. A bit to my surprise, the few people that I saw leaving the theater prematurely were all 50+. This movie can split audiences, I guess. Some will ravingly love it, but it may leave others unaffected. People who belong to the latter group, will probably also think that the movie is too slow or too long. I base this on comments that I have read and heard at the festival.

I probably want to see this movie again. some time soon. The images and music are worth experiencing another time. Also, at times the pace of events is quite high, so it may help me to capture all of it better.

I rate this movie as one of the highlights of the festival: It's probably also the best movie from China that I have seen in the last two years: 9/10.

Crew Trivia: Cinematographer Qing Hua was a classmate in film school of Yu Wang, the director of photography of Suzhou River (the director's breakthrough film). Qing Hua was recommended by Yu Wang when he was unavailable.

Title Trivia: Summer Palace is the name of one of the buildings at Tiananmen Square. According to the director, the events at the square mark a change in the lives of the main characters.

Connection Trivia: Asked about being influenced or inspired by "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", director Lou Ye says that he is a big admirer of Kundera's novel, not so much the film adaptation.

Screenplay Trivia: Asked about the possible difficulty of having a young woman being the center of the story, director / screenwriter Lou Ye says that it made it actually easier. With a female main character, it was more natural for him to talk about love and emotions.

Children (2006)

Gritty contemporary tale does not leave one untouched

[9/10 · 5 February 2007]

I saw this movie at the 2007 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director and lead actor were present at the screening for a Q&A.

Garðar, a short-fused blond guy with a big dog makes his living by threatening people and beating them up.

Karítas is a young divorced nurse. She parents four kids. The three younger daughters seem to find their way. Her son, the oldest has no friends. He plays football with Marino, a mentally handicapped man in his thirties.

Marino has a mysterious, maybe violent past. He also works in the convenience store of his uncle. The uncle is gay, but in the closet.

This is how the main elements of this group of characters start out. Like its sibling movie Parents, Children has many small intertwined stories.

In direct comparison to Parents, this story is more grim and violent. Children focuses on people who live "on the wrong side of the tracks", whereas Parents plays in the suburbs.

The acting is superb and engaging. Even though all of the characters have an evil twist or vice of some significance, it is not hard to take their side at some point in the story.

I can recommend this to anyone who wants to experience heartfelt emotions in a realistic, gritty contemporary tale. Leaving the theater untouched is not an option. 9/10

Casting Trivia: The three main actors are part of the same theater group. As this was a low to no-budget production, each of the three main actors was asked to bring in the actors for the characters around themselves. As a result, Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir (Karítas) cast her brother for the role of her son Gudmund. Lead actor Gísli Örn Garðarsson plays both the violent blond guy and his bearded brother with the beer belly.

Screenplay Trivia: Each actor developed their own dialog and story-line together with the director.

Production Trivia: The shooting of Children and Parents took place in the same time period. The editing for each film was done separately. Because of the tremendous amount of footage, editing took 6-7 months for each film.

Editing Trivia: A big story-line surrounding the gay shop owner (Marino's uncle) had to be left out of the final movie. The director thought it did not fit well enough together with the other story-lines. He almost had enough material to make another movie..

Acting Trivia: When actor Gísli Örn Garðarsson was in his role for the violent Garðar, they would shoot scenes in a bar. He was amazed and shocked to experience how girls would be attracted to these types.

Stormforce (2006)

Top Gun-style coast guard movie has a heart

[8/10 · 23 January 2007]

Rick Symons (a handsome Kevin Janssens) is a maverick diver in the Belgian navy. His actions embarrass his superiors and he is reassigned to the 40th division of the air force. In Belgium, the coast guard is a part of the army. His new job is to rescue people lost at sea, while being towed down from a helicopter.

At the coast guard, he has to team up with a young nurse, Alex (Veerle Baetend, with a girl-next-door type of charm). Alex had to fight for her position in this masculine world. There is also Marleen (Tine Reymer) and her wheel-chaired husband Koen (Axel Daeseleire). Rick knows them from the past, but how are they connected?

When you are at sea, rescuing people under hazardous conditions, your life depends on the men and women you work with. Alex hears that Rick can't be trusted and brings his co-workers in danger. Alex has to decide if she wants to be in the same team with him.

This is the beginning of a story that alternates between high thrills action and human emotional drama: On one side, there is grand action adventure in the air and at sea, On the other, is the drama of complex relations between friends and colleagues. On both aspects, this movie really delivers. The rescue actions are quite spectacular and thrilling. The human side of the story is brought convincingly and feels real.

I felt a lump in my throat quite a couple of times. It was not hard to identify with the characters on the screen. The picture is very efficient in introducing the characters. Without many words being spoken, you get to know who these people are and you feel a connection with them almost immediately. Well, at least I did.

This movie is drawn on the same template as 1986's Top Gun. It features an exciting part of the army, with brave and charming protagonists. Like Top Gun, this movie sometimes feels like a long job recruitment commercial, in this case for the coast guard. Who wouldn't want to be working with these people who do such dangerous but admirable work? Although filmed apparently with a much lower budget than its US air force example (the equivalent of USD 5 million), this picture easily matches the quality of photography and the delivery of exciting action.

I think this movie succeeds even better on the human side of the story. Although the elements of the story are nothing that we have not seen before elsewhere, the portrayals of the main characters are convincing enough and carry depth. This side of the movie made more impact on me during one theater visit than Top Gun did during 7 or 8 viewings.

The movie is beautifully shot in Cinemascope. Unfortunately the filmmakers seemed to be fond of their digital toolbox and gave many scenes a yellow glow. At times this felt a bit overdone. The scoring by Matt Dunkley (who I didn't know) is quite adequate and never becomes noticeable, which usually is a good sign.

I have not seen the original TV-series "Windkracht 10" (translates to "Wind Force 10"), on which this movie is based. I have also not yet seen the 2006 US coast guard drama "The Guardian", which touches on the same line of work. So I have no direct comparison. I liked this one, though.

I recommend this movie to anybody who likes adventure stories mixed with human drama. Just don't expect an original and unpredictable story.

I rate this movie 8 out of 10, so quite high, because it really struck a chord with me. I can't go any higher, because of the "job commercial", glamorizing aspects and lack of originality in the script. So my verdict: 8/10.

Release / language trivia: The spoken language is Dutch, or rather the Belgian dialect also called Flemish. (Of course, the usual air force jargon is spoken, which is mostly English). In neighboring country The Netherlands, where Dutch is the national language, the movie is shown in theaters with Dutch subtitles. I must say, that this makes the dialog easier to follow.

Marketing trivia: This (for local production standards) big budget movie has been released in a very limited way in the Netherlands. This, in spite of its potential appeal to a wide audience. There has not been much promotion. I saw this movie in its first week on a Monday night with no more than 10 people at the only screening of the day.

International release expectations: Although the film does not seem to aim at the Anglosaxon world, it should do well in other international markets. Especially in regions with sea coasts, this should be a recognizable story. Audiences that are used to seeing their movies dubbed or subtitled anyways, would enjoy the high production values and universal themes. Also, the humor is mostly physical (no word jokes) and there is no frontal nudity or extreme violence.

Mixed Doubles (2006)

Refreshing and funny romantic comedy about swinging .. from India

[8/10 · 11 February 2006]

A couple in their thirties with a school-going son have everything materially. Jobs, a car, a nice apartment. But in the bedroom, things are not as they were at the beginning of their marriage. From a friend coming over from the USA, the husband hears about "swinging" or wife-swapping. He hopes this may solve their relational problems. He buys a magazine with classifieds and tries to persuade his wife...

Pretty funny and fresh romantic comedy and morality tale (or "a-morality tale" as is proclaimed before the end titles.).

This is definitely one of the most modern stories from India that I have seen. Refreshing and funny and with likable actors.

Recommended if you think that you can identify with a married couple in their thirties. 8/10

Although the IMDb Status says "Filming" while posting this review, the film looked very finished when I saw this at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam.

Linda Linda Linda (2005)

Japanese high school girl rock band story gets better towards the end

[7/10 · 7 February 2006]

Story told in a documentary-style, about 4 girls at a Japanese high-school campus who start a rock band. The goal is to perform at a festival of their school.

The movie starts out quite flat, with a distant and static camera. While the story progresses, the movie becomes more intimate as we learn a little bit more about the characters. We see the coming together of the band, rehearsing and interaction of band members with teachers, boyfriends and family.

There are not so many laughs. Script and acting are pretty straight. Highlight is the actress who plays the Korean exchange student and lead singer Son. She delivers a few very welcome comedic moments.

This almost two hour long movie really takes its time to get to its point. The finale delivers, though. There is even some suspense towards the end. 7/10

Shen hai (2005)

Like the soothing lyrics of a sad song

[9/10 · 7 February 2006]

Review for "Shen Hai" - International title: "Blue Cha Cha"

A-Yu, a woman in her twenties just got released from prison. She starts out with living at an older lady who runs a bar. She accepts a deal where she keeps a rich businessman company for money. But starting a relationship with a man doesn't go smoothly for her.

This is the beginning of a movie with a simple, melodramatic story. Taipei is captured in poetic images. Although the story is dramatic, script and acting are subtle, with nuances and of high quality. This movie doesn't try to drive its point home with a black marker. It rather sketches with soft pencils of different colors.

The film really touched me personally. The main characters and certain events were very recognizable. For me, it was a bit like the soothing lyrics of a sad country song that talks about what you went through. Touching, emotional and healing. That's why I rate it higher that others maybe would. I give this a 9/10

To illustrate my point, at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam where I saw this, the movie got a 3.65/5 (n=493) from the audience. So roughly a 7,5/10

Septyni nematomi zmones (2005)

Cinematic experience requires imagination of the viewer

[7/10 · 1 February 2006]

Kevin Costner's Russian cousin (the lead actor somewhat resembles Mr. Dances with Wolves), a woman and two other men leave the city in a stolen car. Something happens where 'Costner' gets separated from the group. He ends up on a farm where he seems to know the people.

This is the beginning of a story that has to be completed mostly in the mind of the viewer. Beautiful photography of the Russian / Ukrainian prairie. Sergio Leone-style close-ups of non-speaking, serious looking faces.

A point to stress: not much is spoken in this film. There is more dialog towards the end of the movie, but even then plot driving lines are very scarce.

It's hard to either blindly recommend or tear down this contemporary 'Russian western' For most people, this is probably one of those "you either love it or hate it" cases. Personally, I have a little bit of both. There were plenty of times where the seemingly lack of plot and the slow pace were annoying.

On the plus side, this picture has amazing shots of the southern countryside of Russia / Ukraine and its inhabitants. During the film festival where I saw this, I have seen about 20 other films after this one. However, images of this movie seem to be imprinted in my mind. So visually, this movie really stands out, I think. Also, the unpredictable and unconventional storytelling often creates a pleasant feeling of suspense.

Mostly recommended if you are into a cinematic experience and don't mind letting your imagination complete the story or leaving the theater with some question marks above your head.. 7/10

Black Sun (2005)

Stunning visuals in documentary about painter gone blind

[8/10 · 31 January 2006]

I saw this movie at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director was present at the screening for a Q&A.

Painter Hugues de Montalembert lost his eyesight when he became the victim of a tragic crime. He managed to pick up life in a remarkable way. He became pretty independent and traveled to Asia and Europe. He wrote his first book during a stay in Indonesia.

This is a documentary with a strong visual signature. The director supports Montalembert's narrative with vivid colorful images. As a spectator you, may often get the feeling that you are seeing through the subject's eyes (Montalembert is blind indeed, but still has a very visual way of experiencing the world, as we learn). Montalembert's hands are briefly visible during a scene where he tells a funny anecdote about loosing 14 written pages from his manuscript, Other than that, he is only present by voice and narrative. All of this works very well, I think.

The director was originally a composer, here debuting with his first feature. Not surprisingly, the music is also a strong ingredient in the mix.

As someone who has a background as a visual artist, I was fascinated by the well composed real story. Montalembert's experience of a very perceptive person becoming blind is quite valuable to become a part of. It's a good thing that this is not some depressed story about a man with a handicap. Quite on the contrary, Montalembert's life tale is often moving, but there are also quite a number of laughs.

Recommended if you are interested in the subject and if you appreciate a visually spectacular cinematic experience. 8/10

Romansu (1996)

Real people in love triangle comedy

[9/10 · 31 January 2006]

I saw this movie at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director and the lead actress were present at the screening for a Q&A.

Two friends in their thirties meet a woman in a bar. One man (Shibata, played by singer Koji Tamaki) makes a living as a real estate project planner. The other man (Anzai, played by TV personality and comedian Ishii La Salle) works at city hall as a city planner. The woman (Kiriko, played by Kaori Mizushima, director Nagasaki's wife) does not reveal very much about herself, but she is charming, bold and believes in UFOs. The three end up on the rooftop looking out for alien spaceships.

This is the beginning of an original love triangle.

This is a fictitious story, but the director explained that the central story was inspired by real life events about a project planner. A lot of the dialog was developed together with the actors. They were cast and selected for their ability to come up with their own lines.

I liked this (sort of) romantic comedy a lot. It has dramatic moments, but as a whole this is all light-hearted and fun. I fell in love with the characters. These are believable people with weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I wanted to know more about the continuation of their lives after the end titles rolled. I liked the storytelling, because you never really know what is going to happen next and how things will end up. No Hollywood clichés here. Having said that, I think this is a very accessible film that can appeal to a worldwide audience.

Warmly recommended if you get a chance to see it in the theater or on DVD. 9/10

Opal Dream (2006)

Heartwarming family movie about imaginary friends

[9/10 · 29 January 2006]

I saw this movie at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam.

Heartwarming family movie about imaginary friends.

The 9 year old daughter of a family in an opal mining town enjoys company of two imaginary friends. She becomes ill after something happens to them. The father is suspected of theft, making his household outcasts in the rough Australian mining community. The older brother has always felt embarrassed of his sister's behavior, but decides to help her anyway.

Movie manages to make the audience both laugh and care about its subject "imaginary friends". Very entertaining, Excellent performances from the child actors. Recommended.

9/10

Credits Trivia: The story is based on the book "Pobby and Dingan" (2000) by UK-based author Ben Rice. Pobby and Dingan are the names of the imaginary friends. I just happened to run into this little 100 page book a week after seeing the movie.

Cherm (2005)

Visually exciting romantic drama with wonderful performances

[8/10 · 29 January 2006]

I saw this movie at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The director was present at the screening for a Q&A. English title: "Midnight, my love"

Plot: Middle aged, courteous taxi driver loves his oldies radio station. His repetitive and simple life gets nicely interrupted after he meets a prostitute, who is more than 10 years younger. As their romance develops carefully, we get more background of them through flashbacks.

This excellently acted and beautifully shot tragic feel-good movie has relatively high production values. The movie disappointed at the Thai box office, according to the director. Because both lead actors are stars in Thailand, the studio had expected a high local box office revenue. Instead, it just broke even. Wongamiao (Ong Bak) is a popular comedian, so he is playing against type here, in a more serious part.

The movie had instant appeal to me because of the lovable characters and the marvelous scenery of Bangkok at night. The plot has enough twists and surprises to keep you wanting to see the end. During the last half hour or so, the film started to feel a bit lengthy for what in essence is a pretty simple tale. Also be prepared for some overly sentimental moments.

All in all, I can recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see an original romantic drama with a couple of laughs and smiles. 8/10

Technical trivia: the movie was shot in 1.85 :1 (roughly 16x9). When taxi driver Petchtai fantasizes about himself as the hero in old radio hear plays, the image is intentionally squeezed horizontally. E.g. actors get very slim faces. These squeezed images were obtained by filming in 2.35:1 with an anamorphic lens. The presentation of the wide 2.35:1 image into the 1.85:1 frame was done intentionally by the director, inspired by the way old Thai movies from the 70's are often presented on VHS tapes and VCDs.

Windtalkers (2002)

The Director's Cut is an improvement

[8/10 · 26 October 2005]

I just watched the director's cut on DVD after having seen the theatrical cut some time ago.

Plot summary: In WWII, a code based on the Navajo language was used to securely communicate between US troops in the Asian Pacific, without the Japanese eavesdropping. We follow two Navajo code talkers and their US Marine "bodyguards" as they go into combat on a Japanese island.

A lot has been written about this somewhat flawed John Woo movie. After having seen both versions, my main disappointment is still that the two code talkers seem like background characters. A movie with a lower budget, without big Hollywood stars put in the foreground would probably have been more satisfying. Maybe that movie should have been done by another director too, I don't know.

Enough good "general" war movies have been made. The code talker part of the story should have been made much more pivotal as was done here.

I'm a fan of Woo's Hong Kong and Hollywood work. The director's cut of Windtalkers doesn't turn a mediocre Woo film into a masterpiece, but it is certainly an improvement.

Main advantages of the DC are more fleshed out characters. You get more background on all main characters, including the two Navajo code talkers. I felt more involved. As a result, the code talker part of the story is served better, but still not enough to my taste. The DC also has more uncut battlefield scenes. Woo really shows his talent here, with raw yet beautifully shot war action. You get the sense that you are in the middle of the action.

I was particularly interested if a scene was put back in where a US soldier takes a golden tooth from a Japanese corpse. This scene was described in several documentaries about censorship by the US Army. Not completely surprisingly, this scene was also absent from the DC.

If you are a Woo fan or already appreciated the theatrical cut, it may be worth checking out the director's cut.

My ratings: 6/10 for the original cut. 8/10 for the director's cut.

Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)

Beautifully shot family entertainment

[8/10 · 29 September 2005]

I saw this in a sneak preview this week.

Brief outline: Santiago Munez is a Mexican football player in LA. He is spotted by a British man. Who is so thrilled by his style, that he advices Santiago to play a trial for Newcastle United. Munez's father is against him leaving and sees a future for him in his own gardening business.

This movie could be described as "Flashdance with football." A story-line with some suspense, but not a whole lot of it.

If you come to this film with low expectations on plot and script, you may be in for a good time.

All else is very well executed. For starters it's a joy to the eye. This is one to see on the big canvas with beautiful 2.35:1 wide-screen photography. All actors are very believable in their roles. Well cast and fine acting across the board. Any knowledge about the game is unimportant. I certainly am no football fan, but could enjoy this piece of family entertainment all the more. It makes you want to love the game.

In the category "too bad": in true Flashdance style, all football action is shot with separate upper torsos and legs. You never get to see the face of the actors while they are kicking the ball. A minor returning annoyance in an otherwise fine cinematic experience. 8/10.

Green Street Hooligans (2005)

Not a great film, still interesting study of subculture

[6/10 · 20 September 2005]

I just saw this in a sneak preview.

Brief plot summary: American Matt (Elijah Wood) drops out of Harvard after being framed. He moves to the UK where his sister lives with her English husband. Matt gets involved in the a firm (gang) of a football team. He discovers a new side of himself.

This flick shares some themes with "The Fight Club" (about love for fighting) and "Once Were Warriors" (about present day proud Maori tribe members). Unfortunately, the level of these movies is never reached here. The main problems are directing with a lot of rough edges and wooden dialog every now and then. The "firm" part story feels authentic, but some other parts, such as the scenes at Harvard seem phony, made up.

The movie slightly uncovers motives why someone would want to be in a hard core supporter gang. It also gives you a unique inside look into this violent subculture. Elija Wood's performance of Matt as the central character works most of the time. Apart from him, there are not a whole lot of people to care for.

All in all, this movie did not leave me completely cold. There were some dramatic scenes that worked. But it's not a great must-see picture either. If you want to get a rare glimpse at the violent subculture of football hooliganism, it may be worth checking out. 6/10.

In Good Company (2004)

Fine corporate romcomdrama really struck a chord with me

[8/10 · 5 July 2005]

Senior advertisement salesman Dan (Dennis Quaid) gets to work for 26-year old successful Carter (Topher Grace) after his magazine is taken over by a multinational. On top of this, his new boss get romantically involved with his tomboyish daughter Alex (Scarlett Johansson).

This sounds pretty banal, like a combination of stuff we have seen before.

I don't want to give away any more how the plot plays out exactly. If this pic strikes a chord as it did with me, it's much more fun to discover for yourself.

Personally, some of the movie's themes and events were very recognizable, such as working for a younger boss and fear of unemployment. More in general, this movie approaches all characters and events in a very honest and believable manner. The drama, comedy and romance come in a very fine mix.

Having seen Scarlett Johansson in a much more uneven movie recently (A Love Song for Bobby Long), I was relieved to see her do well in this role and film. Stars of the movie are Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace, though. The latter was really a discovery for me.

I saw this in a sold out sneak preview in The Netherlands. There were no walkaways, but some of the audience were restless, especially at the more dramatic and cliché parts of the plot. Based on this, I can't tell for sure that you will enjoy this one. My guess is that 25+ and females in general will enjoy it more than boys.

If you enjoyed that other corporate romcomdrama, Jerry Maguire, there's a good chance that you will like this film too.

This movie should also do well on the small screen. No spectacular action, just well written dialog and believable characters. (8/10)

A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004)

Liked the looks and humor, didn't buy the lead performers

[6/10 · 17 May 2005]

Brief plot summary: 18-year old Pursy leaves her trailer and boyfriend to visit her mother's house in New Orleans after she hears from her death. There she meets many people who knew her mother, who was a singer/songwriter. She learns a few things about herself and takes her life into a new direction.

I just saw this in a sneak preview. Let me get right to the point: It may have been me, but I never really managed to believe the main characters. I like Travolta and Johansson in most of their earlier work, but they seem miscast here. Five or more literary quotes later, I still couldn't believe Travolta to be a former English professor. To a lesser extent, Johansson was no trailer park Southern Belle. Both tried hard, but I simply didn't buy it.

For a movie such as this, believing the characters is crucial. I never managed to get engaged with the characters. What happened to them, didn't really matter.

The rest of the cast delivered fine performances.

What makes this worth a watch, is the locale. I have personally never visited New Orleans, but this only wanted me to go there more. The colors, the music and the New Orleans weather really support the plot well.

What also works is the bitter sweet humor. This isn't a "ha ha" comedy, but there is enough to make you smile or even laugh out loud once in a while.

Some of the characters (Bobby Long, Lawson Pines) and themes (literature, decline of an English professor) reminded me a bit of "Wonder Boys." This movie falls short by comparison, again mostly because of the casting. Michael Douglas was totally believable as the English professor, so unlike Travolta here. 6/10

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

First half may be too complicated for American audiences

[9/10 · 5 May 2005]

Five years after Gladiator, director Ridley Scott brings us a somewhat different type of story. It is set in the Middle Ages, in the times of the crusades. Orlando Bloom is a blacksmith who leaves France for the Middle East to find redemption.

The story deals with the clash between religions, but does so in a very sensitive, intelligent and balanced way. There were quite a number of young people of Muslim decent in the theater where I watched it. The Muslim boy who sat next to me responded to some of the Arabic spoken. Nobody walked away during the screening.

In essence, this is an anti-war movie. Action is surprisingly absent during most of the movie. In one case, only the aftermath of what must have been a terrible slaughter is shown, not the battle itself.

During the first half of the movie, I found it hard to feel for any character or side. There are a lot of parties and people and it doesn't become clear immediately where all of this is leading us to. It may be tough to bite through for American mainstream audiences, who are used to seeing a clear fight between good and evil.

During the second half, there is still no obvious black and white, but the story becomes more focused and easier to follow. I think the end really pays off well.

Ridley Scott is once again a master of sucking you into to another time and place. I believed in this world. While you get to see only little brushes, he paints an environment that feels totally realistic.

The soundtrack is always an important character in Ridley's work. He uses several composers and some non-original cues here. E.g. "Vide con meum" by Patrick Cassidy (used in "Hannibal") worked quite effectively. While adequate, I missed the total vision that someone like Hans Zimmer can bring to a movie like this. Hans must have been occupied by other projects, because together they can produce soundtracks that equal ("Gladiator") or exceed ("Hannibal") the quality of the film.

Orlando Bloom plays a much more down to earth character than in the Lord of the Rings-trilogy, but shines and I felt for him. Check out Eva Green whose many different looks make up for the fact that she is the only female character in this tale of men. She has a Daryl Hannah type of beauty and it remains unpredictable what her character is going to do next. Also look out for kiwi actor Marton Csokas (also of LOTR fame) who brings a great presence to a rather small, but crucial role.

I shall probably see this movie in the theater one or two more times, to capture the entire story and suck up a bit more of that medieval atmosphere.