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Reviews
A Better Place Than This (2012)
Brilliant
It is amazing to me that so much is told within less than thirty minutes of film. The performances are excellent, the cinematography outstanding, the script and pacing near perfect and a score that contributes without making itself obvious. As for the story itself, the "Death and the Maiden" reference is well-played. Though you know the ending is inevitable, Sophie's coming acceptance is both believable and graceful. Her guard's inner torment and guilt are heart-breaking and yet you can see how committed he is to both his professionalism and with treating the inmates under his control with dignity and compassion. The only comparison I can make is of one of those rare and wonderful short stories you come across from time to time that tell of one incident, one encounter, in so short a form as to be like a tiny diamond. Brilliant and moving.
Noah (2014)
Choices
I loved this movie. To me, it seemed that it was about choices - the ones we make and the ones imposed upon us. This Noah is conflicted, frightened, sad and angry - a man trying to do the right thing under impossible circumstances. Russell Crowe does a wonderfully understated job, as does the rest of the cast - especially Emily Watson, Ray Winestone, and the young "Ham". The scene where Noah has to decide whether to kill his son's newborn daughters is so fraught with tension and pain that it is almost unbearable. The "Watchers" are heart-breaking in their separation from the "Creator" and their dis-illusion with men. If people would just leave their religious expectations at the door and take the film on its own value, I think the reviews would be more positive.