hitomi69 Reviews

The Red Baron (2008)

Surprise at so many bad reviews

[10/10 · 9 January 2020]

This is absolutely the best 'war film' I ever saw. It may not be historically accurate but as a film, it captivates my attention right to the end., and sob for a long time after the roller credit is finished. I guess those who give it a bad rating are those who are interested mainly in the dogfights and do not appreciate the art, the acting and the moving story itself (never mind the history; one goes to history class for that, rarely in a cinema, and almost NEVER in a Hollywood production.

Girls of the Sun (2018)

I wept all the way

[9/10 · 28 November 2019]

It is not an "exciting" film but so true, so heavy. There was no Rambo but every female fighter in the film (and on the battlefront) is a heroine. Men kill for power, for domination; women kill, when needed, to save, to regain their lost honor, to preserve their dignity. And shame on those who desert these brave people who have helped them to eradicate those who tortured and killed.

Where We Belong (2019)

Such a beautiful film! It is slow but not boring at all!

[10/10 · 17 October 2019]

The story is so beautiful. I cried non-stop as it progressed. The actress, Praewa Suthamphong, who played Belle is especially wonderful. Jennis Oprasert is very good too and it aches my heart so much to feel what the character undergoes.

Blackhat (2015)

I just love it!

[8/10 · 2 March 2019]

I love this movie. I am no computer expert and I must admit that I do not really understand the parts about all those hacking but the movie is fun and Tang Wei is truly wonderful!

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Too many people just cannot forsake the impression made by the first movie

[8/10 · 19 January 2019]

I find it highly entertaining and moving (in parts). There is absolutely no need to compare the first one and this one. Both are good. And it is not fair to downplay the efforts of the new set.

Mary Magdalene (2018)

Beautiful film!

[10/10 · 3 August 2018]

Such a beautiful film. Much more believeable than the biblical version.

Padmaavat (2018)

Not first rate but still good

[8/10 · 24 June 2018]

The pace is a bit slow and it seems that there are more focusing on Sultan Alauddin Khilji than on the Rani. But all in all, still a very enjoyable movie.

I am 100% against sati. But this is different.

While it is cruel and selfish to force (either physically or coerced through tradition) a widow to immolate herself at the death of her husband, the act of Padmaavat is understandable in face of certain defeat and humiliation. It is the ultimate act of defiance against an aggressor and a tyrant. I will never forget the last scene : the beautiful queen walking towards the blaze with resolution in her eyes.

And hat off for Deepika Padukone who acted the part. It takes courage to do that, particularly that there are so many fanatics around us who may not hesitate to use violence against those who hold different beliefs. I always enjoy Deepika's acting and remembers all too well her performance in Bajirao Mastani as well as this one.

Submergence (2017)

A really beautiful film

[9/10 · 13 May 2018]

I disagree with some of the harsh comments here. This is a beautifully made film, subtle in execution but touching all the same and it makes me think of the more important issues in life: love, life, death, life after death. Shame that it did not receive the proper recognition and box office that it deserves

Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)

It is fun!

[9/10 · 24 March 2018]

I will not call it a GREAT movie, but it certainly gives good entertainment for the cost of the ticket. The story is straight forward and the ending is expected but still I cannot take my eyes off the screen. The acting is very satisfying. Tian Jing has a much more important role than she got in Kong: Skull Island and she delivered, to the surprise of many who have been bad-mouthing about her acting all these years. She should be given more credit and respect for her effort. Great way for family entertainment and I certainly look forward to Pacific Rim 3 when (if) if is made.

Bad Genius (2017)

Excellent film

[9/10 · 18 October 2017]

The story is not that complicated.

But the execution is very good. I was glued to my seat throughout and only breathed with relief (from pressure) when the roller credit came out. It proved that a good movie does not necessarily mean investing huge amount in computer graphics or famous (and costly) stars. All it takes is a good script, talented direction and good acting.

Bravo for Thai film industry!

A Quiet Passion (2016)

A most lovely film

[9/10 · 18 September 2017]

As a woman, I cannot help but fall in love with Emily, for her courage, humor and of course, talent. Perhaps only a woman can understand the torment of an enlightened soul when almost everyone around her was filled with hypocrisy and prejudice. A rebellious spirit will always find life uneasy. The fact that she had the guts to live such a life is truly admirable. Oh yes, she had a sharp tongue and might be a difficult person to live with. But what beauty and clarity of life she gave us.

The film may seem tedious to some who preferred more profane version of passion. To me, watching it is like talking to my inner soul.

Lady Macbeth (2016)

Is Katherine a bitch?

[8/10 · 9 September 2017]

Is Katherine a bitch? Perhaps. But she got guts, getting what she wanted. And those men were pathetic, deserving to die, everyone of them. If Katherine was born into an imperial family in ancient China, she would be material for Empress or emperor-maker. I would shiver to find facing an enemy like Katherine but I could not stop to admire her for her ruthlessness and her strong will to survive, no matter what.

As for the movie, the mood is excellent. I like the desolate feeling on the house on the moor.

The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017)

There is always more than one side of the story

[8/10 · 14 August 2017]

I used to hate the Turks for what they did to the Armenians.(I love Turkey as a country though. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth with those rolling hills.)

Over time, I have learned that there are always more than one side of the story.

The atrocities committed should be condemned but it is unfair to heap blames on one side without trying to understand the whole picture (if a whole picture is available) or at least try to understand as much as possible.

The film gives yet another perspective into an era of conflict and violence; an era always forgotten by the rest of the world, or hushed. It shows the worst side of human beings, and the best side as well. We are all capable of noble deeds as well as unspeakable evil as both qualities can be found in us at the same time. We should not forget, but if we cannot forgive, at least we should learn how to put the hate down and pick up compassion again.

BTW: The Americans can be angels, or/and machines of destruction, just like about any race. They have performed so much good, and brought so much sorrow and pain.

Bitter Harvest (2017)

Anger!

[8/10 · 12 May 2017]

I watched this film alone and tears came dripping down almost throughout the film. For the first time in my life, I wish that the German were victorious and that the Russians would experience what it meant to be under brutal oppression.

Going back to the film, true, it is far from being a classic but perhaps this is exactly why it is so convincing: simplicity with no elaborate story-telling. Samantha Barks is wonderful, as expected. The shooting too, is moving, breath-taking even.

It is a film that I will not forget for the rest of my life, nor the message behind it: unless we allow them to, no body can take away our freedom.

And we are not going to allow them.

The Glory of Tang Dynasty (2017– )

A much under-rated TV drama

[7 April 2017]

The main plot of the drama was about Chen Zhen Zhu (沈珍珠)(played by Tian Jing)(景甜) who actually existed during the later part of the Tang Dynasty. She is a most interesting character as she was the ONLY EMPRESS in Chinese history who had gone missing! Reputed to be stunningly beautiful and intelligent and was well loved by her husband, Prince Li Chu, who later became the 8th Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Chen Zhen Zhu, however, fell into rebel hands, twice, when the capital was sacked and it was during the second captivity that she disappeared from history. Her husband, who later became emperor, did not forget her though. For sixteen years, the new emperor made no woman his empress. (He did have other concubines of course to produce heirs). Later, when their son became the ninth emperor, the title of Empress was conferred to her in absence. (somewhat like Ines of Portugal)

The drama was divided into two parts and was probably the best of the recent "history" dramas produced. Of course, for sake of entertainment, there are parts dramatized. Still, the main events followed historical facts and were not exaggerated out of proportion, like many others. The only part which was not that realistic was the war-scenes, which was understandable, given the budget of production.

Tian Jing (she also appeared also in Kong-Skull Island, in a minor role), who played Chen Zhen-zhu was breathtakingly beautiful. And her character, kind and ready to sacrifice herself for the benefit of the empire, won the hearts of those who watched the drama.

The drama is now being hailed as one the best in recent years (and many viewers admitted that they cried their hearts out after watching). Tian Jing also received high acclaim for her acting (which previously, was jeered at) and her popularity in China suddenly surged.

A highly recommended work for those who are interested in learning about later Tang Dynasty (after the era of Yang Qui-fei).

Marguerite & Julien (2015)

A beautiful film though its execution may not be acceptable to everyone

[8/10 · 25 July 2016]

I was so touched by the film, especially by the final 15 minutes when the pair was led off on horseback, riding back to back, to the execution ground for beheading. When their fingers locked, I could not stop my flow of tears. Marguerite was spared the agony of actually being beheaded as she was dead(of heart-break) before that and they only cut off her head as a procedure. But all the same, this show how cruel the world could be against others who did not share their so-called "moral values" though they really did not hurt others.

The DVD I bought had only French subtitles and fortunately, these are easily understandable enough. It would be so much better if they can also give option to select English sub-titles.

Anais Demoustier is superb!

Ardennes Fury (2014)

This is the dumbest war movie I had ever saw

[1/10 · 10 December 2014]

I mean, how can you do anything worse than this? A bunch of G.I. running around with rifles not knowing what to do, matched by a equally idiotic bunch of German with an idiot as a major who wanted to get important information from an ordinary private. Plus a good looking nun who got panicky at every turn of events, an old nun who had to step on a mine and two kids who ran around in a battlefield like they were in an amusement park! And the tanks! Oh God, you would think they could only shoot at point blank, and miss! I just cannot understand who would invest money into making such kind of crap.

And what is more, the whole time the weather was just perfect and there was not a single American plane in sight. Guess that is why the German can afford to take it easy and hang their clothes out to dry.

Anyway, if you want a love, watch this movie.

The Sleeping Voice (2011)

Beautiful Film

[9/10 · 5 November 2014]

I could not take my eyes off the scene throughout the movie.

It is so breath-taking and it throws me into such rage against the inhumanity of the Franco administration. The ending scenes of Hortensia breast-feeding her new born baby before she was taken out to be shot would forever be woven into my mind.

The Spanish Civil War was one of those wars which were largely forgotten. People thought that since the Nazis were defeated, they had achieved their purpose. Perhaps it was not wise to ask for another war to purge the world of the remaining dictator who gave so much sorrow to the Spanish people. But little was done even if we discounted military action.

And in the film, the position taken up by the Church was simply disgusting. There was a line in the film: Spain would be free if there is no more Church or tyranny. Well, one of them is gone. Let us hope the days of the remaining one is numbered.

The performance of Imma Cuesta is just great! And thanks to Benito who brought up another great film for us.

Grace of Monaco (2014)

A wonderful film

[8/10 · 23 June 2014]

Nicole is simply stunning, not just her beauty but her depth of feelings. I find some of the comments here just hard to believe. I could hardly breathe throughout the 105 minutes of the movie, simply breathless and I opine that she should get a nomination, at least, for an Oscar. The script, while not top-notch, is better than a lot of the current Hollywood productions. I think the only weak part is that involving Charles de Gaulle who is simply not cocky enough. To add a few words, I watched this film in a cinema inside China and there was only one show per day at this cinema and the day I watched it, only 6 people were watching. What a shame!

This, however, does not diminish the film as one worth going to watch, and watch again! Well done, Grace! Well done, Nicole!