ih55 Reviews

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Disappointing version of the book

[3/10 · 29 January 2023]

Although the film does a good job portraying the horrors of war in a raw and realistic way, I found it misses out on all the human background that is so well depicted in the homonymous book by war veteran Erich Maria Remarque. I was quite disappointed with this simplistic approach, as it it only brings to the screen a rather basic story when compared to the book. An hour and a half into the film, my wife and I decided to pack it in, as it was getting monotonous and seemingly not leading anywhere.

The 1979 version (with Ernest Borgnine) is a far more faithful and complete version of what the author conveyed to his readers.

Rogue Heroes (2022–2024)

Pile of crap

[1/10 · 23 December 2022]

Watch this series to get a completely fantasised dream of what happened.

Read the book to get the true, historical, straightforward facts.

I find it very difficult to relate the series to the book. Only the characters' names and locations coincide.

The plot is so simple in this series: war is fun - so let's have some adventures. Whereas the book presents a richer and more complex background to the events that led to the creation of the SAS. I wouldn't be surprised if present-day members of the SAS were to feel insulted by this childish and immature image of the characters depicted in the seires.

The series is a complete waste of time. Just couldn't finish it. I was expecting to see the historical facts, and maybe to understand a little more the characters and their motivations.

I can't understand how the author accepted this parallel world of fantasy.

The Nest (I) (2020)

Another waste of time

[1/10 · 26 February 2022]

What starts out as a potentially interesting story, ends up as an inconclusive snapshot of rubbish. And to keep your interest, while wondering where the problem is, the story includes a couple of "mysterious features", such as a door that has just been locked, which literally 2 seconds laters appears wide open again. There is no link whatsoever between the "mysterious features" and the flat story. Finally, while you're puzzling where this is all going to lead you, the director suddenly decides to cut off the film, leaving you in the dark, completely bewildererd and wondering "what the hell?" I've made it a point to remember the name of this "clever" director, to avoid watching anything else by him.

Tracks (I) (2013)

Lack of realism

[6/10 · 7 September 2020]

On the whole, I enjoyed this film, but the lack of realism spoiled it for me. I can't believe that someone goes on a 2.700 Km trekk just wearing sandals! Additionally, she hardly wears any protection against the sun, even to the extent of walking half dressed, no hat, and even barefoot, etc... There's even a scene where she has apparent sunburn, but next day she's fine again. I could maybe accept the scene where she's walking completely nude, as she might have gone off her rocker at some stage. Then there are a couple of evident goofs (already mentioned in other comments here). The focus on the aborigenes gives a sadly interesting and necessary view of what their lives are like, and some of their human qualities. With a little more realism, I would have given this film 8 stars.

Friends with Money (2006)

Complete waste of time

[1/10 · 11 August 2020]

Invisible story. Flat dialogue. Presented as a comedy - but no laughs. Film ends just as it started: a vacuum.

Realive (2016)

Boredom at its peak

[1/10 · 14 April 2019]

Excellent film if you want to die of boredom. As the film drags on, the number of yawns per minute gradually induce you into a coma.

La La Land (2016)

Worst film in years

[1/10 · 22 October 2018]

I'm amazed that this film has created so much noise. I found it empty and leading nowhere. I hate to leave a film unfinished (curious to see how it ends), but this one was just impossible for me. After 30 mins of stoic patience, I just gave up.

Ismael (2013)

A wonderful film about human problems and feelings

[9/10 · 1 June 2014]

I picked this film up at my local video club with the hope that it would be, at the worst, not bad. I got far more than I had bargained for. This is another one of those films that prove that the Spanish film industry has a lot to say.

The story is well developed and maintains a steady pace that keeps you glued to the screen. The script is intelligent, interweaving human drama with touches of humour in a very natural way (life and its ups and downs). As to the actors, Belén Rueda is so versatile that she can undertake any role she wants. Once again, it was a real pleasure to watch her filling the role with such naturalness - she doesn't act the part, she IS the part. The rest of the cast performed very well. Larsson do Amaral (Ismael) was perfect for the part. Mario Casas (Félix) took on a difficult role that he filled well. Sergi López (Jordi), whom I didn't know, was an excellent surprise. There were so many nuances in his expressions. Juan Diego Botto (Luis) transmitted well the sufferings of an adoptive father.

I think it must be the first time I've watched a film that is directed by Marcelo Piñeyro. For me, a discovery. He did an excellent job bringing out the feelings of each actor's role, building a highly human film that I summarise as a "quality film" well worth watching.

The Best Offer (2013)

Thoroughly enjoyable film

[8/10 · 5 January 2014]

I was looking forward to an interesting film, but my expectations were well surpassed. I discovered an interesting and surprising plot. The story was well played out, making it look quite natural and life-like. The director elegantly creates a gradual build up of tension which, again, was more than I had bargained for. I did not anticipate the end, which made it all the more interesting. I hate anticipating what is going to happen in a film, and love it when the unexpected happens - which was the case! It was also interesting to get a peep at the backstage of the world of art and the underlying business of auctions. I certainly recommend this well made and complete film.

Un Franco 14 Pesetas (2006)

Natural and realistic

[9/10 · 5 October 2013]

A well balanced film, reflecting the reality of emigration for Spaniards. A light drama with touches of intelligent humour. A joy to watch, learn and have an occasional laugh. As a brit living in Spain for many years, it's wonderful to see how Spanish movies have evolved so well from the old "españoladas" (the local derogatory label for Spanish slapstick films), to intelligent and excellent quality jobs like this one. This was my second "adventure" with Carlos Iglesias, after watching his extremely humanistic "Ispansi" (Spanish refugees in Russia during the Spanish Civil War). I'm now looking forward to watching his latest production "¿Cómo está el Franco?".

Eva (I) (2011)

A quality sci-fi film

[9/10 · 12 August 2012]

I haven't seen any decent sci-films for years. This one came as a very pleasant surprise. Interesting story, good script, well directed and excellent actors. I also enjoyed the photography.

As the story unfolded, I was surprised that I was not correctly predicting the outcome. This made it even more enjoyable. I hate it when I can continuously see what's coming - so boring.

I was also intrigued that a sci-fi film had been made in Spain. Not the sort of genre I would have expected.

As a long-term British resident in Spain, I always find it a source of pleasure when, once again, a quality film is made in this country. Too many Spaniards do not value the excellent level that the local film industry can reach over here.

Overall, a thoroughly well made and enjoyable film for any sci-fi fan, and even for any others who will easily understand the story.