At first I thought this film would be the usual war film in total line with the politburo's view on The Great War. But after 15 minutes in the film, something changes. First we have a scene in which Sokolof (the main character played by director Bondarcuk)) comes home drunk - something I have never seen in an older Soviet movie, than the war breaks out and after a slightly over the top scene in which Sokolof says goodbye to his family all hell breaks loose. The scene where Sokolof drives his car filled with ammunition across the frontline is incredible, and this is only the beginning of the war. Although the story sometimes is quit melodramatic, the photography of the film is exceptional modern for a film made in 1959. In beautiful black and white the viewer witnesses the whole damn thing called war. The film is not as heartbreaking and in-your-face as Come And See by Klimov, but Klimov must have seen this film and used it as an inspiration. Russia lost 20 million people during the second world war (some because of Stalin) but what it meant for and how it changed the life of ordinary people is all to clear in this story. This man's fate as he calls it. Although the film, I suppose, is rare, see it if you ever have a chance.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Christmas with Jeff Stryker? Could be fun.
8 March 2000
Jeff Stryker's 'bratwurst' is tickling everybody's fancy. All the guests at a Hollywood hotel have all sorts of fantasies set in motion at the sight of Jeff. We have a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like, a leather-man with a little white dog and the hotel-owner's mother all craving for Jeff's flesh, but the ultimate fantasy is played out at the Christmas dinner table.
Can I Be Your Bratwurst is a very funny short. Rosa von Praunheim knows how to make a film work and this time it's fun.
Can I Be Your Bratwurst is a very funny short. Rosa von Praunheim knows how to make a film work and this time it's fun.
An icon
8 March 2000
By viewing the life and times of Ruth, you experience a century of gay black history through interviews with Ruth and recreated scenes of this inspiring woman's past. From her first crush on her high school gym teacher in 1917 (!) to the last time she had sex (at 95) and everything in between. With girlfriend Babe', Ruth bought a house, which provided a meeting place for the black gay community in the Midwest in the 40's, 50's and 60's.
You will cry watching this documentary. Nowadays, with so many gay and lesbian youngsters out and about, it's worth reflecting on and honoring those who made it possible. Ruth Ellis is a exceptional person and deserves to be watched and listened to.
You will cry watching this documentary. Nowadays, with so many gay and lesbian youngsters out and about, it's worth reflecting on and honoring those who made it possible. Ruth Ellis is a exceptional person and deserves to be watched and listened to.
My Friend Rachid
(1998)
Amazing short film!
8 March 2000
In this award winning and funny exploration of youth, race, and sex, a nine-year old boy works through his obsession with an older boy.
This short is amazing. In ten minutes it tells the story some films take 90 boring minutes to do. It's fast, furious, funny and completely believable. Although I suppose it's hard to find on video or on television, if you have the chance, go get it.
This short is amazing. In ten minutes it tells the story some films take 90 boring minutes to do. It's fast, furious, funny and completely believable. Although I suppose it's hard to find on video or on television, if you have the chance, go get it.
Beloved/Friend
(1999)
Shattering film.
8 March 2000
Jaume, an older and ill medieval literature professor, has returned to Barcelona to die. He has been in love twice in his life: the first time, in his youth, with a fellow university friend Pere, now married with a daughter, and the second time with a student David, a rebel-without-a-cause type talent. Jaume wants to save David and turn him into some sort of spiritual heir. David has gotten Alba pregnant but has a rather special extra job . Alba doesn't know if she wants to carry the baby and talks it over with her mother Fanny. Fanny is afraid to get old with Pere as just being a wife.
Five characters, in an almost race against the clock, argue, struggle and hurt each other. At the same time they discover that there's a fine line between wishes and making them possible with another person. BELOVED/FRIEND is a dense and dark film, that shows these 5 people in an almost sadistic, hard way. In a shattering final everything is resolved and at the same time nothing is accomplished. Or is it?
Five characters, in an almost race against the clock, argue, struggle and hurt each other. At the same time they discover that there's a fine line between wishes and making them possible with another person. BELOVED/FRIEND is a dense and dark film, that shows these 5 people in an almost sadistic, hard way. In a shattering final everything is resolved and at the same time nothing is accomplished. Or is it?
Les corps ouverts
(1998)
Frictions and borders
8 March 2000
Remi is a 18-year old North African boy living in Paris. He tries to take care of his sick father in between school, a job and a girlfriend. A casting session for a film not only opens up new possibilities but also introduces him into the world of gay sex. He starts looking for himself on the streets, at a dance rave and in a gay sauna. Les Corps Ouverts is a so-called poetic film that shows the frictions between lifestyles (gay/straight), identities (immigrant/French) and cultures (conservative/modern). Remi struggles to achieve something and become himself but the road turns out to be a confrontation.
Everything Must Go
(1996)
Excellent Belgian road-movie
8 March 2000
Toni is a rather unsuccessful law-student who one day decides to drop out of college and his regular life. He wants to sell air because he believes that's what people want nowadays. On his way he meets André, a thief, and together they roam the roads of Belgium trying until they make a horrible decision.
When I saw, Everything Must Go I was quite surprised. The book by Tom Lanoye is good and I didn't expect the film to live up to that. But the two leading actors are excellent and the gay side of the story is handled in a subdued but very believable way.
When I saw, Everything Must Go I was quite surprised. The book by Tom Lanoye is good and I didn't expect the film to live up to that. But the two leading actors are excellent and the gay side of the story is handled in a subdued but very believable way.
Mrs Craddock's Complaint
(1998)
Excellent!
8 March 2000
Mrs. Craddock lives across the park's public toilets. What are all those men doing there? She decides to go and find out.
Excellent short film with a twist or two. Simple story made great by a wonderful Mrs. Craddock and a nice Australian touch to the atmosphere.
Excellent short film with a twist or two. Simple story made great by a wonderful Mrs. Craddock and a nice Australian touch to the atmosphere.
Something Fishy
(1994)
Maxime rules!
8 March 2000
Maxime is a rather unusual 40-year old private detective who smokes a lot but only drinks fanta-lemon. She sleeps with men and women in between observing people and arguing with her boss. A co-worker at the agency dies under strange circumstances and while she tries to solve this and another case she meets her son, whom she hasn't seen for 17 years. But working these cases and coming to terms with getting older proves to be her hardest job ever. Morality, justice, individual freedom, love, and middle-age crisis are all scrutinized under Maxime's old and new magnifying glass.
Pas Tres Katholique is a very enjoyable film that starts a bit slow but gets better and better. Anenome and Gregoire Colin as her son are fascinating and very natural. It's very rare to see a woman play such a strong character and at the same time losing her sense of direction because of surprising twists of life. Pas Tres Katholique is a mix between a policier, a drama and a comedy which makes it serious, funny and very entertaining.
Pas Tres Katholique is a very enjoyable film that starts a bit slow but gets better and better. Anenome and Gregoire Colin as her son are fascinating and very natural. It's very rare to see a woman play such a strong character and at the same time losing her sense of direction because of surprising twists of life. Pas Tres Katholique is a mix between a policier, a drama and a comedy which makes it serious, funny and very entertaining.
Summary: weird, beautiful, haunting
7 March 2000
Doctor Jekyll is a rather different version than most adaptations of the Jekyll & Hide story. Its emphasis lies on sex, this time. Jekyll changes into a rather beastly kind of lover/murderer who seduces, haunts and kills all the people gathered in the house for a party. Although the story is well known, this change of direction makes it very interesting to watch. The photography is rather special, with light almost bursting of the screen. The only negative thing I found was the English dubbing which is done very badly. Try to find the original version if you can. Udo Kier and Patrick Magee are very amusing to watch.
Tell Your Friends