dan g Reviews

Germinal (1993)

Grit, tears and esprit galour - a masterpeice

[8/10 · 30 August 2001]

Once again Depardieu presents an arresting image. There are a few performances which do not quite keep up to his standard - otherwise the acting is first class.

The sets and attention to detail are in my view the best proof of Claude Berri's worth as a double César winner. There are a few gaps (understandably) in the story. The general feeling is of a pacy and entertaining story. The message is clear and in my view is every bit as politically envigorating as Ken Loach's underated Spanish Civil War classic - Land & Freedom.

If you have a leftish leaning, the graphic depiction of poverty and the slow creation of the miners' collective movement will probably leave you with a lump in your throat. It could just as well leave you feeling that the message is overplayed.

All in all, the film has everthing and cannot fail to arouse emotion. A bravura creation which should not be missed.

A definite 8/10

Get on the Bus (1996)

Learn the Minorities Mindset and Cry with empathy

[10/10 · 23 April 2001]

Hearing about the film when it first came out, I failed to find a Big Screen showing. Recently, I bought the pre-recorded video and it proved to be well worth the wait.

The message is universal. Spike Lee loses none of his sharpness of observation on the minutiae of human relationships shown in Girl 6. The tender relationship between "Smooth" and his father despite the shackles, leading to the reconciliation after the tense search for "Smoth" is a classic.

Above all Ossie Davis as Jeremiah is a force showing some of the most "real" acting I have ever seen. You are drawn into the warmth of his personality by the brilliant scripting of Reggie Bythewood. If you're in any way human, you cannot fail to become attached to Jeremiah as a truly special person. When he is taken to the hospital you want to be with the travellers as they fret in the relatives room.

If you didn't find the final epitath spech by Ossie davis read by George brilliantly played by Charles Dutton, just let the beauty of the script wash over you. I wept buckets at this point, the setting, the way you warm to Jeremiah, and the pathos should bring you to regard this as one of the cinema's great scenes.

11/10!