claia_bryja Reviews

Monsoon Wedding (2001)

The way the characters handled their problems was uplifting.

[8/10 · 7 August 2002]

I just want to add one remark to all of the other good things that have been said about this film (though perhaps it's been said already, since I did not read all 100 of the reviews).

The main reason I found this film so uplifting is that is that all of the right decisions were made. In real life, some things that really ought to be forgiven too often aren't; and some things that should never be forgiven too often are. In this film, we see difficult forgiveness given where it is deserved, and a bold and necessary decision not to forgive, forget, or bury one's head in the sand, handled with tremendously admirable grace and courage.

Of course, there's a great deal more in the film to appreciate than only that. The whole thing is a wonderous slice-of-life montage.

People, just by being human, have lots of problems. This film's many themes and subplots never transcend the ordinary; but the total effect of the film evoked more than a few transcendent feelings within me. Excellent movie (not outstanding, but excellent).

Three Penny Opera (1963)

lifeless, disappointing production of an excellent musical play

[6/10 · 10 January 2002]

I've seen several stagings of this musical play-- even acted in it once in college-- and I have enjoyed the liveliness of every staging. The movie, however, is quite dead. The characters are stilted and almost everything is presented in a dry and detached manner-- so detached that the viewer can't really appreciate the important ironies of the plot even while being hit over the head with them. I also felt that the camera work was very uninspired. This film is still worth seeing just because "Die Dreigroschenoper" is an excellent play; but, if you have a choice, I'd recommend that you go see it performed as a play.