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How High (2001)
An excellent comedy
After the unfortunate death of a friend, two black people seek to fulfill a wish of his and finish their exams. Getting perfect grade, they end up in Harvard, where a new life challenge awaits them. As many people seek to get them kicked out, they will have to raise their game to the next level.
It's an unique comedy which seeks to exaggerate almost everything it does and presents, bringing plenty of laughter along the way. The two main characters it has, flawlessly played by their actors, manage to excel at what they do and how they act, making sure to provide a good time for the viewer. Its story is ridiculous, to say the least, simply defying anything you would consider normal or even logic, but this is exactly what makes it special. It's not predictable or linear, it also isn't something stellar, but it does its job remarkably well. It has a bit of drama, it has a bit of emotion, but to be honest, you'll be seeing it only for the funny part.
It simply is determined to make you laugh and it does its best in doing so. Although the path it chose might not be appropriate for everyone, or some might even consider it childish, it simply made me laugh at loud multiple times, providing a quality time overall. Even after seeing it multiple times, it still remains very funny and as a result, it's one of my favorite comedies of all time.
To sum things up, we're faced with an excellent comedy which excels at making you laugh through its plot, characters and actors, especially if you're a type of person who can appreciate what this movie tries to do. It definitely isn't for anybody, but if you happen to be on the right side, you'll definitely have a great time.
Matilda (1996)
A superb family movie
A young girl, neglected and underappreciated by her family, is sent to a local school with a nightmarish principal. Her unique character, her extraordinary intelligence and some newly found powers, make her easily remarkable and with the help of her teacher, with a troubled past of her own, are about to radically change her live forever.
It's a wonderful movie, filled with laughter and joy, which presents a small portion of a girl's life, who once sent to school, is about to find out that there is a real life out there to be found, quite different to those she found in the books. The school's principle and her family seem determined to make her life unhappy and hard, but her lovely teacher will always be there for her.
We're presented a bunch of unique characters, who manage to generate laughter with almost everything they do, thanks to their way of being. The plot is unique and interesting, but not groundbreaking, managing to keep the viewer interested until the end. I have to admit that the movie tends to exaggerate in a couple of aspects and it's up to you to decide if this is for good or for worse. From where I'm standing, it uses this "feature" to emphasize certain aspects of the plot, which ultimately lead to a great atmosphere, full of laughter and joy. The special effects used are also very good, considering its time, contributing a lot to the outcome especially in the last part.
It's the perfect film to watch with your family. It has great characters, great actors, a good plot, plenty of happiness, a bit of drama and much comedy. Even after seeing it multiple times throughout the past twenty years, it still managed to be a very good watch even now, when I almost know the plot by heart. The feelings it transmits cannot be translated into words and the fact that it made me feel this way every single time I've seen it makes it a superb movie.
The Colony (2013)
A bad movie, with bad characters, action and plot
In a post-apocalyptic ice age, where the few people that were left lived underground in colonies, residents of such a place receive a distress signal from another colony. They assemble a team to investigate, but what they're about to find out will prove to be shocking, to say the least.
It's a movie which bases its story and action in a frozen world, where people lived in underground colonies and fight every day for survival. When a new threat is found, they must think and act fast as faced with extinction. Although not having plenty of characters, they are not very well designed, and furthermore, they follow the same over-used stereotypes you would normally find in this type of movies. Like the one obsessed with control and leadership despite of every logic, the so called hero on which the story focuses but his impact is little in the overall outcome, the fearless leader who leaves his people for a "very important mission" and so on.
The events presented can be suspenseful, but unfortunately fall deep into the predictable side. And, due to the above mentioned characters and their actions, the whole drama can be unleashed, in a quite uninteresting fashion. Still unfortunate, this movie bases its intrigue on some disturbing flaws, like tracks which are somehow not covered by the snow and a terrible blizzard, even after prolonged periods of time, character personalities and decisions which are simply mind-blowing, big inconsistencies like the fuse from two piles of TNT, one which burns in matter of seconds and another which simply is extinguished by the wind/snow, or just big intentional plot holes which somehow allow the antagonists to survive/teleport like otherworldly creatures.
Being as predictable and flawed as it is, you'll find it pretty hard to enjoy the scenery and the icy atmosphere which surrounds everything. Although it manages to build suspense through its cinematic direction, as you don't get to care about the characters even by a small bit, the most intense events tend to leave you as cold as the environment. And it really is a shame, as it makes the plot even more pointless and less interesting than it already is.
Overall, I found a movie with a good location, with some unsympathetic characters which fight for survival, with some intense but unrealistic fighting scenes which ultimately lead to a favorable but predictable finale. It had potential but failed to deliver due to some bad decisions both regarding characters and action.
Coco (2017)
A wonderful animation, full of music and emotion
Determined to perform at a local talent show against his family's ban of music for generations, young Miguel is left without a guitar on that very day. Not willing to give up, he accidentally enters the land of the dead, where he's about to meet the greatest musician of all time. Well-hidden secrets will be unraveled, one at a time, influencing the young boy's way of thinking, for better or worse.
It's a wonderful animation which introduces to the audience a world of the dead, where everyone who was remembered by somebody alive could do whatever he pleased, even cross back to the living world to take offerings from relatives. It's a plot which brings something entirely new, something unique, something which raises the action to a whole new level. The characters are also well described, complex and with a well-defined mentality, contributing decisively to the outcome. The plot is complex, full of surprises and changes of pace, making it one of a kind, as said before.
The way it's animated is as you would expect, top notch, excellently portrayed and colored, with some spectacular scenes. Music also plays an important role in the picture, bringing characters together or separating others forever. It's action isn't breathtaking, but maintains a good pace throughout the movie, not letting the viewer to be distracted by anything.
What disappointed me, to be honest, was the finale, which, although respects the winning formula, being happy and satisfying, leaves the impression that it is a bit too rushed. All problems seem to be resolved and all wrongs made right out of a sudden, with little explaining being done in the middle. I know that I'm too subjective about this aspect, but I was hoping for a bit more in terms of storytelling regarding the finale of a complex turn of events.
Overall, what I saw was a very good animation, full of emotion, laughter, drama and good action, which told a great and complex story, but failed to maintain the extraordinary pace until the end. It's a very good movie overall, but a bit shy of other animation masterpieces.
High Fidelity (2000)
Top 5 Breakups, with style
Being on the verge of yet another disastrous breakup, a record store owner starts to present his top five breakups, in an attempt to figure out what went wrong and eventually make things right.
It's a very interesting movie, based on a main character who seems to have had and still have problems with the ladies. By constantly speaking to the viewers, he seems determined to bring back his historic failures or even make contact to the persons involved just to realize what went wrong. The way the main character performs and interacts with the audience has to be the best part of the movie. As the story unfolds, the dramatic but also funny life stories begin to influence his life, seeming to affect even his part at the store, but his two unique colleagues and friends will always be there for him.
I have to say that the plot is very enjoyable, together with its excellent characters, very well described and played, complex and full of surprises, which manages to transmit plenty of emotion, drama but also laughter. Boredom is out of the question, although the action seems to be on the lower side, having plenty of substance to keep you attracted to what's going on. The finale is very satisfying, making the whole story worthwhile.
To sum things up, it's a very good movie, full of great characters and actors which, through a great plot and way of communication, manages to provide a quality time for its viewers. It's not a masterpiece but a wonderful movie without any doubt.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
An incredibly dramatic masterpiece
A terminally ill girl suffering from lung cancer meets a boy with a very difficult condition of his own who is about to change her life forever. A very close friendship is born between the two but it will not remain as such for long. As they spend more time together and understand each other's situation, their relation evolves, making the final part of their life more than bearable. As a final wish, he takes her to Amsterdam to visit the author of her favorite book but their adventure will not be without obstacles as illness never sleeps.
It's a movie which follows the lives of two teens, deeply traumatized by their condition, who manage to find comfort in each other's arms, struggling every day not to lose faith. Their drama is presented in great detail, from the moment they first met, going all the way to Amsterdam in search of answers regarding their book. We're faced with two very complex characters, very well designed and described, not to say how they're excellently played by their respective actors, who transmit a plethora of emotions, making themselves extremely pleasant throughout the movie, despite their illness. You're bound to burst into tears many times throughout, as you'll find it extremely hard to see their struggle.
The plot is very well designed, managing not to be predictable or linear, bringing something new and quite unexpected with every occasion it gets. The unique atmosphere it creates simply draws you into it, keeping you attracted, interested and curious about the faith of the two. It generates plenty of drama and thrill along the way, but also raises the mood and even makes you laugh once in a while. The end to their story is as unexpected as it is tragic and sentimental, but in a good way. I cannot express the emotions I felt during this movie, every single word simply being insufficient in providing any explanation.
Overall, it is very dramatic but at the same time it brings laughter when you least expect it and romance in its purest way. This movie can cause a lot of tears but it will also bring warmth in one's soul if he or she lets it. It's simply breath taking in every aspect, from its gorgeous story to its presentation, cast and finale. Make sure you don't miss this wonderful masterpiece!
Brave (2012)
One of the best animations ever made
Merida is an unusual princess. She's not very well mannered, she's very stubborn, she's not even good at being a princess, but she's the best archer of all. Being under constant supervision from her very strict mother who wishes to "train" her daughter as herself, Merida even feels her freedom slipping away. Thus, when the time comes for her to choose a husband from the other three clans, a huge argument occurs between her and her mother which is about to introduce a change in their relationship and even regarding the future of the kingdom, for better or worse.
It's an animation which follows Merida, the young red-haired princess, who seems to love her bow and her freedom more than her kingdom, as she's about to face the biggest challenge of her life. Her whole world will be turned upside down after what looks like a disastrous mistake, so she'll have to rethink it all in an attempt to make things right. This movie features an apparently simplistic plot which will prove to be much more complex and well put together, managing to create a wonderful world for the action to take place. Its characters are simply superb, very well thought, described and also animated, being able to create an unique atmosphere, one which you'll definitely enjoy.
Besides its intense action sequences, the movie generates so much emotion, so much drama, especially as you get attached to the characters, that you'll always be eager to find out what will happen next. And to make matters even better, it possesses an incredible sense of humor. The amount of moments which will make you laugh out loud is simply astonishing and incredible, not to mention that it leaves the impression that it's not even trying. In terms of visuals, the movie is simply gorgeous. Flawlessly animated and very well colored, it also presents some breathtaking scenery which is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
To sum things up, it's a truly impressive movie, with a very good story and impressive characters, superbly animated and extremely funny which managed to impress me multiple times, even more as time passes, making it one of the best pieces of animation out there. A true masterpiece!
Cloverfield (2008)
Bad...bad...BAD!!!
While at a farewell party a couple of teenagers find themselves in the middle of an alien attack, which seems to rip the whole New York apart. With one of the "documenting" the event, they venture into the war zone in an attempt to rescue one of their friends. Presented through the camera which films whatever they do, we follow their desperate adventures throughout the entire movie.
As said above, the movie is presented through the "eyes" of their hand-held camera. Unfortunately, to say the least, this is the biggest flaw of the movie. The whole experience, if you can call it this way, is just a series of amateur filmed footage. To make matters worse, we're not talking about a good amateur film, but something coming from the sloppy hands of someone how hasn't seen such a device in his life and apparently isn't able to keep it straight most of the time. As a result, you'll soon get a headache which will only get worse as the film progresses. I cannot explain the sensation you'll have after seeing for over an hour an series of images which shake erratically, without any purpose or artistic direction. I can understand that it tried to be authentic, presenting all as it was filmed right from where the events happened, but the overall experience is simply unacceptable.
And I haven't reached the plot yet. Speaking of which, is simply awful and without any logic. In the beginning, we're presented for about half an hour some sort of introduction, or better said a series of irrelevant and boring events, which were supposed to present the characters, their relations and their feelings. And just when you're about to give up and close the agony, the attack begins. As you would imagine, panic everywhere, military start to fight and evacuate everyone, and what do you think that our group of survivors start to do? Seek shelter? Evacuate maybe? Nope. They are ALL going to save the girlfriend of one of them, who just half an hour ago had a fight with her and separated like they weren't even friends anymore, but somehow decided to leave him a message that she's trapped in her apartment. And now, he suddenly realises that he loves her, that he knows what he's doing (you simply cannot be serious with this line), and that he's going to save her. Not to mention that his brother just died minutes ago and he didn't even shed one tear for him. As you could have imagined by now, the plot is lacks basic logic at its core, not to mention what is going to happen and what each character decides to do in each and every scene. I can understand that this type of movie cannot exist without a couple of stupid characters, but they've simply gone too far with this aspect.
Due to the above mentioned, the atmosphere is dull and not interesting, caring about the characters is out of the question while the finale simply can't do anything in terms of good. Oh, about the finale, I won't spoil it for you but I have to mention that it is as sudden, as pointless and as predictable as the entire movie. What else can I say? Simply put, it's a movie which shouldn't exist. The fact that anyone would want to see this nightmare for the eyes is simply puzzling. The fact that someone would even go that far to consider it good is simply mind-blowing. Stay away, avoid or don't get any closer to it are simply understatements when speaking of this amateur footage!
Cashback (2006)
A super way of telling one's story
Being traumatized after breaking up with his girlfriend, an apparently normal teenager gains insomnia. As he tries to kill time, he gets a job at a local supermarket where he begins to experience a lot of weird facts about life itself. He's trapped between the boundaries of reality and imagination with the ability to freeze time and thus being able to see the world from a very different perspective.
It's a movie which benefits from an unique artistic direction, presenting what initially seems pretty ordinary story, but manages to take it to a complete new level. The whole idea of stopping time is simply astonishing, very well thought and implemented into the film, bringing a lot of spice into an already excellent blend. Speaking of which, the movie is able to combine a very good plot, told in a special way by the main character as the story progresses, a couple of complex and very different characters, much drama and romance into the same place, thus the result is incredible.
Besides being captivating and very interesting, besides the affection the main character demands and also receives from the viewer, and also besides the excellent acting, this one manages to be funny in many moments, even hilarious at times, bringing a change of mood whenever it considers it necessary.
As you might have guessed by now, I was truly impressed by this movie. It managed to provide some high-quality time with its story, its excellent characters and actors, its impressive artistic and cinematic direction, generating plenty of emotion, drama but also laughter. It seems like a biography but the way it is presented definitely made me fell for it.
Eliza Graves (2014)
An unexpected great
After seeing a beautiful but also insane woman being used as a guinea pig for a university, Edward decides to become an apprentice at the asylum in which she was kept. Soon after introducing himself and accommodating with his new "home", he discovers some disturbing facts which happened there not long ago and that he is the only one able to do something in the respective manner. Charmed by the beautiful Eliza but terrified by Dr. Lamb and his brutes, Edward is determined to find out the truth in order to have a chance with the love of his life.
This movie's story, although presented sometimes using gruesome scenes, is captivating and thrilling, keeping you eager to find out what actually happened and what is the faith of the main characters. It has several twists and its finale reveals a very unexpected fact which will leave you simply shocked. Contrary to my expectations, it proved to be a great movie in terms of characters and story, its unpredictability playing a major role in this dark atmosphere. A very good movie!
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
A wonderful classic story
In a France ruled with tyranny by King Louis XIV, the three legendary ex-musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, decide to take action against their ruler after Athos' son gets killed on the battlefield. Knowing that Louis has an exiled brother, hidden in a remote prison, they conceive an ingenious plan to exchange them. Their plan will prove to be much harder than expected but they are determined to pull it off.
A great movie which presents a classic story with great actors in a beautiful but dramatic way. It has some great sword fights and a very interesting plot which guarantee to keep your attention till its glorious ending. I enjoyed this movie numerous times so I definitely recommend this one to everyone looking for a great classic story, greatly implemented.
The Imitation Game (2014)
An extraordinary biography, flawlessly depicted
On the verge of the second world war, a group of highly educated people are gathered in a desperate attempt of trying to break a complex encrypting machine, which the Germans used in their daily communications. Among them, a highly arrogant but brilliant mathematician decides to take matters into his own hands, thus not receiving much support from his colleagues. After much work and some intervention from an intelligent woman, he will create the first computer known to man, which will ultimately have to face the Enigma encryption machine.
It's an excellent biography, which manages, with the help of its great cast, to deliver a very good imagining of the last part of Alan Turing's life, in which he manages to create one of the most important inventions of mankind. His troubled life is presented in-depth, with its many bumps and blockades which he must face in order to see his dream come to life, dream which will play a determinate role in the upcoming war. It's very trilling and suspenseful with a high dose of drama on top, a very good piece of cinematography, which totally deserves its academy awards.
Snowden (2016)
A superb and thrilling biography
A young man by the name of Edward Snowden is about to tell the world deep secrets from his past jobs, when he secretly worked for CIA and NSA. Together with three experienced journalists, he's about to tell the story of his life, how it all started and how it managed to get so wrong in the end.
This movie, inspired from real facts, depicts the power of the American intelligence agencies which were spying on people in order to protect them from terrorist attacks, but it all got much deeper than intended. It's a very interesting movie, captivating I must say, which describes in detail the life of Snowden and what happened behind the scenes of the notorious intelligence agencies, who's programs were doing a lot more than invading privacy.
It's very well presented, alternating present and past events, very well played by its cast and very well executed overall. A must see for everyone, especially for IT fans.
Meet Joe Black (1998)
An interesting depiction of death
Bill, a very wealthy and important person is about to receive an unexpected visit from a very unexpected person. The guy in question is no other than Death itself (as Joe Black), who came to "collect" him. Thankfully, Joe isn't in a hurry and the longer Bill is able to keep him entertained, the longer he lives. Thus, Bill must integrate Joe in his family, buying himself time to fix the remaining problems in his life.
It features a lengthy but interesting plot about a man who must keep his integrity while the impersonated death infiltrates into his life and family, threatening him with every move. It's twisted and nonlinear, maintaining suspense and interest throughout its length, keeping you lusting for the upcoming finale. Its love story brings some needed romance into the picture, completing the wonderful atmosphere transmitted by this film. A very enjoyable movie!
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
A great Harry Potter prequel
Around 70 years before the events from the Harry Potter series, a weird magician travels around the world in search of fantastic creatures which seem to be misunderstood by his kind and without proper care, they can cause mayhem in the non-magical community. In his latest travel to the United States, he has an accident with a normal guy and together get involved in a deep mystery which is threatening the normal course of every day events.
Although it doesn't seem much, this plot manages to create a wonderful atmosphere, powered by some very impressive CGI, keeping you interested in the faith of the main characters and their creatures. It's a very good display of magic in the same universe which brought many wonderful moments in a lot of people's childhood. The actors do a good job in portraying their characters, making the whole story more pleasant, very enjoyable and also unexpectedly funny! It's a must see for every Harry Potter fan, every fantasy loving person and everyone who enjoys this genre.
The Book Thief (2013)
The harsh life of a book lover
Before the second world war, after meeting her adoptive family and learning how to read and write, a girl falls in love with books which happen to become banned by the Nazi. While struggling in her new life, poverty being very common, she makes new and unexpected friends, one of them being a Jew hidden in her family's basement, and starts "borrowing" books from a wealthy family which had a full library of them.
The girl's life is presented in a dramatic manner with her strong emotions, her adventures, her losses and gains. It's tense in a lot of situations due to its harsh conditions, generated mainly by the upcoming war, but it manages to maintain suspense until the end. It's hard to explain in a few words what happens but I can guarantee that it's worth your time especially if you enjoy such movies with kids, which by the way, play some great roles!
Cinderella (2015)
A superb live-action remake
After a young, kind and beautiful girl remains without both her parents, she is left in the care of her merciless and greedy stepmother who transforms her into a servant. Although forced to live a harsh life, Cinderella always remained kind and courageous, in hope of a magical act which might turn her life around. This said, a charming apprentice she meets by accident in the woods might just be what she deserves.
This real action remake of the original Disney animation is a wonderful demonstration that it can be done if you keep the story, present it seriously, hire a couple of good actors who know what is to be done and get a bit of help from a very talented animation team. Add to this mix a good soundtrack and you end up with a very good movie by itself. Yes it is a very good remake and yes, it is a very good movie without having to mention the Disney animation with the same title. Do I recommend it? Without any doubt!
Maleficent (2014)
A superb re-imagining of a classical story
A young and betrayed fairy who turned to the dark side after the terrible incident curses a young princess on her baptism. Watching closely how the princess grew, she begins to have feelings for her but the previous enchantment will prove to be the final frontier in their upcoming relationship.
The classic story of Sleeping Beauty is being retold in this movie from the eyes of the "evil" witch, since her childhood and all the way to an unexpected but beautiful finale. It looks gorgeous, its CGI is top notch and its plot is a great surprise. I didn't believe that I would say this but in my opinion it is true. They've managed to improve the original story, in some ways by even drastically changing it, and the result is simply eye-watering.
It's a bit more mature way of telling a tale for children but that doesn't make it any less appealing for them than it is for any adult, or for me. A beautiful story which can be enjoyed regardless of age. Superb!
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
A flawless execution
In a past England where a greedy Prince John squeezes every penny from every citizen, in the absence of his brother, the king, a new hero raises, swearing to help the people however he can, but mostly by stealing from those who had more than they deserved. Many join his cause and as time progresses, they get closer and closer to remove the impostor from the throne.
It's the classic and now famous story Robin Hood which fought for a noble cause while trying to win the heart of maid Marian at the same time. Although being a very old movie, it is very well executed, with much substance and soul which manages to tell a story in an unique way while being serious and funny at the same time. It's a great achievement which can only be praised for its flawless execution, especially when taking into consideration the technical limitations of that time. Very good plot and actors, making it a must see for everybody.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
A great story full of chocolate
When a mysterious character by the name of Willy Wonka decides to open the gates of his secret chocolate factory, five golden tickets are hidden in his chocolate bars for kids to find. Thus, only the lucky finders will have the chance to see the factory and earn a life supply of chocolate. Among other very spoiled children, a very poor and generous boy tries his luck and to his surprise, finds the last golden ticket. Joined by his grandfather, he will discover that Willy and his factory have a lot of temptations prepared for their visitors.
It's a wonderful movie about compassion, greed and how kids can become if they don't receive proper education. It's very enjoyable and amusing, while Willy's character is playing a great part in this unique atmosphere. In the end, we'll find Wonka's true intentions regarding his unexpected and special tour, a happy ending being mandatory here. It's a very good movie and a great achievement when taken into consideration the year it was produced and what special effects it includes.
Somewhere in Time (1980)
A wonderful love story, in time
Triggered by an unexpected event, a playwright from Chicago goes through a self-hypnosis therapy, hoping to go back in time and meet a beautiful actress he became obsessed with.
It's a truly emotional film which expresses in a beautiful manner what true love really means and how it feels like. Its story captures you like a charm, making you hope for the best regarding the loving couple. That is exactly why its tragic finale can make you literally cry. It proves in a way that past cannot be changed whatever you try to do and the simple fact of thinking about its unchangeable nature can throw you into depression. No matter how strong love is, it cannot mess with time.
I enjoyed every moment of this film and although I had some small trouble understanding all its meanings (the above mentioned), I can say that it truly is a masterpiece of its kind!
Hitch (2005)
Superb
Hitch is an unusual person with a very unusual profession. His job is to create opportunities for men to hook up with the girls of their dreams. As a pro, he teaches them step by step, through the smallest detail, for the whole plan to have the most chances to succeed. While helping his latest customer, Albert, a clumsy bloke in love with a celebrity for whom he works, Hitch encounters a lovely gossip journalist who might just be his very own soul mate. But because she's determined to play "hard to get", he will need to try something different in order to prove his true love, especially if she's to find his true identity.
It's an extraordinary story, truly emotional and dramatic but also extremely hilarious. We follow his professional character as he flawlessly and almost without any effort helps his customers and the dramatic turn his life takes when he meets Sara. It's very well thought but also very well played. Will and Eva do a great job interpreting their roles, creating a great atmosphere for you to enjoy. Simply brilliant!
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
A superb romantic comedy
In order to advance in her career, Andie must write an article about how to lose a guy in 10 days, so she gets Ben as her guinea pig. Unbeknownst to her, Ben has a bet of his own, also regarding his career, so he will prove to be a very hard player in their love game. Unfortunately or fortunately for both of them, their respective bets are about to transform into something more than expected and coping with the new experience will be a challenge they will have to face together.
It's a romantic movie, which features the perils of two people which are willing to make many sacrifices in order to win, thus taking the game to a whole new level. It is very pleasant and enjoyable, emotional and thrilling while sometimes funny and dramatic. It's a must see of the genre and a very good movie overall!
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
A warm love story around the holidays
After a lonely woman saves the life of a complete stranger, she's mistaken for his fiancé and slowly becomes integrated into his family, due to his coma. As her true identity couldn't be verified by anybody, everything seems to be well, until his brother shows up, whose character is about to play a very important role in the upcoming events.
It's a lovely and romantic comedy, set in the heart of the winter holidays, which tells an improbable love story about two complete strangers who fall in love without their will and as much as they try to resist, as close they eventually become. It creates a warm and enjoyable atmosphere which lasts until the end. The actors play their roles very convincingly, making you care about their characters while keeping you eager to find out what will happen next and how it's going to end. Besides all of the above, it also manages to make you laugh from time to time, even out loud, just to spice things up a bit. It's a very good movie for everyone to enjoy, especially around the holidays, but not only.
Kaze tachinu (2013)
A slow but satisfying piece of animation
Since he was a small boy, Jiro Horikoshi dreamt about flying and flying machines. But, due to his eye defect, he knew that becoming a pilot would be very hard and that it would be better to choose another path. Thus, he becomes an aircraft engineer, hoping that one day, he would design a prototype that would put his poor country back on the map. We follow his life until he manages to realize his dream, with all the difficulties he has to face.
It's a biography in the form of an animation, which details the life of Jiro, his dreams, his difficulties and his achievements. It's beautifully animated, very atmospheric, dramatic and pleasant. Excellently drawn and colored, it really manages to create an unique atmosphere which takes you away in its lands, making to want more and more of it. Jiro's character is very well developed, presented in many situations, in relation with other great characters which will have a decisive role in his life. The plot is good, although a bit predictable, managing to create a plausible story which the viewer can enjoy until the end. His dreams also play an important role in the outcome, being clearly emphasized by the producers, as they seem to be his main influence and inspiration in his creations.
Although interesting throughout its entire length, the movie "suffers" from an extremely slow pace. It almost struggles to advance, many scenes seeming over-prolonged, in comparison with what they have to offer. It's not entirely a bad thing, as it contributes in a small amount to the environmental description, but you're bound to notice it and it might as well affect the overall experience.
To sum it up, it's a wonderful piece of animation, but, for which I believe that you have to be in a certain mood to fully enjoy. You have to be somehow prepared for its slow pace, but in case you do, you'll find a great and enjoyable piece of cinematography. For me, its pace was a bit of a drawback, but not enough to spoil the overall experience. It's still a very good animation.