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BJGarbero
Reviews
Los olvidados (1950)
Some great film techniques but will not see again
Although this film is in no way one of my favorites, or that I ever want to view it again, there is some good film techniques used in Bunel's style of film. The great usage of lighting in this black and white movie is fantastic. The camera angles with the different sources of lighting helped enhance the dramatic elements and storyline. The dream sequence is the most memorable because the scene has many techniques used in it. The shot with the mother going toward the son's bed is slowed down in slow motion with wind blowing around her. This creates a stunning visual and draws importance to what Pedro, the son, is thinking about his mother.
Once Were Warriors (1994)
Horrible subject matter
This film is grotesque as a whole. The damage that this family creates within itself is too destructive and depressing. The cycle that the characters are stuck in reflects upon the country, the people, and the individual state of mind. Unfortunately the only break this family gets from this repetitiveness is the death of Grace at the end. The horrible violence in this film is hard to take. It is EXTREMELY realistic that it makes you feel as if you are there. This film is not for the faint hearted. If you enjoy watching people get raped and beaten then this should go in your film collection. The emotionally draining scenes with the children and parents are complex and the importance of communication is needed.
La battaglia di Algeri (1966)
Different type of Film
The subject matter is complex because of the two sides/people wanting to control Algiers. The people that want it back so that they may practice their religious and cultural beliefs start using war and terrorizing tactics to break free. Although it does a great job in the storytelling aspect to see both sides, I cannot separate the blowing up of innocent people in the town square scenes. I know the other side to it was the bombing of the village the Muslims were at and killing innocent victims there, but it was unnerving and disturbing seeing the underhandedness of playing the system in order to kill hundreds of people in the town cafés. Personally I thought the the scenes were shot perfectly in the use of close-ups and camera angles. The subject matter is not pleasant though.
La otra conquista (1998)
Interesting and Effective
The Other Conquest is a film that can appeal to some and offend others. The subject matter deals with the complexity of the Spanish conquering the Aztecs and the "conversion" of this primitive religion to the Catholic. The storyline draws you in, wanting to know what happens to the main character and his people. The historical context is used greatly in telling the story of so many ancestors and the heritage that the Mexican people came from. As a pre cursor to Apocalypto, it tells of the after math of Cortez conquering the Aztec people. Symbolically it is strong with religious meaning as well as culturally. As for the film making itself, the film score is great and tells the story on an emotional level. The cinematography is dynamic in capturing the landscapes and structures of both cultures.