I can agree with a lot of people here, but I found this one of the most captivating Miss Marple's stories. Did we need Miss Marple? Oh, probably not... My English, tonight, is not good enough to describe everything I felt watching this episode, but the story was good, the acting also. I was very susprised by the ending, I didn't have a clue... I liked this episode (or the interpretation of the book...) very much!
Reviews
25 Reviews
From Beginning to End
(2009)
Risqué but beautiful...
6 December 2020
I have seen this movie a couple of times now. I still makes me very impressed. It's a kind of story you don't see much in cinema. It's full of innocence, their love is the most natural thing in the world.
The actors are straight, but they do a wonderful job here.
I cannot find the exact words to describe all my thoughts. Let me just say that I felt a great admiration for the way the story is brought to us.
Water for Elephants
(2011)
Cannot explain...
3 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Why this movie is so important to me... I don't really like the main actor, but he is just perfect here. But... The most perfect actress is, without any doubt, Rosie.
I have had the chance in my life to "work" with Eléphants... In Africa, in Asia... Once you get to know each other, that bond is very strong... They are very, very intelligent... I miss words to say what I really feel... Just watch the movie... Maybe you will understand. I hope so...
I have had the chance in my life to "work" with Eléphants... In Africa, in Asia... Once you get to know each other, that bond is very strong... They are very, very intelligent... I miss words to say what I really feel... Just watch the movie... Maybe you will understand. I hope so...
Catch and Release
(II) (2006)
Because I just came out of something like this...
18 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I just stumbled upon this movie. The story spoke to me, the acting also.
I lost a very dear person, 4 years ago. I was devastated and went into a very deep depression. But I made it. I survived. This movie, telling a totally different story than mine, just confirmed that I am being better now and that there is still a happy life waiting for me.
I lost a very dear person, 4 years ago. I was devastated and went into a very deep depression. But I made it. I survived. This movie, telling a totally different story than mine, just confirmed that I am being better now and that there is still a happy life waiting for me.
Speechless
(2012)
Might be difficult to understand, for some people...
24 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie some 2 years ago and forgot to rate it. By pure chance I tumbled upon this page again and read the 2 comments.
While I can understand one of them, I couldn't disagree more with the other. And I just can't understand this cold & heartless comment. You could tell that about any & every movie, that it's dumb. Madame Bovary, Star Wars, are just dumb. That is, if you are not open to discovering something, when you really are not ready to try to understand a story and how it is brought on film.
There are, in this movie, so many tender and, for Hong Kong and China movies, new approaches. That is, if you want to see them.
Loss of memory, of speech, can happen after a traumatizing event. That is, if you want to try to understand, and are prepared to do some research before commenting.
The last scene of this touching movie is impressive. See it for yourself, or have another look.
None of the principal actors is known (until today) to have participated in another move. Is it because they were bad actors? I don't think so. They made a statement with this beautiful movie. They needn't do more.
Open you mind and enjoy!
While I can understand one of them, I couldn't disagree more with the other. And I just can't understand this cold & heartless comment. You could tell that about any & every movie, that it's dumb. Madame Bovary, Star Wars, are just dumb. That is, if you are not open to discovering something, when you really are not ready to try to understand a story and how it is brought on film.
There are, in this movie, so many tender and, for Hong Kong and China movies, new approaches. That is, if you want to see them.
Loss of memory, of speech, can happen after a traumatizing event. That is, if you want to try to understand, and are prepared to do some research before commenting.
The last scene of this touching movie is impressive. See it for yourself, or have another look.
None of the principal actors is known (until today) to have participated in another move. Is it because they were bad actors? I don't think so. They made a statement with this beautiful movie. They needn't do more.
Open you mind and enjoy!
The Water Horse
(2007)
Children vs. adults
5 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sorry, another 10/10. It seems I'm watching very good movies these times...
I had seen this one before. In fact, this was the third time. First times, I was really moved by the story, but I got a better view, a better comprehension now.
The "monster" represents the child's world, his need for friendship & love. All the others (let's say "the mean ones") are "the adults who don't understand the world a child lives in. Be it monster, be it a pet (I'm "grown up" and I have a black English Cocker Spaniel I have an exceptional relationship with, and I would die for him).
Relationships, that's what this movie's about. Told in a very beautiful way. For all audiences, except "too young children"...
I had seen this one before. In fact, this was the third time. First times, I was really moved by the story, but I got a better view, a better comprehension now.
The "monster" represents the child's world, his need for friendship & love. All the others (let's say "the mean ones") are "the adults who don't understand the world a child lives in. Be it monster, be it a pet (I'm "grown up" and I have a black English Cocker Spaniel I have an exceptional relationship with, and I would die for him).
Relationships, that's what this movie's about. Told in a very beautiful way. For all audiences, except "too young children"...
The War Boys
(2009)
Not what I expected it would be, it was better...
8 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Woof... This movie hit me right in the face.
I had it for some time but for some reasons I didn't get any further, on a couple of occasions, than 10 minutes.
Tonight, I was inspired, so it seems to be, and I watched it till the end.
I was very impressed. The relationships between people are so subtle and finely shown, every situation is built up slowly, and only at the end you understand, you "feel".
All the actors & actresses have done a wonderful job here. Also the writers & crew. I was very impressed.
I had it for some time but for some reasons I didn't get any further, on a couple of occasions, than 10 minutes.
Tonight, I was inspired, so it seems to be, and I watched it till the end.
I was very impressed. The relationships between people are so subtle and finely shown, every situation is built up slowly, and only at the end you understand, you "feel".
All the actors & actresses have done a wonderful job here. Also the writers & crew. I was very impressed.
To Play or to Die
(1990)
Intense
4 December 2013
A very beautiful movie, very intense. The two boys were 18 at the time of filming (1990, both born in 1972). They both did a very excelling performance.
The colors are beautiful, the filming is excellent. The "light" is superb
Some situations are so recognizable, and so understandable.
The issue of the situation is shocking, but that is what movies are made for
This 45 minutes short is like watching a "full" movie", and raises many questions.
I enjoyed it very much. PS, If ever there was a question of "revenge": do a "google pictures" for both actors :-)
The colors are beautiful, the filming is excellent. The "light" is superb
Some situations are so recognizable, and so understandable.
The issue of the situation is shocking, but that is what movies are made for
This 45 minutes short is like watching a "full" movie", and raises many questions.
I enjoyed it very much. PS, If ever there was a question of "revenge": do a "google pictures" for both actors :-)
King Size
(2007 Video)
Very nice, very French, I loved it!
26 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Vincent and Nicolas have been together for ten years. They are happy and "out", to their family and to society. There is no problem in any way with their homosexuality.
One day they meet the – really cute – Gabriël and decide to live and love together. You can call it a "ménage à trois" (one household, three people having sexual relations with each other – just to be very clear).
They never had any real problems with their family or with society before, but from the moment they decide to "take in" Gabriël, they are all confronted with prejudices and people's opinions.
The movie is only 58 minutes, and – as only the French can do – is a mixture of serious situations, humoristic scenes, and... songs and dance! Patrick Maurin could have made a much longer movie, but the essence of it all is in the 58 minutes.
I'm surprised the rates are only at 4,4..., and that there is no opinion published yet. I liked the idea, I liked the actors, I liked the movie and I felt really good after watching it. Let me share my enthusiasm and at the same time boost the scores: 9/10! Nah.
One day they meet the – really cute – Gabriël and decide to live and love together. You can call it a "ménage à trois" (one household, three people having sexual relations with each other – just to be very clear).
They never had any real problems with their family or with society before, but from the moment they decide to "take in" Gabriël, they are all confronted with prejudices and people's opinions.
The movie is only 58 minutes, and – as only the French can do – is a mixture of serious situations, humoristic scenes, and... songs and dance! Patrick Maurin could have made a much longer movie, but the essence of it all is in the 58 minutes.
I'm surprised the rates are only at 4,4..., and that there is no opinion published yet. I liked the idea, I liked the actors, I liked the movie and I felt really good after watching it. Let me share my enthusiasm and at the same time boost the scores: 9/10! Nah.
Jamais 2 sans 3
(2009 TV Movie)
Surprisnly good!
22 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
All in the same day, Etienne, a guy working for the French Police has to deal with the death of his partner, and the fact that he's going to be a dad. His girlfriend, Angèle, left him 7 months ago and is at the point of giving birth
Things don't get better: the next day he discovers he has been sleeping with a guy. That guy, as it turns out, happens to be his new boss
Together, after some adventures, and with the help of former traffic cop Melissa, they try to solve a case of multiple murders involving the drug Rohypnol.
Only French cinema can do this. This is a very funny, but also a very moving film. The action is good, there are many surprises. You stay scotched until the very end. Who's the killer? Who is gay, who isn't? Love – and above all, friendship – is the answer.
For me, for multiple reasons: 8/10.
Only French cinema can do this. This is a very funny, but also a very moving film. The action is good, there are many surprises. You stay scotched until the very end. Who's the killer? Who is gay, who isn't? Love – and above all, friendship – is the answer.
For me, for multiple reasons: 8/10.
United 93
(2006)
Brought back memories...
20 March 2013
At that very same time, I was on a flight from Paris to San Jose, CA. When the pilot announced we wouldn't get there because of "terrorist attacks" on American airports and other strategic places, and when I saw the sadness on the crew's faces, I had only one thought: "please, let us be safe". Luckily, we stayed safe, we were redirected to Calgary, Canada, where we stayed for 10 day before being able to get back to Belgium.
I was in charge of a group of 45 people, an "incentive travel". I remember passing my mobile phone to other passengers, mostly not belonging to my group, to allow them to call home to tell that we were going to be OK. But we still didn't know what happened in reality. It was horror when we discovered it, in a small room - with TV - at Calgary Airport.
All my life I will remember the reception at Calgary Airport, the gentle people that helped us out, there. I will not go into details. It still is hard to remember. And I wasn't even directly involved.
Just to say, I can imagine the fear, the horror, but also the braveness of the people, like me, like you, aboard that flight United 93. They were heroes, and this movie does them justice. May the be remembered always.
I was in charge of a group of 45 people, an "incentive travel". I remember passing my mobile phone to other passengers, mostly not belonging to my group, to allow them to call home to tell that we were going to be OK. But we still didn't know what happened in reality. It was horror when we discovered it, in a small room - with TV - at Calgary Airport.
All my life I will remember the reception at Calgary Airport, the gentle people that helped us out, there. I will not go into details. It still is hard to remember. And I wasn't even directly involved.
Just to say, I can imagine the fear, the horror, but also the braveness of the people, like me, like you, aboard that flight United 93. They were heroes, and this movie does them justice. May the be remembered always.
The Other Boleyn Girl
(2008)
I was not impressed
4 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Do not call this a "historical movie". It is full of inaccuracies, and even right down lies. Call it "inspired by", or even "based on", but not historical.
How can actors and actresses agree to collaborate in such rewriting of history. How can producers and directors make such movies, pretending it to be historical? Knowing that a lot of people don't know the real history or don't care to verify...? I may be old fashioned about this, but I can't agree with this way of changing history for the sake of getting more audience.
Furthermore (and I wasn't aware of this problem before watching - I never read comments before, but I happen to be an "amateur historian" or at least, very interested in history), I wasn't very impressed by the actors... I found the whole thing sad, at some moments.
I can't get out more than 5/10, and that is for some good images, and some minor characters. I'm sorry...
How can actors and actresses agree to collaborate in such rewriting of history. How can producers and directors make such movies, pretending it to be historical? Knowing that a lot of people don't know the real history or don't care to verify...? I may be old fashioned about this, but I can't agree with this way of changing history for the sake of getting more audience.
Furthermore (and I wasn't aware of this problem before watching - I never read comments before, but I happen to be an "amateur historian" or at least, very interested in history), I wasn't very impressed by the actors... I found the whole thing sad, at some moments.
I can't get out more than 5/10, and that is for some good images, and some minor characters. I'm sorry...
The Lost Language of Cranes
(1991)
Nothing to do with cranes, but a very good movie
1 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I was expecting some mystery, but this movie, "The Lost Language Of Cranes", is not that kind of movie.
It has nothing to do with some lost language, and even less with cranes. But I can understand why the makers of this film used this title. Is there a specific language - maybe what we nowadays call a "gaydar" - involved in our relationships? I really don't know. Being gay and having a gay son, or being gay and having a gay dad, are you supposed to "feel", to "notice" something? I don't think this was the aim of this movie.
This is a story about generations (I'm 53 now, and when I started to go out in the Gay Scene, 25 years ago, I met lots of married people), this is a story about what could have been, and what will be. It was not that easy at the time. We have come a long way.
Maybe today this movie is obsolete, but if you have experienced the '80s and '90s, you will feel more related.
The quality of the movie I saw was sometimes poor, but I would still give this movie a 9/10, for the above mentioned reasons.
It has nothing to do with some lost language, and even less with cranes. But I can understand why the makers of this film used this title. Is there a specific language - maybe what we nowadays call a "gaydar" - involved in our relationships? I really don't know. Being gay and having a gay son, or being gay and having a gay dad, are you supposed to "feel", to "notice" something? I don't think this was the aim of this movie.
This is a story about generations (I'm 53 now, and when I started to go out in the Gay Scene, 25 years ago, I met lots of married people), this is a story about what could have been, and what will be. It was not that easy at the time. We have come a long way.
Maybe today this movie is obsolete, but if you have experienced the '80s and '90s, you will feel more related.
The quality of the movie I saw was sometimes poor, but I would still give this movie a 9/10, for the above mentioned reasons.
Praxis
(2008)
Some of us surely can understand
22 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Well, luckily I didn't read the reviews before watching this movie...
I liked it a lot. Of course, the movie is slow, of course, there are things that are repeated several times.
I have been "there" - for over 10 years - and can confirm that when you are living a severe depression, the same things run through your mind, over and over again, and sometimes become obsessive.
There were more subjects in this movie that I could relate to. Maybe you have to "have been there" to understand, or maybe you have to be motivated to understand.
The nude or semi nude scenes are filmed with great respect and are not shocking at all. Personally, I loved the scene where the guys go swimming.
Maybe the movie is a little bit "artsy", but I found it beautiful.
8/10
I liked it a lot. Of course, the movie is slow, of course, there are things that are repeated several times.
I have been "there" - for over 10 years - and can confirm that when you are living a severe depression, the same things run through your mind, over and over again, and sometimes become obsessive.
There were more subjects in this movie that I could relate to. Maybe you have to "have been there" to understand, or maybe you have to be motivated to understand.
The nude or semi nude scenes are filmed with great respect and are not shocking at all. Personally, I loved the scene where the guys go swimming.
Maybe the movie is a little bit "artsy", but I found it beautiful.
8/10
Borstal Boy
(2000)
I regret...
26 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
it took me so long to watch this movie. It is one of the many that stayed on the shelf for months, that I started watching but "didn't feel"...
Today was the day I did.
Someone wrote "schockingly beautiful", and I can only agree.
There was some real chemistry between the main actors (and 1 actress!), and I got sympathy for almost all of them (although the villain played his role very well, too). Not being a native English speaker, I had some problems withe the accents, at times, but sometimes words are not that important, it's the eyes, it's the acts, it's... a lot more than words.
Is this a "gay themed movie"? I really don't know. Assuming Brendan Behan was bisexual, you could call it a "coming of age" movie, as USA-ers like to do. I don't know, this was just a very beautiful movie.
I didn't know Brendan Behan before, but I shall do some research and try to read him (if I can find his works here in Brussels...).
Based on the emotions I felt, this is a magnificent 10/10!
Today was the day I did.
Someone wrote "schockingly beautiful", and I can only agree.
There was some real chemistry between the main actors (and 1 actress!), and I got sympathy for almost all of them (although the villain played his role very well, too). Not being a native English speaker, I had some problems withe the accents, at times, but sometimes words are not that important, it's the eyes, it's the acts, it's... a lot more than words.
Is this a "gay themed movie"? I really don't know. Assuming Brendan Behan was bisexual, you could call it a "coming of age" movie, as USA-ers like to do. I don't know, this was just a very beautiful movie.
I didn't know Brendan Behan before, but I shall do some research and try to read him (if I can find his works here in Brussels...).
Based on the emotions I felt, this is a magnificent 10/10!
Morning Glory
(2010)
I was happily surprised
25 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I wasn't too sure about this movie, the only reason why I wanted to watch it was Patrick Wilson.
I had seen him in Angels In America, and he really was very impressing there...
While I prefer movies with a social message, or with some psychological depth, I really enjoyed this one...
OK, everything was so predictable, so "Hollywood", but it was a joy to see this movie, I laughed a lot. It was a very welcome change to my very (sometimes too) serious way of "relaxing".
This movie was very entertaining, it had some very nice moments. There was a very nice message. I liked it.
Sometimes, that's all you need.
I give it a 7/10
I had seen him in Angels In America, and he really was very impressing there...
While I prefer movies with a social message, or with some psychological depth, I really enjoyed this one...
OK, everything was so predictable, so "Hollywood", but it was a joy to see this movie, I laughed a lot. It was a very welcome change to my very (sometimes too) serious way of "relaxing".
This movie was very entertaining, it had some very nice moments. There was a very nice message. I liked it.
Sometimes, that's all you need.
I give it a 7/10
Birdy
(1984)
A tribute to friendship
24 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I have had this movie for years and had only watched it in FF, just to know how it felt... And I never felt really attracted to watch it.
Well, today I took the time, got documented, and was scotched to the screen for almost 2 hours... I laughed, and I cried, a lot.
I won't go psychological or philosophical, but I felt this movie really got in to me, deep in to me. I know this isn't the story, but when I suffered a severe depression some years ago, the only one I could let into my world was my dog. He was the only one to understand me, and the only one I could communicate with. I think there is something to do in therapy with animals...
Above all, this movie is a tribute to friendship, to love. Nothing physical, just pure friendship, pure love.
I was never a Nicoals Cage fan, but he has surprised me some times. Here again. Both him and Matthew Modine are great, "sublime", comme on dit en Français...
The music was also very good (memories...).
At the very end, I laughed and cried at the same time. The ending is open, and tends to optimism...
I really can't but give it a 9/10.
Well, today I took the time, got documented, and was scotched to the screen for almost 2 hours... I laughed, and I cried, a lot.
I won't go psychological or philosophical, but I felt this movie really got in to me, deep in to me. I know this isn't the story, but when I suffered a severe depression some years ago, the only one I could let into my world was my dog. He was the only one to understand me, and the only one I could communicate with. I think there is something to do in therapy with animals...
Above all, this movie is a tribute to friendship, to love. Nothing physical, just pure friendship, pure love.
I was never a Nicoals Cage fan, but he has surprised me some times. Here again. Both him and Matthew Modine are great, "sublime", comme on dit en Français...
The music was also very good (memories...).
At the very end, I laughed and cried at the same time. The ending is open, and tends to optimism...
I really can't but give it a 9/10.
Parallel Sons
(1995)
Beautiful story
19 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I really didn't know what I was going to see - and I never read IMDb reviews before watching - but this movie really did something to me.
I think I could end up in the same situation as Seth did (well... 35 years ago...). Yes, I do think so.
Forget about the "black music/culture/people fascination" of Seth, this is just a love story, as it could happen everywhere.
The 2 main characters did a very, very good job, very intense. I also liked the little sister...
The story is very believable, the circumstances also.
This is just a beautiful story, in which the 2 protagonists happen to be gay, and in which one happens to be black, the other white...
A very entertaining movie, well worth your time.
I think I could end up in the same situation as Seth did (well... 35 years ago...). Yes, I do think so.
Forget about the "black music/culture/people fascination" of Seth, this is just a love story, as it could happen everywhere.
The 2 main characters did a very, very good job, very intense. I also liked the little sister...
The story is very believable, the circumstances also.
This is just a beautiful story, in which the 2 protagonists happen to be gay, and in which one happens to be black, the other white...
A very entertaining movie, well worth your time.
The Seminarian
(2010)
Not what I expected...
15 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I am agnostic since more than 25 years but I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church. I thought there was a difference between "seminarist" (someone who studies to become a priest) and a "seminarian" (as I found out, exactly the same - dixit internet dictionaries).
I respect everyone's beliefs as long as they respect me.
There must be a difference in sensibility between Europe and the USA regarding this, I think. I thought having been married to someone belonging to an Evangelical (Protestant) confession had learned me more, bit - as it seems - it didn't. The marriage didn't last either. Anyway, I looked a lot up while watching this movie (stop movie, wiki, continue movie, stop & wiki...) and learned a lot.
I too found this movie to be a little slow... There were to many close up's on non moving faces. The actors waited very patiently until the other had said his lines and then replied. What I think this movie lacks the most is spontaneity. The acting seems sometimes unnatural.
I can understand it was made to make think people about some things (and it worked for me): can we justify our suffering by God's suffering? Providing you believe there is a God, this is a very interesting question. The so called "free will"... The questions "why are you still on seminary" and "why are you still a Christian"...? Is falling in love - be it with a man or with a woman - free will? Some interesting points to discuss with friends (and a bottle of good wine) when we will talk about this film.
Apart from the specific situation of the troubled Bradley, we see situations that happen in both gay & straight situations. So, after all we are all the same when it comes to feelings, aren't we? Mark Cirillo is a pleasure for the eye and I think we haven't seen yet what he has in petto. The other actors are OK, but I would have liked a little more spontaneity.
Hence, 6/10.
I respect everyone's beliefs as long as they respect me.
There must be a difference in sensibility between Europe and the USA regarding this, I think. I thought having been married to someone belonging to an Evangelical (Protestant) confession had learned me more, bit - as it seems - it didn't. The marriage didn't last either. Anyway, I looked a lot up while watching this movie (stop movie, wiki, continue movie, stop & wiki...) and learned a lot.
I too found this movie to be a little slow... There were to many close up's on non moving faces. The actors waited very patiently until the other had said his lines and then replied. What I think this movie lacks the most is spontaneity. The acting seems sometimes unnatural.
I can understand it was made to make think people about some things (and it worked for me): can we justify our suffering by God's suffering? Providing you believe there is a God, this is a very interesting question. The so called "free will"... The questions "why are you still on seminary" and "why are you still a Christian"...? Is falling in love - be it with a man or with a woman - free will? Some interesting points to discuss with friends (and a bottle of good wine) when we will talk about this film.
Apart from the specific situation of the troubled Bradley, we see situations that happen in both gay & straight situations. So, after all we are all the same when it comes to feelings, aren't we? Mark Cirillo is a pleasure for the eye and I think we haven't seen yet what he has in petto. The other actors are OK, but I would have liked a little more spontaneity.
Hence, 6/10.
Urbania
(2000)
Third time, the best...
9 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This is a really beautiful movie.
I have had it for 3 years now, and it was the third time I watched it. Only now I really appreciated this movie, only now I understood it.
Someone said you would have to look at it more than once and I do agree. The first time you just "watch" and say, "hey, this is a good movie" (at that time, I didn't review on IMDb...). At the second viewing, some things got more clear, and at the third, I think I got the point, I think I understood.
My best friend - not my lover - was killed in a hate crime 12 years ago. Of course I am still upset, because it happened just minutes after we parted in the Brussels metro. I cried through my third viewing, because I could, finally, express my feelings. I think now, after all those years, I can "give it a place in my memory".
About the performances: they are stunning. Beautiful actors, beautiful people, real involvement. Wow...
The cinematography is beautiful and the music is just what was needed.
I think I will watch "Urbania" a couple more times. 9/10.
I have had it for 3 years now, and it was the third time I watched it. Only now I really appreciated this movie, only now I understood it.
Someone said you would have to look at it more than once and I do agree. The first time you just "watch" and say, "hey, this is a good movie" (at that time, I didn't review on IMDb...). At the second viewing, some things got more clear, and at the third, I think I got the point, I think I understood.
My best friend - not my lover - was killed in a hate crime 12 years ago. Of course I am still upset, because it happened just minutes after we parted in the Brussels metro. I cried through my third viewing, because I could, finally, express my feelings. I think now, after all those years, I can "give it a place in my memory".
About the performances: they are stunning. Beautiful actors, beautiful people, real involvement. Wow...
The cinematography is beautiful and the music is just what was needed.
I think I will watch "Urbania" a couple more times. 9/10.
Get a Life
(2006 Video)
I can only confirm...
8 September 2012
I can only confirm what most of the previous reviewers wrote. I also wanted to stop watching after 20 minutes but I was so curious to see if it could get worse. It did.
The elements were there to make an "OK" movie. After all, weren't there a lot of situations we can relate to, or have lived, or seen on the "gay scene"?
The announcement "I want a straight lover who is gay just for me" is a fantasy many of us must have had at least once, and could have been the basis for a funny story, as it could also have been used for a more serious movie...
But the acting was dreadful, the directing also, as was the sound.
Not worth more reviewing.
The elements were there to make an "OK" movie. After all, weren't there a lot of situations we can relate to, or have lived, or seen on the "gay scene"?
The announcement "I want a straight lover who is gay just for me" is a fantasy many of us must have had at least once, and could have been the basis for a funny story, as it could also have been used for a more serious movie...
But the acting was dreadful, the directing also, as was the sound.
Not worth more reviewing.
Goodbye Charlie Bright
(2001)
Poignant
7 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
One reviewer said that it would be "hard for anyone from another country "to relate" to this movie...
This is so not true. Of course, there are some typical British situations, and being Belgian (Dutch/French speaking, but having studied to be an English teacher and having traveled around the English speaking countries from North America, via Africa, to Asia), well yes, I had some trouble understanding "the language". But I did the "rewind" thing, over and over, and managed to understand most of what was said.
This is not typical for the UK, these situations happen, everywhere. I have known and witnessed this, on a "lighter" scale, here.
OK, about the movie: this is a really beautiful story of friendship and love. I came upon this movie by a site, referring to it as "gay themed", so I "had to see it".
Well, no. There isn't anything "gay" or "gay themed", it is just a story of very strong friendship (probably also due to social circumstances) and deep love, and "brotherly love", but nothing gay related. OK, I am gay and I like to see gay related movies, but don't go looking for that here.
I was impressed, very deeply. This is such a poignant story about friendship. All the actors do a very good job and I will look for more films with the main actors, they moved me very much. This was unexpected. Again: I was impressed.
I am a fan of British cinema, and this movie is "one to see", definitely.
This is so not true. Of course, there are some typical British situations, and being Belgian (Dutch/French speaking, but having studied to be an English teacher and having traveled around the English speaking countries from North America, via Africa, to Asia), well yes, I had some trouble understanding "the language". But I did the "rewind" thing, over and over, and managed to understand most of what was said.
This is not typical for the UK, these situations happen, everywhere. I have known and witnessed this, on a "lighter" scale, here.
OK, about the movie: this is a really beautiful story of friendship and love. I came upon this movie by a site, referring to it as "gay themed", so I "had to see it".
Well, no. There isn't anything "gay" or "gay themed", it is just a story of very strong friendship (probably also due to social circumstances) and deep love, and "brotherly love", but nothing gay related. OK, I am gay and I like to see gay related movies, but don't go looking for that here.
I was impressed, very deeply. This is such a poignant story about friendship. All the actors do a very good job and I will look for more films with the main actors, they moved me very much. This was unexpected. Again: I was impressed.
I am a fan of British cinema, and this movie is "one to see", definitely.
Dorian Gray
(2009)
After several tries, I watched tonight. And liked it!
5 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie a lot. That is, once I finally decided to watch it. I had tried so many times but it just wouldn't work, there was something bothering me. I guess tonight was the right moment to watch this Dorian Gray. And I am so pleased I did.
I had read the novel, 25 years ago when I studied to be an English teacher (I never became one...) and as it seems, some changes have been made. It is often the case when a movie derives from a book, so I don't make a fuss anymore: this was a nice movie after all.
I was impressed by Ben Barnes. I have known him from the Narnia's, and I liked him a lot in "Easy Virtue". "Killing Bono" was "too much" for me, I couldn't watch it till the end. But here, he was at his best.
Someone wrote that - without clothes - he looked like a 12 year old... Well... I found him to be attractive, with or without clothes (you really don't see much "without"...), so I guess I will have to talk about this with my psychiatrist...
Colin Firth was, as always, very good. I think he can manage very well being "the bad guy", or other dramatic roles, such as in "A Single Man" and "The King's Speech".
Rebecca Hall was very good too, for the few minutes we had the pleasure of seeing her... I didn't know her but will be watching what she does in the future...
As for all British movies, I was also impressed by the decors and the overall historical approach (I mean how London was at that time, and the Bourgeois mentality, etc. etc.) The movie is sometimes slow, sometimes too fast. For this, and other minor details, my vote is 8/10.
I had read the novel, 25 years ago when I studied to be an English teacher (I never became one...) and as it seems, some changes have been made. It is often the case when a movie derives from a book, so I don't make a fuss anymore: this was a nice movie after all.
I was impressed by Ben Barnes. I have known him from the Narnia's, and I liked him a lot in "Easy Virtue". "Killing Bono" was "too much" for me, I couldn't watch it till the end. But here, he was at his best.
Someone wrote that - without clothes - he looked like a 12 year old... Well... I found him to be attractive, with or without clothes (you really don't see much "without"...), so I guess I will have to talk about this with my psychiatrist...
Colin Firth was, as always, very good. I think he can manage very well being "the bad guy", or other dramatic roles, such as in "A Single Man" and "The King's Speech".
Rebecca Hall was very good too, for the few minutes we had the pleasure of seeing her... I didn't know her but will be watching what she does in the future...
As for all British movies, I was also impressed by the decors and the overall historical approach (I mean how London was at that time, and the Bourgeois mentality, etc. etc.) The movie is sometimes slow, sometimes too fast. For this, and other minor details, my vote is 8/10.
Two Brothers
(2004)
Made me think about a lot of things...
4 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I have gone through all of the 120 reviews after seeing this beautiful movie.
All has been said before. Yes, I was very moved too. Yes, I was shocked too. I admired the beautiful nature & wildlife and got angry at 1900's behavior of Mankind.
If you take your children to go see a movie, you should inform before. Especially if you buy the DVD, you should view it rapidly before showing it to your kids. You should be aware of the time spirit too. This is called taking responsibility. Don't come complaining afterwards...
JJ Annaud did a very good job. The film does not disturb by its cruelty to animals, it disturbs because reality is shown.
Not one of the 120 reviewers noted - or mentioned - a very interesting scene at the beginning of the film. A locals says "this statue is too heavy" and Aidan McRory (Guy Pierce) replies "just cut the head"... Many of those statues - or parts of it - are now not only in musea, but also in houses of "normal" people around the globe... Why didn't anyone notice this? JJ Annaud only shows reality: we, westerns (UK, FR...) just plundered the colonies & so called protectorates, and started to kill the wildlife at a big scale. This is reality. Maybe not a film to go see with young children, if you want them to ignore what really happened/happens in this world.
I gave it a 10/10, for a lot of reasons. The main one being, it made me think about what we are doing to this planet.
All has been said before. Yes, I was very moved too. Yes, I was shocked too. I admired the beautiful nature & wildlife and got angry at 1900's behavior of Mankind.
If you take your children to go see a movie, you should inform before. Especially if you buy the DVD, you should view it rapidly before showing it to your kids. You should be aware of the time spirit too. This is called taking responsibility. Don't come complaining afterwards...
JJ Annaud did a very good job. The film does not disturb by its cruelty to animals, it disturbs because reality is shown.
Not one of the 120 reviewers noted - or mentioned - a very interesting scene at the beginning of the film. A locals says "this statue is too heavy" and Aidan McRory (Guy Pierce) replies "just cut the head"... Many of those statues - or parts of it - are now not only in musea, but also in houses of "normal" people around the globe... Why didn't anyone notice this? JJ Annaud only shows reality: we, westerns (UK, FR...) just plundered the colonies & so called protectorates, and started to kill the wildlife at a big scale. This is reality. Maybe not a film to go see with young children, if you want them to ignore what really happened/happens in this world.
I gave it a 10/10, for a lot of reasons. The main one being, it made me think about what we are doing to this planet.
Friends and Lovers
(2010)
Mixed feelings
2 September 2012
Hmmmm, this is my first review ever, and I'm kind of nervous about it...
Well, I had to stop the movie once in a while and do something else for a moment, but I kept on getting back to watch. It's rather slow and I think, for people not knowing the situation, not so easy to follow.
The idea is interesting. I've been in love with a few straight people (when I was much younger...), I can relate... :-) Most of the actors do a good job, but I felt the acting a little "woody" ("stiff"?) sometimes. I've checked their other activities on IMDb-info and they seem all like relative beginners...
If you watch the movie with that in mind, plus the fact that it's not a theme everyone can relate to, you will spend a good 90 minutes.
Well, I had to stop the movie once in a while and do something else for a moment, but I kept on getting back to watch. It's rather slow and I think, for people not knowing the situation, not so easy to follow.
The idea is interesting. I've been in love with a few straight people (when I was much younger...), I can relate... :-) Most of the actors do a good job, but I felt the acting a little "woody" ("stiff"?) sometimes. I've checked their other activities on IMDb-info and they seem all like relative beginners...
If you watch the movie with that in mind, plus the fact that it's not a theme everyone can relate to, you will spend a good 90 minutes.
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