Denny-45 Reviews

Nang Nak (1999)

Drama Of Dharma

[8/10 · 25 November 2007]

This movie becomes landmark of the birth of Thailand as baby boomer in Cinema Industry. Yes, it's so Asian. It has a national and cultural identity. You can feel the atmosphere of Thai's village and its society. You can taste the mystical east here. But the dominant nuance in this movie is Theravadic Buddhism. It becomes an important keyword from this movie, and it becomes the problem solver for the conflict.

Nang Nak tells us about a folk legend in Thailand around 19th century. It is a beautiful horror story about a man named Mak, whom his wife (Nak) is dead with her baby when she gives birth. Mak don't know about it, because he was in war when his wife dead. When Mak return to his home, he is life happily with his wife and their baby. Things' getting worse when Mak's friend tells him that Mak is currently living with ghost. Mak discuss this issue with Nak, and Nak is adding that is so sad because people around her tell bad rumors about her. She says people accuse her doing affair with another guy when Mak is serving at war. After that, Mak's friend is suddenly dead.

You can guess what happened next, it's not so complicated nor so unusual, but how Nonzee Nimibutr use the plot is so interesting. We are made keep guessing and never know what actually happened till the mid of the movie. And next are quite horrifying scenes, and ended with so emotional ending. Although the visual effects are not so special, the setting, costumes, and make up are quite good. It has a quite good moral value about mortality and impermanence. This movie is not only a high quality horror. It's a drama of Dharma.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)

Delightful initial memoir of an ex-crusader saint.

[8/10 · 30 October 2007]

This film gives us an ideal figure of a Christian. Yes, Francesco of Assisi is a true follower of Christ. He is a spiritual disciple of Yeshua Ben Yosef (Jesus). The movie tells us about it beautifully. Francesco was a Crusader. When he returned from the holy land, he realizes that war and killing is wrong, even if it's done by the name of God. Just like the sage that experience "enlightenment", Francesco aware that Jesus Himself abandon luxurious materials and become poor. Francois also aware that even birds got food everyday without need to twine (work). He rejects the material pursuit of Catholic Church authorities and his society. Then he establishes his own monastery and in the end, the Pope himself sees that Francois is a "right" person. For me, this movie is worth to see for every spiritual seeker. I enjoy the scene when Francois do full nudity in front of inhabitants and force them to throw away their gold and other extravagant stuffs. I also enjoy when in the end Pope Innocent III bow in front of Francesco and kiss his feet. The pretty panorama of Italian mountains and flower plain is attracted me so much. Nothing technically novel from this film. It's more Hollywood than Neo-Realism. It's easy to understand, yet, it is so poetic. I very recommended this movie for everyone who wants to follow/be acquainted with Christ. Brother Sun and Sister Moon can help you awaken your sleeping heart. Brother Wind and Sister Air can sublime your awareness. Just hear their tunes

GoGo Sentai Boukenger vs. Super Sentai (2007 Video)

Not too good for a super sentai anniversary tribute

[6/10 · 4 July 2007]

The one thing that very attract me from this movie is the appearance of AKA RED. It's the ultimate ranger who possess the power of all 30 red rangers. He is a mysterious character who never shows his identity, nor he doesn't have any human identity (somehow he's similar to Shurikenger from Hurricanger). The story is simply simple. It's about Bouken Silver who tries to save his five other rangers by asking help from tries SENPAI (senior previous rangers). They are Hurricane Blue (Hurricanger), Abare Black (Abaranger), Deka Bright (Dekaranger), Magi Yellow and Magi Shine (both from Magiranger). The lack of the story is that the reason why Bouken Silver only meet these rangers is not been explained. Does AKA Red's Super Sentai Address Book that been given to Bouken Silver only contain their profile and addresses? The action scene is standard. Nothing new except you can see AKA Red doing the Henshin scene to transform to another red rangers. Another interest from this movie is that you can see the return of the pretty Hurricane Blue (as an artist), and also some cute villains from previous sentai series. Well, if you a fan of sentai series or Power Rangers, you absolutely must see it.

After Hours (I) (1985)

It's a comical urban story

[7/10 · 1 July 2007]

It is how it feels when you are in the wrong place, wrong time, wrong momentum, with a crummy luck. The whole town is pursuing you. Paul Hackett is an unfortunate person, who tries to leaving SoHo city to his home. Bad lucks occurring one by one, and in the middle of the story, he is accused as a burglar. The movie itself tries to show the nuance of the night in urban area of America. In the movie, you can see Scorsese's cameo appearance in the scene when Paul is try to meet Marcy and Daren (his friends)in the punk nightclub, when Paul is tried to be balded. Scorsese is seen playing the spotlight for a few seconds. Yes, it is a quite light entertaining feature from Scorsese. It's witty and comical. It has aspects of black comedy, and in the end of the movie, I'm sure you gonna smile on it. I can not find any essential weakness in this movie, but it's also not anchoring in my mind. It's the first time Scorsese not using DeNiro as his main actor.If you a fan of Scorsese, you must see it.

Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West (2005)

Wonderful Documentary! It Really Unveils the Facts!

[9/10 · 12 April 2007]

Some people said that this movie is propaganda. Maybe it has a little bit aspect of that, but overall, I can say definitely that this is a well done documentary movie. It has a very high objectivity and clarity value. It depict clearly from many video sources what the radical—actually, it's the real—Islam have done that really against humanity in all over the world.

Through this movie, you can see how these Muslims did a desecration and destruction to Churches, Temples, and other non-Muslim holy shrines. You also can witness how the Muslim Leaders obligate Muslim to do Jihad all over the world, specially to conquer America and U.K. There is a cut from Muslim propaganda in this movie that depicts America as a hunter in this world, therefore proper to be shattered. There is also a funny cut from the internet that shows rap song video clip that sung by Muslim that exhibit the robust of Islam (Bin Laden, Hamas and Hezbullah).

This movie is filled by opinions and arguments from persons who know deeply about Islam. There is an ex-Jihadist, Islam Studies Expert, Islam critics, a daughter of a martyr, et cetera. One good and correct analogy that has been made in this movie is parallelism between Islam and Nazism. You can witness the strict doctrine from both, specially implicated to the way they annihilate their enemy (The Kuffar and the Jews). You also can see the exact similarity of iconic pose from Nazism and Radical Islam (when their followers do a Hail Hitler pose/raised their right hand).

You can see distinctly that those Muslims greatest desire—following their religion command—is to death for the sake of Allah, because it can really send them directly to the heaven that filled with 72 virgins, fruits, and rivers of wine. Through this movie, maybe you will have a better understanding about how dangerous Islam is.

Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957)

Excellent, IT"S THE WORST Hollywood MOVIE I"VE EVER SEEN.

[3/10 · 7 April 2007]

There are a lot of aspects from this unique movie that made me consider it as the worst Hollywood movie I've ever seen. First, it's about the director (Ed Wood). Many people agree that he is the worst Hollywood directors of all times (although some people also said that he is an alienated genius). Second, it's about the story. Alien in human form who tried to use plan 9 (resurrecting dead people) to subject earth? What a mess. Third, it's about the Muse en scene aspect. The actor, the setting, the properties, the wardrobe, the cinematography, the special effects, they all are terrible. Look at how Wood tried to replace Bela Lugosi with an actor who permitted to show his eyes and cover the other body part, whom it's eye and gesture doesn't even fit with Lugosi. Look at the thin thread that hanged over the silly flying sources, what a crap. Look also the cockpit setting in this movie. It really made me laugh. Fourth, see also the humiliating montage from this movie. You'll find that night shot and day shot combined in one scene (through a single continuity). You'll also see many jumping scenes in this movie.

For me, the whole movie is a comedy. The armies fight the UFO then vampire appears? It's just like a parody, even though Wood actually made a serious toned movie. If you tried to consider it as a standardized since fiction Hollywood movie, you'll get disappointed. Realize that it's a bad movie before you watch it, than you'll find that this movie is quite entertaining. Yes, it's a cult movie. It's a history.

Submission: Part I (2004 TV Short)

High score for the courage!

[9/10 · 2 March 2007]

Well, I've never saw a movie that tries to reveal the truth about Islam. This is the only movie i know that strike to the heart of Islam very very softly. this is a clever critic about that anti-critical religion.

With the style of narration from the main female protagonist, we can understand about a simple tragedy in Islamic environment, but have a deep and tremendous impact to the her paradigm. She begin to asking herself about her God and religion.

Nudity (even transparency of body like in the film) and tattoo is a sin to Islam. Van Gogh dare to depict it as an connotative index for in-obedience to Islamic law. This is a very good satire, because the main female character is an obedient person. By only her beautiful eyes, we can see her sexual appeals. Yes, she is obedient and erotic.

This movie is as expensive as van Gogh's life. very very worthy. It tried to show us that blind submission (particularry by tradition) is the heresy itself.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972)

Allen's real breakthrough

[8/10 · 7 January 2007]

Well, it's quite interesting to watch this classic. The title of the film itself really catchy. Every segments of the film is "different", although it's related on sex issue. It's like been done by several directors. Here in "Do Some Women Have Trouble Reaching Orgasm?" segment you can see Allen doing homage to Antonioni and Fellini. The scene of giant boob in "Are the Findings of Doctors and Clinics Who Do Sexual Research Accurate?" is so wacky. The only Allen's movie that depicting clearly and hugely female breast and it's tits. Fall in love with a sheep? That's lunatic! You can see it on "What is Sodomy?" segment. The 'What Happens During Ejaculation?' segment is the finest and the climax. It tells that even a single sperm have consciousness to afraid being ejaculated. Although the story is not from Allen, it's Allen's movie with his wildest imagination.It's his real breakthrough.

Bakuryû sentai Abarenjâ vs Harikenjâ (2004 Video)

Double Trio Triumph (with it's comrades!)

[7/10 · 4 September 2006]

This movie is an annual tradition from super sentai series, when the current series (2003's Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger) met it's predecessor (2002 sentai series, Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger). This kind of tradition begun with Gorangers Vs JAKQ (1976), and then OhRanger vs Kakuranger (1995) till now. The main rangers from Abaranger and Hurricanger are only three (Red, Yellow, Blue for each). It is a bit rarely in sentai series tradition. The two trios teams team-up in a movie. This is really exciting. You can see the cute Hurricane Blue and the pretty Abare Yellow in a scene ^_^. You'll also see the installation of all the rangers weapons (9 weapons) into an ultimate weapon. You also can see the Hurricangers and GoRaijers mecha came out from Abare Black's Brachio!. It's awesome. With the help of Abare Black, The GoRaijers, and mysterious appearance from Shurikanger, even though the Hurricangers mecha is beat by Abare Killer's mecha, the double trio can achieve their triumph.

It's Dino Guts meet Ninja Spirits

Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger vs. Super Sentai (2001 Video)

The Longest Japan TV Series is alive

[7/10 · 1 September 2006]

It's a bless for Gaoranger (2001 Sentai Series)to meet and trained by it's predecessor mentors. Gao Yellow got lessons from Red Falcon (LIVEMAN)about courage and swordsmanship. Gao Black got lessons from Ginga Blue (GINGAMAN)about strength. The pretty Gao White got Lessons from Mega Pink (MEGARANGER) about feminism and masquerading. And Gao Blue got lessons from Go Yellow (GOGO FIVE)about skill and efforts. The BIG ONE (JAKQ)is a flamboyant leader here, and Gao Red take a past lesson from his comrades how to beat 3 monsters alone! Yes, you also can look at vehicle or mecha from JAKQ to Gaorangers, and see the appearance of all sentai's red ranger from Go Ranger to Gao Ranger. So far, it's the coolest tribute to Sentai series I've ever seen. It's have the tradition of the series. It's cliché, but it's catchy.

Bringing Out the Dead (1999)

Quite impressive but underrated

[8/10 · 2 August 2006]

This is the next movie after Scorsese launched the superb biopic Kundun (you can hear the Tibetan Buddhist bell when the Touchstone Studio Logo appears). Bringing Out The Dead (BOTD) tells a story about an ambulance paramedic named Frank Pierce (Nicholas Cage). The story begins when he and another rescuer, Larry (John Goodman) saved a man named Mr. Burke from heart failure. Mr. Burke is saved but coma, while Pierce is getting close with his daughter, Mary (Patricia Arquette). Pierce somehow he can feel the death's souls present around him, specially the soul of Rose, the street girl whom he failed to save. Rose is looks like haunting him. This condition, the pressure from his job, and the burden that he hadn't save nobody's live for few months make him stress. The top of his peevish is when his ambulance—ride by Marcus (Ving Rhames)—had accident because Marcus is drunk. Pierce later followed Mary goes to some kind of sanctuary named Oasis where he use drugs and hallucinating but can take Mary home. The climax of the story is when he decide to end Mr. Burke's live because according to him and visualized to the audience, Mr. Burke asked him so (in coma condition). The Frank Pierce character is interesting and so human. He struggle with his believe that saving others is important and exciting, and he show us that live as a rescuer is worthy. The story of BOTD is simple to be followed, yet it quite entertaining and have good messages. The character Noel (Mark Anthony), a lunatic man in the street is a little bit cliché but still have an important significance to the dramatic flow. The music and the cinematography is Scorsese's signature. Overall, it's quite impressive and enjoyable movie by Scorsese. Too bad, it's underrated.

De-Lovely (2004)

Standard Biopic Of a Remarkable Songwriter

[7/10 · 2 July 2006]

It's a movie about Cole Porter, one of the greatest jazz/popular composer. The Porter life story itself is quite good and dramatic to be filmed by Hollywood, but the implementation, the result, I can't say it's bad, but not too bite. May be it would be different if the filmmaker is Martin Scorsese, Milos Forman, Oliver Stone, or Ron Howard. The storyline is easy to follow. With some flashback element, creating blending of time line mood in this movie. The special performances by modern day artists (Robbie Williams, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, etc.) are credits to this cozy movie. It's drama flow is not maximum, that's why I'd called it not too bite. The setting and art direction, the sound and the editing, the acting of the players, all are standard. Those element are not extravagant and nothing special/unique about them. Although many aspect are standard, it's absolutely a lovely musical drama, and it's a must too see movie if you are classy.

Be with Me (2005)

Simply Superb

[8/10 · 21 June 2006]

This Singaporean movie consist of 3 different stories, but there's a moment when the stories be connected (4 example like Love Actually). The ultimate story is "Meant To Be", a--narrative biographical--story about Theresa Chan, a single almost old lady who is deaf and blind. She conditionally made relation with an old cooker-man who is miserable since the death of her wive. The second, "Finding Love" is about a fat security guard who adore an elegant woman and try to get her. "So in Love", the 3rd one is about love story between 2 girls (lesbian), Jackie and Sam. The idea of the stories are so realistic and touching.I'm an Asian too, and have to admit that this is one of the greatest modern Singapore movie. This movie is lack of luxurious miser en scene or montage, contrary, it's so smooth and soft with it's minimum dialog between the characters and melancholic original score, and sentimental cinematography, make this movie so sacred and live.

Hinokio (2005)

Good east movie with west charms

[8/10 · 6 March 2006]

It's a good movie, worth too look. The cinematography is well. The visual effect are erection yet soft. The storyline is dramatic.The characters are really Japanese stereotype, but some things are too Western. The Purgatory theme are based on the west (Christian) belief. Instead using the Samsara belief, the movie-maker try to make this film goes international by adding some west "charms", such as the purgatory (linear life), English languished theme songs, and Pinokio fable (the Blue Fairy is Eriko in the game or maybe God Himself). Somehow, it's remind me to Artificial Intelegence (Spielberg's), but the idea of taking control the robot is Japanese typical (so many films in Japan that the heroes controlling some mecha to beat the bad guy). The act of the players are good, the director choose the correct players to depict the characters (jun is so tomboy but sweet, Eriko is so pretty, the mother is so beautiful). For me, it's a fine teenage love story. Adults can take some lesson from it. Moreover, it's a story about family, how to develop good relations inside the family. Well, some things are irrational (the technology, the magic), but it's really a heartwarming movie.

Beyond the Sea (2004)

if you love white men's popular jazz, you gonna love this movie

[8/10 · 17 November 2005]

Although Bobby Darin's life is not so legendary and anti-climax,it's a nice to watch film by Spacey (he believe he was born to play Bobby Darin). With some additional dramaturgy to Darrin's real life,makes the film feel so contemporary Hollywood biopic. I think Spacey is a bit too old to role as 20/30 years Darin. His physical similarity with Darin is also not too precise, but he can sing and dance as good as Darin. This semi musical film contains a perfect musical appearance (visually and audiology)by the band musicians and the dancers. Peter Cincotti made a good simple role here. The most impressive moment in this movie for me is when old Bobby Darin and (psycological)little Bobby Darin sing the song "As Long as I'm Singing" together. The big story line tells the Darin's relation with Sandra Dee. It's an encouraging love story between them. The twist that Darin's sister is actually Darin's mother makes this film worth enough to reflected. Overall, if you love white men's popular jazz, you gonna love this movie.