evandewangga97 Reviews

The Terminator (1984)

The Birth of Machine-Fiction

[8/10 · 19 February 2015]

This is the first successful debut of Cameron as director. And he did it really nice. I am personally a man of movie taste, that really likes originality as the basic aspect. In this year (2010's), however, there are so many copycats in cinema. The rebirth of idea, is so rotten, that even the visual-effects is brand-new, the story is unpleasantly same. I just can't watch movie like that. Fortunately, I've found the era of idea treasure, it was in 1980's, the new beginning of action and science fiction. "The Terminator", is one of the first notable movie that defines its decade. It is somehow full of explosion, but still pay attention in its screenplay. Yeah, I know that the acting is not that good, but just be honest, the robot's acting, good or bad it is always the same. Don't mind the acting from the robot character, at least for this movie. A little awkward act don't break the entire movie, but there are other reasons that make it worth eight out of ten. My general statement for this film is astonishingly creative from the screenplay until the editing, mind the acting.

Usually, it's hard to make something new even in the movie, and it is harder to be accepted by the general audience. But, I think it is just came at the exact time. From the time-line of cinema we know that "Star Wars" and "Alien" have started the trend of science fiction in the late 1970's. But, the firework of this genre is begin in 1980's, when there are so many "scientific" creature that starred the movie. From robot, UFO, alien, etc. So do the action-genre, it also began in 1980's, "Raiders of The Lost Ark" hit the movie-lovers with not so familiar genre. It can be concluded that "The Terminator" came at the right time. When the hype of all the trend is high, it released as one of the science fiction node. Just think, everyone, no matter who, must have been heard about this movie. It's just another effect of the trend. Even until now, they keep airing this movie over and over. Just for introduce the original-sequel of epic fiction.

Let's talk about the movie itself. Don't worry, it's still human enough. Of all, the science fiction aspect I just love the future- fairy-tale spoken by future human. And, the unaccepted story by the nowadays human, that's all I mean in that movie. The feeling of being alone in the world, trapped in another world that nobody would care of you. Yeah, that pain only available in story, or in reality if we truly experienced it. The action is so incredible, society realizes another kind of suspense, the fast scene with so many explosion. That's the modern suspense. With the climax in the end of the movie and obvious yet unbeatable enemy, just other classic aspects of "The Terminator". In fact, it's the Cameron style to provide such a splendid cinema experience, that I think everyone would sit and watch until the movie is ended. Brilliant directing skill in middle era of cinema.

Nevertheless, it is the birth of machine-fiction. I just admire the very idea, combined with technical aspects, this movie is nothing but pleasantly-sharp.

Finding Nemo (2003)

The Pixar Quality

[9/10 · 6 February 2015]

Animation, maybe one of the hardest movie to be made. It's filled with the digital image, that isn't easy to be changed. Once the scene is done, the editors sometimes don't want to remade or retake it. The "cooking" phase is in the writing section, must be ripe enough to be served by the editorial-department. Especially, when it comes to the blockbuster of cinema, just like "Finding Nemo". It's not worth when the screenplay is not as good as the editing, the emptiness of amazing animated feature. But, Pixar never miss the point of great movies,e from the technology in film editing, until the deep message for the young generation. For "Finding Nemo", Pixar gave so much visual pleasure with the classic problem of human life. And, still holds the reality of the fish in front of human. Yes, I mean it's from the fish perspective, and it's maybe happened in animal's life, but human haven't notice it yet, even fish is not as smart as in this movie. The colorful settings bring joy to every child who watch this. Moreover, the funny scenario, just added other delicious seasoning in this Pixar first mass blockbuster.

Next, to the core of the story. It's simply entertaining and cinematic. I mean this story can be told only by movie, not story or music, etc. Two points of view, with exact transition. The beginning, is honestly like a template-idea. But, just the intro, not the entire. The classic problem of family is given with humble way of cinema. A dad-son relationship, which every child probably feel it, so does the father. More than that, Pixar still gives the smart and funny comedy. Children is pleasant with the animation, story, and the comedy. What's more for them to enjoy. The film actually doesn't only takes one or two settings. It is an adventure, and has many powerful scene. Every scene with new supernumerary, but with educating characterization. Yes, why not added some sciences for children. Catchy fish in every scene, and though-provoking plot. They can't leave the cinema before the end of the movie.

And, I may add some critics on this new-standard of animation. Again, maybe some blockbuster not as good as the non-visual-effects- movie. I mean it is good, not excellent. For the warm-up of studio, it is great, but let's not talk about the dimension of time. I really know the perfection of animation, but why not add some more twisting and deep plot. You know "Toy Story", is just what Pixar done in genius way. Focus on some deeper characterization of that extra-character and it could be really delightful. My opinion is just for another Pixar's movie. It has already got the mass-editing- experience. And it's ready to launch another classic to the upcoming generation. With that superb quality, and the developing technology, I think Pixar will be made some other "Finding Nemo"s. And I expect with the mass-effects and wonderfully-written story.

A must watch of every 2000's generation, a beginning of new era of American animation.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

True Piece of Art

[9/10 · 14 January 2015]

We will never expect what Kubrick would made. But, when he directed in his own universe, one for sure is we must be shocked and astonished. Whether you are Kubrick's fan or not, you won't forget every work of his hand. So do the controversial "A Clockwork Orange", you can really define wonderful world of Kubrick thought by this very movie. It's also a great idea of Anthony Burgess, the novelist who wrote it. A pile of great literature served on the table of motion picture, in the teenage age of movie industry. That abstract combination is just the base of this art. I mean, you can't really understand what it could mean. Just watch it and translate it with your own mind, don't worry with the interpretation. The Kubrick's point is to entertain audiences with their comprehension, not his ideology or critic's opinion. Honestly, it's the first Kubrick's movie I have watched, and it leads me to characterize who is he.

Let's jump to the story. It's hard to believe the cinematic effect of this movie in 1971. A real movie that you can watch in every aspect of it, such as its cinematography, settings, and strong- character. In one hand, the plot is so vivid, that you can choke all the scene entertainingly. The rape, classic "ultraviolence", and all the slang. Masterpiece of dialog in this "disturbing" movie. A bunch full of sex-scene that shocked the entire movie fan that day even until now, but it's all make sense for the art of movie, the very bold violence. In the other hand, it's very abstract, just like the other Kubrick's work. The director often erase some important points from the novel just to make interesting effects, which is ignorance, puzzlement, yet amazement. For all impressionist, you can get very excited by its uncommon way to impress audiences. This is the point I say that it is indeed a true piece of art, no censor, vulgarity, or taboo thing, just the original amusement with its dark beauty. Comedy about blackness that isn't mark society, instead just to fulfill the art requirement. Not for the audiences who seek moral value, but suitable for you who want to criticize moral.

It is divided into to part. I named it, the first is the "ultraviolence", and the second is the "therapy". Both of them has shadowy chasing with nasty core. The "ultraviolence" is dreadful as is, with the construction of awful figure. I advise, don't be to confuse, in spite of being innocent yet follower of each scene. There is no taboo here. The "therapy", is just a simple conclusion that everyone could imagine. But the latent effects of this "therapy" is logical as Kubrick had ever done. It makes sense in the end, a simply undefined movie. It's rather a fantasy than a science- fiction, because it's so absurd, pleasantly imaginative. So surrealist, with Beethoven as the background-music. Fast motion and other effects, just to form the entire amazing sequence.

Yeah, it's easy on its skin, but dark inside. A movie that is really disturbingly unforgettable. Great art.

Amadeus (1984)

Closest Way to Define Ingenuity

[9/10 · 13 January 2015]

Just like my several previous reviews, personally I am very sensitive with humanity. All I see and absorb is in human's view. Again, human as a truly human. Not just the physical appearance, a bunch of talent, or even the incapability. Human is indeed the conscience itself, the feeling of empathy, or we can say the very soul of human. It is connected with characterization of the movie. The more "human" the character is, it indicates the rate of the movie. But, that's technical. In addition, the biography-movie must have very strong character and improvisation. And, "Amadeus" drives away the human value in a delightful way.

Of course, nobody will not expect what a vulgar man Mozart would be. We just live in a different era with him. The movie just capture the reflection of Mozart by his letter, so we can enjoy Mozart that has peculiar personality. I give applause for Tom Hulce, he gave his best for this monumental role. A strong protagonist combined with the stronger antagonist, just make the complication feels so perfect. How wonderful F. Murray Abraham act for this cinema. He deserved the Oscar, without a doubt. The feature simply about two sides of the paradigm, we can understand how Mozart and his rival, Salieri, defines how they walk their life. You know, it's just make me realized, that even the talented man like Mozart, still had so many classic problems, like family, economics, or relationship. Meanwhile, Forman crafted the act well with the other elements of movies. Such as, the music. Of course it's about a musician, you must make the great play-list in the movie-sequence. So do the make- up-artist and the setting-maker, great work for them. At least, you can really feel the atmosphere of Vienna in that century by watching it. At last, the scenario is just a breakthrough of the biopic- movie. In my opinion, the historical correct is the best way to define each person. Yes, I know some of the part is incorrect, but the personality of each role is nearly perfect. A history-adviser accompanied Forman to make this movie. Of course, Forman can't follow all the historical-advice, he is more concerns with the entertaining way to provide that history. And he did it awesomely. It's very complex, but the world admitted the achievement of Forman.

From the technical, let's jump to the value and idea. I just love the fresh value and idea. The idea, is just like another great film, really unique yet brilliant. Story-telling-movie from the man who is jealous with Mozart. Yes, the hater of Mozart, in front of clergyman. A smart way to define someone. More than that, I just can see the talent of a Mozart, very real-visualized. But, humanity is met the struggle of the world, you know like foods, money, and fame. Even the genius man can reach all of that when he ignore the basic lesson of how to live in his era. People just admire, and it's not the guarantee that you will be helped by them. Unfortunately, Mozart didn't master it. He is genius in one way, but idiot in another way. "Amadeus" brought all that value in a very emotional way. It's 3 hours though, but you won't regret it. There are always reasons why someone make this movie this long.

So, that's all I need to say. I give nine out of ten for all those aspects and value. Let's add another deep message and I'll give it ten. But, after all, "Amadeus" is splendid.

The Shining (1980)

Another Kind of Horror

[9/10 · 28 December 2014]

1980, the new beginning of decades in cinema. And Kubrick brought the most memorable horror of all time. I think it's not a horror after all, it's an unclassified-genre, a Kubrick's very own genre. For me, it is not scary, maybe because the cultural gap between the western and eastern. The Asian-horror, usually frightening young woman appears as ghost, is my cultural-horror. I mean, you know ghost, in every culture is different. At the one hand, if you believe in ghost or those mythical things, this movie is worth to watch, it's from Stephen King's novel itself. In the other hand, if you don't believe, don't worry, Kubrick make another alternative to enjoy this movie. Watch it as a psychological-problem-movie, with suspenseful scene in it. So, two perspective in a movie, who could believe that, but Kubrick made it true. And about its difference from the novel, I don't know if you are a novel reader or what. But, I do appreciate King as the writer, he has good sense in writing mystery-novel. I haven't read the novel though, but King as writer, had done a great job. For Kubrick, you may say, he had torture the masterpiece of writing. So, King is right to defend his work of art. But Kubrick also had a fantastic sense of cinematography, that's why it's okay for him to change the story a little too far. Anyway, I adore both of them.

"The Shining", however, is pure entertainment in my opinion. It doesn't criticize the culture, society, beliefs, or anything else. A magical movie construction with little jumbled sequence and undefined evil spirit in it. It's okay for me, what audiences really seek is the intense-scene itself, not the comprehension of the symbol in movie. It gets wrong when the movie is bad and boring, but not for "The Shining" which is very genius in that very era. Kubrick doesn't add twist, just leaves the movie-mystery behind. To make the audiences keep wondering, and that's good. Nicholson did a really intimidating-acting, one of the best act from him that I've ever seen. The story itself, I mean the screenplay from the movie, is just so tremendous, though-provoking, and cold. I just can get enough claustrophobia from this film. And what's very touching is "the shining" itself, people that can shine, or has talent to communicate with spirits. The way the movie leads to point a very different way to understand such a weird-talent. You know, children, they are really plain and honest, just a tiny kick for showing new view.

Nine out of ten, I rate this movie. With small-amount of moral value, I usually don't rate movie as high as this. But the cultural- impact of this movie is remained until now. Not just in America, but reaches my country also, Indonesia. "All work and no play makes Jack adult boy" comes in my English assignment. Look, it is from the 1980's cinema and still leaves trace until now. With not so many awards, it gives so much unique pleasure. The accomplishment of great cinema-inventiveness. What a charmed feature!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Sweet Romance Fiction of Modern Era

[9/10 · 28 December 2014]

What's teenage movie about? Yes, it's always about love, break-up, love again, and friendship. Seems boring, but love itself is endless. Let me give the border for "love" in this review. It's not about love that I usually write in my other review. Just love from man and woman for her/his couple. As simple as that, the way modern teenage know it too well. Contemporary love we can call it, and contemporary movies we often watched it about this kind of love. So, what's so special about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)? It is the unusual but still romantic idea about love. A science-fiction indeed, not about alien, computer, future, but simply about the way to move one from a man or woman. Ordinary teenage problem, and how this era help teenage to do it. Of course, it has been one decade since it was first released. And technology looks so different even just past 10 years. So, let us just focus on 2004, only cell-phone, and so few of social media. I think the more modern humans are, the harder they will move on, especially for young generation. It's interesting-subject for new-born era of the new-born century.

First, let's dig about the very content of this movie. A stressful young man indeed who want to move on. Simple, humble, but there is something more. The fictional way to get it, that's the brilliant idea. I don't want to spoil about how or why, I just want to highlight the point of this teenage problem. Teens always want to be practical, instant, fast, by ignoring the way, and just focus on the results. They don't care how it would happen and the consequences, they just keep blaming, crying, and sad. Yes, it's a part of adolescence though. People gets wiser with it. And the point is the whole young- generation meets high-technology, although it's only fiction, but it's a picture of reality. Again, they don't really know the effect, they even don't really know what they really want. I mean it could be crucial for the next upcoming age, especially for our young-generation. The technology is done carefully, but the usage is not appropriate. I mean it could be no ethics at all in the next information era, when young people can do whatever they want instantly. But, that's the disastrous effect one. That's my thought, a mini-message of this movie, I recommend you to watch it to know what I really mean of those impacts.

Go to the story, I adore, what a lovely story. Yes, with some feature of smooth visual-effects, I just can get the whole movie seamlessly. It's not complicated, added with twist, and full of sweet scene. However, what I really love is the touch of surrealism. A movie about dream must be surreal in my opinion. Let's accumulate all those stories of contemporary love, with the science-fiction- seasoning, great acting and cinematography, in the table of surrealism, and what a luscious piece do you really get. I give it nine out of ten, because of its genius and understandable, and it points toward the youth. Very educative, great motion picture of affection.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Ghost Humanity

[8/10 · 27 December 2014]

Initially, right now I'm really interested in humanity-subject. Not the kind of human race, but the human-feeling inside. I mean our conscience, or our human instinct. Yes, human as true human, not just a slave, weirdo, crazy-man, or etc. And The Sixth Sense (1999), just give another kind of human, a gifted boy as human. Yes, for such a talented boy, not everybody will accept him. The protagonist, Cole Sear, is just another ordinary child who also need to be loved, listened, and appreciated, in spite of his sixth sense. Before this, I just want to make a clear side about how I see the ghost itself. So, honestly I still believe in ghost, in other dimension of our world. The "cinema reason" is so that I can enjoy the horror-movie and movie like this. Yes, maybe just in the movie I believe in ghost. But, usually ghost-movie is identical with horror, and The Sixth Sense make the very opposite perspective. A ghost-cinema with humanity approach. There are two main idea of this review, humanity in people who sees ghost and in spirit itself.

The basic idea is human knows to be human. So for this case, Cole really knows how other people really think of him. And how he should do to be normal-child. But, he just can't hold this ability. He sees dead-people everyday, he is afraid as a normal human. The problem is, nobody cares of him, what a pity. He just need someone who doesn't think he's nuts. Until he met a child psychologist, who on the first time doesn't believe in him. This is one of the essential human needs, the needs to be appreciated and accepted. Human can't live without this. And this movie delivers tiny message of it.

The other humanity is in ghost itself. In movie, I believe in ghost like I said. So, from this movie, we learn that they are also need to be listened. However, not all people see them. And someone who can see them, such as Cole, afraid of their scary physical body. Let's say, if you look people with leprosy or other horrible disease, you will afraid of them, especially help them. This is what I get, everybody even ghost need to be listened. In real life, you can learn from people with acute health or physical problem. Of course, it takes time and great bunch of tolerance, but at the end we can see the joy of caring other people.

From the core of movie, let's review the extrinsic part. So twisted and simple. The story is just nothing but superb. That's why I rated it 8 out of 10. Why not 9, because the cinematography is also simple, the setting is monotonous. But, what's good in movie, is just the original yet unique idea. This movie just make another breakthrough of how should we see ghost added by wonderful story and natural acting. Just another great cinema in 1999 epic year of movie.

Strangers on a Train (1951)

Little Story of Murder

[8/10 · 26 December 2014]

Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most influential director of movie's culture, back again in this small tale of psychotic man. After I watched some of his films, I just can grope what's next in every scene. Less tough-provoking, but there is always something new in his movies. That is the very point of great cinema, genuine idea in every aspect. From "Strangers on a Train" (1951), I just learn the more suspense it gets in this short-movie. It starts directly to the core of the story and spread to the each corner of its story. Of course, don't think it too much, it's a very entertaining movie indeed. Hitchcock knew, even until now on, how to bring such a splendid recreation in his intense way.

The main problem is just a man with mental disorders, thanks to Robert Walker, he give his best act. So psycho, I mean from that era, he is like The Joker in The Dark Knight. It's to exaggerating though, but Bruno Antony just the pioneer of the next psycho as antagonist. Yes, it's the new-born idea from that age, when nuts man becomes the character of movie. Who can expect what's he's thinking and why he can think of it. Audience never knows and understands it, and that's the interesting point, especially in 1950's. Mix with some twists, the story nothing but good one. Hitchcock is really sharp when it comes to select the story I think. And he direct it with his very suspenseful talent, I admire it.

In the other hand, the amusing yet interesting point is the discretion of the protagonist, Guy Haines. Very logical and careful, just like us, the audiences. The conflict is when normal man faces with mad man, and both of them is really smart. Nobody knows what's going to happened, I can feel it because I have seen other Hitchcock movies which is newer than this. I don't want to revealed the story, but that's very notable, in my opinion. The murder theory itself, for me it's ordinary, but again, in that era, those thoughts are genius. You know laws can grow without crime, and some of the criminals are inspired from the movie, or reverse. It's inspiring for police in that age, and laws for crazy man is reviewed for weird facts. Unfortunately, Hitchcock didn't hit this satire point, he point it out just in the murder case. I know this is his signature, very near to the amazing paradigm. It's okay, because he point other social dysfunction, intentionally or unintentionally. Which is the separation itself, and the life of wasted man. It's just the short part of the movie, but it gets so deep in Bruno's family. Another family's problem, even they are all established. Indeed, what a critical things for human.

I give it eight out of ten, also because the cinematography and the dialog. The tennis part, is also the inspiration of sport-genre movie and the climax part is Hitchcock unforgettable scene. The style is so deep-rooted from the genius of each crew. But, after all, it's nice and one of Hitchcock's piece you should watch. Yeah, little story of cultural node.

The Seventh Seal (1957)

Surrealism from Thoughtful Classic Cinema

[8/10 · 26 December 2014]

"Det sjunde inseglet" isn't the first movie from Bergman that I watch. It's the second movie, after "Persona". I know it too well of appreciate the movie. You can just watch the high-rated movie and feel the beauty in it when you can't enjoy the middle-rated movie. From this site, I know that "Persona" rating is lower than "Det sjunde inseglet", so at the first I just learn to love the lower one. And from that, I can enjoy the higher rated movies from Bergman more. Imagine a baby, at first it is fed by breast milk, next the porridge. Until its teeth grow, it can eat bread, even meat. There are always some stages in life, and in movie's appraisal too. I just want to grow my teeth first. And then I can "eat" the other Bergman's movies. So, if you can't enjoy this movie, don't get too resistant, try to be more tolerant. It's old, Swedish, and very different from the nowadays movie, from the content to the cinematography. Like I said before, grow your teeth first, learn to enjoy unusual movie like this. I recommend this for you who want to takes cinema rather seriously. I mean you can get entertained with all kind of movie when you mastered it. And I limit it only for highest rated movies. I mean, why waste your time watching bad movies. Seems perfectionist, but it's my way.

What I can say for this movie is very surreal. Yes, fantasy, enough fantasy combines with the Black Plague atmosphere. I just know the plague from "Plague" painting (1898) by Arnold Böcklin. A painting represents thousand meanings. And "The Seventh Seal" (1957) by Ingmar Bergman is just another kind of art which also contains thousand representation. The point is the fear of those society face with unidentified disease. That era, when only Bible is read, the book that's the source of all thought, people think of the end of the day. Witch, sins, all have the connection with plague. That is the protagonist who questions everything in that era. Yes, anti- mainstream idea of what actually life, God, and death are. Man that age just accept that concept in the raw. Of course, Antonius Block knows it is inquisition. But, what is the meaning of refusal when his personal idea contrasts with the society's idea, the religion. He just think, all those sins, witches, don't have any significance of plague. He actually thought of philosophy, the root of science. He isn't wrong, but his time is come, the Death. He just extends his dead-time to define who actually God is. And sure that death doesn't have any resemblance of God. A provocative idea, even until now. At the end, he just realizes it's wasting time to question all that thing in that era, he pray and beg the pardon from God who he doubt for. God is true, Death is real, that is the end of his idea.

Yeah, that was all I see. What an amazing thought from that movie. The surreal aspects just to deliver those messages in an entertaining way. Of course, I also admire the very natural acting from that time. It's not exaggerating. The idea of Grim Reaper plays chess game is just the seasoning of this great motion pictures. The critical movie for society until this day, classic one. I personally amazed what Bergman try to say from this movie. "Surreally" beautiful drama!

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Timeless Narration of Family Christmas

[10/10 · 25 December 2014]

Drama, personally is my favorite genre of movies. It is usually less action, and uses solid dialog. Seems boring, but when the filmmaker knows to execute it well, there is no single scene that's useless. Drama is about the power of story, the strength of characterization, and the deep moral value. Don't say just about blazing editing or unique cinematography, drama doesn't need those so much. Maybe just the soundtrack that counts to the synergy of movie construction. I know there are so many non-drama movie that have amazing idea, but only drama that has businesslike idea. No compromise about all of the social critic, capture it beautifully, and give the enormous view of daily live in human's life each times.

Let's jump to this movie. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), very classic piece, crafted by doubtless director such as Capra. Before watch it, I have known this notable quote by Frank Capra, "I made mistakes in drama. I thought drama was when actors cried. But drama is when the audience cries". So, I expect so high from this movie. I know it's from 1946, how old is that. But I also know that every year this movie aired again and again on American television. So what do I say, it must be very great cultural node in the cinema history. Don't worry about the release date, art lasts forever, especially the superb one.

Yes, my high expectation is paid off. Usually when you expect high, you are disappointed. But, no, it's really wonderful one, very wonderful. In fact, I watch it near before Christmas. It's so Christmas movie though. I feel so grateful after watch this movie, honestly. So humble movie with original comical act. Even after more than six decades, it still drives me to the joyful of Christmas. The fantasy-aspects is just enough, I mean it's not too imaginary. Just a touch of fantasy and you can smell the scent of life.

The moral value, indeed, a very thoughtful one. So, let's say, even a very compassionate man can get stress and crazy. And, maybe a kind man, is actually depressed inside. That's the little twist fact in our life. I don't want to say too much about this problem, because clearly this movie give the fictive solution, the angel. Or you can translate it to the real one. Such as, let's think all over, don't get mad, be calm, and you know that you just think it too much. But, what's actually in my mind is the intrinsic message, maybe not all of the audiences will notice this. So, let's say, that we, and our people measure the success of a human from his/her wealth, properties, and sometimes his/her travel. It's wrong success judgment remains until now, especially in my nation, Indonesia. Yes, because all those things is measurable, no wonder why people think of that. But, we keep forgetting the essential value of life is laid on every human conscience. What is the meaning of a bunch full of money when you lack of true compassion itself. The problem is actually we know those things about compassion etc, but our society drives us to the what they think success is. We learn that, we do that, and we teach that to other people directly or not directly. Even in this modern era, those stigmas still exist, eventually more exist. Those fundamental value of life is eroded by this acceptable idea. Yes, it's acceptable, but you know it's not fully true. This movie lead us to this opinion. I mean look at George Bailey, he doesn't go anywhere, isn't rich, although he can. He keep refusing all those interesting offer, because he knows it's true. And the moment when he want to commit suicide, he just suddenly forget all that truth. Angel comes, and that's the solution. Even without angel, we human can figure it out what we must do in life. Again, it's conscience that this movie tried to lift up.

At last, from the flash impression until the deepest value, I enjoy this movie. In addition, it's also a family movie. Even children can get those visionary message. I give ten out of ten, because all that reasons, added by the acting, cinematography, and its timeless period. A wonderful artworks, from the initial cinema era. Just watch it, and you will love it.

The Intouchables (2011)

Comedy of Modern Human Stratification

[10/10 · 23 December 2014]

"The Intouchables", so let's start from the packaging of this movie. It is very simple yet humble. You can easily divide this movie into two parts. First, the story part, it is my own term to call the conversation scene, usually without music background or sound effect. And this movie utilizes this part perfectly, I mean it can make the audiences feel the melancholic sense of this movie. The conversation story also delivered in a very natural way, actually with some humble jokes too. And the other part is the catchy part, it is my own term too. This part is when the soundtrack takes place in the scene, very dynamic shot, comedic scene, or attractive act. You know, this part makes the boredom of audiences vanish, and start to laugh as well. Also, this is a kind of stimulant to make audiences keep watching the whole movie. "The Intouchables" mixes those two part with great sequence that makes synergy from each part.

The second point is, this film combines two extreme paradigm of how we see the world. Philippe represents the upper-class people, who admires art strictly, enjoys expensive sport, also follows the rich- man ritualism. The only weakness of this class is the lack of true love, everything is blur with so many luxurious things that he has. He can feel the beauty of painting and music, but doesn't feel the art of life itself. Even after the tragic tragedy of his life, he still in search in true love. What I mean isn't a love from a man to woman, more than that it is compassion and conscience from every human. Again, even rich-people has a human-side, when he feels cold in his plush property. The other perspective is from Driss, an easy- going man, works as the caretaker of Philippe. Of course, such as a shameless and past-criminal-man mustn't be the keeper of quadriplegic millionaire. This the very point of the movie. The upper-class touch the low- class in a very dynamic interaction. Both Philippe and Driss, learn each other's paradigm of how he sees life. Although Driss has a dark- track record, he is a pragmatic and funny character. It makes Philippe conscious with all the ritualism he had done. Melancholic, that's who Philippe is, learn the way of compassion throughout Driss comical character. So it's just like a motivation show or inspiring talk show, about a batch of social stratification. But, wrapped in a interesting comedy movie.

Another view is, this movie actually a satire movie, an elegant satire I think. Let's say how can the upper-class buy an expensive yet simple paintings, in the same time there are so many hungry people throughout their city. What is the meaning of life for the lucky person such as millionaire. Is it just a place and time for them to throw away the money by temporal things. Their compassion is simply blur with all those things. Real human instinct of love is died by the greed. Yes, a deep message one. The feeling of full-life as human, that's what we all the human seek. And unfortunately, usually the low-class-human found out it in spite of the others. Just like what Bibles said.

So that's all the implicit contents of this authentic work of art in cinema. Maybe the director, writer, or cast isn't to important. But since the great idea of humanity is the main theme, there is no way to say it's a bad cinema. Simply wonderful.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Criminal Fairy Tale

[10/10 · 22 December 2014]

Just from the director, Sergio Leone, I expect it is a great movie. Honestly I don't like western-movie too much, but from "Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)", I started to appreciate this kind of epic- genre. And then, I wonder what it's like when Leone directs other genre, such as crime. So I decided to watch this long-running-movie. For the first impression, I really shocked by its duration, 229 minutes, the longest movie I've ever watched. But, sure there are some reasons why he made for more than three hours. Especially, it is a drama-movie, I really understand how the character of each figure must be strong.

I can smell the sweat of the hard-work from the opening of the movie. Such a humble opening for this thought-provoking film. My main idea of this movie is it drive the audience from the simplest and youngest crime to the complex act of the prohibition-era-Jewish- gangster. Begin with the funny yet straightforward scene of a kid's gang. Encounter with daily dark-kid-job, yes it's fun for the serious audience. What I see is the humanity of the first half part of the movie. Every character especially outlaws, have a background. Maybe a harsh and tough one, and it's all revealed in this movie. So the entire last part of movie is make sense, very clear.

That's what I called the strong characterization, one and half hour for the character building is very meaningful. Again I can feel, how Harry Grey wrote this novel for it. A plain humble novel I think. I haven't read it though, but I just feel it indeed. I also give two thumbs up for the dialog maker. Well-crafted dialog, no narration, just formidable chit chat in every scene. Thanks for those eight writers for this movie. Until the very end, with some twists and spoof, that's all make this movie nothing but superb.

For Leone himself, I can conclude that he usually gives the repeated soundtrack as his signature. Yeah, and harmonica again, although not every scene has harmonica player. I am personally not disturbed by its soundtrack. It's a part of developing the atmosphere, the dark- 30's-atmosphere. With all the warm-act, I just can get through the movie without getting bored. In addition, there are so many "silent- scene", yes when there is no dialog, just for strengthen the circumstances. That silent scene makes the movie took so long. But, for me, again, it's okay, it's a part of genuine masterpiece.

Not like my other reviews, I just write this from the technical aspects. Because I don't really know what the prohibition-era in America. I just know, it must be criticize some parts of broken American in the 1920's-1930's. It's nice though, a cool way to criticize the underworld of the superior nation. This overall technical reviews just to make other movie fans aware, that I highly recommend this movie. A very criminal-fairy-tale with terrific work in all aspects, I really love it.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Very Humble Movie, with Great Story in it

[10/10 · 1 June 2014]

My favorite aspect of the movie is the idea or messages, and those are translated to the story, or screenplay. Some of the my favorite movies have a really good twist, or truly get into my heart. But "Life is Beautiful" has very different kind of story that I have experienced before. Very genuine, funny, unthinkable, and like what narrator said in the beginning of the movie,"This is a simple story... but not an easy one to tell." Full of wonder also sorrow. For this kind of movie, like "Grave of the Fireflies", has unique perspective, but not a sad movie. It is a funny- ironic movie. So let's start to dive in the movie.

The movie point really starts for about an hour after the actual movie starts. And I call it "Intro". Yes, for me, what an awful time for just an intro, that actually has a very few consequences in the end of the movie. In the beginning, I don't feel very comfort with the cinematography. It's a 1997 movie, but the cinematography is very simple. The technical aspect maybe not very good, but as the intro begin, the very interesting character of Guido is get stronger. A very attractive protagonist, talkative, and smart. The very classic atmosphere of intro is nothing but nice. However, the intro is rather pointless, some of the people may think, a very long time for just the protagonist married with woman that he's always surprises. With one or two "Nazi-scene", this movie is unexpected for its next part. The "Main" part starts when Giosué Orefice plays tank. For this story transition, I admire it very much, a very extreme story, also ironic and iconic.

The main part is still funny, with tremendous Benigni acting, and also Giorgio Cantarini as innocent young boy, Joshua, the son of protagonist. Yes, with the humor of his father, Joshua keep feeling happy in the most sinister place of the modern human history, the concentration camp. What an idea, Joshua thought the camp was a game because of his father. He always counted his point until 1,000 points, to get a prize, tank. Of course, it's all just a lie, a very kind lie. The main idea of the movie is revealed, it is the very opposite perspective of the reality. And why don't we use it like an innocent child, so that we can always be grateful. We can always think that "life is beautiful", with its very genuine paradigm. Indeed, very deep message of a very humble movie. I think everybody can feel so sad, in the same time also feel happy and gratitude while watching this movie.

I know, as an adult, we usually swallow reality too fast and let ourselves depressed. But, sometimes let the problems be just a game or challenge. Don't take it seriously, let us enjoy our life. We see life, and feel it. By changing our perspective, and keep doing our job, we can always say the title of its movie. Yes, despite its amazing story, it also affects my own life. Remembering how Joshua can make it, and why I can't get through a problem. Although the intro is not so good, but the main part is really something to think about.

At last, "Life is Beautiful" is the best of Benigni, and a great message of humanity.

Her (2013)

The Complex Feeling of Humanity

[8/10 · 2 May 2014]

Watching a romance-drama-movie is somehow we try to take the whole story into deep sense of humanity. This is not a baloney, I mean, if you take it with your heart not logic, you can feel the warm yet comfortable sensation. Logic is just a support element to sharpen that sense. We can share those feeling with our logic of beauty itself, for "Her", the beauty of relationship. I describe it with this phrase,"Feel the sense, think the meaning". Don't take it too serious, in a easy way, just enjoy the movie, flow until the end.

So let's start with this nice pictures, "Her", probably my first new taste of Science Fiction in romance way. It is actually very different from "Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind",the one that also bring science fiction into not too science movie. Other references, I haven't seen yet. And this movie, is somewhat a visualization of nowadays technology, when human is busy with their own gadget. And that is very possible, if the event of "Her" happening in not so distant future. In a critical way, I look this movie as a nature of human need. Basically, as you really know that human is a social being, one of their primary needs is to talk, to share their ideas, and feeling. When that needs are not fulfilled, actually when Theodore decide to divorce and there is nobody left to share with, they feel so lonely, so desolate. They live, but don't taste the very joy of life.

The next great step, is human found their really need of interaction. Usually, in the past, they will talk with their own conscience. In this case, an OS is made to do that. OS, like conscience, they don't really exist, they just another human creation, with many weakness. And if we compare with conscience, I think conscience also has weakness. This is clearly seen, when there are a conflict between Samantha (The OS) and Theodore. We don't know who are the right person, maybe there are no right person, and back again it's a matter of perspective. Conscience's perspective itself changes as we grow and know a lot more of things. And sometimes, we contradict with our heart as explicitly showed in "Her". It is a complex thoughts mixed with feeling, and we always left and forget it when we become really depressed, like the ending of the movie.

Humanity, not only one individual, also experience these whole change- able sense. The beliefs, science, philosophy, all grow as the humanity get more things to understand. This dynamics is infinite, as long as the humanity exist, so do their perspective and its paradigm conflict.

I think that, because "Her" is a miniature of little human. In the simple way, if the conscience can talk, that's like Samantha does, and that's also the little humanity about. With a deep message, in my opinion, "Her" is not enough good. I think, just add some Theodore's narration, and let us know what he really think. But, from the idea till the production, I just can be grateful, because I see another dazzling heart-tale.

"Her" is so melancholic, deep, full of sentimental sensation. Just a fantastic feeling above all of its message.

Yojimbo (1961)

The Pure Idea of Peace

[8/10 · 2 April 2014]

There are no 100% originality of men's creation. I mean that every single work of us is just an imitation of other people, so does the movie. The same thing that movie bring is the idea, and this little idea grow fast. Let's think about science-fiction idea, when we enter the world of cinema, we know that "Metropolis" is one of the first science- fiction motion pictures. Or, like "Psycho", the very first American- great-horror-film. The idea of horror, however, imitated by other movie creator, that they can make people frightened with their movie. And even the idea of the movie is basically from the experience of the creator, which is influenced by other people. With that assumption, I think that "Yojimbo" brings brand-new-soul of the movie. As note, this is my first Kurosawa's, so maybe there was another more pure idea than "Yojimbo". This new idea is the idea to impart, take sides to the truth, the "real- truth", and the deep meaning of peace. I mean the feeling when you are in safe and wealth. The thought that we must not escape the reality and keep fighting until the truth win against falsity. Yes, that idea is in many stories, but the idea to translate such a complex story to a background such as this movie is really brilliant.

With one literal story, Kurosawa delivered a big deal of reality of the world explicitly also implicitly. What I always thought is two criminal family refer to two great nations of the world those days. You know, it is actually like Cold-War, when two force have great-amount of power but lack of courage to attack. I mean each side want the other side lose without being blame by another people. It can be seen clearly when two criminal families first meet and try to strike each other, but the result is nobody have guts to attack. However, every side try to rent bodyguard ("yojimbo") to defeat the other side. When the first maneuver begins, the protagonist just laugh, like some people laugh about the stupidity of Cold-War.

But the idea not end just like that. With the wisdom and intelligence, The Samurai try to end the tyranny of two gangs. He knows that he is alone, I mean with some help of the restaurant owner and coffin maker, but he can seek the weak point of each side. He knows both side need money and will do anything for it, he can take advantage by this weakness. He broke out the winery and storage. Even, in the deep chaos, The Samurai still can feel compassion about other people. This is a kind of surprising idea. In the name of people's peace he sacrifices all his energy. Maybe, that person is what the world looking for. I mean the man who can end the long Cold-War, but that's just idealistic. As conclusion of the inner part of the movie is it brings new experience of crime even before the epic crime movie pops. You know is like "Batman Begins", but that movie was released 44 years after "Yojimbo". So this is an authentic one. With smart and simple twist that makes the audiences enjoy.

I don't have much comment for the "packaging". What I always remembered is the suspense of the music. The battle is realistic and not "hyper- realistic". It is, in my opinion, very well directed and also critical. With the Japanese background, that you will not find in another culture, this movie is nothing but outstanding. From the purity of peace-idea and the very end of production design, "Yojimbo" is really thoughtful, entertaining, but also deep. Fantastic one!

Modern Times (1936)

Even it's still appropriate for developing country nowadays

[9/10 · 1 April 2014]

So, let's start with make some "time tolerance" for this movie. You know, it was on 1936 when this movie was released and it is a kind of critic for those days. Far from that era, I watch "Modern Times" on 2013, that's actually weird when a teenage like me curious about silent movie. But, that doesn't matter as long as the movie that I watch is a masterpiece or special feature of its time. And Charlie Chaplin, as everybody knows, is maestro for silent film era. He is funny but genius, yes, a best figure of early cinema.

"Modern Times" is my first Charlie Chaplin's, this is important because first time watching can create a pure impression. Yes, I surprised with Chaplin's impossible yet dangerous scene like skating in the second floor. That scene really makes me thump. Every single accelerated act is honestly weird for me, but sometimes it looks funny with great acting of Charlie himself. Other peculiarity is its absurd scene, like suddenly fallen to river, enter to the heart of machine, and singing also dancing. With some touch of sentimental soul, that's just make the whole film amazing.

That's only the outer part of the movie, but the soul of the film is critic for the government, or economic system, especially in the United States of America. Explicitly, you can watch the crowd in front of factory to get a job, and some kind of misjudgment in the real life. What I want to say is even the innocent and kind man like the tramp will suffer if the system is not fit. That's the 1930's America, it's also like the system of developing country nowadays. As the country develops, it meets so many problem that's make many people become a victim. The Tramp is a symbol of poor man struggle with violent world, you must work hard and smart to be the "winner" of your life freedom. I mean freedom of possession, prosperity, and to opine.

That's a deep message that is delivered with this complex yet humble movie, "Modern Times". The complication of the system translated by this single comedy film. So fun, so great, so critical. What a hilarious one!

The Pianist (2002)

A Touch of Realism

[8/10 · 24 March 2014]

"The Pianist", I know it from my friend who suggest me to watch this movie. At the beginning, and from the title, I think this movie will give me such a nice experience of music composed in every scene. You know, I expect there are so much soundtrack from classic masterpiece and everything will be connected with music. The very first shot is some scene with piano-beat-rhythm. Suddenly, a great shot from tank try to break the whole building and hurt the main character of the movie. Just, what a great opening for such a reality-based-movie.

The overcoming story just a very real experience from Wladyslaw Szpilman himself, and some from Roman Polanski, the director. Every detail of each screen is from an actual event, and the movie is not exaggerating the fact. Like action movie that will expose one or two climax scenes, but this movie consistent with the fact. Some people may think this movie little bit boring, but actually that is the beauty of a realist movie, a realist movie. It is not a beauty of comedy or action, just the history way.

With a personal approach, this movie is nothing but a great deal of cinema experience. A war-view from an innocent and humble man, who try to survive in the era of crisis. The view, however, is like "Grave of the Fireflies", but the core of the movie is very different. There are sort of soul-power that will make Szpilman keep living, even in the starvation. And this kind of power make Szpilman keep playing his passion as a pianist.

But, overall this is a superb movie, not complicated, and enjoyable. Above all, as I always said, it is very realist.

The Green Mile (1999)

3 Hours? It doesn't matter for such a great cinema experience

[9/10 · 24 February 2014]

Remembering "The Green Mile", like I try to search again a very treasure in my past experience of watching movie. Man, it was three hours, but I didn't move to another attention while watching it. Yes, it was long, and the settings is just jail, house, and jail again. The character is just the ones that appear in the beginning. No such a great twist, but I feel the flow, the slow flow of characterization that Darabont give to the audience. A very precious sequence that easily come into my mind and still leave trace until now. Strong characterization, a great deal of humanity sense, critics, and drama delivered together by this motion picture.

I don't surprised when "The Green Mile" didn't win a single Oscar. In one hand, there are many great movie in that year, from "Fight Club", which is brand new and fresh. The modern visual effects and science fiction story from "The Matrix". The conclusion of mainstream American drama movie by "American Beauty", until a bunch of twist by Shyamalan in "The Sixth Sense". In the other hand, "The Green Mile" isn't the film to just entertain. It makes you gratitude to your life. It can touch the blind side of heart for some people, to look his very humanity, his compassion and feeling about each other.

I haven't said the technical things yet. Film like this doesn't need dozen of editors, superb cinematographer, or maybe those brand new visual effects. It is only need a deep contemplation. The story itself, indeed a powerful story, which directed by the suitable director and acted powerful actor. This is really a gifted movie!

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Genius comedy, which takes all-over the movie

[8/10 · 30 January 2014]

Despite watching movie, I sometimes watch videos from YouTube. In YouTube, I seek from funny video, horror video, etc. Especially, I enjoy "Nigahiga" and "theDOMINICshow" uploads. What I found in those videos nowadays, I also find it in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". Yes, that's one makes me amazed when I watch it. I mean, Monty Python used the entire movie elements to make its iconic comedy. From the first one, you can see the absurd credit and its annoying subtitle, which is make no sense, just a fun in it. The very unimportant dialog, that makes the audience always said, "Get on with it" as its statement repeat in some scenes. In a one way, you can say it's worse movie, the story is not clear, and you will never find anything, except for its comedy cinematography.

Honestly, I just laugh in some part of the movie, yes the comedy is not fit from me as an Indonesian. I mean, American comedy, even the old comedy, is very different with Indonesian comedy. I know it from learning riddle and watching movie itself. This comedy just make me want to laugh, not laugh itself. But, I still feel satisfied and amazed when watching this movie. A new perspective of modern movie comedy reflected from this movie. Genius one!

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

I get a funny, exciting experience in this movie

[8/10 · 30 January 2014]

Personally, I am an animation movie lover. For me, animation is a kind of light movie, you don't think too much as the plot goes. What you must keep is let your imagination flow, feel the great adventure-suspense, and a wonderful fantasy, that makes you wonder and amazed. Animation movie is, I think, a cheat movie, you can always create a world or story without too much worry of its properties or safety. Of course, you can always said, it is not logical, it's odd. It's true, but that is not the way to enjoy the animation. Like I said before, don't use your left brain, use your right brain.

Let's move to "Kung Fu Panda" itself, for me it is a kind of animation treatment. It is classic, funny one, I can enjoy this in every time. The action-animation scene is somewhat entertaining. The characterization is very strong. The friendship value is exposed, and very much moral value in this funny Kung Fu movie. The Kung Fu styles is based on the actual Kung Fu itself, an epic one.

The cinematography is fresh. And I also feel the adventure-soul in this movie. The comedy is smart, compared with other movies like "Madagascar Series". It is also a simple one, great story in simple movie. I give 8 out of 10, the weakness that I recognized is just some dialog scenes. I think for those scene, the simple yet powerful quotes can be said. So It can be a real epic movie. Okay, at least, still a great movie.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Welcome to the land of Fantasy

[9/10 · 19 January 2014]

It was 1939, when "Gone with the Wind" took the major awards of Oscar. But, that's another movie that also made a history of the cinema, yes, this movie. Full of fantasy, that very surprising in its era. I haven't watch "Gone with the Wind" yet, but this movie just make me believe the magic of 1939. I think the revolution of the movie and also new standard of the film-idea itself. There are no border in the movie, you can make a world whatever you want, that's what "The Wizard of Oz" tried to make.

Land of fantasy, a very new field of the cinematography that time. I think the audience will understand that movie isn't just a imagination of usual activities or world, but sometimes as an interpretation of fantasy imagination itself. With the fun song and simple story line, "The Wizard of Oz" will last forever, as an old-classic-movie for every children in every era.

There were some not optimal scene, but that's okay. I just can grasp the entire feeling of this movie. At last, this movie very amazing and inspiring for the next generation of fantasy-genre. A new genre was born, a new entertainment will come to the world. Fantastic!

V for Vendetta (2005)

Very critical, like the history of the major developing nations

[9/10 · 14 January 2014]

For me, as Indonesian, I feel this movie just like my nation history. Of course there was no masked man terror the government, or biological experiment for outlaws. It was my second president who was absolutely tyrant. Fortunately, I was born after his leadership. There were mayhem for journalist who exposed the negative side of the government, of course this mayhem never be aired. Until, like V for Vendetta, all society forces join together to strike down the corrupt government. There were so many student climb the parliament, until in the end the president resigned.

V for Vendetta,for me is a metaphor of Indonesian history and many other nation, like Egypt,Libya, and many more. It's more than just watching movie, if the movie like this. And I give 9 out of 10 not only for its content, but also for its style of cinematography. Dark and fast. Yes, very amusing and thrilling, I can feel the heart of V himself, a cold blood of revenge.

The narration just through away and so deep. I don't feel any regret watching this movie. I think James McTeigue knows the pattern of major developing countries. Amazing yet amusing!

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Yes, it is horror, but musical

[8/10 · 5 January 2014]

My favorite genre of all genre is musical. It's rather difficult to make than any other genre. For me, intense scene without music is like a body without soul. But other scene that is deep and full of high- cinematography doesn't need music at all.

And musical movies give us all the intense scene with those musics and songs. This movie, actually, is very well-crafted. The iconic Gothic is the authentic art of Tim Burton hand. The song keep echoing in my mind. And then come an unexpected thriller scene in the movie, I said, beauty thriller. I feel the big appetite of cold revenge. Next, Johnny Depp, I can't make a comment for him, I mean he is just perfect. Very deep act, with mysterious personality for this movie.

I must say, it's very amusing. You know, when we watch musical movie, usually we get bored and left the cinema before the movie ends. But, not for this. The only weakness I see is in the end part of it. The resolution part is too fast, I mean it can be a little bit longer. It starts when the Gothic suddenly changes to very bright scene, in the beach. And when the song for beach scene end, suddenly the scene back to Gothic.

At last, it's okay, a movie that I like to watch again and again. Great!

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Something nice with the great plot

[8/10 · 7 December 2013]

Actually, it has been 54 years since this movie released. And I live in far away from United States of America. So, I think there are a lot of tolerance that I must have, so I can enjoy this movie. Yes, and I still elicit a smile on the some "spots" in the movie. The comedy, however, is everlasting. And the plot itself, is real amusing.

I don't judge it from the beauty of the star, like Marilyn Monroe. What I can say is that every character act is well yet comical. They are very relax in did an act. Other actor also all-out in their acting. Very great, although after a half of century.

The last thing, I must give an appreciation of the superb plot. It is a real tricky comedy, serious but straight comedy. I just can say, what a real fun!

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Yes, it is a real tragedy, which got a great deal of perspective

[9/10 · 7 December 2013]

Usually, when you watch a War-movie, the point of view is from the military force or the political figures. Yet you will be really ashamed, if you see the war from the innocent children eye. And this movie, got that all.

What does war cost? Just a billion of human lives, or the damage of the environment, or maybe just a shock in national structure. No, the war actually costs the memory of loss, the great deal of melancholic sense. Deep sadness, with million of innocent people must feel. From the eye of young brother and sister, they see them all, they feel them. Very unique perspective, that can make the leader of country think twice to decide war.

As I thought before, war is just a chess game, which is played with the war lord. They must trade of their pieces, as they trade of the human lives. The pawn is like a soldier that fight in the front line. But the heart of the war is the civilians, as the back pieces.

And again, the civilians view is showed by only one tragic story. Yeah, real affection in a deep message to the world. Amazing one!