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Reviews
Sophie Scholl - Die letzten Tage (2005)
More than an anti-neo Nazi plea
The Last Days of Sophie Scholl is an amazing movie! I couldn't help noticing the parallels between the fanatical ideology in Nazi Germany's political/repressive apparatus and the one currently in place in the U.S. Just substitute "Total War" for "War against Terrorism" or allusions to troop demoralization by questioning "the Fuhrer" by "the president" and you could be seeing the same events here and now. In fact, we already see it in Guantanamo, but that's another story. Chilling. The events are brought to life not only by their currency but also by the meticulous documentation of every detail and by the superb acting. I was deeply moved and shaken by this movie. The script is simple and accessible, yet profound and intelligent. It's a plea for tolerance, whatever your political views may be.
Perico ripiao (2003)
It was excellent, in my opinion
Perico Ripiao is one of those movies that transports you to a particular place and time while asserting its common humanity. I disagree with those who say that you have to be Dominican to understand the movie. I am a Puertorrican, some Americans watched it with me, and we all identified with several characters and situations, all while laughing our behinds off. As this movie brings up issues that we see in PR too, I throughly enjoyed the "Caribbeanness" of the piece, the common disrespect to the authority of the State, or just rules in general; the resistance against oppression, the absurdity of it all. Nothing is sacred. The movie makes meaningful comments about almost every segment of Dominican society, and while poking fun at them, uncovers some unsavory truths that resonate with many of us and gets us thinking: why does State and police power invariably corrupts? What kind of solutions are needed? How can religion be used to blind yourself to the reality around you? How is our identity as Caribbean people expressed despite so-called "globalization"? You will see far more than meets the surface of humor and profanity if you pay attention. I heartily recommend this movie to anyone interested in getting to know the Caribbean reality up close and personal--and if you want to laugh your ass off. PS> Don't miss the special features! They're long but hysterical!