bullfrog-5 Reviews

Afterglow (1997)

trust the imdb ratings?

[5/10 · 14 April 2000]

After seeing this film I was wondering what imdb viewers might think of this star studded production. And true to my previous experience, it's a bit off the mark in my opinion. Being sophisticated viewers who appreciate the myriad elements of filmmaking, I can't imagine why imdb voters granted Afterglow a 6.3. This would imply that this is a film worth seeing.

Even from a film historian/maven point of view, the release of this film doesn't seem to contribute much except to reiterate that the best of actors often appear in turkeys and that as long as receipts cover the cost of advertising it's better than leaving a film in the can. It also proves that good acting isn't enough to carry a film. Don't take my word for it; see this film and you'll think twice before trusting the imdb viewer poll again!

The Tin Drum (1979)

Nobel Prize Winner

[7/10 · 10 April 2000]

The question that comes to mind when viewing this film is whether the unusual imagery comes from the filmmaker or the novelist. The well known expression "A picture is worth a thousand words" might well be reversed in this case. Although other viewers have expressed how faithful the film is to the novel, we can all imagine how the scenes could have been portrayed.

Many ponder the meaning of this film and all cite the unusualness of this film. The truth is we need to go to the source. The novel of the same name is equally strange and has an equally obscure meaning. The conventional explanation is that it is "deep" (multi-layered meaning and import). So, my suggestion is - now that you've seen the film, try reading the book, or if you're not sure you want to see the film, try reading the book. If you can't trust the Nobel Prize Committee, who can you trust?

Günter Grass is the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, 1999.

Unfortunately, great literature doesn't mean great film - not that I'm suggesting Die Blechtrommel is great literature. Also, for those who consider this a great film, they need to see a few more films. This said, Die B... is worth seeing.

The Vanishing (1993)

They should pay you to sit through this one!

[4/10 · 1 April 2000]

The only reason one might want to see this film is to try and analyse why this is so much worse than the Dutch original.

Most copies such as Point of No Return (La Femme Nikita) with Bridget Fonda fail because they lack the freshness of the original. (The I've Seen It syndrome.) Yet, most versions of Beau Geste or The Three Musketeers are as enjoyable as their predecessors.

Changing the story or the ending should not affect the enjoyment of a mystery film. The point is that one should not be able to guess the ending. The plot, acting, development, lighting, action, etc. should not be predictable. The viewer should be kept in suspense until the very end. The real danger as in this case is that the film doesn't make much sense when the story and ending are changed. If you were to view both films (not knowing which came first), you would likely guess that the Dutch film was the copy since the story line etc. are so improved.

The original has its flaws, but seems absolutely brilliant compared to this.

Point of No Return (1993)

Not really bad

[5/10 · 1 April 2000]

As a remake this suffers badly in comparison with the original, La Femme Nikita. However, taken on its own, it's a passable action/thriller. Action junkies could do a lot worse at the rental store.

It's interesting how readily this translates from the French. The lifting of scene by scene impressed me with how similar Washington is to Paris. In fact, some of the action seemed more plausible in Washington than Paris. It might even be fun to try and figure out which French locations match the U.S. ones.

Still, given a choice - rent La Femme Nikita.

The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe (1972)

Hollywood flattery

[8/10 · 1 April 2000]

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then Hollywood has paid homage to this Gallic gem. And, as usual, the original is better than the Hollywood copy.

The best description of this classic is the oxymoron: sophisticated slapstick. But there is much more. Like the category list suggests (comedy, mystery, and more) there's something for everybody, and you needn't be a Francophile to enjoy it.

Simply delightful!

Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (1970)

Zatoichi films a genre unto themselves

[3/10 · 1 April 2000]

My earlier comments about Z...to Y... were meant to convey the idea that Zatoichi films are a genre unto themselves. Like the Chinese films of myth and legend, rich with the mystical and supernatural power of its heroes (on which the current Xena and Hercules are molded) Zatoichi films have a certain style which sets them apart.

I could suggest the Clouseau-esque qualities of the everyman protagonist who is handicapped and endowed with with preternatural ability. But that would be but a Western approximation (and a poor one at that) of an Eastern (perhaps uniquely Japanese) archtype.

Words do not suffice - see any other Zatoichi film and it will be apparent why Zatoichi has reached cult status.

The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl (1993)

A most revealing portrait

[8/10 · 7 March 2000]

This is an excellent biography of one of the most influential filmmakers in history. It not only gives a comprehensive overview of her body of work but reveals many of innovative techniques she pioneered. Her accomplishments are all the more impressive when one considers the role of women in her heyday.

However, the most interesting aspect of this film for me is how this intelligent woman (still lucid in her 90's) deals with queries about her political involvement during the National Socialist period in Germany.

The Road (1954)

unforgettable

[9/10 · 7 March 2000]

There's much more than the memorable performances (so eloquently described by my fellow reviewers) which make this film a masterpiece. The haunting melody imprints itself on your soul and refuses to leave. Like a smell or taste which, suddenly, awakens long forgotten memories and the emotions associated with them, the plaintive trumpet tune will one day, unexpectedly, flood you with the emotions you felt when you first heard those notes.

Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations (1938)

Is beauty propaganda?

[9/10 · 7 March 2000]

I've read that this film, which portrays human beauty and athletic success, serves to justify euthanasia of the weak and infirm. If so, does not Da Vinci's David do the same?

My belief is that without the historical context, there would not be a single viewer who would suggest that this is propaganda fostered to support the atrocities of the Nazi Regime. As another reviewer suggests: this is no better than an NFL highlight film.

Actually, this is better than an NFL highlight film. Highlight films focus only on isolated moments of peak action. Do most of us prefer to just see the winning basket or the last touchdown? It's the game, the show, the story which gives us pleasure - not just the ending or spectacular feat.

The beauty of this film and its companion lies in its crafting. The lighting, the camera angles, the sequencing, the pace - everything is blended to produce a thing of beauty. It's like the chef who creates a feast with the same ingredients we manage to render a barely palatable meal. Leni produces a feast - a beautiful feast!

Triumph of the Will (1935)

Decide for yourself!

[10/10 · 7 March 2000]

There is scarcely a review which doesn't focus on the meaning or message contained within this film.

I don't mean to suggest that those elements don't exist; I merely want to suggest that there is much more in this powerful film.

Like Olympia, this is a masterfully crafted work of art.

Pink Flamingos (1972)

Not the worse.

[2/10 · 29 February 2000]

After seeing Forever Hollywood, it would be natural to want to see a John Waters film. At least, one get to say that they have joined the legions of cinema cognoscenti who have experienced the unique cinematic stylings of perhaps the best known non-mainstream director. It's worth the effort, and PF is a lot better than Eraserhead,and there is a certain campiness about his films which his followers find addicting.

Long Live Death (1971)

Amazing first film!

[8/10 · 29 February 2000]

After seeing this film my reaction was - who is this guy and what other films has he made? When I was told it was his first, I could hardly believe it. (I saw it when it first opened in 1970.) He was a writer in his 40's and the maturity shows.

It's surprising that this has not become a mainstay of the Art House cinemas. The use of allegory, childhood memories, repressed sexual desires, dream-like sequences (all those thing which evoke a visceral reaction in the viewer) are combined in a well directed, thought provoking, cinematic experience.

Being There (1979)

Funny!!

[9/10 · 26 February 2000]

At the end of his career and when it seemed his funniest characterizations were a decade old, Sellers created the gardener. It is funny - painfully funny, uncomfortably funny, maybe even saddeningly funny as another viewer sees it. Well worth seeing.

In the Realm of the Senses (1976)

Neither art nor pornography.

[5/10 · 26 February 2000]

This film masquerades as art bordering on pornography. I've seen pornography that was more artistic and art which was more pornographic. The only thing that may be of interest is that the film is Japanese (exotic) and purportedly true.

Hitokiri (1969)

See it if you ever get the chance!

[8/10 · 25 February 2000]

This is one of the best of the genre. I saw it twice about 25yrs ago and have not had another opportunity to see it again since then. It rivals the Zatoichi series (also starring Katsu) in exciting swordplay.

Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (1970)

See Yojimbo and/or a Zatoichi film first.

[3/10 · 25 February 2000]

It's important to see Yojimbo or a Zatoichi film before viewing this stinker. Otherwise you might ascribe guilt by association. The progenitors are wonderful. Yojimbo gave rise to the vehicle which brought Clint Eastwood to stardom - A Fistful of Dollars. Zatoichi films are the mold for the current Xena and Hercules series. Unfortunately, Z... to Y... lives up to none of the promise of its title. It may possibly be the worst film featuring Zatoichi. The surprising thing is that Katsu and Mifune reprise their roles from the original. If you happen to see this one first, don't despair - the originals are real gems.