JulesAndVincent6 Reviews

Perfect Days (2023)

To a good understander, a few words

[9/10 · 19 March 2024]

There aren't many movies that can keep you entertained, thinking, and even move you with just a few words. Here it is possible because of the wonderful script, the peaceful and simple direction of Wim Wenders and the performance of Koji Yakusho.

Perfect Days is truly a beautiful film, it is its simplicity that makes it a beautiful piece. From the first moment we are trapped in the same routine as our protagonist, but the peace and comfort that he transmits forces us to accompany him.

From the little things that we see every day without paying too much attention to them or the encounters that we have every day of our lives with strangers. Even trivial conversations or honest conversations with people we don't know. All that is what makes us up. All of that is what transforms us. Like those normal days with music and a routine that may or may not be boring. That is when we really realize everything we have, whether little or much, we will always have more than others, and for that we have to be grateful, because with a revelation like this even the most ordinary days can become perfect days.

Seven Samurai (1954)

A perfect and foolproof adventure with masterful direction

[9/10 · 19 March 2024]

What can I say that hasn't been said before about this film? The genius of Seven Samurai lies not in how far-fetched or shocking its plot can be, but in how a story that seems simple and easy to understand can be an absolute gem when it is arranged in the ways that only Akira Kurosawa knew.

Seven Samurai is an incredibly powerful film, in so many ways. His script is brilliantly written where there really isn't a flaw in 207 minutes of film. The performances of the seven samurai led by Takashi Shimura and Toshiro Mifune are spectacular, where each samurai has his own development and could interpret his own film. The organization of the samurai and their arrangement on the sets is simply magnificent, the choreography of the battles and all the costumes and art used still seem unreal to me for a film that turns 70 years old precisely this year.

Akira Kurosawa transforms a 3 hour and 27 minute film into a fluid and interesting story, where we completely immerse ourselves in that world. A masterpiece.

Rashomon (1950)

Goodness and evil in a perfectly structured story

[9/10 · 19 March 2024]

Rashomon is one of the best films in history and without a doubt, a very important piece in the history of cinema. This is one of the most important films that allowed cinema from around the world to be consumed today and not just from one country.

This film marks the fifth collaboration between Akira Kurosawa and noted actor Toshiro Mifune. From the first moment the intentions of the film are clear: it does not matter what really happened, but as viewers we learn that everything we know is based on who tells it and under what intentions.

From the visual point of view, Rashomon does not use a spectacular show of fights or shocking images, but rather its spectacular cinematography and intelligent composition of shots make it great without being ostentatious. The position of the cameras and the perspective of the world will change depending on which character is narrating the events, and within the story it will not matter who is right, because we form our own version of the events once we have seen everything.

The ending with the duality it presents makes Rashomon spectacular in every way. A key work in the history of cinema.

Dreams (1990)

Akira Kurosawa's humanity and desires represented in his dreams and nightmares

[9/10 · 19 March 2024]

After exploring all of his films and much about his life is when I really came to a complete understanding of this film. Akira Kurosawa's Dreams is a compilation of magical and dark, hopeful and hopeless, beautiful and terrible stories where the focus is always on the human being.

The key factors of Kurosawa's feature films are always the exploration of his characters, his thoughts and his ideals and everything is perfectly developed in this work, one of his last films.

Dreams shows the director's vision of humanity through dream worlds and nightmare worlds. The curiosity and nature in the eyes of a child and its innocence, the will and superstition in men on the snowy mountain, the cruelty of war and guilt in the tunnel, the exploration of art in Van Gogh's crows , the greed and mistakes that citizens pay for in the nuclear error, the survival of the fittest with the ogres and finally the celebration of life and death in the town of water mills.

Dreams is one of Akira Kurosawa's most important, most underrated and little understood works. A celebration of human beings and art.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

Many times horror is not seen, it is only felt

[8/10 · 21 February 2024]

I am one of those who believe that we must constantly remember the darkest moments in our history, because only then can we understand them and prevent them from happening again. There are many types of films about World War II or other war conflicts, but I don't think I've ever seen a film with the focus of The Zone of Interest.

It is a film set in a war conflict but where we do not see confrontations or anything else that we can imagine. But this only makes it more disturbing. The focus of the script, direction, cinematography and sound is on seeing these despicable characters in our history as simple family people. People who take care of their home, take care of nature, take care of animals and even seem like good and humble human beings.

Many times horror happens through things that we cannot see unlike the things we see every day in our realities. Just thinking about or analyzing some moments of the film makes my skin crawl, due to the coldness that is handled throughout the entire film knowing what was happening just a few meters away. Just creepy.

The history of the characters that are shown on screen does not matter, because they are some of the many who were part of this type of atrocities, the most horrifying thing is always seeing inside the human being and everything he is capable of doing in a position of advantage.

The Iron Claw (2023)

Devastating and moving full of ups and downs

[9/10 · 18 February 2024]

I have to be honest, I was attracted to this film given the good reviews it received and its sports background. But I was completely unaware of the history of the Von Erich family and... nothing could prepare me for their shocking and painful story.

The film is well filmed and written in its more than two hours, nothing exceptional but it does what it sets out to do. Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons completely shine as the Von Erich family.

Don't be confused when watching this film, it is not a feel-good movie. It is a story (although dramatized) that is fun and pleasant at times but very very shocking and brutal in its development.

One of the best movies of 2023 in my opinion, full of action and emotion. How sad that it has been ignored by most of the important awards, it seems that good films with soul no longer matter...

Poor Things (2023)

A sublime visual experience and a journey into the human experience

[9/10 · 14 February 2024]

There is so much I need to write that it is even complicated. I experienced this movie in the theater, there is so much my brain still needs to process. It is always different to see a movie in which it is not possible to pause or rewatch any detail, but in this case it made it a purer, rawer and necessary experience for this type of film.

Poor Things is a film that, like many others in recent years, is coming to change the cinematic world. First, we have its purely technical part, its excellent script, the impressive production in how each and every one of the scenarios is arranged, the execution in editing and sound, the performances of a spectacular trio composed of Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe and the impeccable, peculiar and brilliant direction of Yorgos Lanthimos lay the foundation for what is one of the most important films of the year and of the decade.

Then, we have the message that contains his story. It is a loaded and powerful message. Necessary and interesting. There is little I can say without spoilers, I will only limit myself to saying that we need more films this daring, that are willing to challenge the casual viewer and the critic.

For the end, the icing on the cake, the gloomy soundtrack, sublime and at the right point, at the level of such a work.

American Fiction (2023)

A very satisfying satirical session

[8/10 · 12 February 2024]

I had a very good time with this film, I feel that seeing it after the Academy Award nominations were announced conditioned me a little, because perhaps I expected too much, but it was still a very enjoyable experience.

I think that on some occasions the film falls into the usual clichés, although on the other hand there are aspects that are quite original and unusual in the average cinematographic experience. But in general terms everything feels common and a little trite.

The performances are one of the strongest points and not only those actors who received nominations for the Academy Awards, but the entire cast, even those characters who have very short interventions contribute to making everything feel very organic. And this of course is due to the best thing about the film, the script. Not only the story (based on a book) is good content, but the script of the adaptation is very well written and helps the pace of the film. The humor is just right, without being too obvious and causing some laughs. It is a film that, in just under two hours, captivates us with good performances, being a good satire and a good comedy.

May December (2023)

A story with a lot to explore but ended up being inconsequential

[7/10 · 28 January 2024]

Before seeing the film I was very curious, I think the story was interesting, along with a renowned director and a very good cast starring Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman and a surprising Charles Melton.

I felt that the film had a lot to exploit with the psychological aspect of the characters, because basically that's where the appeal comes from, an actress who has to analyze the person behind the media character to interpret her.

But I think the script rambles too much and ends up not being very conclusive in all the aspects it tries to cover, its story remains a big what if.

But it's also true, Natalie Portman and Charles Melton were brilliant with their performances, Julianne Moore too. I think it could have been a great movie but it fell short.

Napoleon (2023)

All the resources are there but they are harmed by a terrible script

[6/10 · 26 January 2024]

Unfortunately, this was one of the films that generated the most expectations in me and one of the most anticipated in the entire year 2023. It ended up being a big, huge disappointment.

How is it possible that with so much accumulated talent, with a renowned director and award-winning actors, with such good production, costumes and set design, the film ends up failing in its entirety? The film fails to find its purpose because of a poor and disjointed script. We get small pieces of what was Napoleon's love and personal life, as well as some fragments with very little context of his most famous military campaigns, but we never have something complete, as viewers we only collect those pieces and try in our minds to connect them to find out if it makes sense, but it doesn't.

It is a shame that such a rich story of a historical figure is handled in such a bad way. Simply a huge disappointment.

Rustin (2023)

A great story to tell but an ordinary movie

[7/10 · 24 January 2024]

This is the type of biopics that I like, the story of those historical figures whose epics we do not know because they were so long ago. Colman Domingo shines alone as Bayard Rustin, with a unique performance worthy of applause.

But apart from that, I think the film takes too much refuge in a conventional style, when it could have been much bigger. The story of Rustin and Dr. King is the kind of story that could be talked about for hours and hours, and on screen we could have seen more fundamental aspects of their relationship and a more powerful conclusion.

It is an enjoyable film because of Colman Domingo's performance and the story of those we should not forget, like Rustin.

Maestro (2023)

Musically tremendous, exaggerated by Bradley Cooper in every aspect

[8/10 · 23 January 2024]

The highly acclaimed film about Leonard Bernstein. I have to be honest, I didn't know much about Bernstein and his life before looking into the film, so perhaps many people were dissatisfied with what was shown or not, but it didn't affect me personally.

I think the film falls short, because it is difficult to cover the entire life of an important figure in just over two hours and Bradley Cooper takes long, long scenes to become an epic figure in front of the camera.

But I still really enjoyed the performances, from Cooper and especially Carey Mulligan's role as Felicia Montealegre. Like I said, I'm not deep into Bernstein's personal life, so for me it was almost like watching a completely original movie and in my case, it worked.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

A visual show worthy of awards

[8/10 · 23 January 2024]

I'll be completely honest, I'm not a fan of the original Avatar (2009). Taking away its special effects, the story did not seem attractive to me at any time and I think that the conflicts shown are very typical.

With the Academy Awards ceremony I put this sequel on my watchlist. What can I say? I think there was an improvement in many aspects and despite its length, for most of the film I enjoyed it. The CGI is completely hypnotic, as is everything seen on screen.

Regarding the script and the development of the characters, I find myself in the same position as the original film. The same trite conflicts that we have seen countless times in other films, the holes to force more and more films in the saga (we will know that there will be at least 5). In general terms, the story captivated me a little more than the original film but my feelings are the same. I give this sequel an extra point, because the visual effects alone carry the 192 minutes of film, but James Cameron needs to keep improving if he wants to keep his audience for 3 more sequels.

Barbie (I) (2023)

The funniest and most powerful movie I remember in recent times

[9/10 · 23 January 2024]

One of the funniest movies of 2023. The long-awaited Barbie arrived and made our wait completely worth it.

A comedy with a clever and very intelligent script, with every joke and word surgically placed to have the intended impact. This movie is fun even when it doesn't plan to be, and it also has spiritual and philosophical themes to make you think.

It really is one of those movies that puts you through many moods in a short period of time, but I left the theater with a smile and tears of laughter.

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling shine in their roles during the film, but it is Gosling who had one of the best performances of his career.

Past Lives (2023)

A heartbreaking love story with a curious perspective on life

[9/10 · 23 January 2024]

To write this review I had to put together the pieces that were left of me and my heart on the ground after watching the movie. As Sofia Coppola says: "I'm always a sucker for a love story."

And it's the truth, because I'm a big fan of something romantic, but with this movie not even tears were in my eyes. It is a film different from the others that can be seen in the genre, and without a doubt something different from what is seen in the cinema these days.

An exploration of social relationships, the distance between two people who love each other and how this affects their relationship and raises the always inopportune question of what if.

After 105 minutes, you will be asking yourself many questions, regardless of your emotional state, because it elevates social and romantic relationships to a completely new and more philosophical spectrum.

The Holdovers (2023)

A beautiful journey of reconnection between three lost souls

[9/10 · 21 January 2024]

The Holdovers is a beautiful and heartwarming film. From the beginning I could feel that it would be one of those films that may seem simple but with great emotional content and without being forced.

The power of the film comes from its script and its actors, Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa do their best to reach our hearts, and in my case, they succeeded.

During the course I couldn't get those Dead Poets Society vibes out of my mind, even though the plot and development are completely different I had that idea the whole time.

I would like it to be successful at the Oscars, it deserves it and save this film for next Christmas along with the usual classics.

Society of the Snow (2023)

A miraculous, emotional and hard to watch film

[8/10 · 20 January 2024]

I wish I could write this wonderful review in my native language, Spanish, so I could honor this wonderful film.

For people born in Latin America there are always certain stories that have the characteristic of seeming miraculous and having a certain air of mysticism. This is definitely one of them, and I think it is the best film made about this event to date.

A film that has a spectacular production and that takes advantage of each and every one of the resources it has. Spectacular cinematography, tremendous makeup and surprising character development. Watching the survivors deteriorate over the course of two hours, watching their entire world unfold around them, is truly heartbreaking.

During the end of the film, I couldn't help but shed a tear because of the emotionality handled. Recommended and I hope it shines at the Academy Awards.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

An intelligent and well-made script deployed in a courtroom drama

[9/10 · 19 January 2024]

To be honest, during the first 15 minutes of the movie I was afraid that it would end up boring me, because I felt that its beginning was a little slow. But I couldn't be more wrong because two hours later I was still fully engaged with the story.

The script, possibly its strongest point, is brilliantly written. Some of the sequences in the final act of the film really amazed me, I love when during a film, it can be developed solely with dialogues, which are intelligent, flow and are well done.

Another point to highlight are the performances of both Sandra Hüller as Sandra Hoyter and Milo Machado Graner as little Daniel.

I really enjoy a movie in which a trial takes place, because beyond the specific story, a much more important message is always left: Does innocence really matter to the judicial system? Or is everything simply managed by impressions, superstitions, personal opinions and not really the innocence or guilt of the person being judged?

An interesting thought.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

The copy of a copy, trite and empty

[5/10 · 19 January 2024]

I really had no expectations when facing this film but I decided to watch it without judging it beforehand.

Unfortunately the result was disappointing. I understand that a writer has certain works as the foundation stone for his own work, but if Zack Snyder wanted to make a Star Wars remake with different names, he could have told us.

Nothing in the work feels truly authentic and all of its pieces wander freely without any real connection. The characters lack a previous story, a motivation, ideals that justify the reason for their actions, it is simply poorly written.

Not to mention the annoying excess of editing such as slow-motion that is always forced into the film's visuals. I love science fiction and I want to enjoy each and every movie of the genre that I watch, but finishing Rebel Moon was quite a challenge and I'm sorry, don't count me in for its sequels.

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Controversial and necessary to tell written in a perfect way

[9/10 · 19 January 2024]

You may like some of Scorsese's films more or less, but there is no debate if we talk about the fact that he is one of the best in the art of film directing.

Although for many people The Irishman was a suffering, in my case I enjoyed it very much, despite its length. So there were no worries in my mind when it came to taking on Killers of the Flower Moon.

It was absolute cinema. A very well-cared for work from start to finish, brilliantly written and spectacularly filmed. An extremely pleasant journey through a very delicate story to tell, but one that was astutely approached.

If I had to highlight something about the film, it would undoubtedly be Lily Gladstone's brilliant performance. A little-known actress but who will undoubtedly be one of the faces of Hollywood from this moment on.

206 minutes of cinema, of which I would not cut a single minute.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

A visual spectacle, a revolution for the cinema of recent years courtesy of Mr. Nolan

[10/10 · 19 January 2024]

Undoubtedly the movie of the year 2023.

Christopher Nolan has done it again and this time surpassing himself. With a filmography like his it is difficult to say this but yes, I think this is his masterpiece and his best film.

Every cog is positioned perfectly in its place to make the machinery of a film like Oppenheimer work, from the performances, the script, the direction and all the remaining aspects such as the soundtrack, the cinematography, the visual effects and the uses and edits of sound.

Ludwig Goransson's work is impressive, with a soundtrack that invokes uncertainty, mystery, anxiety and almost any emotion that can be felt on a 180-minute journey.

More than remarkable is the cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, which constantly places us in a place and brings out all its potential to create memorable moments.

Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey, Jr., Matt Damon, all the actors shine in their roles, giving more richness to a story that is more than interesting and, without a doubt, well told and exploited in the best way.

Come and See (1985)

The true meaning of war shown in a very crude but necessary way

[10/10 · 17 January 2024]

This movie completely destroyed me. Even knowing that it was a war or anti-war film, nothing could prepare me for the more than two hours of brutality it contains.

From those first moments with an innocent Florya playing at war, I was destroyed. A child who thinks with all his innocence that he is going to fight for his country, without thinking that in less than a week he would be totally corrupted by the things he would see and have to suffer firsthand.

This is one of those movies that undoubtedly makes you think a lot. Showing how brutal, lethal, apathetic and cruel human beings can be.

Without a doubt a masterpiece, a complete and undoubted 10.

Babylon (I) (2022)

A 3-hour delight for lovers of true cinema

[10/10 · 2 February 2023]

I entered the theater with high expectations and left convinced that I had witnessed the birth of a masterpiece.

This film is a love letter to cinema. Every person who has ever shed tears due to sadness or felt happiness due to the joy of a protagonist knows what this film wants to convey from beginning to end. The history of these three characters in the film industry is brilliant and the perfect bearer of a message that is felt and will last in my memory forever.

Damien Chazelle and Babylon make 3 hours into a pleasant and enjoyable 30 minutes, and the same cannot be said for many movies. This is the definition of a perfect movie.