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tintinxie
Reviews
Amazing Grace (2006)
Amazing
I don't think I've ever seen a film name as fitting as this one. I never knew that the historical context of the song's lyrics was related to slave trade.
This film was really well executed in all aspects of a biographical film. It takes such a powerful story and presents it in digestible pieces without simplifying the overall significance and scale. On a side note though, the switching between the 2 timelines can be a little bit confusing but I was able to navigate through the characters and appearances with little to no trouble.
Although I'm not particularly interested nor knowledgeable in this area of history, I could follow along the film and was actually quite intrigued. Much like the name Amazing Grace, it was beautiful and compelling biographical film about William Wilberforce's endeavor and eventual success in abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire. It was inspiring and motivating yet also quite informative with just a dash of humor.
There were quite a few things that I found charming bout this film; the casting and acting were to perfection, the cinematography and editing which managed to encapsulate the damp freshness of the area, and most of all, the beautiful ending as the layers of music plays out on par with the camerawork.
Suncoast (2024)
She's just a kid
Props to this film for being so real and wholesome. Following the emotional ups and downs up 17 y/o Doris and her mom as they struggle with facing the reality of her dying brother in entirely different ways. For me though, both characters weren't too likable but were definitely the right choice for this story. The way the story was told created a narrative in which there is no villain, the actions of both characters were all understandable and justifiable despite how selfish and far it goes. I felt that Doris's character was especially well developed, showing how she's been dealing with her brother and mom for so many years that she is tolerant and practically immune but on the other hand, creating her as a blank sheet of paper when faced with interacting with her peers.
Although the characters and plot were successfully developed and nearly got a few tears out of me, it felt at times quite generic and lacking in parts. But still, a decent and focused film that's worth watching. Definitely enjoyable and not overwhelming with a ordinary but intimate story.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Conformity
20 minutes into this movie and I knew its gonna break my heart. Carpe diem, seize the day. Easier said than done. Reality is, it'll come with consequences. This film is unapologetically honest, it's a perfect embodiment of reality. The visuals and scenes of course were absolutely beautiful in such ordinary ways, the camera angles and compositions were also so clever with its ways, corresponding to the remarkable script.
The boys all possess great character respectfulness, discipline, and unfounded passion. Unfortunately confined to the paved paths of life drawn out by their parents the day they were born. This broke my heart. I could feel the rawness of their fear of confrontation or of just exploring what's out there. What Keating did was remarkable. He gave the boys courage to commit to their own hearts, and be braver with their ambitions.
Mr. Keating is a teacher that pours his heart and soul into making a difference in his students life, and that's a rare and precious thing. His teaching may be unorthodox, no doubt stirring up things in a traditional preparatory school, but it inspires and guides like no other. What's magical about this film is how it made me feel like one of his students. Listening attentively trying to soak up all of his words.
Watching as a high school junior, this film hits me hard in a plethora of ways. One way or another, I see myself reflected in each on of the boys either through experience, desires, or disdain. Their boyish excitements are so genuine and pure, seeking thrill through the tiniest of things. The friendship formed between Neil and Todd was a masterpiece, special in so many ways. The stubbornness and insistence of the parents and school administrators were especially hard-hitting for me as I witness my school doing the same, more harm than good. It's quite ironic and sad how it this film reflects today's society. Quoting Keating, "conformity. The difficulty of maintaining your own beliefs in the face of others."
City Island (2009)
It's hysterical, it's entertaining, it's sweet
A great solid comedy right here. Pretty absurd at times but hey it works. The film had me laughing effortlessly without feeling cliché-y. It references and brings back jokes previously made and this really brought the storyline alive. The acting is definitely something that sets this film apart from other comedies, packed full with talents and passion. It's direct, it's crazy, it flows, it's like a punch in the face but in a good way. The rawness of the emotions brings up the tension of the film and builds up the characters is such a perfect way that we feel they mean well. It touches upon the genre of dark comedy yet remains a light and comfortable tone with its quirky characters and plot twists that somehow remains grounded. It's hysterical, it's entertaining, and it's sweet but not overly done in the most unique way but most important of all, the ending was perfection. It wasn't forced, it wasn't too predictable, nothing offensive or dramatic, it was completely refreshing.
All jokes aside, I genuinely think this film is a must-watch, with the relatable dinner table arguments and the not so ordinary ridiculous fighting on the street, it makes you realize how you just gotta let go and stop pretending, consider the possibilities and just stop assuming. Just say the dang truth. Brilliant, this movie is absolutely brilliant.