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sacredmonk
Reviews
Cidade de Deus (2002)
Pulp Fiction Style Documentary
First off, there are a few grievances I have with this film. It's sort of made in a way where it's kind of spread into chapters. Sort of like pulp fictions is made into chapters, depicting the story of several different people and events, so too is this film. I don't think this adds anything to the film, since you'll probably end up confused by the number of people anyway. There are a bit of characters, and trying to follow the story of each one may be bit confusing. The film is also narrated by the main character. In essence he gives you a tour of the ongoings of the City of God. In a way, it sort of feels like you are being shown a documentary about a city, rather than being given a movie to view. The documentary style, though informative, seems to be a bit over used, and removes the no-documentary movie feeling. That being said however, the film is good for the story, and depiction of the struggles of both the city and the many characters of the film. The corruption, sorrow, anger, greed, love, and joy are all expressed very clearly, and the film allows you to fully understand these feelings in the characters (once you get them all straightened out). I realize that following only the main characters story line would have drastically crippled the film, and would not have been able to illustrate every other characters story. Because of this it is essential that there are very many characters in the film. Understanding this, it is difficult to lower the movies rating based on there being too many characters to distinguish, as it is necessary for the story line. All in all, this film is above average, however an 8 out of ten may be a little bit generous. A 7.6 would be more accurate. Watch it if you have an opportunity to, but don't go out of your way to.
Irréversible (2002)
Backwards Roller-coaster
This film uses a technique of going in reverse chronological order simply to add shock value to discoveries later throughout the film. You begin with what would actually be the end of the films story line, and then proceed to the beginning of the story line. The film wouldn't be as shocking were it in normal chronological order, and therefore, I believe, would not have received as many good ratings as other users have given it. Aside from being backwards merely to attract more attention to itself, the camera angles will remind you of a strange roller-coaster, often going up, down, left and right. The movie is filmed in a way that the camera is not steady, perhaps also to add to the shock value, and keep viewers in suspense. The keys to the suspense in this film lie not in the story line, but in the filming techniques and order of presentation. Remove those two key features, and you are left with a film that is mediocre at best. The story is of a man who seeks revenge, as you discover at the beginning of the film, and then proceeds to show the viewer the events leading up to this moment. The summary is not as jaw dropping, or shocking as others may make it seem, and to classify this movie as one of the most shocking films in history would be a huge overstatement. Don't get me wrong, the film is "watchable", however I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it. It's like one of those, if you've nothing better to be doing, why not. Overall, the film manages a six out of ten.
Bijitâ Q (2001)
Not even a movie
Based on all the other comments, I got this movie to simply see the shock factor of the movie, and truly learn what it was all about. To be brutally honest, this isn't even a movie. It's something of a.. I don't even know what to call it. The so-called movie shows a dysfunctional Japanese family, and the problems which seem to plague them. Apparently a metaphor for the problems in society, and the growing lack of respect among todays youth, the collage of crap seems to leave the viewer holding the remote waiting to turn off the video. I do not understand the viewers who rated this movie so highly. This isn't art, nor is it informative in the slightest sense. To be frank, it's more along the lines of the stupidest pornographic film ever. People who rated this film so highly must not have seen it, or were doing some strange drug that clouded there judgment. That, or they simply want to have an excuse for having a pornographic film, and being able to pass it off as art. There is zero impact this film will have on anybody, and it will simply seem like the biggest waste of time. If I could give a zero star vote, I would.
Silent Hill (2006)
Best Movie PERIOD
Okay, so some have said this is the best video game adaption made to date, but I'm going to go one step further, and say this is the best movie to date. The movie wasn't another pointless "let's just shoot everything in sight throughout the whole movie" type of thing. This actually had substance. In fact, the main character doesn't even wield a gun throughout the whole movie. If you're looking for an action, this might not be your movie. Perhaps you should try one of the other mindless movies. Silent Hill was a bit odd in some parts. There are about two scenes where it seems like something pointless is thrown into the movie. I mean they're like two second things and don't waste time, but still make you go.... okay....... The rest of the movie however is brilliant. It is shockingly eerie, and scary in a strange sort of way. It's not a jump horror film. There aren't creatures that just jump out at random times to scare you. Instead the movie is like a bad dream. The effects and visuals of the movie are so realistic you may have to remind yourself you are in a theater. I think there could have been a tad bit more monster appearances, but the ones they did throw in satisfied me equally. I now have a new favorite movie.
Bollywood and Vine (2004)
Strange Yet Fascinating
This movie.. Well, there aren't very many words that can describe it. It's pretty much unique in it's own way. Basically it is about a young boy who encounters another male who is straight, and becomes attracted to him. The movie is something you'd see on a public access channel, and in that it is pretty much obviously independent. All in all though, I was able to see the movie the whole thing through without thinking "this is crap, I'm turning it off". If it's a Friday night, you're bored, alone, and a female or non heterosexual male, this might be a movie to keep you entertained. The actors in the film are fairly good, and there aren't many "cheesy" parts in the film. Indeed the movie was quite strange as the main character dresses as a female to entice the other male who is new to the world of script writing. He fully intended on having the male star as a female in his movie, not knowing that he was in fact not who he thought he/she was at all. It's a wacky, brainless movie that can be put on to pass time. Therefore my vote is pretty much neutral, giving this movie a see it if you want, or don't see it if you don't want to attitude.
Shutter (2004)
A REAL Horror
I'm not a fan of recent horrors as, well, none of them are really horrors. If you put on say, the evil dead at 12 midnight, chances are you'll leave the light on while you sleep. But if you put on say, the ring, chances are you'll dream of candies and lollipops. Basically anything that doesn't fit any of the other categories is horror, or so you'd think, the way horrors are being produced nowadays. Shutter however brings the macabre genre back to where it should be. I am not easily scared, and to say that the last time I got scared was when I was five, would be the complete truth. That is, until A couple of minutes ago when a creepy looking girl popped out of nowhere. Oh yes, you will get your fill of jumps from this movie, guaranteed. I am proud to give this movie a 9/10.
Shallow Ground (2004)
A Porno with a twist?
This movie was in my opinion quite good. The movie starts, plunging you straight into the action, to keep the viewers guessing at what is to come next, in anticipation. It all starts off with a nude boy covered in blood. Perhaps that there is a warning of all the nude ladies tied to a tree that are displayed later on. The acting, and jump scenes are done in an acceptable manner that allow you to keep interest in the film that seems to drag. The story could have been done much faster, and I believe some of the story line is what drags the film down. The story line can be a bit confusing at times, and the ending will leave you thinking WTF! Aside from those grievances however, the movie is well done. A 7 out of 10.
Yogen (2004)
Swell If You Don't Mind The Lack of Horror
I rented this movie mainly because of the cover. A Japanese girl stained with blood standing in a field whilst a newspaper of the future floats above her. No doubt this movie was made with the intention of being a horror, however after viewing it, it is blatantly obvious it would be better classified as a drama. The movie is good none-the-less, though it can be a bit long-winded at times. There are points when you will find yourself with the finger on the fast-forward, not wanting to press it, but wanting to at the same time. The acting and story in which the movie follows will keep you sitting through the entire movie. If you should happen upon this movie, it will not harm you to view it, however, don't bother going out of your way to watch it. Overall, the movie receives a 7 out of 10.
Desperate Souls (2005)
Worst Movie Since.. Oh wait, this IS the worst movie!
I don't remember hearing about this movie going to theaters. So when I chanced upon it in the New Release section of blockbuster and read the back "An ancient druid book of unspeakable power has survived for centuries, protected by the dark shadows of the natural world. etc.." I thought this movie would be good no doubt about it. Well. the premise is good. The actual movie however is horrid. The actors (if you can call them that) are pretty much on par with Napolean Dynamite (not in a funny way, in an bad emotionless way). You will find yourself thinking "Is he scared, or is he just cold". Aside from the acting, or lack thereof, the movie appears to have been filmed with a home video recorder. Even then, it would make you wonder if you yourself could have created a better movie with that recorder you've got stored in the garage. I believe the movie could have had promise had it been done by a major production company. Overall, this movie receives a 1.