davidaschoem Reviews

The Pillow Book (1995)

One of the weirdest movies I've ever seen

[8/10 · 23 March 2000]

If you want to see something totally different, watch this film. Despite all the choppiness, both in the storyline and in the visual presentation, it all comes together rather nicely in the end. Ewan McGregor is excellent, as is Vivian Wu.

I recommend that you approach this film with an open mind and no expectations. You will be rewarded with beautiful art, haunting music, and a true cinematic experience.

It is long and slow at times but that should not deter you from finishing the video.

Hôtel Terminus (1988)

I was impressed

[10/10 · 3 March 2000]

Although this movie is quite disturbing at times, due to its subject matter, I would go as far as saying I enjoyed watching it. It has left me quite shaken up and I know I will be thinking about this film for a long time. As a lover of languages, I appreciated the jumping back and forth between French, German, and English. Overall, it is very well done. For such a serious topic, it is done with appropriate humor and pauses for reflection. It's intense, but not unbearably so. Because it made me want to learn more, to do research even, I have given Hotel Terminus a 10.