Change Your Image
kandylova19
Reviews
Qian li zou dan qi (2005)
Cultural Differences
In this film, Zhang Yimou portrays the stark difference between Japanese and Chinese culture without succumbing to biased tendencies. Among the numerous cultural differences, perhaps the greatest visual distinction would be the colorful masses of China against the gray, solitude of Japan. The audience becomes aware of these contrasts as Takata, a Japanese father sets out on a journey to China in hopes of improving his estranged relationship with his son who is dying from liver cancer. Through his travels Takata comes to a greater understanding about life, himself, and his son's interest with the Chinese culture, especially the folk operas.
Viskningar och rop (1972)
Definitely Bergman
As a first time viewer of a Bergman feature, I enjoyed familiarizing myself with his distinctive film techniques including his use of the daunting silence, abundant mirrors, shadows, and the intrusive close ups. This film explores the pains and suffering related to death, as well as the conflicts and the corruptions within family members; especially the two older sisters. For a great length of the movie, I found myself questioning which sister I hated more. It wasn't until the end, when Maria, the manipulative middle sister took advantage of her position and snubbed her older sister Karen, that I was able to reach a decision. I found Maria's manners the most unforgiving. As the dishonesty and greed of these vindictive sisters unfold, we come to appreciate Anna, the innocent, loyal servant who shows genuine concerns for Agnes, the dying sister.
Le fantôme de la liberté (1974)
A Great Adventure
As part of our human psychology, many of us long for spontaneity and adventure in our lives. In Luis Bunuel's "Phantom of Liberty" we are awarded just that. As this film is meticulously arranged in a series of episodes, we meet a diversity of characters with no real relation to one another and are linked by chance. These scenarios are enriched with magical realism as they explore the taboos of society and are filled with dark humor. Among the variety of scenarios, one which remains the most memorable to me is the incessant of the young boy and his aunt. This scene clearly depicts the influence of our society and just how much it governs our principles of right and wrong. In America, our society has made us comfortable with the idea, and has even traveled lengths to glamorize the event of an older man with a young women i.e. Hugh Hefner and his playmates. However, when we were presented with the scene of a young man with an older woman, I noticed many of my classmates; including myself, cringe at the portrayal. In terms of incest, we also highly discourage this act, but in many cultures this is perfectly normal and acceptable in their society. Scenes like these encourage one to keep an open mind and resort from passing judgment. It is important to make our own value judgments based on what we believe rather than being governed by the norms of society. After all who is to say what is "normal" or right from wrong.
La otra conquista (1998)
Carrasco's Conquest
Films like "The Other Conquest" which seek to convey the truth behind a questionable history while willing to take the risk of failure and rejection in doing so are ones everyone can greatly admire and genuinely appreciate. They are the heroes of cinema and a result of many smiling faces as the true characters and strength behind the Aztec Indians are finally acknowledged in an art applauded around the world. The Spanish invasion of Mexico in 1519 resulted in an almost complete wipe out of the Aztec nation. As this played a significant role in building Mexican history, it is one I am embarrassed to admit I knew very little about. Despite my embarrassment, I am grateful that Mexico's history was reveled to me in a creative style which celebrates the spirit of the Aztec Indians while depicting the Spanish conquest in an accurate manner. Salvador Carrasco's educational feature is one many of us can gain from; we learn about the history of the conquest, develop an understanding of the Aztec culture, and come to acknowledge the racism surrounding the Aztec Indians of today.
Idi i smotri (1985)
Emotional Roller-coaster
This film depicts the historical significance of the Nazi German invasion of a small town in Russia. As we are invited to "come and see" the horror and trauma a village encounters, we are only given a taste of the large scale disaster. With unforgettable scenes, Elem Klimov puts forth a great effort to capture the audience and take them through an emotionally exhaustive but equally important roller coaster ride. The cast includes a group of talented actors who are able to express the intensity of their emotions through limited dialog and powerful facial expressions. As difficult as it is to witness this terrible genocide, this film is one that deserves our undivided attention.
Dom za vesanje (1988)
A cultural enjoyment
This film invites you into a world that is foreign to many of us. Through its browbeaten humor and spontaneity within the dialect we are able to grasp the authenticity of Romani Gypsies. As we learn about the characters we discover qualities within them in which we can all relate to, whether it is within ourselves or people we know. It is through these similarities that brings forth a connection of people all around the world. For instance, although the film takes place in Yugoslavia, the exploitation of midgets, pregnant woman, handicapped etc
are very similar to that of India as they strive to make a dollar. In "Time of the Gypsies," we witness these events as the protagonist Perhan, undergoes exploitation and corruption as he fights his way to earn top dollar.