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Reviews
To agori sti gefyra (2016)
Cyprus village and ways of life
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The background of Cyprus, having a history of struggles to gain independence from various administrations including the recent one from 1960s British gives this plot a military ingredient.
The children who are the central characters are cousins. They are growing up around guns and explosives. This is a typical village, many inhabitants are related, are regular hunters of small prey and men generally have served in National Service at age eighteen and continue to have part time duties until age forty-five.
Combat gear and guns are seen daily in peaceful contexts. Celebrations include home made explosives, and fireworks, especially Easter.
This shows how a boy is influenced by the village practices, but has been tolerated rather than chastised for inconsiderate behaviour towards the local residents. This is also typical, children are expected to amuse themselves, hopefully peacefully. Sometimes their antisocial behaviour goes unchecked, in the expectations that they'll grow out of it. Some get out of control, the story tells of one such boy. Low level disturbances such as traffic violations are common and ignored. He will learn the hard way about consequences.
The story shows what misery behaviour can inflict on the perpetrators as well as the victims. I think it is a modern moral story of our recent times.
A good one for wreckless school children to see. It may be of some help in forming a better character and future for them.
I was a little confused at the beginning. I am not a historian, but I do believe it was filmed in the Troodos mountains as the original story's setting was Tricomo village which is now part of the occupied area of the northern part of Cyprus.
Director's Trademarks: Wes Anderson (2018)
Student photographers will like this
I found this very useful in helping new students of photography to understand some of of the most common terminology we used in film making. I highly recommend it.
County Lines (2019)
Slow and depressing
I got the idea from the first five minutes that it was going to be a slow moving story, it was agonising waiting for something to happen. The scene was set well enough in the first minute, depressing, breadline, working class Britain. There was no need for dragging out the setting of the oppressive environment in which Tyler was growing up.
His mother was well played, as a struggling, worn out single parent who worked shifts to provide for her kids. Simon was clearly well-cast, a predator who commanded attention.
I resisted fast forwarding at first but gave up watching when Tyler became a drug dealer overnight after about 30 minutes.
This film was probably great for someone doing a social study, but I want more evidence of why Tyler fell victim so easily. Why was he so introverted and disengaged when he plainly loved his little sister and mother?
Why did he abandon them so easily?
The Virtuoso (2021)
Shame
I watched the film because of Anthony Hopkins' award. He is a great actor but this role was no challenge to him and, sorry but I don't think it was deserved.
The story was a disappointment, although the actors and pace were good and kept me interested. From the first 20 minutes I knew most of what was going to happen next. The plot was given away too soon.
Spoiler:
My favourite bit was the dog, although the acting was good throughout.
Thank God the dog didn't get shot, that would be the ultimate insult.
Once the sheriff was shown to be a fraud, that was it!
I bet it was great if you read the book, if there was a book?
The Flight Attendant (2020)
Watchable
I watched the whole series. I enjoyed the strong female roles. I found the acting good especially Annie, the lawyer and close friend who supports the main character and struggles with her own life and issues simultaneously. A complex character well-portrayed. I'll watch out for her in other productions.
'Miranda' had some corny lines and the whole show lost credibility at the point when she changes from goody to baddie, but it was great to see so many strong female roles, albeit not too credible. The comedy was low key, don't expect to laugh out loud at any of it.
It's one of those shows where you have to just suspend your disbelief and wait and see. The story line is mostly bland with a few interesting twists, but the glamorous locations helped it along.
I watched it because of 'Penny', she didn't disappoint but the script did.
The Flight Attendant (2020)
Watchable
I watched the whole series. I enjoyed the strong female roles. I found the acting good especially Annie, the lawyer and close friend who supports the main character and struggles with her own life and issues simultaneously. A complex character well-portrayed. I'll watch out for her in other productions.
'Miranda' had some corny lines and the whole show lost credibility at the point when she changes from goody to baddie, but it was great to see so many strong female roles, albeit not too credible. The comedy was low key, don't expect to laugh out loud at any of it.
It's one of those shows where you have to just suspend your disbelief and wait and see. The story line is mostly bland with a few interesting twists, but the glamorous locations helped it along.
I watched it because of 'Penny', she didn't disappoint but the script did.