james-calver Reviews

Inside Out (I) (2015)

I feel like everybody has missed the point

[9/10 · 9 July 2016]

I am not normally one to write reviews, but I couldn't help reading several for this film on this site that just did't seem to understand where I think the film was supposed to be coming from.

The majority of the complaints I saw were that the film was 'too depressing for a children's film', but whilst I see where they are coming from in some regards, every child who I have seen watch this film (I work in a cinema) has absolutely loved it, and laughed out loud almost constantly. They are not old enough to realise the message the film is trying to convey: that life isn't all about happiness. I applaud the attempt from Pixar to make a film that is not only hilarious in places, but is also a major comment on what life is like to be a younger teenager, transitioning through one of the most important moments of life.

From a more personal perspective, why should everything we show our children gloss over the reality of life, and try to make them believe everything is rosy 24/7? Again, what this film does brilliantly through the message I took away at the end was that life will never be 100% full of happiness, but that is fine. Why does it have to be? A little bit of sadness is necessary. If a person was never sad, they would be inhumane.

Overall then, I suppose my review is more of a comment on the type of film we exhibit to children, and how the Nanny-state we live in looks to protect them from most of lives inevitabilities. Either way, what can't be ignored is that this film is equal parts sad, and equal parts what I am sure will become a timeless classic in years to come.

Ichi the Killer (2001)

You know you're odd when you're the only one that doesn't look away...but if you don't!

[8/10 · 30 January 2014]

To put it simply, if you don't like a tiny bit of gore, then maybe you shouldn't watch this movie. However, if you can put up with a little bit (minor misjudgement) of blood on the screen, then this film is definitely under the bracket of masterpiece. The story, while at first hard to follow, is pure genius, complex enough to create interesting enigma's, but not so complex you lose track of where the film is going, and therefore interest. The other point to make is the use of the violence. Whilst the redness of the blood could be compared to Argento or either of the Kill Bill's, Miike's excessive use is genuinely jaw-dropping. The people I viewed the film with found many of the images disturbing, but when analysed, they add a deeper layer to the film than what first appears on the screen. All except one piece of the violent imagery are done concocted with outstanding visual effects, and make even some Hollywood films look basic. Overall, I feel that as long as you can put up with the gore, then you are in for one hell of a ride!