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Reviews
The 13th Warrior (1999)
Devling into non-typical folklore
I found this movie to be quite satisfying. Combining the rich wisdom of the Persia Empire with Norse tradition when most of Europe of ravaged by Barbarian hordes allows for the audience to see the richness of cultures rarely put on screen. Arabians in that era were the keepers of incredible wisdom and this film displays that.
Loosely based on Beowolf, the Norse leader is one of the most intriguing characters I've seen in a long time. Director John McTiernan allows the viewer to see how this man truly is wise and brave.
The ending isn't as good as the rest of the film, but it doesn't destroy the film.
Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)
The Ideal of Teaching
Yes the story is sappy and idealized. That is the point. No one goes into teaching to get rich. Some start teaching as a way to pay bills, but no one stays in teaching to do that. Glen is like the best teachers I had. Intelligent. Fiesty. Challenging. Willing to make students look beyond their textbooks into the world.
Great soundtrack. Real issues, especially for those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s when schools slashed budgets left and right and then wondered why this generation was so apathetic.
If the movie was today the director would spend forever on the "affair" with Rowena and maybe throw in a gratuitous love scene. This movie does right by the characters, who remind me of specific people in my school experience.