The World Cinema Thread.

[Travis]

mrsh said:

jh1980 said:

Watched "Choses Sécretes" last night, very late on Film Four!

Knackered today but enjoyed film. Copious sexual scenes did not detract from what was in fairness a typically complex and devious plot - not sure why but it seems to be the fashion with French films!

So do you only watch subtitiled soft porn Jules?

Do pornos come with subtitles?

[Travis]

jh1980 said:

trav said:

Are you sure that the complex and devious plot didn't detract from the copius sexual scenes?

LOL!

Have you seen it?

It's good in both ways I thought!

I haven't Jules, but I've just read the tagline....

"The delectably twisted fable centers on two penniless but shapely young women who set out to better their social station by manipulating men."

Guess I'll catch it sometime

[jh1980]

trav said:

mrsh said:

So do you only watch subtitiled soft porn Jules?

Do pornos come with subtitles?

Less of the soft!

Naw but gimme a break though, I turned on FilmFour to see what was on, was drawn in by the graphic nudity but stayed for the plot! ;D

[Mrs H]

jh1980 said:

trav said:

Do pornos come with subtitles?

Less of the soft!

Naw but gimme a break though, I turned on FilmFour to see what was on, was drawn in by the graphic nudity but stayed for the plot! ;D

And a wank?

[Travis]

mrsh said:

jh1980 said:

Less of the soft!

Naw but gimme a break though, I turned on FilmFour to see what was on, was drawn in by the graphic nudity but stayed for the plot! ;D

And a wank?

Oh don't Laura!! ;D

I'm thinking of watching it as it's been well reviewed, but I really couldn't do so if my concious thought is haunted with visions of Jules with his pants around his ankles!

[jh1980]

mrsh said:

jh1980 said:

Naw but gimme a break though, I turned on FilmFour to see what was on, was drawn in by the graphic nudity but stayed for the plot! ;D

And a wank?

No shame in it but I didn't actually! Was tempted at several points in the film! ;D

[Travis]

TALES FROM EARTHSEA

The latest production from Studio Ghibli received a rather low-key release last summer and met with rather indifferent reviews from critics, having now seen it myself I can understand why. I've sat through the entirety of the studio's output and for the most part have been massively impressed, but on this occasion, there's just something missing.

The story is of a sorcerer by the name of Sparrowhawk and a young boy he befriends. The pair embark on a quest to confront the evil Lord Cob whose ruthless pursuit for the gift of eternal life is causing the kingdom of Earthsea to deteriorate.

Now in terms of the animation there are no problems; although the visuals appear to be a little unremarkable in comparison with recent releases such as 'Spirited Away' and 'Howl's Moving Castle', there are still a couple of stunning sequences set against the rising sun, and besides, the likes 'Totoro' and 'Grave Of The Fireflies' are not undermined by having a more primitive appearance.

For me the problems lie in the narrative and characters. While Hayao Miyazaki tends for the most part to direct films based on his own stories, his son Goro tackles an adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin's acclaimed books. Now while the books must no doubt have their merits, they just don't seem to fit with the Ghibli ethos, sure there are elements contained within the story, but 'Earthsea' lacks that magical air of fun, wonder and enchantment that is so typical of Ghibli.

The characters are also less engaging; Ghibli films traditionally have a young, strong female lead whose compassion, integrity and bravery endears her to all. This time the most prominent character is a man, and while a young boy and girl do also feature strongly, their developing relationship - a rather more compelling tale - is relegated to sub-plot status.

A decent time passer, but by Ghibli standards, pretty disappointing.

6/10

[Travis]

ovechkin8 said:

Un coeur en hiver.

Featuring the star couple of French cinema of times past Daniel Auteil & Emmanuelle Beart a beautifully undertstated yet subtle depiction of a menage a trois between a violinist & two violin makers.

Infused by the exquisite music of Ravel each gesture is full of meaning almost Kabukiesque & the dialogue whilst spare is loaded with meaning.

An absolute joy to watch & accurate depicition of the complex web of human relationships.

9/10

Just watched it and really enjoyed it. I thought that up until the point that Camille revealed her feelings, it was very reminiscent of 'In The Mood For Love', albeit not quite in that class. Once the feelings came out into the open I thought the film did lose its way just a little though.

Mind you, I could happily watch Emmanuelle Beart read a shopping list for 2 hours.

I'd go for a strong 7/10.

[thales]

Warlords

set in 1860's during the taiping rebellion in china, tells the story of a general who has all his men killed, getting together with a gang of bandits, to form a new army.
to prove their loyalty to one another, the general and 2 bandit leaders take a blood oath, before embarking under the general to quell the rebellion!

a lot darker film than crouching tiger, hero etc, still has a romantic interest which eventually leads to the warlords downfall...

a lot more western in style, than most hk/china films, very dialogue driven, with jet li giving a great performance, while reverting to type for the battle scenes etc.

well worth a watch, should be in cinema in next few months over here!

8/10

[Neko Bazu]

28allirelandslufc said:

Warlords

set in 1860's during the taiping rebellion in china, tells the story of a general who has all his men killed, getting together with a gang of bandits, to form a new army.
to prove their loyalty to one another, the general and 2 bandit leaders take a blood oath, before embarking under the general to quell the rebellion!

a lot darker film than crouching tiger, hero etc, still has a romantic interest which eventually leads to the warlords downfall...

a lot more western in style, than most hk/china films, very dialogue driven, with jet li giving a great performance, while reverting to type for the battle scenes etc.

well worth a watch, should be in cinema in next few months over here!

8/10

What were the fight scenes like in this? I've seen a lot coming out of China/HK/Thailand over the last few years that have taken a heavy helping of special effects into their fight sequences, and while I appreciate it's supposed to show the characters being beyond human, I think it just ends up looking comical (if not outright crap) instead Y'know, scenes like when someone takes a kick to the chest goes flying back 20ft, with the attacker flying after them and stamping on their chest as they go.

Bruce Lee/Jackie Chan/Tony Jaa, they ain't! (And in truth, that generally leaves me disappointed in Jet Li films, because I know he's an impressive enough martial artist without the crappy effects!)

[thales]

good neko, as said visual style is slightly more western than other hk films, this has a little of the special effects, but is way more character driven, although there is a trench scene reminicent of many ww1 films.... think you might like!

[ovechkin8]

trav said:

ovechkin8 said:

Un coeur en hiver.

Featuring the star couple of French cinema of times past Daniel Auteil & Emmanuelle Beart a beautifully undertstated yet subtle depiction of a menage a trois between a violinist & two violin makers.

Infused by the exquisite music of Ravel each gesture is full of meaning almost Kabukiesque & the dialogue whilst spare is loaded with meaning.

An absolute joy to watch & accurate depicition of the complex web of human relationships.

9/10

Just watched it and really enjoyed it. I thought that up until the point that Camille revealed her feelings, it was very reminiscent of 'In The Mood For Love', albeit not quite in that class. Once the feelings came out into the open I thought the film did lose its way just a little though.

Mind you, I could happily watch Emmanuelle Beart read a shopping list for 2 hours.

I'd go for a strong 7/10.

Quite agree. Beart is a joy for the camera to observe.

Shame the Earthsea quadrology has not been filmed in the full sense perhaps catching onto LOTR fever but with very serious themes of Ged discovering the meaning of life & responsibility.

Hope someone takes it up as a film project in a Merlin type project which was a very enjoyable film with Miranda Richardson excelling as Queen Mab & a strong supporting cast in Bonham-Carter Sam Neill & co.

[Travis]

LA DOLCE VITA

Although widely regarded as one of the classic films of world cinema, I must admit that I was rather underwhelmed by 'La Dolce Vita'. Fellini's film is one I could admire, but certainly not one I could love; as you'd expect, the direction is faultless, the black and white photography looks stunning on screen, and iconic images permeate the work. It is also hard to deny that Fellini's observations on the conduct of the paparazzi ring true more than ever in today's 'celebrity obsessed' age, a scene where a group of photographers hound a detective as he tries to break the news to a society woman of her husband's suicide was particularly uncomfortable to watch.

The film is obviously best remembered for Anita Ekberg's character Sylvia, the free spirited international superstar who charmed everyone with her positivity and lust for life, the girl whose big night out culminated in the Trevi Fountain. While Ekberg is in the film, it is exactly the sort of celebratory piece you would expect, unfortunately her appearance is only fleeting, and the remaining 2 hours are a struggle in her aftermath.

The fact is that apart from Sylvia, there aren't really any characters in the film who I could identity, like or even sympathise with. Watching an ensemble of high society types, bemoaning their problems, or letting their hair down in the most tiresome ways didn't really make for compelling viewing, nor did the wider life of the self-obsessed press agent, Marcello. Ultimately Fellini takes an age to say very little.

Oh for 165 minutes of Anita Ekberg, 'La Dolce Vita' would've been far better for it.

6/10

[Neko Bazu]

Byousoku 5cm
At the speed of five centimetres a second

Just finished watching all three parts of this, released as one film.

I cannot begin to describe the love.

It's just... incredible. There are so many things that I just can't say about it. I'm sitting here just stunned; grateful for so much, wistful of so much, missing so much and feeling all at once like I'm so small in a vast, cold world, and like I'm unimaginably tall with the world at my feet.

I was so certain it'd have a fluffy, happy ending, but I really can't pin down if it is or not. Life doesn't always work like that, after all, and I really am leaning towards 'no'... but just maybe...

It captures cold reality and warm comfort simultaneously. There is no romanticist's view of the world; they take reality for what it is. You can't help empathising with the characters, because so much of it is where you've been yourself, yet at the same time it's an amazing fantasy you can't begin to put words to. It's heart-warming and heart-rending, tender and harsh, beautiful and painful all at once...

And despite being able to say all that, I can't even begin to describe it...

There is no vast plot. It is, as the catch-line says, "A series of short stories about their distance." It's reflective of life, of love, of the world and of growing up in a world we're never prepared for. It says things I've never seen said in any other anime, yet at the same time says things we've all heard before.

I'll only tie myself in knots trying to describe it, but if you like anything that inspires introspection and a certain melancholy, that tells the truth but tells a story, and leaves you with a kind of emptiness that's oddly satisfying - because, just for that time, you understand things a little more clearly - then I absolutely recommend it.

I don't want to talk about the utterly stunning artwork, the superb voice-acting or the so-true dialogue, because that'll just detract from this anime's strongest point - the feeling you take away.

10/10.

[Travis]

neko said:

Byousoku 5cm
At the speed of five centimetres a second

Just finished watching all three parts of this, released as one film.

I cannot begin to describe the love.

It's just... incredible. There are so many things that I just can't say about it. I'm sitting here just stunned; grateful for so much, wistful of so much, missing so much and feeling all at once like I'm so small in a vast, cold world, and like I'm unimaginably tall with the world at my feet.

I was so certain it'd have a fluffy, happy ending, but I really can't pin down if it is or not. Life doesn't always work like that, after all, and I really am leaning towards 'no'... but just maybe...

It captures cold reality and warm comfort simultaneously. There is no romanticist's view of the world; they take reality for what it is. You can't help empathising with the characters, because so much of it is where you've been yourself, yet at the same time it's an amazing fantasy you can't begin to put words to. It's heart-warming and heart-rending, tender and harsh, beautiful and painful all at once...

And despite being able to say all that, I can't even begin to describe it...

There is no vast plot. It is, as the catch-line says, "A series of short stories about their distance." It's reflective of life, of love, of the world and of growing up in a world we're never prepared for. It says things I've never seen said in any other anime, yet at the same time says things we've all heard before.

I'll only tie myself in knots trying to describe it, but if you like anything that inspires introspection and a certain melancholy, that tells the truth but tells a story, and leaves you with a kind of emptiness that's oddly satisfying - because, just for that time, you understand things a little more clearly - then I absolutely recommend it.

I don't want to talk about the utterly stunning artwork, the superb voice-acting or the so-true dialogue, because that'll just detract from this anime's strongest point - the feeling you take away.

10/10.

Finally downloaded a perfect copy of this onto my PC the other day, hopefully will watch it tomorrow.

[ITFC Dudette6]

trav said:

neko said:

Byousoku 5cm
At the speed of five centimetres a second

Just finished watching all three parts of this, released as one film.

I cannot begin to describe the love.

It's just... incredible. There are so many things that I just can't say about it. I'm sitting here just stunned; grateful for so much, wistful of so much, missing so much and feeling all at once like I'm so small in a vast, cold world, and like I'm unimaginably tall with the world at my feet.

I was so certain it'd have a fluffy, happy ending, but I really can't pin down if it is or not. Life doesn't always work like that, after all, and I really am leaning towards 'no'... but just maybe...

It captures cold reality and warm comfort simultaneously. There is no romanticist's view of the world; they take reality for what it is. You can't help empathising with the characters, because so much of it is where you've been yourself, yet at the same time it's an amazing fantasy you can't begin to put words to. It's heart-warming and heart-rending, tender and harsh, beautiful and painful all at once...

And despite being able to say all that, I can't even begin to describe it...

There is no vast plot. It is, as the catch-line says, "A series of short stories about their distance." It's reflective of life, of love, of the world and of growing up in a world we're never prepared for. It says things I've never seen said in any other anime, yet at the same time says things we've all heard before.

I'll only tie myself in knots trying to describe it, but if you like anything that inspires introspection and a certain melancholy, that tells the truth but tells a story, and leaves you with a kind of emptiness that's oddly satisfying - because, just for that time, you understand things a little more clearly - then I absolutely recommend it.

I don't want to talk about the utterly stunning artwork, the superb voice-acting or the so-true dialogue, because that'll just detract from this anime's strongest point - the feeling you take away.

10/10.

Finally downloaded a perfect copy of this onto my PC the other day, hopefully will watch it tomorrow.

Downloading? Tsk tsk.

[Neko Bazu]

itfcdudette6 said:

trav said:

Finally downloaded a perfect copy of this onto my PC the other day, hopefully will watch it tomorrow.

Downloading? Tsk tsk.

Hasn't been released over here yet

Most anime groups don't actually mind people downloading episodes/films prior to official release in their country, since it quickly builds a fanbase and effectively acts as free advertising for them. There's tons of groups on the net that do it; the big companies all know about it too, because they email these groups to say, "This series is being released now, please stop." And generally, they will do as asked, thus protecting their interests too (i.e. not getting shut down and sued).

Everyone's a winner!

[Travis]

neko said:

itfcdudette6 said:

Downloading? Tsk tsk.

Hasn't been released over here yet

Most anime groups don't actually mind people downloading episodes/films prior to official release in their country, since it quickly builds a fanbase and effectively acts as free advertising for them. There's tons of groups on the net that do it; the big companies all know about it too, because they email these groups to say, "This series is being released now, please stop." And generally, they will do as asked, thus protecting their interests too (i.e. not getting shut down and sued).

Everyone's a winner!

You tell the straw-munching upstart, Neko!! ;D

Just watched it now and I was utterly astounded by the first episode, but I think I'll have to have a little thinking time before I make my mind up as a whole on the piece, maybe even give a another watch later in the day. It was compelling certainly, and visually like nothing I've eveer seen before, but that's all I'll committ to so far.

[Neko Bazu]

The first episode was undoubtedly my favourite too - it just has that something that really gives me that 'wow' factor. The other two weren't as good for me personally, but were by no means bad and certainly put forward things that the first didn't. As stand-alones, only #1 would work, but in the series those two worked nicely.

You see what I mean about the visuals being things that Ghibli dream of though?

[Travis]

neko said:

The first episode was undoubtedly my favourite too - it just has that something that really gives me that 'wow' factor. The other two weren't as good for me personally, but were by no means bad and certainly put forward things that the first didn't. As stand-alones, only #1 would work, but in the series those two worked nicely.

You see what I mean about the visuals being things that Ghibli dream of though?

There was certain little things - almost inconsequential - that you couldn't help being drawn to, like the details on grates in the railway station that really brought home the passion behind the project. The most impressive aspect that set the visuals apart for me though were the falling blossoms, the snow and rain, and the way they so impressively used the varying degrees of sunlight and shadow to enhance the look of the pieces.

I think on the back of Howl's Moving Castle and Tales From Earthsea, Ghibli are now starting to grasp the potential these opportunities to use sunlight etc hold. It will be interesting to see how Miyazaki's next work holds up in comparison.