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Post by travisfickle on Dec 7, 2006 12:33:59 GMT -1
Set in aftermath of the Spainish Civil War, this is the story of a young girl (Ofelia) that travels with her mother to join her adoptive father in a rural settlement.
Ofelia is unwilling to accept her new father; a monstrous army captain charged with wiping out pockets of rebel resistance in the surrounding mountains. He in return is coldly dismissive of Ofelia, and as a way of coming to terms with her situation, she retreats into an imaginary world of her own creation.
Best classifeid as a historical drama-cum-fantasy film (!), I thought it was absolutely stunning. It is also incredibly bleak; Captain Vidal must be one of the most brutal humans to be portrayed on the big screen. While the finale is both brave and devastating.
Reality accounts for about 75% of screen time and is punctuated with graphic, unflinching violence. The fantasy element is relatively modest in scale, but beautifully realised, and sumptuously shot.
The two lead adult roles are played superbly, and with utter conviction, however the real star is the young girl. Ivana Baquero, at only 12 years of age carries the entire film, portraying both her fear and wonderment brilliantly.
Quite possibly, THE film of the year - and I'm not all that keen on the fantasy genre.
10/10
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Post by The Lucky C on Dec 7, 2006 17:21:26 GMT -1
desperate to see that but it's not in preston
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Post by travisfickle on Dec 7, 2006 17:37:42 GMT -1
You have my sympathies. There wasn't a single afternoon showing anywhere in the whole of Leeds!!!! In fact, none of the out-of-town multiplexes (Odeon, Showcase, Vue) were showing it at all. So I ended up having to go to Bradford city centre to see one of the most acclaimed films of the year. In contrast 'The Santa Clause 3' was showing hourly, it's a disgrace!!! Thank god it was worth it. desperate to see that but it's not in preston
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Post by woolerinho on Dec 7, 2006 17:39:03 GMT -1
never heard of it?
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Post by The Lucky C on Dec 7, 2006 17:43:49 GMT -1
You have my sympathies. There wasn't a single afternoon showing anywhere in the whole of Leeds!!!! In fact, none of the out-of-town multiplexes (Odeon, Showcase, Vue) were showing it at all. So I ended up having to go to Bradford city centre to see one of the most acclaimed films of the year. In contrast 'The Santa Clause 3' was showing hourly, it's a disgrace!!! Thank god it was worth it. desperate to see that but it's not in preston Preston Odeon: Casino Royale (up to eight showings a day) Flushed away (up to five) Santa Clause 3 (Thankfully only 3) Deck the halls (just the once) Borat (once) Baabul (three) Dhoom 2 (once a day) Garfield 2 ( ) Happy feet (up to nine!) Jackass 2 (Thankfully finishes tomorrow) Stranger Than Fiction (Ditto) The Holiday (up to eight) The NAtivity Story (Up to five) One film I'd like to see, surrounded by dirge and bollywood
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Post by travisfickle on Dec 7, 2006 17:51:24 GMT -1
Jesus!!! Garfield 2 STILL showing!! That place really is a cultural dystopia, pal.
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gt
Non League Player (someone crap, like Boston)
Posts: 51
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Post by gt on Dec 7, 2006 18:14:41 GMT -1
There was a giant inflatable Garfield in Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle to mark Garfield 1 when I was at Uni, it developed a slow puncture and sort of gradually caved in on itself
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Post by travisfickle on Dec 7, 2006 18:17:15 GMT -1
A metaphor for the franchise, methinks. There was a giant inflatable Garfield in Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle to mark Garfield 1 when I was at Uni, it developed a slow puncture and sort of gradually caved in on itself
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gt
Non League Player (someone crap, like Boston)
Posts: 51
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Post by gt on Dec 7, 2006 18:20:00 GMT -1
Aye A metaphor for the franchise, methinks. There was a giant inflatable Garfield in Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle to mark Garfield 1 when I was at Uni, it developed a slow puncture and sort of gradually caved in on itself
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Post by The Lucky C on Dec 7, 2006 20:34:40 GMT -1
here's hoping...
and in fairness, it was the kids club.
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Post by The Lucky C on Jan 9, 2007 22:54:52 GMT -1
meant to say, i saw this over christmas. absolutely superb
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