#42: Three Colours Red (1994) May 8, 2007
Posted by badblokebob in : Drama, 5 stars, 1990s, Mystery, world cinema, Krzysztof Kieslowski, 2007 , add a comment1994 | Krzysztof Kieslowski | 95 mins | DVD | 15 / R
The final film in the trilogy takes on the theme of fraternité/brotherhood, in a relatively obvious way: Irene Jacob befriends a lonesome old man who spies on his neighbour’s telephone calls. There’s much more to it than that, all on broadly the same theme, but I’m sure to say too much would be to ruin what is an excellent film. Best of all, in my mind, is the intriguing and oddly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy as a whole. I’m sure it’s not for everyone, but I still recommend it.
#41: Three Colours White (1994) April 9, 2007
Posted by badblokebob in : Comedy, Drama, 4 stars, 1990s, world cinema, Krzysztof Kieslowski, 2007 , 1 comment so far1994 | Krzysztof Kieslowski | 87 mins | DVD | 15 / R
The second in the trilogy (see #39) features the idea of égalité/equality. The lead character is a Polish immigrant who, at the start, is divorced by his French wife and, in a roundabout way, forced to return to Poland. The narrative follows an odd path toward an odd resolution; it’s also odd that a film about a basic French value is set mostly in Poland. While it has its moments and is certainly intriguing, White comes out as inferior to Blue. I’m looking forward to what Red has in store.
#39: Three Colours Blue (1993)
Posted by badblokebob in : Music, Drama, 4 stars, 1990s, world cinema, Krzysztof Kieslowski, 2007 , add a comment1993 | Krzysztof Kieslowski | 96 mins | DVD | 15 / R
The first in Kieslowski’s thematic trilogy based around the French flag and the values it represents. Here it’s liberté/freedom, in this case brought about by the death of Julie’s husband and daughter in a car accident. In the lead role Juliette Binoche is the film and she carries it admirably, taking her character through a range of phases and emotions. It takes a little time to get going but is worth it in the end (speaking of the end, it appears to have been an inspiration to films such as Donnie Darko and Magnolia…)
#18: Nosferatu (1922) March 3, 2007
Posted by badblokebob in : Horror, adaptations, 3 stars, 1920s, world cinema, F.W. Murnau, 2007, silent films , add a comment1922 | F.W. Murnau | 81 mins | DVD | PG
One of the earliest and most-referenced horror films, and the first screen adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula (faithfully, albeit unofficially). With such a weight bearing down upon it I found it quite hard to watch it objectively, and so was mainly left with the sense that I didn’t enjoy it as much as Sunrise and that I’d rather like to see a fully restored version. Perhaps Masters Of Cinema shall treat us to one soon. Whatever one’s thoughts on it, it really is a must see for anyone into sci-fi/fantasy, horror, or (again) the history of film.
#9: The Last Days of Pompeii (1913) February 28, 2007
Posted by badblokebob in : Drama, Romance, adaptations, 2 stars, 1910s, world cinema, 2007, silent films, Historical , add a comment1913 | Mario Caserini & Eleuterio Rodolfi | 88 mins | VHS
The fact that it’s an old silent film will be enough to put most people off. Some of those are worth seeking out, of course, but I would hesitate to recommend this one. The score may be a little unfair as the plot and execution of it aren’t too bad, but somehow I can’t bring myself to give it any more.
#8: Ong-Bak (2003)
Posted by badblokebob in : Action, 2000s, 4 stars, world cinema, 2007 , add a comment2003 | Prachya Pinkaew | 108 mins | DVD | 18 / R
This is a tricky film to rate. The plot is pretty inconsequential and drags things out a bit toward the end, but that’s not what you come to a film like Ong-Bak for — it’s here for the action. When it comes (the pointless plot machinations hold it off for a while) it delivers pretty well indeed, with some impressive work from star Tony Jaa. I err on the side of generosity with my score.