Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts

I Am Love (2009 Film)

Sunday, December 28, 2014 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek
After not seeing an Italian film for a while, I picked this one up because the cover looked like it was ‘full of secrets’—I know, don’t judge a book (or movie) by it’s cover, but what else do you judge it by?




“Take a good look at the cover photo—what do you see?”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Originally Italian—Io sono l'amore
Country: Italy, 2009
Genre: Drama
Distributor: Mikado Film
Directed By: Luca Guadagnino
                     Cast: Tilda Swinton (as Emma Recchi), Flavio Parenti (as Edoardo Recchi Jr.), Edoardo Gabbriellini (as Antonio Biscaglia), Alba Rohrwacher (as Elisabetta Recchi), Pippo Delbono (as Tancredi Recchi), Maria Paiato (as Ida Roselli), Diane Fleri (as Eva Ugolini), Waris Ahluwalia (as Shai Kubelkian), Marisa Berenson (as Allegra Recchi), Gabriele Ferzetti (as Edoardo Recchi Sr.).
Compare to: Will think about this one... 
Hate it or Love it?  Like it  

Synopsis in a Sentence: This woman’s got it all—a husband, kids, a good home, and money—so why does she get into it with her son’s friend, and how does the story alter from there? 

On Writing: The Plot
The story’s about a woman who’s dissatisfied with her life. It tells us how far she’d go to be happy, but what exactly does happiness mean? For her, it comes at a high cost. Overall, the plot is well written. It’s not a dry story, for sure, but you’ll have to get it to enjoy it.
 (3.5/5)

On Acting: The Cast
Tilda Swinton
A good cast overall. I cannot think of one actor that performed poorly… well, for the most part, the most important ones do their jobs well. Top actress goes to Tilda Swinton, who plays the lead, Emma Recchi. She’s point-blank. She’s good. 
Edoardo Gabbriellini- Left
Top actor will have to go to Edoardo Gabbriellini, who plays her partner in crime, Antonio Biscaglia. Thy do the do together. They’re not bad at it. (Acting, that is).
(3/5)



On Production: 
The Creativity
The production is good. Really not bad. Good. (3/5)                                             

On Resolution: 
The Conclusion
This one is quite the catcher. Really. It’s the best part. And then it ends abruptly.
(4/5)




The Verdict: Overall, quite well done. A lot of things implied, so take care to take note. Beware of sexual content though.  


Overall Score = 13.5/20






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Golden Door (2006 Film)

Thursday, January 31, 2013 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

I picked up Golden Door because the information on the back of the movie contained recommendations From Martin Scorsese (actually, I misread it—I thought it was a joint production by Scorsese and Emanuele Crialese) but I wasn’t completely disappointed—Scorsese’s recommendations proved valid.  


“A ride through past times.”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Original Title—Nuovomondo
Country: Italy, 2006
 Genre: Drama
Distributed by: Miramax Films
Director: Emanuele Crialese
Cast: Charlotte Gainsbourg (as Lucy Reed), Vincenzo Amato (as Salvatore Mancuso), Aurora Quattrocchi (as Fortunata Mancuso), Francesco Casisa (as Angelo Mancuso), Filippo Pucillo (as Pietro Mancuso), Federica De Cola (as Rita D'Agostini), Isabella Ragonese            (as Rosa Napolitano), Filippo Luna (as Don Ercole)
Compare to: Fellini Satyricon
Hate it or Love it?  Appreciate it

Synopsis in a Sentence: An Italian family emigrate from Sicily to America, and they meet an English lady who stirs things up.
           

On Writing: The Plot
The story of immigration into America. It takes care to highlight its main characters, taking care not to overshadow its supporting ones. The story is easy to follow, with a few abstract details to the story (cinematic metaphors, if you will) that may or may not be appreciated. Regardless, the story is a solid one, and does not once waver for uncertainty or inconclusion. A good one.
   (3.5/5)
 
On Acting: The Cast
The cast played well. One of those kinds that you may be led to conclude that they are indeed playing themselves in the movie. A good diverse mix of characters complemented by a skilful cast.
(3.5/5)



On Production:
Very well done. Production for the Golden Door should indeed be much appreciated. It’s done with care, like art and advances the story with abstract scenes that ponder on the minds of its viewers. Good work indeed.
 (4/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
It’s not quite clear what kind of ending should be expected in such a film, but it is a good one that allows history to tell of the journey of Italian immigrants through America’s golden door. 
(3/5)

The Verdict: A good watch, loaded with like a documentary-esque information, but agreeably enjoyable.

Overall Score = 14/20

 

 




See the The Golden Door 

 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Door-Filippo-Pucillo/dp/B000X418UY/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1359676397&sr=1-1&keywords=the+golden+door]

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Patrik, Age 1.5 (2008 Film)

Monday, April 30, 2012 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

I’d never seen a Swedish film before, but with all their talent in music (they’ve got insanely talented producers), I was (reservedly) sure that their film wouldn’t disappoint much—and I was quite right. This was a fun watch!


“Think homophobia, man crushes, and testosterone on emotions...” (Okay, maybe it’s not as dramatic as that, but it comes close.) 


The Rundown
Behind the name: A very good summary of the plot
Country: Sweden, 2008
 Genre: Drama, Comedy infused
Director: Ella Lemhagen
Cast: Gustaf Skarsgård (as Göran Skoogh), Torkel Petersson (as Sven Skoogh), Tom Ljungman (as Patrik), Annika Hallin (as Eva), Amanda Davin (as Isabell)
Compare to: Brokeback Mountain (Only because of the common theme), Reinas, The Wedding Banquet
Hate it or Love it?  Love it  

Synopsis in a Sentence: Patrik, age 15, gets adopted by a gay couple (who really thought he’d be 1.5 years old — thanks to a typo on his adoption papers) and as you can guess; the teenager is a homophobic criminal.
           

On Writing: The Plot

It’s quite good. Actually it’s really good. Quite well written, and although it has its cliché moments, it’s not too cliché (Although, if you’re a seasoned film junkie, you can guess how some scenes would play out before the actors act them out). Then again, can you really blame moviemakers and scriptwriters for writing a story that warms the heart?
(4/5)


On Acting: The Cast






Torkel Petersson (as Sven Skoogh)


Good actors. Gosh they do the film justice. They’re natural together, and one hardly overpowers the other. Say hello to the 3-man main cast:

Tom Ljungman (Patrik)

 
Gustaf Skarsgård (as Göran Skoogh)


Probably the first film you’ve seen without a female lead…

(4/5)



On Production: The Creativity

Production is good, lending dramatic construction to the dramatic parts, and infusing comedic stances when necessary. The production didn’t overpower anything else.
 (3.5/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
Awwww shcuks!

(4/5)


The Verdict: I really, really liked this film. It was one good foreign film that didn’t (for once) reek of “foreign” production. An all round good one!  


Overall Score = 15.5/20 







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Review: Summer Storm (2004 Film)

Monday, October 24, 2011 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

I wanted a modern, authentic, German film, and I think I got it.  



“First Lines:
Tobi: She said, I don't mind!
Achim: Those very words. Now chill, I have to keep at 140..”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Original title — Summerstrum
Country: Germany, 2004
 Genre: Drama, Coming-of-age
Distributor: Regent Releasing, X Verleih AG
Directed By: Marco Kreuzpaintner
Cast: Robert Stadlober (as Tobi), Kostja Ullmann (as Achim), Jürgen Tonkel (as Hansi), Miriam Morgenstern (as Sandra), Alicja Bachleda (as Anke/as Alicja Bachleda-Curus), Angelika Brennfleck (as Thea).
Compare to: Get Real (1998), Edge of Seventeen (1998), Come Undone (2000)
Hate it or Love it?  Enjoy it  

Synopsis in a Sentence: Two teenage guys who belong to the local rowing club have been best friends forever, and they do everything together: they’ve got the standard teenage lives, with girlfriends to match, but as they get closer, one begins to develop feelings a bit more than friendship…
           

On Writing: The Plot
The storyline is interesting. It’s written and produced well, carrying a sensitive subject in a realistic, yet wistful manner. With just enough of everything to keep you interested until the end. The delicacy of youth is highlighted in the plot, and the feelings of joy, happiness, and nostalgia is written into the storyline. The characters are lively and interesting to watch, the emotions that come with the story are handled skilfully and without (excessive) clichés. It’s a slightly controversial topic, but handled properly through this plot. Beware of nudity and sexual content though.
 (4/5)

On Acting: The Cast
With captivating characters, the performance is not bad: Quite good actually. There are many interesting characters that will keep you hooked on the storyline. A good cast. Great teamwork altogether.

Robert Stadlober
Kostja Ullman

Actors, Robert Stadlober (who plays Tobi), and Kostja Ullmann  ( who plays Achim) more or less make the movie. Their performances draw you in, and if nothing else, allow you to linger on the mystery of their characters. 

(3/5)

On Production:
The production is good. Done properly. The shots are beautiful and symbolic. In fact, better than you’d think, if you actually think about it. There are some great shots, nice symbolism; everything is implied with the way this film is produced. Production is done with talent and creativity.
 (4/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
Quite good. Many things make this film good, and the resolution is one of them. Akin to the plot, the resolution remains real, not clichéd, but yet emotional and meaningful. A good one.
(4/5)

The Verdict: It’s a good watch. There’s more to this film that meets the eye, and it’s well done.

Overall Score = 15 /20 



 




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