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shalitras
Reviews
The Birth of a Nation (2016)
Nat Turner
Great film. Finally, a story of the slave who fought back. What is exceptionally great is that Nat Parker didn't tone down anything about the era or the obstacles thereof. American slavery was complex at best. Any type of slavery or oppression is complex. The characters were complex as was the main character. I quite enjoy Nat Parker and Armie Hammer on their own, but after this film - WOW. Powerful. It's not for the faint of heart or for those who want a "washed out" story.
I've read a few of the comments here - and for those of you who understood context and the severity of the human condition for blacks during this time - it goes without saying that Nat Turner was well within his right to fight for his life (and therefore, the following paragraphs are not for you).
For those of you who regard this film as "propaganda" or "racist crap", I am not surprised. Your real dismay is that the story is live for the entire world to see. Tough. If you push anyone too far - even a slave - then you get pushed back. Considering the treatment of blacks during that period, why would you dismiss his pain or that of any other "slave"? Naysayers of this film are idiots and quite comical. I gather that you'd prefer it when the racist whites - of that era and this - had the upper hand and everyone else cowered. Tough. Naysayers aren't upset with the film - they are upset with the truth. To that I say lastly - tough.
Continuous and unsuccessful attempts to dismiss this film helps it gain momentum. Thanks! America's past produced this story - the man - the legend. When I watch stories of the native Indians - I see pain and I understand the uprisings. When I watched Braveheart - I understood their pain and their uprising - and I'd assume, naysayers, that I wouldn't be able to find your ignorant comments under Braveheart.
If you'd dare to call the main character a "terrorist" - please let me stop laughing first. Aw, poor bullies (naysayers). You're not happy unless you're the bully. Bullies get theirs in the end though. Whites slave-masters killed and abused WAY more slaves than blacks (and that was before, during and after Nat Turner's insurrection). But, you knew that naysayers. So you can attempt to twist history all day long - God knows the truth. That's enough for me.
Conclusion: See the film if you can handle the truth. If you can't... well... (doesn't change the truth).
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
See it.
Yes, it is filled with wild explosive madness. Yes, it is filled with emotions because there is a plot. Yes, it is filled with passion. See this movie. The cast is strong. Mr. Hardy may not have much to chew on in this movie, but it does not diminish his drive. It is not the same Mad Max, but it doesn't really have to be. I really expected Tina Turner to pop out of one of the rocks with that bad-ass hairdo she had in one of the earlier Max films. It was definitely Theron's move, but she had a lot of help with it! I just saw it and the theater was packed. Thomas Hardy - always a pleasure. Charlize Theron - hats off. Iwill see this again and I will quite enjoy it the second time around.
Dig (2015)
Great Story - FINALLY
I honestly enjoyed this series. Why? It was more geared towards those who enjoy this type of creative historical and religious drama. Previously, I had often wondered if they would EVER create a more thought-provoking show that had a religious component. This is not because I am so overly religious, but its authentic feel makes the Armageddon concept more appealing (story-wise).
I have read many comments from others who quip about the slow pace, but I didn't mind it. Why? Not everything in life is an action movie - and I actually LOVE action movies. If you are expecting high paced madness ALL OF THE TIME, then maybe you should steer clear of this show.
Much like Mysteries of the Bible, I liked this premise. Authentic location (story-line) and casting - kudos! It was a different kind of show and I liked it. I hope that it returns because I will watch it. WRITERS, STUDIOS: PLEASE DON'T SCREW IT UP IF YOU EXTEND IT! IT WORKS!!
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Wolf in Sheep's Awards Clothing
All I have to say is that if LD or MS are not both nominated & or win for something - then why in the heck have awards?! This movie was honest and real (sometimes uncomfortable) and well worth the view. LD is a force to be reckoned with. This is why I just love him. He is a powerful actor. MS - well, what can you say that hasn't already been said about the tenacity and ferociousness of this director? He is well worth a w-i-n. It's time. Please voters, please. This is not always an easy film, but overall, despite all of his philandering and problems, I did not walk away disliking the lead character. That's how well LD pulled this off. The rest of the cast is hilarious...just see the film. Don't take the kid because "this ain't no family film." lol
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Hunger-ing for More
Holy cow. This movie was insanely good. There was a previous review that pretty much nailed my opinion, but alas, I will be slightly redundant in saying that "It is all a human drama filled with all of the complexities of the human spirit!" I gasped, cried, laughed, etc. It really sets you to thinking about the state of things and how humans are driven to survive. Emotional, complex, gritty, grotesque, mesmerizing, adventurous and heart-pumping. I love Jennifer L. Her passionate spirit and quiet strength in this film made it a winner. The rest of the cast holds their own as well. I have not read the book(s), but hot dog, I think I will now. I didn't see the end coming. Very smart.
Well worth your time and money. See it in the theaters!
The Prestige (2006)
Human condition
This is truly an movie of the human condition. I will not waste time here confirming what is truth: the movie was brilliant. There are many reasons why: screenplay, actors, cinematography, theme. In a word: clever use of story-telling with top notch actors. Many of the other movie-goers didn't take their eyes off the screen the entire time the movie played and even after it was over. It cannot be compared to the other gem, The Illusionist, however. Christian Bale is a force to be reckoned with (has this guy ever been horrible in a movie yet?!) and Wolverine sheds his paws and grows the heart of robbed man. Love, Loss, Obsession, Power, and Surprise! A terrific movie that I will buy and have at my side once available. Watch the movie...better yet, let the movie show you a trick...