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Reviews
Kurt Cobain About a Son (2006)
Kurt: Close up and Personal
Cinematic Documentary has blossomed the last 10 years as more and more artists find reality interesting enough to make them stay away from "creating a world of their own", a.k.a. fiction. It was matter of time before the musical documentary would take the lead on this new interest in this genre of film-making -just like on TV before.
In those last years countless films have been released on anything that has to do with music -any kind of music. The most interesting of them weren't those about my (or your) favorite artists, but rather the ones that had a real cinematic approach on the way each was presenting the story. Moreover, the best of them were/are those that could be something more than just a "fairy-tale of drugs and self-destruction" or a "scientific musical analysis".
"About a Son" manages to pass this "test". Interested or not in Kurt Cobain, you cant ignore its cinematography; and that alone will be enough for you to sit and watch the film. But beyond this, the structure of the movie and director's subtle comments on Cobain's words are what make this a great documentary.
This is as close and personal you'll ever get to Kurt Cobain on film. Don't miss it.
Protagonist (2007)
Do yourself a favor!
Oh I wish I had studied Greek Literature in the University or even tried a little harder on the "Ancient Greek" class during the last three years in high school. If not anything else I would be able to be more accurate and informative for the reader of this comment about "Protagonist".
Sure thing is, my limited knowledge from my school years helped me a lot in understanding the concept of this one-of-a-kind documentary and appreciate its multi-level structure. There are so many levels you can approach the movie, that it seems an impossible task for me to put them all in here.
The easiest approach for me, and I guess for any viewer, would/will be to put his/her self in the same examination the director did with the lives of the protagonists. Needless to say this not only will us understanding our "heroes" but moreover ourselves, our choices and hopefully what we really want and what we really should do to get to that place.
The past is most commonly accused along with some "bad influences" by those who find their life leading them somewhere they don't feel they are meant to be. Sadly its not common for people to accept that they can chance the way their past is working on their present or future. And here comes Protagonist, showing us the path, exactly as Ancient Greek Tragedy did, that will lead us to self awareness and finally to happiness....
No second thoughts since you came this far. This is a very useful, interesting and perfectly structured film, so do yourself a favor, thee who read this, and go watch it!
Ghosts of Cité Soleil (2006)
Well shot Mockumentary
The way I see it, there is nothing wrong with having a certain point of view when shooting a documentary...I recognize the right of the director to have his/her own perception on the the events that pass before his/her camera or all the reasons...
The same way, the viewer can judge a documentary, as an artistic expression of reality, as a comment on events/people or just as "history on film".
"Ghosts of Cité Soleil" is a perfect example for all the above. Thats why you can either love or hate it. I am sure no-one will see this and just be "ok" about it. And not because of the reality (?) it presents, but cause of the point of view, and on top of it, the characters in it.
Its a piece of art no doubt, but it seemed like a mockumentary with real blood and real pain, cause the main characters are used as marionettes. And yes, those people are puppets the way they are used by the authorities of all kinds, but I would prefer if the director tried to record that, to just showing us a PLAY of his own.
Its almost a shame.
Deadliest Catch (2005)
Inspiring even to a farmer in Crete, Greece !!!!!
This series is an honor to all those hard working men and women everywhere around the world, in or out of the sea, that have to push themselves to the limit to make it every single day.
Crab-fishing works as a fine "wagon" to carry all the agony, effort, mental and physical exhaustion some (the most) of the people around the world face to make their living.
The two-three weeks of fishing period at a time sums in a decent way the farmers' (for example) whole season before and during the harvest. And that is why its an interesting and enjoyable as tragic too, show to watch. Its compact, always about something new (besides the fact that is about crab fishing!), keeping a good pace, and keeps the viewer on the edge since everything changes as the parameters of the fishing do.
I am sure, those captains, are making many hard working men/women proud, since they are letting the rest of the world see what it takes for some people to bring bread (and crab!) on the table.
Very inspiring indeed! Thank you Captains....and in case you are reading this, "Good Luck" !!!!
PS: Don't miss the great documentary "4 Elements". Search it in here for more details.
Kantoku · Banzai! (2007)
Long Live Kitano!!!!
Takeshi's gang hit again. And its a good one. But I am a fan, so don't consider much my opinion. Just keep in mind about this film that if not anything else, it will expand your mind about what is cinema today. That doesn't mean that everything is fresh or striking in those two hours, nor that there is a serious possibility that you will like it, if you ain't a "Kitano-fan"!
Then again, Mr. Kitano has stopped making films for the audience or the critics (whatever that means). And the results only his fans can appreciate it. All the rest, better go back and revisit his previous films. Then, you too, will want to shout,
"Kantoku...Banzai!!!",
indeed!!!!!
Welkkeom tu Dongmakgol (2005)
A waste of Time..Really!
Someone else in here mentioned how naive the movie is about the North-South Korea relations.... Forget that. How about "How naive the whole movie is" ??? The idea the whole movie is based on is cute, and thats the only reason I wanted to watch it anyway, but besides that, it doesn't deliver at any point. Predictable story, childish lines, uninspired digital effects, boring characters, ridiculous foreign actors and so it goes. I see here its director's debut film, so I hope next time, he will find a better way to express himself and spend the production's money.
I love Korean Cinema, but this one is a bad movie. Really!
Man in the Sand (1999)
Missed Jewel...
Missed even by those who you would think should have seen this one, this documentary is a "makin' of" the "Mermaid Avenue" albums, a project by Billy Bragg, that expands further more, outside the four walls of a recording studio.
Billy Bragg himself and Wilco on stage, on camera sharing thoughts about Woody Gurthie and in the studio, with the first also sharing some time with Woody's daughter, visiting places related to the "man", talking with locals,...even spending time with his 5 own years old son.
There's a little surprise tho, for those who haven't heard the songs in the "Mermaid Av." albums: The songs (and how Woody is presented here) ain't all political (if you share the thought that everything you say and do is political anyway)! Lyrics made out of love (?) for his wife(s) (or women in general), songs of personal despair and other personal issues is what troubled Gurthie in those lines, making this documentary, not only a "close-up", but a look from a different angle!
Myself, not much aware of Gurthie's music,I found this film very easy to watch, very interesting, and yes it has some good music and lyrics there in the mix! Finally, needless to say, this is a must-see for any Gurthie-Bragg-Wilco fan.....if not anyone interested in music in general.
The Undertow (2003)
bad bad bad but keep trying'
I just watched the movie and to be direct, it was a waste of time. I sensed it after the first 20 mins or so, but I guess I had plenty of time to waste so I kept on till the end.
Not a fan of the genre anyway, but I tell you this movie ain't gonna be fun for anyone else but those who cant stand their day without some gore before their eyes. Cause thats what it was after all.
First half of the movie was a boring trip and a lil introduction to the boring "heroes", while the second one was about running, hiding and guess what.....killing/dying.
Still its always nice to see few ppl trying to make a movie. I cant blame them for trying to make the new "Blair Witch..." but..... guys next time better try with a whole idea of your own.
The movie's been out for 3 years, so if you needed to see it you would have already. If not, take my word, don't bother.
Takeshis' (2005)
Don't be afraid
Many will say this was a very strange film ; a film only for Kitano's fans. And yes, those who have an open mind and those who have seen and loved most of his previous films will love "Takeshis'". Enough said about them.
Now, about all the rest, and its the majority of the audience, I think you cant use too many words to describe this film, and at the same time, there are so much one could say about the feedback he or she got from it.
What everyone will accept though is that "Takeshis'" is a brilliant idea. But not only about the story itself. Its mostly how the director is using the story to comment the characters he has created as a writer/director over the years, that makes it brilliant.
So newbies, go see this movie and if not anything else, you will laugh a little. But if you are lucky enough to sit back and enjoy it, you will possibly give yourself the opportunity to enter the beautiful world of Japan's greatest director today.
Suzhou he (2000)
Good for cinema students , Romeos and Juliettes.
The only way a Chinese/Japanese/Korean film oh that kind can miss, is when its faith to simplicity makes it boring when it comes to the story and/or the storytelling.
But "Suzhou He" is far from getting you bored. The story is simple, but the storytelling really is unique (as far as I can remember anyway), and very interesting indeed.
One more thing that made me like this movie is the final lines..... (sorry but when you find out u think the same as the artist, it kinda makes go you easier on your judgment).
Anyway,its a must-see movie, if you care about cinema, and specially storytelling.