Change Your Image
alainaoboza
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
On the Waterfront (1954)
Recommended score: 10/10
My 1st time of watching this film I thought about it halfway through & said to myself as a means of summing up what I'd seen thus far, 'it's a crisis of conscience movie'. That turned out to be not only correct but very accurate & the reason I write this now is in case you haven't seen it; any movie that has a great narrative, especially when telling a story about the hardships of life, & our battles with our very own conscience is always going to be a top draw (not drawer!)
The movie received no less than 12 nominations from The Academy, picking up an astonishing 8.
It's a great film & take into account when it was made - the early 1950's. Still better than the vast majority of films since, & especially these days.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
10/10
As a child, I first saw The Wizard of Oz on television when I was six years old and fell in love with it and have loved it ever since. The special effects of this movie hold up to this day. That is absolutely amazing! I have never ever grown tired of watching it. I now have lost count how many times I've watched this truly WONDROUS film!
Have also read books on making of the beloved and iconic MGM film The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History by John Fricke, Jay Scarfone, William Stillman, The Wizard Of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion, The Making of The Wizard of Oz by Aljean Harmetz and Margaret Hamilton, The Munchkins of Oz by Stephen Cox.
And none of the information that I have read on the making of the film by reading these many books have detracted from my loving it.
The Wizard of Oz is as visually exciting and emotionally stirring today just like the first time during its release in movie theatres in 1939. It's the most famous and beloved family movie of all time.
A stellar cast featuring Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, Margaret Hamilton, Terry the dog, and many others. With an enchanting score that brings the magical characters and the story to life, as the audience is swept away on Dorothy's journey over the rainbow. Every journey along the yellow brick road has creativity and whimsy that will pluck at your heartstrings.
The cinematography is simply WONDERFUL. Judy Garland emanates a delightful innocence as Dorothy that perfectly matches the film's tone, and the Wicked Witch of the West is the quintessential fantasy villain.
The Wizard of Oz deftly embeds moral messages into its enchanting story, allowing its audience to fully join Dorothy on her journey of awakening
The film is still firmly stamped into contemporary popular culture. The best evidence that it will forever endure the test of time.
We're off the see the Wizard! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!
Gone with the Wind (1939)
10/10
IT SHOWS AN ERA WHICH DIED WITH THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY AND WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMANS MARCH THROUGH GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLOLINA IN THE CIVIL WAR DESTROYING THE CONFEDERATE SOUTH'S COTTON COUNTRY.
I READ THE BOOK LONG BEFORE I WATCHED THE 3HOURS PLUS FILM IN ONE SITTING AND Margaret Mitchell's WRITING WAS ENTHRALLING.
My Late Mother Indra Kumari Ehelepola Seneviratne Elangasinha was A Graduate of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya when the Celebrated British Constitiounalist was Vice Chancellor Trying to Create a Residential University along the Lines of Oxford and Cambridge and the Later Harvard University.
She Later Read for a Diploma in Education and was B. A. Dip Ed.
SHE DIED OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS ( SLE ) at 00:30 Hours Sri Lanka Time on 23rd July, 1988. Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT ) plus 5 1/2.
My Mother would Often consult My Opinion when writing for Her Students.
I Studied Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and Sat for the General Certificate of Education ( GCE ) Advanced Level Examination in July 1981 at the Age of Seventeen (17).,
joining Royal Junior College in 1970 at the Age of Six (06) when I was Admitted to Grade Two (2) I was Educated at Royal College from Grade 11MS1 (11MathematicsSinhalese1) to Grade 13 (13MS1).
I played Rugby Football for Royal College from the Under 15 (RCU15XV) Age grouping in 1978 which year I sat for My GCE Ordinary Level Examination and Obtained Seven Distinctions and One Credit.
There were 17 Students who Obtained 8 Distinctions that year and Four (04) from My Class 10Sinhalese9 (10S9). Two(02) with Seven Distinctions and One Credit (7D 1C) Myself and another.
To the Under Seventeen Age Group (RCU17XV) in 1979 & 1980.
The Royal College First XV in 1982 (RCXV) Captained by Hiran Muttiah
and Vice Captained by Amaranath Kandiah.
Our Under 17 Rugby Coach Rohan de Chickera was a Brilliant Tactician who Played Three Wing Forwards in the Scrum where I was breaking off from the Scrum no sooner the Ball had crossed the Gain Line.
I had Superior Back and Lower Body Strength but was not Muscular.
Trinity College Kandy was beaten by Twenty Eight (28) points to Nil in the Sumithrarachchi Trophy Match in Colombo and by Thirteen Points (13) to three (3) in Nittawela, Kandy.
A Record which stands to this Day.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
10/10
Oh My Wow! This has been one of my top favorite Disney films since I was a child and now it's still on my favorite movie list, it used to be number 1 on my list but unfortunately got moved to being number 5 but the important thing is that it's still on my list nonetheless. Snow White even used to be my favorite Disney princess but only until another princess came along and became my new favorite Disney princess, but that doesn't mean that I love Snow White any less, I love her now just as I always have. Everything about this film deserves all the glory, love, appreciation and fandom as it always has with its animation, characters, musical score, feelings, effects, story, laughs and wonderous style since this is the first ever animated film that the genius Walt Disney ever created for generations of kids and adults to enjoy for years and years, no matter how old it is even now as the year of 2021 has just begun. Out of all the dwarfs my favorite is Doc and the main reason is because he's incredible at taking charge and makes an amazing leader and also is sweet, caring, bold, brave, wise, adorable and always makes time for others close to him, the seven dwarfs are actually the main reason why this movie is one of my top favorite movies of all time because of how much they dazzled and impressed me when I was a kid and how much they still do now and I still just love all seven of them to pieces and they still make me laugh like crazy, plus the song Heigh Ho is my top favorite song in this wonderous masterpiece. If you haven't seen this film yet than you completely have no idea what you're missing out on either on dvd or on Disney Plus, watch this movie and I garuntee you'll feel the nostalgia that I feel every single time I watch it, well maybe not the same nostalgia but I think you know what I mean. HEIGH HO ALL THE WAY FOR SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS!!!!! One of the greatest and most timeless creations that the Wonderful World of Disney has ever brought to such spectacular life.
City Lights (1931)
10/10
A truly charming, heart-warming, and ecstatic film, full of sincerity and hope where love truly dares to spread its wings. Charlie Chaplin encapsulates the shy, daring, and hardworking characteristics that the world has fallen in love with, over the decades in which he blessed the silver screen.
The 'Little Tramp' is a lovable character. He is energetic, eccentric, and above all, emotional. Like the 'Little Tramp', humans are naturally sympathetic, and once 'Blind Girl' enters the frame delicately holding her handful of handpicked roses, you will immediately fall in love with her true inner beauty. The 'Little Tramp''s motives are above heroic, and Chaplin demonstrates how powerful love truly is, and the commitment of saving and cherishing one's life; it can't be seen, but it will always be felt. This is what makes humanity.
And with a story so genuine, you will forever grasp what truly makes life important, alongside understand what true love means to many. A masterpiece of cinema, and a landmark for Physical Slapstick comedy, Charlie Chaplin proves his sheer vibrancy in a world that he presents as poor, yet fruitful. A true demonstration on what he achieved within his lifetime, he Directs, Produces, Writes, and Stars in one of Cinema's greatest comedies. The 'Little Tramp' does it again! True cinematic joy.
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder (1931)
10/10
Set in Berlin, the film tells the story of a serial child murderer, played by Peter Lorre, and the collective efforts of the police and criminal underworld to catch him. One aspect of the film that explores human psychology is the portrayal of the murderer himself.
The character played by Peter Lorre evokes a sense of both sympathy and repulsion. Lang depicts the psychological turmoil and compulsions of a disturbed individual, showcasing the internal struggle between his murderous instincts and his awareness of their moral reprehensibility.. This portrayal raises questions about the complex nature of human psychology and the factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
The film also explores the psychology of fear and paranoia within society. As the search for the murderer intensifies, fear grips the city, leading to a breakdown in social order.. The film depicts how collective fear can lead to the erosion of trust and the suspension of rationality, as the public becomes consumed by their desire for vengeance. This aspect of the film offers insights into the psychological dynamics of mob mentality and the potential consequences of unchecked emotions.
"M" highlights the role of the criminal justice system and the fine line between vigilantism and due process.. As the police and criminal underworld unite to capture the murderer, the film raises questions about the effectiveness and morality of seeking justice outside the confines of the law. This exploration of justice and its psychological implications adds depth to the film's examination of human psychology.
Another point worth mentioning is the symbolism behind the blind man and his fundamental role in finding the murderer. This paradoxically highlights the limited human potential (the police) versus the unprecedented individualistic insight (the blind man). Even though the first part of the movie was slow paced speed at which the plot moves, I tried to focus more on the details rather than its overall plot pace (as I normally do.)
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935)
10/10
First and foremost, the direction Max Reinhardt's A Midsummer Night's Dream took Puck made me crave violence for everyone involved and nearly ruined the entire movie for me.
Achieving the incredibly difficult task of looking beyond this huge, almost ever-present question is certainly a wild mess of a major studio film, but at its worst, I think it's interesting. While Olivia de Havilland tends to get most of the attention (not without reason) for her presence and performance, I really loved Victor Jory's dark presence from another film, as well as his creepy minions with their leathery wings.
Also, I'm very biased, but I'd say Jean Muir is pretty good, particularly in the scene where Helena briefly enjoys the power she suddenly has over Lysander and as Demetrius, and begins to slyly goad them in her rage. In Hermia. (Oh, if only Muir had been cast in more roles that allowed her to be a little manipulative and a little obnoxious!) Plus, James Cagney is an absolute delight, no matter what's going on or what he's asked to do, and Joe E. Brown was surprisingly effective and moving. And of course, getting to see Cagey and Frank McHugh together is always a treat.
I can't imagine watching this again, but I'm glad I finally forced myself to sit down and see this through to the end.
King Kong (1933)
10/10
The original Kong that started it all long before Godzilla, Alien, Predator and the other Monsters, we got King Kong. In this classic Monster film made by Merian C. Cooper, Carl Denham is on an adventure to Skull Island to prove to the world it exist. Before beginning their journey, Denham hired a young girl named Ann Darrow for this adventure, they set sail on the SS Venture and arrived on the island. Upon arriving, the Natives want to sacrifice Ann Darrow for Kong, but when the Crew refuses, the Natives kidnapped Ann and sacrifice her to Kong a giant Gorilla who develops a love for Ann. Jack Driscoil the first mate of the Venture along with Denham and a few Sailors set out to rescue Ann from Kong and escape the island. I first heard of King Kong when i was at Universal Studios Florida, I first saw him in King Kong vs. Godzilla and then my late Maternal Grandmother Helen show the film in the year 2000 and I didn't see it again until 2006. One thing that bothers me is that Ann Darrow screams a lot instead of saying a word or even getting used to be around Kong. I like how they had kinds of Dinosaurs and Kong battling them. Plus the effects can also be easy to spot, in some shots you can tell some of the Dinosaurs and people are actually Puppets and figures and most of the film is set on Skull Island and then it switches back to New York where Kong kidnaps Ann again and climb all the way to the top of the Empire State Building king Kong has always appeared and been mention a lot in other media. So enjoyed the original King Kong because it will be around for a long time.
Within the Law (1939)
10/10
Early in his film career, Neal briefly worked at MGM. His first role was in "Out West with the Hardys" from Mickey Rooney's "Andy Hardy" series. This one came next and is from the studio's B-movie unit, starring Ruth Hussey as a clerk wrongfully convicted of theft. After serving 3 years in prison, she seeks revenge on the department store tycoon who sent her upriver. It's not bad and it's certainly a cut above the cheap PRC and Republic movies in Neal's later career.
The film itself is a remake of a 1911 play about a saleswoman who becomes a criminal mastermind using legal means ("Within the Law") to screw with the system she blames for her downfall. It spawned 5 film versions, including a silent one with Norma Talmadge and the most famous being "Paid" in 1930 with Joan Crawford. This is the final version.
Hussey was actually a major lead in MGM's B-unit, but is best known today for her supporting roles ("The Philadelphia Story," "Susan and God") and her time on Broadway. She's a little too sophisticated for a saleswoman, but she still pulls it off. A few MGM regulars, including Paul Kelly performing his standard gangster role, are involved. Neal isn't especially good as the rich department store son Hussey marries and (surprise, surprise) falls in love with. The film again highlights that he was much better at playing crooks and crooks than a jovial protagonist.
The story is highly improbable. But I enjoyed the working class versus the rich tones, as well as a smart woman being the leader of a group of crooks and crooks. Finally, I'm always amused by some of the weird women's fashions of the time (costumes here from Dolly Tree). In the final scene, Hussy is wearing an outfit that seems more suited to a carnival or magic act.
Fury (1936)
10/10
Probing mass psychology and mob violence in a small-town, Lang's first American film, starring Spencer Tracy, expresses his pessimistic view of human nature that defines all of his American ones.
Fury, the story of how a mob in a small southern town lynches an innocent man who has been arrested under suspicion of kidnapping, is astonishing, the only film I know to which I have wanted to attach the epithet of "great."
Whereas Lang's 1931 M was more ambiguous in its depiction of mob justice, this one clearly shows the dangers of vigilantism.
Fury offers a striking portrait of the structure of society; its assorted classes, organizations and technologies, and methods of law and order...