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souchong
Reviews
The 13th Warrior (1999)
Excellent, almost an adaption of Seven Samurai
Excellent film Great performance by Banderas. He can really dominate the screen, but doesn't here, which is important. Instead he serves as a witness to the heroics of the Vikings, who are played by folks most Americans will have never heard of. It's a great performance by the star because of its generosity.
Some commentators note that the film may have been edited badly. Perhaps. I certainly wouldn't have minded it being a bit longer.
I'm a big fan of the Seven Samurai, which may be the single most important action film of all time. While not a direct remake, this film parallels Seven Samurai to a strong degree, almost paying homage to the earlier masterwork.
Pars vite et reviens tard (2007)
flawed casting mars otherwise competent police thriller
French novelist Fred Vargas (female) is adapted for film here.
In this case, the flaws of the film are a reflection of the film maker rather than the source material.
The lead playing Adamsberg is a fine actor, but miscast here. Not enough ragged edges to do justice to the character in the novel. Camille is slighted in the script, and cast as an Asian woman -- not at all how I pictured her.
The cast of potential villains works well, as do most the supporting characters. The action direction is merely competent, not masterful.
Vargas's books are great. Look them up if you can.