Whatever you've heard about the film is true, not overemphasized or anything. It deserves all the praises it's getting.
Zhao's film is a powerful character study of different kind of freedom fighter; a journey of self-discovery, a live lived on your own terms. She literally established a ethereal connection with American wilderness, with its wide-open landscapes and skies which speak the language of stark loneliness and also of freedom.
Yeah it's a road film, but a remarkable one, a sensational work of poetry. Zhao perfectly balances both sides of the film-its aesthetically pleasing side and also the intimate side of this emotionally absorbing drama. The exquisitely photographed landscapes, the brief yet intense friendships among the nomads and the farewells, the journey of finding oneself- everything is captured beautifully through Zhao and McDormand's collaboration.
Zhao actually succeeded to portray the devastating side of life on road through minimal romanticism which helped her comment on the political angle of these economically-draining situations of country. Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi's score make this drama more emotionally striking, make you feel a part of this.
But above all, Zhao cast a major actor for the first time in her film, guiding Frances McDormand to an astounding performance of melancholic solemnity, so natural that it becomes really difficult to separate her from real-life nomads. Don't know somehow this performance reminded me Harry Dean Stanton's performance in Paris, Texas.
Overall, Zhao's powerful poetic drama establishes herself as an exceptional talent. With Joshua James Richards' cinematography and Zhao's peerless filmmaking place 'Nomadland' one of the greatest humanist dramas, a unique portrait of outsider existence- a love letter to those unforgetten explorers who set their own trails and to the progressive energy of nature.
Reviews
31 Reviews
Mank
(2020)
This is how you make biopic ; a classic portaryal of old Hollywood
13 December 2020
"This is a business where the buyer gets nothing for his money but a memory. What he bought still belongs to the man who sold it. That's the real magic of the movies. And don't let anybody tell you different."
Before I start I should say that- it isn't for everyone, definitely not for the casual moviegoers. Mank is totally a classic tale of Old Hollywood (30s-40s); a contemplative and scrutinized look at the making of 'Citizen Kane'...focusing on Mankiewicz's struggle to finish his best work- the screenplay of Citizen Kane and later the controversy about the writing credit of the film. This movie is how exhaustively researched I can understand that..including Pauline Kael's theory around this matter. Actually this film demands little bit research from viewers also, those who know more about the old Hollywood or studied about the controversy, naturally gonna enjoy it more...really liked Herman and Joseph L. Mankiewicz scenes, wanted it more. Mank is not just about Mank, it shows the politics that devoured Hollywood that time, then the great depression and its affect on Hollywood. For me, it's an overwhelming experience. Definitely it's an tribute to Hollywood of 30s, but not the kind you're accustomed to seeing...a noxious kind of admiration. Daddy Fincher wrote the screenplay of this movie and it was a dream project for our Fincher, and he succeeded to fulfill it and gave the respect to the man who inspired him. Let's talk about technical aspects. Cinematography is top-notch, a miraculous presentation of 30s. Specially any frame of this film clearly shows that how remarkable it is..one cannot differentiate whether you are watching a modern masterpiece (yes it is) or an classic film from golden age. Actually it got green signal in all the technical departments. Performance- Gary Oldman is a genius, possesses all the adroitness needed in acting..even one can watch and enjoy the film only for his performance. Other supporting casts are also good, Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies is great, probably her best performance...really liked Arliss Howard's performance as Louis B Mayer. Tom Burke as Orson Welles is really unrecognisable, not just look, he brought the perfection in attitude also. So, I'm happy that failed to find any mistake. Now some people complain about it being boring, but I enjoyed it really..Citizen Kane is not an out and out entertaining, same goes for this movie. It needs certain knowlege and patience about the era and the film. This is totally masterful filmmaking..now it's time for Fincher, so hope for the best.
A great achievement in filmmaking. A work of formidable artistry. What can I say, one of the most perfect and well-made biopics I've ever seen.
"You cannot capture a man's entire life in two hours. All you can hope is to leave the impression of one."
Facts- Despite Welles' denial that the film was about Hearst( bcz if it was that, it literally proves that Mank wrote the screenplay..Mankie and Hearst both were well known to each other and Hearst himself was an great admirer of Mank) , few people were convinced-including Hearst. After the release of Citizen Kane, Hearst pursued a longtime vendetta against Mankiewicz and Welles for writing the story. Certain elements in the film were taken from Mankiewicz's own experience: the term 'Rosebud' was based-according to some sources-on a very important bicycle that was stolen from him...even some of Kane's speeches are like copies of Hearst's. Most personally, the word 'rosebud was reportedly Hearst's private nickname for Davies' clitoris. (which fact is also mentioned in the film)
Richard Meryman, the biographer of Herman J. mankiewicz described the evening like that- //On the night of the awards, Herman turned on his radio and sat in his bedroom chair. Sara lay on the bed. As the screenplay category approached, he pretended to be hardly listening. Suddenly from the radio, half screamed, came "Herman J. Mankiewicz." Welles's name as coauthor was drowned out by voices all through the audience calling out, "Mank! Mank! Where is he?" And audible above all others was Irene Selznick (daughter of Louis B. Mayer)- "Where is he?"// (Collected)
Before I start I should say that- it isn't for everyone, definitely not for the casual moviegoers. Mank is totally a classic tale of Old Hollywood (30s-40s); a contemplative and scrutinized look at the making of 'Citizen Kane'...focusing on Mankiewicz's struggle to finish his best work- the screenplay of Citizen Kane and later the controversy about the writing credit of the film. This movie is how exhaustively researched I can understand that..including Pauline Kael's theory around this matter. Actually this film demands little bit research from viewers also, those who know more about the old Hollywood or studied about the controversy, naturally gonna enjoy it more...really liked Herman and Joseph L. Mankiewicz scenes, wanted it more. Mank is not just about Mank, it shows the politics that devoured Hollywood that time, then the great depression and its affect on Hollywood. For me, it's an overwhelming experience. Definitely it's an tribute to Hollywood of 30s, but not the kind you're accustomed to seeing...a noxious kind of admiration. Daddy Fincher wrote the screenplay of this movie and it was a dream project for our Fincher, and he succeeded to fulfill it and gave the respect to the man who inspired him. Let's talk about technical aspects. Cinematography is top-notch, a miraculous presentation of 30s. Specially any frame of this film clearly shows that how remarkable it is..one cannot differentiate whether you are watching a modern masterpiece (yes it is) or an classic film from golden age. Actually it got green signal in all the technical departments. Performance- Gary Oldman is a genius, possesses all the adroitness needed in acting..even one can watch and enjoy the film only for his performance. Other supporting casts are also good, Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies is great, probably her best performance...really liked Arliss Howard's performance as Louis B Mayer. Tom Burke as Orson Welles is really unrecognisable, not just look, he brought the perfection in attitude also. So, I'm happy that failed to find any mistake. Now some people complain about it being boring, but I enjoyed it really..Citizen Kane is not an out and out entertaining, same goes for this movie. It needs certain knowlege and patience about the era and the film. This is totally masterful filmmaking..now it's time for Fincher, so hope for the best.
A great achievement in filmmaking. A work of formidable artistry. What can I say, one of the most perfect and well-made biopics I've ever seen.
"You cannot capture a man's entire life in two hours. All you can hope is to leave the impression of one."
Facts- Despite Welles' denial that the film was about Hearst( bcz if it was that, it literally proves that Mank wrote the screenplay..Mankie and Hearst both were well known to each other and Hearst himself was an great admirer of Mank) , few people were convinced-including Hearst. After the release of Citizen Kane, Hearst pursued a longtime vendetta against Mankiewicz and Welles for writing the story. Certain elements in the film were taken from Mankiewicz's own experience: the term 'Rosebud' was based-according to some sources-on a very important bicycle that was stolen from him...even some of Kane's speeches are like copies of Hearst's. Most personally, the word 'rosebud was reportedly Hearst's private nickname for Davies' clitoris. (which fact is also mentioned in the film)
Richard Meryman, the biographer of Herman J. mankiewicz described the evening like that- //On the night of the awards, Herman turned on his radio and sat in his bedroom chair. Sara lay on the bed. As the screenplay category approached, he pretended to be hardly listening. Suddenly from the radio, half screamed, came "Herman J. Mankiewicz." Welles's name as coauthor was drowned out by voices all through the audience calling out, "Mank! Mank! Where is he?" And audible above all others was Irene Selznick (daughter of Louis B. Mayer)- "Where is he?"// (Collected)
There Is No Evil
(2020)
"What kind of a man could execute someone?"
10 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Rasoulof's new film 'There Is No Evil' (Persian title- Satan doesn't exist) is an anthology film (consisting of four short film-segments) concerning the capital punishment in Iran. We know about the traditional Govt. System and dictatorship exists in Iran and the result- it pulls the country towards strangulation and anarchism.
The film actually presents itself as an illustration and gives a genuine look at those Iranians who serve as executioners and those who show courage to refuse. Mohammad Rasoulof's film ( who has been barred from leaving the country since 2017) is nothing but an enthralling ride, it gives rise to those questions- the terror of what it means to live in a world where every resolution brings new questions. He challenges the viewer's morality as well as its characters and fortifies them to take action.
Film also presents the situation- the hardships they have to face, how it affects their life whether they do it (doing their job as executioners) or not...I think it's more about this helpless situation-you have to face consequences; a point of no return.
'There is no Evil' is also a very captivating thriller...sets the premise of each story really well, slowly unfolds the painful secrets and truths while focusing on family, love, freedom etc. To make each story to deliver their individual effectiveness.
Ashkani's brilliant cinematography of sublime close-up shots and long takes, also the landscapes of countryside which actually helps to develop the story really well and certain intimacy in director's storytelling creates a poetic charm in it and takes to a higher cinematic level.
But Rasoulof left us many questions with no actual answers. He explained that the film is about "people taking responsibility" for their actions, and that each story "is based on my own experience." For me he is most prominent revolutionary filmmaker of Iran; one who has seen 'A man of Integrity', 'Manuscripts don't burn', 'Goodbye' definitely knows that.
Long Live Iranian Cinema!
The film actually presents itself as an illustration and gives a genuine look at those Iranians who serve as executioners and those who show courage to refuse. Mohammad Rasoulof's film ( who has been barred from leaving the country since 2017) is nothing but an enthralling ride, it gives rise to those questions- the terror of what it means to live in a world where every resolution brings new questions. He challenges the viewer's morality as well as its characters and fortifies them to take action.
Film also presents the situation- the hardships they have to face, how it affects their life whether they do it (doing their job as executioners) or not...I think it's more about this helpless situation-you have to face consequences; a point of no return.
'There is no Evil' is also a very captivating thriller...sets the premise of each story really well, slowly unfolds the painful secrets and truths while focusing on family, love, freedom etc. To make each story to deliver their individual effectiveness.
Ashkani's brilliant cinematography of sublime close-up shots and long takes, also the landscapes of countryside which actually helps to develop the story really well and certain intimacy in director's storytelling creates a poetic charm in it and takes to a higher cinematic level.
But Rasoulof left us many questions with no actual answers. He explained that the film is about "people taking responsibility" for their actions, and that each story "is based on my own experience." For me he is most prominent revolutionary filmmaker of Iran; one who has seen 'A man of Integrity', 'Manuscripts don't burn', 'Goodbye' definitely knows that.
Long Live Iranian Cinema!
The Trial of the Chicago 7
(2020)
Classic Sorkin
19 October 2020
" We're not going to jail because of what we did, we're going to jail because of what we are."
Aaron Sorkin's latest directorial (his 2nd) offering 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' resuscitates the art of courtroom drama. The film was based on trial of the Chicago seven, who are wrongfully charged by the Federal Govt. with conspiracy and violent encounters, arising from the counter-cultural revolution at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Sorkin dramatizes(perfectly) the trial but it was itself one of the most dramatic events in American history, characterized by the judge's uncloaked hatred of the defendants; star testimony from some of the era's cultural icons, including Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Jesse Jackson, and Judy Collins; and disturbing visuals, like the only Black defendant being shackled and gagged in court. Now we all know about Sorkin that he is one of the greatest screenwriters working today..and with his 2nd film as a director he proves his worth in directing also. Sorkin is always famous for his fast paced screenplays and cutting dialogues, suited perfectly with the characters. Really have to appreciate about the cast specially Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen did a great job, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Yahya Abdul Mateen-II also acted very well...probably best ensemble cast of this year ( oh yeah we got a cameo from Michael Keaton). What can I say, this is classic Sorkin, one of the most engaging and entertaining courtroom drama I've seen in many years,he really outperformed himself...this one is far better than his previous work on courtroom film 'A Few Good Men'. Sorkin's film values properly the sacrifice these young men made and applauds their willingness to stand up for what's right as the world crumbled around them..and (little spoiler alert) ofc. the ending scene when Tom Hayden (Redmayne) when read the name of the American soldiers who lost their life during the Vietnam War, that was really very emotional. A compelling recreation of the notorious trial of 1968..a film about a certain moment in history that feels relevant and timely. - "There are great films, and there are movies 'of their moment.' Aaron Sorkin's film is a bit of both."
Aaron Sorkin's latest directorial (his 2nd) offering 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' resuscitates the art of courtroom drama. The film was based on trial of the Chicago seven, who are wrongfully charged by the Federal Govt. with conspiracy and violent encounters, arising from the counter-cultural revolution at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Sorkin dramatizes(perfectly) the trial but it was itself one of the most dramatic events in American history, characterized by the judge's uncloaked hatred of the defendants; star testimony from some of the era's cultural icons, including Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Jesse Jackson, and Judy Collins; and disturbing visuals, like the only Black defendant being shackled and gagged in court. Now we all know about Sorkin that he is one of the greatest screenwriters working today..and with his 2nd film as a director he proves his worth in directing also. Sorkin is always famous for his fast paced screenplays and cutting dialogues, suited perfectly with the characters. Really have to appreciate about the cast specially Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen did a great job, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Yahya Abdul Mateen-II also acted very well...probably best ensemble cast of this year ( oh yeah we got a cameo from Michael Keaton). What can I say, this is classic Sorkin, one of the most engaging and entertaining courtroom drama I've seen in many years,he really outperformed himself...this one is far better than his previous work on courtroom film 'A Few Good Men'. Sorkin's film values properly the sacrifice these young men made and applauds their willingness to stand up for what's right as the world crumbled around them..and (little spoiler alert) ofc. the ending scene when Tom Hayden (Redmayne) when read the name of the American soldiers who lost their life during the Vietnam War, that was really very emotional. A compelling recreation of the notorious trial of 1968..a film about a certain moment in history that feels relevant and timely. - "There are great films, and there are movies 'of their moment.' Aaron Sorkin's film is a bit of both."
Thank you, Kaufman..I adore this film
6 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Kaufman's latest psychological horror is noting but a great surrealist masterpiece...a fascinating and also unsettling Kaufman's nightmare. On the surface the plot seems very simple.. a young woman (Jessie Buckley) with his boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) going to meet his parents but also she constantly thinking of ending her relationship with Jake...but the movie is not that simple..if you like straightforward narratives and don't like metaphorical representation..then avoid this film, it's not for you. Now before coming to the spoiler discussion, I just wanna tell Kaufman this time totally pushed himself beyond all boundaries..the same absurdism that I love in his films and visual detailings in each frame; everything is just perfect. Jessie Buckley really did a great job and also Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette and David Thewlis... really love the long conversations in the cars and throughout the films, Kaufman's using of highly valued artistic and philosophical references. Ok that's enough, now going to talk about what actually happened in the film according to my POV.
As I had't read the novel, so it was confusing and didn't understand all the symbolisms totally. Now besides Jake and the girl, we as lso see an older janitor working at high school- and that's the only thing actually happened and that is Jake in his real life now..old and working as a janitor..all the other things we got to see in the film are actually happening in older/aged Jake's mind...film presents Jake's life the way he wishes it had gone up (he lives in his past)
The cold and somehow this isolating atmosphere is filled with a tone of sadness I can feel. At his parents' house when he and the girlfriend visiting them, they didn't come down the stairs for a long time and also the arguing between his parents...these things clearly reprsents that Jake was really lonely in his childhood and a troubled past with his parents. Even now he is lonely, that's why he spends time imagining what his life should be like.
Jake's parents are also showed in different times..bcz Jake imagining theam at diff. time periods. We also get to see his relationship with his parents more than that..at their middle age Jake's dad looks physically unfit and his mom looks mentally unstable or going towards that..and aslo their old age, when his mom at the end of her life and his dad also lost all his stability almost. But without his parents, Jake is really alone..as there is no one without them in his life, old Jake imagining his life the way he wishes it could have been. Btw the basement actually represents the subconscious mind of Jake..where we see the paintings and the janitor uniforms.
Now the girlfriend which in reality doesn't exist...bcz he didn't have any but rather a woman he admired a long time ago or an alternative character created by him. The young woman's backstory continuously changes and also her names..first she was a painter and named Lucy but after some time she was a waitress and named Louisa (but we can guess from wherever the idea comes in his mind bcz previously janitor was watching a movie where the lead female character was a waitress)..so she is technically a part of his imagination. Probably a revelation in the ending that he didn't talk to her, he just watched her and never able to make a step forward. Old Jake regrets that,thinks if he talked that day, life could've been different. So, Jake is so lonely and sad that he only can imagine the life with a girl he saw years ago. This is very saddening for me. A great life with a girlfriend and living parents but it didn't happen with Jake..he lives in the past by imagining that desired life..at present when he is working as a janitor in a school, the students tease him, making a fun out of that...he observes the high school student rehearsing a musical 'Oklahoma'. The movie's final scene shows an alternate (happy) version of Old Jake performing a musical and receiving award in the presence of his parents and his girlfriend (probably his wife now). But that never happened in reality..after cleaning on a snowy night, he returned to his car and he didn't start his car and just sit there... remembering the moments of his life...his childhood, parents and cartoons of that time (during this time he strips naked), he follows the animated version of infected pig that died in their farm years ago. But the car shown completely covered with snow that probably means that Jake eventaully frozed to death in his car.
The title has a double and darker meaning...Jake is actually highly depressed guy maybe suicidal. It's not the breakup, it's about Jake's suicidal thoughts..he all time thought to end his life...but at last he commits suicide or that is accidental we don't know. What can we do, life doesn't work out as planned or wished. Ultimately this stands as one of the most sad, depressing psychological films... his regret towards himself..he just only wanted to live his life by imagining about the good things that could be happened to him.
Overall, this is the best experience I've got from Kaufman films and my favorite Kaufman film. Though have to re-watch to completely get the points..specially this film is close to me, any film about loneliness, depression, extreme sadness..I'm in. Thanks Kaufman for showing the life of Jake..really connected with this.
As I had't read the novel, so it was confusing and didn't understand all the symbolisms totally. Now besides Jake and the girl, we as lso see an older janitor working at high school- and that's the only thing actually happened and that is Jake in his real life now..old and working as a janitor..all the other things we got to see in the film are actually happening in older/aged Jake's mind...film presents Jake's life the way he wishes it had gone up (he lives in his past)
The cold and somehow this isolating atmosphere is filled with a tone of sadness I can feel. At his parents' house when he and the girlfriend visiting them, they didn't come down the stairs for a long time and also the arguing between his parents...these things clearly reprsents that Jake was really lonely in his childhood and a troubled past with his parents. Even now he is lonely, that's why he spends time imagining what his life should be like.
Jake's parents are also showed in different times..bcz Jake imagining theam at diff. time periods. We also get to see his relationship with his parents more than that..at their middle age Jake's dad looks physically unfit and his mom looks mentally unstable or going towards that..and aslo their old age, when his mom at the end of her life and his dad also lost all his stability almost. But without his parents, Jake is really alone..as there is no one without them in his life, old Jake imagining his life the way he wishes it could have been. Btw the basement actually represents the subconscious mind of Jake..where we see the paintings and the janitor uniforms.
Now the girlfriend which in reality doesn't exist...bcz he didn't have any but rather a woman he admired a long time ago or an alternative character created by him. The young woman's backstory continuously changes and also her names..first she was a painter and named Lucy but after some time she was a waitress and named Louisa (but we can guess from wherever the idea comes in his mind bcz previously janitor was watching a movie where the lead female character was a waitress)..so she is technically a part of his imagination. Probably a revelation in the ending that he didn't talk to her, he just watched her and never able to make a step forward. Old Jake regrets that,thinks if he talked that day, life could've been different. So, Jake is so lonely and sad that he only can imagine the life with a girl he saw years ago. This is very saddening for me. A great life with a girlfriend and living parents but it didn't happen with Jake..he lives in the past by imagining that desired life..at present when he is working as a janitor in a school, the students tease him, making a fun out of that...he observes the high school student rehearsing a musical 'Oklahoma'. The movie's final scene shows an alternate (happy) version of Old Jake performing a musical and receiving award in the presence of his parents and his girlfriend (probably his wife now). But that never happened in reality..after cleaning on a snowy night, he returned to his car and he didn't start his car and just sit there... remembering the moments of his life...his childhood, parents and cartoons of that time (during this time he strips naked), he follows the animated version of infected pig that died in their farm years ago. But the car shown completely covered with snow that probably means that Jake eventaully frozed to death in his car.
The title has a double and darker meaning...Jake is actually highly depressed guy maybe suicidal. It's not the breakup, it's about Jake's suicidal thoughts..he all time thought to end his life...but at last he commits suicide or that is accidental we don't know. What can we do, life doesn't work out as planned or wished. Ultimately this stands as one of the most sad, depressing psychological films... his regret towards himself..he just only wanted to live his life by imagining about the good things that could be happened to him.
Overall, this is the best experience I've got from Kaufman films and my favorite Kaufman film. Though have to re-watch to completely get the points..specially this film is close to me, any film about loneliness, depression, extreme sadness..I'm in. Thanks Kaufman for showing the life of Jake..really connected with this.
Rocco and His Brothers
(1960)
Favorite Visconti Film
5 September 2020
Often considered as a landmark of Italian neorealism, Visconti's 1960's classic 'Rocco and His Brothers is a exuberant melodrama about how a poor family from countryside (a mother and her five sons) has come to Italy to get a better life but gets corrupted and eventually destroyed by life in Milan. An authentic storytelling focusing on individuality of every brothers and director also successfully presents feverish drama centred on two brothers' horribly intertwined moral degradation. With great B&W cinematography, powerful performances from all the cast and Visconti's unique methods deliver a timeless classic of Italian Cinema and a powerful neorealist melodrama. Renato Salvatori as Simeone who has lost his principles bcz of social and political changes in post-war Italy and obviously Alain Delon as Rocco only who tries to keep his family United with his generosity,calmness and sacrifice but ultimately lost in front of his predetermined fate..both gave tremendous performances with Annie Giradot as Nadia who is torn between Rocco and Simeone. An operatic masterpiece and example of epic filmmaking...so far this is my favorite Visconti film. Highly recommended.
The Great Beauty
(2013)
The Great art
24 June 2020
A masterful filmmaking, written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino seems at first to be a haphazard collage of images and sounds, but it somehow all fits together perfectly..a merry celebration of mankind's transient mortality.
The story revolves around An ageing writer has spent many years seducing his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades, but after his 65th birthday, he starts to look past the nightclubs and parties to find a landscape of exquisite beauty. Sorrentino perfectly gives the message through the attracting side as well as hideous side of this Rome.
The city we are watching is an imaginary Rome, breathtakingly beautiful and impassive, unscathed by its actual urban decay, its ugliness, by the corruption of a large part of its political class, and the despondency of the civic society; the camera lingers on its historical facades, bridges, squares, from the most famous sites to the most secluded ones, infusing its gaze with a magical sense of wonder.
Sorrentino said about this film that it's not about Rome, It is mostly about human frailty and alienation - from oneself and from others - and it is about a country's malaise. It is, lastly, about the means used to convey this malaise: art, music, personal and collective memory, friendship, and love.
If you love Fellini's La Dolce Vita, then I'm sure that you'll like this one. Definitely one of the best films that Italy has given to the world
Stalker
(1979)
Master's finest masterpiece
17 May 2020
Possibly Andrei Tarkovsky's finest work, 'Stalker' is the pinnacle of career-long preoccupation with memory, trauma and relationship between individual conception and physical reality.
This 1979 film his 2nd movie in science-fiction genre but very different from the 1st sci-fi Solaris (1971).The movie is an adaptation of a novel called Roadside Picnic by the Strugatsky brothers, Arkady and Boris. The film follows the story about An illegal guide called as Stalker(Aleksandr Kajdanovsky) leads a writer (Anatoliy Solonitsyn) and a scientist (Nikolay Grinko) into the heart of the devastation, the fiercely protected post-apocalyptic wastelan d called as 'The Zone' ,in search of a mythical place known only as The Room. Anyone who enters The Room will supposedly have any of his earthly desires will be fulfilled. Tarkovsky created an immersive world with a wealth of material detail and a sense of organic atmosphere.
A haunting tale about journey into the deep of post-apocalyptic wasteland and it offers visual grandeur, mystries, premonitions. All I can say this is an emotionally and physically intense experience which wants repeat viewings. The more you watch this movie, the more you understand and enjoy it. The movie is like a hypnotic pull, drawing its viewer more and more deep into its own world.
Afterall, Stalker is a complex and indirect allegory that gives unforgettable images and philosophical meditation. A pure masterpiece which is visually remarkable and carries a poetic atmosphere with the presence philosophical thoughts.
The basic idea of Zone- It is brought into being years in the past by an incursion of aliens, and full of mysterious dangers that have been explored, illegally, over the years by freelance agents called stalkers (offering themselves, sometimes, as guides to doughty tourists)-is common to both book and movie.
though there are some other theories about zone_ The Zone of the film was inspired by a nuclear accident that took place near Chelyabinsk in 1957. Several hundred square kilometers were polluted by fallout and abandoned. There was no official mention of this "forbidden zone" at the time. The Gulag was the government agency which was in charge of the Soviet network of forced-labour camps which was set up by order of Vladimir Lenin. Some say that actually 'The Zone' was a representation of Gulag.
The basic idea of Zone- It is brought into being years in the past by an incursion of aliens, and full of mysterious dangers that have been explored, illegally, over the years by freelance agents called stalkers (offering themselves, sometimes, as guides to doughty tourists)-is common to both book and movie.
though there are some other theories about zone_ The Zone of the film was inspired by a nuclear accident that took place near Chelyabinsk in 1957. Several hundred square kilometers were polluted by fallout and abandoned. There was no official mention of this "forbidden zone" at the time. The Gulag was the government agency which was in charge of the Soviet network of forced-labour camps which was set up by order of Vladimir Lenin. Some say that actually 'The Zone' was a representation of Gulag.
A Brighter Summer Day
(1991)
Probably the best of Yang
13 May 2020
One of the finest movies I have ever seen. A remarkable achievement in the field of filmmaking.A Brighter Summer Day perfectly illustrates youth, ideals, violence among the young lives and politics in a complex portrait of Taiwanese identity. Yang actually shows about their lives at young ages in Taiwan specially, the life and survival of his generation in the 60s. You have to go for a four hour long journey with main protagonist Si'r, his family and friends and how they cope with their problems in their life.Yang's film doesn't waste a single second of its four hours, and taken as a whole, it reveals a beautiful, intricate, masterful work. He wanted to depict this film in a most realistic way which he did perfectly and his method brings a melancholy tenderness in his recollections.
8½
(1963)
Fellini's finest
13 May 2020
A fascinating, thought-provoking and highly inspiring masterpiece from the greatest Italian director Fellini. A definitive piece of art.
8½ may be sounded like a confusing title, but explicitly it's appropriate for this movie and from the first frame it declares that modernism has reached the cinema. Now why this title Fellini took for this movie..bcz By 1963, Fellini had made, according to his count, seven and a half films. Hence 8½ is like an opus number; this is film number eight and a half in the Fellini catalog.
8½ is clearly most effectual movie about film-making, within which fantasy and raliry are mixed without any confusion. I think this movie is Federico's most personal film, which journeys into the mind and soul of its director, a self-analysis. It is about the complex study of a man in a professional and personal crisis, made in surrealistic style. A delightful piece of film-making and most probably Fellini's best work.
8½ is clearly most effectual movie about film-making, within which fantasy and raliry are mixed without any confusion. I think this movie is Federico's most personal film, which journeys into the mind and soul of its director, a self-analysis. It is about the complex study of a man in a professional and personal crisis, made in surrealistic style. A delightful piece of film-making and most probably Fellini's best work.
The Sacrifice
(1986)
Master's last masterpiece
13 May 2020
Genius finished his filmography with a masterpiece just like his previous works.
A stunning and extraordinary summation of a legendary career.
This film begins in Bergmanesque fashion and resembles Bergman's work which I think is intentional. Btw he last film of Tarkovsky was shot in Sweden (home of Bergman) because of his exile from Russia... the lead actor and the cinematographer of this movie, Nykvist who are also Bergman's companions.
Though it's pure Tarkovsky, with all the perfectly composed long camera takes and ineffable mystery of the soul that defined his work. A spiritual meditation about the end of world and a new beginning. Afterall it's about complex study of a man, filled with gorgeous poetic images long take shots.
Irradiant and valiant,along with one of the most extraordinary final sequences in modern cinema which is enough to call this a work of sensation...for the true movie-lovers it's a treat to watch.
Irradiant and valiant,along with one of the most extraordinary final sequences in modern cinema which is enough to call this a work of sensation...for the true movie-lovers it's a treat to watch.
Definitely one of the best films of 2020 I have seen so far
25 April 2020
It tells us about a girl Autumn who Faced with an unintended pregnancy and a lack of local support, Autumn and her cousin, Skylar, travel across state lines to New York City on a fraught journey of friendship, bravery and compassion. and compassion. Sidney Flanigan who played the role of the Autumn who faced with untimely pregnancy just did a brilliant job...Loved her performance in the movie. For Autumn in this situation there is no option without abortion so how she successfully confronted with this situation that was shown in the movie perfectly and the fear and tension were created within the girls on this whole journey which you also feel definitely at the time of watching.
Never Rarely Sometimes becomes a story of survival, friendship and resourcefulness as the two cousins navigate two days in the city with no place to stay and very little money. At the time of lockdown due to this pandemic you should watch this movie or not I don't know, but I really loved this movie. One of the best of the year so far.
Laurence Anyways
(2012)
It's Dolan anyways
13 April 2020
Dolan's latest feature, the French language Laurence Anyways (2nd film of him I have watched) proves this is a filmmaker able to breathe cinematic origination and charm into every frame. Passionately created and perfectly acted movie, but sometimes movie is felt streched..that makes the movie a bit longer than it should be..even though finally it succeeded perfectly. Btw ending is great. Recommended to anyone.
Mommy
(I) (2014)
Dolan is a genius!
13 April 2020
A story of the contentious relationship between a mother and her son filled with delirious swells of unrestrained love and sudden plunges into madness and hate. This film is screened with 1:1 aspect ratio which is very innovative I think. Dolan also told that he shot on this aspect ratio which allowed him to be very close to characters, avoid distractions and therefore the audience would only concentrate on the expressions of the characters. Btw he widened the aspect ratio to 1.85:1 for the two hopeful moments on the movie..that was best part of the movie for me..he tried to show the main character's life in a positive way...now all three main casts did a great job..Antoine is just brillant in this film..the expressions on his face really made this movie more perfect.
A very good movie. Xavier directed the movie at the age 25 or 26, that's is really incredible.
Mirror
(1975)
Poetic Masterpiece
6 April 2020
Mirror( Zerkalo) is one of the best films I have ever seen. Using the form of non-linear narrative, it unfolds memories of a dying poet about the key moments in his life and Soviet culture. Mirror is not only his most autobiographical movie, but also it successfully summarises a filmmaker's aesthetic.
This may not be clear to the first-time viewer of Mirror. Tarkovsky freely moves between time frames, between fictional recreations and archival footage, between colour and black-and-white film stocks, and this might produce, on initial encounter, a degree of confusion on the viewer's part and also casting the same actress who plays the mother in the past and wife tn the present of the main character means the dying poet who is actually alter-ego of Tarkovsky and also the actor Ignat to present him in his childhood and also his son in nowadays.
Now after you see it how close the film was to Tarkovsky. The main actress Margarita was just brilliant specially on the shots directly faced towards camera. Using the non-linear form makes the movie more creative and imaginative. The cinematography what can be said about this just will leave you with the eternal view of visual poetry... actually a complete poetry what this movie actually is. The film vanishes from the screen but it leaves a permanent impression; an impression that is renewed, modified, transformed with each successive viewing of the film. On each viewing film is going to more close to you. Atlast, masterpiece film actually cinematic art by the 'Master' Andrei Tarkovsky.
1917
(2019)
A Technical masterpiece and something new to the war genre
14 March 2020
1917 tells you the story of two soldiers who are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop more than thousand soldiers from walking into a trap which may cause their lives..specially it shows you the journey of two soldiers through the enemy territory to their destination..and this movie totally made with one take..and you can always feel that you are also with these soldiers throughout this movie...all credit goes to Sir Roger Deakins and director Sam Mendes..I would like to give it one more star if there was little bit of more character development..though I will reconsider it..overall you should watch this movie...a visual and technical achievement in cinemas...oh the song near the end of this movie is just beautiful..love it.
Richard Jewell
(2019)
Clint Eastwood's best since Gran Torino
7 March 2020
Based on a true story... that's enough to excite me more for a movie and same case for Richard Jewell. This movie is pretty good. Acting of Paul Walter Hauser is great...Sam Rockwell and Kathy Bates both gave also very good performances..Olivia Wilde did over-acting that's a negative point...and also screenplay is good but not great..it could be more engaging.
Queen & Slim
(2019)
Great but underrated
3 March 2020
All I'm gonna say this movie is underrated.. A perfect crime drama filled with emotions..Daniel Kaluuya and Jodi Turner Smith both are amazing and together they make a perfect match..love this movie..Do watch this..it needs some appreciations.
Jumanji: The Next Level
(2019)
Rock-Hart Duo works better in this one
27 February 2020
This movie is better than the previous one -Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle (2017)...there is not so much about story in these movies though it manages to keep you entertained. The Rock-Hart duo is better in this one and funnier.. in this part we get to see Awkafina, she is also hilarious..for me it is more interesting and perfect movie for time pass..really enjoyed it
Bombshell
(I) (2019)
Not as I expected
27 February 2020
This is about the women employees of Fox news who were harassed by their boss Roger Ailes for professional upgradation and their legal fight against Ailes about this case.. that's the case..concept looks good?.. yeah. But the movie is not upto the mark..The screenplay is flat not so intriguing..you feel disconnected when you watch it..for a political thriller it must be engaging but here's not..last 30-40 minutes you can say better than the 1st 60-70 minutes part which is definitely boring..Charlize and Nicole's acting is good and Margot is ok in this movie..John Lithgow is better as Roger Ailes and I appreciate the work of make up team they had done a great job..at last this movie is mediocre to below average maybe you can watch one time that's it
For Sama
(2019)
A must watch
17 February 2020
True story of people of Syria at the time of Syrian Civil War..and epic and intricate journey into the female experience of war and the situation of that time with respect to a wife and mother's persective.
'For Sama' is a crucial documentation of what is happening to the differents parts of the world and the people who are just like us , but without no guilt or accountability of their own are forced into the most horryfying and unbearable circumstances.
'For Sama' is a crucial documentation of what is happening to the differents parts of the world and the people who are just like us , but without no guilt or accountability of their own are forced into the most horryfying and unbearable circumstances.
Jojo Rabbit
(2019)
A good try to show the time 2nd WW from a kid's perspective
8 February 2020
Just like Life Is Beautiful this movie showed us 2nd WW time in a comical way...when Taika is the director you don't have to worry about the humor. The color and the cinematography of this movie are just brilliant ..Roman did a great job as the child who has Hitler as a imaginery friend and Taika as Hitler is superb..and obviously Sam Rockwell , whichever role he play done with the utmost perfection..such a brilliant actor..so, what I don't like then it is the 1st half of the movie...It is even for this type of movie feels very slow and the dialogues could be better...but the 2nd half is totally worth it..I say you should give it a try.
Ford v Ferrari
(2019)
We're lighter, we're faster, and if that doesn't work, then we're nastier
1 February 2020
One of the best sport drama movies I have ever seen. This movie is mainly about Le Mans racing of 1966 and the feud between Ford Motors and Ferrari. Christian Bale and Matt damon as Ken Miles, British race car driver and Carroll Shelby, American automobiles designer have done a perfect job respectively.
This movie is not only for racing fans. Casual movigoers also definitely would enjoy the movie. The thrills, emotions, love, passion are balanced equally. Overall this is a perfect crowd pleaser.
At last, great work done by sound department and the racing sequences were shot very nicely.
Doctor Sleep
(2019)
Don't expect to get scared, but it will shock you
25 January 2020
A decent sequel...but you should not compare it with 'The Shining'. So, if you consider this a standalone film then it is pretty good..The recreation of some of the original movie shots and the total Overlook Hotel part add a charm to this movie. This movie is not about horror more about drama- fantasy and psychological trauma..overall I love this movie and the cinematography is just beautiful...I can tell it is definitely under-appreciated.
Dark Waters
(2019)
Must see for everyone
19 January 2020
Hayne's 'Dark Waters' is an unsettling, slow-drip legal thriller about large companies and the people who become its collateral damage..it is absolutely real and intricately crafted to show the conspiracies ongoing among these big organizations.
Mark Ruffalo plays the character of a corporate defense attorney who switched side to fight for the people who are the victims of poisoning caused by the company..and he had done a sensational job just like Foxcatcher, Spotlight if not best..Anne Hathaway though her character was secondary but she was also great.
Moreover, this movie is compelling, informative and it feels more realistic and true than any other this type of movie.Though movie is about a serious issue, it keeps you engaged till the last. However 'Dark Waters' delivers both justice and a crushing sense of dread..and if you like Spotlight, The Post etc. then you definitely should watch it.
Mark Ruffalo plays the character of a corporate defense attorney who switched side to fight for the people who are the victims of poisoning caused by the company..and he had done a sensational job just like Foxcatcher, Spotlight if not best..Anne Hathaway though her character was secondary but she was also great.
Moreover, this movie is compelling, informative and it feels more realistic and true than any other this type of movie.Though movie is about a serious issue, it keeps you engaged till the last. However 'Dark Waters' delivers both justice and a crushing sense of dread..and if you like Spotlight, The Post etc. then you definitely should watch it.
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