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ginaestrauss
Reviews
IMDb on the Scene - Interviews: Amsterdam (2022)
Mesmerising storytelling
So, here's the thing. I tend to not watch big cast films and definitely not watch them in the big screen three times in a row. But this film is most definitely worthy of a cinema experience!!!!! Everything about this film is gorgeous not least the heartbeat of the arc - love over hate. Phenomenal performances from Christian Bale, A Riseborough, Z Saldana, J Washington, R Malek, M Robbie, A Joy, M Shannon, M Myers, T Swift, C Rock and the incredible heavyweight - Robert De Niro. Equally, the supporting actors are unbelievable - particularly those playing former soldiers. What is most heartfelt, about this wild tale based on true events - well, most of it is based on true events - is it's monumental heartfelt human story. Remarkably, you truly believe the HOPE in this film and are comforted by the treachery and contentions of human beings. Ahhh - I sound wet behind the ears - but I guess that's the after effects of watching the film. Funnily enough, I would say I'm a fan of the Directors work (although, The Fighter was brilliant!). Amsterdam has a sweet gentle Hopefulness in the midst of a wild revolving immersive story that unravels...with contemplative and easy pacing...the detective story within another story within another story. Your mind is always actively working as you figure out the murder mystery and the various smaller mysterious. Gosh - the blinding and cold facts around the General Small. This is wild, entertaining and mesmerising Resistance Cinema.
Rotten tomatoes has it wrong - and so do the haters - ignore the stars names on the posters because when you enter the vortex of the cinema experience the stars dissipate as you surrender to wonderful story - forceful craftsmanship (amazing cinematography from EL) production design, costume, lighting the entire crew and cast bring it. And thank goodness they do, this is a necessary film and a film about truth. Truth is everything. You will undoubtedly enjoy this antidote to despair, hate and political stoking and one percenters - "This is your country."
Amsterdam (2022)
I didn't want to like this film - but, I loved it.
I didn't want to like this film - but, I LOVED it. The depth of human psychology and , analysis below me away. Focusing on the impacts of war on the human psycho-social world was is performers with tenderness,, courage and exuberance. You go through a stream of altering emotions; one minute I was laughing - the next I was playing detective and there their was the horror, sadness and incredible beauty - all felt all of these all within a single serene at times. This is by far one of the most ENTERTAINING and deeply felt movies that has the pulse of old European cinema. To be honest, I forgot the cast were the cast; I didn't see 'stars' in this movie I only saw the characters and felt their journey and complex internal struggles. You have to watch this film more than once and here is why; you are totally immersed in the world and the never-ending moving camera - mind blowing production design, VFX and art direction. But all of this is simply beautifully composed in a surface way without the rumble of a incredible story told compassionately and courageously by David O' Russell. The last time I saw his work move me to this degree was The Fightet.
Not forgetting the most stunning part of it all; it's not entirely fiction. This is a story for our times - because of our times - created to comfort us during these times. The reviews are a wash with haters and some bonafide arson critics who only lament about their favourite movies - that serve their biases and agenda's. Don't be fooled by the white noise - this is landmark film with great craftsmanship - literary excellence - and breath-holding performance.
20 Weeks (2017)
Edit
Compelling and subtle. The premise is fantastic and the edit is excellent.
The Earth Belongs to No One (2015)
Keep your eye on Jessica Barden and Alana Biden
TEBTNO played at the Rooftop festival in U.S. it feels like a big story told in small realities. Following two girls who pick up a weapon to protect he selves. It portrays the struggles of loneliness and poverty, everyday survival fighting off attentions from nasty gangs. But with all that aside the film has a human and universal story, emancipation and overcoming hurt and trauma. It signals to Ghandi's 'An Eye for an Eye and the whole world goes blind.' The performances are powerful, but for a quiet short film it's soul is vibrational. Definitely worthy of screening again in U.S. If you are seeking at art house short with cinematic voice, you will find the filmmaker hasn't compromised on her vision. Also an indie, and the film would surpass a bechdel Test.
Highly recommend!