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teresanoel712
Reviews
Chocolat (1988)
Elegant simplicity and timelessness
I first saw this film during and International Film Studies course. I am a 'non-traditional' student, and, perhaps for reasons of years-lived or wisdom-accrued, appreciated the slow, reflective pacing of the film's narrative. Languorous with the heat and dust of an arid clime, the story is deeply psychological, replete with multi-layered symbolism, and an articulate inversion of the theme of being the 'Other' in a land that one does not understand. the understanding that does come is fraught with the unresolved memories and subjectivity of the outsider. Made nearly 20 years ago, it is also a forerunner in a genre of numerous other international films that explore the themes of colonials in colonized spaces, clueless to the nuances of the cultures into which they have entered. Much more lavishly filmed---and heavily financed--- works that have been made since reflect the same themes: Indochine, Nowhere in Africa are two that in comparison perhaps make Chocolat seem pale and boring. It has no adrenaline-pumping action or extreme violence. The struggles are mental, emotional and subtle. But, that being said, it is a fine film, worth a viewing.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
A Kaleidescope of historical vignettes
What was "now" then is "period" now. Who of us knows what the times and people were, or what they knew or felt. R. Scott brings one array of plausibilities to the screen for our enjoyment and consideration. So much politic, so much jockeying and volleying for power. So what else is new? The film is rich and dramatically realistic. It depicts fanaticism only too clearly. It reveals a gruesome time and the horrific choices which were possibly, and probably, made by those who lived it. Perhaps the shades-of-gray humanity of what might otherwise be "black and white" characters is the appeal. We will never know really what the times and the City were like...but we most certainly may be drawn in to one possibility through this kaleidescope of historically-based vignettes that bring the times to life and ties the characters together. Why not? It would be wonderful if those who watch it could learn from the rather overt lessons Mr. Scott lays out before us. It is good entertainment, rich artistry, but, if we allow it, a constructive lesson in what to do and not to do in the current history-in-the-making. My favorite scenes are those that depict the extension of mercy to the embattled characters of a volatile time. The color, the scope and the synesthetic awareness of this film are compelling.
Nacho Libre (2006)
Mucho basura (trash) and ethnic slur
Sweet? Silly? Let's try for unjustifiable, trashy, and culturally ignorant. Maybe it is because the movie's sensibilities are so out of focus that I didn't get it? I attended this movie with a ten-, fourteen-, and seventeen-year old set of minors, and I expected the slap-sticky humor and crude laugh prompts. But I did not expect the story line, scene content and characterizations to reach this level of ethnic slurring. It betrays the ignorance of the writers/producers/director. It serves only to perpetuate the stereotyping and ethnic slurs that have been directed against Mexicans for as long as I can remember. Jack Black's accent is insulting, not funny. I am less of an admirer of his work after sitting through this awful waste of money, so typical of too many Hollywood miscreations. With all the ways there are to make us laugh, why this group of lost boys has put all this energy into this film is beyond me. That it is doing so well at the box is an even sadder testimony. Do yourself a favor: don't bother. It's basura: trash.