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Reviews
Genocide (1982)
Excellent documentary with archival footage
This is an intense documentary of the extermination of the Jewish people in the Holocaust, with much archival footage. The scenes are often gripping and horrifying in their veracity, but it is a must see for any student of the Holocaust. There is a reference close to the end of a letter from 93 virgins requesting the kaddish for them in the future - this particular letter was proved later to be a hoax (http://www.hashkafah.com) Regardless, it is an excellent documentary even with the often melodramatic voice of Elizabeth Taylor. Most Holocaust literature attempts to play down such drama because the reality simply cannot be conveyed. I will use this in film class.
Diarios de motocicleta (2004)
An enlightening visit to the impoverished of South America
The performance of the two young men as main characters in this movie was a wonderful parallel to the the motorcycle trip taken by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper - if you take into account that Fonda and Hopper were not necessarily seeking to learn anything. There is something primal about two men on motorcycles - and this was exactly that. The freedom to feel the air, to be up close and personal with the environment. But the eyes of the young Gueverra as he struggles with all he sees is emotional. I knew nothing about Che Gueverra and what had driven him to reach out in a revolution. The actor here was phenomenal, and his connection to the people of South American greatly evident.
Juana la Loca (2001)
A queen is driven insane by the loneliness of her position
I thought the acting in the movie was exemplary. As a history student, anything I can watch that gives me a truer idea, a more "thick" description, of a time period is greatly enjoyable. This movie depicted the loneliness of being a queen, who is trustworthy, who one has great need to trust, and what happens when the only trust one has is betrayed. Although I have some Spanish abilities, I did struggle with this particular version because I think it was less modern, but that too added to the realism. The "insanity" depicted by the queen was questionably insane, which certainly helped the viewer to see those attempting to incarcerate Juana as being particularly duplicitous. I enjoyed this immensely.
El carro (2003)
An Amusing film with truth about families interwoven
I watched this movie at Clemson University for credit for a Spanish class. I found it greatly entertaining, full of truisms about families, and touchingly honest. I would heartily recommend it to anyone wanting to enjoy an evening, improve their Spanish, and see family jaunt with a new car. The performance by all was strong, but the father was my favorite. A short ineffective parent, he displayed his emotional immaturity like a champ, and loved his family greatly even with all of his weaknesses. The main character, the younger daughter, was an impressive rebel, attempting to break out of the lower middle class confines of her family. The mother was a sexy Colombian mom, with loving concerns about her children, amidst her own selfish nature. The son was comedy in action.