What was the last film you saw?

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 11 April 2005

I really think it is about time we started a movie thread.

Recent decent (or not).

'Sideways'. Loved every minute. Sharp funny and bittersweet. I hate wine too.

'The Aquatic Life Of Steve Zissou'. Deliciously odd, if a little thin in places. Suspect another viewing will reveal more fun.

'Million Dollar Baby' Irritating. Technically accomplished, hard not to be impressed by Hilary Swank but ultimately too cliched. The ending could be seen a mile away.

'The Woodsman'. The reason for starting the thread really, my wife and I found it almost unbearable to watch at times (must be even harder if you are a parent) and, forgiving a few jarring moments, found it intelligent and challenging. Anyone else seen it?

Bruce
Posted on: 09 June 2005 by Bruce Woodhouse
Downfall

Oh boy, gruelling at times but compelling and challenging. Astonishing performances. Hitler as a vicious but crumpled paranoiac, losing his grip, almost pathetic at times. His generals either mad-eyed loyalists or almost sniggering behind his back.

Brave film making. I wonder how it was received in Germany?

Bruce
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Lomo
A must see film, but it won't come here.
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
quote:
Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:
Downfall

Oh boy, gruelling at times but compelling and challenging. Astonishing performances. Hitler as a vicious but crumpled paranoiac, losing his grip, almost pathetic at times. His generals either mad-eyed loyalists or almost sniggering behind his back.

Brave film making. I wonder how it was received in Germany?

Bruce



It was considered a flop as a piece of work, although many 'serious filmgoers & historians' did see it. (I refer to the national Critics over here, as well as BBC's Tom Brooke, who also thought it very weak)

Fritz Von The Aussies wouldn't understand it anyway Big Grin
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Bruce Woodhouse
Lomo

Did you get 'The Pianist'? Another very strong movie, similar almost hallucinatory feel at times.

Bruce
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Huwge
quote:
It was considered a flop as a piece of work, although many 'serious filmgoers & historians' did see it. (I refer to the national Critics over here, as well as BBC's Tom Brooke, who also thought it very weak)


Didn't come across that way in the cinema I went to, there was a palpable pause at the end, post credits before people started to leave and I have never know such a quiet exit.

As a film, you almost need a history book and a general education on WWII history to understand who's who. I didn't quite agree with the portrayal of Speer who for some reason didn't get hung post Nurenburg. Also, as ever, Traudl Jung got an easy ride as well (I didn't know what was going on, my arse!)

Bruno Ganz's performance is worth the price of admission, irrespective of anything else. As for Family Goebbels Eek - put me right off the normally lovely Corinna Harfourth

Huw
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
But did you get the beer out and relive the good old days, Berlin is slightly different actually John Big Grin
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Bruce Woodhouse
At times found it confusing and disjointed. I also baulked at Ms Jungs sympathetic treatment and her 'excuse'.

However I was gripped by the claustrophobia and edgy insanity. I found watching Bruno Ganz compelling partly just from the idea that here was a human portrait of Hitler, not just a parody or shallow stereotype.

Bruce
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
I recently saw a Hollywoodesque portrayal of Adolf in his younger days (made in 2003), up through to prison & just after, played by a pretty renouned English actor, some good points were made in it, though the film itself was crap, barring his acting I reckon ! Big Grin
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Huwge
Fritz,
did you see the Speer film (3 episodes) on German TV? Another example of him getting a relatively easy ride, but well made nevertheless.
Huw
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Chris Kelly
"Cold Mountain" on DVD. And not a Nazi in sight - though the Home Guard seemed spookily like the Gestapo!
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
You're not THE Chris Kelly are you ? Smile
Posted on: 10 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
quote:
Originally posted by Huwge:
Fritz,
did you see the Speer film (3 episodes) on German TV? Another example of him getting a relatively easy ride, but well made nevertheless.
Huw


I did get to see one of them, very interesting stuff Cool
Posted on: 18 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Just watched the ressurection, now there's one not for the faint of heart (like my cooking I'm reliably told), a very heavy Müwie.


Fritz Von I'll sleep with the light on tonight I fink ! Aaah Eek
Posted on: 24 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Just finished watching a German TV film from 95 based in Dänemark about a childrens book author with his 11 year old daughter, and the psycho-thriller that unfolded. It's highly unlikely that such stuff will ever be translated into English, but believe me this was worthy of any Hitchcock scary, just through it's sheer realism. No blood & guts, not a gun or knife in sight, just an understanding of human nature, etc, 7/10 I reckon, innit.



Fritz Von Give me a Danish & Coffee to go Cool
Posted on: 25 June 2005 by arf005
At the cinema - Batman Begins. Loved it!!
Dark and moody, yet fast paced and 'believable' with great acting...if you haven't seen it yet, go!

In The Den - House of Flying Daggers. Loved it too!!
Beautifully filmed, amazing use of colours, good story with great acting, and what a sound track!! If you have the full surround set up at home this one will give it a good test, and you a thrilling ride! The 'echo' game in DTS is amazing.....
Posted on: 27 June 2005 by Blueknowz
quote:
In The Den - House of Flying Daggers. Loved it too!!
Beautifully filmed, amazing use of colours, good story with great acting, and what a sound track!! If you have the full surround set up at home this one will give it a good test, and you a thrilling ride! The 'echo' game in DTS is amazing

totally agree!
Just seen "9 SONGS" explicit is the word ,there is even a Money shot !!
Posted on: 27 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Just finished watching 'Shallow Grave' on wideo, with Ewen McGregor etc, quite entertaining actually Smile
Posted on: 27 June 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Have just watched 'Blood Work' from 2002 with Eastwood playing an ex FB AYE heart transplant gadgie, with Angelica Houston to-boot, a bloody good & clever filum. I recommend it, innit.


Fritz Von British Lions don't eat enough marmite Cool
Posted on: 27 June 2005 by Chris Kelly
"Vera Drake" on rental DVD. Dark but very well done.
Posted on: 29 June 2005 by Lomo
Three Dollars, Local film that will never be shown overseas.
Stars David Wenham who is an above average actor.
What happens when you do the right thing and are sacked because of it.
Posted on: 01 July 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Last night I watched "Sweet Sixteen" By Ken Loach 2002, well worth seeing, innit.


Fritz Von For the record Gerhardt Schröder initiated his no confidence vote himself to force an early election (Gamble) just in case, Suprise Suprise, Our Mat's journo mates decide to tell you otherwise, and somehow want to link it with Blair ! Cool
Posted on: 01 July 2005 by gusi
Bamboozeled on dvd. Who is not selling their soul in the pursuit of financial success.
Posted on: 06 July 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Last night I watched ' Nick of time' with Johnny Depp for the first time, hairy stuff, he's a crackin actor too, innee Winker
Posted on: 07 July 2005 by bjorne
Led Zeppelin's "The song remains the same" on swedish television last night. Tonight they'll show "The last waltz" with The Band ( I love that movie! ), tomorrow AC/DC's "No Bull" and saturday evening they will broadcast Iron Maiden playing live in Gothenburg. And I believed tv sucked Big Grin
Posted on: 07 July 2005 by bhazen
War of the Worlds; somehow it reached a chill finger inside me and tickled that place where the fright is...alien tripods!