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Reviews
Swing (2002)
Great, soulful music; and moments of pure, joyful youth.
In this film we join a young boy Max, who spends the summer in the company of Gypsies, taking guitar lessons and learning about their culture, their way of life, and their people.
It's a gorgeous film, full of interesting faces & fascinated with the nature. The camera is patient and joyous--a reliable witness to a life and a people.
Music is the centerpiece of the film, as it is in Gypsy culture. The musical sequences are amazing, animated and warm.
But the movie is not a flimsy excuse for music, either--it holds and surrounds the music, weaving it into vignettes about Max's summer, and of the gypsy girl he has befriended, Swing.
In the comments I've read here people always mention the lack of story. I'm not sure what they are complaining about. There are actually three stories here: the music, the Gypsies themselves, and the story of a young boy and girl.
Between the soul-stirring music and the joyful enthusiasm of youth, I was deeply affected. In turns I smiled, laughed, clapped, and tapped my feet to the music. A most enjoyable time at the movies.
Wonderland (1999)
The Ordinary is Extraordinary
'Wonderland' is a story about ordinary people told in an extraordinarily beautiful way.
The visual style of the film draws you close--you're not watching a movie, but you are an observer, an eavesdropper on the lives of a South London family and their friends. It's almost as if you saw someone on the bus, and then were able to follow them to their home and around where they work, unseen, for a few days. You believe these people exist, in reality--you _recognize_ these characters because you've seen them before.
There's an incredible musical score by Michael Nyman. It supports and builds the drama of the story, and illuminates the inner struggles of the characters.
It's a beautiful movie. Fans of Wong Kar-Wai's ChungKing Express will enjoy this.
I saw this movie at a Saturday midnight showing in Barcelona, with Spanish subtitles. You could feel the emotion run through the audience. Everyone stayed for the credits.