les-35 Reviews

Black Hawk Down (2001)

Second only to "Private Ryan."

[31 May 2002]

Almost a documentary in certain aspects, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. As a depiction of war, it ranks with "The Longest Day" and is second only to "Saving Private Ryan." It is timely, being relevant to the War on Terrorism. Even though bin Laden is not mentioned in the movie, we all know that some of the Somalis who downed the two choppers may have had some training in bin Laden's camps in the Sudan.

Here's one reflection: In war movies, things in industry have changed somewhat since WWII. Sixty years ago, the movie industry was part of the propaganda machine, emphasizing the glory of war and inspiring young men to fight for their country. Outright disasters, such as the graphic portrayal of the real-life disaster in Mogadishu, might have been avoided, unless there was some injunction to "get back into the ring and fight for it." Blackhawk Down is a depiction of an American military catastrophe, when the troops were pulled out shortly afterwards. Think about it---the US military, and/or its allies, might be paying another visit to Somalia in the not far distant future.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Very mixed feelings.

[5/10 · 13 June 2001]

As a history buff, I tend to be extra critical of movies on major historical topics. If really great, they are highly cherished. If not so hot, then I feel uncomfortable. I regret that I am lukewarm to cool about the supposed blockbuster, "Pearl Harbor"

I suppose it depends on what you want to see. If you want the attack on Pearl Harbor depicted with "Star Wars" special effects hype, then you are in for another Adrenalin rush. But somehow, the depiction just doesn't seem quite right. An example? Yes, the US did manage to get a few planes off the ground during the raid and some dogfights and Japanese casualties occurred. But nothing I have read about the raid indicates that rival pilots chased each other around the facilities on Hickam Field.

Other aspects of the film? The romantic involvement of the two pilots (falling in love with the same girl, yet somehow managing to remain friends in the end) is not totally unbelievable, but would have been rare in the cultural milieu of the early '40's. Also, the movie, which not only builds up to Pearl Harbor, dramatizes the Raid and then moves on to Jimmy Doolittle's bold venture, is very long.

It is very appropriate, in year 2001, for the American film industry to celebrate the 60th. anniversary of Pearl Harbor. But, as a depiction of this momentous event, the movie doesn't hold a candle to "Tora, Tora, Tora" which really was a serious and highly successful attempt to depict history.

Aces High (1976)

Excellent World War I dogfight drama.

[21 July 2000]

Recently, "Aces High" was shown on the Canadian history channel, and comments afterwards were made by Arthur Bishop, the son of WW I fighter ace Billy Bishop. Bishop, although Canadian, served in a British squadron and was rated as the top "British" flying ace of the war. His son is an expert on the war in which his father earned great distinction and flew fighters on his own in World War II.

The movie was given high commendations for its accuracy, with some "overstatements" that were there because the film makers wanted "to make a point."

The movie is clearly anti-war, with a lot of emphasis on the youth of the fighter pilots and the heavy casualty rate, both of which are highly accurate statements to be made about the aerial side of "the war to end all wars." It is not an "adventure drama" with heroes prevailing in the end. In the end, the only survivor is the chief officer, who has to replace everybody else.

Despite the obvious "ax to grind", World War I buffs will appreciate the excellent dogfighting scenes. It is one of the best World War I films that I have ever seen.

The Patriot (2000)

Best I've seen on the American Revolution.

[8/10 · 9 July 2000]

There's some "Hollywoodized" history here, but "The Patriot" is arguably the most accurate movie ever made on the American Revolution. Many Americans, because of their conditioning, tend to have a "Manifest Destiny" attitude towards their revolution. They have the vague belief that the colonists were inevitably going to win. But the war was an extremely difficult one and easily could have been lost, were it not for some good fortune and the alliance with France.

Gibson's movie zeroes in perfectly on the extreme difficulties of the revolution, and graphically depicts the mind sets of the Patriots, the Loyalists and the "middle group" that was constantly being pressured by both their rebellious neighbors and by occupying British and Loyalist forces. The South was one of the bitterest areas of the Revolution, partly because the British were growing desperate to crush the rebels, and all of this comes through in the movie.

My only slight misgiving is the length of the movie and perhaps too much depiction of family sentimentalities. The concluding scene, which shows an American triumph and the survival of the hero, is quite appropriate, and invokes memories of "Braveheart," another Gibson triumph.

Well worth watching, for both history buffs, like myself, and other types of movie goers.

Amistad (1997)

Another score for Spielberg.

[29 January 2000]

I agree with an earlier comment entered for "Amistad". Many moviegoers, it seems, simply want to be "entertained" rather than inspired or undergo some provoking of thought. The time setting of "Amistad" is 1839,not the 1940's, which is the time of "Schindler's List", but the subject matter should be no less important to us. The wrenching scenes in Amistad, of slaves being thrown overboard, and the inspiring scenes, of idealistic New England abolitionists carrying their torches are admirably portrayed. The somewhat gloomy settings are very appropriate, but none of this is "entertaining", it is "inspiring." "Schindler's List", also powerful, is "provoking" not "entertaining", and might we not also say the same thing for "Finding Private Ryan." I strongly share the sensitivities of Steven Spielberg, and I hope that he produces more masterpieces like "Amistad."

Little Buddha (1993)

Simplistic, but not bad and educationally useful.

[7/10 · 8 January 2000]

Simplistic, and of more value to young people than serious adults, but a more "realistic" dramatization of the subject might be too subtle for many viewers. This is perhaps the only movie I know of that deals directly with Buddhism from a western point of view, as opposed to Asian movies like those of Kurosawa, or such recent films as "Seven Years in Tibet" which deal more with the political and social aspects of Tibetan culture rather than Buddhism itself. Because Buddhism is drawing increasing interest in the West, a dramatization of the classic story of the Buddha is useful and entertaining. As a high school teacher, I have seriously recommended this film to students a number of times. The movie is well filmed, and, besides the traditional story of the Buddha,in its ancient Indian setting and with all of the mythical elements, it does gives insight into Tibetan culture, and can be linked to "Kundun" and "Seven Years in Tibet" which are excellent, sympathetic films about this Asian country that has received so much undeserved harassment.

Emperor of the North (1973)

Wish it would come out in VHS.

[7 November 1999]

A very interesting movie, which is slow to come out on cassette and hasn't been on TV for eons. Besides the interesting plot and fight scenes, it has some of the best railroad footage ever shot, which should make it appealing to railfans or anyone interested in railway history. Strongly recommended.

Chautauqua Girl (1983 TV Movie)

An interesting period piece.

[6/10 · 4 August 1999]

Set in the Canadian prairies in the 1920's, this TV movie depicts the setting and life of the times quite accurately.

A little slow moving, but anybody who appreciates folksy movies set in the early years of this century should appreciate many aspects of this drama.

Butterbox Babies (1995)

Very good.

[29 July 1999]

Solid acting on an interesting subject, with strong humanistic overtones. Not a box-office winner, but well-worth watching. Also, a good period piece - an excellent depiction of life in a conservative area of 70 years ago.