a-fool Reviews

Ben ming nian (1990)

absolutely wonderful

[9/10 · 29 March 2002]

A stunning movie. It presents such an infective atmosphere by natural cinematography .When I saw it two years ago, I got moved into tears at the doomed destiny of protagonist even it was shot almost a decade earlier.

It's a must-see if u wanna know the high-level movies produced in China.

Far from Vietnam (1967)

the politics rationality of Godard

[4 March 2002]

If you are used to the rational sarcasm of Godard,you 'll like it.It presents his persistent concern --- politics and idealistic enthusiasm.In my eyes Godard himself is an idealist,but his political enthusiasm has to be confined to movie making.It's pity maybe,while for us moviegoers it's luck.

The Green Ray (1986)

feel inevasible loneliness

[28 April 2001]

Watching the film,we keenly feel the same inevasible loneliness as the heroine Delphine.While trivial conversations keep going and going(seems non-stop for ever),the loneliness become more and more intolerable.No one can,or is ready to,understand others(even being friends).Then Delphine's every attempt to communicate has to get dissolved in pretence and indifference from others.It's the common situation shared by everyone who still hold his/her dreams like Delphine.

Rohmer has considerable mercy to show the final appearing of "Le Rayon Vert".£¬It offers us some redeeming hope so that we can collect our confidence and faith in life to looke for "Rayon Vert" of ourselves.Maybe we will be still waiting in the final twilight of life,but our dreams will remain beautiful and vivid the same,right?

In the film,Rohmer shows more sympathy and affection on his characters than usual,much considerately as we see.Of course I just watched a few from him.This time I see none of the distinct irony(sometimes acrid) in formers.

btw,the actress Marie Riviere portrays "blue" Delphine perfectly.And I surprisedly find her also in "Writers",along with Rohmer. Expect more from them.

August 32nd on Earth (1998)

one of the best

[27 February 2001]

I'm here just to say it's qualified to be among the best ones, deserves watching more than once,and the director is very promising, for it's his debut.

The reality is so ridiculous and unreasonable, we have to accept it as it is.Fortunately, we still have love to warm us and protect us from the coldness and cruelty.

which needs to be added,the leading actress Pascale is nearly perfect,I also got a glimpse of her in Five Senses.I hope I can see her in When Night is Falling someday.

The Big Blue (1988)

Beautiful,Fascinating,Intriguing.....

[9/10 · 2 December 2000]

I can't find sufficiently powerful words to express my feeling for the unique picture.I didn't ever feel so regretful that I'm not a native speaker on English.But I can ensure you it's one of the most beautiful,fascinating,intriguing pictures ever made.

It's an absolute must-see!Recommend it highly!

The Red Balloon (1956)

a beautiful story

[9/10 · 6 November 2000]

It's maybe a pity that I haven't seen it during my childhood. But I can say I wouldn't have been more involved in it even if I saw it at that time.

It's such a beautiful story that I can't think out another one which is as short, and as stirring as it. My heart is flying with the balloon while the film goes, lightened or saddened.

I had a foreboding for the doom of the balloon from the beginning. Thanks to the kind director, we can still hold a little hope for the life.

It's really beautiful and fascinating, like dreaming. Recommend it to all the children and grown-ups as well.

Picnic (1996)

best shortfilm I've ever seen

[9/10 · 12 July 2000]

I've seen Love Letter, Swallowtail Butterfl, April Story from Iwai Shunji before this shortfilm.And I finally got to see it several days ago.

It's really great,another gem from Iwai.It's the best shortfilm I've ever seen,I think.

It feels like an allegory ,about our society and something we lost while struggling in it.I can't say out the signification clearly,but it DOES make me ponder about many things.

And the cinematography,is very beautiful.I got deeply absorbed in the dreamlike picture,especially the slowly_fluttering black feathers in the last scene.I felt overwhelmingly sad at the time.

All the performances are perfect,embodying the significance Iwai intended for.

According to the four films I've seen, Iwai Shunji is the hope of Japan film industry.Expect more stunning from him.

Celebrity (1998)

another satire from Woody Allen,though meeker than former

[2 May 2000]

I just finished the B&W movie.Expectably funny marked by style of Woody.though,it felt a little meeker than his former ones: <Sister Hanna><Bullets over Broadway><Purple Rose in Cairo>&etc.

I heard some about the private life of Woody.I believe he has fully understood what celebrity life is like.and he has showed us that by gently satirizing and sober portrayal.Sitting before the screen, we r led to look into the inside of "celebrity",how they got the fame,trying to sustain it,and the emptiness behind the flashlights everywhere.

the performances r all satisfactory.Kenneth Branagh and Judy Devis are perfect,and Malenie as well.She's really charming. The background music is some Jazz,which seems Woody's favorite. fits the theme well.

and the last point:I enjoyed Winona Ryder again.Thanks to Woody!