gdkarma2 Reviews

Behind the Sun (2001)

Beautiful!

[10/10 · 7 July 2003]

This film is so beautiful, from the actors, the setting, the cinematography, the message...it was such a stunning and touching movie. A movie about vengence. A movie about love among family. Brotherly love. I felt myself transported and enraptured by this movie. More of a peek into time and space rather than watching a movie, really. To be utterly forgotten that I was watching this at home, from my VCR and feel as though I could taste the dust and feel the grind of the sugarcane mill...Who knew one could extract such sadness and anger from the sight of a bloodstained shirt, billowing in the wind as if it were dancing? Walter Salles did. The pace was deliberately slow. It's like reading a book very slowly, because you want to soak in every word and don't want to reach it's inevitable end. So if you'd rather watch a Kung Fu movie, fine.

Wonderful performances by Rodrigo Santoro (yes, he's gorgeous, can we all get over that and take his performance for what it's really worth? Tell me his doe-eyed, innocent, 'boy trapped in a man's body' performance wasn't convincing, cus it was to me), Jose Dumont as the rigid and exhausted father, and especially the charming, darling young Ravi Ramos Lacerda.

Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)

Almost there

[5 May 2003]

I liked this movie. It definitely was thought and emotionally provoking and the film stays with you after you've left the the theater, especially certain scenes and I thought it was pretty funny at times. But there were certain things that I wished the film addressed, explored or handled better, such as pace, more seamless editing, more character development on Stephanie and Steve and carrying out the intentions of why it was essential the cast be all Asian American. ALL the actors gave stand out performances. The film itself, not so impressive. The film does shake up the stereotypes of AAs but I really wanted it to fully break em. I felt like I was expecting it to do that much, considering the marketing and publicity. It's definitely refreshing and I'd see it again. But it still needs some work. I appreciate it more for its intentions and vehicle for opportunity than the film itself. I'm anxious to see what Justin Lin can do with a bigger budget and support. And even more anxious to see what the actors will get for their next project because of this film.

3 Ninjas: Knuckle Up (1995)

Great action and hilarious to boot

[9/10 · 7 July 2000]

It's interesting to see the different responses to the 3 Ninjas series. Many of them are from older, 'wiser' guys who snicker at the sight of seeing teen and preteen boys kick the livin daylights outta grown men with bats. Well, check your egos at the door because the beauty of martial arts is that size doesn't matter, if you can believe it. And neither does age. This movie also provides a glimpse into Native American culture which is much appreciated since they aren't represented much in Hollywood.

I'd take Mike Treanor (Rocky), Max Elliot Slade (Colt), and Chad Power (Tum Tum) over Schwartzeneggar, Van Damme and the lot of Hollywood martial arts/action hero actors any day. At least these kids are funny.

3 Ninjas (1992)

Great movie!

[9/10 · 7 July 2000]

I love this movie! Those three guys are not only great at martial arts but funny and charming actors as well. All the kids loved it when it came out and still quote lines from this 'classic.' Yes, there are borrowed ideas (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Home Alone...) but who doesn't? And stunt doubles for the Grandfather, but who do you think he is, Jackie Chan? Victor Wong makes a sincere grandfather/mentor. Hey, the adult reviewers may not have enjoyed or even understood this movie, but the 'kids' that I know, did. As for the Ninjas themselves, they acted naturally and credibly. A perfect family movie.

Romeo Must Die (2000)

Romeo Must Live!

[9/10 · 25 March 2000]

I really enjoyed this movie. Jet Li is a great actor AND a martial artist (and he's funny, too!). He is the perfect "Romeo" don't you think? The action sequences were great, though I wish they (editors, etc.) would trust Jet Li to kick someone's butt on his own. He's done it before and Hong Kong cameras aren't any different from America's. Aaliyah, Russell Wong, Isaiah Washington, etc. they were all fantastic. Go see it!!! Just make sure you're not sitting near loud-mouthed people or people with cellular phones turned on, as I had been unfortunate enough to experience. But despite that, I still had a good time.

The Iron Giant (1999)

You won't believe your eyes, but you'll believe your heart

[10/10 · 5 March 2000]

This movie was visually beautiful and at some points, astounding but what I absolutely loved about it was how moved I was after watching it. The characters were very real, despite them being animated (and who says animation isn't as valid as live-action...I argue that it can surpass live-action) and all, including the Giant, were lovable. It doesn't preach anything to the viewer, either. I also like how the movie combined classic design/animation with high-tech visual effects of the movie. Superb. Oh, yeah, and the kids will enjoy it, too.

Miss Tran

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Beautifully spooky

[8/10 · 26 December 1999]

Yup, this movie is definitely beautiful and just as spooky. The setting, I could hop on a plane to Italy right about now. And the performances were superb! Jude Law, absolutely charming. Matt Damon, scared the bejeezus outta me and STILL got my sympathy. Gwyneth and Cate, wonderful girls, those two. But, Phillip Seymour Hoffman irritated me a bit. The thing about this movie is that it teaches you about being content with who you are. You are dealt with a hand and you have to play it. You don't go around trying to steal other people's cards. I left the movie feeling very perturbed yet mystified. But I think that was Minghella's goal. If it was, good job Mr. Minghella.

The Matrix (1999)

whoa

[10/10 · 31 October 1999]

is what Keanu Reeves says in the movie (and in the trailer) and it's EXACTLY what I said after watching it, as will you. This movie exceeded my expectations, probably because I thought it was going to be some lame, action sci-fi with an overused plot. This movie makes you think, but it waves enough action, visual effects and pretty faces in your face to keep you entertained as well. once again, I gotta say it...whoa.

Three Seasons (1999)

Visually stunning, spiritually uplifting

[9/10 · 16 October 1999]

Being Vietnamese myself, I have always scrutinized any film/movie/book that has any relation to Vietnam/Vietnamese people and Three Seasons stands as a jewel among the disappointing portrayals I've seen. Its beauty comes from its simplicity and honesty. (There is more to Vietnam then its war history.) A movie doesn't have to have the fast-paced car chases, or guts and gore or even gratuitous sex or nudity. And it may not even have some brain-racking puzzle or mystery for the audience to figure out (or does it?). What it DOES have is a group of people living in shadows but still embracing life with open arms. It's a feel good movie. It's poetic in the most subtle way. Tony Bui doesn't necessarily shout out his motive. Let the movie whisper to you. You may not get what it's saying but at least it's what YOU make of it.