1001Films Reviews

Agora (2009)

One of the year's best!

[10/10 · 13 November 2009]

Alejandro Amenábar takes on another genre and delivers a masterpiece that's unlike any other film of the genre. It's a courageous and timely piece that reflects on the two millennial of religious fanaticism that has hijacked the attention of the modern world.

The story set in 391 A.D., Alexandria, Egypt where the philosopher Hypatia is more concerned about the mysteries of the universe than what's going on the streets where Christians first fight for legitimacy as a religion before clashing with the other major religion, the Judaism to rule the world.

Hypatia is a beautiful woman as well with many admirers amongst them her student and her slave. What's refreshing about this film is that its focus is not the love story as most films do but about the bigger picture on where we went wrong as a civilization where we abandoned science and knowledge with the burning of the legendary library of Alexandria for the sake of religion.

Now sixteen hundred years later or so, it's the three major religions that keeps the attention of the world while our planet faces its biggest challenge. Also how women were kept away from high level positions in the society for far too long.

Rachel Weisz gives an outstanding performance as Hypatia whose intelligence far exceeds her beauty. Max Minghella comes of age as a leading man with a great future ahead of him. An outstanding film in every way that will stand the test of time. YRCinema's coverage of the 62nd Festival de Cannes.

It's outrageous that the film has not found a distributer in the US despite the pedigree of its cast and crew and shows how little the studios know of quality films like WB who passed on "Slumdog Millionaire" last year and only look for cash and nothing else. What a shame!

Changeling (2008)

Another triumph for Eastwood and Jolie!

[8/10 · 2 June 2008]

Clint Eastwood returns to "Mystic River" territory in this period piece that digs deeper into LAPD's past in corruption. Anybody who thought that LAPD's bad reputation is recent would be shocked to find that it was as bad in the 1920's. Angelina Jolie delivers a powerful performance as a wronged mother whose son disappears. To add insult to the injury she's further abused by the LAPD who instead of finding her missing son, trying to use her for their benefit. The film has some minor problems with its length and the overbearing score by Eastwood as well but hopefully it will get fixed before its release in the fall. YRCinema's coverage of the Cannes Film Festival. For more coverage please visit http://yrfilms.blogspot.com/.

Arizona Dream (1993)

one of the most under rated films ever!

[10/10 · 21 June 2006]

This film is classic as the test of time tells. What a shame it never got the attention it deserved. Loved it from the first viewing and love it today when I watched it last night again. This film is about dreams which is what films are about. This film is a charmer and makes you feel good about the world. A shame it never got shown in the US in the original cut. I guess it has been forgotten. The soundtrack is of the best and remains with me till today. The best performances of Vincent Gallo and Lili Taylor. This film will one day get its due like many other classics. Even it's set in the US with American Actors, it's a European film all the way.

Caché (2005)

A smart and excellent thriller!

[9/10 · 3 July 2005]

Caché means Hidden in French and is a clue to the mystery in this excellent film by Michael Haneke. Also his most accessible film yet which was the definite favorite film of the critics to win the Golden Palm but that prize is given by a jury which has its own reasons and justification for the prize. The rule this year was set by Emir Kusturica to give the prize to the film that achieved the most with the least, so in other words the best story or message with least budget and means. Anyway what I loved about Caché was the hidden message in this taut thriller. I don't want to give too much away but it's something everybody who's not white or of European or American origin can relate to. Everything is in top form of course with the perfect performances by Auteuil and Binoche. The film was shot in High Definition which serves the story perfectly. Also the film has one of the most shocking scene that will make you jump and its way into cinema history.

Match Point (2005)

Some new territory for Woody Allen

[8/10 · 7 June 2005]

This film at first doesn't seem like a typical Woody Allen film but at the end you know it's one and why. While the story and theme is familiar, Mr Allen brings new perspective and avoids clichés. He goes to the themes he explored in "Crimes and Misdemeanors" but without the Ingmar Bergman homage. Instead it's more fun and exciting to watch. I guess the young hot cast and new location doesn't seem like the usual Woody Allen film, even though he used young hot talents before. This one belongs to his best films which is good news to his fans. The cast is excellent but the supporting cast outshines the leads somehow. Matthew Goode made a strong impression and sure to become a star in the near future. I'm glad Woody Allen changed locations and used some of the best British actors for a change. I guess people who will read this comment, will already know about the plot, so I will avoid it. I watched the film at Cannes where it was well received by critics and the audience.

A History of Violence (2005)

A top notch thriller

[10/10 · 5 June 2005]

I saw the film at the Cannes Film Festival. All I have to say is: Wow. One of the best thrillers ever. It's refreshing to watch a film in genre that's so often full of clichés. Besides being a thriller, it also a smart film about the culture of violence. How it dominates our world. One of the questions the film asks whether one can live free of violence, even the slightest. In the film violence lurks in every corner and the characters are forced to defend themselves. Definitely my favorite Cronenberg film, also his most mainstream I might add. It's a modern Western and reminds one of those great Western films. As the title indicates it's a very violent film but guess it will be toned down as usual, specially the sex scene. All the stars are in peek form and perfectly cast. William Hurt makes a comeback to better roles. He was also great in "The King". It will and should get some awards at the end of the year from critics and etc.

Dirty Pretty Things (2002)

Excellent

[3 December 2002]

Stephen Frears is one of the few directors who delivers consistent good work. This movies is quite top in every aspect. It ranks for me equally to Dangerous Liaisons and My Beautiful Laundrette. The whole cast is superb including Sergi Lopez and Audrey Toutou. Chris Menges lensing is slick and appropriate. One of the years best. Highly recommand.

Hotel (2001)

an absolute visual masterpiece

[16 May 2002]

i saw this movie at the pacific design center on may 16th and loved it. it's visual masterpiece on many levels. mike figgis is a true genius and thank god for his inspirational work that gives hope to cinema. all the actor are great, especially the actresses. it's a sexy and very stylish film with the beautiful city of venice in background. it's a shame it hasn't found a distributor. shame on all the fake indie distributors. if you are a fan of cinema, you should see this film. i hope it gets released on dvd. god bless mike figgis

Behind the Sun (2001)

Walter Salles and Arther Cohn deliver again!

[8 January 2002]

After watching Central Station a few years ago, I become an immediate fan of Mr Salles. He returns with another amazing masterpiece about human condition somewhere in the heartland of Brazil. It shows us again that there are original stories out there besides the usual trash. The movie is powerful as it is beautiful. I can't wait for the The Assumption of the Virgin by Mr. Salles, with Juliette Binoche and produced by Anthony Minghella.

The Weight of Water (2000)

San Francisco Film Festival-2001

[14 June 2001]

Oh boy, this movie is a tough sell, no wonder it hasn't been released cause no matter how you will market it, it will disappoint.

Fantastic opening sequence.

Kathryn Bigelow is an amazing director but this one fails on certain levels which will kill it.

There are two interwoven stories, one set in the past and one in the present day. Unfortunately it feels like you are watching two movies at the same time. The past sequences are awesome, while the present are terrible like a (beer-beck) commercial. Worst part was that the Catherine McCormack character is a photographer which doesn't make any sense to the plot.There's nothing worthy to take pictures in the island she goes to.