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Reviews
The Operative (2019)
Great spy thriller
An inexperienced agent is placed in a high risk operation which unravels. A more believable setting of Tehran than is typically depicted. Enjoyed the performances of Diane Kruger, Martin Freeman and Cas Anvar. Heart was thumping to the end. Found the low ratings strange, maybe a cultural thing.
Mile 22 (2018)
Enjoyable action movie that has a plot
Tired after work and this transported me with the action and decent plot. It switches between a debrief and the Mission. Everything is connected and Kai Jin from the Netflix series, Wu Assassins delivers. Well the whole cast did.
Alexander the Great (1956)
Riveting dialogue but glosses over some detail
The dialogue accomplishes so much yet is almost poetic. It is of an elegance rarely seen in modern movies. Many of the key elements in the relationships between Alexander, his men, his parents and his perspectives are explored but battle details are glossed over.
Though far from comprehensive, it tells a good tale and serves as a wonderful introduction to the life of Alexander. I was riveted when I watched this, having read Mary Renault's trilogy. An excellent job!
Oliver Stone's 2004 effort was a let down but the depiction of the Battle of Gaugamela is worth watching.
Cry Freedom (1987)
Electrifying film and story
I was electrified when I first saw this in 1983 or 1984. Steven Biko is gone half way through the film but the resonance of his courage and wisdom is not forgotten. I didn't when finally in South Africa in 1993. It is also largely a story about friendship and loyalty. When I was in South Africa and heard the audience at a dance recital in Natal sing Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, my hair stood on its ends. There is a lot to learn from this story for all peoples.
U-571 (2000)
Enjoyable, but too little for a submarine movie!
At least the Germans speak German in this one. The reality seemed well depicted, but somehow, I felt an anti-climax when it was over. Perhaps Crimson Tide and Hunt for Red October raised the standards for tension in submarine movies too high! The maturation of the Executive Officer into a submarine captain was a bit too predictable. I did enjoy it but when it was over, I thought "is that all?" - just how I felt at the ending of the Truman Show.