Stalingrad is a terrific movie, well acted and directed, and rather down to earth in it's approach to the various bizarre aspects of warfare and it's politics. This is, together with "Das Boot" one of the best war movies (together with the Finnish "Vinterkriget" ("The Winter War", in English, I believe)). It depicts the ordeals of some of the German soldiers that fought --- and died --- in and around Stalingrad during World War 2. No big time heroics, no over bearing emotional fuzziness, only the fear of every day death in war. The mood of the movie is similar to the one in "Das Boot", and that should give you some hints on what to expect, I guess. So, if you enjoy realistic, non-Hollywoodish, war movies: Rent it, buy it, just make sure you see it! Finally, a film buff's note: for some of the previous reviewers information, I only want to add that "Stalingrad" isn't directed by Wolfgang Petersen (who made "Das Boot")!
Reviews
4 Reviews
Pitch Black
(2000)
Bright lights in pitch black surroundings!
8 January 2001
"Pitch Black" was a nice surprise for me! The story of this freight (space) craft that has a "malfunction" in deep space and crashes on an unfriendly, no, make that hostile, planet - leaving a couple of survivors stranded to fight it out with the "restless natives" - isn't very new. But the way it's told! Wow!
The characters don't really grow too much during the movie's run time, but their hidden secrets/angst is well written into the various personalities that are tossed together at random after the crash landing. Some pretty good acting helps here as well.
What really made this movie a 8/10 for me, was the pace, the cinematography, the editing and the breath taking visuals (CG and others). This movie is an example of making good use of small means - "Pitch Black" uses the desert planet to great effect, and the idea with the three suns is perfect. Not to mention the wonderfully aggressive monsters...
It's also eventually the success of the truly collaborative (and creative!) effort by all the involved people, from director Twohy and on. Nice work indeed, and a fresh new entry to the "monster sci-fi" genre!!!
The characters don't really grow too much during the movie's run time, but their hidden secrets/angst is well written into the various personalities that are tossed together at random after the crash landing. Some pretty good acting helps here as well.
What really made this movie a 8/10 for me, was the pace, the cinematography, the editing and the breath taking visuals (CG and others). This movie is an example of making good use of small means - "Pitch Black" uses the desert planet to great effect, and the idea with the three suns is perfect. Not to mention the wonderfully aggressive monsters...
It's also eventually the success of the truly collaborative (and creative!) effort by all the involved people, from director Twohy and on. Nice work indeed, and a fresh new entry to the "monster sci-fi" genre!!!
The Limey
(1999)
A truly rewarding movie for the patient viewer.
24 November 2000
Low-key thriller/drama about an ex-con seeking revenge on the man that caused his daughters death. That's the surface of this very interesting and fascinating movie from director Soederbergh. There's more than meets the eye, and the patient viewer will be highly rewarded.
This is, in my point of view, a film about all our efforts to review our own lives - i.e. trying to make memories of our past fit in with the reality of today. To try to understand all sides of an event between two people; how actions we take, and decisions we make, makes a difference in the long run in our lives.
Wonderfully directed and edited, this movie is really alive, and shines with various tricks and treats of pure movie magic. The score is perfect, and the acting is great (Stamp in the lead is amazing). The way the film makers intertwine dialogue and voice over is fascinating, and reminds me of the films by French movie makers in the sixties (the French "New Wave").
Obviously not in everyone's taste since this movie is quite demanding in attention and pace, this is still one of the best films ever from director Soederbergh. Rating: 9/10.
This is, in my point of view, a film about all our efforts to review our own lives - i.e. trying to make memories of our past fit in with the reality of today. To try to understand all sides of an event between two people; how actions we take, and decisions we make, makes a difference in the long run in our lives.
Wonderfully directed and edited, this movie is really alive, and shines with various tricks and treats of pure movie magic. The score is perfect, and the acting is great (Stamp in the lead is amazing). The way the film makers intertwine dialogue and voice over is fascinating, and reminds me of the films by French movie makers in the sixties (the French "New Wave").
Obviously not in everyone's taste since this movie is quite demanding in attention and pace, this is still one of the best films ever from director Soederbergh. Rating: 9/10.
Blade Runner
(1982)
"I've seen things..."
3 November 2000
The plot centers around a BladeRunner and his latest job - to retire a number of run-away replicants in a futuristic (2019) Los Angeles. This is a truly amazing piece of art: director Scott's direction and eye for details is stunning; the set design and art direction is flawless; the cinematography and musical score is breathtaking; the acting is solid - and in Hauer's case rather touching as well.
It's not a film to embrace easily, and obviously not in everybody's taste, as evidenced by some entries here. But the overall "feel" and atmosphere of this movie is something special, especially if you view the "Director's Cut". It has some minor, but important, changes compared to the first release from 1982. The widescreen version is a must, since the visuals are absolutely top-notch, and Scott really uses all of the possibilities of a widescreen movie.
"Blade Runner" is it's own universe, and a major milestone in film making! View it, but give the movie the time it needs to really sink in. They don't do movies better than this! A final word of caution: The DVD edition of the director's cut of "Blade Runner" is, in my opinion, rather disappointing. No extras, no trailer, no nothing. Just the movie! On the other hand, that is (almost) good enough, since the widescreen transfer is of very good standard regarding soundtrack and picture quality. Enjoy it!
It's not a film to embrace easily, and obviously not in everybody's taste, as evidenced by some entries here. But the overall "feel" and atmosphere of this movie is something special, especially if you view the "Director's Cut". It has some minor, but important, changes compared to the first release from 1982. The widescreen version is a must, since the visuals are absolutely top-notch, and Scott really uses all of the possibilities of a widescreen movie.
"Blade Runner" is it's own universe, and a major milestone in film making! View it, but give the movie the time it needs to really sink in. They don't do movies better than this! A final word of caution: The DVD edition of the director's cut of "Blade Runner" is, in my opinion, rather disappointing. No extras, no trailer, no nothing. Just the movie! On the other hand, that is (almost) good enough, since the widescreen transfer is of very good standard regarding soundtrack and picture quality. Enjoy it!
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