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Cidade de Deus (2002)
Godly Work of Brazilian Cinema
Having heard seemingly nothing about this movie besides it's high praise and rating prior to watching it, I can say I've been very much pleasantly surprised by what a bonanza of Brazilian film making this is!
You're thrust directly into the 60s-70s world of Brazilian favelas, surrounded on all sides by a confluence of corruption, crime, drugs, desperation and God (or the lack thereof). I really felt immersed in the world within that 2 hour runtime that runs at a breakneck pace; sometimes a little too much especially with all the cuts going on and the a few scenes here and there that are repeated with further exposition which was a little jarring.
The characters all feel real, believable and the whilst the film is quite violent and explicit in its depictions of the kind of crimes that can go on in this decrepit world, I never felt it was over excessive or violent just for the sake of being violent. Everything shown has meaning behind it in order to truly get the viewer involved, a little uncomfortable in their seats and grasping on that tension. This is a world that is very much real and one that you certainly don't want to be a part of and the exposition on the part of the main character, "Rocket", who doesn't really want to be involved in all that seediness does well to narrate the story although as I mentioned , does feel occasionally disconnected.
Big ole' thumb up from me.
The Batman (2022)
Raw, Pure, Undiluted Batman.
I really really enjoyed The Batman ! I can see how it might not be for some, but it captures the essence and roots of the batman character and story so well! The crime solving, detective approach, the exploration of his flaws and vulnerabilities. Questioning of his very own fears. Prominently working together with his cop buddy Jim Gordon, and even properly looking at the dynamic of the Bat and the Cat with Selina. I was so thoroughly engrossed. Haven't even mentioned the villains! I can definitely see the Riddler comparisons with the Zodiac, but yeah definitely can be a bit over the top in some areas but still grounded enough and his scenes were just menacing and interesting as all hell. Where can I even start with the music. Just loved the music out of this one. Scored to menacing and intimidating perfection - and the addition of a haunting rendition of 'Something in the Way' is just so sublime. It's like the perfect Batman movie it seems... numerous watches will be required and time will tell where it stands in the pantheon - but undoubtedly what's crafted here is Greatness.