Yrusac Reviews

Bread and Milk (2001)

And justice for all...

[6/10 · 3 December 2001]

The second day of the 'European filmweek' in a nice cinema in Budapest, showed this film of which I can't pronounce the title. Potentially a nice film, a story that you might be able to work with, maybe especially in Slovenian context.

The first part of the film was quite good indeed, pretty good acting, nice music, so far so good. But then, after approximately 60 minutes they should have cut it, which of course they didn't. In the 8 minutes that were left they managed to spoil the hour before it. So, my advice would be: leave after an hour and you won't feel sorry.

Moszkva tér (2001)

If you come from the West, see this when coming to Hungary

[8/10 · 26 November 2001]

On Saturday I managed to find a 'mozi' that showed this film with English subtitles. Fortunately I would say, because this is a nice film. I was a little ill that day, but I found myself running after tram 6 at Margit híd (Margaret's bridge) in the freezing cold to get to Moszkva tér (Moscow square) where I live.

As you may guess, I'm not from Hungary, but it was nice to see this film and get a glimpse of Hungarian youth around the transition time in 1989. Of course, it's hard to judge for me if their image is correct, but I felt it was. We see high school students in and after their exam time, showing no interest whatsoever in what is going on around them, except for when it concerns material stuff.

A nice moment is the (assumed) bed-scene in Paris during the television-broadcast of the news of Kádár's (the communist leader) death. Afterwards the Moscow Square Cowboy returns, to live his life in McDonald's in Budapest. The iron curtain dropped, the West opens and the youths flee out.

Twin Peaks: Northwest Passage (1989) Season 1, Episode 1

In the shadows of future passed the magician longs to see, one chants out between two worlds: fire walk with me!

[10/10 · 4 October 2001]

This absolutely the best thing that has ever been made, if it is either film or TV.

The characters are utterly brilliant, and the atmosphere completely takes you up. The small town of Twin Peaks could be one of the best imaginary places to be, while in the 'real world' you would be bored to death there.

But that is only before you saw these series. After that your complete view of reality has changed, as for example the pub where you are coming for years. Suddenly you find yourself ordering a piece of pie, in a poetic manner while having a very special relation with the waitress. I even stopped drinking sugar in my coffee!

If there is so much mystery in such a regular country town like TP, imagine what your own city would be like. So, just make a fine cup of coffee, order a scale of haute cuisine donuts, sit back and be taken in.

If I may give one more piece of advice: if two coherent things happen at the same time: be very careful.

Dead Man Walking (1995)

What do they try to see

[7/10 · 4 October 2001]

After seeing this film yesterday, in a scrabby cinema in Budapest, I am confused.

Before the film started I was a clear opponent of the death penalty. In the first part of the movie this was supported by the scenes about the inhumanity of the death penalty. This was probably the idea of the film makers. After that, they probably decided not to make a regular 'I oppose to death penalty' film, so they also showed the other side. So fas so good.

But then, there is this sudden shift to a religious perspective, which takes the solid ground away under my feet. For some reason, the murderer seems to be set equal with Jesus Christ, because of the similarity in their lifes' end. Meanwhile our vilain starts announcing his faith in Hitler and terrorists and at the end it seems that the bad guy has turned into the good guy again by confessing his sins.

The role in these very quick shifts on the scale from good to bad, are probably owed to the nun starring in this film. Towards the end it seems that she is doing the right thing by assisting this 'evil man', but because

of the constant biblical discussion it is really difficult to make up your mind.

What is the meaning of this film? That death penalty is wrong? That there is some good in every person? That you have to look your sins in the face? What is the right opinion of the church, or, who judges correctly: the nun, the families of the murdered children, or the prison's reverend maybe?

If the filmmakers intended to give a clear vision of their views of a trial they failed, but if the plan is to control the publics' thought for a week or so, the succeeded. Unfortunately, I am not sure if the latter goal was the case.

I still oppose the death penalty, after all.

By, the way: a very fine soundtrack, with Indian music, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder and Tom Waits.