lpuishis Reviews

Paradise (I) (2023)

Why the low ratings?

[9/10 · 1 September 2023]

I'm so surprised that Paradise is only rated at 6.3! It has an excellent premise (necessarily fuzzy on the science), the acting is great and the futuristic setting is realistic and tasteful.

Ultimately the film explores how individuals and society at large might respond to the commodification of human lifespans. Who benefits, who pays, and what types of mind tricks and justifications are employed to perpetuate the institution.

There were just enough twists and turns to keep me interested in the plot. Although certain aspects of the conclusion were predictable, there were some unexpected outcomes. Overall, I give it I give it an 8.5, rounding up to a 9.

The Peripheral (2022)

So disappointing!

[1/10 · 16 May 2023]

This had almost NOTHING to do with the book by William Gibson. As a huge fan, I was looking forward to seeing this story translated onto the screen.

In the book, clever explanations and realistic contexts allowed for Gibson's futuristic sci fi tech to seem almost plausible. Yet, instead of working within the logical parameters of the book, the film makers opted instead for over-the-top special effects that could only be understood in terms of total-suspension-of-disbelief magic.

I barely made it through the whole season. The last couple episodes were so absurd I fast forwarded through them until I reached the end.

Den du frygter (2008)

Dark and emotionally spellbinding.

[10/10 · 6 March 2010]

I was disappointed to notice the relatively low collective rating for Kristian Levring's "Fear Me Not." This was one of the best psychological thrillers I've yet to see. Particularly, I think the plot twist was brilliant. I don't want to spoil the film, so I won't go into details about the twist - however, I can say that it definitely pulled me further into the story and it enhanced the film's depth and psychological implications. I also feel the setting was perfect for the protagonist's dark emotional journey. His family's home was on a vast lake within the picturesque Danish landscape. If shot in the summer, the setting would have felt completely different. However, it seems to have been filmed in the fall or early winter, which aptly portrays the cold, dark and somber environment associated with winters in Northwestern Europe. Overall, I believe that anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers would have much to become mesmerized with in this film.