oyahuasca Reviews

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993)

Unconventional and entertaining film

[8/10 · 12 August 2012]

Wow, I can't believe that the average rating for this movie is a 4! At first I thought it was rated by closed minded mainstreamers who enjoy The Avengers or Fast and Furious, but after reading the reviews I realized that most of the bad ratings come from the people who read the original novel the movie was based on, and I can totally understand where those people come from. But as a person who has not read the book and just accidentally stumbled upon this film, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was strange, surprising, sexual. It kept me tuned till the end and although the original plot may have been truncated and the details emboldened by the pace of the film, I definitely don't think it deserves a 4. As a new viewer to this story, I was left with a feeling of being entertained.

Assa (1987)

A rebellious gem of its time

[9/10 · 11 May 2012]

Assa is considered one of the greatest films of the post Soviet generation. The soundtrack is not very far from what we call hipster nowadays - divergence from the mainstream. There are many underground musicians that either contributed musically or artistically. Also, it focuses on a major issue that existed among the "perestroika youth". How to choose a life of honesty and civility, when corruption promises "white mountains". Who can we trust if not our government? What will be the future, what is important in a life? These are all the questions that this movie focuses on.

Assa is a film for and by the youth and by the counter culture of its time. Aside from relevant problems being raised in the movie (a rare thing of its time), the film has notable music (that is still remembered and loved today by the grown up counterculture) and hipster style that existed and lived in Soviet Union before it became popular in US.

If pre-perestroika and the mindset of different people during that time interests you, as well as learning about non-mainstream music and counterculture, this is the movie for you.

Troubled Water (2008)

Beautiful but unfulfilling

[6/10 · 7 May 2012]

I really wanted to like this movie because one of my friends, with whom I have similar tastes with, recommended it. I loved the unique points of view of the camera and focus shots. The music was also amazing! Throughout the whole movie I kept wondering if the music was purposely written for this film. But the theme and story were a great disappointment. In the beginning, it seems like this man is a horrible person and you wonder how this movie will make him into a hero. But then, as the story unravels, it clears up the story little by little showing that this man is actually not who you thought he was. But not because you prejudged him (as in Les Misarables or similarly) but because the movie itself led you to believe that he was incarcerated for one crime, where he actually didn't commit it. So at the end you are just left with the feeling of broken judiciary system, rather than a transformation of character or feeling that you saw a different point of view. I did not feel enlightened from the predictable and a cliché "thriller" ending and ultimately felt like I watched a regular Hollywood movie.

Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)

even the strange moments are romantic

[9/10 · 12 April 2012]

I really loved this film! All the way from the beginning it surprised me at every scene, it was very funny and did not try to overdo its humor, and the characters are unforgettable. To be honest, so many expressions and individual ideas that are conveyed in this movie through its characters, it's kind of hard to pin point what I loved most. It is a sexual film, probably not suitable for the young, but it portrays people as they are, something that we find awkward and strange in this movie - they all exist around us in real life and this film is not afraid to show it. Ultimately we all look for love. In this film, even the strange moments are romantic.

Benny & Joon (1993)

Good for a Hollywood film.

[6/10 · 12 April 2012]

I would say this film was pretty much a cliché. Two strange people fall in love in this mainstream society. But there were some interesting aspects: for example, there was not too many mushy-mushy moments of verbally expressing love (I really can't stand that in films!); also, the actors were believable and did not over do it. But overall, the film didn't give any insight on new ideas and just focused on a standard topic of "forbidden love", and was pretty much predictable all the way till the end just like all Hollywood films. As a Johnny Depp fan, I don't regret watching it, but it is not a movie I would recommend to anyone.

Mars (I) (2010)

Disappointing storyline and acting

[4/10 · 21 February 2012]

If I would rate this movie only on the visuals and soundtrack, I would give it a whole ten. But incorporating other important aspects of the movie, it is difficult to give such a high rating. The acting sucked! The story itself was very interesting, but the way it unraveled was so immature and predictable. The movie dragged on for almost 2 hours and again, the only reason I actually finished watching it was because of the cool, psychedelic visualizations and an amazing soundtrack. If I would have to, I would recommend this movie to someone who is looking for a laugh, because this movie is fun to ridicule. A similar type of movie but much better acting and story is "Waking Life", in case you need a comparison.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

A movie to scare teenagers away from drugs.

[1/10 · 17 January 2012]

Honestly, I hated the movie. Yes, it was very shocking and unforgettable, but it was also very grimy and pessimistic. It's just not the type of movie that will leave you deep in thought or searching for a meaning. It was very visual and had great actors, but the story itself was awful. After it finished, I felt very sick and disappointed of the world. It is disgusting and the only way I will ever watch it again is when I scare my children away from drugs.

Overall, if you're into films with degrading characters that gives you no hope into the future, this movie is perfect for you. I saw it once and will never watch it again.

Beastie Boys: Fight for Your Right Revisited (2011)

A funny, nostalgic short for Beastie boy fans

[9/10 · 13 December 2011]

I guess for someone who is not familiar with the band, this short might seem thuggish, corny and obnoxious; but for others who can relate to the band it is a hidden gem. Beastie boys and all the "extras" in this short is played by celebrities so it's fun to recognize who is who during the viewing. This video is very satirical and should not be taken seriously, it is just a reminder of the 80's era and the hip hop movement that really spun off during that time. A real blast from the past ;)

I thought this short was hilarious and really well put together. I think the fans will definitely enjoy it.

Castaway on the Moon (2009)

A hidden gem of the far east

[10/10 · 21 November 2011]

Castaway on the Moon is a beautiful film about self-made reality and what is actually real, about our infinite connection to the natural world, and how nothing is ever final even when it seems so. Although the mainstream man will squirm and sigh at certain scenes where love is apparent, it is a part of the human world and this movie, so if you cannot handle it then it is not for you. I almost feel like not everyone is worthy of this movie. It has many instances of magical realism and fantasy. The atmosphere reminded me of Amelie. I would give it a 12 if I could.

This movie is a gift, watch it.