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Munich (2005)
a tragedy causes a chain of revenge
This is based on the Munich massacre and Israel's vengeance after that. Avner Kaufman, acted by Eric Bana, is appointed as a leader of assassination team by the Israeli government to revenge the people who arranged the Munich massacre. Although Avner carries out the plan successfully at first, bloody days and unstoppable violence gradually deprive him of his mind.
Steven Spielberg is mainly known for his entertaining movies, such as Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park or E.T. However, he shows another talent in this movie. In fact I can't believe he made this even now. He dealt with so difficult and complicated topics; a conflict based on history and religion and a chain of hatred. In making this movie, he didn't simplify the situation and events but succeeded in editing those as a single work. In addition, owing to the great directions, we can feel a gloomy atmosphere suitable for this bloody movie all around the scenes. As a whole, I think this is one of the masterpieces of movie world.
Is there a justifiable murder in the world? This movie put the question to us, but never tells us the answer. Violence leads to another violence. But nevertheless, we sometimes view that as necessary. I couldn't watch this without thinking over such a thing. Actually this movie doesn't leave pleasant aftertaste. However, I'm sure it's worth watching. Try this, and then, what do you think of it?
The Insider (1999)
masterpiece of the movie world
This movie is based on a true story and depicts the two men's fight against the tobacco industry in U.S. One day, Jeffrey Wigand (acted by Russell Crowe) gets fired by Brown & Williamson, a big tobacco company. He is familiar with science and health and deeply knows that tobaccos are harmful to their health. However, all tobacco companies in U.S. claim that tobaccos are NOT toxic in order to maintain commercial benefits. Furthermore Brown & Williamson threatens Wigand and his family not to tell the truth about tobaccos' harm. Wigand cooperates with a journalist, Lowell Bergman (acted by Al Pacino) and they try to disclose the secret. However, they encounter plenty of difficulties arranged by Brown & Williamson.
Though you may think first 30 minutes is boring, as a whole, this is certainly interesting. In the middle of this movie, Wigand and Bergman hit so many obstacles that they seem to be up against the wall. But nevertheless, Wigand's willpower and Bergman's journalism overcome the awful situation in the end of the story. It leaves a quite agreeable aftertaste.
In addition to the great plot, their acting, camera work and music are also excellent. They enable us to feel sympathetic to main character's anger, depression and bravery.
I strongly recommend you to watch this great work at any rate. I'm sure this is a masterpiece of the movie world.
Embers (2006)
war leads to madness
At the beginning of this film, it describes the feeling of anxiety of a wife whose husband is at the battle front. She often has fearful dreams in which he is killed by a Japanese solder. Fortunately, her husband is alive and comes back home. However, she finds something different in his mind. Another uneasiness confronts her.
All of the scenes, sounds, directions enable us to imagine the gloomy atmosphere just after World War 2. It may look a simple film at first sight but you can soon find its complexity of theme and elaborate description in almost every scene.
War, it is an emergency and uncommon situation. We can be a hero just by killing someone. There our human rights are ignored and power is the absolute measure of nations. It is no wonder that war distorts our justice and changes our personality. This film teaches it to us in just 12 minutes. I strongly recommend seeing this.
Lifted (2006)
Pixar never betrays our expectation
This film, made by Pixar Animation Studios, is about a man and two aliens. At midnight, the smaller alien tries to pick up the man by making use of UFO's computer and the bigger one checks his operation. During the test, the smaller alien makes some mistakes and the test ends in an unexpected accident.
The features of Pixar's films, such as Bug's Life or Toy Story, are smooth graphic design, humorous direction and impressive story. Although this short film doesn't have moving scenes, we can see other characteristics of Pixar. If you like other works of Pixar, I think it's worth watching.
On the other hand, I don't think this film surpasses the past works of Pixar. This is definitely interesting, but in my opinion, it doesn't make a difference in Pixar's achievements.
But nevertheless, I recommend seeing this film. It'll give you a smile and make you feel amused.
Gasman (1997)
The mind of children
This is a film made in 1998. Main characters are a father, his daughter and son. One day they walk to a party and meet two children, a girl and a boy, and their mother on a railroad. Later, the daughter of main side feels jealous of the other girl because she is familiar with her father. Actually, a remarkable secret among those characters is hidden.
Some children have a strong desire for exclusive possession, especially for their favorite things or people. In this case the daughter gets unpleasant for another girl since she feels as if another girl stole her father's love. Why do children show such intention? That's because, in my opinion, the world children know is too small. They cannot and are not allowed to take action by themselves. Therefore they try to defend the present position and surroundings. Don't describe them as selfish.
Please watch this film taking account of my remarks. Then, how do you feel about the girl, is she annoying or sympathetic?
Fish Out of Water (2005)
atmosphere is nice
A man uses a boat to go to his office. One day, a woman makes use of his boat, and as the time goes on, more and more people egocentrically begin to take his boat. At last, he comes up with an idea to avoid them.
I like the yellow-colored landscape and comfortable music in this film. I've never been to New Zealand but I felt as if I were in my old hometown.
On the other hand, I think the story is too simple. Although it's difficult to make a great plot in such a short film, I expected more humorous or a surprising development.
As a whole, I don't think this is an elaborate film but I was attracted to its easygoing atmosphere. I've never seen a feature made in New Zealand, but if I have the chance, I'd like to see it.
Knick Knack (1989)
This is the Pixar
This film, made by Pixar in 1989, is about a humorous story of a toy snowman. He is in love with a toy girl in a bathing suit and tries to leave his glass dome. However, all the efforts he makes come to nothing.
Pixar is well known for its lively and funny animation such as Toy Story, Bug's Life and Monsters Inc. This film also has its features. Although it has no specific messages, seeing the film itself is fun for us. I think the original purpose of film is amusement. In addition, Pixar's films never fail to make us recall the sensation of childhood. In my opinion, that's why Pixar is highly evaluated. Their works are mainly for kids, but it's not childish. Even adults can find something important.
Knick-knack is a short film of only four minutes. However, you can easily find what kind of company Pixar is. If you like this, I recommend you see other long films of Pixar.
Otousan no tabako (2007)
A girl's confusion
In this film, there are three main characters: a little girl, who is the heroine of this story, and her parents. Her father is in bed because of the illness but he is a smoker, too. The keys to read this film are cigarettes and purity of the girl.
In general, small children believe what their parents say. However, the girl faces two contrary opinions. Her father says that cigarettes are good for his health so that the girl will buy them for him(In the setting of this film, they can buy cigarettes without Taspo, which is necessary when you buy cigarettes in Japan now). On the other hand, her mother argues that they kill people. I think this is a cruel situation for such a little girl. In many cases for children, their parents are the rule and learn the appropriate attitude as a human from adults. In my opinion, we must not make children feel such a contradiction. In that point I value this film because it enables us to notice the possibility of our making children confused due to our selfishness.
On the other hand, you may feel there is something lacking in the end o the story. As I mentioned above, is has a great message. However, its narrative is not so elaborate given its length.
At any rate, I hope you will see this film and receive something important.
Paperman (2012)
Paper leads to romance
This film, made by Disney, starts with a scene in which a man happens to meet a woman. After they separate, he finds that she works in an office which is in the opposite building of his and tries to make contact with her.
Disney has created a lot of fantastic films concerning magic. At the beginning, this film seems to be based on reality. After you finish the film, however, you will find it is the film which has an exquisite balance of reality and fantasy. Although the story itself is very simple, it is romantic and has soft graphics which is characteristic of Disney. Furthermore, this is a silent and basically monotone film. "Basically" means that it has only one vivid color, the red of lipstick. As you can see in the title, the most important element in this film is paper. However, lipstick plays a great role as spice to this film. It is a wonderful direction.
On the other hand, I can't imagine what age group Disney aimed for. If for children, I think they should have set the main character's age younger in order that children can feel more empathy. In addition, I don't think this is for adults because it is a bit childish for them.
Anyway, I can say that this is a highly accomplished film. It is worth watching especially for people who like the works of Disney. Check it out for yourself.
Three Days in Kamakura (2012)
Place called family
This film describes the importance and difficulty of family. All of the main characters have something troublesome in the story. A global couple, the wife is Japanese, is not on good terms with their neighbor and they don't have any children. Another character is Jay, who has mixed parentage. His parents are missing, therefore the couple decides to take care of him for a few days.
The music in this film is great. It matches the atmosphere and emotions of the characters. Furthermore, the description in each scene implies the gloomy feelings of them suitably. These factors bring out the story and make this film impressive.
This film makes us reflect what ideal family is. Is blood relationship necessary? If either of your parents is a libertine, or some of your family are missing, what do you think of them? Please check it out by yourself. This film will certainly tell you something important.
The Lunch Date (1989)
A mental state affects thinking
This is a monochrome film made in 1989. the main character is an old woman who misses a train because she bumped into a black man. She feels unlucky and sad about it, and after that she goes to a restaurant to have a light meal. However, she faces something unpleasant again there.
When we are depressed, we tend to worry about trivial things. Sometimes such a state causes unexpected misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict. In this film we can see the typical case. It may look trifling when you watch someone else is in the situation. But nevertheless we feel impatient if we experience it directly. Don't you think the difference between subjectivity and objectivity is interesting?
On the other hand, this film has a slightly disturbing thing that I cannot overlook. That is the fact that all of characters who bother her in this film are black. It may be my excessive interpretation, however I think it implies the discrimination against them. Taking account of the date of this film's production, 1989, I can say that consciousness of human rights was relatively lower. If my words are true, it is an important social background.
In conclusion, the story itself is very simple. But still it has something to do with our point of view.
The Crush (2010)
Inferiority complex as a child
This film depicts a boy who is in love with his teacher. One day he presents her with a ring and tells her of his love. To his disappointment, however, he finds that she has a fiancé. After that, he comes up with a drastic idea to make them separate.
Recall the age when you were a child. You must have experienced something mortifying because of the lack of power. What did you do then? I think most of you gave up trying, thinking that resistance is meaningless any longer. On the other hand, this boy is different. We can use various words to describe his action, courageous, brave, reckless, or ridiculous. The only one thing I can say is that all people, even children, have a certain point that they never want to give in. That depends on situation, time and your will whether you show rebellious spirit when your principles are infringed.
When we are with a younger boy or girl, we usually feel a kind of superiority and mercy without our intention. That is because they are weaker and more vulnerable than adults. We have to care that its attitude sometimes hurt children's heart. Each child has their own world and sometimes they suffer from an inferiority complex.
This film makes us think about the relationship between children and adults as I mentioned above. Watch this, and check the complicated relationship for yourself.
Father and Daughter (2000)
The cycle of life
This film is about a parting between a girl and her father and her life after that. The girl lives her life always looking forward to seeing him again.
The features of this film are nostalgic music and soft drawings. These complement each other and let us feel as if we were seeing our old experiences. That is so impressive and I can't find fault with it.
The story of this film looks very simple but I think there are various interpretations. In my opinion, it refers to a life and its cycle. I think the wheel of a bicycle implies transmigration and the river means a boundary between the living and the dead. In fact, we can find a lot of scenes with a drawing of a wheel and the girl looking at the river. I feel a kind of a causal relationship between them.
Although this may be a strained interpretation, I can say that this film has something which makes us notice an important sense. I hope you watch this film.