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Reviews
Serbuan maut (2011)
Mindless never-ending violence
I somewhat naively agreed to see this movie with my partner. He loves martial arts and action movies. I enjoy cinema generally, especially foreign films, and usually don't mind fun action movies that skimp a little on plot. The Raid, however, was 2+hrs of my life that i will sadly never get back. I found the incessant, meaningless violence (with complete lack of plot or character development) totally nauseating. The only reason I wasn't bored was because I felt physically ill and entirely bewildered by the lack of plot, horrific brutality and gore. I kept waiting for the scene to change and the intensity to fluctuate and the story to develop.....but instead, it was as if I had to watch the same scene on replay (albeit with a different talented stuntman and slightly changed-up weapon and bone-slicing, liver- piercing, brain-splattering moves...). I can appreciate the talented stunt-men and the impressive camera-work involved but the pros ended there for me and these were entirely cancelled by the mind-numbing brutality and lack of depth. I am aware that I'm probably one of the few females to review (and quite possibly see) this movie. Some might say I'm too 'sensitive' and 'delicate' to appreciate such an intense 'action' movie. In reply, I'd say I'm proud to be so. I am glad i still view extreme violence as ugly and degenerate (not something to admire or be excited by). I am a little concerned for those who enjoy such incessant brutality and gore. I am an ER nurse (so I care for car accident and stabbing victims in real life and see blood everyday). I watch fantasy/fictional films to be transported and elevated from my every day existence. The Raid, however, I found neither thought- provoking, exciting nor enriching. I was just left confused and thankful it had ended.
Mapp & Lucia (2014)
Inspires me to read the books!
As an Australian born in the mid 1980s, I admit I never saw the previous Mapp & Lucia TV adaption and I haven't unfortunately come across E.F. Benson's novels.
Having made that disclaimer and confessed my ignorance, I have to say I love watching this BBC version (even if only on my iPad in bed late at night). Having read other reviews, I am now inspired to read the novels and (time permitting) dig out the 80s TV adaptation. I think the casting and acting is fabulous. The town is colorful, picturesque and exiting. The take on 1930s fashion (costume design) I find eccentrically appropriate and exciting to behold. Overall very fun and amusing viewing!