meriloi Reviews

Eastern Promises (2007)

Viggo did not fit

[6/10 · 25 December 2007]

At first I considered this movie cruel and historic. As the action developed this feeling vanished. I really liked the idea of joining both Russian and English societies and bringing them to the big screen. However, sometimes it was difficult to listen to the accent and especially for me, as a foreigner. I cannot say how would it sound to native speakers.

The cast has been selected very well. However, Viggo Mortensen did not fit into his part in my opinion. He is a bit too far away of a real Russian. I really like him in general, but this part was not for him. I would have given higher mark otherwise.

The Last Relic (1969)

Masterpiece

[10/10 · 21 February 2007]

"Viimne reliikvia" or "The Last Relic" in English is one of the best Estonian films during the times. With very beautiful music and actors it will be long memorable even for foreigners to say nothing about Estonians. Some of the tag-lines from this film have become as proverbs in Estonia.

For me, as Estonian, "The Last Relic" always makes a warm feeling inside. It remembers the times we were under foreign powers. Together we have overcome them and are free now. We are small, yes, but sturdy. I have seen it 4 times so far and would watch it again and again..

I like the fact that there are also Latvians acting together with Estonians, it somehow.. unites. There are also English subtitles available.