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Short movie reviews by Adriana Popovici

The Count of Monte Cristo

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The Count of Monte Cristo movie poster

Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2002
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Writers: Jay Wolpert (screenplay), Alexandre Dumas père (novel)
Starring: James Caviezel, Guy Pearce, etc.

For more information on “The Count of Monte Cristo”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
A story about friendship, betrayal, survival, revenge. A story that has been appreciated by many generations, and has inspired many adaptations. Not all film versions of classic books are worthwhile, but this particular one does a good job at meeting positive expectations. It is a very watchable movie, and there is not much to say about it, because it falls gracefully into the standards of enjoyable movies. There are James Caviezel and Guy Pearce in the cast, so you can also expect some good acting.

Highlights:
It’s one of those pleasant movies you may want to add to your collection of film adaptations.

Downside:
It misses that one essential spark of effort and inspiration that could have made it even better.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 9

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
You can enjoy this movie the old-fashioned way, wrapped in a blanket, crunching on some popcorn, having a beverage of your choice 🙂

 

Hero

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2002
Director: Zhang Yimou
Writers: Feng Li, Bin Wang, Zhang Yimou
Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Chen Daoming, Zhang Ziyi, etc.

For more information on “Hero”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
Poetry in motion. As Orson Welles put it, “a film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet”. Poetry is the very essence of this aesthetically breathtaking film. The choreography of the fighting scenes is out of this world, the movements fluid, and it seems as if those who fight are not human beings, but entities, spirits, ideas, sheer forces, pure energy. It is one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever seen, and my opinion is only in part influenced by the fascination I’ve had for Asian stories since early childhood. What do you think will happen when the King of Qin meets the hero who saved him from powerful assassins? If this question makes you curious, you’ll most likely enjoy the film.

Highlights:
I don’t think they could have made it better. The imagery will last in your mind, and thinking back to this movie, you’ll see the flowing colors again… and again.

Downside:
Maybe it is not as entertaining as less rigid movies, but I’m talking from a different point of view, not mine – I was entertained. It is too perfect.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 9.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
You must see this film if you like stories, especially Asian ones.

 

Equilibrium

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2002
Director: Kurt Wimmer
Writer: Kurt Wimmer
Starring: Christian Bale, Sean Bean, Emily Watson, etc.

For more information on “Equilibrium”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
This movie left me a little disappointed, a little bored, and a little annoyed. Disappointed because it reduces personal expression, freedom, and human emotion to a pile of paintings, records, books, perfume, dogs, etc. Bored because nothing surprising or interesting happens. Annoyed because what could be meaningful drowns in triviality, and this movie becomes silly so quickly, that it doesn’t even begin to feel realistic and/or gloomy for the viewer. Basically, the perspective of a time when feeling is against the law should not interfere with your appetite for popcorn. Argh! I wanted to like it 🙁

Highlights:
Christian Bale’s facial bone structure is perfect for his role. And he acts well too.

Downside:
Pure entertainment, despite the promise of a deeper view.

Would I see it again? – No need

My Rating (1 to 10): 6.5

Recommended: All right, but it’s not a must-see.

Suggestion:
Watch it if you like “V for Vendetta” – they seem similar to me.

 

Solino

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2002
Director: Fatih Akın
Writer: Ruth Toma
Starring: Barnaby Metschurat, Moritz Bleibtreu, Gigi Savoia, Antonella Attili, etc.

For more information on “Solino”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
This is a movie from one of my favorite filmmakers, Fatih Akın. He deals a lot with issues such as roots, family, cultural differences in his films, and “Solino” is no exception. However, there is no Turk in this one, and they don’t speak Turkish, but Italian and German. The movie is about an Italian family that emigrates to Germany in the sixties. The cinema, the kids, the dusty Italian village reminded me a little of “Cinema Paradiso” – in a good way.

Highlights:
It’s warm 🙂

Downside:
At certain points, my attention tended to slip away.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Discover Fatih Akın’s excellent movies.

 

28 Days Later

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2002
Director: Danny Boyle
Writer: Alex Garland
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, etc.

For more information on “28 Days Later”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
I don’t like horror movies. It’s usually because they are just a sum of scary cinematographic tricks with no point other than to produce a negative emotional reaction in the viewer. The only brains in these movies are literal… and grossly displayed. “28 Days Later” is considered a horror, but it is smart. Not only does it develop a fantastic idea, but it also has a very good story, and the concept doesn’t get compromised for the sake of cinematography. I wasn’t expecting to like it, but it made a deep lasting impression on me, and I’m glad I saw it. If more horror movies made a point, like this one, I’d probably start watching them.

Highlights:
The atmosphere of abandonment and terror is strikingly realistic.

Downside:
The credible apocalyptic vision may shake you into some serious thinking.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
If you’re interested in how an epidemic of rage might develop, watch “28 Days Later”. Afterwards, be nice, really nice, and don’t get angry… so that no one catches anger from you 🙂

 

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