Movie Review Thread

[econ21]

I....am.....gratefull..........to...have served.....my country..........gasp

Well, I could not hear what he said, but yeah that sounds a plausible record.

I admit, I was a little in two minds about the film, as it could be seen as rather flag-waving. But then I read on a BBC blog a comment by someone claiming to the son of Snake, the brave helicopter pilot in the film. He made the interesting observation that all the lines that posters claimed were sentimental, overly patriotic or banal were things that the real people actually said or wrote. It seemed a valid point to me. 7th Air cavalry soldiers in war time in 1967 (or whenever) probably were a patriotic bunch.

I remember a writer saying about the American Civil War: the language and sensibilities of the people at the time were so sentimental and archaic[1], modern day readers could not accept it and so it had to be changed. Maybe something similar is going on here? Euro-weenies like you and I find it hard to stomach the language and mindset of those American soldiers?

The recent British film Atonement based on a modern novel but covering Dunkirk has received the opposite criticism from some in the UK - that by giving the character's "modern" sensibilities, it falsely gives them a lot of namby-pamby new age sensibilities and self-doubt, and fails to portrary the Dunkirk spirit of the real participants.







[1]This is my favorite example of such language - it is pretty sublime:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

July 14, 1861
Camp Clark,Washington

My very dear Sarah,

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days- perhaps tomorrow.Lest I should not be able to write again,I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more....

I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing -perfectly willing- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government and to pay that debt...

Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break: and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard as it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might have lived and loved together and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me-perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly I would wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness...

But, O Sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest of days and in the darkest nights...always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again...

Sullivan Ballou was killed at the first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861

[Geoffrey S]

Couple of films need mentioning. Ran, for starters. Having told myself ages ago that I'd watch that movie someday, I finally did. And it is thoroughly worth every minute, every line, every expression. I've rarely, if ever, seen quite such a moving film and I recommend it to all, considering it among my most highly rated movies. Just free up about three hours and let it move you too.

Also, Dark City. I found it surprisingly good. It's flawed, and a bit too ambitious for its means, but there were many moments in which I found the genius shone through. Genuinely original, certainly worth seeing as long as you're willing to overlook certain issues.

Renaissance. Impressive CG, good music, and a decent plot. It's just not very original, and too rarely attempts to make good use of the tricks computer imagery can offer. Nice visuals though.

Malibu's Most Wanted. Well, bits of it. What I saw was rather funny to be honest, plenty of jabs at hip-hop culture.