Movies you've just watched

[drauch]

Django 1966


Took me forever and a day to get the blu-ray version in Italiano and subs. Was a gritty spaghetti western with a complete nothing for a plot, but it did have a man dragging a fully-loaded coffin around the place and shooting lots of people. Some decent cinematography on a shoestring, although some of the other aspects were rough around the edges, especially in terms of editing and continuity. But Nero was a good lead, the theme song is legendary, and I enjoyed it well enough. Ain't Leone standard, but then not much is.

I loved it, though I wish the (SPOILERZ!) coffin surprise didn't come so early in the film. Would've been perfect for the third act. Have you seen any of the sequels?

There is only one actual Django sequel, Django Strikes Again, with Nero reprising the role, and it's amazing. Not a Spaghetti, but sort of a swan song to the genre, with cameos, camera blocking, style, etc. throughout. Desperately needs a rerelease.

The rest is all just typical Italian bastardization of the times. All 36 or 37 or whatever sometimes just use the name in the title of the film, others actually had a Django character, but none were even really meant to be the original Nero character. All just part of the game: making money. Same stuff went for all films at the time: suspense, crime, post-nuke, horror, namsploitation, and even Jaws clones. Each have their own appeal, and goddamn, are they fun. Probably my favorite era and origin of film making, right up there with 80s-90s Hong Kong.

Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot! Has always been my favorite of the unofficial Djangos. Very bizarre, with Tomas Milian in the lead role, being awesome as usual. Django the Bastard is also quite good, which some say Eastwood got the inspiration for another gothic western, High Plains Drifter. There's plenty more (seriously, like 30), but those two are probably my favorites that actually carry the Django name.

Not a Tarantino fan in the slightest, but it's nice to see folks finally seeking this out. One of my all time favorite films.

[Moniker]

Olympus Has Fallen (Netflix)

Quite a bit better than expected. Features your 90's absurd-yet-compelling plot, and loads of well-produced violence. I was a Gerard Butler apologist for as long as it was tenable (not too long, as it turned out), but he redeems himself handily, here. Sort of a Die Hard meets Air Force One with even more plot holes than the latter. The action is quite good; lots of excellent hand-to-hand action, cover fire, and a glorious abundance of head shots. A vidya game influenced film, for sure. I'm especially glad that they defused/left unfulfilled certain expected plot twists.

Worth a watch.

[drauch]

Just Heroes
Stephen Chow does excellent in this movie and shows that he can do serious roles. Also Wu Ma is in this movie as well and I've only ever seen him in Comedy roles and Jackie Chan movies. Still this was directed by John Woo and Wu Ma and seems to fall under the Heroic Bloodshed style of movies, even if really there's only a few action scenes save for the final one which doesn't actually have as much bloodshed as many others in the genre. Still a good story to go along with the action scenes, and one that actually makes sense. I enjoyed this even if I didn't expect mainly comedic actors to pull off serious roles.

Ah, almost watched this last night! It's about the only Woo film I haven't seen, and I don't know why. Maybe tonight's the night!

[lilmanjs]

Just Heroes
Stephen Chow does excellent in this movie and shows that he can do serious roles. Also Wu Ma is in this movie as well and I've only ever seen him in Comedy roles and Jackie Chan movies. Still this was directed by John Woo and Wu Ma and seems to fall under the Heroic Bloodshed style of movies, even if really there's only a few action scenes save for the final one which doesn't actually have as much bloodshed as many others in the genre. Still a good story to go along with the action scenes, and one that actually makes sense. I enjoyed this even if I didn't expect mainly comedic actors to pull off serious roles.

Ah, almost watched this last night! It's about the only Woo film I haven't seen, and I don't know why. Maybe tonight's the night!

Don't expect tons of action in this movie, as it is mostly story driven, which leads me to believe that not much was filmed by Woo. Still the action is quite nicely shot with the trademark slowdowns at the right time shots from Woo. I never had even heard of this before yesterday, and gave it a shot and enjoyed it. Also remember, you don't want to join the Triads. Just remember that once you start watching.

[drauch]

All is well! I enjoy Woo's storytelling, so I'm sure I'll love it. It is fairly early in his career, so it sorta makes sense that it's not as action-oriented as later titles, especially after moving from comedies and martial-arts films. I've still yet to give any of his comedies a shot. Some people hate them, some enjoy them. Most are extremely cheap (like $5 new) in the HK market, so I'll probably snag a few eventually and give 'em a shot.

[lilmanjs]

All is well! I enjoy Woo's storytelling, so I'm sure I'll love it. It is fairly early in his career, so it sorta makes sense that it's not as action-oriented as later titles, especially after moving from comedies and martial-arts films. I've still yet to give any of his comedies a shot. Some people hate them, some enjoy them. Most are extremely cheap (like $5 new) in the HK market, so I'll probably snag a few eventually and give 'em a shot.

That movie is an early one? it was released in 1989, or was it one of those filmed and shelved for a while before seeing release type deals. I need to see one of his comedies though, I've just not known where to start.

[CMoon]

Touch of Evil with Orson Welles.
Charlton Heston playing a Mexican aside, this film was really good. Especially the opening shot (all three-and-a-half minutes of it). I love a good noir and Welles' tale of murder and moral vacuity is oozing with slime, corruption, and tension. Bonus points for moral ambiguity throughout, as we can't completely finger out Welles' fat, disgusting cop as totally evil, or Heston's clueless chicano as completely good (leaving a wife in an abandoned motel owned by a drug lord - great idea).

Among one of my favorite films--not as accomplished as Kane, but IMO better if you watch the director's cut. In that version at least, I think it becomes clear that Welles IS the good guy...or at least, is a good detective meting out justice since the law won't let him make a dent in that shitty border town. Heston is both a foil for Welles, and his undoer. At the end, you feel only one or two people really understand who was in the right and who was in the wrong. Amazing!

[EmperorIng]

Among one of my favorite films--not as accomplished as Kane, but IMO better if you watch the director's cut. In that version at least, I think it becomes clear that Welles IS the good guy...or at least, is a good detective meting out justice since the law won't let him make a dent in that shitty border town. Heston is both a foil for Welles, and his undoer. At the end, you feel only one or two people really understand who was in the right and who was in the wrong. Amazing!

The ending reveal definitely complicates things. Perhaps tritely, but by the end, we are a lot more sympathetic for Quinlan, who has 30 years of policework to his name and nothing to show for it. The director's cut is ace. The black and white photography of the movie is gorgeously expressive, accentuating the blackness and evil of the locations.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Repulsion - My first viewing. It only struck me an hour later that it's a horror film. Everything is so insidious, so assured. (I need to watch more Polanski. I have Chinatown on VHS.) I guess like Haneke it would ruin the oppression to talk about the film too much. But Bridgette Bardot has such lovely hair.

In Repulsion? That's Catherine Deneuve, pal.

I was thinking how unusual is that Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia is mostly a monodram by a man wearing sunglasses. At least I can't think of many films where such acting would be the primary means of expression. Then I recalled some Lennon's friend talking about his glasses, that Lennon was very influenced by Cybulski films. Bingo! (If you have any doubts, check out this.)

[drauch]

All is well! I enjoy Woo's storytelling, so I'm sure I'll love it. It is fairly early in his career, so it sorta makes sense that it's not as action-oriented as later titles, especially after moving from comedies and martial-arts films. I've still yet to give any of his comedies a shot. Some people hate them, some enjoy them. Most are extremely cheap (like $5 new) in the HK market, so I'll probably snag a few eventually and give 'em a shot.

That movie is an early one? it was released in 1989, or was it one of those filmed and shelved for a while before seeing release type deals. I need to see one of his comedies though, I've just not known where to start.

Oh, you're right! Thought it was earlier in his career. I stand corrected!

[EmperorIng]

Barnes and Noble looks to be in the last of its buy one Criterion, get one free deal.

I'm picking up Eyes without a Face and M. A little pricey, but probably worth it.

[drauch]

But awesome movies, definitely worth it. B&N's prices are so shitty that's it really not that much of a deal. You can usually just wait for an Amazon price drop and you don't have to worry about buying two just go get a deal. Regardless, Criterion is always damned expensive, but usually worth it.

[EmperorIng]

Amazon is almost always cheaper, but I at least tried picking out two of the cheaper dvds, so that it is roughly the equivalent of buying two $20 dvds. which is a little cheaper than average, but not much (~$10 saved, eh).

Still, I sure as hell know that my family ain't picking up any dvds on my wish list. I doubt they'll spring for the $40 FW Murnau boxset from Kino that I want, ha ha.

Both movies are supposed to be really dark and twisted, so I'm looking forward to them, + all those nice Criterion extras.

[drauch]

Ha... sounds like my family. I've been wanting to pick up one of those Murnau sets as well. Double dipping on a few, but whatever. Still a killer deal. Kino is one of the most underrated companies out there. Criterion kinda steals the thunder a bit much sometimes... but that's people for ya.

M is probably my favorite Lang film, although his adaptation of Die Nibelungen is a dream come true. The definitive silent epic. Shame his Indian Tomb went out of print, as I'd really like to pick that up without selling a kidney. Eyes Without a Face is a wonderful, effective film. Another I still sadly don't own. Just be sure not to watch the Blood of the Beasts short on there. Really early slaughterhouse short that I've yet to forget nigh on 8 years or so now.

[lilmanjs]

Mr. Sunshine.
A lighthearted comedy from HK that isn't too bad. Features a good cast and it did its job of making me laugh. But it seems I've not seen enough 80s/early 90s HK crime movies and I really don't know where to start. Any ideas? Most likely doing a marathon this weekend.

[drauch]

Did you download Mr. Sunshine? I was trying to find that awhile back, mainly due to the inclusion of Amy Yip and her wonderful bosoms.

Good crime movies? Hmmm...

Hong Kong Godfather, Above the Call of Duty/Righting Wrongs, In the Line of Duty series (Yes Madam!, Royal Warriors, In the Line of Duty III, etc), Prison on Fire, Full Contact, High Risk, The Mission (late 90s Johnny To, but awesome crime film.)

Those are a few in my collection or ones that stuck out. I assume you've seen all of Woo's stuff and some of the Jackie's popular films?

[Leandro]

Finally saw Memento, after years of getting it recommended

Almost stopped watching at 1 hour mark, tired of seeing Guy Pearce's nude torso over and over again, but fortunately the movie gets really good by then with a satisfying last half.

Carrie Anne Moss looks so beautiful in this movie, I never noticed it in the Matrix films

[Lord Satori]

Oh, Memento is a great movie. It's one of those innovative gems that didn't end up getting ruined by knock-offs or some shit.

This weekend I'm probably going to go see The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. (zomg, so much smaug in the air today) If last years release is anything to go on, the theater will be really crowded, even though its been a week.

[BIL]

Watched Return of the Living Dead for the first time last night. So fucking good. Great characters, great writing, great zombies. Killer soundtrack. Comic horror masterpiece. Simultaneously terrifying and hilarious.

"WHAT IS THAT?!"
"IT'S DEAD PEOPLE SCREAMIN'!"

[charlie chong]

the sequel is great too BIL just as good and funny as the first so deffo watch that.3rd one not so much

[drauch]

the sequel is great too BIL just as good and funny as the first so deffo watch that.3rd one not so much

Both true statements!

[GaijinPunch]

Memories (1995) : Really Loud Version

I posted a photo of one of the speakers on my FB, so for those of you who know me in person, check it out. I only saw this film once, on video, mere weeks into my first venture in Japan which happened to be a study abroad stint in a year I like to call 1996. As such, I missed a lot, but got the gist. This was a nice revisit - a very entertaining 2 hours. Otomo-esque quirks are found in all three pieces, which I guess makes sense as they are originally his stories. When I first saw it, and now, I find the second piece to be the most entertaining, but it's also the most fast-paced. The over the top sound system isn't quite as handy for the this episode, but is for the others. The opening and ending music by Takkyu Ishino has definitely shown it's age. Not bad, but definitely 90's, which takes a way from the timeless aspect which I generally tend to enjoy (in the rare case it happens). Still, definitely give this a thumbs up, and the theater experience was worth it.

In Japanese fashion, I stayed through the whole credits. Was interested to see Gainax and Studio Ghibli were both in there, although almost in passing.

[lilmanjs]

Did you download Mr. Sunshine? I was trying to find that awhile back, mainly due to the inclusion of Amy Yip and her wonderful bosoms.

Good crime movies? Hmmm...

Hong Kong Godfather, Above the Call of Duty/Righting Wrongs, In the Line of Duty series (Yes Madam!, Royal Warriors, In the Line of Duty III, etc), Prison on Fire, Full Contact, High Risk, The Mission (late 90s Johnny To, but awesome crime film.)

Those are a few in my collection or ones that stuck out. I assume you've seen all of Woo's stuff and some of the Jackie's popular films?

I've seen a good bit of the Woo stuff and own a couple on dvd, and I've seen quite a lot of Jackie's stuff and have a few of his movies uncut on region-free dvds(stupid half price books going out!). Thanks for the suggestions, and as for Mr. Sunshine, I managed to watch that on youtube.

[heisenbergman]

Watching Lee Chang-dong's Oasis as the third film in my Korean films marathon (already finished 3-Iron and Oldboy), and boy does that film open up in the second half. It's a difficult film to watch in parts as it deals with all the sorts of messiness of life and I had to soldier through the first hour as the film built up its characters and plot, which all really comes together and shines through in the second hour.

Solid film. I'm definitely going to watch Lee Chang-dong's other films in the future.

[Leandro]

Prisoners (2013) and Sin City (2005)... Both great films. Great acting by Hugh Jackman in Prisoners

[drauch]

Rewatching Hero (2002) for the first time after seeing it theaters during it's US release.

Good lord, what a waste of talent. I resent myself for even enjoying it the first time. Granted, I wasn't the voracious HK film viewer/elitist prick 10 years ago, having mainly just been a fan of Woo, Li, Chan, etc. Wuxia films have never been shy to bright aesthetics and flash, but Hero takes the cake for pretentious camera blocking, superfluous slow motion, and some awful CGI and wire work. I can't help but feel this is a martial arts film for the ignorant West: those with very little experience in martial arts cinema, where anything flashy and of dubious artistic merit is a masterpiece for parading the viewer with vibrant color sequences of cast outfits and scenery and the obligatory soundtrack of angelic vocals and natural ambience. The scene where a barrage of arrows is fired upon a calligraphy school is particularly heinous, as martial arts veterans Maggie Cheung and Jet Li prance around and block the torrent of arrows with borderline direct to video quality CGI. The direction attempts sort of a Kurosawa approach to storytelling, with many different viewpoints from each character, with each vignette being an excuse for more vibrant color shows, duels with an emphasis on settings and visuals rather than martial arts, and painful character interactions that reek of bathos. The film ends on a very awkward note, and despite what the director pleads, it comes off as praise of a totalitarian government. For a film containing a handful of some of the biggest names in HK cinema, it's a major disappointment and a grand waste of talent.

[Obiwanshinobi]

It's true that some Chinese films boast nice photography just sitting there, staring back at you with too little substance to justify all the effort.
I recall some other martial arts film (one Japanese actor was there, playing a Japanese). Ending with the exact same note of virtuous heroes dying heroically, then good lord taking the country in gentle care by the martial prowess.

Problem with the genre is, Duel to the Death was just too good. Few action movies depict living by sword as just not a very fun way of living as convincingly. In fact, the first A Better Tomorrow is the only other one I can think of.
Usually it's all about having adventures and getting pussy, whereas those two are about loss.

[Lord Satori]

I saw the new Hobbit movie yesterday. It was amazing. Annoying cliffhanger ending, but I suppose I have even more reason to see the third one next year.

[Raytrace]

I watched Elf last night with the kids - love it.

[replayme]

I just watched 'Help for Christmas'. A really heartwarming Xmas movie...