Misinterpretation, miscommunication
In the world of that is overdosing with the number of popcorn flicks, comes an unforgiving movie, Babel. Folks, discard your buckets of popcorn and nachos. This movie demands attention. Any single lapse of concentration will result in dire consequences. Se préparer, because like a stack of dominoes, there is no turning back.
According to Genesis 11:1-9, mankind tried to reach Heaven by building a Tower of Babel. However, God had other plans. He made people speak different languages and thus caused miscommunication to the people building the Tower of Babel. Mankind failed and was thus segregated forever.
An American couple still grieving over their lost child, a sheep herding Moroccan family, a deaf and mute Japanese girl and a Mexican babysitter makes up the cast of this movie. 4 different countries, 4 different languages and 4 very heartbreaking stories. How do they integrate together? How do they communicate? How is Babel going to end? Can they build another Tower of Babel?
So many burning questions, but so little time. Director Alenjandro Gonzalez Inarritu brings us to a seemingly simple world. But as the clock ticks, the plot thickens. Though slow paced, Inarritu showcases his directing forte. After the much lauded 21 Grams, his flair for story telling is still there. His story though convoluting, is easy to comprehend. Peaceful scenery in a chaotic world seems like the message he is trying to convey.
Look out for Japanese actress, Rinko Kikuchi. Her role as a girl yearning for love is especially heart wrenching. Her body language and her angst filled eyes make up for the lack of lines in the movie. She earned her Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress with a touch of class.
A long tracking shot of Japan ends the movie. Skyscrapers with blinking lights seem to reach out for mankind. Are they laughing at us? Are they the Tower of Babel we are searching for?
donde está la contesta?
4
txq
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
.45 (2006)
The opening credits of .45 do not give anything away at all. The credits starts rolling with no soundtrack and images. A dead silence is bestowed upon the theatre. But before you know it, wham, it hits you hard in between your eyes.
An image of Kat (Milla Jovovich) flashes on the screen. The camera pans so close to her face, it seems like you are having an intimate conversation with her. She seems friendly with you, too friendly for comfort actually, as she begins to talk about the size of her current squeeze’s anatomy. A series of jarring primitive lovemaking then interrupts her.
Her boyfriend, with an equally huge name and ego, is called Big Al (Angus Macfadyen). He made his name as the kingpin of the streets as a violent arms dealer. He is ruthless to everybody, even towards Kat. Yet, Kat is attracted to his devil-may-care attitude. Together, they are the Bonnie and Clyde of Hell’s Kitchen. But nothing lasts forever, even the most endearing relationship.
The attraction officially ends one day when Kat is at the receiving end of his punches. After the tormenting abuse, all Kat is left with is her freshly cut hair, a swollen and bloody left eye and a shattered heart. Not one to take things lying, Kat begins her ploy to make sure Big Al pays Big time. No she is not going to do him in, he deserves worst. But she is not going to do it herself. What are friends for? A web of deceit and seduction ensues.
It is interesting to see this new technique of ‘interviewing’ the characters throughout the movie. Bits and parts are scattered here and there and they accompanied the whole story telling process. Pay extra attention as the characters are slowly developed here. A brave move by the director, Gary Lennon, as not many moviegoers will appreciate this confusing story telling technique. However, the story is a huge let down. After leading the audience on for so long, the ending falls flat. And like a stack of dominoes, the absurd story causes the already limited pluses of this movie to fall too. The whole movie is being dragged into dark abyss and the only savior of the show is the chemistry between Macfadyen and Jovovich.
Macfadyen is convincing as a psychotic man. The ferocity in his eyes is hard to conceal, especially in scenes involving Jovovich. Jovovich, at times, looks really intimidated by his sheer presence. You will never know when Big Al is going to explode, and that is downright bloodcurdling. Being the more accomplished actor, it seems Macfadyen is leading Jovovich into her character. Credits must go to Jovovich too, she is still as stunning as before but what she really needs is a stunning movie, like The Fifth Element, one of her better movies.
Not a fan of Jovovich? Please keep away from this flick. However guys might want to watch it to learn a lesson or two. Don’t mess with the ladies, because hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
2.5
txq
An image of Kat (Milla Jovovich) flashes on the screen. The camera pans so close to her face, it seems like you are having an intimate conversation with her. She seems friendly with you, too friendly for comfort actually, as she begins to talk about the size of her current squeeze’s anatomy. A series of jarring primitive lovemaking then interrupts her.
Her boyfriend, with an equally huge name and ego, is called Big Al (Angus Macfadyen). He made his name as the kingpin of the streets as a violent arms dealer. He is ruthless to everybody, even towards Kat. Yet, Kat is attracted to his devil-may-care attitude. Together, they are the Bonnie and Clyde of Hell’s Kitchen. But nothing lasts forever, even the most endearing relationship.
The attraction officially ends one day when Kat is at the receiving end of his punches. After the tormenting abuse, all Kat is left with is her freshly cut hair, a swollen and bloody left eye and a shattered heart. Not one to take things lying, Kat begins her ploy to make sure Big Al pays Big time. No she is not going to do him in, he deserves worst. But she is not going to do it herself. What are friends for? A web of deceit and seduction ensues.
It is interesting to see this new technique of ‘interviewing’ the characters throughout the movie. Bits and parts are scattered here and there and they accompanied the whole story telling process. Pay extra attention as the characters are slowly developed here. A brave move by the director, Gary Lennon, as not many moviegoers will appreciate this confusing story telling technique. However, the story is a huge let down. After leading the audience on for so long, the ending falls flat. And like a stack of dominoes, the absurd story causes the already limited pluses of this movie to fall too. The whole movie is being dragged into dark abyss and the only savior of the show is the chemistry between Macfadyen and Jovovich.
Macfadyen is convincing as a psychotic man. The ferocity in his eyes is hard to conceal, especially in scenes involving Jovovich. Jovovich, at times, looks really intimidated by his sheer presence. You will never know when Big Al is going to explode, and that is downright bloodcurdling. Being the more accomplished actor, it seems Macfadyen is leading Jovovich into her character. Credits must go to Jovovich too, she is still as stunning as before but what she really needs is a stunning movie, like The Fifth Element, one of her better movies.
Not a fan of Jovovich? Please keep away from this flick. However guys might want to watch it to learn a lesson or two. Don’t mess with the ladies, because hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
2.5
txq
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Apocalypto (2006)
Run, Jaguar, Run
Mel Gibson seems to have a talent of evoking the audiences' senses. The pain after watching Passion of the Christ and the grandiose battle scenes in Braveheart felt so real and the memories are still fresh with the aftermath of these 2 films. To describe it more comprehensively, try thinking among the lines of our sensory system. The former takes on the sense of touch and the latter, the sense of sight.
Integrate those two senses together and you will probably get Apocalypto, a raw and brutal story of the Maya race. Set in the Mayan era, the story evolves around a certain village in the vast jungle they call their own. That is until one day when the hunters of the village notice a large population of a different tribe abandoning their village. Sensing fear in their eyes, young Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) immediately senses something amiss.
His fears are realized when a group of headhunters announce their arrival by destroying and wiping out most of the village. Being the main hero of the film, Jaguar successfully hides his heavily pregnant wife and his son from the predators. If that is the perk of being a hero, then the downside will be kept captive by those mercenaries. Not only that, he will face the biggest challenge of his life; to escape and save his family before it rains. Rain? Watch it and you will understand.
The lush greenery of the forest is breathtaking and thankfully for that, it manages to take some of the bad taste off the plot. It is a truly magnificent rain forest and to top it off, there is a equally majestic waterfall scene. The entire movie reminds me of Discovery Channel, albeit on a much larger screen.
Truth is, this movie is brutal. It gives the viewers a very raw feeling. The brutality transcends many violent movies. Not because of its gore, but because of the barbaric manner of how the villages die. The movie truly captures the essence of barbaric brutality. Though amateurish, the actors provide something missing from most Hollywood actors; sincerity. It might be the way they convey the message of the movie from their own mother tongue that struck a chord with the audience. And though not handsome nor pretty, their facial expressions seems to suggest that they are eager to tell the audience the story of their history and ancestors.
Though not excellently scripted but Gibson got the senses and feelings right. And who knows? This might be a start of a great run of movies by Mel Gibson.
3.5
txq
Mel Gibson seems to have a talent of evoking the audiences' senses. The pain after watching Passion of the Christ and the grandiose battle scenes in Braveheart felt so real and the memories are still fresh with the aftermath of these 2 films. To describe it more comprehensively, try thinking among the lines of our sensory system. The former takes on the sense of touch and the latter, the sense of sight.
Integrate those two senses together and you will probably get Apocalypto, a raw and brutal story of the Maya race. Set in the Mayan era, the story evolves around a certain village in the vast jungle they call their own. That is until one day when the hunters of the village notice a large population of a different tribe abandoning their village. Sensing fear in their eyes, young Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) immediately senses something amiss.
His fears are realized when a group of headhunters announce their arrival by destroying and wiping out most of the village. Being the main hero of the film, Jaguar successfully hides his heavily pregnant wife and his son from the predators. If that is the perk of being a hero, then the downside will be kept captive by those mercenaries. Not only that, he will face the biggest challenge of his life; to escape and save his family before it rains. Rain? Watch it and you will understand.
The lush greenery of the forest is breathtaking and thankfully for that, it manages to take some of the bad taste off the plot. It is a truly magnificent rain forest and to top it off, there is a equally majestic waterfall scene. The entire movie reminds me of Discovery Channel, albeit on a much larger screen.
Truth is, this movie is brutal. It gives the viewers a very raw feeling. The brutality transcends many violent movies. Not because of its gore, but because of the barbaric manner of how the villages die. The movie truly captures the essence of barbaric brutality. Though amateurish, the actors provide something missing from most Hollywood actors; sincerity. It might be the way they convey the message of the movie from their own mother tongue that struck a chord with the audience. And though not handsome nor pretty, their facial expressions seems to suggest that they are eager to tell the audience the story of their history and ancestors.
Though not excellently scripted but Gibson got the senses and feelings right. And who knows? This might be a start of a great run of movies by Mel Gibson.
3.5
txq
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Blood Diamond (2006)
The bigger, the bloodier
I know I am late (nope I'm not talking about period). By the time you read this, you might have realized that Leonardo DiCaprio lost (once again) the Golden Globe Best Actor award to Forest Whitaker. Even with 2 nominations, he was defeated by Whitaker. Tough luck, Leo, better luck at the Oscar. Well, tougher luck for the Africans, and luck has apparently left them.
The African continent is plagued by misfortune after misfortune. We have heard of their uphill battle against AIDS, poverty and famine. And now, thanks to this hell of a movie, we understand another menace; war over diamonds.
As we know, diamonds are precious stones. Indeed they are, right girls? The amount of money generated by these diamonds is huge. When there is a demand, the prices go up. And when the prices go up, people kill each other just to get their hands stuck into the money pie. Everybody wants a piece of the action. Hence, everybody starts to form their own rebellion army and, all of a sudden, everyone is a Colonel.
These self proclaimed Colonels terrorize the people and train children to be their next killing machine. Watching these kids butchering the innocents reminds me of Cidade de Deus. Its not the violence that makes one tick, its watching those juveniles smiling away while pumping lead into people. This film sends out an in-your-face message of such intensity, it is almost impossible to ignore it.
Intense is a key word. It is a good word to describe the cast. DiCaprio performs the tormented protagonist superbly. His role here is similar to the one in The Departed. Both characters are constantly fighting against their demons. While the accent is debatable, his performance is worthy of his Golden Globe Best Actor nomination. Jennifer Connelly is no doubt an excellent actress , but somehow her role is not as challenging as DiCaprio's. Finally, there's Djimon Hounsou. He plays his role of a suffering fisherman well and sometimes its depressing to experience his character's misfortune.
The moral issues completely overshadows the plot. The audiences' conscience is constantly engaged with these social issues.
On a final note, yes, we the consumers can make a difference. How? By ensuring the diamonds we bought are conflict free. Stop the funding and the killing, Africa needs to recuperate.
You want your 'bling bling'? Stop the 'bling bang' first.
3.75
txq
I know I am late (nope I'm not talking about period). By the time you read this, you might have realized that Leonardo DiCaprio lost (once again) the Golden Globe Best Actor award to Forest Whitaker. Even with 2 nominations, he was defeated by Whitaker. Tough luck, Leo, better luck at the Oscar. Well, tougher luck for the Africans, and luck has apparently left them.
The African continent is plagued by misfortune after misfortune. We have heard of their uphill battle against AIDS, poverty and famine. And now, thanks to this hell of a movie, we understand another menace; war over diamonds.
As we know, diamonds are precious stones. Indeed they are, right girls? The amount of money generated by these diamonds is huge. When there is a demand, the prices go up. And when the prices go up, people kill each other just to get their hands stuck into the money pie. Everybody wants a piece of the action. Hence, everybody starts to form their own rebellion army and, all of a sudden, everyone is a Colonel.
These self proclaimed Colonels terrorize the people and train children to be their next killing machine. Watching these kids butchering the innocents reminds me of Cidade de Deus. Its not the violence that makes one tick, its watching those juveniles smiling away while pumping lead into people. This film sends out an in-your-face message of such intensity, it is almost impossible to ignore it.
Intense is a key word. It is a good word to describe the cast. DiCaprio performs the tormented protagonist superbly. His role here is similar to the one in The Departed. Both characters are constantly fighting against their demons. While the accent is debatable, his performance is worthy of his Golden Globe Best Actor nomination. Jennifer Connelly is no doubt an excellent actress , but somehow her role is not as challenging as DiCaprio's. Finally, there's Djimon Hounsou. He plays his role of a suffering fisherman well and sometimes its depressing to experience his character's misfortune.
The moral issues completely overshadows the plot. The audiences' conscience is constantly engaged with these social issues.
On a final note, yes, we the consumers can make a difference. How? By ensuring the diamonds we bought are conflict free. Stop the funding and the killing, Africa needs to recuperate.
You want your 'bling bling'? Stop the 'bling bang' first.
3.75
txq
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Confessions of Pain (2006)
Hits you at the most painful place - your heart
Most of us will probably understand the pain of a paper cut or a swollen ankle. Physical pain aside, not many of us can understand the pain of losing someone dear. It is a feeling that is hard to describe and fathom. Confessions of Pain is one such movie that tries to infuse a world of pain and heartbreak into our world of bland cinematic emotions.
At the background is a gloomy portrait of Hong Kong. Permanently cast in gray skies, the Hong Kong landscape seems to be an additional character to the already impressive cast. The endless rain and the dark clouds surrounding the Hong Kong skyline make this character 'speaks' volume.
It somehow provides an eerie feeling of irony to the film.
The 2 leads, Tony Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro provide more despair to the mourning city. Leung is a cop that is haunted by his past. It is a pleasure to see how Leung acts. His tormented soul last seen in Infernal Affairs is back, albeit it is a more suppressed one here. Gone is his unshaven and rugged demeanour. His unkempt hair is neatly gelled back, and his latest accessory, his tinted spectacles, makes us view him in a different light. Notice how the spectacles provides an additional dimension to his character; a very unnerving one.
On the other hand, Kaneshiro portrayal is a more forthright character. It appears that Kaneshiro has taken on Leung's character in Infernal Affairs; unshaven and desolate.The death of his girlfriend brings him to his knees and subsequently, he loses himself into a world of alcohol. If Leung's character is being viewed as a tormented one, then Kaneshiro's one must be a godforsaken one.
Xu Jing Lei and Shu Qi act as the pillars of strength for Leung and Kaneshiro respectively. Both of them inspires to lift the gloom out of the 2 male protagonists, Xu as Leung's wife and Shu as the bubbly girlfriend of Kaneshiro. They provide a much needed respite for the movie.
While the script is more or less predictable, what makes this film worth the weekend price ticket is the exception directing of the movie. Both directors (Andrew Lau and Alan Mak) successfully paint a sad and moving story rather than an action thriller. Lau's trademark camera angles are prominent in the movie. Again, they adapt a Buddhist kind of story telling and morals. Not forgetting its superb soundtrack too. A disturbing tale of sorrow and pain.
I can feel it. Hope it haunts you too.
4
txq
Most of us will probably understand the pain of a paper cut or a swollen ankle. Physical pain aside, not many of us can understand the pain of losing someone dear. It is a feeling that is hard to describe and fathom. Confessions of Pain is one such movie that tries to infuse a world of pain and heartbreak into our world of bland cinematic emotions.
At the background is a gloomy portrait of Hong Kong. Permanently cast in gray skies, the Hong Kong landscape seems to be an additional character to the already impressive cast. The endless rain and the dark clouds surrounding the Hong Kong skyline make this character 'speaks' volume.
It somehow provides an eerie feeling of irony to the film.
The 2 leads, Tony Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro provide more despair to the mourning city. Leung is a cop that is haunted by his past. It is a pleasure to see how Leung acts. His tormented soul last seen in Infernal Affairs is back, albeit it is a more suppressed one here. Gone is his unshaven and rugged demeanour. His unkempt hair is neatly gelled back, and his latest accessory, his tinted spectacles, makes us view him in a different light. Notice how the spectacles provides an additional dimension to his character; a very unnerving one.
On the other hand, Kaneshiro portrayal is a more forthright character. It appears that Kaneshiro has taken on Leung's character in Infernal Affairs; unshaven and desolate.The death of his girlfriend brings him to his knees and subsequently, he loses himself into a world of alcohol. If Leung's character is being viewed as a tormented one, then Kaneshiro's one must be a godforsaken one.
Xu Jing Lei and Shu Qi act as the pillars of strength for Leung and Kaneshiro respectively. Both of them inspires to lift the gloom out of the 2 male protagonists, Xu as Leung's wife and Shu as the bubbly girlfriend of Kaneshiro. They provide a much needed respite for the movie.
While the script is more or less predictable, what makes this film worth the weekend price ticket is the exception directing of the movie. Both directors (Andrew Lau and Alan Mak) successfully paint a sad and moving story rather than an action thriller. Lau's trademark camera angles are prominent in the movie. Again, they adapt a Buddhist kind of story telling and morals. Not forgetting its superb soundtrack too. A disturbing tale of sorrow and pain.
I can feel it. Hope it haunts you too.
4
txq
Monday, January 01, 2007
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
You need the open mind to see this film! Niice!
Hello. My name XQ . I from Singapore. I watch Borat and were amaze by how Borat speak and his sexy time adventures in USA. Niice! Therefore, I am excite to talk about this film to you! I am so excite!
Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) come from Kazakhstan. He send by the government of Kazakhstan to learn the USA way of living. He come with Azamat and his camera man. They arrive at New York and after watching Baywatch in hotel room.
Borat fall in love with C.J (Pamela Anderson). He decide to go California and marry her. With no time left, he set out with his crew and buy the ice cream truck and drive to California. Along the way, Borat encounter many a funny thing. Mostly of a America culture.
I must say to you, this not a movie. But a very funny part documentary part movie thing. Another thing, there is a many racial and religious jokes. If you easy offend, please do go watch the movie. Oops, I mean please do not watch the movie.
Funny part aside, this film talk about issue in the America. Racial tensions, religions, gay society and guns culture in the America. It is the very important to understand these is still happening in the America. A very cruel and crude view of USA but important for us to learn. So everybody will not make mistake again. Hiii 5! Hope people not do these mistake again. Finally, I has to say Borat is a lousy film... NOT!
P.S: Sorry for the short entry, I cannot write in Borat's language any longer. Guys, I tried and I hope you understand what I am talking about. Nevertheless, watch him and be entertained!
4
txq
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