The Counterfeiters (2007)

7.5/10

A fascinating movie that focuses on a man's desire to live while struggling with morality.

I heard about this movie from my buddy Cleone and fairly enjoyed it. I have been so caught up with other things that I haven't finished blogging about this movie after finishing watching it so many weeks ago...so here it is!

The Counterfeiters is the true story of the largest counterfeiting operation in history, set up by the Nazis in 1936. It fictionalizes Operation Bernhard, a secret plan by the Nazis during the Second World War to destabilize Great Britain by flooding its economy with forged Bank of England bank notes(wiki)

The movie focuses on Salomon 'Sally' Sorowitsch, a man with a talent in counterfeiting, hence the title of the movie. The film was largely based on Adolf Burger's memoir, a Jewish Slovak who was imprisoned for creating forged baptismal certificates.

Winning the 2007 academy awards for Best Foreign Film, the cinematography and acting in The Counterfeiters are stunning. I love how Karl Markovics, as Sally,is able to communicate such complicated feelings through such simple facial expression. Markovics keeps a very set expression throughout the film but his eyes tells a different story. This simple technique is so effective in demonstrating Sally's personality as the criminal who's all for himself but at the same time has the want to help others.

The cinematography, like the acting, is simple but conveys a deeper message. Simple panning, angles and camera focus coming together to create some interesting effects. Look for it ;)

Definitely worth watching.

Uprising (2001)

8/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)
TV movie

Riveting and inspirational

Uprising is based on the true story of the revolt by the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto against the Nazis in 1943.(imdb)

Though this movie has its flaws, it is delivers an atmosphere of sorrow, determination and pain. A fantastic TV movie!

The characters and actors made Uprising very impacting. The relationship between the characters are so real and raw making it very realistic. The each character responds at a time of desperation with such determination is very inspiring and riveting.

Leelee Sobieski or David Schwimmer are amazing in this film. At no point during the film, did I see Schwimmer as Ross Geller. Uprising has three cast members from Friends (Hank Azaria, David Schwimmer and Alexandra Holden) and they all gave a absolutely stunning performance.

The cinematography and music usage in this film is so well done that I am surprised this is only a TV movie. There are moments in the film where music takes over and without a single word a somber tone can be felt.


I highly recommend Uprising! A heartfelt sorrowful movie that is wonderfully done and portrayed. Of course this film has flaws, but the energy that is create far out-weighs the flaws.

Holocaust (1978) mini-series

6/10
Mini-series, 4 episodes, 1978

A Haunting short series

The saga of a Jewish family's struggle to survive the horror of Nazi Germany's systematic marginalization and extermination of their community. (imdb)

The details in using actual black and white pictures and footage from the war, gave this TV series a very haunting effect.

Meryl Streep is absolutely fantastic. I was not impressed with Michael Moriarty performance. He lacks in facial expressions and the entire series it feels as if his face has been pumped full of botox making it hard to read his emotions, but I guess playing a SS captain he needs to be expressionless. Moriarty.

The cinematography is well done giving us a range of different angled shots, close-ups and wide shots.

The story is hauntingly disturbing. The series focuses on the Weiss family and horror of what's happening around them. The jarring impact of the horrors are brought to life. We see the story told from both perspectives, from a Jew family and from a SS officer.

There are a few flaws to this series. Firstly, the poor makeup, which is not done very convincing, but for an late 70s mini-series I can bare with it. I feel that to every character's story is wrapped up at the end of the series, we are left expecting another episode to follow. Also, the audio and dialogue felt very dubbed and not natural. There's also some poor performances from certain actors/actress but none of which sways Meryl Streep's incredible portrayal.

Holocaust, definitely needs some fine-tuning but is worth watching for the content and script. The story will stick with you...

Wild Target (2010)

6/10

Simple and lovable film with an amazing cast

Wild Target is about Victor Maynard a middle-aged, solitary assassin, who lives to please his formidable mother, despite his own peerless reputation for lethal efficiency. His professional routine is interrupted when he finds himself drawn to one of his intended victims, Rose. (synopsis via imdb)

This film is simple, cute and has funny moments sprinkled throughout. The love-story that is created is unconventional but yet very believable. There are many cliches in this film, but none of which deters this film from being enjoyable.

The casting is amazing! Bill Nighy is charming as the middle-aged assassin. Emily Blunt is beautiful and playful as the con-artist/thief. Martin Freeman is great as the rival assassin, creating some funny moments with small gestures. Freeman's overly white teeth gives his character an unrealistically comical appearance, adding to the humor of the movie. Rupert Grint's character is a bit out of place in this film, but his clueless manner only emphasize the silliness in the film.

Overall, I enjoyed this film. Many silly, funny, and cute moments. Not too much focus in cinematography and special effects that is worth noting in this film. Does have many cliches but this only adds to the humor of the movie. I recommend it for those who wants a good laugh, a simple plotline and an unconventional love-story.

Timecrimes (2007)

6.5/10

Exciting but flawed with characters that act outside their common sense.

Timecrimes is about a man who accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences.(imdb)

This movie is very suspenseful with elements of horror wrapped around time travel. I enjoyed the suspense and horror elements quite a bit, but this movie has flaws.

The acting is believable and convincing. The sinister elements are all present, however none of these are able to cover the illogical actions and naive decision of the characters. There many instances within the film where the characters act outside of common sense, creating further issues. This lack of common sense makes this film very awkward to watch.

Timecrimes' only redeeming factor is its horror/suspense element, but that does not hold up very well as the film progresses. Also this film lacks the complexities of time travel, making it very one dimensioned.

This film could have been so much better. If you want to watch a good time travel film, watch Back to the Future, Groundhog Day, 12:01 or FAQ of Time travel. If you want something mindless and suspenseful, you could try this film.