A Midnight Clear (1992)

8.5/10 [Highly Recommended]

A wonderful masterpiece!!

Plot:Set in 1944 France, an American Intelligence Squad locates a German Platoon wishing to surrender rather than die in Germany's final war offensive. The two groups of men, isolated from the war at present, put aside their differences and spend Christmas together before the surrender plan turns bad and both sides are forced to fight the other.

What I loved about this film:

The unique start of the film, that drops you right into the world of the soldiers. The way this film present each character gives me instant connection with them.

Superb acting! Ethan Hawke, Kevin Dillon, Frank Whaley, Arye Gross are amazing together. Their dialogue and emotions compliment each other perfectly and . I felt drawn to each character and the mission they drew for themselves. If I had to be in that forest, I just hope Will Knot (Ethan Hawke),Cpl. Mel Avakian( Dillon), Paul 'Father' Mundy (Whaley), Bud Miller(Peter Berg) and Stan Shutzer (Arye Gross) has my back.

A story that captures. At no point of this film did I think about any behind the scenes or filming technique. I was so engrossed by the dialogue, story and engulfed by the decisions the squad took. (spoilers follows) Though the ultimate occurrence made me sad, as I direly wanted it all to have worked out.

Very believable filming locations and acting. Like I mention before, the story and approach at presenting this story is so unique and compelling that I might need to rewatch it again, just so I can observe the filming technique.

A Midnight Clear is probably on my top 5 favourite war movies, beating Saving Private Ryan

A Woman in Berlin (2008)

7/10 [recommended to selected viewers]

Intense, and harsh film based on a true account.

A Woman in Berlin, as its title says, is about a woman living in Berlin at the end of world war II. This film is her account of having to survive and the terror that she faces. The idea of safety and protection will never again be felt. Idea of love will never be the same.

All the ugliness, complexity and horrors of war are all laid out in this raw and harsh film.

The subject matter is difficult to handle, and there are some disturbing ....not recommended for everyone. Good but intense film.

I strongly advise against watching "Come And See (Idi i Smotri)" along with this film on the same day. Very hard hitting.

And Then There were None (1945)

6/10

A masterpiece by Agatha Christie that many other films got its inspirations from but it was predictable and not very suspenseful.

Plot: Based on a novel and subsequent stage play by Agatha Christie; ten people are invited to an isolated island, only to be killed one-by-one. Could one of them be the killer?

Nicely plotted, but not a very exciting film. During the film I kept thinking about Harper's Island (mini-series) and Clue (film), both of which I watched prior to this adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel. Having seen both of them first, i came into And Then There Were None with different expectations.

Appaloosa (2008)

6/10

ok plot with great character study

plot: Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow.

Going into Appaloosa, I was prepared myself for a somewhat fast paced and dynamic story. What I received was somewhat opposite of my initial expectation and still a very complying movie.

At every major acts in Appaloosa, I would compose (in my head) a twist where someone is set up or betrayed. I over estimated the complexity of the story, as this film was fairly straightforward. It wasn't till about 1/3 through the film did I realize that Appaloosa was a very sophisticated analysis of characters, their interaction with each other and their internal conflicts.

The characters all show traits of conflict within themselves. Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) is conflicted between his duty as the sheriff and his love for. Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) is conflicted between his respect to his best friend's wishes and wanting to do what is best for him. The other town folks are conflicted between to upholding the law but needing to bend some laws to stay alive.

Entertaining enough to keep you interested and sophisticated enough to keep you thinking.

Amores Perros (2000)

8/10 [recommended]

Continuing my foreign films, my next stop took me to a Mexican film that is intense, gory and scrutinizing

Plot: A horrific car accident connects three stories, each involving characters dealing with loss, regret, and life's harsh realities, all in the name of love.

Amores Perros explores human cruelty through different stories and character interaction. We see rage, disloyalty, pride, lust, gluttony, fear, and jealousy all unfold as characters are put against each other.

Dogs are a huge part in this film, as they are important to each of the 3 main characters. We see dogs being used to gain money, men's best friend, and being support beam for the characters. The dogs become a reflection of their owners'  deepest and hidden emotions.

Not for everyone, but for those who can bare the cruelty and disturbing content, it is such an amazing film.

A Very Long Engagement (2004)

7.5/10

Very sweet

Plot: Tells the story of a young woman's relentless search for her fiancé, who has disappeared from the trenches of the Somme during World War One.

It has been so long since I saw this film that I don't remember much detail about it except that I enjoyed the film.

Audrey Tautou ( from Amélie and Da Vinci's Code) is stars in this film and from what I recall, she gave yet another great performance.

The one thing I remember quite clearly about A Very Long Engagement are the enchanting cinematography and set scapes that made this film just breath taking.

Accepted (2006)

7/10

Surprisingly enjoyable and inspiring.

A high school slacker, Bartleby Gaines, who's rejected by every school he applies to opts to create his own institution of higher learning, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, on a rundown piece of property near his hometown. (imdb)

Accepted is a different kind of comedy that does not rely on the f-bomb every two minutes, vulgarity and over using sexual content to create it's humor. It is a smart film with subtle humor that looks at the reality that almost every student has to face, post-secondary placement. There are many college films out there, but not many put focus on the value of education and curriculum of schools.

Accepted put education system and schools under the microscope, questioning the value of the knowledge taught in classrooms. I found this film relateable as I went through the process of applying for universities, selecting courses and trying to figure out where I fit in. I found myself sitting in certain courses surrounded by grade-strung students, memorizing stuff that doesn't make any sense, while being droned at by a professor who seems to be talking to himself more so than to a class.

What I love about Accepted is how it makes you think about what you are learning and the value of the experience. It may have exaggerated certain elements about college/universities but it does leave viewers with an important message. You can be your own teacher.

Justin Long is quite lovable in this film. There are also a few familiar faces in the supporting cast to watch for including Blake Lively, Kellan Luts and Jonah Hill.

Overall, silly, funny and enjoyable film!

Alive (1993)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

A movie about the will to survive and the cost that comes with it
Alive is a powerful film based on the true story based "upon Piers Paul Read's 1974 book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors, which itself was based upon interviews with survivors of the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 on October 13, 1972." (wiki)

Alive captures the tension, determination and hope people have in tough situations. Each character express a strong and weak side in the situation. Each having to deal with loss and fear.


The fact this movie is based on reality makes this film all the more intense.

Adjustment Bureau (2011)

7.5/10

A thrilling sci-fi mixed with romance...fairly enjoyable but not overly fantasic

Storyline: The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart. (imdb.com)

I fell in love with the main cast, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, from the getgo and my interest for the film followed not far behind. Damon and Blunt did a great job in capturing the chemistry between the two characters. Both believable and realistic.

The special effect used in this film are simple yet believable. It did not go overboard in its CGI to capture the overall atomsphere.

This film mixes the genre of thriller, sci-fi and romance together making it an engaging, suspenseful and sweet experience to sit through.

I felt The Adjustment Bureau was a bit rushed and events happened too quickly. The film is not mindblowing but it never fails to keep you guessing either.

The Adjustment Bureau is definitely worth viewing as it is very entertaining film.

Across the Hall (2009)

6/10

Suspense , great editing (with a couple flaws)

I recommend this film to those who like thrillers that are a bit slow. I do warn everyone to avoid reading spoilers and revealing reviews before watching this film. I tried to keep this review as vague as possible so those who wish too see it will still find it entertaining.


The entire storyline takes place within a hotel, but is made exciting by great editing.

The plot is simple (without giving it away), it revolves around a 'standoff between a young man, his fiancée and his best friend who comes to his aide'.

Across the Hall gripped me from minute one and held my attention to some extent. The initial set up is my favourite part of this film. As the story unfolded it became somewhat predictable. Although the details remain suspenseful, the overall plot became apparent to me about half way through.

The acting is alright, entertaining to watch.

I recommend this to suspense/thrill/mystery lovers....the editing made Across the Hall amazing.

After Shock (2010)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Heartbreaking, breath-taking....

A bitter sweet movie that tells the tale of the Tangshen earthquake that tore a family apart.

After Shock is a masterpiece in capturing the aftermath of a devastating of an earthquake that left thousands dead and many broken families. The film tugs at your heart strings with many heartbreaking graphic scenes, leaving a tear in your eye.

The special effects in the earthquake scene is phenomenal. It is so real in capturing the fear that encompasses the devastation.

The cast brought After Shock to life. The acting by the two children is so real that you forget that you are watching a movie.

After Shock is filled with emotions. You can see each character develop throughout the movie as they come into contact with one another. The hatred, regret, anger and pain that built over the years seems to wash away as each character comes to terms with their grief.

The plot is so engaging that it pulled me in and held my attention from minute one. The movie does have over-dramatic moments, but it felt necessary and rightful for this film. When the mother had to make the difficult choice regarding the cement block (not to give anything away), it felt like the movie played off Sophie's Choice but does so in a effective way.

An emotional and powerful movie that is well worth a viewing!

After.Life (2009)

6.5/10

Creepy, mysterious and thoughtful...but not fantastic

This film questions the meaning of life and death.

I love the cast, Christina Ricci, Liam Neilson and Justin Long make this film feel captivating.

After.Life lacks in depth, it failed to spend more time on the wonderment of what happens after life, moving close to the idea but sways away just as fast.

The scenes are made dark with heavy tones of gray and emphasizes on shadows to create the creepy atmosphere the entire film revolves around but not at all gory. The only red you see is the red dress Ricci's character wears. I like the gray overtone of the cinematography as it emphasized the dreary/dark mood of the film.

After.Life is very ambiguous, keeping you guessing throughout. The premise is appealing, but the storyline seem to have lost breath as the film went on. The film does have twists, but the pace at which it came lost its thrill.

If you like films that are mysterious with elements of horror, drama and don't mind a slow paced film...then I recommend this film. It is rate R, as it does have nudity and close up of dead bodies being mended