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.

The Tunnel (2001)

6.5/10

Plot: Based on a true story a group of East Berliners escaping to the West. Harry Melchior was a champion East German swimmer at odds with the system under which he has already been imprisoned

Fairly decent made for TV movie that revolves around the effects of the building of the Berlin wall. What this film does the well is that it takes many true incidents that occurred and dramatized it to fit the story. For example, the famous photo of the NVA soldier Conrad Schumann defecting to West Berlin, and Peter Fechter's defecting but slightly changed with the character Heiner.

Lead actor is mediocre, and almost felt he had the same facial expression in the entire film.

Female Agents (2008)

5/10

could have been so much better

Plot: In May 1944, a group of French servicewomen and resistance fighters are enlisted into the British Special Operations Executive commando group under the command of Louise Desfontaines and her brother Pierre.

Beginning 10 minutes was really exciting as the story unfolded and characters introduced. But, sadly, after that the movie started to lose its grip. Some of the characters' personalities and mind set did not match their actions. A few character easily scared at one point then turn into Die Hard heroes the next.

The movie feels too rushed and choppy. Everything happens very quickly and we hardly have a chance to get to know the characters.

The lead cast did a good job in trying to capture the emotions but the rushed script made it hard to appreciate the acting.

Female Agents have some very noticeable continuity errors, where injuries and scars vanish into thin air. Also the film could have benefitted from some gore during some scenes.

Overall, mediocre film.

Glorious 39 (2009)

4/10

such dramatic build up that resulted in nothing.

Plot: A mysterious tale set around a traditional British family on the eve of World War Two. eldest sibling Anne is a budding young actress who is in love with Foreign Office official Lawrence, but her seemingly perfect life begins to dramatically unravel when she stumbles across secret recordings of the pro-appeasement movement.

what the heck? Were the first words I said at the end of the film. Glorious 39's synopsis built itself up to be this huge espionage war movie that is thrilling and (mistakenly thought by me) full of twists. Throughout the film my mind was racing to figure out what the twist could be and who was behind it all. When the final conclusion unfolded, I realized my attempts at guessing the ending and holding my breath was all for naught.

Glorious 39 seems to be too sedated to be a thriller/mystery. The pace is slow with mostly static shots. The use of children in this film is very odd making the film feel more scary, like the Grudge, than thrilling. I was really thrown off by the children, I didn't feel the connection between the children and the 'big secret'. Bill Nighy and Romola Garai are great, but their acting couldn't save the poor script.

This film is better labeled just drama because the thriller bit is disappointing. I was not thrilled with the ending.

If you want to watch a world war II-thriller-espionge-spy film DON'T watch this.This will just leave you feeling confused and sleepy. INSTEAD watch Black Book,its rated R for some very graphic scenes, not suitable for everyone but it is really thrilling.

Winter At Wartime (2008)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Amazing war film with a great spin

Winter in Wartime plot: Near the end of World War II, 14-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier

The acting, cinematography, writing, and set decoration all came together beautifully in this film.

The cast is unknown to me, but the performance is phenomenal. The story is a bout a 14 year old who witnesses his family and friends being tangled in the war. We watch as he comes to age and matures through different events that occur.

This film reminds me of the film/book Boy in the Striped PJs where the war is seen from the point of view of a boy. Winter in Wartime is far better in comparison. We see the war and its impact on a village from the perspective of a boy whose family is caught in the middle of World War II. We see the boy maturing and seeing the world differently as the movie progresses. His understanding of the war, difference between right and wrong, and the idea of trust in people changes.

What I love about the film is the unexpected twist and its well written characters. I did not expect much from this movie but I thoroughly enjoyed the 103 minutes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those who love war films with a great storyline.

Gettysburg (1993)

7/10

long, but epic battle

In 1863, the Northern and Southern forces fight at Gettysburg in the decisive battle of the American Civil War

I learned quite a bit about the American Civil War from watching this film and reading up on the events of that day. This film is fairly historically accurate (at least according to what I've read). It is fairly slow as it has much events to cover, but I also watched the director's cut so that must have been longer than normal.

Gettysburg happens in a span of three days and this film takes us through certain highlighting events during those three days. We see the bayonet charge by the 20th Maine that became one of the most fabled episodes lead by Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain. We watch as the Confederates attack the middle of the Union lines on the third day.

We see the events of the three days from the perspective of the Majors, Generals and Colonels. We aren't given any insight to the soldiers, thus it was hard to connect to the horrors of the battle field as the soldiers dropped like flies.

This war film is one of least gory one I have seen. It has many explosions/gun fires but the blood and gore was kept at bare minimum. This element, again, made the actual battle not as gruesome and horrid. Very different from Saving Private Ryan, where the gore/blood/horror of the war was made apparent to me.

Gettysburg, the film, did a very well job in trying to stay neutral, by showing both sides. The film even made connection between the Union and Confederate: same culture, same language, same myth, same history but different dreams.

If you like war films, this is one you must add to the collection. It is different from World War films in sense that there's not as much heavy artillery and explosions. It would be helpful to do some research and read up on the civil war before jumping into this film because there's a dozen of characters/events thrown at you from minute one.

Shattered Glass (2003)

6/10

The sinisterly kind boy who cried wolf

The true story of a young journalist Stephen Glass who fell from grace when it was found he had fabricated over half of his articles.

This is a well done film about a man who preys on people's sympathy, gullibility and kindness. Living one lie to the next while repeating "I didn't do anything wrong". This film makes you review people's values and academic integrity. He is so focused on wanting the perfect story instead of the truth.

Hayden Christensen as Glass and Peter Sarsgaard as Lane both did a fantastic job in capturing the emotions between a new editor seeking the truth and a reporter who has lost grip on his morales. This might be my favourite performance by Christensen.

Film makes you wonder if Glass even has any real memories. If Glass didn't get caught, would he ever admit that he fabricated 21 of his 40 articles? Or would he continue down that road?


Glass should just write fiction, he seems to have a knack at it.

The Conspirators (2011)

6.5/10

Historical film with a good cast

Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. (imdb)

The success of this film relies on the acting and the script. The choice of the cast leading with James McAvoy and Robin Wright is brillant. James McAvoy, as Frederick Aiken, gives a powerful performance in The Conspirators that really made this film come to life.

The Conspirators puts the assassination of President Lincoln and the justice that is supposedly carried out afterwards upon closer look. This movie had a lot of content and has a very powerful message. Not everything is black and white. The line between justice and a nation bent on revenge is thin.

I recommend this movie to everyone! The death of Lincoln may be known by all but this small detail in the aftermath may not be as well known.

Beneath Hill 60 (2010)

 7/10

Intense, insightful but a tad slow

Beneath Hill 60 is about the extraordinary true story of Oliver Woodward. It's 1916 and Woodward must tear himself from his new young love to go to the mud and carnage of the Western Front. Deep beneath the German lines. Woodward and his secret platoon of Australian tunnelers fight to defend a leaking, labyrinthine tunnel system packed with enough high explosives to change the course of the War. (imdb)

Caked with mud and clay in the trenchs of war world I, we follow Oliver Woodward as he takes his troops deep below German front lines.

The actors are fairly unknown to me, but they did not disappoint. The performance was emotional, real and very raw.

This movie uses a very simple storyline but with an interesting editing technique with flashbacks intersected with war time scenes to show us how Woodward changes as the war progresses. This jumbling style of going back to pre-war occurance to war time to post-war events gives an indication that the movie may have just been part of Woodward's memories.

What I love most about this movie is that it did not label sides as 'good/bad'...Beneath Hill 60 only told story of men who did their best with what they knew so they can return home.

Beneath Hill 60 isn't just about hand-on battles but a blind strategic one where calculation determines life and death. Great Australian movie!

Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman (2005)

7/10

Mesmerising and dark film that looks closer at capital punishment. Not for everyone

Pierrepoint is a film about the life and times of Albert Pierrepoint - Britain's most prolific hangman.


Capital punished was abolished in UK in 1964 before this date one of the prolific hangman was Pierrepoint. This film takes us through different points in his life focusing on his profession.

The cinematography in this film is done to not shy away from very realistic portrayal of executions based on true events and for this I don't recommend this film for the weak hearted. Scenes in this film can be explicit and can make you cringe. Even though there's not guts or gore, this movie can still make you feel uncomfortable but not revolted.

The colour does give this film an interesting appeal that supports the theme of the movie, which is very cleverly editted. The colour treatment given to this film is very dull and desaturdated emphasizing the theme of death and punishment.
Timothy Spall gives such an incredibly bold performance as Pierrepoint, carrying the film and the emotions so powerfully.

This film really revolves around on how Pierrepoint can be seen as both a hero and a villain in his possession. Bringing up many themes and ideologies that should be thought about.

I really recommend people to take a look at this film, but I do warn people about the explicit scenes of the film. I also suggest people to read up a bit on Albert Pierrepoint before proceeding to watch the film for a better understanding of the 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.

Invictus (2009)

7/10

Moving, inspirational and great performance

Invictus is about Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

This film focuses mainly on the journey to the cup but the part of the film that makes this film so solid is the brilliant portrayal of Nelson Mandela by Morgan Freeman. Matt Damon's portrayal is good but not stunning or overly memorable.

Invictus also takes something as simple as a rugby game and makes it a nations strive and pride.

The soundtrack for Invictus is the most powerful as it creates the tone of the entire film. I absolutely recommend everyone to listen to the soundtrack on its own. It is such a powerful piece of work.

The cinematagraphy and direction comes together beautifully to support the atmosphere as well.

A definite watch for sports fans and those who want some encouraging and powerful.

The King's Speech (2010)

8.5/10
[highly recommended]

Marvelous film with fantastic acting and great writing.

I have been wanting to watch this movie for ages but never had the chance to until my flight.

The King's Speech is about the story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it. (imdb)

The King's Speech is very inspirational as we see the struggles that King George VI, portrayed by Colin Firth, went through in becoming king. We all have experienced some sort of struggle during our lives, but we did not have the whole nation watching us when we went through our struggles.

Colin Firth did a astounding job as King George VI earning him a well deserved Best Actor Oscar. Firth is able to embody the character so well that I was inclined to stand up at the end of the movie and clap...despite the fact that i was on a plane. Geoffrey Rush beauti fully supported Firth's character.

The cinematography is worth noting as the film uses many alternating shots in one scene. Watch for the different framing techniques used in between characters.

Overall a brilliantly motivating film that MUST be watched! I loved it :D

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...