The Door (Die Tür) (2009)

7/10

A second chance in life...but comes at a price.

The Door (Die Tur) 2009 is about a successful artist who loses control of his life after his young daughter's death. A chance for a new start appears, but all is not what it seems.

Intriguing idea that is well shot but with some loop holes.

The movie begins in what appears to be an innocent/peaceful residential street, which gives this film a very spooky feeling as it is nothing near innocent. The film's most important event, the death of the child, occurs in the first 10 minutes of the film, which sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Mads Mikkelsen was fantastic in the lead role as the father, who took his life for granted and wants to redeem himself. Mikkelsen is great playing a role that is fairly dynamic.
There are a few events in the film that brought up more questions than answers, but the overall effect of the film is fairly good as it keeps you pondering. I would recommend you to check it out and judge for yourself.

3 Idiots (2009)

9/10 [highly recommended]

I started this film with absolutely no expectations, and walked out with a smile. 3 Idiots is a sheer brilliant, heartfelt, laugh-out-loud  hilarious, and, most importantly, uplifting.


It's 4am, and I just finished; though I should really sleep, I also really need to get this review out. This bollywood film is absolutely an experience you must partake.

There are a few tiers that makes a film excellent.
A) Great characters; meaning all characters from protagonist to all the supporting members, are well rounded and support each other.
B) excellently intertwined storyline that uses multiple points of view, keeps you guessing and full of twists.
C) a well mixture of emotions (be it joy, fear, tears, anger, disappoint, love, hate, sorrow, confusion, thrill...)
D) Underlining message that will be left with the audience. Since the audience has invested their time, money, patience and effort. A sense of accomplishment after the film ends, something that the viewer can learn, experience, think about, use in their lives. Not just be left with regret that they started watching the film or just a mere memory of having watched a film.
E) Good cinematography, editing, direction, art work that can fully put together the screen play. Some times a film could be such an amazing idea, but fails to be put together nicely.

I can say 3 Idiots has succeeded all these tiers. It just rose onto my list of top favourite films. This is what true friendship is about...

Don't say you didn't watch this film because you couldn't find it! For your viewing pleasure, here's the entire film on the Tube:

Train of Life (1998)

7/10

Hope

Plot: In 1941, the inhabitants of a small Jewish village in Central Europe organize a fake deportation train so that they can escape the Nazis and flee to Palestine.

Similar to Life is Beautiful, Train of Life is a comedy drama war film about Jews attempting to survive during World War II terror from Nazi Germany.

Despite the subject matter, this film uses humor and some outrageous situations to look at the horrors of the holocaust through new dimensions. This and Life Is Beautiful are worth viewing.

Watch it all here with subtitles:

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.

Rust and Bone (2012)

7/10

This film is not easy to explain, It is raw and blunt– a punch in the gut, yet it is also a film of intelligence and sensitivity.

Plot: Put in charge of his young son, Ali leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Ali's bond with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after Stephanie suffers a horrible accident

Delicatessen (1991)

7/10 [recommended]

Fantastic cinematography, with great editing, quirky cast and overall a wacky film.

Plot: Post-apocalyptic surrealist black comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who occasionally prepares a delicacy for his odd tenants.

I knew I was in for a treat when the beginning credits started. Instead of your typical text on screen fading in and out, Delicatessen used credits that was attached to pieces of labels on rubbish. This initial credits alone was inspiring and very creative.

This French film is an art piece, with many themes embedded and is not afraid to push the limit.

Not one character in this film is not quirky, thus coming together to form a very wacky film.

War of Buttons (2011)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Tres Magnificent!!!!

Plot: In occupied France, Lebrac leads a play war between two rival kid gangs, but his feelings for Violette, a Jewish girl in danger of being discovered by the Nazis, encourage Lebrac to face the reality of what's happening around him.

I am so glad I ignored the rating from IMDB and watched this film. It is a heartfelt film set in a small town during world war II and their struggles to stay together under the Germany regime. War of Buttons mainly focuses on a group of kids of one town and a rival group of kids. What this film does so well is it uses this group of kids as a metaphor of the actual war that was taking place. This group of boys, led by Lebrac, goes through multiple battles with the rival town over buttons and territory like a mini war. Many themes (innocences, betrayal, love, hate, bond, friendship, battles, confidence..) are explored from this simple warring between the kids, as they experience the effects of the actual war that's taking place.


Not only is the acting from all the kids, especially Clément Godefroy and Jean Texier, absolutely amazing and realistic; This film stars one of my favourite French actors as well!! Guillaume Canet, who plays the school teacher, has been one of my favourite actors since the film Love Me If You Dare, making this film an absolute TREAT!!

I highly recommend this film. The underlining theme of the world war II mixed with the innocence of the children, well written/funny dialogue and superb acting makes this film a GEM

The Vanishing (1988)

6/10

those golden rules you learned as a kid "don't talk to strangers"

Rex and Saskia, a young couple in love, are on vacation. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia is abducted. After three years and no sign of Saskia, Rex begins receiving letters from the abductor.

The Vanishing is very slow paced film that  alternates between flashback and present day. It sets up a very mundane event of a couple going on vacation, and turning it into a sinister plot.

The ending of this original The Vanishing is fairly different from the hollywood remake with same title (1993). I found the ending in the original to be far more fearful and sad than the remake.

spolier: --------------
This film does not need any special effects, gory or frightening images to create fear; rather the fear/horror of this film is the randomness of the act.
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12 (2007)

8.5/10 [Highly Recommended]

Magnificent! Absolutely magnificent Russian remake

Plot: 12 jurors must decide the fate of a Chechen teenager charged with murdering his stepfather.

Barfuss (Barefoot) (2005)

7/10

Cute, wacky German film with content

Baruss (English "Barefoot") is about Nick, a hedonistic bachelor, falls for an escaped mental patient.

Great acting, believable and simple story line to follow. Til Schweiger and Johanna Wokalek are the perfect duo for this film. Wokalek plays the socially awkward mental patient who found herself with the troublesome bachelor, played by Schweiger. A bunch of ridiculous and quirky situations ensues.

A fantastic German chick flick with a lot of underlining messages that I highly recommend!!

Le grand blond avec une chaussure noire (1972)

6.5/10

Slow paced, quirky, funny

Plot: Hapless orchestra player becomes an unwitting pawn of rival factions within the French secret service after he is chosen as a decoy by being identified as a super secret agent.

I stumbled upon this French film accidentally and found it fairly entertaining.  The concept of this film intrigue and the introduction grabbed my attention right away. This is not a film to take too seriously as it is very quirky and full of ridiculous moments.

It wasn't as exciting or thrilling as I had hoped but there were numerous scenes that was ridiculously amusing and funny.

A remake of this film titled "The Man with One Red Shoe" was made in 1985 starring Tom Hanks.

Man from Nowhere (2010)

7/10 [recommended to selected audience]

Gangs, drugs, smuggling, lone hero, fight scenes and blood blood blood...nothing new

Man From Nowhere is a Korean film about a quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past takes on a drug- and organ trafficking ring in hope of saving the child who is his only friend.

Right off the bat we are introduced to a bunch of characters, and if you weren't paying attention, you would have a hard time keeping up. The plot, though not complicated, does not wait for you and moves fairly quickly.

A typical storyline full of action packed fight scenes of a lone heroic man, with a complicated past, attempting to save a girl's life. Although this film has many overdone cliche themes (lone super human saving a girl from cruel/ruthless drug dealers and one super bad guy who is of equal strength that the hero must fight), it is definitely not a boring movie to watch.

But of course, being a Korean film, Man From Nowhere did include some tear shedding drama accompanied by orchestra background music. This touch of 'heart warming' element does help balance out the action of the protagonist.

In short, if you like gory fight scenes with tone of explicit scenes full of bloodshed, then definitely watch this film. Nothing new but great friday night kick back film to watch!

With some careful re-analyzation of this film, I decided to bump it from the original rating to a 7. This film felt very similar to Leon, The Professional...just with more blood filled scenes. Though this film has some cliche themes, I have to admit the cinematography and use of sound is above par.

The Raid Redemption (2011)

7/10 [recommended to selected  audience]

The Raid is filled with fantastic action, packed with endless martial arts fight scenes, heart pumping suspenseful moments and a whole lot of gore.

The Raid Redemption is an action packed Indonesian film that feels like a cross between Kill Bill, Jackie Chan film (without the humour), Die Hard and Ninja Assassin.The entire film is set inside a run down apartment building, where layout remains a mystery and every corner of the premise is filled with thugs. The movie follows members of the SWAT team as they attempt to take down the mobster and his arm of killers.

The storyline is fairly simple, with a bit of a twist towards the end, but nothing overly complicated. What is worth noting is the well choreographed fight scenes and captivating cinematography.

Recommended to those who love a brainless action packed film full of blood, fights and action. Even though the subtitles went off course and paused  during parts of the movie, it did not effect the experience of the film.

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)

7/10 [highly recommended]

Powerful true story

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days is a dramatization of the final days of Sophie Scholl, one of the most famous members of the German World War II anti-Nazi resistance movement, The White Rose.

Someone had to stand up to the state, and that someone was Sophie Scholl and her brother. They saw the cruelty of the Nazi regime and decides to make a difference.

Great acting. Gripping true story.

Secret Defense (2008)

7.5/10 [Highly Recommended]

unexpectedly exciting, might need to rewatch parts to fully get the plot twists/storyline

[warning: this film has violence, nudity and some disturbing situations...] 


Secret Defense plot: In France, terrorist groups and intelligence agencies battle in a merciless war everyday, in the name of radically opposed ideologies.

The beginning starts off like the merry-go-round, slow and not so exciting. However, after the initial 15 minutes the film picks up right away like the roller coaster hitting its first hill.

The first 10 minutes introduced the history, relationship and personalities of the characters. There are many different characters, which makes it difficult to track the alliance between the members. This is done purposely to allow you to feel the confusion that the characters themselves feel in a world of espionage and secret service with much detail intelligence information. The introduction of the characters will lead to the ultimate conclusion and ties certain events together.

What "Secret Defense" does very well is it doesn't overdo any element of the film. The film uses of much cinematographic elements that is comparable to blockbuster films, like transitions, camera use and cuts. However, at no point in the film is any of it redundant and overused. Felt very tidy and pristine editing/filming technique.

Also, 70% of the film is shot with hand-held cameras but does a great job of balancing stability vs movement depending on the scene.

This film is not a walk in the park. It has some scenes that are not suitable for all viewers with a rating of 18+.

Tais-toi! (2003)

7/10

Has some hysterical moments

Tais-toi is about a journey taken by a determined outlaw and an idiot thief. Many ridiculous yet absolutely hilarious events ensue.

Take Pink Panther, Three Stooges, some way-too-easy-to-beat-up thugs/cops and roll them together...the end result is Tais-toi. T

Director/writer Francis Veber created a wonderful piece of comedy. Jean Reno gives a terrific performance as the serious character but is stuck with an idiot (much like Pink Panther with Steve Martin). Gérard Depardieu's character, let's just say you end up hating yet liking him at the same time.

There are few times during the film that felt really frustrating (like those moments when you are watching Mr. Bean, and he does something unbelievably awkward) and there are certain moments in this film tha tI was cry-laughing.

I would say give this film a try, it is different type of comedy for sure.

Intouchables (2011)

9/10 [Highly Recommended!]

Fantastic story, funny and touching

Intouchables is based on true events about the relationship between a quadriplegic and a young man from the projets that is found to be his caretaker.

If I was wearing a hat during the film, I would take it off for the amazing performance by the cast. François Cluzet and Omar Sy made their characters come to life on screen. I would say I am now a fan of Cluzet, because not one moment in this entire film did I think of him as Alexandre Beck (Cluzet's able-bodied character from Tell No One).

Intouchables holds some very important key life lessons and  meticulously presents these lessons with humor. This film is able to not only capture the suffering of Philippe but also the joy of his pain. What I absolutely love is how Intouchables is able to overcome hardship/pain with comedy...and does so in such tasteful and delicate manner.

One of the most beautiful and strong friendship brought to life.

Please do yourself a huge favour and go watch this film. I fully enjoyed every second of it!

Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010)

7.5/10

Exciting, elegantly filmed but a too familiar storyline

Plot: After a prison riot, former-Captain Nascimento, now a high ranking security officer in Rio de Janeiro, is swept into a bloody political dispute that involves government officials and paramilitary groups.

Written by the same person who wrote City Of God (which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)

Exciting film that doesn't rely on over use of gore and violence to entertain. It is a film that is grounded in politics, and morales. Elite Squad is about corrupt cops, officials that will do whatever it takes to get votes and the people caught in the middle. This story formular is nothing new, as it has been used in many films, but Elite Squad: Enemy Within is able to create an exciting environment out of this formula.

The use of flashbacks and quick cuts between two events makes this film quite edgy.

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.

Troll Hunter (2011)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Surprisingly good Norwegian film that gives creature features a new twist

Troll Hunter Plot: A group of students investigates a series of mysterious bear killings, but learns that there are much more dangerous things going on. They start to follow a mysterious hunter, learning that he is actually a troll hunter.

I was initially scared to watch this film thinking it would be horror film that is filled with cliche horror moments, dramatic music and gory images of monsters. Troll Hunter put an entirely new twist on creature horror films. I didn't, at any time during the film, cover my eyes in fear BUT I found myself holding my breath in anticipation and eyes glued to the screen. The film is shot in similar style as Cloverfield and Blare Witch Project, using a shaky hand held camera and shot in a documentary fashion.

The acting is above par by this unfamiliar cast. Every moment of tension and action was captured perfectly by this cast.

The CGI of the trolls, felt real. The shaky hand held and documentary filming fashion only helped to emphasize the realistic appeal.

Troll Hunter's story line and held true to the myth of trolls. I learned quite a bit about troll myths from this movie. Too many bad movies nowadays (movie saga that must not be named) moved so far away from the myth of the creatures (vampires) that it lost its core element. Troll Hunters brought the myths of trolls to life, such as trolls turning to stone and exploding with sunlight.

This film also dabbles now and then in a bit of humor, which really help make this film refreshing. I fairly enjoyed the final scene of the film, as the absurdity made me laugh.

Troll Hunter is a creature features aimed at documenting a myth of a monster (oxymoron, I know) and NOT just a horror film directed at scaring you. It seems almost educational in a sense.

I highly recommend this film. It is not that scary but it is uniquely thrilling. Trolling just found a whole new meaning.