Showing posts with label MovieReview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MovieReview. Show all posts

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Macbeth 2015 - Movie Review - William Shakespeare

Macbeth
Year: 2015
Director: Justin Kurzel
Writers: Todd Louiso, Jacob Koskoff, Michael Lesslie
Music: Jed Kurzel
Run Time: 113 min.
Production:
StudioCanal
Film4
Distributed by StudioCanal

Macbeth 2015 - Movie Review - William Shakespeare

A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. This was a stunning production that is very intense.

The description of movie states:

“Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.”

And the synopsis states:

“Macbeth is a 2015 epic historical drama film directed by Justin Kurzel and written for the screen by Todd Louiso, Jacob Koskoff, and Michael Lesslie, based on the Shakespeare play.[6] The film stars Michael Fassbender in the title role and Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, with Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor, Elizabeth Debicki and David Thewlis in supporting roles. The story follows the Scottish lord's rise to power after receiving a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Like the play it was adapted from, the film dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake.”

Key Cast:

Michael Fassbender as Macbeth
Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth
Paddy Considine as Banquo
Sean Harris as Macduff
Jack Reynor as Malcolm
Elizabeth Debicki as Lady Macduff
David Thewlis as King Duncan
David Hayman as Lennox
Maurice Roëves as Menteith
Brian Nickels as Thane of Cawdor
Ross Anderson as Rosse
James Harkness as Angus
Seylan Mhairi Baxter, Lynn Kennedy, Kayla Fallon and Amber Rissmann as the Witches
Lochlann Harris as Fleance
Hilton McRae as Macdonwald
Scott Dymond as Seyton
Rebecca Benson as Maidservant
Gerard Miller as Macbeth's messenger
Roy Sampson as Doctor

This is an intense production. I have seen a few productions of this play over the years. This is a grim, stark, almost minimalist presentation of the story. The intense battle scenes filmed almost in black and white and often in slow motion set the stage for the production. The use of the stark terrain, and light and darkness throughout the filmed adds to the intensity and sense and feel of the work.  

A few years ago my son (now 16) fell in love with the bard, now my youngest daughter (14) has started to have an appreciation for his works. We have tickets to see the production at the Stratford Festival in 2025 and watched this to prime us for that production.

This film version of the Scottish play is well worth watching. Not for the young, or the faint of heart, but well worth it. I am thankful we gave this one a watch, we had 3 options across our streaming services and this was an excellent place to start. 

Macbeth 2015 - Movie Review - William Shakespeare
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Saturday, 31 May 2025

The Passion of the Christ 2004 Movie Review

The Passion of the Christ
2004
Director Mel Gibson
Screenplay:
Mel Gibson
Benedict Fitzgerald
Produced by
Bruce Davey
Mel Gibson
Stephen McEveety
Starring
Jim Caviezel
Monica Bellucci
Maia Morgenstern
Sergio Rubini
Cinematography Caleb Deschanel
Music: John Debney
Icon Productions

The Passion of the Christ - 2004

I recently watched this film, again, for the first time in over 20 years. I had seen it 2 or three times before. The first time I watched in in theatre with a close friend, we could barely speak about it afterwards. And we both had cried during the film. Even though we were roommates we barely spoke about it for days. When it came out on DVD, I watched it on Good Friday. And this year I watched it during Holy Week with my 16 year old son. He asked a few years ago about it, and I advised against it at that time. This year he asked again. And we watched it together. 

This film is based on The Passion in the New Testament of the Bible
And The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. I have not read that volume, I have had a copy for a few years but will bump it after this on my ‘to be read list’.

This is a very visceral film. A few years ago I read What Christ Suffered A Doctor’s Journey Through the Passion by Thomas W. McGovern, having read this doctor’s analysis of what Jesus went through and then watching such a realistic representation of it is not easy. I am writing this 2 days later and my gut still clenches thinking of scenes from the film. 

This film is not an easy watch. But to be honest it is an important one. To see the effects of our sins, of my sins, of the cost Jesus paid. It is overwhelming, it is humbling, and it is inspiring. It inspires me to try harder, to do better, and to give all back to God.

I was on retreat a few weeks ago, and one of my, one of my resolutions was to say ‘yes’ to my son more. Often he would ask to watch something, or watch it again. Often I would say no, I wanted to read, or work on reviews or just did not feel like it. I almost hesitated with this film, I was not sure I was up to watching it again. But it was well worth watching on Holy Week, and having a few discussions based on it with my son. Next we plan on watching the Jesus Film from 1979 which depicts the Gospel of Luke.

The day after we watched this a man on X asked if he could watch it with his 10 year old son. I recommended against it, stating my son who is 16 barely made it through. And my son loves action movies and has seen a lot. We both look forward to the proposed continuation of this The Resurrection.

Not an easy film to watch, and to be honest not one I could watch often. But one I am very thankful I watched, and that I watched it again this year with my son.  

The Passion of the Christ 2004

The Passion of the Christ - 2004
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Wednesday, 12 March 2025

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016 - Movie Review

The Hallow Crown
Year: 2012-2016
Directors:
Rupert Goold
Richard Eyre
Thea Sharrock
Dominic Cooke
Executive producer: Sam Mendes
Producer: Rupert Ryle-Hodges
Running time: varies
Production companies:
Neal Street Productions
NBCUniversal
WNET

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016 Complete Series

A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. After having seen a few of the plasy in this collection we decided to give this series a try. It did not disappoint. It is an absolutely stunning series of adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Historical plays. The title of the series is taken from Richard II:

“For within the hollow crown
That rounds the mortal temples of a king
Keeps Death his court...

— Richard II, act 3, scene 2”

Season one released in 2012 and season 2 in 2016. 

The description of the DVD of this movie collection states:

“From executive producer Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) comes a stunning adaptation of four of Shakespeare's most celebrated history plays: Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and Part 2), and Henry V. Academy Award® winner Jeremy Irons (The Borgias), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), and Ben Whishaw (Skyfall) in his award-winning role as Richard II star in this epic tale of three kings, their battle for survival, and the rise and fall of a dynasty.”

And the synopsis states:

“The Hollow Crown: The Complete Series is a collection of Shakespeare's history plays adapted into a television series, showcasing the rise and fall of English kings and the political intrigue of the time.”

Another description states:

“A collection containing all seven BBC filmed adaptations of Shakespeare's 'History Plays' from 'The Hollow Crown' series, comprising 'Richard II', 'Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2', 'Henry V', 'Henry VI: Parts 1 & 2' and 'Richard III'. Beginning in the year 1399, the plays deal with events affecting the monarchy during a period where the ruling orders of Richard II, Henry IV and Richard III find themselves beset by rebellion, greed and war.”

This can be purchased in a number of ways, you can buy season 1, or season 2 called War of the Roses, There are couple of Complete editions with different covers. And I believe you can purchase each separately on DVD or from digital services.

The plays in this collection are:

Season 1:
Richard II
Henry IV, Part I
Henry IV, Part II
Henry V

Season 2:
Henry VI Part I
Henry VI Part II
Richard III

Key Cast:
Jeremy Irons
Tom Hiddleston
Benedict Cumberbatch
Hugh Bonneville
Judi Dench
Sophie Okonedo
Tom Sturridge
Simon Russell Beale
Judi Dench
Ben Whishaw
Patrick Stewart

From what I have read the first season stayed very true to the plays, but season 2 truncated much of the source material. But that does not take away from the power of these productions. Richard III is one of both y sons and my plays. I have seen Colm Feore play the role over 30 years apart at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. My son had scoliosis and his curvature nearly perfectly matched Richards from when his grave was discovered. So it is always one dear to our hearts. But to be honest each of the 7 productions was magnificent. 

My son's before and after and a costume from Stratford 2022

I honestly feel writing a review of the series will never do it justice, I should go back and rewatch each and write a review after each one. The series was nominated for 14 awards and won 6. Stand out performances by Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff, Jeremy Irons as King Henry IV, Tom Hiddleston as King Henry V, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III as well as incredible supporting casts make these productions unforgettable.

Each of the 7 could easily have had theatrical releases. The production quality is top notch, The locations, the costumes, the combat, and even the cinematography is all excellent!

If you are a fan of the works of The Bard these are a must watch!

The Hallow Crown Series 1

The Hallow Crown Series 2 The War of the Roses
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Friday, 7 February 2025

M*A*S*H - 1972-1983

M*A*S*H
1972-1983
Creator - Larry Gelbart
 
M*A*S*H - 1972-1983

It took me just over a year but I rewatched M*A*S*H and at the beginning alternated seasons with seasons of Columbo. I had always been a fan, I can remember watching episodes with my dad, my grandmother, and later my step-mom had the series on DVD. Before beginning the series, I watched the 1970 movie, which I am pretty certain I had never seen. After finishing the series I watched M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television which was released in 2024, and W*A*L*T*E*R (1984) which was filmed as a pilot and only aired once. I could not find anywhere to watch After MASH (1983-1985). Trapper John M.D. (1976-1986) is a spinoff of the 1970 movie and I do recall it a bit from my childhood, apparently the pilot has a photo of Rodgers and Alda thus partially linking it to the TV show.
 
It was interesting watching the series from beginning to end. Many of the episodes were familiar, I few I recalled in their entirety, and only a couple did I not recall at all. I felt a certain sense of melancholy every time the opening sequence played. Over the last several years my son and I have read many books about Military Chaplains, especially Emil Kapaun. But the melancholy was appropriate for the material, I feel like the theme song became more sombre as the seasons progressed, it felt muted and more sombre in the later seasons.
 
What stuck out to me watching the entire season was the realism. The series started as pure comedy but soon they start tackling deeper subjects, and they explored many different ways to present the episodes story. Two that stand out are the episode filmed entirely from the patient’s Point of View, and the one with a running clock in the corner counting down in real time Life Time. The episode where Hawkeye and Houlihan get trapped in an active battle Comrades in Arms. BJ’s failing at keeping his marital vows Hanky Panky. And even Father Francis Mulcahy’s loss of hearing and struggles with his faith over it.
 
What I think of most when reflecting on the series is friendships, and even just acquaintances coming together in difficult times and finding a way to get through them. I think about comradery and having support. I think about faith, doubt, and finding a way to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at you.
 
The key cast members are:
 
Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce - Alan Alda
Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Penobscott) - Loretta Swit
Maxwell Q. Klinger - Jamie Farr
Father John Patrick Francis Mulcahy - William Christopher
Trapper John McIntyre - Wayne Rogers
Henry Blake - McLean Stevenson
Frank Burns - Larry Linville
Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reilly - Gary Burghoff 
B.J. Hunnicutt - Mike Farrell
Sherman T. Potter - Harry Morgan
Charles Emerson Winchester III - David Ogden Stiers
 
When the series ended it was the highest rated Television Show of all time for live viewership. It is a record it still holds for non sporting television, and one unlikely to ever be broken in the age of streaming. The show had 64 wins and 154 nominations for awards including 14 Primetime Emmys. And Alan Alda won three different Emmeys he won: Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (twice), Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series also a record.
 
M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television which was released in 2024 used footage from the 30th Anniversary special for cast members who are now deceased and new footage with several of the surviving cast members. Woven around the story about the series and stories about on and off set happenings.
 
I greatly enjoyed rewatching this series and seeing it from beginning to end. What I love most is it is about friendships and relationships. And it took me back to watching it with my father. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 251 episodes and believe it is better than much on TV or streaming these days. If you have not watched it, maybe give it a try, and if it brings back fond memories maybe revisit the series. Goodbye, so long and farewell. 

M*A*S*H - 1972-1983

M*A*S*H - 1972-1983

M*A*S*H - 1972-1983

M*A*S*H - 1972-1983
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Friday, 25 October 2024

Cymbeline - Movie Review - William Shakespeare

Cymbeline 
Year: 2014
Director: Michael Almereyda
Writers: Michael Almereyda William Shakespeare
Run Time: 98 min.
Production: Grindstone Entertainment Group
Benaroya Pictures
Distributed by Lionsgate

Cymbeline - 2014 - William Shakespeare

A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. This was a stunning production that is very hard hitting, done in the style of the 1996 Romeo and Juliet. In that it is filmed with modern sets, weapons and vehicles, but keeps the Shakespeare language and pacing.

The description of the DVD of this movie states:

“Academy Award nominees Ethan Hawke (2014, Best Supporting Actor, Boyhood) and Ed Harris (2000, Best Actor, Pollock) lead a powerhouse cast including Milla Jovovich, John Leguizamo, Penn Badgley, Dakota Johnson, Anton Yelchin, Bill Pullman, and Delroy Lindo in a gritty story of a take-no-prisoners war between dirty cops and an outlaw biker gang. When extortion, betrayal, and fiery passions threaten his criminal empire, a drug kingpin (Harris) is driven to desperate measures in this explosive, modern retelling of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy.”

And the synopsis states:

“Based on the play Cymbeline by William Shakespeare, the story revolves around a war between dirty cops and a biker gang. The king of the bikers has lost his sons and needs his daughter to marry royalty to maintain the bloodline. The new Queen wishes to kill the king and her step-daughter in order to install her own son as the new gang leader. The step-daughter has married a penniless gang member, who is banished from the gang territory by the King. The banished son-in-law is tricked into believing that his wife is unfaithful through a photograph taken while she was sleeping. These many intertwined players will travel through desperate straits before all is resolved.”

Key Cast:

Ethan Hawke as Iachimo
Ed Harris as Cymbeline
Milla Jovovich as The Queen
John Leguizamo as Pisanio
Penn Badgley as Posthumus
Dakota Johnson as Imogen
Anton Yelchin as Cloten
Peter Gerety as Dr. Cornelius
Kevin Corrigan as The Hangman
Vondie Curtis-Hall as Caius Lucius
James Ransone as Philario
Spencer Treat Clark as Guiderius
Bill Pullman as Sicilius Leonatus
Delroy Lindo as Belarius
Harley Ware as Arviragus
Diego Cortez as Frechman
Mauricio Ovalle as Fu Manchu

This is an excellent production. Since watching it I have mentioned it to numerous friends and family. And it has come back to mind often. After seeing the play version of Cymbeline from Stratford twice now I can say both are excellent productions. This production keeps true to the play very closely. The play version gender swapped the roles making it Queen Cymbeline but it worked very well. 

In this version I came to have a greater appreciation for many of the actors who were in the production. Ethan Hawke as Iachimo was outstanding as the villain. 
And Ed Harris’s portrayal of King Cymbeline is masterfully played. I was surprised by Milla Jovovich as The Queen and her cunning and guile. But a stand out performance was John Leguizamo as Pisanio.

This has taken over as my favourite film production of a Shakespeare play. It is a near perfect execution. The cast, the music, the action it is all very well done. I can easily recommend this production for fans of Shakespeare, or to be honest anyone who wants an incredible drama action movie to watch!
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Thursday, 18 July 2024

Columbo TV and Movie Review

Columbo Review
Years 1968, 1971, 1971-2003
Director: Richard Irving
Writers: Richard Levinson, William Link
Production Universal Television 
1968-1978, 1989-1997
Studio USA 
1998-2001
Universal Television Network 
2003


I recently watched the entire run of Columbo from the two pilots or made for TV movies, through the first run, and then the reprisal of the role. The series originally ran from 1968-1978 on NBC, then on ABC from 1989-2003. There are few who would not recognize the title character in this trench coat and with his cigar. The show has been rebroadcast in 44 countries. 

I started watching the series in order in the fall of 2023 and finished in Spring of 2024. At first I was alternating 2 seasons of M*A*S*H with a season of Columbo, but by season 5 of Columbo became addicted especially to it and watched it through to the end. I must admit I do not watch a lot of TV, or even Movies any more. Most of what I watch I watch with my kids or family. But I started the two series named above, and often watched while I prepped lunch and ate while working from home, and often an episode could spend 2 or 3 lunch breaks. Which reminded me a lot of watching it on A&E; 30ish years ago, where an episode was spit across 2 days.

I became fascinated with the show and the man. I have since read a biography of Peter Falk, have his autobiography and have picked up the first novel by William Harrington, and even the volume Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth by Jenny Hammerton.

Both IMDB and Wikipedia List the show as running 10 seasons plus a series of special TV Movies that are listed as an extension of season 10. 

The episodes are:

Pilots
Prescription Murder
Ransom for a Dead Man

Season 1
Murder by the Book
Death Lends a Hand
Dead Weight
Suitable for Framing
Lady in Waiting
Short Fuse
Blueprint for Murder

Season 2
Étude in Black
The Greenhouse Jungle
The Most Crucial Game
Dagger of the Mind
Requiem for a Falling Star
A Stitch in Crime
The Most Dangerous Match
Double Shock
Murder Times Two

Season 3
Lovely but Lethal
Any Old Port in a Storm
Candidate for Crime
Double Exposure
Publish or Perish
Mind Over Mayhem
Swan Song
A Friend in Deed

Season 4
An Exercise in Fatality
Negative Reaction
By Dawn's Early Light
Troubled Waters
Playback
A Deadly State of Mind

Season 5
Forgotten Lady
A Case of Immunity
Identity Crisis
A Matter of Honor
Now You See Him...
Last Salute to the Commodore

Season 6
Fade in to Murder
Old Fashioned Murder
The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case

Season 7
Try and Catch Me
Murder Under Glass
Make Me a Perfect Murder
How to Dial a Murder
The Conspirators

Season 8
Columbo Goes to the Guillotine
Murder, Smoke and Shadows
Sex and the Married Detective
Grand Deceptions

Season 9
Murder: A Self Portrait
Columbo Cries Wolf
Agenda for Murder
Rest in Peace, Mrs. Columbo
Uneasy Lies the Crown
Murder in Malibu

Season 10 
Columbo Goes to College
Caution: Murder Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star
Death Hits the Jackpot
No Time to Die

Movies
A Bird in the Hand...
It's All in the Game
Butterfly in Shades of Grey
Undercover
Strange Bedfellows
A Trace of Murder
Ashes to Ashes
Murder with Too Many Notes
Columbo Likes the Nightlife

I recalled many of the episodes and only a few had I never see before, one that really caught my attention was It’s All in the Game from 1993 featuring Faye Dunaway and Claudia Christian. I have been a huge fan of Claudia’s work since Babylon 5. And I know this was an episode I had not previous seen. It is also one of only 2 episodes where he lets the murder or an accessory get away with it. 

There was a sense of melancholy as I watched the final season and the movies that came after it. After having read Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk by Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes and being aware of his alzheimer's. It was a very different feel to watching those stories. As well as knowing that he had planned a 70th episode that would could not be completed on because of the illness. 

At the end of the episode Last Salute to the Commodore, 1976, Columbo starts whistling This Old Man, it plays a role in most episodes from that point on. Including Columbo asking a musician to teach him it so he can play it for his wife in the penultimate episode Murder with Too Many Notes, 2001, because she hums it constantly while cleaning and cooking.

There are many quirky things about the show. First Columbo wears the same suit in every episode. And his recognizable jacket is now in the Smithsonian, in the Americana display. His comments a few times about quitting cigars and the bad habit they are but persisting in smoking them, much as Falk himself did. Also in most instance we know who the killer is and how they did it, often seeing the murder in the first few minutes. But the show is intriguing as we watch Columbo put the pieces together and seeing what stand out or if off. For example a supposed suicide who had just used mouth wash and trimmed his toenails. Also the many co-stars or special guests who graced an episode or more than one. William Shatner playing the villain in episodes many years apart spanning 18 years. Leonard Nimoy, Johnny Cash and the list goes on. In fact these actors all played the bad guy more than once: Patrick McGoohan, Robert Culp, Jack Cassidy, George Hamilton and William Shatner. To taking a while to figure out where I knew Greg Evigan from. 

The show had 49 award nominations and 23 wins. And Falk played the character for 35 years. For a non-soap opera it is astounding. Watching this series from beginning to end was a great experience, it it got me thinking about other shows from my youth, for a few years I have been trying to track down a way to watch Qunicy ME, T.J. Hooker, Rockford Files and other shows from my youth. Watching this was like a throwback to watching it with my father. I love the show and have a greater appreciate for Falk.  


Books about Peter Falk or Columbo:
Columbo Phile - A Casebook - Mark Dawidziak
Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton
Shooting Columbo - David Koenig
The Columbo Companion, 1968-78: Investigating Every Detail of All 45 'Classic Era' Columbo Adventures - The Columbophile
...

Columbo Books:
A Christmas Killing - Alfred Lawrence
The Dean's Death - Alfred Lawrence
Any Old Port in a Storm - Henry Clements
By Dawn's Early Light - Henry Clements
Murder by the Book - Lee Hays
A Deadly State of Mind Book - Lee Hays
The Columbo Collection – William Link
…

Columbo Novels by William Harrington:
Grassy Knoll (1993)
The Glitter Murders (1997)
The Hover Files (1998)
…

Related Posts:
...
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Saturday, 22 May 2010

Robin Hood 2010 - Movie Review

Title: Robin Hood
Year: 2010
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Brian Helgeland
Studio: Universal Pictures
Film Stock: Color
Run Time: 140 min.

This movie surprised me on a number of levels. First and foremost was the new and unique interpretation of the Robin Hood tale, beginning with a very different portrayal of King Richard the Lionheart, down to Robin's heritage and rise to fame. This movie is almost all back-story; it ends when most Robin Hood legends begin, with Robin becoming an outlaw. It is the story of an archer who travels back to England under an assumed name in order to survive. And yet in fulfilling an oath to a dying man he goes to Nottingham to return a sword. Robin soon learns the full story of his past and takes up a name and a responsibility for people around him that he had never shouldered before. He is a man of character and a man of integrity in a time when both are coming to be in short supply. The movie, and Robin's own past, both focus around an inscription on a sword "Rise, and rise again. Until lambs become lions." Something about it triggers memories from Robin's youth.

There is much to appreciate about this version of the Legend of Robin the Hood, and some that leave to be desired. First, the cinematography is stunning and incredibly well done. Director Ridley Scott uses imaginative transitions and cuts for battle scenes and overall visually the film is very well done. The action by Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett is strong and convincing. William Hurst as an older advisor and lord is a fitting cunning supporting role. Mark Strong as Godfrey, a wolf in sheep's clothing, plays an incredible villain. But what lets the movie down most is the orchestration, the score composed by Marc Strietenfeld. By about half way through the movie it sounds too similar to the Lord of the Rings scores, and at times too majestic for the action on screen. The score is the weakest part of the entire production. The other thing that makes this film rank a little lower for me is the fact that they leave it set up perfectly for a sequel or even a new franchise, and yet there is no indication of a follow-up film in the works. In conclusion, it is a good film, but it leaves you wanting to know the rest of the story.

(First published in Imprint 2010-05-21.)
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Friday, 18 September 2009

9 - Movie Review


Title: 9
Year: 2009
Director: Shane Acker
Writer: Panela Pettler (Screenplay), Shane Acker (Story)
Producer: Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov
Studio: A Focus Features & Relativity media Film
Stock: Color
Run Time: 74 min.

"9" is a movie that will make you think; it will cause you to reflect upon man, humanity and what the world would be like without us. It is a nonstop action-packed adventure, from director Shane Acker. It is a feature-length adaptation from his Academy Award-nominated 2004 short film with the same name.

The story is set in the not too distant future. A future in which a great machine that was to be a tool of peace became a tool of war. The great machine was first used to wage war against other countries, and then against unrest at home. Eventually the machine revolted and waged war on all mankind. Humanity has been wiped out, and the machines have mostly gone dormant. The film begins with 9, a small creature created by a scientist awakening to life.

9 soon realizes that there are others like himself; 2 has been taken by a machine and 1 wants to keep hiding, but 9 and 5 go into the barrens in search of him. In doing so, they awaken the great machine. 9 realizes that they must undo what he has done. 9 also realizes that they have been left a mission, a quest. They are the legacy of civilization, of humanity.

These creatures, called 'stitchpunk' - based on their cloth exterior and mechanical interior and extremities, are fascinating creatures. Small in size and individual abilities they must work together to defeat the machines and establish a future hoped for by their creator.

But in my opinion, the greatest feature of the film is the underlying themes, the philosophy, the theology of the work. The film is eschatological in nature dealing with the end times or end of history, end of humankind. However with the creation of the 9 it is also the beginning - a genesis of sorts. It is the end of humans and the beginning of the stitchpunks, with 4 and 5 as childlike, and an obvious romantic tension between 7 and 9. After the film, those of us who went together sat in silence through the entire credits, just thinking and reflecting on the film. One guy commented, 'I'm thinking; I am not sure about what but the movie has me thinking." That, in and of itself, is a great thing. This film will be fantastic to watch in a group and head out for coffee or pints after to begin the dialogue that the film will inspire.

The film is voiced by an all star cast; 9 voiced by Elijah Wood, 1 by Christopher Plummer, 2 is Martin Landau, 3 and 4, scholarly twins who communicate nonverbally and mostly with each other; 5 is John C. Reilly, 6 by Crispin Glover, the feisty 7 is Jennifer Connelly, and 8 voiced by Fred Tatasciore. The animation and cinematographic scope of the film is incredible. At times you forget it is animation. With Tim Burton's name associated with the film, it cannot help but do well in the box office. With an opening weekend of more than $3 million it is a commercial success, the question is, will the themes and undertones in the film cause discussion and maybe help us to avoid such a future? That is something that only time will tell.

(First Published in Imprint 2009-09-18.)
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Thursday, 24 April 2008

Leap of Faith - A Film Criticism

Title: Leap Of Faith
Year: 1992
Director: Richard Pearce
Writer: Janus Cercone
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Film Stock:
Color (DeLuxe)
Run Time: 108 min.

When this film came out in 1992 I was heavily involved with the campus ministry Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) at Queen's University. The campus directors and all the Christian leaders I knew at the time, warned 'good Christians' not to see the film. As a good little soldier I obeyed for about a year. When I finally saw the film I thought it was great. Though it was done in the genre of a comedy, I would argue that the story becomes drama with the miracles that happen during the telling of the story. Many Christians avoided this film, which could have been a great tool for dialogue and reflection upon faith, hope, and doubt. I believe that it is a tragedy that so many Christians avoided this film. Therefore I will argue that this film is a comedy/drama that Christians should have watched, that it is a great story, and though often interpreted as against Christianity and against faith, I would say it shows real faith.

When the film came out there was a very strong negative reaction to it within the Christian Community. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops rated this film A-III for adults only. The review on the USCCB website states: "Director Richard Pearce's serio-comedy of religious hucksterism has few laughs and little meaning, made all the more unsatisfactory by a vague, feel-good ending. Comic depiction of religious sentiment exploited for profit and an implied sexual encounter." The Roman Catholic Church strongly recommended that the faithful not watch the movie. My own mentor through CCC asked us to pass out flyers asking people to boycott the film. Even the New York Times writer Janet Maslin states: "Well acted and amusingly told, featuring a fine performance by Steve Martin in the central role, this tale ultimately switches gears and takes a deeply serious turn. 'If I get the job done, what difference does it make?' Mr. Martin's Rev. Jonas Nightengale, a bogus faith healer, asks twice during the story. The second answer he receives sums up the film's fundamental message: 'It makes all the difference in the world.'" The screen shot is of a third time this statement is used, this time by Boyd after he has been healed and is asking Jonas to travel with him. Boyd thinks it does not matter if miracles are happening. He wants to join Jonas's entourage and go on the road.

The religious elements in this film are obvious and blatant - both the faith of the religious who want to believe and hope for miracles, and also the faith Jonas has that everybody is a sucker. Yet as Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat in their review of Leap of Faith declare: "The point of Leap of Faith is well worth pondering - miracles cannot be summoned by command; they happen spontaneously, by grace, and often to those who least expect them." The film raises a number of serious religious questions. Those questions are: first, did a miracle happen and was Boyd actually healed by God? The second is: did Jane Larson experience conversion from cynic and part of the team of conmen? And finally, was Jonas Nightengale's leaving a sign of his conversion and contrition? Each of these questions possible 'miracles' and raise questions that are worth further discussion - however not in the scope of this paper.

Because of the turn of events from comedy to drama, this film has many redeeming qualities. Many Christians may have avoided this film, and some may have also persuaded others not to attend, myself included. Yet in doing so, they missed out on an opportunity to dialogue and to discuss both the scams presented by Jonas and the possible miracles that occurred during the film.



EndNotes:

  1. http://www.usccb.org/
  2. http://movies.nytimes.com/
  3. http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/



Bibliography

http://www.usccb.org/
(Visited 2007/10/23)
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/
(Visited 2007/10/21)
http://movies.nytimes.com/
(Visited 2007/10/21)

(First Written for RS266 Religion in Popular Film Fall 2007.)
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Sunday, 20 April 2008

Prince Monoke - A Film Criticism

Title: Princess Mononoke
AKA: Mononoke-hime
Year: 1999
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki (Screenplay), Neil Gaimen (English Adaptation)
Studio: DENTSU Music And Entertainment
Film Stock: Color (Fujicolor)
Run Time: 134 min.

In Princess Mononoke Hayao Miyazaki tells a Shinto tale. Even though Neil Gaimen helped to bring it to a Western audience by helping to dub it for an English audience. It still remains a story of Shinto, told for a Japanese audience. Despite the fact that it has gathered a following in North America, the story does not become a product of Hollywood, and thus lose it's primary message. In the first chapter of The Sacred Paths of the East, Theodore M. Ludwig states: "The Human adventure can be viewed from many perspectives - and indeed there should be many perspectives, since there is not just one human story, but many stories. Common to these stories is a searching for meaning, for wholeness, for some connection to the larger continuity of human life. That searching has often been expressed in what we call religious structures, ideas, and experiences." Thus we will examine Princess Mononoke first from the perspective in which that story is used to examine life and make sense of it, second that this story is a religious story, and third in comparison to other stories Princess Mononoke stays true to Hayao Miyazaki views of his religious tradition in a way that some other films do not, especially when it is translated for a North American audience.

In order to understand how Princess Mononoke is truly Shinto we must first understand Shinto. Ludwig say's this about Shinto: "The word Shinto, modeled after Chinese terms, means in native Japanese terms the 'Way of the Kami' (kami no michi). This refers primarily to Japanese religion as a way of life according to the will of the kami." Later Ludwig states: "The kami who are negative and destructive are also respected - those who bring vengeance and calamity on humans. For these kami, too, are manifestations of life-power, turned to the destructive side, and they also are worthy of reverence and worship." The best example of this is seen in the screenshot. We have the Oracle or wise woman bowing to the nearly dead boar god, and asking for him to pass in peace. She also promises that rituals will be performed for him. This is something a westerner would not understand or do; our Judeo-Christian heritage tells us we are to subdue the earth and its inhabitants not bow down to them. Therefore we can state that this not a typical western or westernized film.

Hayao Miyazaki uses Shinto beliefs and practices as a narrative device. Through them in this film he examines Shinto beliefs and practices in a way that it represents the his view of Shinto through story. Ludwig emphasizes: "Norinago's reason for emphasizing this is to advocate the Shinto attitude of accepting evil and death as part of life without resorting to foreign teachings (as in Buddhism and Christianity) that deny death by hoping for some kind of life after death." This is seen in the film by Ashitaka's quest to find the cause of the boar god's wound and anger. Even though he is cursed and going to die from the wound, he is struggling against the evil in himself, and in both Irontown and Princess Mononoke. He is trying to find a way to end the cycle of hate and anger. Ludwig then states: "So the path of transformation begins with purification of the physical world and of the inner heart, and it leads to renewal of life in communion with the kami, the source of all goodness and blessing." This is the mission Ashitaka is on. He is seeking to restore balance in a world off kilter and out of balance.

The Shinto ending of the film is clearly seen in a number of ways. The first is that there is no clear good versus evil - there are characters with varying shades of good and bad in them. Also the story is not truly resolved at the end of the film. It does not get all wrapped up in a nice little package. For Ashitaka states this near the end of the English version of the film: "I understand, you'll live in the forest and I will go help them rebuild Irontown. I will always be near. Yakul and I will come and visit you whenever we can." Yet in the Japanese version with English subtitles the message is slightly different. He states they will live together, him at the Ironworks and her in the woods. Yet both are clearly a Shinto end to the film. There is no happily ever after, as in many of Disney's or even North America's other films. Compare this ending with the 1967 Disney version of the Jungle book, where Mowgli leaves the jungle and goes to the girl in the village or the 1989 release The Little Mermaid where King Triton gives his daughter to a man to marry. In both of these other Disney examples the stories are turned into happy endings so people can leave the theatre and feel good. In this story the couple end up with a strange hard relationship and neither sells out, but both have a level of hope.

From these three examples I would declare that Princess Mononoke is a Shinto story, told from Hayao Miyazaki's vision of Shinto. It kept it's Shinto message even while undergoing the transformation of being dubbed for a non-Japanese audience. It is a tale of Spirits, Gods, Nature, and Humanity seeking to find their place in the world, and working through the interactions between the kami and humans. Donald Nicholl in his article "Scientia Cordis" declares: "Certainly a striking feature of many of the great spiritual adventures of this century has been the way in which, having lost their bearings within their own traditions, they have sought them in some other - and have almost gone over to that tradition, only to discover their bearings once more within their own." This could explain the fascination and cult like following to this film and it's director in western society. Nicholl also says: "Hence the Characteristic medium of the scientia cordis is neither a principle nor a law but a story - a story that will move the heart." Hayao Miyazaki tells a Shinto story but he tells it in such a way that it becomes a medium to reach the hearts of practitioners of other traditions. Thus Miyazaki's films - his stories - will have an audience across religious traditions. Yet the story will remain a Shinto tale.


Endnotes:
  1. Ludwig, Theodore M. (2001), The Sacred Paths of the East 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall, Toronto, p.3
  2. Ludwig, p.246
  3. Ludwig, p.248
  4. Genesis 1:28 various translations. See Appendix A.
  5. Ludwig, p.251
  6. Ludwig, p.253
  7. Princess Mononke (1999) English Dubbed Version
  8. Princess Mononke (1997) English Subtitle's from the Japanese Version
  9. Nicholl, Donald, (1997) The Beatitude of Truth, Dartmon Longman & Todd, London, p.150
  10. Nicholl, p.161

Appendix A
Bibliography

Ludwig, Theodore M.
The Sacred Paths of the East
Prentice Hall, Toronto, 2001,

Nicholl, Donald
The Beatitude of Truth
Dartman Longman & Todd, London, 1997,

http://imdb.com

(First Written for RS266 Religion in Popular Film Fall 2007.)
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