Friday, January 30, 2009

Cast Away


A modernize Robinson Crusoe story.
A crash landing on the deserted island, and he begin his amazing journey.



The main character's name is Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks.
If you take the first word from Chuck, then add in to his surname,
it reads "C.Noland"
"See No Land!!!"
Sacarstic?

Allright,my opinion to this movie....
I like Tom Hanks' performance in this movie.

Overall, this is a boring movie with not much use of sound, not much use of visual effects, and not much use of excellent cinematography.
After the plane crash, you can only see one man show.

Man to watch~ Tom Hanks~
He steal the show, and it's like watching HIS SHOW on HIS STAGE.
Tom Hanks' outstanding performance support the whole movie.

No music used in almost the entire movie.
Trust me, this is a movie that you are not going to watch together with your friends or family, because it is so quiet.
Overall, this movie is so boring and dull.

Without the music to carry audience emotion,
it allows Tom Hanks to has his very own space, to fully utilized his great acting skill.
Tom Hanks carry the audience mood all by himself.

Beside, Chuck Noland do not has any friend in the island, which mean....
there is no acting opponent for Tom Hanks, only a volleyball, called Wilson.
How amazing is this, to see a volleyball co-starring with a top-class actor.

I know many people do not like this movie, and many people will not like this movie.
But, if you only seek for a good acting, you should watch this movie.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Being born as an old man, but must live his life reverse,
and get younger with time.


Before I watch this movie, I have already attracted by this story.
How amazing is this story?

Benjamin Button's diary recount his entire extraordianry life.
It's like we all (as audience) moving forward together with the plot, but he is moving backward.

But, actually, I think it is not.
If you realize his mentallity and intelligence, he is moving his life forward too.

The "reverse" part is the most interesting part.
But actually, this is only happen to his physical appearance.

Is his life extraordianary?
Is his life amazing?
Is his life so special?
Is his life really that curious?
YES....

But, the way Benjamin Button grow, old and die, is pretty similiar with ordinary people.
"We all end up in diapers."
right?

In the end, eventhough he is growing younger, but still,
he lost his memory, he gots bad temper,
he lost his ability to speak, walk, and write,
just like an old man.

The most important thing is, due to his physical appearance,
he is able to see everything by his own point of view, in different angle and different dimension.
And these....are the moral issues that worth for us to think and think again.

Ofcourse, due to the fate that he has to start his life aging backwards,
there are alot of contradict, complex and sad consequences that he has to face.

I really cannot share much with you about this movie,
I do not know how to describe my feeling after I watch this movie.
I do not know how to explain the complex plot.
because it is too amazing, and you really have to watch it yourself.

This movie is a multi-nominated film in Oscar.
Critically, it receive positive comments.

I like the cinematography, screenplay and music.
Absolutely beautiful.

The make up and CGI of Benjamin Button are very convincing and good.
But you cannot give full credit only to behind the scene,
as this character cannot played by any Tom Dick or Harry.

Did Brad Pitt act well?
I have no extreme comment to this.
But I think his acting is quite mature, not bad.

And Cate Blanchett's great performance, really can see some chemical effects between Brad Pitt and her.
But personally, I found that Cate Blanchett looks so similiar like Tilda Swinton (another female character in this movie, the actress who played the white witch in Narnia).
I get confused, I admit.

Watching "Curious Case of Benjamin Button" remind me of some movies.
there are some similiarities between these movies.

"Forrest Gump",
for their (Forrest and Benjamin) amazing journey.

But Forrest is a much more "real" character.
You probably can see a Forrest in real-life.
Tom Hanks portrayed this character with his natural and "naughty" performance.

Benjamin is darker and mysterious,
you can't find any Benjamin in this planet.
Brad Pitt lets you feel heartbreaking and numb.

If I have to choose one of them to be my friend, I would choose Forrest.

This movie also remind me about Adam Sandler's "Click".
Another meaningful movie that makes you think about your life.
It teach you how to appreciate every single moment in your life.

We can see, Benjamin struggle for his entire life to be with Daisy.
He grow younger and she grow older.

When they met at the age of 40+ , it is the perfect timing for them to live together.
These are the most precious moment for them, but it only happen for a very short moment.

The movie tell us, learn to appreciate.
it is worth for you to struggle your entire life, just to get a short but
lovely happiness.

Not forget to mention Andy Lau's "Wait Till You Are Older".
Also a serious movie that talk about life and death.

Ofcourse, unlike "Wait Till You Are Older",
this movie didnt explain much about how come Benjamin Button is born like this and why he need to live his life reverse.

Luckily they didnt, because if they did, it will definitely spoil the movie.
I am sure the reason or cause would be a "childish" and ridiculous one,
just like how "Wait Till You Are Older" get fucked up.

It also remind me about Tom Hanks' earlier movie "Big",
I can't actually recall the plot of the movie, will talk about it nextime.

The flashback narration is like "Titanic", anyway, this is just a minor part of the movie, not so important I know.

Allright, I guess I talk too much,
before I end, I wana recommend you all to watch this movie, that's all!!!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Gladiator

A general who became a slave.
A slave who became a gladiator.
A gladiator who defied an emperor.


"Gladiator" is one of my favourite movie all the time.
Everytime I watch this movie, again and again, I never get bored....

The story is great.
You can always feel the excitement when you are watching a revenge movie.
The character, Maximus is develop well.
How he falls, and rise again, but then, a great death conclude the story beautifully.

Russell Crowe won the Academy Award by playing Maximus.
His performance is indeed very stunning and absolutely top-class.

Credit to the director, Ridley Scott,
a master who know how to shoot visually unique image,
a talented story-teller who know how to make good use of classical music.

Hans Zimmer once again mentioned in my blog,
indeed he is a great music composer.
The sountrack is spectacular.

Ridley Scott often use strong female portrayal.
Lucilla is not a major character, but definitely a tough one.

For a year 2000 film, the CGI used by Ridley Scott is acceptable.
Obviously, the CGI is clearly seen in the movie,
but the visual effect is still considered good.
Massive setting of Germania battle, Ancient Rome, Colosseum and crowd are all well-done.

A very strong relationship linkage between Maximus and the Emperor, Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix).
Commodus want to kill Maximus, because he hate Maximus.

It is not because his father chose Maximus to rule the empire,
but because his father love Maximus.

Firstime they met in Colosseum, Maximus turn his back to Commodus.
Commodus get insulted and wants Maximus to die.
But the crowds want Maximus to live.

Commodus wants to win the crowds, that's why,
in the end, he let Maximus live, because the crowd ask for it.

Secondtime, Commodus arranged a game that is unfair for Maximus, but still Maximus survive.
Commodus tried everything to kill Maximus, but Maximus just simply wont die.

When Maximus request for permission to kill his opponent in the arena,
Commodus granted him, because the crowds ask for it. (again)

But Maximus didnt kill his opponent,
then the crowds called him Maximus the Merciful.

Commodus get even frustrated.
Maximus won the crowd, and that's why he won his freedom.

Thirdtime, Commodus stabbed Maximus before the game.
But still, Maximus able to silent the arena by paying back his revenge, and died with honour.

These are my favourite scenes in "Gladiator".
Every action sequence advanced the plot and develop the characters.

I think only those people who watched this movie will understand what I'm talking about.
Because it's all about Ridley Scott's story-telling technique.

Anyway, another unmemorable scenes that captured my attention is....

1. The Roman Senator admitted that Roman Empire is a mob.
2. Marcus Aurelius wants Roman Empire back to Republic.

Is that true???
frankly, I don't really know.

But, the most important thing is, this movie is amazing.
A must watch movie, a highly recommend movie, a great movie!!!

Friday, January 9, 2009

The Da Vinci Code

The most controversial film of all the time,
since The Passion of the Christ....

Writing a review of the Da Vinci Code is hard for a person like me....
because, I am a Christian.

I watch this movie a couple of times, first time because of movie's popularity,second time because of curiosity.

First time I watch this movie from an audience point of view, but then, I watch it from Christian point of view.

I never read the novel before, I know many of my friends like it.
But if you asked them,majority of them do not like the movie.

Mainly because it is not exciting, and it is not as detailed as the novel did.
But most them clearly know that this is just a novel,with fictional story.

As for me, I got nothing much to say, from an movie audience point of view.
It is a boring movie, messy plot and weak structure.

The only thing I found that is good?
Hans Zimmer's score.

Beside that, I really don't know what is so good about the movie.


Now, from a Christian's point of view.
This is going to be harsh for some people who like it.

The first mistake is the title for the story and film.
Da Vinci Code?
come on, this is Dan Brown Code.

Do you know who is Leonardo Da Vinci?
I bet you don't know.

Because most of us do not even know how to pronounce Da Vinci.
It should be pronounce in Italian, not English.
So,the translation of Chinese is so wrong.
And for your information, Da Vinci is a small town in Italy, not a person's name.

Allrite,maybe you don't care.

Next, I won't say Dan Brown is a devil, I won't say Dan Brown is an evil person who distorted the truth, historical facts and biblical history.
But, I say Dan Brown is a clever author who know how to make money.

Leonardo Da Vinci, probably one of the most clever person in history.
He died, and his name is used by Dan Brown to make money.

What if the novel called "Dan Brown Code"?
it won't sell....because many people called Dan and called Brown nowadays, especially in Western countries.

What if the novel called "Leonardo Code?"
it won't sell....because Hollywood has Di Caprio, and everyone knows that he is an actor.

The story of Da Vinci Code is very interesting indeed.
I admit that.

In the earliest part, a man is pursuaded by an Opus Dei's monk in the Grand Gallery of Louvre Museum.
Then, an Amercian symbologist called Robert Langdon,from Harvard University is contacted to investigate the crime scene.
Then soon, he is confused and seek for the help from Leigh Teabing, a British Royal Historian.

Interesting right???

What if I say,
A man is pursuaded by a psycho killer in Museum Negara Malaysia.
Then, an Malaysian professor, from Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman is contacted to visit the crime scene.
Then soon, he is assisted by a Indonesian Historian.

Ya, sounds funny,maybe some will laugh.
But frankly, it won't sell.

And nobody will believe the story,
because Museum Negara do not have a large history like Louvre did.
Nobody really care about Malaysian, nobody care about Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Nobody will believe in an Indonesian historian.

In the Last Supper painting, John is actually Mary Magdalane? and she rest at Jesus' arm?

if you really know Da Vinci's painting, then you will know why John is portrayed that femine.

If he is Mary Magdalane? Where is John then?

Judah, the one who betrayed Jesus is appeared in the painting?
but John, the best student of Jesus, did not?
Ridiculous!!!

I bet John will smack Leonardo da Vinci if he really paint the Last Supper without him.

Why Peter is holding the knife?

because the knife is used to cut the bread,
that simple.

There is no code inside!

Da Vinci will smack Dan Brown if he is still alive.

Da Vinci would be so upset because he was so poor in his life,

but his name is used by Dan Brown to make easy money.


For those who believe in Da Vinci Cide, I do not want to use the word "cheated".
But, which other word can I used?

The main point here is, Dan Brown wants to make money, and he did.
From the novel he wrote and publish.
From copyright he sell to Sony to make movie.

Who buy his books?
I didnt , my friends did.

Who watch the movie?
I did.

So, did he reach his goal?
Yes.

Anyway, for those who spends their money on Da Vinci Code, but they do not believe in the story, you are not cheated.
But yes, you gave your money to Dan Brown.

I think about National Treasure.
The concept they use is absolutely the same.
To use some historical facts, such as scroll and coins, to twist and distorted the truth.

But, the different is.
National Tresure glorify American History.
So, no people will stand up and protest.
People like it, I like it.
I know it is not true, but I feel the concept and story is good.

But, Da Vinci Code has greater controversial.
It tends to convince the reader that Jesus is not a son of God, and He actually marry with Mary Magdalane.

Allright, I don't care about your religion at this moment.
But, Da Vinci Code actually question the most fundamental teaching and truth of Christianity.
So, what do you expect from Christian reaction?

Christian is ALLOW to watch the movie, I make it very clear.
Some of the Christian is NOT ENCOURAGE to watch the movie, because some of them do not have strong beliefs or strong biblical knowledge.

As for me, I don't think movie has such power to affect one person's religion.
Most of us know Da Vinci Code is not true, even the fans.

You don't expect a person to convert to Christian after he/she watch Passion of the Christ.
But, you don't expect a Christian to convert to other religion after he/she watch Da Vinci Code either.

Right????

Why are we talking about Da Vinci Code here?
it is no longer a hot topic.
I just listen to a preach by Stephen Tong Evangelistic Ministries Inthernational on CD, very interesting.

Some might take it seriously, some might not.
But I take it seriously.

Some people said, it is just a movie.
You can avoid it if you hate it.
"you don't have to say too much!"

But, the pastor just voice up the truth and reply the message in Da Vinci Code.
I think it is necessary, and it is reasonable for them to speak something, and to make some response.

Last time, my friends ask me many questions about Da Vinci Code, but I can't reply them much.
Today, I know, and I admit, I am taking this movie seriously.

Yes, the hot topic and hot controversial were what Dan Brown wish to see, because more discussion of this movie sells more money.
I am the best example, I watch it because everyone is talking about this movie.

At this point, Dan Brown has success.
This is the fact.

Jesus will not reborn in this world again.
Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton are dead.
We cannot prove anything from the person mentioned in the novel.

What left?
Historical location?

More and more people come to visit the church and museum mentioned in the book.
People come to the church and want to see Mary's tomb.

Their intention is influenced by the movie.
But, the church and museum cannot protest much because the fact is,
more people come to visit these location.

So, who do you believe in?
the fictional characters mentioned???
or Dan Brown?

Many people like Da Vinci Code because it hurt Christianity badly.
People who hate Christianity, people who do not belive in Jesus.
They simply enjoy the show and story,
because they feel that they are not alone,
because they feel that what they believe is supoorted by historical facts,
because Dan Brown wrote what they wish
to read.

Angels and Demons is coming soon to the silver screen, and it is highly anticipate by many fans.
Frankly, I will go to watch the movie, because I want to know what happen.

I don't know what will happen in Malaysia, as we know, this country's official religion is Islam mah....

The country CAN BAN Passion of the Christ because it is too violence.
But they can allow Da Vinci Code to be screened, and highlighted that it was not censored.

Funny?

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Dark Knight

Absolutely the best film in 2008!!!

The best superhero movie ever,
and the most successful commercialized movie ever!!!


If you ask me, I dont know the best movie in 2007,
but "Transformers" is definitely the best commercialized movie.

But if you ask me the best movie in 2008,
I have no doubt to tell you that "The Dark Knight" is the best!!!
both commercially and critically....


There are too many credits to give, not only Heath Ledger....
Ya, he died, that create greater impact and gain more attraction....

But the movie didnt promote too much to his dead,
and the movie never highlight that this is the last movie by Heath Ledger.

The Joker is an anarchic villain,
Heath Ledger is like being possessed by this character.
His tongue,his lips,his movement,his facial expression,his voice,his laugh,his smile, and his gestures,it is simply so great.


I remember a scene in Bruce Wayne's mansion,
where the Joker came to find Harvey Dent,
he definitely steal the show....
the way he threated the people in the ballroom,
you really can sense his psychology element.

When the Joker saw Rachel Dawes,
he actually clean up his hair and face,
it shows that he is still attracted to female,
it shows that he is still a human with flesh.
I love it....

Talking about Rachel,
I like how she is being portrayed in a superhero movie.
She is tough, she is brave, and she really can do something,
instead of sreaming for help and waiting for Batman!

I just finish my graduation thesis,
doing a research to study Female Characters Portayed in Action Movies.

Some of my respondents doubt that MaryJane Watson is not a weak character.
Perhaps they just don't like the word "weak".
But the truth is, how Dark Knight portray Rachel is definitely better!!!

She stand up to infront when the Joker is threatening others.
She challenge the Joker,and she kick the Joker, with no fear at all.
Atleast she do somthing.


Next thing to talk about is Christopher Nolan.
A great director,a great scriptwriter.

Because of Nolan, "Batman" is a much more mature fim, compare to Tim Burton's Batman.
Because of Nolan, Batman is darker.

We can see the effort they put in scriptwriting of "Batman Begins" and "Dark Knight".
Every single scene and sub-storyline are important to support the whole movie.
You can never miss a single second of the movie, because everything moves so fast.
There are too many thing to talk when you seriously think about the structure and plot of this movie.


I love the editing too.
The way they edit is great.
You seldom see a great editing that is so obvious, visionary and good.

The scene where the Joker killed the the Mayor and the Judge,
inter-cut with the scene in Bruce Wayne's mansion, where he wana find Harvey Dent.

And also the scene where the Joker kidnapped Rachel and Harvey,
while he is detained in the police station.

The inter-cut is so great.
And ofcouse, music play an important role to this movie.


It was composed by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard.
The action scene's music is composed by Zimmer.
The non-action scene's mucis is composed by Howard.

This is one of the best soundtrack I have ever heard.
Basically, it modified the theme in "Batman Begins".
But they also add in score for the Joker and Two Face,
which are all heartbreaking and breathtaking.

The ending of the movie is great too.
I simply love it.

To use Gordon as the narrator,
and to allow Batman turned become the silent guardian.

Batman is a hero that Gotham deserved, but not what Gotham need at this moment,
that is why,
he ran,
and Gotham chase.

There are alot of things that audiences might not get it, and do not understand.
Christopher Nolan do not explain it too clear, which is a good thing.

For an example, where do the Joker come from?
only the comic fans will know.

The duel between the freaks, is great and exciting!!!

I never read the comics, but I watch Tim Burton's Batman.
According to the earlier movie,
the Joker is actually the same person who killed Bruce Wayne's parents in the valley.
(when he is still young)

Batman hate him,
and he take it personally....
which is why,
he failed....

the Joker do not want to kill Batman,
he just want to play games with him,
this is the two facts I have no doubt at all.

Why Batman do not want to kill the Joker when he have the chances?
(in the movie, he actually have it twice)

I interpret in this way....
Batman hate the Joker too much,
even if Batman kill him,
it won't help Batman to release his anger and hatred.

Batman do not know what to do without the Joker....
Batman is confused, Batman is weak, and he is defeated in this movie.

The interesting thing is, the Joker has no rule,
he has a complete freedom.
That is why he can appear in anywhere,
even in the TV, with no mask.

But Batman, he has a rule,
He need to save the day, yet hiding the reality from the world.
That is why he has to run,
he cannot take off his mask.

The Joker know his weakness.
He use Batman's weakness to complete himself.
As he said to Batman in the movie,
"You complete me"

In Tim Burton's movie,
he said,
"You made me"


So, a tragedic incident happen to Batman and the Joker.
They made each other, because of hatred.

To make it simple,
without the Joker,
there is no Batman.

Without Batman,
there is no Joker.

So, the truth is,
Batman CANNOT kill the Joker.

That is why,
when the Joker said,
"Come on, I want you to hit me!"
Batman can't do it.


I don't know what will happen in the third installment in Christopher Nolan's era.
But I am sure it would be very reasonable and very great.
Let's wait and see.

Maybe the Batman will kill the Joker???
who knows?

But personally, I don't think so.
I afraid this kind of scenario only has low possibility.
And I prefer to see the Joker win in the battle.

Anyway, it was just a movie.
Some might like it, some might not.
Soem might take it seriously, some might not.

But for me,
"The Dark Knight" met my satisfaction
I love it!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Ip Man 叶问


看了电影“叶问”,第一个感觉就是

电影找来叶伟信导演,是个绝对无误的选择。
选港产片看,一点都不难,只要电影是由好导演来执导,有九成会是部好电影。

至今为止,image keep 到最好的应该只有三个。
陈木胜,叶伟信,杜琪峰。
其余的,都在拍烂片。(吴宇森和徐克例外)

曾经喜欢刘伟强,但等他的好片,实在需要太久了。
曾经喜欢麦兆辉,但他拍太多烂片了,实在对这人没什么信心。

说回电影“叶问”,拍得真的有够好,
相信没有多少个人看了会说闷。

一般人都觉得说武术很暴力,武术片更只是打打杀杀。
没错,“叶问”拍得实在有够暴力,
但,对我而言,
电影却呈现出了应有的暴力美!

今天,在电影院看了第二回,
当然,第一次看永远都是比较刺激。
再看第二次,看到了不少武打场面都有用替身。
不足为奇。
毕竟演员还是演员,替身还是替身,
每个人都有自己的工作岗位。

电影另一个小错误,
应该就是找来了GTO里的坏孩子(不知叫什么名)来演日本的三浦将军。

这演员说得一口流利的日本语。
但怎么看,都不像是个日本鬼。
毕竟这人样子太帅了,眼睛也太大,造型也蛮摩登。
看他被打,实在没什么感觉。

身为华人,
看到日本鬼或老外被一代宗师打,
感觉是最棒的!

相信大家都曾在“黄飞鸿”和“霍元甲”里看过了。
“叶问”里的武打场面要更多,也更暴力。

甄子丹在电影里说,
日本人是永远不会明白中国武术里的儒家思想,
因为他们滥用暴力。

我说,
其他种族是绝对不会明白华人观众在看“叶问”时的感觉,
因为他们不明白华人所受的和所被欺压的。

电影拍得好,
当然得先把功劳归给甄子丹和洪金宝。
武术场面实在设计得太完美了。

甄子丹把叶问一角演的出神入化。
不但只是武打场面,
就连非武打场面也处理得很好。

说到非武打场面,
音乐和颜色用得太好了。
那感觉,很伤感,很悲惨。

更令人眼前一亮的是,
那震撼的场景。

踏入2000年后,
鲜少能在港产电影看到古装片。
“叶问”算是敢敢地放胆去拍。

电影情节是否100%真实?
说真的,谁在乎呢?
能把一个人的生平拍成一部精彩的电影,
很难。
不是说叶问的一生很闷,
只是说电影需要一些假情节来支撑住。

我必须用最好的形容词来结束这篇稿。
我真的想不到。

只能说,
“叶问”拍得太好了。
不能不看。

如果你还没看这电影,
别妄为武术片电影迷。
也千万别告诉别人你爱武术片!