Topic: Around the World in 80 DVD's

[richierich]

Last stop in the East...



A raw, gritty and totally unrelenting dramatic depiction of one of America's bloodiest wars.
The men of Bravo Company are facing a battle that's all up hill... up Hamburger Hill.
14 war-weary soldiers are battling for a mud-covered mound of earth so named because it chews up soldiers like chopped meat.

A guilty pleasure this one, I'll probably get pelters for giving this a higher mark than Seven Samurai, but this is what I believe this forum is about, the ability to express opinions and tastes that aren't dictated by tradition and hearsay.
I've seen the movie a few times before, love the gritty action and 'based on fact' plot, and consider it a half decent war film. No, it's not up there with Platoon or Apocalypse Now, but in the next quality tier down it satisfies. Rough around the edges and is now showing it's age, I'd still comfortably rate it a 6/10.

[richierich]

14 days left, and 19 films to go.

I hit the wall in Asia, with moving and the new house time requirements, work and travelling, this has been difficult and I may struggle to complete this in time. Next week I am in Holland, week after in Germany and Switzerland then preparations for trip to Finland and Sweden in April.
Will need to cram several in this weekend, whilst fitting in rugby and other commitments.
Fingers crossed I can get through Australasia and the Americas, and get down to at least one a day with a week or so to go which gives me a chance to cross the finish line within 80 days.

[richierich]

down under in Oz...



Title: The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant

Runtime:186
Certificate:M
Year:2005
Genres:Drama

Plot:Mary Bryant is a true life epic of an extraordinary young woman and her fight for the freedom and dignity of her young family in the colony of Botany Bay, on the open seas of the Pacific Ocean, and in the fine homes of Timor and the courts of Boswell's England.
My Review:
A bit of an undiscovered gem this dvd, great acting, good storyline, plenty of action and graphically portraying the harsh conditions on these first 'convict' runs to Australia. A solid 6/10, with special mention for Romola Garai in the lead role.

My Rating
 

[richierich]

dodging sheep in NZ...



A small Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership of the Ngati Konohi dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Pai. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the village people, twelve-year-old Pai remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people.  With remarkable grace, Pai finds the strength to challenge her family and embraces a thousand years of traditions in order to fulfill her destiny.

Certainly a dvd that would be better understood by a woman, as the underlying theme of the film is the struggle of a girl to be accepted in a mans world. Well crafted, flowed beautifully, and wonderful acting by all involved. Great scenes with the whales, and as a viewer you develop a love/hate relationship with the tyrannical and proud grandfather. A wee bit too slushy for my taste, but I would still recommend a viewing of this with a 5/10.

[richierich]

sailing to Tahiti...



Title: Mutiny on the Bounty

Runtime:127
Certificate:PG
Year:1935
Genres:Action, Adventure, Classic

Plot:HMS Bounty sails for Tahiti by way of Cape Horn... and into movie lore as an American Film Institute Top-100 American Films selection. Grandly filmed, Mutiny on the Bounty captured the 1935 Best Picture Academy Award® and eight nominations total. Charles Laughton portrays Captain Bligh, a seafaring monster ruling with the law of fear.
Solidifying his status as Hollywood's #1 male star, Clark Gable is first officer Fletcher Christian, whose will to obey erodes under Bligh's tyranny. And Franchot Tone plays idealistic midshipman Byam, torn by his allegiance to both. That all three portrayals are vividly memorable is accented by the fact that for the only time in Oscar® history, three stars from the same film were Best Actor nominees.

My Review:
All 3 actors above were best actor nominees, and no wonder! An excellent film, and despite over 70 years of filmmaking still holds it's own as an enjoyable adaptation of a wonderful story. Brilliant directing, acting, cinematography, in fact very hard to find fault. As this can be picked up fairly cheap if you look around, I whole-heartedly recommend the purchasing of this piece of cinematic history.

My Rating
 

[richierich]

Full of passion in Hawaii...



In this landmark film, passion and tragedy collide on a military base as a fateful day in December 1941 draws near. Private Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) is a soldier and former boxer being manipulated by his superior and peers. His friend Maggio (Frank Sinatra) tries to help him but has his own troubles. Sergeant Warden (Burt Lancaster) and Karen Holmes (Deborah Kerr) tread on dangerous ground as lovers in an illicit affair. Each of their lives will be changed when their stories culminate in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

Review a bit late as I watched the film in 2 parts 

I am always dubious about these so called infamous masterpieces, I'm sure everyone has heard of this film but how many have actually watched it? Be warned, this is definately not a war movie and until the very end there is no real link with the happenings of Pearl Harbour. This is a love story and character examination of several lead roles. Very well acted, the B&W filming fits the era well, and of course the now legendary kiss and Lancaster/Kerr's embrace in the pounding surf gained instant fame. I'm certain it will tug at the heartstrings of the ladies more than it did me, although has the last post ever been better played and portrayed on film? 6/10

(click to show/hide)

The knife fight where Borgnine is killed by Clift, looked like two 3-year-old girls arguing over a sweet, and probably the worst fight scene I've ever seen, but thus the funniest thing I've seen for some weeks on film 

[Kathy]

Full of passion in Hawaii...



In this landmark film, passion and tragedy collide on a military base as a fateful day in December 1941 draws near. Private Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) is a soldier and former boxer being manipulated by his superior and peers. His friend Maggio (Frank Sinatra) tries to help him but has his own troubles. Sergeant Warden (Burt Lancaster) and Karen Holmes (Deborah Kerr) tread on dangerous ground as lovers in an illicit affair. Each of their lives will be changed when their stories culminate in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

Hey...where's the review?!?

[Jimmy]

Hey...where's the review?!?

Maybe he really didn't like this one and didn't want to waste his time writing a review 
No seriously where it is?

[richierich]

Underwater to Alaska...



Title: On the Beach

Runtime:198
Certificate:15
Year:2000
Genres:Science-Fiction, Drama, Television

Plot:It's 2006 and most of the world has been devastated by a catastrophic atomic war between China and America. Billions have been wiped out.
Australia is the only refuge for survivors, but radioactive fallout is drifting alarmingly closer. Anarchy and chaos are taking over as tension builds on the loot-ridden streets.
There is one glimmer of hope, a lone American submarine led by Commander Dwight Towers (Armand Assante) sets off in the desesperate search for a faint radio message traced to Alaska.
Their mission is chilling. They see the brutal devastation of the war. Can they see off the end of the world as we know it?
"On the Beach" is based on Nevil Shute's classic novel warning of a terrifying possible future.
This heartbreaking yet exhilarating epic stars ARMAND ASSANTE (Striptease, Hoffa), his love interest is played by RACHEL WARD (Double Jeopardy). Also co-starring STEVE BASTONI (Matrix Reloaded) and BRYAN BROWN (Cocktail).

My Review:
Remake of Kramers classic which starred Peck, Gardner and Astaire. Enjoyed this film, but whoa how depressing is this story! Not the greatest acting or cast list (good to see the lovely Jacqueline Mackenzie ) but Shute's story pulls it through. Let's be honest, we all grumble about sickly Hollywood happy endings, but when they aren't there you feel a bit gloomy! I will hunt down the original now for comparison, for this remake I would recommend it if bought from a bargain bin or to watch on cable/tv.

My Rating
 

[richierich]

Avoiding the traffic in Canada!



David Cronenberg's controversial drama examines the relationship between sex and danger. Adman James Ballard (James Spader) becomes sexually aroused by car crashes after colliding with fellow driver Dr Helen Remington (Holly Hunter). Through Helen, who shares his arousal, James meets Vaughan (Elias Koteas), who enjoys staging and causing car crashes; James then introduces his wife, Catherine (Deborah Kara Unger), to Vaughan, and the two embark on a sexual relationship. Despite being held up by the BBFC for certification, the film remains uncut on video.

An old favourite, not least for the gorgeous Holly Hunter in a number of compromising positions    Cronenberg paints a bleak picture in what at times could be described as soft porn, shocking at times but always thought provoking. Highly recommended 8/10

[richierich]

looking to getaway in USA...



Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, No Country for Old Men is a faithful adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's best-selling novel. McCarthy took the title from the beginning of the poem "Sailing to Byzantium" by William Butler Yeats. The film defies genre classification, artfully mixing violence and suspense with dark humor and contemplativeness.

As with a lot of Oscar winners, one is often left disappointed. Best supporting actor for Javier Bardem is a no-brainer - he portrays the relentless unemotive hired gun superbly. But the rest of the film I found rather plodding, with TLJ as the sheriff always one pace behind the action and trying to solve the riddle without fuss. Would I recommend this film - no, unless you go into it with low expectations, then you may feel happier than I did when I finished watching it today. 5/10

[Najemikon]

I just wanted to say, I absolutely loved No Country for Old Men. Enthralling and brilliant. Slow pace, yes, but I was expecting that after Blood Simple and Fargo, both of which delight in details. Additionally it seemed different from the Coen's other films though I can't quite put my finger on why. I can't wait to see it again and I'd rate it a lofty 8. 

Now unlike some of your other reviews, where you're plain and simple wrong , I can understand why you didn't like it. It is an ambiguous film that makes no effort to make you like it. And I know the ending has infuriated a lot (I was in a group of five people and two were really annoyed!), but I thought it was very fitting and the clues were there from the start.

[richierich]

Hey Amigo!! in Mexico...



With The slash of a steel blade and the mark of a 'Z', he defends the weak and exploits and avenges the wrongs committed against them...
It has been twenty years since Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) successfully fought Spanish oppression in Alta California as the legendary romantic hero Zorro. He transforms troubled bandit Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) into his successor, in order to stop the tyrannical Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), who robbed him of his freedom, his wife, and his precious daughter Elena (Catherine Zeta Jones) all those years ago.
The Mask of Zorro follows Alejandro as he embarks on a passionate journey of love and honour, tragedy and triumph in a swashbuckling epic adventure.

A fun swashbuckling film, well paced and acted, good for a rainy afternoon of easy viewing. 5/10

[richierich]

Getting the scoop in El Salvador...



James Woods gives his "fullest, most humane, most emotional performance"(New York Magazine) to date in this "gritty, harrowing and bold thriller"(Gannett Newspapers). It's 1980. Young men, women and children are being brutally killed in a bloody civil war in El Salvador. It'sa horrific setting...but a perfect one for Richard Boyle, a sleazy war photojournalist whose careerneeds a jumpstart. Armed with his camera, Boyle joins the front lines in an attempt to capture atrocious-but-valuable images of pain and horror. But with each picture he takes, he catches a tragic side of humanity that ignites his long-buried compassion. And he unexpectedly discovers something thatwill change him forever: his soul.

Gritty and intense, Stone gets great performances from James Woods and Belushi. A rather shocking account, not sure how accurate, of events in El Salvador at the time, and probably best judged as one mans view. A very good and unforgettable film. 6/10

[richierich]

Intrigue in Panama...



Coerced into working for British Intelligence, a tailor living in Panama concocts a left-wing movement with the goal of luring the American military into an invasion of Panama, thereby nullifying the Panama Canal treaty

A spy film with Pierce Brosnan, but no James Bond. The story is intriguing and clever, everyone has their own agenda and it's funny to see what they will say and do to get things to work in their favour. Definitely an entertaining film, Geoffrfey Rush steals it as he does in most films that he appears. 7/10