Countdown To Zero (2010) - COMING SOON...But 'WE' Must Prevent 'IT' From Coming.

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

A myriad of emotions passed through me with this latest cinematic storytelling event. Fear; Horror; Worry; Concern; Empathy (for every being and for the Human spirit).

I'll say now that this was no fiction-filled-flick but rather a documentary feature. And one from (recently) Oscar-nominated Brit, Lucy Walker. Now here's a woman who really knows how to tell a heartfelt and poignant 'true story'.

I don't say this based on "Countdown To Zero" alone, that would be naive. No. I previously had the pleasure of seeing Waste Land and that film left me gobsmacked. Indeed, it could be described as a feel-good movie. Just like Slumdog Millionaire was tagged as a feel-good movie - even though filled with evil and bad circumstances throughout until the uplifting ending - Waste Land could be as well.

It is known already, but we are sitting on a time-bomb or rather multiple-bombs in the form of nuclear arms. We have a massive risk hanging over us. This risk, though is not only down to the fact that by the odd switch or two one country could blow ourselves, families and lifelines to pieces. It is a "risk with another risk", of so easily being detonated 'by accident'. These potential accidents or mistakes are shown in this film. I say 'potential' but even that is perhaps the incorrect word as there HAVE BEEN examples of unintentional 'release' and MAJOR panic. You really have to see this motion picture to fully understand.

Accompanied by brilliantly atmospheric music & perfect animation, we witness historical footage as well as some beautiful shots. A few members of the public are asked various questions about nuclear weapons and, for example, individuals are asked to name the various countries 'which they believe' currently have such weapons. Not to mention how many are thought and/or known to be held worldwide.

"Joe Public" is not all that is questioned here... World leaders, politicians and other major figures (past/present) all present their opinions. Most of these - I learned from Lucy Walker's 'Masterclass' and Q & A afterwards - were conducted by Lucy herself...and by no means easy tasks. Whether you dislike, disliked or have disagreed with these political figures in the past you can not help but be moved and interested by their views.

Even Gorbachev & Reagan's 'Star Wars' program and it's ultimate failure or dismissal is shown as touching - but not in the exaggerated way a 'reality' TV show may manipulate it or your feelings.

Whilst I talk here about feelings I feel the need to mention the following... As well as the emotions listed at the start of this review I, for one or two brief moments I experienced Love - not for nuclear weapons - for what the human race could achieve if we all got together, to rid the world of such weapons of mass destruction and therefore this fear.

As brilliant a cinematic documentary as this is - and as Lucy explained - it is so different to her other 3*, especially in narrative. It was also hinted that her future (5th) movie could indeed be different again...a work of fiction in the form of a feature film. Lucy also gave a couple of anecdotes, a story about the lengths to go through when meeting political players, old or new (including how many visits each one took) as well as an amusing tale about her 'un'-intended Oscar dress.

[*See "Devil's Playground"; "Blindsight"; "Waste Land"]

If the mention of a Radiohead track also used in the film [the second Radiohead reference recently - see my review of the Japanese movie, Confessions] doesn't summarise the film and the awe it brings, I'll finish with these further words...

In my opinion, this is a great 'horror' film and with a big heart. So much so that I was on the edge of my seat, especially when we two thirds through it.

...And...as I sit here listening to Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime by The Korgis, it seems to go well with my memories of one of the end shots in the picture. It is a shot where we are above a nuclear missile-head, looking down - one can imagine & fear it going off...not only towards 'us', the audience but also how easily and accidentally the button can be pushed.

If a 'button must be pushed' make it a 'click' on either of the following:

Website

http://www.countdowntozerofilm.com

Twitter:

http://www.Twitter.com/countdown2zero

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/CountdowntozeroUK

"The Eagle" or 'The Last Bling Of Scotland'

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

and MANY, MANY NEW ARTICLES)

"Do You Like Movies About Gladiators?" *

Frankly? No. "But this character's a centurion!", I hear you cry. Indeed, but either way the category of fighters and realm of such is the same...whichever way you cut it. "Have we seen enough movies involving the good ol' Romans?", I hear myself cry. Seemingly not.

Am I sounding a little sarcastic?... Pedantic? ? Apologies if so. I must say that I was a tad tired when seeing this movie, plus other things pressing on my mind...but haven't we all experienced such moments? ;) And before you read any more negative-in-tone remarks from me, I will add that I selected "Better than I expected" on a survey following the showing of "The Eagle". It's just that I feel it could have been better.

I guess that as openminded as I like to be - both in life and film-viewing - I often know what kind of film may not be my cup of tea [no different to most people there] and that tends to make me sit there with an internal smile & trying not to think of 'comical' what-if scenarios in that movie.

The opening scenes and titles are stylish enough & indeed not 'amateurish' and knowing that this new film is from the director of The Last King Of Scotland [which...I've not seen as yet but it was raved about & complimented everywhere, I believe] I was expecting such experienced, & perhaps grand filmmaking.

The movie moves into setting the scene, characters and the like. Formulaic but necessary. I was focused a little on what seemed like varying accents though - was this Scottish, English, American or Irish I was hearing - either way, it was not Roman.

The first main character is here by now, a one Marcus Flavius Aquila [*snigger* even as cosmopolitan as I feel I am]. Marcus is played by Channing Tatum - a fantasy love-child of Tatum O'Neal & Stockard Channing? - and he acts accordingly...I mean both as he should as a centurion and actor.

Next, we need an elder to teach Marcus perhaps the difference between right and wrong ... But would Marcus listen always? Or would he go against his elder's wishes? I mean, the story would have to adhere to both these suggestions wouldn't it, surely, so as to push such a protagonist forwards.

[This is a good time to mention that this film is based on a book and therefore such screenplay structure would originate from these writings.]

The elder whom I speak of is none other than Donald Sutherland. Now, I can't think of him seriously, or at least when hearing his voice, thanks to The Simpsons - the episode “Lisa The Iconoclast” where he plays Hollis Hurlbut, a devotee of Jebediah Springfield.

Anyway. Onwards. On to a miniature amphitheater - way too small for Russell Crowe and his ego - where a slave is brought out to fight with...err...a Gladiator? Of course, it's not Mr Crowe...but who is that slave...? Yes, it's little ol' Jamie Bell.

Again, although I was doing mu best to take this movie seriously and not think of humorous things, this did not stop me thinking of Jamie Bell and of course is most popular role as, yes "Billy Elliott". Thus, after centurion 'Marcus' influences the crowd in the amphitheater to not have this slave beaten or even killed, and Donald Sutherland's character turns to him and asks "Why did you save him?" I couldn't help but answer for him, with... "Because he's a bloody good dancer!" [and if that weren't enough, I had toyed with jesting how his screen-name of Esca was short for - or a nickname for - yes, you guessed it...Elliott!]

Back to seriousness. The film has rich colours and some beautiful scenery, even if looking a tad airbrushed. Apparently, Jeremy Brock (writer of the screenplay and adapted from a book by one Rosemary Sutcliff) also penned the script for Mrs Brown and The Last King Of Scotland. Now, I've seen Mrs Brown and loved it. TLKOS, though, I can not vouch for script & dialogue-wise. I would say, for this film at least there was little originality in words exchanged between characters (especially Marcus and Esca) and instead some dialogue seemed to have been taken from the much-used book called "Lines To Use If Stuck For Original Dialogue".

Lastly, I did notice in at least one of the small battle scenes the use of Ridley-Scott-style so-fast-that-you-can't-make out what's-happening editing. It's not REM but perhaps RSM (Rapid Scene Movement)...?

Of course, it could have just been my eyesight. I sometimes wish I had eyes as good as...oh what's that bird of prey called...?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally...

*The quote at the start of this review, "Do you like movies about Gladiators?" is a nod to, and a line from the film "Airplane!"

+

On a serious note:

The above showing was an exclusive preview screening of "The Eagle", in aid of the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund:

www.operationalcasualtiesfund.co.uk

True Grit (2010) - An Arm for An Arm...

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

and MANY, MANY NEW ARTICLES)

A revenge western which turns out to be far from plain, out on the plains.

To me - being more of a filmworm than a bookworm - the title of True Grit resonated more with me as a known film. Perhaps this is true of others intending to see this movie. This said, I'm no giant western fan...only one or two have held my attention. And I must add that I also knew little about the original film, not having seen it...or at least not as far as I could recall.

I'm not really a fan of remakes also - Hollywood seem to make them for no real reason, and therefore little artistic reason. A film (or novel), if it is to be retold should be done in such a way that it differs immensely and/or includes much more of it's original source than it's predecessor.

The above case is why I was keen to see this Coen Brothers take on the idea, again, even though I'd not seen the 1969 version. I make exceptions for Ethan & Joel (Coen) as, and we all should know this, their directing style - and let's not forget their writing style, as without this it would be a different 'story' - gives us vibrant and fascinating characters, stylish shots & larger-than-life characters.

Of these characters - and I guess the main one, some would say - we are introduced to a young girl named Mattie. She may not have the quirks of a Coen Character to look at but when she speaks it is like a far-too-educated adult in a girl's mind & body. To look at, I was almost immediately reminding me of Dorothy from Wizard Of Oz. I hope we'll see more from the brilliant Hailee Steinfeld soon.

Next up is the unmistakeable gravelly twang of the brilliant Jeff Bridge. We don't see him but we know who it is...As I say, unmistakable.

Now, the next main character is mistakable, in my opinion. If I didn't realise that Matt Damon was featured in this movie prior to seeing it, I would have been trying to guess whom this actor was on first appearance. Note: I'm not one for big actors or the necessity for them to feature in a movie but I would definitely have a "I know that face, but who is it" moment at this point in True Grit. Damon is truly out of character here.

Enough about these few characters, we all know that the Coen Brothers have a brilliant way of turning actors into bizarre, almost-grotesquely-strange and unique characters...& the same can be said for Josh Brolin - out of character but not majorly. He appears much later in the movie, incidentally.

The story moves along smoothly and in a very linear way...more so than other films by Joel & Ethan, it is thought...and I have to agree.

Without giving away the plot - for those who don't know already - I'll just add the fact that as much as it is a drama and comedy it's also, suspenseful & brutal in places. It also, despite being all these things manages to contain a few traditional western-like scenes, landscapes & music. The latter being epic sounding and reminiscent of the wild west that we all know so well.

The movie has everything. Dry wit, desert landscapes & western characters You'll hopefully feel like you've been on the land with them...and go home with the True Grit of sand between your toes.

The KCCUK or Plain Ol' KCC . . . OK?

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

and MANY, MANY NEW ARTICLES)

(some memorabilia collected - not stolen - from the KCC)

For those who frequent or have once attended a film from the Korean Film Festival, partly held in London each year, you may already be aware of the KCC - that's the Korean Cultural Centre (UK/London branch, of course). Either way, it's a place you need to be aware of. If aware of Korea in any way or an almost novice like myself it's a venue with much to offer & good times to be had.

I say this after only a couple of visits to this centre. And...best of all, its all free!

So far I can only speak of Thursday evenings - and not every Thursday, but currently fortnightly ones...this is when they show a certain picked movie. The evening is far from just a "turn up, sit down, watch movie" one. 

In essentially what is really just the foyer and reception area things are going on from around 6pm. The usual things are a couple of Korean games and various nibbles & refreshments available to all. 

The latest visit of mine there was to include something which I was in two minds to take part in or not - this was a chance to try on various Korean costumes. 'Costumes' in the fact that they were period ones - this was to tie in very nicely with the week's film...one filled with such similar clothing. 

I had hoped that my lady-friend was going to accompany me on this particular evening...both trying on such costumes would have given me that much needed push to dress up. Needless to say, it was me...alone...but I decided to try it on for size so to speak ;) 

...But to take the word 'alone' literally would be far from the description of my standing in this venue. It was eventually heaving...at least for the foyer's size. Couples, Singletons, Koreans, English, Cosmopolitan-whoevers...! 

So, in between snack-attacking on rice cake crispy thingies (obviously not the actual Korean name...nor English for that matter) I debated and then decided on wearing such a cosi. Actually I had already made my choice but had to wait for another guy to finish wearing it. It was a lovely gown - see photo - but unfortunately for moi and my stick-thin body the square belt or band required just wanted to slip over my hips and well, to my feet given the chance. 

Anyway, a photo was taken - to which I'd have access to after the film. 

Soon, the film "Forbidden Quest" was to start. I didn't want to miss the start, of course but nor did I want to get a bad seat [Note: my previous visit with ladyfriend, to see "Portrait Of A Beauty" resulted in us STANDING throughout the entire film...not due to a lack of seats - but almost - but due to the remaining seats not being ideal for reading the subtitles]. 

A very nice - & talkative - American woman whom I spoke to prior to the film, had mentioned the seating (essentially the bench rows) being not good for someone with back problems. I was to discover this when taking my pew, but hey at least I had a seat. Let the movie commence.

It was a period film but a comedy, as I cited previously. In fact a film which didn't quite know what it was...but still good. One moment, pretty intriguing and dramatic. The next, outrageously funny. The bench I sat on was pretty bad but mainly due to not being able to lean back...or if I did it would be on someone else's lower legs ;) Don't get me wrong - and as briefly stated before - there were proper seats to sit on plus floor space.

Following many gasps of laughter & gaps of awe, where people were waiting to see how this story would infold, the movie came to a close. We all wandered out towards the reception area and as promised, not only were our previously taken photos ready for our collection, a selection of them were displayed in a lovely pattern on the wall.

I proceeded to check whether it was ok to take mine. It seemed fine to do so. In fact, I was going to leave my photo there as the photos themselves would also be uploaded to the KCC's website...as below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kccuk/5496293803/

(see if you can spot me. . . but. . . you have been warned) 

The staff here really are very welcoming and anyone with any fears or lack of confidence would easily feel at ease. I'll continue to frequent this place, that's for sure. Next stop? Hmmm... Korea itself...? Who knows.

CONFESSIONS (Kokohaku): Oh Father, I Have NOT Sinned. . .

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

and MANY, MANY NEW ARTICLES)

Confessions (Kokohaku) - Japanese with English subtitles

It is rarely I am paralyzed so much whilst watching a movie, and I guess, therefore that it was due to happen to me sometime soon.

And that 'soon' became now - or should I say 'now' became the day I went to the ICA in London and caught this little gem of a motion picture.

I'd not read much about this movie, as always with me. Its the way I prefer. I knew, however, that this was a story regarding a teacher &/or pupils - I mean, the majority of stills used to promote the film, in reviews & showtime listings included were variations on the one where a female teacher stands ominously in front of her class...little more was needed - and I also knew it was Japanese (although perhaps from stills and posters I could have guessed that). Lastly, I'd heard it was very, very good...not least from the ICA themselves.

From the moment the picture starts three main things occur which keep you glued. 1) The teacher is almost laying some ground rules to her class. 2) The music, as haunting and rolling as it is keeps you wanting to see & know more. 3) The reactions of the class and brief, incredibly shot flashbacks ensure that you're not bored. At all.

This first scene goes on for a very, very long time and when it ends you wish maybe it hadn't - but this is in no way to say that the rest of the movie suffers, it does not. A change of scene is necessary to tell the rest of this story. And this is no easy-to-take story. Graphic. Beautifully Bloody. Eery.

I was taken in. Of course, I wasn't the only one. It kept you guessing...unless you'd read the book on which it was based - and even then I don't know how true the narrative and order of the film was compared to the book.

Just when you thought you knew what had occurred in the past - which you almost thought you'd understood from that first long scene - things changed, perhaps only slightly but enough to impact later events & intrigue you more.

This is, in my eyes, a drama or a suspense movie. Some people may try to label it as a horror or, more feasibly a thriller. Its also a love story (or stories), an teenage angst movie and I suppose a poignant look at life & its expectations.

The characters were as mysterious and dark as you could imagine...and not even once - not even at the beginning - did you think these characters would be the sweet humans they had the potential of being. This is largely down to the music and directing style and tone.

The filming is slow-mo, arty and almost music-video worthy (the good kind!) and, as stated before this is what invokes your imagination.

To cap it all, a brilliantly used Radiohead song is featured heavily...but not over-heavily.

But whether a Radiohead fan or not, if you're a 'Filmhead' you won't want to miss this one.

My confessional endeth.