“The Orphanage” - far from Awful-age & more like Awe-filled-ness [Really Orph-full Review Title]

Original review on new website: http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: The Orphanage (El Orfanato)

Year: 2007

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

Venue: Prince Charles Cinema, London

Further Info: http://www.princecharlescinema.com/

Cast:

Belén Rueda

Fernando Cayo

Roger Príncep

Geraldine Chaplin

Running Time: 105 minutes

Tuesday 17th May

[Following "Julia's Eyes"... http://bit.ly/l8Iau5... ] I focused on exiting the cinema, like a man possessed [and intent on getting food], did my best to verify the ETA of the next film to appear on the screen & headed to the culinary un-delight vendor around the corner. I purchased a bite, headed back to the venue, grabbed a coffee and took position again in the cinema. If that reads a tad speedy that's because it was!

One quick and discreet phone-call later and the film was almost underway.

The Orphanage was On:

Amongst children seen playing, we see a scarecrow, which I must admit has the dress-sense and hair of one of Johnny Depp's famous characters. But which film am i thinking of? Benny & Joon perhaps. Anyway, it’s not important.

[Food for Thought: I take it crows are anti-christians and therefore fly away from such "Jesus-on-a-cross" stanced scarecrows...As I say, that's just Thought Food]

We're also introduced to some lovely titles...but lovely designed titles do not make a great film, of course. Yes, I was in a tad negative mood. Only a tad, due to my non-impressedness from the previously shown film, Julia's Eyes.

I liked the fact that this (along with Julia's Eyes) was a double-bill and therefore thought of the following:

Analogy Part I: Julia's Eyes involved...yes, you've guessed it, a women (named Julia!;) and problems with her eyesight.

Analogy Part II: The Orphanage and an early - and I guess you could say first real - scene featuring a woman waking up and therefore her eyes being opened.

Now... On the assumption that you'll know a tad about this movie already - even from posters I guess you can tell it's subject matter - I'll reveal vague suggestions of story.

Essentially, we are talking either about ghosts, invisible friends or poltergeists here. And on that 'revelation' there is a part where a trail is left for such beings...(or 'non-beings', would perhaps be more apt) ...and this path trailing reminded me either of Hansel & Gretal or E.T., or both.

Now, this is not the first film to use the idea of a fancy dress party and I'm sure there is many a fright film out there which does so, but this particular one did make me think that perhaps it would have been a different story without this party. Not that there wouldn't be a movie anyway but, well you'll perhaps see what I mean when you see this movie - if, indeed you haven't already seen this picture before...It was released back in 2007.

[And even if you have seen, I hope you're just interested in MiniMini's opinion and perhaps just want to be entertained by reading the review - after all, that's partly why I write these - see my Mini-Mission Statement ;)]

Now, shall we have a seance? Or what I like to call a House Market Evaluation..!? *laugh* (OR) *sigh* Anyway, perhaps it is just me, but I was thinking that the old woman employed to undertake such a task looked remarkably like an older version of the lead female. Also, I'm trying to recall where I've seen this (much) older woman in movies before... Hmm...

We then have a bit of a grown-up-Home-Alone scene as our main lady prepares to summon those whom perhaps she would be better leaving to their own devices. It's similarity is only slight, but a 'Home Alone' aspect I saw in more than one way.

I can't help my humour or word-playing - it just comes out - but there are some things I should apologise for and this could be one. Basically, one character is looking or reading a mirrored plaque on a grave... and I thought of him saying "I can see myself in that!" One day, yes. *sigh*

And with that bit of shallow philosophising I'll end this review on a higher note, just like a Hollywood happy ending.

A suspenseful thriller-come-horror, having taken us on an only vaguely cliched rollercoaster, rounds events off with an ending that big softie [and owner of a child's heart & mind, and perhaps an orphanage of Hollywood kid actors at his home] Steven Spielberg would be proud of.

[Trailer... Complete with cheesy American voiceover...: ]

[youtube=http://youtu.be/nUZQgqxIZ6s]

Terrific Terracotta II: Red Light Revolution (Hong Deng Meng / 红灯梦)

Original review on new website: http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Red Light Revolution (Hong Deng Meng / 红灯梦)

Year: 2010

Writer/Director: Sam Voutas

Venue: Prince Charles Cinema, London

Further Info: http://www.princecharlescinema.com/

Cast:

Zhao Jun

Vivid Wang

Jiang Xiduo

Masanobu Otsuka

Virgin Chen

(Running time: 91 mins)

This film was first up on this, my second day of the festival...

The writer/director (Greek/Australian but essentially Oz) introduced this movie, accompanied by a blow up doll. Strange? Well, I've seen many a bizarre thing in this life so... errr... no.

Firstly, this film is set and filmed in Beijing in one of the older, small town areas (apparently within one of the main ringroads).

Secondly, it's filled & fuelled with brilliant humour. I was wondering whether I would have guessed that it was written by a non-Asian or non-Chinese individual if I didn't already know this. I say that I 'knew' this but frankly I only knew that he directed it and not necessarily wrote also, but this was affirmed in the Q & A which would follow.

In the movie, we meet a man who is not having much success lately. Work, relationships & his TV to name but 3 random items. However, all these moments - and they're all kind of interconnected with one another - are so comedic you fall in love with all whom are involved. His parents are fantastic and have such advice & 'wisdom' which you'd expect, to a degree. It's pretty hilarious whilst honest also.

Spoilers aside, he doesn't sit on his butt jobless but as any man (or woman) down on their luck needs something to lift his spirits. It's not long before he is trying to fully pick up the pieces, whether this be by looking for work actively or being offered a 'chance of a lifetime'. But what kind of lucky chance would this be? Well, it doesn't take an expert to judge from the film's title alone that it must include sexual connotations. Albeit not in the 'red light' we might associate with (I'm thinking of prostitution), but still connected with such areas.

Around this time there is a great Japanese character introduced who briefly steals a scene or two. And it is ultimately from this introduction that our little hero is given the opportunity he is (NOT necessarily) after. Either way, he needs something to put his mind to and of course earn money from.

With the aid of a girl whom he knows, although who he has not that long known he sets up this business. A business in which the items he is to hopefully sell to the public are very unfamiliar to him...and who could blame him, we're not talking of Fisher Price items on sale here.

Some very chuckle-enducing scenes or experiments with sex toys ensure, both at this start of his venture and throughout the picture.

We meet very funny locals and regulars - or irregulars - to his new establishment. And, what success story would be one without a threat of closure or the fact that it may not actually succeed...?

An essential part of any such threats is displayed to us by the local 'Neighbourhood Watch' guy, although this title is not the same as such a 'watch' in the UK.

This brings it's own comedy, including a scene where the Neighbourhood Watch guy must be stopped or at least stalled from visiting the young man's establishment. The intended stalling scene is brief but humorous, I hope you'd agree.

[Leading on from the latter, & when our hero and associate are asked about what line of work they are in, the comedy-writer inside me came out. Elaboration? Me? OK. 1) There are balloons on display in the store - I thought there would be a joke where they claim to be a balloon or party shop and had to demonstrate with condoms...Seriously, such an idea would not be out of place in this movie. 2) When asked with what are some shoes to be polished with, I was convinced there would be some kind of lubricating gel displayed &/or applied.]

There is a great scene or two involving a reverse-impotency solution. A solution in more ways than one. One of such scenes also involves the director & writer of the picture in this part of the movie, with funny consequences. So... Cameo...? Word Up...

All in all, good clean (or 'dirty') fun...

Q & A

The fluent director (fluent in Mandarin, it had been previously explained, and of course English;) answered questions on the task of making this movie. A few highlights:

• Due to one needing a license to film in a sex shop [a license is also required before one decides to open such an adult store] a large manufacturer, based in China supplied the adult toys shown in this picture. In other words, much product placement is on display here.

• He probably wouldn't have been able to make the film had he not been able to speak Mandarin. If only because all the crew spoke zero English.

• Certain Hollywood or non-Chinese film companies suggested that the film be shot in the appropriate New York area or Chinatown in London (with English language actors too!) but of course this would not have been genuine, or quaint in my opinion. The director also knows Beijing very well.

• It had been suggested, upon hearing the synopsis that the shop in the film be changed to a Tea Shop but as the director explained, they "just weren't getting it"...!

• I noticed there seemed to be quite a few French in the audience. At least 3 of the individuals had French accents.

I then wandered off with a newly found friend (from the previous evening) to grab coffee - well, this was to be a long day - and got back to the Prince Charles cinema in time to catch main star, & karate champion Rina finishing up her brief introduction to Karate Girl. You can karate-kick your way over to a review of that one here:

http://miniminimovie.com/2011/05/31/terracotta-iii-karate-g/

"Red Light Revolution" Reel...

[youtube=http://youtu.be/NFSzRjbE9HE]

"Julia's Eyes" told through this Journo's Eyes

(Original review on new website: http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Julia's Eyes (Los Ojos De Julia)

Year: 2010

Director: Guillem Morales

Venue: Prince Charles Cinema, London

Further Info: http://www.princecharlescinema.com/

Cast:

Belén Rueda
Lluís Homar
Clara Segura
Julia Gutiérrez Caba
Francesc Orella
Pablo Derqui
Joan Dalmau
Hèctor Claramunt
Daniel Grao
Boris Ruiz
Víctor Benjumea
Carlos Fabregas
Dani Codina
Òscar Foronda
Laura Barba

Tuesday 17th May

Thanks to a certain mobile phone network which was down pretty much all day (all of South East of England and London, I understand) I was a little furious that I had missed an invitation to attend a double bill of movies this Tuesday evening. I, of course had no idea of this, until the network was back up - and by then, I'd incidentally made plans to go to a lecture at my favourite Korean venue, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC).

So, I didn't rush my way over to Trafalgar Square area and instead - still a tad angry - arrived there at 17:48. I proceeded to wander and wonder...was I to hit Starbucks or head to the KCC? Well, I guess Starbucks had already made up my mind. I needed wi-fi and it was conveniently located to the KCC.

Of course, being an avid Twitter user I checked it. At 17:50 I read "...if you wanna see JULIA'S EYES for FREE (as well as The Orphanage), get down here for 18:00 & we'll do our best to squeeze you in..."

Well, I hesitated, thought about how close I was to Leicester Square and walked up there but sharpishly [not a real word, I guess but what constitutes a real word these days?]

On the way, I thought "well, even if I do miss my chance with these screenings I've still got plenty of time to wander down to The Strand and the KCC.

17:57 - Arrived at The Prince Charles Cinema. It was sounding hopeful although they suggested that it best to come back at 18:20 for a final decision. Time for a non-Starbucks coffee from my old favourite, Caffe Nero....

18:12 - Back at the cinema. All was good and I was in just before 18:30, I believe.

So beginneth a double bill of similar but very differently executed movies. One Of Quantity and One Of Quantity I would say now, looking back ...At this point you may guess which one would fall into which category.

Julia's Eyes:

A Star Pupil...

After a short introduction to a vital character we are introduced to Julia and her husband. But what's this? Julia seems young enough looking to be this guy's daughter, not wife! Anyway...

Julia - or should I say 'ulia, so give it an authentic pronunciation - has developed an almost unique defect with her eyes. And, due to certain interventions her vision comes and goes. Yes, it's that kind of film - making it predictable in places and more predictable in others.

But, to give it it's due I was generally rivetted and gripped at times, essentially in the latter half. It's hard though to take a movie really seriously when we are displayed a film which uses the 'magician' technique. What? You've never heard of that...ok, that's because I made it up.

By this I mean, the sort of film and situations where something has 'allegedly' (from the central character and therefore protagonist's point of view) occurred inside her house but when figures of some authority, let's say police, survey the situation they summise that there's been no sign of break in or destruction indoors. Whaaat? Are they blind? (no pun intended). You see, by having this in a movie you may as well have someone do something only to say afterwards "What? I'm a magician. Nothing happened here, guv...honest".

Also, by having a character with a vulnerability, say err the greatness or weakness of the eyesight, you can have anything thrown at the character & dependent on her strength she will sometimes win or sometimes fail. Often it will be fail upon fail until the third act.

A great example here would be where the main character has been told not to exert or push things to hard. But she's vulnerable, sir... Exactly.

I also smiled to myself when someone who has pretty much witnessed a couple or so deaths, namely suicides in her life, was prescribed sleeping pills [genuinely for assisting with the sleep] - I was internally shouting "ARE YOU CRAZY? DON'T GIVE HER THOSE!!"

Don't get me wrong, its not all negativity or doom & gloom...No, we have some stunningly dark, dismal shots - by which I mean beautifully filmed - of the city, it's buildings and the sky.

I had moments of much praise but also ones of despair...so much so that I was actually preferring Hong Kong's recent offering, "Child's Eye" - Link to follow here shortly:

With Child's Eye indeed it was easy, filled with dodgy (& 'doggy') effects and, at the same time had little originality about. OK, so does Julia's Eyes but it does seem to retrace the same steps, especially when our hero is trapped over and over again. It felt formulaic often. This was a shame because I had indeed liked it in it's start.

A few classic "Hmmmmmm, No Way" moments:

• Not only had details [for the sake of the plot, I guess] been deleted from a computer, there is a character who described such a happening as a "computer error" - Now, how many computers delete their own stored material? Often someone - yes a human - has to hit 'delete' or erase / file in trash for the computer to start processing, and then finally disposing of.

• Speaking of 'disposing of', and trying my best to not spoil events and certainly not the plot, I must point out one moment. A body is revealed at a certain moment in the film, and although not unrecognisable from when that individual was alive, the camera briefly [and perhaps meant to be artistically] shows us a piece of clothing with a label displaying their name on it...incase we didn't know.

• A hand is held out to show a key to a character, but I felt that perhaps this was being too arty. The reason: The way in which the key is displayed. The hand unfolds slowly with a camera shot from above, the slowness of the reveal making me think it didn't need to be so slow and almost over-dramatic, but was due to the shot. I may be wrong.

• Unbelievably (perhaps), I guessed correct about the relationship between a mother and their offspring. That’s all I’m saying. I guess it was meant to be a revelation.

• Finally, if I see one more dream sequence I will scream! I don't mean to scream at the horror on display but due to the fact that surely we've all seem enough of these moments where we are duped [not me, on this occasion...honest] into thinking what is happening is a part of the character's real life, only to find that individual wake from a dream. Come on...!

...blurred vision...

In contrast, a few “Aaaaahhh Yes, Good” moments:

• Artistically, I like the fact that many characters we are introduced to are only shown from their feet upwards but rarely up to their faces. Think “Tom & Jerry’ - this idea was surely to ‘see’ these people as this occasionally blind woman would see them. She would not necessarily know their faces already and indeed nor would we.

• Good, but harsh use of a knife. Let’s leave it there ;)

• And, just when I thought I’d heard the loudest gasp in the auditorium (for the aforementioned knife-trick) we are subjected to something even harsher [in olde times ‘more harsh’ would be a more accepted & grammatical description!] and extremely cringeworthy. OK, I controlled my feelings - am I cold-blooded? No. Well not compared to the main antagonist in I Saw The Devil, [see here:

http://miniminimovie.com/2011/05/07/i-saw-the-devil-i-saw-the-movie-have-i-seen-it-somewhere-before/]

but there was much gasping-come-moaning-and-oo-ing from this audience. Justifiably so.

• *A clever use of a camera, or more aptly it’s flash, is seen in this film...Have we seen this before somewhere? Possibly, but executed well here.

As they say on TV, “that’s almost it from me” but just a couple of thoughts regarding the film and it’s venue. I could leave them in my head, but what good would that do? So...

A character is later introduced called Lia and I thought it appropriate as she seemed a little untrusting [Lia or Liar!]...& LIA is also the latter part of the name JULIA.

I didn’t mention in my recent, and yet-to-be-published reviews of films at the Terracotta Far East Fil Festival, but the seats here at The Prince Charles Cinema are not only laid out bizarrely they also squeak quite a lot. I don’t mean that they need oiling underneath but more that they are made of a leathery material, perhaps even...oh what’s that stuff called?...errr...Leather! Anyway, this combined with doors a-noising & people a-toilet-tripping [not to mention the occasional popcorn sound - resist, MiniMini resist!] gave an even more eery feeling than perhaps somewhere else. I even thought something touched me at one point - but no, my luck was not in.

Well, I could go on all night, a bit like this movie double-bill almost felt like but I’ll leave you with this. [Forthcoming pun/s excused, hopefully...but...] As ‘blindly’ as I went in to see this movie (and The Orphanage) it is, in my opinion not a ‘must see’.

In Summary? Silly, un-Subtle but Stylish.

[The Orphanage review to follow - Link will be here ;)]

Funny Footnote:

There was a moment in this film, near the end where an emotionally - and ultimately physically - scarred individual screams “Dont look at me! ... Don’t look at me!!” and I couldn’t help but think back to The Simpsons and in particular the episode “Fear Of Flying”. Do you know what I mean? Hmmm... Hilarious...

Although, what I’m keen to know is whether that ‘Simpsons’ moment is in reference to a film line itself...? Can anyone shine some light? Thanks either way.

Marge: I was a little girl...

[flashback to Marge holding Daddy's hand]

Daddy: Goodbye, Margie. Be a good girl, now. [gets on plane]

Marge: Why does Daddy have to leave?

Mommy: Because he's a pilot. He flies all over the world.

Marge: I want to see Daddy fly. [runs up plane steps]

Mommy: Margie! No, come back!

[Marge gets inside, looks around]

Marge: Daddy? Daddy, where are --

Daddy: [a steward] So, who wants pre-flight cookie? Fig Newtons?

Hydrox?

Marge: Daddy? Aah!

Daddy: Don't look at me. Don't look at me!

-- The shameful truth comes out, "Fear of Flying"

With thanks to The Simpsons Archive for the latter.

Link: http://www.snpp.com/

"Life In A Day” - Or ‘From My WORKplace to WORDpress, to the WORLDpeople’

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Life In A Day

UK Release Date: 17th June 2011 (beginning with Vue cinemas first)

Year: 2011

Director: Kevin MacDonald

Bonus: Q & A with editors, including Joe Walker.

Venue: Empire, Leicester Square

Production Company: Scott Free UK

Executive Producer: Ridley Scott

Cast:

You, You & You...

I left the Canary Wharf part of town pretty much at 5pm on the nose. I needed to be in Leicester Square by 18:30.

...I was bizarrely & crazily early...17:30!

So, there I was standing in the Empire cinema at 30 to 6. Well early. I hung around like a patient necklace on one’s neck. What was I there for? Well...

This was a blogging event, "Bloggers Event 1" to give the night it's rightful name, I believe...and although I think I've mastered the art of blogging [so much so that my reviews have now become an actual site].

But this evening was to include more than a lesson on the pretty-well-known. Indeed, it included much more - even if at the time of attending it was only an outline known about it.

At this point, I should give a shout out to Kate and Paris who'd suggested that I still attend to see if I could catch the whole event, by this I mean film trailers and movie which were later to be shown...and not just the 'bloggers segment'. You see...I'd missed an opportunity and chance of obtaining entry in the correct manner - this could well have been due to the night's popularity. Anyway, thanks ladies.

First up? A very knowledgable guy in the field of WordPress, the platform which has taken the blogging world by storm. He took us through WordPress and it's basics, incidentally using a presentation feature from WordPress itself.

A short break followed in which there were complimentary drinks available. I resisted as I recently started another no-alcohol period [oo-er that sounds, err well...].

And we were back in this Empire's screening theatre & once settled we were introduced to Alex Zane, who was the hired-hand chosen to present this next segment. Alex, wow what can I say? He's a quit witted, fast on his feet, humour-filled guy. I tell you this but I'm sure many of you know his persona from TV - but me? I, of course know his work too but not of late due to my TV blackout. Indeed, it's been a while since I tuned into television...no doubt I will at some point but it's got little to offer me presently.

Now, what was Alex here to present? A combination of items:

• News of the summer ahead - 2011 being apparently one focused on 'comedy & action'
• Statistics (made hilarious by Alex)
• A trailer reel for the forthcoming blockbuster/other movies - twice
• A trailer reel of 3D movies, for which we had been provided glasses.

The Zany Mr Zane

Frankly (and this is only my unique opinion), I don't think we needed to see the main trailer reel twice, as much as Alex humoured us - and himself - along to watch it a second time. I probably don't need to mention to you my thoughts on the sort of movies being displayed, as I stated them here before:

http://miniminimovie.com/2011/04/22/showcase-the-next-three-days-tron-legacy/

But this is what these events are essentially about and I, as are others am grateful to attend such events, viewings & previews.

Another break...it was now ticking up to 8pm.

And then, we're 'back in the room'. A couple of guys, David and Lance were up briefly. They produce a kind of video blog on the internet named "Talking Pictures -‘with Lance and David’" and showed us a clip. They're actually a couple of funny lads - which I'd guess you'd expect of doing such a blog - who amused the audience with a bit of a background about their stuff. Check them out here, if you like...:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheTalkingPictures

http://www.facebook.com/TalkPics

[If this event, so far made me realise one thing, its the effect that someone else’s laughter engages on oneself causing them - or myself - to laugh further. Alex Zane and Lance & David would cause laughter - then just when you think you’ve smiled enough, a distant giggle is heard, enflaming more laughter in others. Oh How We laugh At Others Who Laugh.]

Onwards... Now, this next segment was initially thought to be a secret preview showing of a foreign language feature film and I guess in many ways it is, and was. I'm also glad that I was allowed to stay for this, a monumental and seminal event in cinema - You see, except for Sundance and maybe one or two other festivals, this was a Premiere of sorts. One of the film's editors introduced this picture, called “Life In A Day”.

Produced by Scott Free UK and so 'presented' by Ridley Scott & Tony Scott, the film was made in conjunction with YouTube and sponsored by LG, amongst other companies I’m sure.

Life In A Day - or you could probably rename it The World In A Day - is from the brainchilds of Ridley Scott & Kevin MacDonald but technically speaking it is 'directed' by Kevin MacDonald.

[Note: Kevin MacDonald's The Eagle can be found reviewed here:

http://miniminimovie.com/2011/04/22/the-eagle-or-the-last-bling-of-scotland/]

Life...begins..

or..."We Have Lift Off!"...

To coin an often used line "It starts [not] like any other film..." I begin this review, and how could this movie be anything like others? Randomness ensues but a story does unfold. The story [plot-spoiler alert...not!] is one of a day, an ordinary day. Wow! Did you guess? And involves the whole world...oh you guessed that too?!

Indeed it may be an 'ordinary' day but this is what makes this an 'extraordinary' documovie. From the very early hours of July 24th 2010 we see the day unfold and not in one or two countries, but up to 192 of them.

From dawn's early light through to the last few minutes of this day we are taken on a visual and audio journey with astounding filmwork, whether it be by an amateur or professional...either way, it's striking and beautiful & often strikingly beautiful.

Her beautiful colour matches the grey canvas background.

The characters we meet are so varied but I wouldn't want to spoil your viewing pleasure - plus, if the truth be told I couldn't possibly remember all the remarkable human beings in the picture [To give you an idea, there are 331 clips compiled here]. But, these characters include:

• An Asian father and son. What they are doing for their mother is so very touching. But where is she?
• A Korean cyclist - He has been cycling through various countries now for a long while, I won't say how long - even such a film has potential spoilers. It's interesting and a tad shocking to hear about any accidents which he has had.
• An animal - perhaps a scene not suitable for vegetarians... Even I, a current meat-eater was hit by this scene and another split-second shot. But all this is essential in a story which, after all is about life in this world.
• A seemingly reactionary dog, on hearing his young master’s confession to his mother.
• An old couple renewing wedding vows - but perhaps not in the way you'd expect.

There really is so much Humanitarianism, Humanism & Unison on display. We are all Human 'Beings', after all.

As amazing as this film is, I'm amazed too that it took so long for someone to do such a thing.

The Q & A with the two editors revealed the following:

• An enormous 4500 hours of footage was submitted to them (80,000 submissions!)

[Incidentally, there has been an online access-database built so that users can see their own submissions - you can dip in out of various clips]

• This had to be whittled down to 1.5 hours.
• When footage had been selected, the provider (i.e. Joe Public) would have to be contacted again to re-submit the uncompressed, and therefore original footage [as it is compressed when uploaded to YouTube.
• A handful of questions - on Love, Fear etc - were used to get certain varying responses on camera. This could be either in their words, or perhaps in their actions.
• A building contained a load of selectors and editors working all through many days to help to realise the finished product.

Lastly, the music is sublime. As much as I’m not one for spoilers, do check out the trailer - found below. You see, it won’t spoil a thing. The trailer itself is magical in music, vision and human emotion.

I hope the trailer touches you in the way the actual film touched me.

http://www.youtube.com/lifeinaday

The end of my review - it's all IN A DAY's work, for me...

...and whilst the world moves past so fast, we often move at a snail's pace...I guess that's just the human race...

...such is LIFE.

LIFE

IN

A

DAY

"I Saw The Devil" - I Saw The Movie (& have I seen it somewhere before?)

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: I Saw The Devil (Akmareul Boattda / 악마를 보았다)

Year: 2010

Director: Jee-woon Kim

Venue: ICA, London

Further Info: http://www.ica.org.uk/

Cast:

Lee Byung-hun

Choi Min-sik

Oh San-ha

Jeon Kuk-hwan

Kim Yun-seo

Choi Moo-sung

Kim In-seo

Cheon Ho-jin

Since hearing that this much-raved about movie was to show for a two week run at the ICA I was determined to catch it. And this weekend (and the movie's first one at the ICA on this two week run) proved a good time to give me a good sobering up, in certain ways.

I was a tad concerned that this was a true horror and thus me going to see such a flick would go against all that I'd said before about the horror genre, albeit referring to Hollywood when previously 'dissing' it. I don't want to be thought if as some kind of hypocrite - it proved to me, ultimately though that this was essentially a thriller...although an unflinching, bloody and 'cutting' * one. [*how apt a word]

Anyway, I was seated with 2 drinks - yes, 2...a black coffee and a red wine. Well, this film is just under 2.5 hours in length.

As I was saying... Whilst I was seated there, the first (pre) movie fact that struck me was the distribution company name of Showbox. I had noted the same name on the film Sa-Kwa, which I'd seen only a couple of days before at the Korean Cultural Centre.

Plot spoiling aside, I'll give my best rendition of what was in store for us the audience...and for you, should you see it.

...And of course I hope you do.

But, I'm sure it's not indeed for everyone & this is for the reasons I stated before [i.e. horror; bloody - and this sentiment was seconded by one of the ICA staff on my visit] and also because even I thought "how bad can it be? I have a strong stomach" but was still awestruck. Awestruck pleasantly whilst shockingly at times.

The opening shot is a touch clever, beautiful and at the same time, haunting. We, of course don't know why...but the music 'plays' it's part - or should I say the 'intrument/s' play the music.

We're in a place a long way from home, at least in the sense that home may be a town or city and that this area is not. We can see this upon being introduced to the first female character of this picture.

To expand on the latter a tad. What detracted me away from the thought of this being a horror, as such, was a scene interspersed from the one of this lonely girl, into another, by way of showing us a guy who cares very deeply for her and in a very different setting. He is elsewhere and I guess in a town or city location. If we had been shown this girl in a remote or country location and stayed there for every shot & scene it would remind me of a horror, and of the seen-it-too-many-times-already sub-genre. In summary, the interaction between various characters and the roles they play (whether this be a relative, police office-type or friend) is indeed what helped assure me that this was more a thriller than anything else.

Now, a girl somewhere remote has got to tell you something. And it speaks volumes when we are also introduced to a nicely quiet (and therefore surely creepy) guy. I'm speaking of the character played by "Old Boy" himself, Choi Min-sik.

The aforementioned girl being shown to us and the fact that we're almost simultaneously introduced to the town-living deeply-caring-guy (& perhaps lover) gives a good amount of vagueness as to where she will end up. In his arms or in the arms of "creepy Old Boy" ... or worse!

If I was to sum up how this film begins to pan out or style-up to in one title I guess it would be "The Silence of The Lambs" B U T (that's a big but...'I like bit buts' *sigh*) put all 3 related 'lambs' films and sequels together (or the 5 or more there are now) and you still don't have enough cringeworthy or bone-crunching gore & spurts of blood as you do in this movie.

Perhaps this type of gore or unflinchingly violent crimes is new to me but it's definitely displayed very well here. But why is this sometimes called unflinching ... ? I flinched enough times in this film...! Indeed, the Japanese-crafted "Cold Fish" was pretty gruesome but this Korean offering seems to take things a step further. There is at least one real 'jaw-dropping' moment in this movie... Or perhaps the hinting term I should use is 'side-splitting'.

A cat & mouse chase could be used to describe this picture, certainly in places. There are also moments in which you are convinced the game is up for parties involved and sometimes..err..well I'm not saying it's predictable at times but...

...You know those moments when someone always turns up in the nick of time... Hmm...

The thing is that you have to give it it's due for the simple fact that not once was I bored or uninterested in it's 2.5 hours of suspense, black humour and well, violence. And the minimal dialogue will appeal to the "I don't do subtitles" crowd.

Indeed, it keeps you glued, keeps you watching and keeps you from ever being bored. To put it another way, if you are feeling a little weak in the waters & need to escape briefly to that little room outside of the auditorium, you may find it difficult to pick the best moment to walk out.

*TMI Alert* - I popped out around the halfway mark and missed a slight character introduction. Who were these new characters? A lunatic's brother and his wife? Do I really know, even now? [of course, perhaps I'll go and read someone else's in-depth review of this same film, but at the moment I'm content].

There is a great but tiny moment where I thought that the line "he washes his hands clean off of it" would be apt, if this were an out & out comedy. Add to this the fact that I saw an almost "Home Alone" scene, it basically shows that my humour gland or attention to such detail is never switched off - and for that I apologise to any whom find it sickening or *sigh*kening.

In summary, I Saw The Devil can be cliched and formulaic but it's also uncompromising & if temptation to see it isn't enough already it includes one of the best, if non-unique displays of the uses of GPS ever put to film [of ones which lowly I have seen, of course].

If you're expecting a Hollywood ending it hints at one but I'm not going to say one way or another any more than that. But, well done Dir. Jee-woon Kim!

Just...Go See This Devil-director At Work!

Sweetgrass - Last Land Lambs or Raunchy Ranching

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Sweetgrass

Year: 2009

Director/s: Ilisa Barbash & Lucien Castaing-Taylor

Bonus: Q & A with Lucien Castaing-Taylor

Venue: Curzon, Renoir

Other Info:

http://www.curzoncinemas.com

http://www.Twitter.com/CurzonCinemas

Cast:

Sheep 1

Sheep 2

Sheep 3

Sheep 4

(& over 3000 sheep-extras!)

Non-Verbal-ly - All Verney-ly.

Officially out on Friday 22nd April but showing as part of Curzon's DocDays on this night, and complete with a Q & A with co-director, Lucien.

As always, I'll try to keep 'spoiling' to a minimum but I feel I have slightly more license or reason for doing so a little on this film. The reasons? Well, firstly it's a documentary with not much to jump off the screen to surprise you [that's not talking the movie down but simply a fact] and therefore much can be revealed without ruining things too much.

The second reason is simply because the director himself pre-empted us, the audience before the screening itself: Lucien told us that - perhaps thanking us for coming & putting up with it, because - the movie is approximately 2 hours and one of long & therefore slow [well, 'still' I guess would be a better description] shots...and is a film of practically non-verbalness.

But, verbally or written I shall take this chance to state that although the dialogue may be thin on the ground - I mean, this is a film about "Sheep" for god's sake! - when any talking does come our way it is rather amusing.

If there is was one thing I wanted to take away from this movie screening it would be paintings from the many shots of the sheep. It is pretty immense to see so many sheep juxtaposed onto the backgrounds like they are. So different from what we see every day. Around 3,000 sheep in some of these 'stills' - stills, you see because these filmed animals are moving in bulk across land and so it can appear that they're not moving at all. Just think life paintings, still-life pictures and perhaps Constable. If I was perhaps more cultured and knew much of Renoir's work I could make a witty comment on his work and the name of this venue.

Talking of sheep (because that's what this film is), although we, throughout our adult life are taught the common sense of not laughing at other peoples' mannerisms, we definitely make an exception here - well, these are not human. But...their sounds can be human-like, what with the varying baas they give out. You'll no doubt chuckle, along with the audience if such a sound tickles your funny bone. Listen out specifically for angry-sounding baas at an apt moment or two in this cinematic docu-piece.

("I'm NOT taking a leak")

Let's not forget a little bit of shearing, lambs being born and oven a man taking a 'piss' whilst chatting to his pal about a 'pistol' (or did he mean 'pisstol') ...hmmm words can not explain or express...

Well, that's almost it from me about Sheeping, Shearing and Soothing-Shots.

Facts & Figures from the Fantastic (director) Q & A:

[Although I could have called this section "On The 'Castaing' Couch"]

Lucien answered regarding the appeal for the film in the first place. One reason being his astoundment that not only would it takes many weeks to get from one area to the next, but that the last couple of weeks would be needed to scale the final hillside or mountain, call it what you will.

Lucien also explained:

* About the town, town-folk and that he had camera attached to his front during all the time but the folk (and sheep!) would be unsure if he was or was not filming.

*That he occasionally helped out..herding etc

*There was over 200 hours of footage to whittle down and edit to the couple of finished-product hours! This said, it was only really physically possible to look at approximately 120 or 130 hours of footage, out of the 200 or so.

*It was edited / cut by 20 min for USA TV

Other facts:

In the area which this film focuses on, a permit has to be obtained for grazing.

11 inches of rain per year.

The shooting of over 3,000 sheep [not that kind of ‘shooting’!] - Yes, although most of the film has 3,000 sheep in shot at any one time there were approximately 3,500 sheep in total.

In summary, a rather wonderful insight ranching ..Made more interesting by What we read at The End.

The End indeed. It was time to head 'baa-ck' home, go to bed and if necessary I was sure to be able to lay there counting sheep.