(13777,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1158891420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','October 2006 releases.\r\n\r\nTitles in bold are confirmed rentals\r\n\r\n02 Oct\r\n\r\nBelleville Rendez-Vous - Collector`s Edition - Sylvain Chomet (Tartan Video)\r\nSecuestro Express (2004) Jonathan Jakubowicz (Miramax)\r\n\r\n09 Oct\r\n\r\nDistrict 13 (Banlieue 13) Pierre Morel (Momentum Pictures)\r\n\r\nThe Japanese Masters Collection (Artificial Eye)\r\nThe End Of Summer (Ozu)\r\nFloating Weeds (Ozu)\r\nThe Life Of O-Haru (Kenji Mizoguchi)\r\nThe Lady of Musashino (Kenji Mizoguchi)\r\n\r\nThe Michael Haneke Collection (Artificial Eye)\r\nHidden (Cache)\r\nTime of the Wolf\r\nCode Unknown\r\nThe Piano Teacher\r\n\r\nTales Of Four Seasons (Artificial Eye)\r\nA Tale Of Springtime\r\nA Summer\'s Tale\r\nAn Autumn Tale\r\nA Winter\'s Tale\r\n\r\nThe Grudge 2 -Takashi Shimizu (Contender/ Premier Asia)\r\nThe Ju-On - The Grudge/Ju-On - The Grudge 2 - Takashi Shimizu (Contender/ Premier Asia)\r\n\r\nThe Michael Haneke Trilogy (Tartan Video)\r\nThe Seventh Continent\r\nBenny\'s Video\r\n71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance\r\n\r\nInteresting to see the collections appearing leading up to Christmas, more surprising though is the release of Michael Haneke collections by 2 different companies on the same day. \r\n\r\n23 Oct\r\n\r\nAscent To Heaven - Luis Buuel (Yume)\r\nPistol Opera - Seijun Suzuki (Yume)\r\n\r\nAtomised - Oskar Roehler (Momentum Pictures)\r\n\r\nBlood Rain - Kim Dae-seung (Tartan Video)\r\nThe Death Of Mr Lazarescu - Cristi Puiu (Tartan Video) - A week late but better late than never\r\nThe Eye Infinity - Pang Bros (Tartan Video)\r\nThe Eye Trilogy Box Set - Pang Bros (Tartan Video)\r\nJohanna - Kornl Mundrucz (Tartan Video)\r\n\r\nHeading South - Laurent Cantet - (Soda Pictures)\r\n\r\nRegular Lovers (aka Les Amants Reguliers) - Philippe Garrel (Artificial Eye)\r\nUnderground - Emir Kusturica (Artificial Eye)\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','4e7af05f08d196e828277430ce22d025',0,'','hTRQnfxF',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13778,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1158909060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Thanks for the update. A few very interesting selections to say the least.','2526c8f4d74c0feb930e5d864fd99cbc',0,'','EbjVWmqL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13779,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1161853620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','What has happened to Artificial-Eye\'s release of Wang Xiaoshuai\'s Shanghai Dreams? I thought the film was scheduled for this year. Surprisingly, still no subtitled East Asian DVD. And no U.S. distribution yet for a film which, formally speaking, is closer to the work of fifth generation filmmakers (whose latest \"masterpieces\" have no problems finding a home) than those belonging to sixth which Wang is part of.','6fb264b6bbb98051671fd0887ea353bd',0,'','VPzTuw3E',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13780,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1161865800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','It\'s due for dvd release 4th December, at the moment it\'s still doing the art-house circuit though unfortunately there are no dates for Cardiff yet. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','c2be028fe481b94d7ddeee6e827048f6',0,'','Mf8Akqri',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13781,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1161993720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','UK releases Nov 2006\r\n\r\n11/06/06\r\n\r\nInnocent Voices Luis Mandoki - Universal Pictures\r\nIs Paris Burning? Ren Clment - Paramount\r\nJoyeux Noel Christian Carion - Sony Pictures\r\nThe Wind That Shakes The Barley - Ken Loach Pathe\r\n\r\n11/13/06\r\n\r\nAvenge But One Of My Two Eyes (Nekam Achat Mishtey Eynay) - Avi Mograbi Second Run \r\nBob Le Flambeur - Optimum\r\nCello - Lee Woo-Chul Tartan Video\r\nThe Ingmar Bergman Collection Tartan Video\r\n30 disc set including 2 exclusive releases.\r\nInner Senses - Lo Chi-Leung Tartan Video\r\nLa Grande Illusion - Special Edition Jean Renoir - Optimum\r\nA Long Weekend In Pest And Buda - Karoly Makk Second Run\r\nPersona - Takashi Komatsu - Terra \r\nSatantango - Bela Tarr Artificial Eye\r\nThree Times - Hou Hsiao Hsien - Artificial Eye\r\nThe Wong Kar-Wai Collection Tartan Video\r\nAs Tears Go By, \r\nDays of Being Wild,\r\nIn the Mood for Love or 2046? Different sites give differing info.\r\n\r\n11/20/06\r\n\r\nThe Boy Who Plays On The Buddhas Of Bamiyan - Phil Grabsky - Vital\r\nFemale Prisoner No. 701 Scorpion - Shunya Ito - Eureka (MoC?)\r\nMikio Naruse - Three Films Eureka MoC\r\nRepast (1951)\r\nSound Of The Mountain (1954)\r\nFlowing (1956)\r\n\r\n11/28/06\r\n\r\nL`Armee Des Ombres - Jean-Pierre Melville - BFI\r\nRenaissance Pathe\r\n\r\nRetour De Flamme Vol 1 - The Fabulous Days Of The Early Cinema Quantum Leap\r\nDVD includes: \'Leaving The Factory\', \'Train Pulling Into A Station\' \'Card Game\' (1896-97), \'Louis Lumiere Talks\' (1948), \'Stolen Jools\' (1931), \'The Rajah\'s Box\' (1906), \'Titanic\' (1912), \'Kid\'s Auto Races In Venice\' (1914), \'Meet Me Down At Coney Isle\' (1932), \'Chess Fever\' (1925), \'The Fireman Of The Folies Bergere\' (1928), \'Women Who Worry\' (1930), \'Tulips Shall Grow\' (1942), \'Mighty Like A Moose\' (1926), \'The Man Who Ate Bull Meat\' (1935) and \'The Flight Around The World\' (1924). \r\n\r\nRetour De Flamme Vol 2 - The Fabulous Days Of The Early Cinema\r\nDVD includes: \'Those Awful Hats\' (1909), \'The Mystery Of The Leaping Fish\' (1916), 3 Comic Shorts (\'Chasing The Monkey\', \'For Her Mother\'s Day\' and \'Kiriki, Japanese Acrobats\', 1906-9), \'La Marseillaise\' (1907), \'Week-End\' (1935), \'Clo-Cloche\' (1935), \'Play Safe\' (1935), \'Stolen Kisses\' (1920), \'Paris Fashion\' (1926), \'Black And Tan\' (1929), 3 Animated Shorts (by cartoonist O\'Galop, 1918), \'Dr. Pyckle And Mr. Pryde\' (1925), \'Porky\'s Preview\' (1941) and \'The Flight Around The World\' (1924).','fbf776b9c7fbc5b81f08d86e064ebbd8',0,'','GAUEd6nm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13782,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1162075080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Artificial-Eye will release a 2 DVD-set titled \"Eric Rohmer: The Early Works\" on Dec 4th.\r\n\r\nIt will contain Le Signe Du Lion (1959), La Boulangere De Monceau (1963) and La Carriere De Suzanne (1963).','8c8cefd65219691cdc32a58669459151',0,'','aJZgrpDP',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13783,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164119340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','A brilliant time is to be had at the dvd rental shops recently, what a fantastic selection especially this last Monday. You want to see a new film, after all there are some very good releases this month, mmm let me see now, they do have \"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man\'s Chest\" and they also have……………………………………….!\r\n\r\nYep that\'s it, that\'s your choice and you\'re stuck with it, both major chains, Choices and Blockbusters have 1 new f ilm in stock, talk about catering for your customers, absolutely pathetic… :(\r\nCheers Trev.','801d4fb3979f1eb06c6e39d07529629e',0,'','WDN2SUYt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13784,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164124740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: UK Releases','You guys have been spoilt by too much choice! When you are feeling low about the pathetic rentals, do spare a thought for the likes of us who find a couple of 5-6 year-old films on the shelf every six months, as a consequence of one\'s having pestered them for months, sometimes years. And, the proprietor proudly claims that they are \"new\" films :\" :(','aeed2ecaa860d02b7d1b6939c927cb01',0,'','ye2Y0k9o',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13785,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164297600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','I certainly agree we\'ve been better served in the UK in the past, but things have been going downhill for a while, I think we have been particularly lucky here because the managers used to have a say in their stock and because of the high student population World Cinema was pretty much guaranteed to rent well.\r\n\r\nNow the managers have little or no say, the students (and me) are well served for older films but lacking on newer releases. All decisions are made by desk jockey\'s who would not recognise a good foreign film if it smacked them in the face, all they care about is money, money and more money.\r\n\r\nIn the end I\'ll be driven to on-line rental but certainly not with either Blockbuster or Choices.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','a4ddcd701bc0534bf90b91637469768f',0,'','jLGAf4au',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13786,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164680880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','December releases\r\n\r\n04/12/2006\r\n\r\nThe Eric Rohmer Collection:\r\nLe Signe du Lion (The Sign Of Leo)\r\nLa Boulangre de Monceau (The Girl at the Monceau Bakery)\r\nLa Carrire de Suzanne (Suzanne\'s Career) Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nStray Dogs (Sag-Haye Velgrad) - Marziyeh Meshkini Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nDark Habits - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\nFlower Of My Secret - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\nKika - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\nLaw Of Desire - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\nMatador - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\nPepi, Luci, Bom - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\nWhat Have I Done To Deserve This? - Pedro Almodovar Optimum Home Entertainment\r\n\r\nA Long Weekend In Pest And Buda - Karoly Makk - Second Run\r\n\r\nMikio Naruse - Three Films\r\nRepast (1951) \r\nSound Of The Mountain (1954)\r\nFlowing (1956) Eureka MoC\r\n\r\nSo thats it, Christmas brings on a few decent new releases plus a load of re-releases. Im sure things will perk up in January 2007 though. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','2ac094c14553644c25111bf2fa9b1e1d',0,'','YM9nmoJ1',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13787,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164683160,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','More Naruse there only gives me hope that this country will follow suit. I\'ve only seen two of his film and both were VHS, so here\'s hoping.','ddd5cf47da1eb356ce793a46c302ebfd',0,'','YPFHLvUf',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13788,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164723840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','If they don\'t get a US release then I\'d thoroughly recommend the Eureka MoC range, I can\'t think of another dvd distributor that has increased the quality of its products both in terms of the actual films and their presentation.\r\n\r\nTop marks to them so far, the Masters of Cinema range is a real gem in a market drowning in poor films and penny pinching.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev','71303331d4085142e3ee7b81349d091c',0,'','FM2k6Bfe',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13789,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1166539560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Details of \"The Bergman Collection\" Tartan Video\r\n\r\nThis nicely presented set includes these previous releases:\r\n\r\nTorment 1944 Written by Bergman, directed by Alf Sjberg\r\nCrisis 1946\r\nPort of Call 1948\r\nMusic in Darkness 1948\r\nPrison 1949\r\nThree Strange Loves 1949\r\nTo Joy 1950\r\nSummer Interlude 1951\r\nWaiting Women 1952\r\nSummer with Monika 1953\r\nA Lesson in Love 1954\r\nDreams 1955\r\nSmiles of a Summer Night 1955\r\nThe Seventh Seal 1957\r\nWild Strawberries 1957\r\nThe Magician 1958\r\nThe Virgin Spring 1960\r\nThrough a Glass Darkly 1961\r\nWinter Light 1962\r\nThe Silence 1963\r\nAll These Women 1964\r\nPersona 1966\r\nThe Rite 1969\r\nCries and Whispers 1972 \r\nScenes from a Marriage 1973\r\nAutumn Sonata 1978\r\nFrom the Life of the Marionettes 1980\r\nAfter the Rehearsal 1984\r\nSaraband 2003\r\n\r\nPlus 2 releases exclusive (in the UK) to this set:\r\n\r\nFaro-Dokument 1979 and Dreams 1955.\r\n\r\nThis handsome collection also includes a copy of David Parkinson\'s book \'Bergman: A Life in Films\'\r\n\r\nThe only surprise for me is that they omitted to include Faithless 2000, directed by Liv Ullmann. Like Torment, this was written by Bergman and clearly bears all the hallmarks of his later films. Still, I suppose you cant have it all, not even for the retail price of 299.99 GBP.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d94224d91cfe9a42ff77b933d2f06b79',0,'','squh8gwU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13790,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1166563560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','Impressive. Hope they will also be available seperately. I\'m sure those discs will come in handy when i decide to check out more Bergman.','0d16123f81bfdede594cd3d9deacd0ab',0,'','l03kKsvb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13791,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1166570040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','That set is almost too much Bergman. Can someone explain why Face to Face is so impossible to find? I know there were two versions of it shot (similar to Scenes From a Marriage and Fanny and Alexander), but neither version has been available anywhere for ages.','7d5338c0697854ac01f54184cb583e80',0,'','0Rdlfjqk',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13792,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167181800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','The first list for 2007, a decent mix but as usual for January, a slow start to the year. \r\n\r\nJan 15\r\n\r\nMarronier - Terra - Put back to Feb.\r\nPatlabor 2 Mamoru Oshii Pinnacle Vision\r\n\r\nJan 22\r\n\r\nBelle De Jour (40th Anniversary Edition) - Luis Bunuel Optimum Releasing\r\nEros - Wong Kar-Wai, Stephen Soderbergh, Michelangeolo Antonioni Artificial Eye \r\nFighting Elegy Seijun Suzuki Yume Pictures\r\nLuis Bunuel collection - Optimum Releasing:\r\nCet obscur objet du dsir - That Obscure Object of Desire\r\nLe fantme de la libert - The Phantom of Liberty \r\nLe charme discret de la bourgeoisie - The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie\r\nTristana \r\nLa voie lacte - The Milky Way\r\nBelle de jour\r\nLe journal d\'une femme de chambre - Diary of a Chambermaid\r\nLa joven - The Young One \r\n\r\nOzu - Vol 4 Tartan Video:\r\nLate Autumn\r\nAn Autumn Afternoon\r\n\r\nRussian Dolls - Pot Luck 2 - Cedric Klapisch - Cinefile\r\nShanghai Dreams (Qing Hong) - Wang Xiaoshuai Artificial Eye\r\nTokyo Drifter Seijun Suzuki Yume Pictures\r\n\r\nQuite why Optimum are releasing Belle de jour twice in the same week is beyond me.\r\n\r\nJan 29\r\n\r\nAngel-A Luc Besson - Optimum Releasing\r\nThe Cranes Are Flying - Mikheil Kalatozishvili Nouveaux Pictures\r\nGhost Of Mae Nak - Mark Duffield Tartan Video\r\nRidicule Patrice Leconte Second Sight\r\nRomeo, Juliet And Darkness - Jiri Weiss Second Run\r\nZidane - A 21st Century Portrait - Philippe Parreno Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','72867877287545c6aa5b2532a41a90b9',0,'','rVaFf3uU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13793,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167186480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','I\'m assuming one Belle du Jour is separate and the other is part of the boxed set, just my guess.','7f443fc2d43498c51ff6d4f179c59e52',0,'','sfoFalZw',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13794,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167190680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Just seems pointless especially since there appears to be no difference between the previous release and the 40th anniversary version apart from the cover. As it is the box set is an amalgamation of two previous box sets plus the previously released Tristana with La Joven as the only new draw. So in essence, Belle de Jour is on its 4th issue with no improvement from the initial release.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','58102a68460075ed5dbf4a61b43e486e',0,'','8xm0XRvd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13795,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167191280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','There\'s a decent edition here in the US, that I never picked up. I imagine some of the same features. Odd to think that film is 40 years old, it still seems fresh to me. The Young One is the only film in that set I haven\'t yet seen, but I\'ll take care of that before too long. It, along with Tristana haven\'t been released on DVD here, but thankfully Bunuel was rather well represented on VHS. I guess though for every worthwhile film that comes out there, we have one as well to covet. \r\n\r\nThe blatant re-releasing though is something of a problem. So many films are available in glorious editions and then get re-released with nothing more than an additional featurette of self congratulatory bullshit, like the \"special\" edition of Office Space.','f81389a31c5f5e052b5285c8c863703a',0,'','yzou3Kln',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13796,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167220200,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','The fine Spanish DVD of La Joven has also been available for a couple of years now.\r\n\r\nA few more interesting January releases/re-releases:\r\n\r\nThank You for Smoking (Jan 8th)\r\nA Scanner Darkly (22nd)\r\nCaravaggio (22nd)\r\nF for Fake (22nd)\r\nKeane (22nd)\r\nThe Angelic Conversation (22nd)\r\nThe Go-Between (22nd)\r\nWittgentein (22nd)','acc711788f2d8eb073c63971c9e020f3',0,'','rz30aZlo',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13797,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167234300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Thank\'s arsaib4.\r\n\r\nI should try and pick out the more interesting releases rather than just foreign films, after all there are some awful foreign releases but they still get listed. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','7f83e7fdcd23bce736fc790952918c11',0,'','lKoaCJBg',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13798,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167305880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Your lists are more than fine.\r\n\r\nLooking forward to your thoughts on Shanghai Dreams (I\'m a little surprised that the DVD cover-art actually features \"the red shoes\" -- you\'ll obviously have a better idea after watching the film). Among other new releases, I hope that you get the opportunity to watch Lodge Kerrigan\'s Dardennes-esque Keane.','b8bfa72a89df0879cda58f06595f7a67',0,'','3M84zuHa',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13799,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167432300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','I\'ve no doubt that Keane will be available for rental, unfortunately I can\'t say the same for Shanghai Dreams. Three Times was one of many quality releases from 2006 that was totally ignored by the retal chains.\r\n\r\nI think that only one of the films I\'ve listed has much of a chance for rental release and that is Russian Dolls, things really have got that bad. \r\n\r\nWill things improve in 2007? I sincerely doubt it.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','45aecbe2ee2b3e10f8907a16d9eea68a',0,'','q8EsNaQm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13800,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168268220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','UK dvd releases Feb 2007\r\n\r\nFeb 05\r\n\r\nThere are certainly a few re-releases during the first week of this short cold month, either with greatly reduced prices or (hopefully) better quality transfers:\r\n\r\nEvil - Ondskan (2003) Directed by Mikael Hfstrm:\r\nReduced price, Metrodome. Based on a true story, I was unimpressed by the o.t.t. levels of sensationalist violence. I\'m sure hengcs reviewed this but I couldn\'t find the link.\r\n\r\nL`Appartement The Apartment (1996) Directed by Gilles Mimouni:\r\nPreviously distributed by Artificial Eye, re-released by Optimum, I would assume there would be improvements, maybe an anamorphic transfer but since I have the original release, I wont be rushing to purchase it. \r\n\r\nLovers Of The Arctic Circle Los Amantes del Crculo Polar (1998) Directed by Julio Medem:\r\nOptimum take distribution duties again but this time theres plenty of scope for improvement from the original Tartan Video release, hopefully the subtitles in particular will be far clearer with this release. \r\n\r\nPusher (1996) Directed by Nikolas Winding Refn:\r\nWell known Danish drug, crime drama, another cheap as chips re-release from Metrodome. \r\n\r\nSomersault (2004) Directed by Cate Shortland:\r\nHighly rated Aussie coming of age drama, with a unique feel and a stunning performance from Abbie Cornish. A worthy buy particularly at such a low price, distributed by Metrodome.\r\n\r\nNew releases:\r\n\r\nMan Push Cart (2005) Directed by Ramin Bahrani Distributed by Altra Pictures.\r\nCurrently doing the art-house circuit, has anyone seen it yet?\r\n\r\nMarronnier (2004) Directed by ? Kobayashi - Distributed by Terra. \r\nDescibed as a Japanese Dolly Dearest. If that doesnt put you off, nothing will.\r\n\r\nNor Chor (2002) Directed by Manop Janjarasskul - Distributed by Terra.\r\nViolent Thai prison drama, mediocre IMDB rating.\r\n\r\nVolver (2006) Directed by Pedro Almodovar Distributed by Pathe.\r\nMixed reactions to this one, ranging from exuberance to indifference, whatever the opinion, Penelope Cruz is captivating.','7a934cc30b8f93618a635916d489175f',0,'','VNBzJlA8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13801,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168269360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Feb 12\r\n\r\nRe-releases:\r\n\r\nBrotherhood Of The Wolf - Le Pacte des loups (2001)\r\nOptimum regurgitate this strange piece of nonsense, some love it, safe to say I dont. \r\n\r\nNew releases\r\n\r\nThere appear to be more German releases this week than there probably were during the whole of 2006.\r\n\r\n7 Virgins - 7 vrgenes (2005) Directed by Alberto Rodrguez Distributed by TLA Releasing.\r\nKids style drama from Spain?\r\n\r\nThe Architects Architekten (1990) Directed by Peter Kahane - Distributed by Network.\r\n\r\nThe Bow - Hwal (2005) Directed by Kim Ki-duk Distributed by Tartan Video.\r\nAnother film that has very mixed reviews, I was hoping itd receive a theatrical release but.\r\n\r\nCarbide and Sorrel - Karbid Und Sauerampfer (1963) Directed by Frank Beyer - Distributed by Network.\r\n\r\nFrostbite Frostbiten (2006) Directed by Anders Banke Distributed by Soda Pictures\r\n\r\nGleiwitz Case - Der Fall Gleiwitz (1961) Directed by Gerhard Klein - Distributed by Network.\r\n\r\nGypo (2005) Directed by Jan Dunn Distributed by Lions Gate.\r\nIndie Brit dogme style film.\r\n\r\nI Saw Ben Barka Get Killed - J`ai Vu Tuer Ben Barka (2005) Directed by Serge Le Pron/ Sad Smihi - Distributed by Artificial Eye.\r\n\r\nMy Wife Is A Gangster - Jopog Manura (2001) Directed by Cho Jin-gyu Distributed by Contender Entertainment.\r\nSuccessful comedy drama that has spawned 2 sequels so far.\r\n\r\nThe Singing Ringing Tree - Das Singende Klingende Baumchen (1957) Directed by Francesco Stefani Distributed by Network.','0c3a1f45bd27fe340627ac1e39957340',0,'','7QnXC5mv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13802,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168269900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Feb 19\r\n\r\nTruffaut, Truffaut and more Truffaut.\r\n\r\nBed And Board - Domicile Conjugal (1970) Directed by Franois Truffaut Distributed by Cinema Club.\r\n\r\nFemale Convict Scorpion - Jailhouse 41 - Joshuu sasori: Dai-41 zakkyo-b (1972) Directed by Shunya Ito Distributed by Eureka.\r\nJapanese cult film, part of a series along with the previously released Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion.\r\n\r\nA Gorgeous Girl Like Me - Une Belle Fille Comme Moi (1972) Directed by Franois Truffaut Distributed by Cinema Club.\r\n\r\nLove On The Run - L`Amour En Fuite (1979) Directed by Franois Truffaut Distributed by Cinema Club.\r\n\r\nMy Way Home - Igy Jottem (1965) Directed by Mikls Jancs Distributed by Second Run\r\n\r\nThe Soft Skin - La Peau Douce (1964) Directed by Franois Truffaut Distributed by Cinema Club.\r\n\r\nStolen Kisses - Baisers Voles (1968) Directed by Franois Truffaut Distributed by Cinema Club.','6f2c649510bc666098b5afd662c948f9',0,'','ZqHAotcU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13803,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168270920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Feb 26\r\n\r\nRe-releases\r\n\r\nBranded to Kill - Koroshi no rakuin (1967) Directed by Seijun Suzuki Distributed by Yume.\r\nShould be a far better transfer than the previous Second Sight release. Look\'s as though Yume have taken over distribution of the whole of Suzuki\'s oeuvre.\r\n\r\nNew releases\r\n\r\nChronos (1985) Directed by Ron Fricke Distributed by Second Sight\r\nThe directorial debut from the creator of \"Baraka\".\r\n\r\nDersu Uzala (1975) Directed by Akira Kurosawa Distributed by Artificial Eye\r\nUnderstated classic that finally gets a deserved dvd release.\r\n\r\nThe Great Ecstasy Of Robert Carmichael (2005) Directed by Thomas Clay Distributed by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nPier Paolo Pasolini Vol.1:\r\nAccatone\r\nRo.Go.Pa.G\r\nLove Meetings Distributed by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nRed Road (2006) Directed by Andrea Arnold Distributed by Drakes Avenue.\r\nWell regarded indie pic, still doing the art-house circuit.\r\n\r\nRequiem (2006) Directed by Hans-Christian Schmid - Distributed by Soda Pictures.\r\nHighly regarded on site and will be my first theatrical screening of 2007.\r\n\r\nTout Va Bien - All Is Well (1972) Directed by Jean-Luc Godard/Jean-Pierre Gorin Distributed by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nI felt with the number of releases this month it would be easier to break it down week by week, I want to provide an improved listing including small comments and links where appropriate, it also gives me the opportunity to mention re-releases.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','ab867b6744675f0f0a6d353b23006f7f',0,'','9SBWcH8d',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13804,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168297020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','Thanks for the improved lists. Your comments will make it easier for me to decide if i want to import a film. I plan on regularly buying DVDs from other countries in 2007, so you will probably be very helpful to me.','08f7172fd6e801b206dff8cbe666ce1d',0,'','jQn71xDH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13805,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168297560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','A, do you know anything about the German releases:\r\n\r\nThe Architects Architekten (1990)\r\n\r\nCarbide and Sorrel - Karbid Und Sauerampfer (1963) \r\n\r\nGleiwitz Case - Der Fall Gleiwitz (1961) \r\n\r\nThe Singing Ringing Tree - Das Singende Klingende Baumchen (1957) \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','4e2e612ee24f3e8170d07dc910b3b4c0',0,'','fH6gcs3b',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13806,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168604280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','I\'ll let A explicate further, but Gerhard Klein\'s The Gleiwitz Case is one of the best DEFA films I\'ve seen so far.','f9a566bcf756287734b4183b6841c29f',0,'','uE09YnG8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13807,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169068020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','I\'m ashamed to admit that I haven\'t seen any of those DEFA films, though at least \"The Gleiwitz Case\" and Karbid und Sauerampfer are already considered to be classics by some. Seems like you are getting some interesting releases.\r\nI have Gerhard Klein\'s film on VHS (taped off TV), but I need to see it yet. When I see it I\'ll write some notes in the appropriate thread (or maybe arsaib can already do so - seems like he\'s seen more german films than me. ).\r\n\r\nBtw, I\'m still working on that piece on another film by Klein, but I don\'t know when it will be finished. At the moment I have some dozen unfinished film reviews at home, and this is getting a bad habit. Hopefully it will pay of in the end...','b669f2752ef6db269c91e6c1c7e2211f',0,'','cXjgrFKs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13808,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169383860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Klein\'s Berlin Schoenhauser Corner is also coming out in the U.K. during February.','46f13cba97f3857d0d7c010a1a932789',0,'','zjSuqGdf',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13809,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169684220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','Yes, that\'s the one. OK, I\'ll try to finish my review before the UK DVD gets released. Maybe this will be enough to get me going.','5d1fa7ca0cb7104cffadfb868c98f9fe',0,'','yekiLz3f',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13810,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169704020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Good.','324b00e392ecba80c9770c0d9a8ac9dd',0,'','HCwlrNMn',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13811,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174672020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','MARCH 2007\r\n\r\nMarch 26\r\n\r\nRe-releases:\r\n\r\nAu Revoir Les Enfants (1987) \r\nLes Amants (1958) \r\nLift To The Scaffold (aka L`Ascenseur Pour L`Echafaud / 1958) \r\n\r\nAll previously released as part of \"The Louis Malle Collection\", personally I\'d go for the better value of the box set. Optimum Releasing.\r\n\r\nBigas Luna Collection:\r\nGolden Balls (1993)\r\nJamon Jamon (1992)\r\nThe Tit and the Moon (1994)\r\nThe Ages of Lulu (1990)\r\n\r\nAll previously released singularly Tartan Video \r\n\r\nCinema Paradiso (1988) - (Deluxe Edition) - Giuseppe Tornatore. Third release for this rose tinted nostagia trip. This time a 4 disc set which includes the soundtrack, I assume it will also be packed with extras Arrow Films\r\n\r\nJean-Luc Goddard - The 60s Collection:\r\nMasculin, Feminin (1966) \r\nTwo or Three Things I Know About Her (2 ou 3 choses que je sais d\'elle / 1967) \r\nVivre sa vie (1962)\r\n\r\nAll previously released individually\r\n\r\nNew releases:\r\n\r\nColour Of The Loyalty (Hak Bak Jin Cheung / 2005) - Siu Hung Cheung, Jing Wong Elephant Video \r\n\r\nThe Commissar (Komissar / 1967) - Aleksandr Askoldov Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nExiles (Exils / 2004) - Tony Gatlif Drakes Avenue\r\n\r\nFighting Delinquents (Kutabare gurentai / 1960) Seijun Suzuki Yume Pictures\r\n\r\nThe Flowers And the Angry Waves (Hana to doto / 1964) - Seijun Suzuki Yume Pictures\r\n\r\nHeaven`s Soldiers (Cheon Gun / 2005) Min Joon-ki - Elephant Video\r\n\r\nHuman Resources (Ressources humaines / 1999) - Laurent Cantet Soda Pictures \r\n\r\nNin Nin (Nin x Nin: Ninja Hattori-kun / 2004) - Masayuki Suzuki - Elephant Video\r\n\r\nThe Page Turner (La Tourneuse de pages / 2006) - Denis Dercourt - Artificial Eye\r\nExcellent low key revenge driven drama with an outstanding performance from Dborah Franois, so different from her previous role in L\'Enfant. Slightly let down by one Hollywood style moment but fortunately this is only a minor blip.\r\n\r\nWim Wenders Collection:\r\nThe American Friend (1977)\r\nLightning Over Water (1980)\r\nNotebook on Cities and Clothes (1989)\r\nParis, Texas (1984) \r\nRoom 666 (1982) \r\nThe Scarlet Letter (1973) \r\nTokyo-Ga (1985)\r\nA Trick of the Light (1995)\r\nWings of Desire (1987)\r\nThe Wrong Move (1975) Anchor Bay\r\n\r\nElephant Video is a new name in distribution, well have to see how their releases fare in terms of film and dvd quality.\r\n\r\nAlthough they have no new releases this week, I have to wonder what sort of problems Tartan Video are having, several products are being pushed back again and again, The Bow (Hwal) is one of the latest with a preliminary Feb 07 release date pushed back to May, its difficult to obtain any info on these delays.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','301f24083a291da30cd5519845a5af66',0,'','EZ71J2Ny',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13812,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174693920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','April 02\r\n\r\nCo/ma (Coma) (2004) Lions Gate\r\nA documentary charting the progress of several European filmmakers as they attempt to complete a challenge from Mike Figgis to come up with an idea, shoot and edit a feature film within a week, with the film being shown to the public the day after. \r\n\r\nElisa (1995) - Jean Becker Vital Distribution\r\nA film I havent seen for a very long time, wonder if it will live up to my memories of it?\r\n\r\nLes Apprentis (1995) - Pierre Salvadori - Vital Distribution\r\n\r\nPadre Padrone (1977) - Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani - Arrow Films\r\n\r\nQuai Des Brumes (Port Of Shadows / 193 - Marcel Carn Blackhorse Entertainment\r\n\r\nVenus Beauty Institute (1999) - Tonie Marshall - Vital Distribution\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','6f0c4f122e18d91cc92c844e9762b138',0,'','qfvxKWe3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13813,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174708800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Thanks for your effort, Trev. Much appreciated!','108aba4da43e1969f174854bcfb63ab0',0,'','CQq1tuvi',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13814,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174738500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Thank\'s arsaib4.\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found is that doing the lists for a whole month ahead doesn\'t give the full picture, films are often added later making mine incomplete. I\'ll try and keep it just to a fortnight ahead which should be far more accurate.\r\n\r\nThere is a funny story as far as that goes, I went to the dvd rental store on a monday morning a few weeks ago, I checked the list of releases and picked 2 I knew I wanted, I then noticed a French title I\'d never heard of and picked that one as well without seeing the box.\r\n\r\nI watched the two films I knew that day and saved the other for the next day, within 10 minutes I knew I\'d made a very bad choice, it was a French gay porn film , and I don\'t mean softcore either needless to say I didn\'t attempt to watch the whole film.\r\n\r\nI took all the the films back to the store then found the box, well if I\'d taken the time to look at the cover I\'d never have rented the film, the front was very obviously aimed at a gay market while on the back it carried warnings about the \"real sex\" scenes.\r\n\r\nThe worst thing I did though was to mention it to the manager who I know quite well, of course he told all the other staff about it and I\'ve been taking stick in there ever since. \r\n\r\nFor anyone interested, the film was called \"Garcon Stupide\", which is what I was for renting it blind. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d595196ac48d799635f873b1313c0336',0,'','vl3zHef5',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13815,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174770840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','I\'ll try to add to your list, if possible. Haven\'t had much time lately for DVD releases, foreign or domestic.','fca73dde6454c62ce07b211c373ba660',0,'','stV6f3A2',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13816,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175007420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Satan - Sheitan (2006) Directed by Kim Chapiron was just released after a 2 week delay - Tartan Video. Only a 5.5 rating on IMDB but I\'ll probably give it a whirl as it\'s available to rent.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d1a47de9d6556aa9b0c5f643c768ab6a',0,'','UT9s7k6r',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13817,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175330400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','After much delay, Nuri Bilge Ceylan\'s Kasaba/Clouds of May set is scheduled to be released by AE on May 28th.','536ed0bfe26158cae9ab9cf543e26aae',0,'','JPvA9Go7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13818,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175347860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Thanks arsaib4, it is one I\'ve been looking forward to.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','09f81a7d8468e9281b59f63bcff2df58',0,'','7pVcNQqv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13819,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175348040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','April 09\r\n\r\nGhosts (2006) Dir by Nick Broomfield \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nOn February 5th 2004 twenty three Chinese drowned in Morecambe Bay. Their families in China are still paying off their debts. \r\n\r\nWhen a young girl, Ai Qin pays $25,000 to be smuggled into the UK in order to support her family back in China, she becomes another one of three million migrant workers that have become the bedrock of our economy. Forced to live with eleven other Chinese in a two bedroom house, they work in factories preparing food for British supermarkets. Risking their lives for pennies these unprotected workers end up cockling in Morcombe Bay at night. \r\n\r\nWith an extraordinary debut performance from Ai Qin Lin in a film whose principal characters are played by Chinese former illegal immigrants, Ghosts offers a unique insight into a secret world that surrounds us.\r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nDisturbing subject matter treated with honesty, humility and integrity, well worth seeing and hopefully with some decent extras. \r\n\r\nI\'ll write more after checking out the dvd.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nKeep The River On Your Right (2000) (OFF THE SCHEDULE) Another problem dvd for Tartan Video?\r\n\r\nManji (1964) Dir by Yasuko Masumura \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nPractically unclassifiable, Manji moves from lesbian love, to adultery, to multiple sexual relationships tangled in webs of deceit, blackmail, and maybe even murder. \r\n\r\nSonoko (Kyoko Kishida, Woman of the Dunes), having grown bored with her pampered life as the wife of an impotent lawyer, enrolls in art class where she scandalizes the school with her lusty paintings of fellow art student Mitsuko (Ayako Wakao, Red Angel). A torrid affair erupts between Sonoko and Mitsuko, fuelling jealousy among their male lovers. Soon their lives are entrenched in desire, deception, blackmail, blood oaths and suicide pacts in this controversial and visually stunning film from director Yasuzo Masumura.\r\n\r\nA dazzling tale of love, lust and the extremes of desire, this controversial and groundbreaking drama boasts a screenplay by Onibaba/Kureneko director Kaneto Shindo. Another twisted masterpiece from the director of Blind Beast and Red Angel, Manji is as shocking today as when it was first shown in Japan in the mid-1960s. \r\n\r\nUnknown to me but certainly sounds interesting.\r\n\r\nReleased by Yume Pictures.\r\n\r\nThe Professor (Il Camorrista) (1986) Dir by Giuseppe Tornatore\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nBased on the real-life case surrounding Cosa Nostra mastermind Raffaele Cutolo, THE PROFESSOR tracks his life as he rises through the ranks to become an untouchable overlord and the worst nightmare for Naples\' police force. \r\n\r\nReleased by Nouveaux Pictures.\r\n\r\nSword In The Moon (2003) (OFF THE SCHEDULE) Yet another delayed release from Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nThis Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) Dir by Kirby Dick \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nPassionate cinephiles can be found casting quizzical glances at the erratic and often conflicting decisions made by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) as they slap ratings onto movies. So in an attempt to make sense of their working methods--which, until now, have remained shrouded in mystery--one of those cinephiles, Kirby Dick (TWIST OF FAITH), has made this full-length motion picture about the inner workings of the MPAA. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nSomewhat amusing look at the stupidity of the MPAA ratings board, far too much time is wasted in trying to I.D. board members rather than delving into the problem and looking for solutions. After all, we do not have this problem in the U.K. \r\n\r\nThis has already been aired on U.K. television so I cant imagine itll sell or rent very well, plus its the type of release that will have a very limited potential audience. \r\n\r\nNothing to do with World cinema but coming to the end of this weeks listings I came across this release which conjures up all sorts of highly amusing imagery, Yoga For Cyclists. \r\n\r\nJust think about it for a minute. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d9f6adcc29e03ad73365402e1734b5f4',0,'','z3NMLtPs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13820,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175828640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','I have Manji at home and have yet to see it, but it sounded very intriguing. The only Masumura film I\'ve seen so far was \"Afraid to Die\" from 1960, imo a seminal Yakuza movie and a very good film. Definitely a director to look out for. I\'ll have to ask somebody to record \"Blind Beast\", which will be showing on German TV at the end of the month \r\n\r\nGhosts sounds also very interesting. I\'ll keep an eye out for it. Thanks for your effort Trev.','a47d13a21315dc10f468a8d1dafa5187',0,'','k1twbUln',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13821,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175897820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Blind Beast is a beaut, I\'m sure you\'ll enjoy it even if only for its surreal nature,\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','201614c3c62e2aec4a4e34fe139f7673',0,'','Uc9Qv1VH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13822,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175899980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','April 16\r\n\r\nVery little this week and almost certainly no rentals.\r\n\r\nEsma`s Secret (Grbavica) (2006) - Dir by Jasmila Zbanic\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nSet in Sarajevo, ESMAS SECRET tells the moving story of a mother struggling to provide for her 12-year-old daughter in the wake of the civil war. As a matter of pride, Esma refuses to cash in on her husbands war hero status--which would allow her daughter a discount on an upcoming school trip--preferring instead to raise the money herself. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nWell performed mother/daughter drama that brings up the painful realities and after effects of war, the Balkan war in this case. Worst aspect has to be the title, you will almost certainly have the secret worked out within the first 10 minutes, the original title which is a town name is far more poignant to the story. \r\n\r\nIt\'s hard to believe that in the 21st Century when we believe we are so advanced that we would still be faced with issues as primitive and basic as the brutality, hatred and criminality of war and all it entails. The film is extremely moving in parts, it\'s just a shame that the ending felt kind of rushed. \r\n\r\nRecommended.\r\n\r\nReleased by Dogwoof Pictures.\r\n\r\nMoscow Elegy (Moskovskaya elegiya) (1987) - Dir by Aleksandr Sokurov \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nYouve gotta love this description - Fitting in with the elegiac mood of the Elegy series, the programme explores the work of this great filmmaker and its context of history.\r\n\r\nGood to see more Sokurov releases, I wonder if they\'ll cover the series of Elegies\r\n\r\nReleased by Quantum Leap\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','325097a750f08003561b5f6c8e2be780',0,'','5p0c9VtD',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13823,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175986800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','April 23\r\n\r\nRe-releases \r\n\r\nAaltra (2004) - Dir by Gustave de Kervern, Benot Delpine\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nTwo rival neighbours end up in neighbouring hospital beds as a result of an accident with a tractor. Both are paralysed from the waist down. Together they travel in wheel chairs across Europe united in their intent of suing the manufacturers of the tractor in Finland... \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nShot in grainy black and white and pretty black in the humour department as well, vulgar and tasteless but it has its appeal. Not one I would personally buy but I have seen it twice and preferred it second time around. I would rather have seen a more anarchic edge to the comedy myself.\r\n\r\nDistributed by Bluebell Films, yet another new company. \r\n\r\nPreviously released by Cinefile.\r\n\r\nCity Of Lost Children (La Cit des Enfants Perdus) (1995) - Dir by Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nIn THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN, an imaginative fantasy from the creators of DELICATESSEN, a prematurely aging mad scientist named Krank (Daniel Emilfork) kidnaps children so he can steal their dreams. However, Krank runs into trouble when his henchmen grab Denre (Joseph Lucien), a little boy whose adopted brother, One (Ron Perelman), is a circus strongman. One desperately tries to find Denre and begs for help from Miette (Judith Vittet), a 9-year-old girl who heads up a gang of orphans. Together, One and Miette finally find Krank\'s castle, meeting along the way the lost identical brother--the original--of the three clones (each played by Dominique Pinon) who serve as Krank\'s assistants. French directors Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet once again prove their technical prowess with this dark fairy tale, which features outstanding performances from its youthful cast (most notably Vittet). As is the case with DELICATESSEN, however, their genius in constructing a highly artificial, beautiful, believable world threatens to overshadow the story. But even the fantastic sets cannot compare to the bizarre spectacles that Jeunet and Caro dream up. In one unforgettable scene, a pair of evil Siamese twin sisters prepare dinner, their four arms working perfectly in sync--one holding vegetables for another to chop while a third stirs the soup and a fourth scratches their collective itches. Frequent David Lynch collaborator Angelo Badalamenti creates the chilling, circusy musical score that adds to the film\'s magic. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nThe middle ground between Delicatessen and Amelie and it shows, gloriously mad and very enjoyable. This is the third dvd release but I am unaware of any difference between this and the last release.\r\n\r\nDistributed by Optimum Releasing\r\n\r\nShogun`s Samurai (Yagy ichizoku no inb) (1978) - Dir by Kinji Fukasaku\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nImperial Japan, 1624. Shogunate General Hidetada has died under mysterious circumstances. It is soon revealed that the General was poisoned becuase he did not want his eldest son to be heir. A war between the eldest son and his younger brother soon erupts in this film directed by Kinji Fukasaku.... Japanese dialogue with subtitles.\r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nA LINK to my thoughts on this film. All I can add is that it was unfortunately more than a little boring.\r\n\r\nThe only difference I can see is the cover design.\r\n\r\nDistributed by Eureka Entertainment\r\n\r\nTrilogy - One / Two / Three (2002) - Dir by Lucas Belvaux\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nIn \'One\' when a terrorist tries to resume his campaign finds his former colleagues have settled down. In \'Two\' when Alain hides his ill health from his love Cecile she mistakenly believes he is having an affair. In \'Three\' policeman Manise is forced to balance his wife\'s morphine addiction with catching the local crime boss.\r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\n1. Cavale - Crime drama.\r\n2. Un couple patant - Slightly comic relationship drama\r\n3. Aprs la vie - Redemptive drama\r\n\r\nStill havent seen Three but one and two are pretty decent films, the good thing is though that each film blurs into the others so you see things from several perspectives, the only other film I can think of that is constructed in a similar way is Brit indie film Gypo.\r\n\r\nA great selection of extras as well.\r\n\r\nRe-released by Tartan at a lower price.\r\n\r\nFritz Lang Box Set:\r\nMetropolis\r\nDr. Mabuse: The Gambler (1922)\r\nMetropolis (1927) \r\nSpione (1928) \r\nM (1931)\r\nThe Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)\r\n\r\nNot much I can add, most of these are very well known classics.\r\n\r\nDistributed by Eureka Entertainment\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Releases \r\n\r\nGabrielle (2005) Dir by Patrice Chreau\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nPatrice Chereau\'s adaptation of Joseph Conrad\'s novella THE RETURN is a gripping chamber piece in which a bourgeois man\'s stable, comfortable life is unexpectedly shattered. The time is turn-of-the-century France. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nBeautifully staged, outstandingly performed and extremely atmospheric period drama, the house is as much a star as the cast and Im really looking forward to seeing this a second time.\r\n\r\nA LINK to arsaib4\'s review.\r\n\r\nDistributed by Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nIt`s Winter (Zemestan) (2006) - Dir by Rafi Pitts\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nA man is fired from his job. Having no more options, he decides to go find work abroad, leaving behind his wife and daughter. Months pass and his family hear no word from him.\r\nA stranger, a mechanic, arrives in townin search of work. His eyes wander to the beautiful young woman whom he hears no longer has a husband. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nUnusual for an Iranian film, a series of almost cyclical events revolve around a beautiful woman, almost karmic in tone, slow paced and quite haunting. Another film I\'m looking forward to seeing again. \r\n\r\nDistributed by Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nThe Leos Carax Collection:\r\nBoy Meets Girl (1984) \r\nMauvais sang (1986) \r\nPola X (1999) \r\n\r\nDistributed by Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nSance (Krei) (2000) - Dir by Kiyoshi Kurosawa\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nSANCE is based on the 1964 film SANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON. An unhappy couple are granted a temporary burst of purpose when a young girl, kidnapped in a high-profile case, escapes her tormenters and hides in their house. Instead of immediately informing the police, however, the couple decide to plant a series of clues to prove the wife\'s psychic abilities in locating the girl. But when their plot backfires horrifically, the couple ends up paying dearly for their deception. \r\n\r\nDistributed by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','4dc032dbb17e6b8a66a50f8a8902d745',0,'','9M3edAB8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13824,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1177064700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','April 30\r\n\r\n1900 Novecento (1976) Dir by Bernardo Bertolucci\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nTwo Italian boys born on the same day are destined for divergent paths; Olmo is born to peasant parents and will become a passionate socialist, while Alfredo\'s bourgeois, landowning origins will lead him to ultimately embrace fascism. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nAt a running time of 327 minutes despite the PAL 4% speed up, this has to be the longest version ever released, a film that still has the power to shock despite its age, thoroughly deserving of its 18 rating.\r\n\r\nReleased by 20th Century Fox.\r\n\r\nAshes And Diamonds (1958) Dir by Andrzej Wajda \r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nThe tragic story of a young Polish Resistance fighter who makes a terrible mistake. He kills the wrong man on the last day of the Second World War. Polish language with subtitles. \r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nThe most mainstream in construction of the trilogy dealing with the Polish resistance, shame that the ending is so formulaic but still a very good film.\r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nA Better Tomorrow (1986) John Woo\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nTwo brothers, one a Hong Kong cop the other a crook become tied together by murder and double cross in the underworld of crime. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Releasing.\r\n\r\nBlack Book (Zwartboek) (2006) Dir Paul Verhoeven \r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nSeptember 1944 and Rachel Stein, a beautiful yet feisty Jewish chanteuse has fled Nazi Germany for the relative safety of the Netherlands. Hoping to be reunited with her family, she and many other refugees are ambushed by Nazis. Everyone, including her family, are killed. \r\n\r\nAs sole survivor, Rachel manages to meet up with the Dutch Resistance and turn her into a double agent. She is assigned to seduce the senior officer Munze (Sebastian Koch) in order to infiltrate the enemy\'s headquarters. However, it soon becomes a dangerous game of double-dealing and betrayal, threatening her true identity and her life.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nColour Of The Loyalty (Hak Bak Jin Cheung) (2005) Dir Siu-hung Chung\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nIn the tradition of Infernal Affairs, the movie follows \"Fat\", an orphan and his \"Uncle Chai\" who is a follower of Brother Dragon, the Big Gangster. \r\nAward winning: Best Screenplay and Film of Merit in 2006 at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards. \r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video. Originally due for release in March.\r\n\r\nHeaven`s Soldiers (Cheon Gun)\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nA military-themed time travel adventure filled with equal parts action and comedy! The story centres on a group of North and South Korean soldiers who find themselves flung back in time only to come face to face with a past war hero who is not all that he has been represented in the story books. \r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video. Originally due for release in March.\r\n\r\n\r\nJean Cocteau Collection \r\nThe Testament of Orpheus (1960)\r\nThe Blood of a Poet (1930)\r\nCocteau Cineaste Documentary\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Releasing.\r\n\r\nLe Jour Se Leve (1939) Dir Marcel Carne \r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nA romantic tale of love, jealousy and death which revolves around a murderer awaiting the inevitable arrival of the police. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Releasing.\r\n\r\nLondon To Brighton (2006) Dir Paul Williams\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nGritty and unflinching drama about the lowlifes and criminals that inhabit Londons seedy underworld. A 30-something prostitute trying to flee from her pimp exploits a young girls innocence for her own gain, but ends up becoming her protector. \r\n\r\nReleased by Momentum Pictures.\r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nAlthough I havent seen it yet this film has picked up good reviews on the arthouse circuit, just as Red Road (2006) did. Hopefully another sign of a growing quality Brit indie scene.\r\n\r\nQuai Des Brumes (Port Of Shadows) (1938) Dir Marcel Carne \r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nAn army deserter rescues a girl from a group of criminals but is killed in the process.\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Rreleasing. Originally due for an early April release by Blackhorse Entertainment, no idea how or why there\'s a sudden change in distributor.\r\n\r\n\r\nQuai Des Orfevres (1947) Dir Henri-Georges Clouzot\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Rreleasing.\r\n\r\nThe White Sheik (Lo Sceicco Bianco) (1952) Dir Federico Fellini \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nTHE WHITE SHEIK is an early film from acclaimed Italian director Federico Fellini and is the story of a pair of newlyweds whos idyllic honeymoon turns into a nightmare when the bride decides to run away in pursuit of a soap-opera actor. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Rreleasing.\r\n\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','4c57d5c68bded3d0a7053f2f61bd2296',0,'','h5ePz2TH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13825,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1177345440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','I\'m a little miffed that both Gabrielle and It\'s Winter are both on Blockbuster\'s rental list this week but neither have turned up, hopefully it\'s just a case of late delivery.\r\n\r\nI did rent Old Joy though after missing it in the Chapter, the positive reviews and remarks on site prompted me to give it a try.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','bc14f1ad61333dbc35518c39810c83d9',0,'','iuBXdcG4',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13826,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1177362000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','May creeps in very quietly, but at least the films are quality titles.\r\n\r\nMay 07\r\n\r\nDiary Of A Country Priest (1950) Dir Robert Bresson \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nRobert Bresson\'s landmark character study of one man\'s crisis of faith in THE DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST vaulted him into the front rank of French filmmakers. The film follows a young priest as he deals with various seemingly insurmountable difficulties: the tangled animosities of the people in his parish, his own inability to find solace in prayer, and a growing suspicion that the illness he\'s experiencing might indeed be fatal. An older priest offers him down-to-earth advice about distancing himself from the personal lives of the villagers, but the young priest feels compelled to help them, even if his devoted efforts could well be hastening his own death. \r\n\r\nReleased by the ever busy Optimum Releasing\r\n\r\nRomanzo Criminale (2005) - Dir by Michele Placido \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nA master criminal has his sights on conquering Romes underworld in this exciting gangster epic, spanning more than 25 years of criminal activity in Italy. \r\n\r\nReleased by Icon Entertainment\r\n\r\nThe Third Part Of The Night (aka Trzecia Czesc Nozy) (1971) Dir by Andrzej Zulawski \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nThe story is set in Nazi-occupied Poland where a young man escapes the massacre of his family. His subsequent guilt and experiences are shown through multilayered symbolism and apocalyptic imagery. \r\n\r\nReleased by Second Run\r\n\r\nRomanzo Criminale is the only title likely to get a rental release but I\'m dubious that any of them will.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','735f9e271cb3df02cdf19a2643673caa',0,'','3QrXyp2u',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13827,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1177383600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Among American films, Old Joy was the third best on my \'06 list after A Scanner Darkly and the Spike Lee documentary. I hope you like it.\r\n\r\nI wonder if A has seen the Zulawski film.','9e8184300b6e2601613d16be1c30927d',0,'','n1efMPdT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13828,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1177541160,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','No not yet, though I doubt it will take long till I lay my hands on it','b639bccf6413111f478a4e7f58b8db51',0,'','CQPF7TGa',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13829,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178541660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','May 14\r\n\r\nAlejandro Jodorowsky Collection\r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nA collection of Alejandro Jodorowsky\'s most famous films \r\nEl Topo (1970) \r\nThe Holy Mountain (1973)\r\nFando y Lis (196 \r\n\r\nEl Topo & The Holy Mountain are also released individually.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nDark Horse - Voksne mennesker (2005) Dir: Dagur Kari \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nA fresh and witty tale centring on Daniel, a Copenhagen tearaway; a young man living life without a care for any of his responsibilities. With everyone from his landlord to the police looking to track him down , Daniel meets and falls head-over-heels for Franc, a young woman whos as wild as he is. By seeing himself in Franc, will Daniel pull up his socks and take the plunge into adulthood? \r\n\r\nReleased by Drakes Avenue.\r\n\r\nEvil (2005) Dir: Yorgos Noussias \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nToday, the streets will be bathed in delicious human blood as a plague of walking undead invade downtown Athens. It\'s up to a group of random strangers-including a wise-cracking cab driver, a teenaged girl who just lost her parents, a tough-guy soldier, a tougher young woman - to save the day as the flesh-eating hordes sink their teeth into fresh meat. \r\nDrenched in blood-soaked action and complete with exploding heads, flying intestines and more household object impalements one could desire. Evil delivers the goods and satisfies the inner gore-hound in all of us while delivering twisted, wry comedy in the tradition of Peter Jackson\'s Dead Alive and Sam Raimi\'s Evil Dead trilogy. \r\n\r\nReleased by TLA Releasing.\r\n\r\nFiorile (1993) Dir: Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nDuring the journey from Paris to Tuscany, Luigi tells the story of how a handsome French soldier fell in love with a peasant girl named Fiorile...\r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nFrozen Land -Paha Maa (2005) Dir: Aku Louhimies \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nBased on Leo Tolstoys FALSE NOTE, though relocated to modern-day Helsinki, FROZEN LAND connects an eclectic bunch of characters including a vacuum cleaner salesman, a car thief, a policewoman struck by depression and a recovering alcoholic whos about to rediscover his favourite tipple. Big Time; their lives are about to be inexplicably intertwined through a forged bank note. FROZEN LAND is a beautifully shot film that suggests that the world in which we live is one determined by fate. \r\n\r\nReleased by Drakes Avenue.\r\n\r\nPier Paolo Pasolini Vol.2:\r\n\r\nHawks and Sparrows (1966) \r\nOedipus Rex (1967)\r\nPorcile (1969) \r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nSacred Heart - Cuore sacro (2005) Dir: Ferzan Ozpetek\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nIrene is a successful property developer. However, her latest project will force her to confront her past. Irenes meticulously ordered life will be thrown into chaos as she embarks upon the task of restoring her family home; drawing her into a fascination with both the property and mother she struggles to remember. \r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','a2825b41998534914a0b77d39f47320a',0,'','6Un3euWk',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13830,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178576100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Gabrielle & It\'s Winter have not and almost certainly will not turn up for rental despite being on the store\'s list, added to that now is Romanzo Criminale. Looks like world cinema is going down the plug-hole as far as the rental stores are concerned.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile they\'ll keep stocking up with piles of average mainstream films, straight to dvd b-rate crap and the real low end of the market with dross like Star Whores and MILF 3 - Forty Plus Mature Mothers (No kidding). \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','c05177e3c10b19dd239d1e254a9c9c44',0,'','kpy82u5z',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13831,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178591400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','I\'d first watch MILF 1 and 2 before going for the 3rd installment. Otherwise, it won\'t make such sense.','419cedc6b215f0bc7ebb06ba05083ebb',0,'','vxlNhHRb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13832,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181663640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','Looks like you still get some interesting releases in the UK, and stuff like Milf 3 is mandatory (at least for the videostores ). Here in Germany many stores in small towns are only able to survive on behalf of their porn sections...','fab870c31e4e0ef3235b527f08b809db',0,'','qNKCLXe0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13833,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181892600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Nice! But I\'m not gonna take any more potshots at the porn industry since it has given us many fine Japanese filmmakers.','893608597184f26144d4060764e8cfa6',0,'','RbzNgSCc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13834,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181942220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','It has also given us Paul Thomas Anderson, and a \"Rabid\" Marilyn Chambers. \r\n\r\nHas anyone seen Behind the Green Door? Its actually a really avant-garde and cool film, even if it is a porno. The Mitchell Brothers were pretty good filmmakers, as Rated X has made the case.','45b60161a065aecc9613c17349e7c88d',0,'','m4VX0de8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13835,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182004500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','No, never heard of \"The Green Door\". Could you tell me a bit more about it. \r\nSpeaking of films that are close to pornography: Radley Metzger\'s The Image is one of the best S/M films out there.','53ee4ec8e7ef2dc5a163e72d3835894e',0,'','06dY2qwj',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13836,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182123180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','A, I\'m surprised that you\'ve never heard of Behind the Green Door, it\'s certainly among the most famous porno flicks, Deep Throat, The Devil in Miss Jones etc, though I must admit, I haven\'t seen any of them.\r\n\r\nAnyway, a poor week for dvd\'s next week, any of interest are listed below. The 25th promises to be much better but I\'m still working on it.\r\n\r\nJune 18\r\n\r\nThe Bride Wore Black (La Mariee Etait En Noir) (1967) - Francois Truffaut \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nJulie Kohler leaves her home town in a quest to avenge her husband\'s death. Bent on revenge and fuelled with murderous intent, she tracks down five men she believes to have played a role in her husbands demise. The question is, does she have the right men? \r\n\r\nReleased by MGM Entertainment.\r\n\r\nShortbus (2006) - John Cameron Mitchell\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nSHORTBUS interweaves three separate tales of highly sexed and sexually frustrated New Yorkers, all of whom find some kind of salvation at an underground club named Shortbus. \r\n\r\nI know arsaib4 has seen this, guess Ill have to make the effort after avoiding it in the cinema.\r\n\r\nReleased by Universal Pictures.\r\n\r\nThe Sicilian Clan (1965) - Henri Verneuil \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nTwo criminals join forces to steal millions of pounds worth of jewellery which are to be shown to the public in Venice. The heist is to take place on an aircraft. \r\n\r\nReleased by MGM Entertainment.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','ad489072828e9c28f8af849409316f03',0,'','0zNrcx37',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13837,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182136860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','When talking to a friend yesterday (our one-post Matalo Matango user) about good porno movies, he also told me that I should see Behind the Green Door. The world is a small place and I still have a lot to learn \r\nHe also has Shortbus in his Top Ten for 2006 I believe, and I guess I\'ll have to seen it soon after also initially avoiding it (I was thinking not another \"serious\" Hollywood film about sex ).','7dbd48e68b6598f8272c1e36bcc93573',0,'','0Y12FTra',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13838,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182472500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','June 26\r\n\r\nAfter The Wedding (Efter Brylluppet) (2006) - Suzanne Bier\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nJacob Petersen is a man who has dedicated his life to helping the children of Indias streets. When the orphanage he runs is faced with closure, he receives an unusual proposal. Offered $4 million dollars by a Danish businessman called Jorgen, though there are two conditions. The first requires Jacob to return to Denmark; the second, he must take part in the wedding of Jorgens daughter. The wedding serves as a critical juncture between past and present, forcing Jacob into the most intense situation of his life. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 Academy Awrds. \r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures - Possible rental release. \r\n\r\nAlain Delon - The Screen Icons Collection \r\n\r\nA collection of five films featuring the iconic French actor. Films include: \r\n\r\nUN FLIC, - Also released individually.\r\nPLEIN SOLEIL, \r\nL\'ECLISSE, \r\nTRAITEMENT DE CHOC \r\nFLIC STORY. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Releasing\r\n\r\nBamako (2006) - Abderrahmane Sissako \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nSet in the courtyard of a mud-walled house in Bamako, the capital city of Mali, the intimate personal story of an African couple on the verge of breaking up is told alongside a very public political trial - African civil society spokesmen have taken proceedings against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, whose disastrous policies they blame for Africa\'s debt-ridden troubles.\r\n\r\nAmidst the impassioned testimonies and pleas for social justice, everyday life goes on in the courtyard. Full of colour, music and vitality. \'Bamako\' combines gripping drama and sharp satire to create an inspirational, often humorous and sometimes moving insight into contemporary Africa.\r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nCourt drama with the IMF and World Bank brought to account by the African nations, mind numbing in its facts and figures but saved from being just a didactic diatribe by the sub plots and surreal nature of the whole proceedings. \r\n\r\nWell worth seeing, heavy going at times but one Im looking forward to catching again. \r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye. - Low chance of rental release .\r\n\r\nThe Chess Players (1977) Satyajit Ray\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nSet in the kingdom of Oudh during the last days of the Moghul Empire, \'The Chess Players\' marked the first time that the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray worked outside of his native Bengal. The story follows two Indian noblemen (Saeed Jaffrey and Sanjeev Kumar) whose obsession with the game of chess renders them oblivious to the treacherous and historic events happening around them. In one of his finest performances, Richard Attenborough stars as General Outram, the British officer who covertly manoeuvres on behalf of the East India Company to seize control of the region and depose its King. One of Ray\'s most ambitious and expensive productions, \'The Chess Players\' is a masterful and visually stunning historical drama.\r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye.\r\n\r\nColour Of The Loyalty (Hak Bak Jin Cheung) (2005) - Chung Siu-hung \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nIn the tradition of Infernal Affairs, the movie follows \"Fat\", an orphan and his \"Uncle Chai\" who is a follower of Brother Dragon, the Big Gangster.\r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video.\r\n\r\nThe Dream Life Of Angels (199 - Erick Zonca\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nThe Dream Life Of Angels is an absorbing film about two young French women struggling to find their place in life. Isabella is twenty-one, moving from town to town with all her worldly belongings in her backpack, intelligent yet without much of a future. Marie is the same age and in the same rut, seemingly without any anchor herself...\r\n\r\nBoth are solidly working class, unskilled and rootless. Circumstance has thrown them together and the film describes a two-month period as they house-sit the apartment of a car accident victim. Their prospects are not great, and each deal with the hand life has dealt them very differently. \r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nHaven\'t seen this in quite a while, it\'ll be nice to catch it again.\r\n\r\nEdelweiss Pirates (2004) - Niko von Glasow\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nBased on a true story, EDELWEISS PIRATES is a film about the activities of a gang of anti-Hitler German youths towards the end of World War II.\r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video.\r\n\r\nHanzo The Razor \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nLove samurai films? Wish they were... dirtier? Welcome to Hanzo The Razor\'s deranged world of crazy swordplay and sexploitation set to a 1970s funk soundtrack. Uncut for the first time ever in the UK, this cult 1970s Japanese pinku trilogy was seemingly influenced by Dirty Harry and Shaft, but there\'s no doubt who has the \'longer arm of the law\'! \r\n\r\nShintaro Katsu (best known as the blind swordsman in the original Zatoichi) stars as Hanzo a rebellious yet obsessively moral samurai police officer who slashes his way through the backbone of crime, uncovers corruption at higher levels, and tortures relentlessly using his own unique techniques. \r\nShocking audiences even today, the hardest man in Edo regularly unleashes his special weapon in the form of his oversized penis, which he uses to \'interrogate\' female suspects into pleasured compliance. Despite the knuckle-biting, graphic violence there is an underlying social commentary, testifying to the noble honour of the samurai and emphasising Hanzo\'s status as the people\'s champion. \r\n\r\nIn Sword of Justice, Hanzo overturns his own gutless superiors; in The Snare, he breaks into a temple used by local magistrates for the sadistic torture of young girls; in Who\'s Got the Gold?, the shogunate treasury is being looted by its own officials. \r\n\r\nFrom the creator of the Lone Wolf and Cub series (used as the basis for Shogun Assassin, and a direct influence on Tarantino\'s Kill Bill) the Hanzo the Razor trilogy is presented here for the first time in the UK complete and uncut. \r\n\r\nReleased by Eureka.\r\n\r\nHenri-Georges Clouzot Collection \r\n\r\nA collection featuring three of the French master filmmaker\'s best films \r\nQUAI DES ORFEVRES, \r\nLE CORBEAU,\r\nTHE WAGES OF FEAR.\r\n\r\nHuman Resources (1999) - Laurent Cantet \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nLaurent Cantet\'s HUMAN RESOURCES tells the deeply personal story of a father-son relationship that is tested when their opposing attitudes toward work and life collide head on. Frank (Jalil Lespert) is a business school student who has returned from France for a summer internship at a factory in his hometown. It just so happens that his father, Jean-Claude (Jean-Claude Vallod), is an employee of the factory, where he has worked for thirty years. At first, Frank\'s energy impresses the bosses and makes his father proud. He orchestrates a referendum with the hopes that this will ease some of the tensions between the factory executives and the union leader, Mrs. Arnoux (Danielle Melador). But when he discovers that the executives were using this information in order to bypass negotiations with the union, jeopardizing his father\'s job, Frank is left feeling stunned and betrayed. Upon seeing that his father is going to accept this news passively, he helps the union boycott, sparking a clash between father and son that threatens to ruin their relationship forever. Cantet\'s usage of non-professional actors gives HUMAN RESOURCES a documentary-like feel, adding poignancy to the film\'s universal story. \r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures.\r\n\r\nJe T`Aime Moi Non Plus (1976) - Serge Gainsbourg \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Releasing.\r\n\r\nI guess we all know that song........ \r\n\r\nJean-Paul Belmondo - The Screen Icons Collection \r\n\r\nA collection of five films featuring the iconic French actor. Films include \r\n\r\nLE PROFESSIONEL, \r\nA BOUT DE SOUFFLE, \r\nPIERROT LE FOU, \r\nSTAVISKY,\r\nA DOUBLE TOUR.\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Releasing.\r\n\r\nLabyrinth Of Passion (1982) - Pedro Almodovar \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nLabyrinth of Passion is an early foray by Almodovar into the chaos and anarchy of the many permutations of desire. Billed as the first Almodovar film that \"you can see and hear\", it has the bold, primary colours of a low-budget Sirk.\r\n\r\nSexilia is a young sex fiend, member of a female rock group and daughter of a brilliant and twisted gynaecologist. She is in love with Riza Niro, heir to a fallen Arab empire, who is more preoccupied with make up and men than with international politics. They are the central couple around which the film revolves, just one step away from losing control.\r\n\r\nThe kaleidoscopic trip through the Labyrinth of Passion takes in music, shameless obsessions, terrorism, test-tube babies, remedies for people with dry lips and brittle fingernails, murky pasts and uncertain futures.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nMasjavlar (2004) - Maria Blom \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nAn engaging debut from acclaimed theatre director Maria Blom, Masjavlar won three Swedish Academy Awards, triumphing in the Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Leading Actress categories. \r\n\r\nPlayfully taking its Swedish title (Dalecarlians) from the residents of the Dalarna province in Northern Sweden, the film concerns Mia (Sofia Helin), the youngest of three sisters who moved away to Stockholm 15 years ago. With her father, Calle (Willie Andreason), turning 70, Mia reluctantly returns to her hometown for the celebration. When it transpires that Calle is bequeathing her the idyllic family lakeside cabin, tensions between Mia and her sisters Eivor and Gunilla soon surface. \r\n\r\nEstablishing herself as one of the leading lights of contemporary Swedish cinema, Blom creates an impressive set of characters, all with unexpected depths and surprises, and paints a provocative portrait of family and community. With the cast perfectly evoking a tangled web of tensions and repressed emotions, Masjavlar melts even the coldest of hearts.\r\n\r\nReleased by Drakes Avenue.\r\n\r\nMother And Son (1997) - Aleksandr Sokurov \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nAlexander Sokurov\'s extraordinarily lyrical film is a beautiful and tender exploration of the deep affection between an dying mother and her devoted adult son. Set in a hauntingly beautiful landscape which Sokurov\'s camera transforms into stunning cinematic canvases, the pair recall happier times as the dutiful son lovingly nurses his ailing mother in her final hours. The first part in a proposed trilogy about familial bonds that continues with the captivating \'Father and Son\', \'Mother and Son\' is an emotional and poetic masterpiece of unique vision. \r\n\r\nA unique visual stylist, Sokurov is the most important filmmaker to have emerged from Russia since his mentor, Andrei Tarkovsky. \r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye.\r\n\r\nMy Wife Is A Gangster 2 - Return Of A Legend (2003) - Jeong Heung-sun\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nIn this sequel to MY WIFE IS GANGSTER, former gang leader Eun-jin has lost her memory. She defends her employer, a restaurateur, from a gangster hellbent on taking over his business. \r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video.\r\n\r\nRed Shoes (2005) - Kim Yong-Gyun\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nYour feet could be killing you!\r\n\r\nA pair of high-heeled shoes are abandoned on a subway platform. When a young woman discovers them she feels compelled to take them, not knowing that they are cursed. She has just split up with her husband and plans to raise her daughter on her own. However, the shoes take possession of her. Equally, they enchant her ballet-obsessed daughter, family and friends with murderous consequences. When she investigates further, she discovers that a malevolent spirit is seeking revenge beyond the grave. Mother and daughter become obsessive rivals for ownership of the cursed shoes, but who will find themselves taking the final walk to their grave? \r\n\r\nDirector Yong-Gyun Kim has devised a devilishly captivating film in The Red Shoes which combines the familiar fairy tale most memorably realised in the Powell-Pressburger movie classic - with Korean horror traditions. It themes of vengeful spirits echo other Korean films such as The Phone and Into The Mirror. Its an atmospheric horror film filled with stylistically claustrophobic camerawork and tinged with modern Gothic scenery. Equally, its an intensive study of one womans psychological state of mind, her deeper, unfulfilled desires. The Red Shoes is a toe-curling chiller that takes you for a walk on the fearside. \r\n\r\nA Korean-style reworking of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale...\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video - Possible rental release .\r\n\r\nThe Science Of Sleep (2006) - Michel Gondry \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nLargely set in the very active subconscious mind of Stephane, THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP bounces back and forth between his vivid dreams and mundane real life, which involves living in a Parisian apartment owned by his mother and working at an office with a strange crew of characters, including the crass Guy. When Stephane meets Stephanie, a shy neighbour from next door, the two form an unusual friendship, one that may or may not lead to romance. \r\n\r\nMy opinion:\r\n\r\nAnyone who has seen Michel Gondrys pop promos and shorts wont be surprised at this film, its one youll love or hate, if the former it is eminently rewatchable. Very imaginative and surreal, it gets a BIG thumbs up from me.\r\n\r\nReleased by Warner Home Video. Probable rental release .\r\n\r\nShe`s On Duty (2005) - Park Kwang-Chun \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nAn undercover female policewoman is sent to a school in order to befriend the teenage daughter of a criminal. \r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video.\r\n\r\nLe Silence De La Mer (1949) - Jean-Pierre Melville\r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nLe Silence de la mer Jean-Pierre Melville\'s debut film is an adaptation of the novella of the same title by celebrated French Resistance author Vercors (the pen name of Jean Bruller). Clandestinely written in 1942 during the Nazi occupation of France and furtively distributed, it captured the spirit of the moment, and quickly became a staple of the Resistance. \r\n\r\nMelville\'s cinematic adaptation partly shot in Vercors\' own house tells the story of a German officer, Werner von Ebrennac (Howard Vernon), who is billeted to the house of an elderly man (Jean-Marie Robain) and his niece (Nicole Stephane) in occupied France. Resisting the intruder, the uncle and niece refuse to speak to the German officer, who warms himself by the fire each evening espousing idealistic views about the relationship between France and Germany. These propagandised illusions are shattered, however, when a trip to Paris reveals the truth of what is really going on. \r\n\r\nOne of the most important French films to deal with World War II, and a landmark in Melville\'s distinguished oeuvre, Le Silence de la Mer is a lyrical, timeless depiction of the experiences and struggles of occupation and resistance.\r\n\r\nReleased by Eureka Masters of Cinema.\r\n\r\nThe Stolen Children (Il Ladro Di Bambini) (1992) - Gianni Amelio \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nA policewoman is ordered to escort two children from Milan to an orphanage in Sicily. \r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','c347de9e8b1f6860c4752f718da92467',0,'','ZNpU5GMJ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13839,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182513780,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Re: Hanzo the Razor\r\n\r\nShocking audiences even today, the hardest man in Edo regularly unleashes his special weapon in the form of his oversized penis, which he uses to \'interrogate\' female suspects into pleasured compliance. \r\n\r\nTakashi Miike has obviously been influenced a little by these films then. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','c3153109e78c0f212fff797be93a68ad',0,'','h3Uysg61',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13840,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182528420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','You have some fine releases. I especially recommend you to watch >Amelio\'s road movie. Very beautiful.\r\n\r\nHanzo the Razor has also been released in Germany. You should see the trailers, where his weapon is shown in action  \r\n\r\nI believe some Cyberpunk films were also influenced by this','eafa741b684a5fffa480dd4a5f1ad060',0,'','i7Wta2mT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13841,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1183031640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','I\'ll certainly see it when I can A, but that goes for most releases anyway. \r\n\r\nJuly 2nd\r\n\r\nL`Homme De Ma Vie (1995) - Jean-Charles Tacchella \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nA comedy of manners, a 28 year old woman is determined to get married and sets about trying to find a suitable husband. However once married to a famous restaurant critic, she is soon determined to divorce him.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell films.\r\n\r\nOlivier, Olivier (1991) Agnieszka Holland \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nA beloved young son disappears without trace and his family falls apart in their grief, each retreating into their own worlds in order to cope with the loss. Six years later a detective brings back an amnesiac rent boy, who the family believe to be their missing son.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell films.\r\n\r\nOshima: The Realm of the Senses/Empire of Passion \r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nPair of scorching Japanese art-house dramas from director Nagisa Oshima. \'The Realm Of The Senses\' (Ai No Corrida) (1976) netted Oshima a Best Director award at Cannes and follows a former prostitute who becomes a house servant in a story based on true-life events. Abe (Eiko Matsuda) is hired as servant - a step up from her life of prostitution in pre-war Japan. However, she promptly embarks upon an achingly erotic affair with the master of the house, Ishida -San (Tatsuya Fuji). The pair\'s boundless appetite for carnal congress consumes them both but becomes truly dangerous when it becomes the only thing they are interested in and begins to consume their very lives. The film\'s blistering climax is one of the most legendary and talked-about scenes in film history.\r\n\r\n\'Empire Of Passion\' (197 is Oshima\'s tale of a love triangle gone wrong in 1800s Japan. Village litter-carrier Gisaburo\'s (Takahiro Tamura) wife, Seki (Kazuko Yoshiyuki) is dissatisfied with her lot and embarks upon a steamy affair with Toyiji Tatsuya Fuji) a man a quarter decade her junior. The immature Toyiji, with the exuberance of youth, wants his older lady all to himself and together the lovebirds plot to off Gisaburo. They strangle him and dump the corpse in a well, telling the neighbours he\'s take off for a better life in Tokyo. It seems like the perfect crime until, three years later, rumblings of suspicion by locals and regular hauntings lead to the cops opening an investigation.\r\n\r\nReleased by Nouveaux Pictures.\r\n\r\nSunflower (1970) - Vittorio De Sica\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nSUNFLOWER was the first Italian feature to be shot in Moscow. Set during World War II, its the story of a man that fakes insanity to avoid the draft, but is made by the official and sent to the frontline in Russia.\r\n\r\nReleased by Blackhorse Entertainment.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','b2f205281eae86517d5855a3e5847fdf',0,'','pbm5Wd4V',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13842,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1183595820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','July 09\r\n.\r\nFrancois Truffaut Collection \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nFeatures five films by the respected French director Francois Truffaut. \r\n\r\nTHE MAN WHO LOVED WOMEN, \r\nTHE WILD CHILD, \r\nMISSISSIPPI MERMAID, \r\nTHE STORY OF ADELE H, \r\nTHE BRIDE WORE BLACK. \r\n\r\nReleased by MGM Ent.\r\n\r\nGerard Depardieu - The Classics Collection \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nA collection featuring three of the French superstars finest films \r\n\r\nBUFFET FROID, \r\nHELAS PUR MOI,\r\nCAMILLE CLAUDEL. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nL`Eclisse (1962) - Michelangelo Antonioni \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nThe final part of Antonioni\'s trilogy about broken society and ruptured relationships. Winner of the Cannes Special Jury Prize. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nSenso (1953) - Luchino Visconti \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nAn extravagantly romantic story about the tempestuous affair between an Italian countess and a dashing Austrian officer. When war and revolution break out, the contessa becomes torn between her fervent patriotic commitment and her obsessive love for one of the enemy. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','f04e8d3b29adac44f174a8d07b8cf04f',0,'','8kLz4VfW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13843,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184180820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','July 16\r\n\r\nClose To Home (2005) - Vidi Bilu \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nLife as a teenage girl in Israel isnt easy. Just ask Smadar (Smadar Sayar) and Mirit (Naama Schendar), two 18-year-olds who spend their workdays wearing fatigues as officers in the Israeli Army. Vidi Bilu and Dalia Hagars CLOSE TO HOME addresses the challenging concept of a country in which young women are forced to perform military service amidst the trials and tribulations of teenage confusion. Smadar is a rebellious type who clearly has issues letting people get close to her. Meanwhile, Mirit is as by-the-book as they come. When theyre paired together to patrol the streets of Jerusalem and perform random I.D. searches on those who look suspicious (i.e., any and all Arabs), it looks like theyre never going to get along. Gradually, they begin to warm up to each other, and a sisterly bond develops. But ultimately the strain of trying to balance personal issues with the stress of being soldiers causes them to rethink their friendship forever. Clearly a subject close to Bilu and Hagars hearts, CLOSE TO HOME is, at its core, a universal story about budding womanhood. But placed in a military context, the stakes are even higher, and the levels run even deeper. Both Sayar and Schendar deliver superb performances, capturing their characters constantly shifting emotional states with flawless accuracy.\r\n\r\nMy opinion\r\n\r\nWell made drama with an at times, almost documentary approach, still need to write a review but well worth seeing.\r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures\r\n\r\nLow chance of rental release.\r\n\r\nEisenstein Collection Vol.1 \r\n\r\nDescription \r\n\r\nCollection of three films directed by Russian filmmaking legend Sergei Eisenstein. \r\n\r\nBATTLESHIP POTEMKIN, \r\nSTRIKE and \r\nOCTOBER.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nNo chance of rental release.\r\n\r\nAnd that. as they say is that, a very quiet week indeed.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','beb714beb08332edb41deae279ad27f5',0,'','nxWhDbiy',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13844,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184208480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','I laugh at their essential Eisenstein which keeps his best film still unavailable anywhere on DVD.','ca7d3ac8a8eaddd1826648d5b60f5fe5',0,'','RcyFDxN5',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13845,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184236620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','There are two further sets to be released:\r\n\r\nVol 2.\r\n\r\nAlexander Nevsky\r\nIvan the Terrible, Part One\r\nIvan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars\' Plot\r\n\r\nVol 3.\r\n\r\nTime in the Sun (1940)\r\nQue viva Mexico! (1932) or (1979) ? No idea which one .\r\nMexican Fantasy ?\r\n\r\nIs the film you regard as his best amongst these?\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','3bb976c4188b0ea232bc9262161c6354',0,'','a174AKQc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13846,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184250720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','Nope, is there some special reason The General Line/Old and New is not available?','09d83e9ce093ed0924a30d972c5f12b5',0,'','PDA6Rdbr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13847,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184703240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','July 23\r\n\r\nBlessed By Fire (Iluminados por el fuego) (2005) - Tristn Bauer\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nA Falklands memoir from the other side of the battle. In the first film to present the Falklands conflict of 1982 from the Argentinean side, Tristan Bauer also presents a strong antiwar message. The action begins 20 years after the cessation of hostilities with the attempted suicide of Alberto Vargas (Pablo Ribba) a former soldier who served there. His journalist friend Esteban Leguizamn (Gastn Pauls), upon hearing of it, begins to have flashbacks of what horrors the two witnessed on the Malvinas, waiting, watching, woefully unprepared and malnourished for the kind of fight the British army had in mind. The soldiers come to the cheerless realization that they are cannon fodder in the worst way - grist to the political mill in which two strong-headed leaders had a vested interest in proving a point. Esteban travels back to the Malvinas to face his troubled past and tours the windswept and unforgiving place, now forgotten and rotting with rusted arms and munitions. With the UK celebrations and commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the battle, this is a refreshingly different perspective on the trauma, repugnance and worthlessness of a war that didn\'t really have to happen.\r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures\r\n\r\nBlue (1993) - Derek Jarman \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nDerek Jarman records his thoughts and experiences as he battles with the HIV virus. His own words are delivered by John Quentin, Nigel Terry, Tilda Swinton and Derek Jarman himself. The music is provided by Simon Fisher Turner. \r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nThe Family Friend (L`Amico Di Famiglia) (2006) - Paolo Sorrentino \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nItalian family drama about a rotten loan shark horning his way into a young couple\'s wedding. This critically beloved third film by Italian director Paolo Sorrentino is said by many to be his best work to date. Geremia De Geremei (Giacomo Rizzo) is sleazy and thoroughly disagreeable old loan shark who lives with his bedridden harridan of a mum. Friendless and socially inept, he horns in on a young couple whose parents are forced to borrow from him to pay for their nuptials. The loan is made conditional upon the proud parents inviting this elderly sleaze to their child\'s big day, which they agree to only with great reluctance. De Geremei\'s interest in the pretty young bride Rosalba (Laura Chiatti) becomes decidedly unhealthy but he may have met his match in this scathing-tongued bride-to-be.\r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nIf... (1968) - Lindsay Anderson\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nLindsay Anderson directs an allegory in which life at a boys\' public school represents structured society in general, and where discontent and tension finally gives way to open rebellion. Malcolm McDowell stars in this cult `60s film.\r\n\r\nReleased by Paramount Home Ent.\r\n\r\nIrezumi (1966) - Yasuzo Masumura\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nYasuzo Masumura\'s tale of feminine revenge and \'60s Grrrl power in old Japan. This \'Pinku Eiga\' (pink cinema) classic deals with a young woman abused by male society who exacts a gruesome revenge. Otsuya (Ayako Wakao) is a young woman of some breeding who is abducted into service at the Geisha house of Gonji. This leads to a less than favourable run-in with some highly unsavoury male characters the likes of which a girl of her breeding has never seen. When deranged \'irezumi\' (tattoo) artist, Seikichi (Gaku Yamamoto) get his eyes on her, he thinks he has found the canvass he\'s been looking for all his life. With the greatest care and using all the skills he has at his fingertips, he needles a huge spider tattoo on her upper back - a tattoo being the ultimate affront to Japanese society. Gradually, Otsuya finds herself morphing into a low-class predator in the mould of the ones who have brought her to this, and starts taking her deadly revenge on male society, using her fine looks to lure them into her web of carnage.\r\n\r\nReleased by Yume Pictures\r\n\r\nJean-Luc Godard Collection Vol.2 \r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nSecond volume featuring the films of acclaimed French Filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard. Films include \r\nPIERROT LE FOU, \r\nUNE FEMME EST UNE FEMME, \r\nLA CINOISE, \r\nLE PETIT SOLDAT and \r\nDETECTIVE. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nPadre Padrone (1977) - Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nAn autobiographical tale of the life of a young boy, who grows up to become a linguistics professor, thereby escaping the despotic tyranny of his father who wants him to train as a shepherd. Using both professional actors and untrained locals from the Sardinian countryside, this story of the virtual imprisonment of young Sardinians by their rural surroundings was originally filmed by the Taviani brothers for Italian TV, but went on to win the Best Film Award at Cannes in 1977.\r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nPalms (Ladoni) (1993) - Artur Aristakisyan \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nBetween 1986 and 1990, Arthur Aristakisian lived among the tramps and beggars of Kishinov, the Moldavian capital, studying them and empathising with their plight. This documentary follows a series of case studies--all disadvantaged in some way--as they go about their daily business of struggling to eke out an existence in a cruel and hostile world. Aristakisian takes a philosophical, almost spiritual, view of his subjects (he uses the analogy of an aborted foetus to imply rejection and removal from society, a direct reference to a painful chapter in his own life). But, by way of rationalising, he likens them to Christ and his disciples, whose outsider status was part of their uniqueness. Aristakisians sensitive narration is that of a father intoning truths to his unborn child, while the monochrome photography perfectly captures the former Soviet city in all its desolate glory.\r\n\r\nReleased by Secondrun.\r\n\r\nPTU - Police Tactical Unit (2003) Johnny To\r\n\r\nDescription: \r\n\r\nJohnny To (FULLTIME KILLER) directs this Hong Kong action film noir that takes place one dangerous night on the streets where the police tactical unit (PTU) are assigned to patrol. With shadowy alleyways, dingy restaurants, and seedy video game arcades setting the scene for the constantly violent action, PTU is a street war between police and underground thugs. Sergeant Lo (Lam Suet) cruises on his own, while groups of other police officers scan the streets, beating and brutalising punk kids who report directly to the major thugs Ponytail, Bald Head, and Eye Ball. Lo\'s main problem is that he has lost his police-issue handgun and he badly wants it back. He follows any leads available trying to find it, even if it means betraying his fellow officers and making a deal with the thugs. A brutal film that nonetheless has moments of absurd comic relief--Lo slips on a banana peel while in pursuit of punks not once but twice--PTU is another solid contribution to To\'s entertaining repertoire of Hong Kong action flicks. \r\n\r\nReleased by Third Window.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev','1c49fdeac9abbd79a5c68194accb7b6a',0,'','RVJYB5Ay',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13848,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185008460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','A few interesting releases for sure. A couple of films from the one-time enfant terrible, Masumura Yasuzo, have become available on U.S. DVD recently, the latest being Blue Test Car. Irezumi, however, isn\'t one of them. Have you seen anything from him? Blessed By Fire and If... are either already out or will be shortly in the U.S. Palms has been delayed, I believe.','c5cda85d50d0467717b92c7ee3e20b60',0,'','UZfT5esC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13849,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185021240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Re: Masumura Yasuzo, I have the extraordinary Blind Beast (Mj) on dvd and it\'s a film I find fascinating, the Dali-esque stylings make this stand out plus the purely obsessive/ compulsive nature of the blind sculptor and the model. If anything disappointed me it was the finished sculpture which looked more like a pneumatic porn star than the model. Certain modern Japanese directors could learn a lot from it, how to create highly disturbing yet totally captivating films, not just shallow shock value pics. \r\n\r\nSaying that though, I still think Miike\'s Audition is very good.\r\n\r\nRed Angel (Akai tenshi) (1966) and Manji (1964) are also available here but I haven\'t seen either yet. Kisses (Kuchizuke) (1957) will be released soon, all from the champions of Suzuki and Masumura, Yume Pictures.\r\n\r\nI\'ve only just noticed he also directed the second of the Hanzo the Razor films, I\'ve recently received the set so I have this to look forward to as well. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','0952b094b6df5b66689ee7e7ec550f02',0,'','PU3jHEX9',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13850,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185180720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','Miike seems to have hit a creative wall. As you know, I was never a big fan of his so that\'s not very surprising to me. Nevertheless, I also liked Audition. Thanks for the Blind Beast comments; I\'ll try to get to it.','e11ea26ab4ee192d96f9bd319d4ee474',0,'','8LqnNJ5U',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13851,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185457980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','July 30\r\n\r\nDiary For My Children (Naplo Gyermekeimnek) (1984) - Marta Meszaros \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nFrom one of the worlds most accomplished women directors, Mszros film connects the personal with the political, portraying the impact of individuals upon history and of historical forces upon individual lives. Autobiographical, and the first in her trilogy of renowned Diary films.\r\n\r\nReleased by Secondrun.\r\n\r\nDistant Voices, Still Lives (1988) - Terence Davies \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nThe second film in Terence Davies\' autobiographical series (Trilogy, The Long Day Closes) is an impressionistic view of a working-class family in 1940s and 1950s Liverpool, based on Davies\' own family. \r\n\r\nThe first part, Distant Voices, opens with grown siblings Eileen (Angela Walsh), Maisie (Lorraine Ashbourne) and Tony (Dean Williams), and their mother (Freda Dowie) arranged in mourning clothes before the photograph of their smiling father (Pete Postlethwaite). Soon after, the family poses in a similar tableau, but for a happier occasion - Eileen\'s wedding. While relatives sing at her reception, Eileen hysterically grieves for her dad, and recalls happy times of her youth. Tony and Maisie\'s memories, however, are more troubled. \r\n\r\nDavies intermingles and contrasts scenes like the family peacefully lighting candles in church with the brutal man beating his wife and terrorising his young children. In Still Lives, set (and filmed) two years later, the siblings are settled in life, but not all happily. \r\n\r\nReleased by BFI\r\n\r\nLove In The Strangest Way (Elles n\'oublient jamais) (1994) - Christopher Frank \r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nA Hitchcockian thriller in which married debt collector Julien has a fling with a beautiful, mysterious woman while his wife is away. The one-nighter is over before it even begins - or so Julien would like to believe, but Angela, his pick-up, is after revenge and calmly begins to dismantle his career, home and sanity. \r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell films\r\n\r\nRien Sur Robert (1999) Pascal Bonitzer\r\n\r\nDescription\r\n\r\nAn assured French comedy of morals in which the life of superficial, middle-class, paranoid critic Didier starts to fall apart after writing a damning review of a film he hasn\'t seen. Michel Piccoli enjoys himself in his cameo as Ariel Chatwick-West, who lambasts the hapless critic.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell films\r\n\r\nAll of these are old friends barring For My Children, but judging by Secondrun\'s previous dvds this should be at the least, an interesting release.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','e630ebbf17e8b2ab599cdba3faaaca91',0,'','L4q8S3MB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13852,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185510780,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','Glad to see that Meszaros gets another of her films released. i absolutely admire this woman, and it was a pleasure to see her in person at this year\'s Berlinale where she received an Honorary Golden bear (her film rkbefogadas Adoption won the main award in 1975).\r\n\r\nI still have Yume Pictures\' flyer I picked up at the Berlinale. It\'s announcing the new Masumura releases on one side, and Suzuki\'s on the other. A real treat! \r\n\r\nThe sleeve notes for Davies\' Distant Voices, Still Lives sound very fascinating. I\'ve still seen only one of his films and am looking forward to this modern classic. I believe he is considered to be the best current British director by some people.\r\n\r\nA huge for the description of Rien sur Robert.','fd8f16a15f3674427883ee19f905363b',0,'','wn1M49qs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13853,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1186518420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','August 13\r\n\r\nAprile (1998) - Nanni Moretti \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nMoretti\'s spontaneous, irreverent and self deprecating style of storytelling is brought to bear on three favourite things: Rome, joy riding on his Vespa, and film making. A funny and moving account of first time fatherhood, Aprile mingles family, work and politics with large helpings of irony and humour.\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nBallad Of Narayama (Narayama bushiko) (1983) - Shohei Imamura\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nThe inhabitants of a small village have adopted extreme measures to ensure their survival - male babies are killed with little remorse, and when villagers reach the age of 70, they are sent to the base of Narayama mountain to die. Refusal to go brings disgrace to the family. Orin is 69. However, before she heads to the mountain she wants to ensure that her eldest son finds a wife.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nThe Bow (Hwal) (2005) Kim Ki-duk\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nA stylish fable that explores the bonds of human nature, and adds a sprinkling of magical realism. An old man has been raising a young girl since she was a baby, and plans to marry her when she turns 17. But when a teenage boy joins them on a trip, he awakens feelings of desire and jealousy in the old man.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nThe Caiman (Il Caimano) (2006) - Nanni Moretti\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nNanni Moretti\'s first film since the award-winning The Son\'s Room, The Caiman is at once a comedy, a political satire, and a moving and personal story of one man\'s struggle to regain control of his life. \r\n\r\nBruno is a middle-aged, once famous film producer, struggling to revitalise his career with a disastrous film about Christopher Columbus whilst trying to rescue his crumbling marriage. \r\n\r\nAs he loses control of his personal and professional life, he unwittingly throws his support behind a oung writer\'s scathing attack on Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, wrongly believing it to be a commercial thriller. \r\n\r\nReluctant at first to enter the world of political satire, Bruno soon finds the project taking over his life. \r\n\r\nLife imitating art, Berlusconi himself was deposed at the 2006 elections within a month of the film\'s release.\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nCasque D`Or (1952) - Jacques Becker \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nStarring international sex symbol Simone Signoret, Casque D\'Or is often considered director Jacques Becker\'s masterpiece. Becker was an assistant to the legendary Jean Renoir, and Renoir\'s influence on Becker is readily apparent in this poetic, impressionist film. Signoret plays Marie, the girlfriend of a minor gangster, who falls in love with a working man. Their love affair leads to a power struggle within the gang and speeds everyone inexorably towards tragedy. Casque D\'Or features a diligent and careful production design that recreates Paris of the late 19th century, and was based on actual criminal cases from that era. Though dismissed on its initial release in 1952, aside from a BAFTA acting award for Signoret, the critical reputation of Casque D\'Or grew in subsequent years and is now generally considered one of France\'s great artistic films. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nClose Up (Nema-ye Nazdik) (1990) - Abbas Kiarostami\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nKiarostami\'s masterpiece, depicting in documentary fashion an unemployed man\'s attempt to impersonate the director Mohsen Makhmalbaf and the court proceedings which result. This is a brilliant, multi-layered exploration of illusion and reality, infused with its creator\'s humanity and wisdom.\r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures.\r\n\r\nDanger - Diabolik (1968) - Mario Bava \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nMade at the height of the Swinging \'60s, Mario Bava\'s stylish, tongue-in-cheek adaptation of the popular Italian comic strip Diabolik captures all the lavish decadence typical of the psychedelic era. Square-jawed leading man John Phillip Law stars as the titular antihero, a suave, cunning superthief who steals from the government and kills innocent bystanders for his own personal gain. Sharing an opulent underground lair with his stunning, amoral girlfriend Eva Kant (Marisa Mell), Diabolik globetrots Europe in his quest for wealth while confounding both the police (Michel Piccoli and Terry Thomas) and a rival criminal (Adolfo Celi). With its innovative cinematography and a pulsing score by soundtrack maestro Ennio Morricone, DIABOLIK has been referenced in a Beastie Boys video and Roman Coppola\'s CQ--and owns the dubious honour of being the last film parodied by Mystery Science Theatre 3000. \r\n\r\nReleased by Paramount.\r\n\r\nThe Devil`s Eye (1960) Ingmar Bergman\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nA highly stylised comedy, and Bergman\'s first attempt at a theatrically structured film, The Devil\'s Eye tells the tale of Don Juan, who is sent back to earth from hell by the Devil to deflower virtue in the person of the daughter of a naive and impressionable country parson. The film\'s episodes are introduced by Bergman veteran Gunnar Bjrnstrand, who lectures the audience on what they\'re seeing and how to view it. From the proverb \"A woman\'s chastity is a stye in the devil\'s eye.\" \r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nHaxa n - Witchcraft Through The Ages (1922) - Benjamin Christensen\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nA darkly humorous, genre-defying silent \'documentary\', in which witchcraft through the ages is presented in a series of dramatic vignettes that explore the contention that witches of the middle ages suffered a hysteria similar to that of modern psychiatric patients. Director Christensen presents an audacious mixture of fact, fiction, lecture and hallucinatory recreation in his one-of-a-kind film. He himself plays the devil, notably in a terrifying sequence with a monk! \r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nMy American Uncle (Mon oncle d`Amerique) (1980) - Alain Resnais \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nUsing the observations of human behavioural theorist Henry Laborit as its starting point, Alain Resnais masterpiece is an intelligent comedy/drama about three Paris professionals\' intertwining lives. \r\nRene (Gerard Depardieu) is successful manager in a textile factory facing the prospect of down-sizing with his position under threat; Jean (Roger Pierre) is a political star on the rise but whose marital life is in tatters; and Janine (Nicole Garcia), is a struggling actress who works for Rene and is having an affair with Pierre, connecting the two men.\r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films.\r\n\r\nRat-Trap (Elippathayam) (1981) - Adoor Gopalakrishnan \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nIn Indian cinema, Adoor Gopalakrishnan is arguably the true heir to Satyajit Ray. The first film to bring him international acclaim, Rat-Trap is outstanding for its characterizations and detail. Set in Kerala in the early 1980\'s, the film takes a look into the life of a lazy feudal lord, unable to accept socio-economic changes, who subsequently falls prey to the metaphorical rat-trap set by his own escapism and arrogance.\r\n\r\nReleased by Second Run.\r\n\r\nSawdust And Tinsel (1953) Ingmar Bergman\r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nOne of Bergman\'s key films, which acknowledges the influence of EA Dupont\'s expressionist film Variety, the circus is here a metaphor for the charade of men and women\'s relationships. Ake Grnberg plays Albert, the owner of a small, tawdry circus, and Harriet Andersson Anne, his mistress who is a bareback rider. Stopping at a small town, Albert tries to resume his relationship with his estranged wife. Meanwhile an actor seduces Anne. It seems however that Albert and Anne, tired as they may be with their rootless lives, are still committed to each other.\r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nTouchez Paz Au Grisbi (1953) - Jacques Becker \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nGabin, the quintessential tough-guy, and Moreau, resplendent as always, pair up for this heist film, one of the best of the French gangster films of the 1950s. In it, Gabin is an aging thief who has already pulled off what he thinks was his last big job, scoring enough gold to last him through his twilight years. Unfortunately, one of his partners\' girlfriends has taken up with the boss of a rival gang and he quickly learns about the big score. Soon, Max\'s best friend is kidnapped and held for ransom. The blackmail scheme soon turns into a battle of wits between Max and the rival gang that includes a number of double-crosses and, inevitably, leads to tragic finish.\r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nLe Trou (1960) - Jacques Becker \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nThe story of five prisoners who meticulously plan their escape, only to learn that one of them is scheduled to be pardoned a few days before the jail-break. One of the prison genre\'s most unforgettable films. \r\n\r\nReleased by Optimum Home Ent.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','3efe583371a531268a82b9bb8e10c5ad',0,'','EPWZxans',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13854,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1186518840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','A very busy week for releases especially from Tartan and Optimum, very doubtful if any of these will get a rental release though I\'m hoping that The Bow will.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','f95262f4c5a44d51c45b5e0c0e253e37',0,'','ECRU5vWP',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13855,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187863260,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','I think Gopalakrishnan\'s film is slightly delayed (that\'s unfortunately become the norm with the otherwise highly relevant Second Run releases).\r\n\r\nThe second Kaurismki set from AE contains Drifting Clouds, Juha and Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatiana. It comes out Sep 24th. The third -- Crime and Punishment, Hamlet Goes Business and La Vie de bohme -- is scheduled for Oct 22nd.','f4c3c07015850f277c88d0c02bc367f1',0,'','NDaCBEHs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13856,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187909100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Delays seem to be becoming the norm, Tartan Video in particular.\r\n\r\nHow do you get your info arsaib4, I haven\'t been able to find anything re: the Kaurismki sets, good going though.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','beef2fec86511cdf5973f91bd00a6815',0,'','gc60v35s',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13857,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187958540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','August 27\r\n\r\nAway From Her (2007) - Sarah Polley \r\n\r\nRental release only.\r\n\r\nReleased by High Fliers - Available to rent \r\n\r\nBallad of Narayama (Narayama bushiko) (1958) - Keisuke Kinoshita \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nThe inhabitants of a small village have adopted extreme measures to ensure their survival - male babies are killed with little remorse, and when villagers reach the age of 70, they are sent to the base of Naryama mountain to die. Refusal to go brings disgrace to the family. Orin is 69. However, before she heads to the mountain she wants to ensure that her eldest son finds a wife.\r\n.\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nBlack Rose Mansion (Kuro bara no yakata) (1969) - Kinji Fukasaku \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nFrom Kinji Fukasaku, director of the controversial BATTLE ROYALE (2000) comes this 1969 oddity starring female impersonator Akihiro Maruyama of BLACK LIZARD (1968) . When wealthy Kyohei (Eitaro Ozawa) hires singer Black Rose (Maruyama) to perform in his exclusive men\'s club, he gets more than he bargains for when she brings dozens of murderous ex-lovers out of the woodwork--at the same time that Kyohei and his son begin to fall in love with her. \r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nBlackmail Is My Life (Kyokatsu koso Waga Jinsei) (1968) - Kinji Fukasaku\r\n\r\nFilm Description: \r\n\r\nOne of Japanese cinema\'s most exhilarating directors, Kinji Fukasaku has thrilled audiences for over forty years. 1968\'s BLACKMAIL IS MY LIFE is no exception to the rule. The film follows an up-and-coming hipster, Shun (Hiroki Matsukata), as he blackmails his way into success and fortune. But that hot streak is short lived when Shun tries his luck on a very dangerous gangster. Dark, murky, and filled with splashes of violence, BLACKMAIL IS MY LIFE is a must-see for fans of the pulp genre. \r\n\r\nReleased by Tartan Video\r\n\r\nBorn Into Brothels (2004) - Ross Kauffman \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nA portrait of seven children who live in the red light district of Calcutta where their mothers work as prostitutes. Spurred on Spurred by the children\'s\' fascination with her camera, Zana Briski, a New York-based photographer documenting life in the brothels, decides to teach them photography. As they begin to look at the record their world through new eyes, the children, unrecognised by society, realise for the first time their own talents and sense of worth.\r\n\r\nReview \r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nDeleted scenes; Kid\'s video commentary; Born into Brothels - reconnecting.\r\n\r\nReleased by Drakes Avenue Available to rent \r\n\r\nThe Claude Chabrol Collection Vol 2 \r\n\r\nDescription:\r\n\r\nIncludes the films \r\nINNOCENTS WITH DIRTY HANDS, \r\nWHO\'S GOT THE BLACK BOX?, \r\nTHE POWER OF EVIL, \r\nPLEASURE PARTY, \r\nTHE BREAK UP, \r\nCOP AU VIN. \r\n\r\nReleased by Arrow Films\r\n\r\nClose-Up (Nema-ye Nazdik) (1990) - Abbas Kiarostami \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nKiarostami\'s masterpiece, depicting in documentary fashion an unemployed man\'s attempt to impersonate the director Mohsen Makhmalbaf and the court proceedings which result. This is a brilliant, multi-layered exploration of illusion and reality, infused with its creator\'s humanity and wisdom.\r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures\r\n\r\nDestiny Of A Man (Sudba cheloveka) (1959) - Sergei Bondarchuk\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nThis was Sergei Bondarchucks debut feature which he not only directed but also acted the main part of Andrei Sokolov in the screen adaptation of Nobel Prize winning author Mikhail Sholokovs novel. \r\n\r\nBeautifully crafted and acted, the film is a moving account of an ordinary Soviet citizen during the desperate fight to protect the motherland from Nazi invasion in WWII. In the course of the struggle, Sokolov is captured by the German invaders and despatched to a concentration camp in which the inmates are mercilessly worked and ill-treated. The only thing that urges him to cling on to life is the thought of being reunited with his family when the war is over. \r\n\r\nEssentially a morality tale of humanity ultimately triumphing over evil adversity, the film, on its 1961 release (two years after it was made), was a great worldwide success and an eye-opener to western audiences who assumed Soviet directors could not break free from their propagandist yokes. It launched Bondarchuck on his career, which went on to include such landmark films as They Fought for Their Motherland, Waterloo and War and Peace.\r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nM. Sholokhov featurette; S.Bondarchuk featurette; Filmography; Film of Victory Day; German Prison Camps for Russian POWs; 1941 Military Parade; English subtitles or English dub options. \r\n\r\nReleased by Nouveaux Pictures\r\n\r\nGingko Bed (Eunhaengnamoo chimdae) (1996) - Je-Kyu Kang\r\n\r\nFilm Description: \r\n\r\nA college art lecturer buys an antique bed made of gingko, only to discover that it contains the soul of a woman who died a thousand years earlier--and that he is the reincarnation of her long-lost lover. As he learns more, a tragic love story buried for a thousand years is awakened again.\r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video\r\n\r\nKisses (Kuchizuke) (1957) - Yasuzo Masumura \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nMasumura\'s debut feature in which a teenage boy and girl meet while visiting their respective fathers in prison. They shrug off their respective resposibilities and head to the beach. A pared-down narrative is complemented beautifully by hand-held black and white cinematography.\r\n\r\nReleased by Yume Pictures\r\n\r\nLegend Of Gingko (Danjeogbiyeonsu) (2000)- Je-Hyeon Park \r\nFilm Description: \r\n\r\nSequel to the Korean fantasy adventure film GINGKO BED. Two rival clans fight for their people. \r\n\r\nReleased by Elephant Video\r\n\r\nLights In The Dusk (Laitakaupungin valot) (2007) - Aki Kaurismaki \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nA marvellously droll tragicomedy of love and crime, in which a security guard meets a femme fatale who sets him up, exploiting his gullibility. The final part of Kaurismki\'s \'loser\' trilogy, following on from Drifting Clouds and The Man without a Past. \r\n\r\nPartly a reaction to Man without a Past, which he said he found \'sickly sweet\', Kaurismki said that his original idea for the film was to put his protagonist in an exceptionally bleak modern milieu and then batter and bully him to death. He doesnt (quite) go through with this. Luckily for our protagonist, the author of the film has a reputation of being a soft-hearted old man, so we can assume there is a spark of hope illuminating the final scene he says. And so there is.\r\n\r\nReview \r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nKaurismaki Interview; Filmography. \r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye\r\n\r\nThe Living Dead Girl (La Morte Vivante) (1982) - Jean Rollin \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nOne of cult director Jean Rollin\'s most successful films, THE LIVING DEAD GIRL takes in resurrection, despair, and a desperate addiction to blood. \r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nUncut version\r\nJean Rollin\'s Short film - LA PAY LOINS (1965)\r\nRollin interview\r\nStills gallery\r\nRedemption trailers \r\n\r\nReleased by Redemption\r\n\r\nThe Night Of The Sunflowers (La Noche de los Girasoles) (2007) - Jorge Sanchez-Cabezudo \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nA nicely intricate thriller that begins with the report of a woman\'s body found in the middle of a field of sunflowers. From this situation, a patchwork tale of mistaken identity, murder, corruption and deception is gradually revealed, which a wily veteran of the local police force tries to stitch together.\r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nMaking-of; Deleted scenes; Q&A; Trailer. \r\n\r\nReleased by Yume Pictures Available to rent \r\n\r\nPalms (Ladoni) (1993) - Artur Aristakisyan \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nThere is no other film like Palms. Made as Aristakisyans graduation film, this address to his unborn son was filmed among the beggars and homeless community in the town of Kishinev. It is a film populated with outcasts and survivors, the maimed and the damaged. This is deliberate - any contact with the system leads to compromises and the loss of spiritual salvation. If freedom of the spirit comes at the price of complete rejection, then so be it. Anarchistic, apocalyptic even, this unique film gives bourgeois tastes nothing to congratulate themselves on and nothing to recognise. The experience is dizzying and discomforting, as if all the solid ground beneath your feet has turned to jelly.\r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nInterview with director Artur Aristakisyan. \r\n\r\nReleased by Secondrun\r\n\r\nThey Fought For The Motherland (Oni srazhalis za rodinu) (1975)- Sergei Bondarchuk \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nIn July 1942, the exhausted Soviet army is retreating towards Stalingrad while desperately trying to hold their ground in front of the rampaging German war machine. Bondarchuk\'s film concentrates on the remnants of one shattered regiment and its individual soldiers\' thoughts and fears in the face of impending annihilation - of both themselves and Russia itself. The depictions of war and destruction are powerful, as are those of the individual characters forced to participate in a terrible fight for survival. \r\n\r\nA screen adaptation of Nobel Prize winning author Mikhail Sholokov\'s novel of the same name.\r\n\r\nDVD Extras\r\n\r\nDigitally remastered from restored print; Interviews with actress Irina Skobetsova and Professor A. Ushakov. \r\n\r\nReleased by Nouveaux Pictures\r\n\r\nWheel Of Time (2005) - Werner Herzog \r\n\r\nFilm Description\r\n\r\nHerzog\'s documentary film about the largest Buddhist ritual to promote peace and tolerance, held by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya, India and Graz, Austria in 2002. The film includes exclusive interviews with the Dalai Lama, access to previously secret rituals for the first time as well as footage of a pilgrimage to the Holy Mount Kailash in Tibet.\r\n\r\nReview \r\n\r\nReleased by Soda Pictures\r\n\r\nI must admit, I was surprised that the best of the new releases is not available to rent, I\'m so glad I managed to catch Lights In The Dusk on its short theatrical run.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','469869cb45e1a585f99830c68298d700',0,'','oTwQZYPz',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13858,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188003720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','I believe I got the Kaurismki info via Play. If the sets are simply ports of the Swedish ones, then don\'t expect any pertinent extra features.','c923bfd667d7ff78eeb41f436466d180',0,'','ycKN0Eqe',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13859,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188055380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: UK Releases','This looks again like loads of good stuff are coming out in the UK. Thanksagain for the good work Trevor','085d48cd6a60ea56ade47a7d66a8e6c5',0,'','KTjEJUoP',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13860,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188430980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','September 03\r\n\r\nCurse Of The Golden Flower (2007) Zhang Yimou\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nIn 2004, Zhang Yimou caused a sensation with his astonishing HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, and his CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER is yet another dazzling, visually stunning film. Calling again upon the talents of the striking Gong Li, Yimou tells an epic tale of lust and power set in the opulent world of the Later Tang dynasty. The plot follows the story of the Emperor (Chow Yun Fat) and his Empress (Li) and the tragic disintegration of their royal family--whose problems go far beyond the merely dysfunctional. For starters, the ailing Empress has long been having an affair with her stepson, the Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye). Unbeknownst to her, Wan has been dallying with the Imperial Doctor\'s daughter (Li Man), and has plans to escape the palace with her. Meanwhile, the Emperor himself has just returned from a long trip, and while relations with his wife are obviously icy, it becomes clear that his plans for her are far more ominous than she could ever imagine. Everyone involved has a secret plan for either escape or domination, resulting in an explosive ending wherein the darkest family secrets are revealed and horrifically bloody battles are waged both inside and outside the walls of the sparkling, gold-encrusted palace. Yimou appears to be trying to balance his flair for telling an emotional story with his talent for thrilling, detail-driven action sequences, and while CURSE\'s plot does at times seem close to that of a soap opera, the phenomenal performances and breathtaking visuals are more than enough to power the film forward. Fans of Yimou\'s quieter work (RIDING ALONG FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES) are likely to enjoy the dramatic exploration of family relationships, while there are still plenty of hissing ninjas to satisfy DAGGERS enthusiasts. \r\n\r\nDVD Extras:\r\n\r\nCurse of the Golden Flower - Secrets Within\r\n\r\nReleased by Universal Pictures\r\n\r\nThe Ken Loach Collection (Vol 1) \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nKen Loach is a name synonymous with British cinema; a director that has continued to challenge his audience\'s perception of film form and never ceased to surprise. This collection brings together many of his most celebrated films, along with some that are ripe for rediscovery. Featured titles are Poor Cow (1967), Kes (1969), The Gamekeeper (1980), Riff Raff (1990), Raining Stones (1993), Ladybird Ladybird (1994), Bread and Roses (2000) and The Navigators (2001). \r\n\r\nPoor Cow is a combination of Wednesday Play realism and commercial \"Swinging London\" movie, and contains elements which were to become basics of Loach\'s method. Carol White\'s performance forms the real heart of the film. \r\n\r\nProbably still Loach\'s best-known and best-loved film, Kes was adapted from the Barry Hines novel A Kestrel for a Knave. The portrait of northern working class life remains as pertinent and fiercely unsentimental almost 30 years on, and everyone remembers the famous football games sequence with the late lamented Brian Glover hilariously impersonating Bobby Charlton. A true classic of postwar British cinema. \r\n\r\nThe Gamekeeper, like Kes, is based on a novel from Barry Hines, and follows a year in the life of a gamekeeper, from rearing birds and dealing with predators to organising the shoot. \r\n\r\nWitty and naturalistic, Riff-Raff had strong messages for workers in Thatcher\'s Britain: drugs, daydreams and horoscope escapisms are out, mutual support and retaliation, in! There are vintage Robert Carlyle and Ricky Tomlinson roles, plus an unforgettable foreman who sees laziness everywhere except in his own tea-leaves. \r\n\r\nRaining Stones reflects Loach\'s unwavering left-wing sympathies and has a truly satisfactory ending as life dishes out justice for a change! Ricky Tomlinson is on form together with Bruce Jones (Coronation Street\'s Les Battersby) as they wrestle with sheep, drains, loan sharks and poverty. \r\n\r\nLadybird Ladybird is an intense drama in which a woman fights with the social services over the care of her children. \r\n\r\nIn Bread and Roses, sisters Maya and Rosa are Mexican immigrant cleaners who work in L.A., earn a pittance and get treated like dogs. A young activist offers hope when he vows to help them get the justice and dignity they deserve. Inspired by the real life \'Justice for Janitors\' campaign. \r\n\r\nThe Navigators, one of Ken Loach\'s most accessible and poignant films, follows the fortunes of a group of track workers as the privatisation of British Rail takes effect. When the workers get their new working brief, the company\'s \'Mission Statement\', the talk of \'performance-related pay\' and unpaid holidays seem like a joke. Before long though, the workers are forced to make a very clear \'choice\' to take their chances with the redundancy pay-off and life as casual agency workers, or toe the line and work for the new company under new rules. Forced to cut corners, a tragic accident seems inevitable. \r\n\r\nDVD Extras:\r\n\r\n8 discs; 16 page booklet; South Bank Show documentary (1993) with Ken Loach interviewed about his career to date. \r\n\r\nReleased by Spirit Entertainment.\r\n\r\nThe Ken Loach Collection (Vol 2) \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nKen Loach is a name synonymous with British Cinema; a director that has continued to challenge his audience\'s perception of film form and never ceased to surprise. This second collection brings together many of his most celebrated films, along with some that are ripe for rediscovery. Featured titles are Cathy Come Home (1965), Hidden Agenda (1990), Land and Freedom (1995), Carla\'s Song (1996), My Name is Joe (1998), Sweet Sixteen (2002), Ae Fond Kiss (2004) and The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006). \r\n\r\nCathy Come Home is probably the most famous British television play ever, watched by a quarter of the population on its first broadcast in 1966. Its impact was enormous, provoking questions in the Houses of Parliament and helping to launch the housing charity Shelter. Ken Loach and producer Tony Garnett also ushered in a new style of television drama, taking the cameras onto the streets and fusing documentary and drama styles to give the story an extra sense of reality, and a devastating emotional impact. A bleak and uncompromising view of how inflexible officialdom splits families and ruins lives. \r\n\r\nIn Hidden Agenda, an American lawyer is killed in Northern Ireland after failing to stop at a road block. A top-ranking police officer is called upon to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. A taut, intriguing and exciting political thriller. \r\n\r\nLand and Freedom is larger in scope than any previous Loach film and the Spanish Civil war sequences have a great authenticity. Jim Allen\'s screenplay connects the political education of Ian Hart\'s Liverpudlian volunteer with that of his 1990s granddaughter \r\n\r\nCarla\'s Song sees Robert Carlyle\'s pawky Glasgow bus driver (the actor is actually driving that double-decker) wooing and winning Carla, a Nicaraguan refugee. When the couple move to Central America, Glaswegian wit cannot cope with what it encounters in a homeland subject to Contra attacks and the love story has to end - to be replaced by another one. The humour in the first half of Paul Laverty\'s script foreshadows that of My Name Is Joe. \r\n\r\nIn My Name is Joe, the drug addicts, dealers, and long-term unemployed are powerfully depicted in this drama set in contemporary Glasgow. Paul Laverty makes sure that humour and romance have their place in his screenplay. Peter Mullan as Joe fully merited his Cannes Best Actor award. \r\n\r\nIn Sweet Sixteen a Scottish teenager whose mother is in prison tries to raise the money for a home so that when she comes out she will be safe from the likes of her former boyfriend. An uncompromising and fiercely unsentimental slice of raw social realism that comes over like a Scottish Kes. \r\n\r\nAe Fond Kiss is Loach\'s most optimistic film to date, and asks some hard questions about religion, race and immigration in multi-cultural Britain. With insight and compassion, the film examines the culture clashes faced by second generation immigrants, to produce an intelligent and entertaining love story. \r\n\r\nThe Wind that Shakes the Barley, Ken Loach\'s deserving Palme d\'Or winner, is a searing and powerful depiction of the Irish War Of Independence, focusing on two brothers who find themselves on different sides during the conflict. Its representation of what happens when an occupying force withdraws is clearly applicable to current events, and this is a great piece of angry political cinema. \r\n\r\nDVD Extras:\r\n\r\n8 discs; Director commentaries; Documentaries; Booklet; 2006 documentary about Ken Loach\'s 40 year career making films.\r\n\r\nReleased by Spirit Entertainment.\r\n\r\nLove In The Strangest Way (1994) - Christopher Frank\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nAka Elles n\'oublient jamais. A Hitchcockian thriller in which married debt collector Julien has a fling with a beautiful, mysterious woman while his wife is away. The one-nighter is over before it even begins - or so Julien would like to believe, but Angela, his pick-up, is after revenge and calmly begins to dismantle his career, home and sanity. A French Fatal Atraction.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell\r\n\r\nLa Nouvelle Eve (1999) - Catherine Corsini\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nThe New Eve. A touching madcap comedy. Scornful of marriage, hedonistic Camille is smitten by politically correct Alex who is married with children. Described as \'A Gallic Bridget Jones Diary\'.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell\r\n\r\nRien sur Robert (1999) - Pascal Bonitzer    Getting a lot of dj vu here.\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nAn assured French comedy of morals in which the life of superficial, middle-class, paranoid critic Didier starts to fall apart after writing a damning review of a film he hasn\'t seen. Michel Piccoli enjoys himself in his cameo as Ariel Chatwick-West, who lambasts the hapless critic.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell\r\n\r\nTake Care of my Cat (2002) - Jae Eun Jeong\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nA moving coming-of-age drama set in the South Korea port of Icheon where five young women try to remain close while navigating life for themselves after high school. Some resign themselves to the drab reality of their bleak environment, others try and get a toe-hold in the city.\r\n\r\nReleased by Bluebell\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','ddc9636f6aaa78c25b185eba09a25160',0,'','oBS2TX5d',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13861,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188434280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: UK Releases','I am definitely jealous of the Loach collection(s)','f4f79331fdef170bed7ecbdbae85e9a4',0,'','RKMqkiTG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13862,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188478140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','They\'re certainly value for money and pretty comprehensive.\r\n\r\nThe only thing that bothers me is how this distributor, completely unknown to me has been able to collect these films together when those that have been released before have been distributed by several different companies, some very recently.\r\n\r\nJust hope the packages are as good as they sound and that Spirit Entertainment can deliver what they promise.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','10030ab3ed1a38f7ec7311fb15c4d7bd',0,'','oLXKd4Jz',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13863,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188686100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','I\'m pretty sure we discussed Take Care of My Cat somewhere along the line. Surprised we don\'t have an actual review. It\'s a pretty solid coming-of-age effort.','dd4dc2a9617122220cb872badd6d5738',0,'','KQ03DizA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13864,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1188729480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','Yes I remember writing comments for it but that was on the site before we moved to ezboard. It\'s one I\'ve been meaning to re-watch and write up on again.\r\n\r\nThe problem with this dvd release is that I would guess most people who want it would have an import copy. Still better late than never and I hope it does well for the blossoming Bluebell Films.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','dfe0ccfaecfc8c95ff1ee6fd69834f11',0,'','REfzBoVM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13865,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1189343640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: UK Releases','September 10\r\n\r\nThe Aki Kaurismaki Collection (Vol 1) \r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nContains the three films in Kaurismaki\'s \'workers\' trilogy - Shadows in Paradise (1986), Ariel (1988) and The Match Factory Girl (1990). \r\n\r\nWith low-key acting, minimal dialogue and humour so deadpan it practically isn\'t humour at all, Kaurismaki tells simple, devastating stories of loss, love, compassion and the urge to escape. In Shadows in Paradise, garbage man Nikander strikes up a relationship with a cashier in a Helsinki supermarket. This was Kaurismaki\'s first collaboration with Kati Outinen, an actress whose face is emblematic of his cinema. \r\n\r\nIn Ariel, a coal miner whose father has committed suicide heads off in his his white Cadillac through Finland\'s snowy wastes in a search for work, love and escape. \r\n\r\nThe Match Factory Girl tells the excrutiatingly sad story of Iris, a worker on an assembly line, who lives with her dour parents, and has a disastrous social life. Then she gets pregnant by a man who thought she was a prostitute.\r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye.\r\n\r\nThe Blossoming Of Maximo Oliveros (2005) - Auraeus Solito\r\n\r\nFilm Description:\r\n\r\nThe Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros is one of those all-too-rare films that handles prepubescent sexual anxiety with intelligence and honesty. \r\n\r\n12-year-old Maxi (Nathan Lopez) lives with his widower father and two older brothers in the slums of Manila. His mother has passed away, leaving the male contingent of the family to turn to petty crime. \r\n\r\nMeanwhile, Maxi takes on the role of surrogate mother, cooking, cleaning and sewing for the family. Things become complicated when Maxi falls in love with Victor, a rookie cop who has an axe to grind with local criminals. \r\n\r\nAs events start to spiral out of control, Maxi has to make a choice: either stay loyal to the family he mothers, or to Victor, the object of his affection.\r\n\r\nDVD Extras:\r\n\r\nDirector\'s commentary; Q&A with Director.\r\n\r\nReleased by Peccadillo Pictures\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d1984369183fc17f2fd3fb2b20159cdd',0,'','r5W1cZ02',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13866,2297,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1209786180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: UK Releases','The Terence Davies Trilogy \r\n\r\nThe Long Day Closes \r\n\r\nBritish Film Institute (BFI) / July 21','244be4cdd8411b221e91234d480dba43',0,'','Kxr85iBX',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13867,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137500700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Issus123','Fassbinder films on DVD','Any idea where to get the DVDs of the following?\r\n\r\n1. Ali:Fear Eats the Soul\r\n2. Martha','ebdc77053889a19795136fcb8ef37021',0,'','3VHNumqJ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13868,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137517560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Sara','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','I rented \"Ali\" from Netflix. Also, believe it or not, it came on one of our tv channels (I forget which) and I taped it.\r\n\r\nSara','ca77883f72196a37891ec7920a4d2457',0,'','nQl9KF7U',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13869,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137558060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','Martha is on DVD in Germany, and you can get it via amazon.de (don`t know if it has english subs, though.)\r\nAli: fear eats soul is available on a double DVD (with optional italian soundtrack!) and some bonus material (short film, documentary, discussion with director and actress, etc.), also in germany and via amazon.de. It is said to be an excellent release regarding picture quality and bonus material.\r\nAnd the best is that the film has optional english subtitles, which is a rarity on german DVDs!','8b22407dbf177d39a0f292f6463e36d9',0,'','Rt2r0LYv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13870,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137695820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','Just watched \"Ali: Fear eats soul\" on DVD today, and it was a wonderful presentation from the Criterion Collection (R 1).\r\nA double-DVD set, includes the remastered film, and amongst the great bonus features are three informative 25 minute interviews with actress Brigitte Mira, the editor of the film Thea Eymsz, and direcor Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven). Also included are a german short, and a BBC show from the 70s about \"New German Cinema\".','4b469a24542f76fda8621ab6b4c532b5',0,'','yqJMxCFV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13871,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137789420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','Both are on DVD in the US. The Martha DVD is also well stocked, I believe it has a commentary, but just to warn you the film is seriously second rate Fassbinder. I got both films from dvdplanet.com so check them out.','dfd3dd868af34d7021a9b180064f6b62',0,'','aAUSGe5i',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13872,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175047020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'peppajaa','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','I saw Ali. . . not too long ago. It was an unusual film, but I really liked it. The woman, Emmi, was a fascinating character and the actress was superb. The male character, Ali, seemed a little wooden, but . . . . There are other Fassbinder films I liked much better. Fassbinder actually put in an appearance as the boyfriend of Emmi\'s daughter.','bf3b0adc9f4d8b42e732c1de345d636c',0,'','xTsUvpaK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13873,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1175827920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','The main character is a bit wooden, because he is a stranger in the world he lives in. As a foreigner his German is very bad, and he doesn\'t really know how to behave in the new environment. I think the actor did a perfect job in this regard. \r\nI also like the way Fassbinder plays with colors in this film - very reminiscent of Douglas Sirk. \r\nFass binder also acted from time to time, and his cameo is nothing unusual. Too bad he didn\'t act more regularly.','25c19fac8ad92800894daa4fd9081dda',0,'','z5hRKZcQ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13874,2298,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1186221420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fassbinder films on DVD','Berlin Alexanderplatz is scheduled to be released by Second Sight Films (U.K.) on Oct 22nd.','5c5b5cafe6b40f65c101276558f256fa',0,'','Xrx0BdTC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13875,2299,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178281980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','New Chantal Akerman boxset in France','It has English and Dutch subtitles.\r\n\r\nFilms include:\r\n\r\nHotel Monterey\r\nJe tu il elle\r\nJeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du commerce, 1080 Bruxelles\r\nNews from home \r\nLes rendez-vous d\'Anna.\r\n\r\nSounds like a great set, and a perfect entry for anyone unfamiliar with her work \r\nwww.cineart.be/dvd/Fiche.cfm?id=1030','39013273ec6c2898197d956927b575b6',0,'','WJ8MxCmt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13876,2299,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178525460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: New Chantal Akerman boxset in France','Thanks for the info, A. But I haven\'t been able to confirm the availability of English subs on the French set; most indications are that it doesn\'t. The site you\'ve linked is Belgian. It\'s possible that there\'s simply another set being released in Belgium at the same time.','921e0fcb366910175fd6fca9c3701930',0,'','RAT5W9ey',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13877,2299,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178554860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: New Chantal Akerman boxset in France','Yes, this could be the case. So it means you have to be on the lookout. I\'m always careful if a DVD has subtitles when I buy it. \r\nThanks for the clarification, as I simply thought they added subs to the French version. But Akerman being a Belgian, it is fitting that the Belgian DVD should be the one to buy','f183a0a444f0a8f67a290cdda1811570',0,'','67VPqpiW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13878,2299,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1178608440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: New Chantal Akerman boxset in France','Absolutely. But I don\'t think that I\'ve ever bought from a Belgian site. I\'m going to wait and see if this prompts any activity on the home front. \r\n\r\nA standalone DVD of Jeanne Dielman is also being released in France, but again, sans subs. I\'m also looking forward to watching L-bas, a film you\'ve rated very highly.','12a3c058249f84e91a0ff7d0b13f47d8',0,'','0HZ1kqMN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13879,2299,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181663880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: New Chantal Akerman boxset in France','L-bas (2005) was my introduction to Akerman, and a great experience. I remember sitting in the theater at the Berlinale and being completely engrossed by it, sucked into her world. It is a very personal and autobiographical film (but I suppose so are many of her works). \r\nBut many fellow viewers were bored or couldn\'t make much sense of it. It\'s a quite demanding film, but if you are able to get into it, a rewarding one.\r\nI think the long takes and philosophical thoughts will be to your liking.','2138be7293f94d5de87dbb4bb2a268e6',0,'','EiBrLbHn',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13880,2299,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181987700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: New Chantal Akerman boxset in France','From what I\'ve seen of her work, it\'s most definitely personal, autobiographical, intratextual, etc. Among her recent films, I think very highly of her 2002 documentary, From the Other Side, which deals with the subject of \"illegal\" immigration. L-bas will have to contend with it, but my hopes are high.','6b0eddf8fc58b660aef31965f7177c8f',0,'','v9t04r75',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13881,2300,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181383500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Jean Rouch on DVD','French distributor Editions Montparnasse has released 2 sets of Jean Rouch films on DVD so far. \r\n\r\n\r\nThe second set of films, released earlier this year, are featured on a single disc and include:\r\n\r\nCocorico ! Monsieur Poulet (Cockadoodledoo! Mr. Chicken) [France-Niger/1974/93 min]\r\n\r\nBataille sur le grand fleuve (Battle on the Great River) [Niger/1952/33 min]\r\n\r\nCimetires dans la falaise (Cemetary in the Cliff) [Mali/1950/18 min]\r\n\r\n*the film info is approximate.\r\n\r\nThe reason I\'ve mentioned this particular release first is because it contains English subtitles. Also, the disc is reportedly All-Region/NTSC. I certainly would\'ve gone for it if I hadn\'t already seen the eclectic Cocorico ! Monsieur Poulet. It\'s available from numerous online retailers for about the price of a Criterion DVD.','2d730855bca28f6d09b333f98c1c9f9a',0,'','fJGU1mpd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13882,2300,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1181384520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Jean Rouch on DVD','Facets :\r\n\r\nAmong the films Facets Multimedia currenly offers about Jean Rouch, only one is available on DVD: Conversations with Jean Rouch (2004). The titles out on vhs are: Jean Rouch & His Camera in the Heart of Africa (1978) and Rouch\'s Gang (1998).\r\n\r\nOther works that involve Rouch (DVD): Screening Room with Jean Rouch (1980) and Cinma Vrit: Defining the Moment (1999)\r\n\r\nFilms on DVD :\r\n\r\nChronique d\'un t (Chronicle of a Summer) [France/1960/90 min]\r\n\r\n*This masterpiece -- the key work which enabled Rouch and his partner, sociologist Edgar Morin, to redefine the term \"cinma vrit\" on Parisian streets -- is provided on the same DVD released in France in 2005. No subs. (It\'s being sold for $89.95. The French disc could be had from abroad for about one-third of that price.)\r\n\r\nFilms on vhs :\r\n\r\nLe Jaguar (Jaguar) [France-Niger/1957-67/92 min]\r\n\r\nLes Matres fous (The Mad Masters) [France-Ghana/1955/24 min]\r\n\r\nLa Chasse au Lion a l\'arc (The Lion Hunters) [France-Mali/1957-64/90 min]\r\n\r\n*Again, the film info is approximate. Most of these titles are OOP.','2dfde54216d79d0787e2af9b62f90afe',0,'','KbfUBYFX',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13883,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167498420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','A roundup of 2006','DVD Roundup 2006\r\n\r\nDue to the large number of dvds Ive seen and/or purchased during 2006, Ive had to place quite a few restrictions on what to include in my roundup:\r\n\r\nIve cut everything that wasnt released during 2006, so despite how good the films or dvds are, theyve been omitted, chief amongst these are films such as Naked Island which I thought was an excellent film and an outstanding dvd.\r\n\r\nNext I cut US releases, tough I know but there were far too many, again the overall result suffers as I had to discount dvds like Mad Hot Ballroom plus many more indie and mainstream films.\r\n\r\nThis has still left me with a long list of over 100 dvds to work from, many of these will not be mentioned again simply because theyre pretty average, hopefully though I wont have left anything out.\r\n\r\nThe qualifying dvds are:\r\n\r\n36 (aka Quai des Orfevres)\r\n4 (Chetyre)\r\nAb-Normal Beauty\r\nAddress Unknown\r\nAfter Midnight \r\nLes Amants Reguliers\r\nAshura\r\nAtomised\r\nBattle In Heaven\r\nBear Cub\r\nThe Beat That My Heart Skipped \r\nBeautiful Boxer \r\nBicycle Thieves\r\nA Bittersweet Life\r\nBlack Cat, White Cat \r\nBlind Beast\r\nBlissfully Yours\r\nBrief Crossing\r\nC.R.A.Z.Y.\r\nCave Of The Yellow Dog\r\nLa Crmonie\r\nThe Child \r\nChrist Stopped At Eboli\r\nThe Coastguard\r\nCome And See\r\nCrush\r\nCrying Fist\r\nThe Death Of Mr Lazarescu\r\nDo You Remember Dolly Bell? \r\nThe Double Life Of Veronique \r\nDumplings\r\nExterminating Angel\r\nFamilia Rodante \r\nFantomas \r\nFausto 5.0\r\nFree Cinema\r\nFrozen (Jidu hanleng)\r\nFuneral Parade Of Roses\r\nGhost In The Shell 2 Innocence\r\nGodzilla\r\nLe Grand Voyage\r\nLa Grande Bouffe\r\nThe Green Butchers\r\nHaibane-Renmei\r\nLa Haine Ultimate Edition\r\nHaze\r\nHeading South\r\nThe Heirloom\r\nHidden \r\nThe Hidden Blade\r\nHowl\'s Moving Castle\r\nI Am Curious Yellow/Blue\r\nInfection\r\nInnocence \r\nInnocent Voices\r\nJoyeux Noel\r\nThe Ketchup Effect\r\nLady Vengeance\r\nLemming \r\nLittle Fish\r\nEl Lobo\r\nLoulou \r\nLower City\r\nManderlay \r\nMarebito\r\nMelissa P\r\nMonsieur Hire\r\nMy Neighbours The Yamadas\r\nNight Of Shooting Stars\r\nNoce Blanche\r\nOffside\r\nOne Night In Mongkok\r\nOnly Yesterday\r\nThe Ordeal (aka Calvaire)\r\nOzu - Vol. 3 - Tokyo Twilight / Equinox Flower / Good Morning\r\nLe Paltoquet\r\nParadise Now\r\nPassenger (Pasazerka)\r\nPavee Lackeen\r\nPom Poko\r\nPorco Rosso\r\nPremier Desirs\r\nPremonition\r\nPrincess Raccoon\r\nPulse\r\nQuo Vadis, Baby?\r\nR-Point\r\nReincarnation\r\nRenaissance\r\nRien Ne Va Plus\r\nThe Road To Guantanamo\r\nRome Open City\r\nSaraband\r\nSatantango \r\nSecuestro Express\r\nShooting Dogs\r\nSlow Motion \r\nSophie Scholl\r\nSteamboy\r\nStrayed\r\nThe Sun \r\nSurvive Style 5\r\nTell Me Something\r\nTickets \r\nTime To Leave \r\nTony Takitani\r\nToto The Hero\r\nTsotsi\r\nLes Valseuses\r\nVital\r\nThe Wind That Shakes The Barley\r\nWoman Of The Dunes\r\n\r\nI should be glad there are so many dvds I havent seen or purchased but I am still pretty annoyed that the constant war between Choices and Blockbuster, the two biggest rental chains in the UK has meant a drop in the number of foreign films available for rental.\r\n\r\nHow have the UK distributors fared in 2006?\r\n\r\nBefore Id actually gone through my lists I couldnt help but think that Tartan Video hadnt had a good year, it was only while trying to build this list that I realised that apart from some very average Asian horror films they had released a few excellent films. One of the biggest problems is that they appear to be concentrating on the US arm of the business while the UK wing is left dragging behind. Among their best UK releases Id have to include:\r\n\r\nVital\r\nSaraband\r\nOzu - Vol. 3 - Tokyo Twilight / Equinox Flower / Good Morning\r\nThe Death Of Mr Lazarescu\r\nMarebito \r\nThe Hidden Blade\r\n\r\nYou also have to admire the fact that theyre still sticking their necks out with releases like \"Battle in Heaven\" and each release is given the best possible treatment in terms of visual and audio quality.\r\n\r\nDespite the changes at Artificial Eye they have kept to a good standard of releases, again a few excellent features including:\r\n\r\nThe Double Life Of Veronique\r\nInnocence\r\nHidden\r\nOffside\r\nStntang\r\n\r\nUnfortunately Ive only had the pleasure of seeing one of the Eureka MoC range from 2006, Funeral Parade of Roses but once again it is a great film on a superb dvd. This is the distributor to watch with a superb quality catalogue and what should be an outstanding 2007.\r\n\r\nGreat to see some of the newer companies really getting it together as well, Soda and Yume have had good years and look as though they have bright futures:\r\n\r\nStrayed and\r\nHeading South from Soda\r\nPrincess Raccoon and \r\nBlind Beast from Yume are all above average films and for the most part very good dvds.\r\n\r\nOther companies such as Pathe and Optimum have had a steady year, again though 2007 has a lot of promise, though it would be nice to see them giving each release as much care as some of the above mentioned distributors.\r\n\r\nA good year for France, a quiet year for South Korea, Japan had quite a few of my favourites and a few of the stinkers as well. \r\n\r\nThe difficult part now is picking just 10 for a best of 2006.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','bc9511a957a7a0a79f790ff1ed45fcce',0,'','WVb3uSh2',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13884,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167506520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','Great effort Trevor! \r\n\r\nDid you list only films that got released on DVD in the UK in 2006? It wasn`t completely clear to me while reading your post.\r\nThough I`m not up to date with DVD releases in Germany and I haven`t rented more than half a dozen films at the videostores this year, it seems to me that Germany is behind the UK in terms of quality releases (and probably also the quantitiy). If you are interested, I could try and compile a list of all german releases from this year.\r\nBut it would be extremely difficult for me to come up with a Top Ten DVDs list. Although I finally began purchasing DVDs on a regular basis this yeart, most of the stuff I bought have been older films or re-issues because they are usually cheaper than new releases.','1ab28f9c68f608d751758402c0592d34',0,'','Cj8W5G1H',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13885,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167524760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: A roundup of 2006','Sorry I did mean to add that all the listed dvds were UK releases from 2006, imports were also excluded from the list.\r\n\r\nNext year I\'m hoping to get hold of far more dvds from companies like Eureka and Secondrun, the former for the sheer quality and the latter for their great range of relatively unknown films.\r\n\r\nI wouldn\'t attempt to list all the foreign UK releases because there were many more including quite a few I really want to see.\r\n\r\nI\'d love to read anyone elses roundup whether theyve seen 5 or 500.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','fd825591ae64b03c7c3ef88cfbbb972f',0,'','WE3hHBV9',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13886,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167525180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','Yes, very well done, Trev. I\'ll post my list soon.','54f51b3aa5538f30b2f199d40ae6075f',0,'','R39ogyYl',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13887,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167543420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','That means you`ve seen all of the listed DVDs Trevor? That`s even more impressive.','01dad26d91ea548e4a900def7f513551',0,'','RF3cwMq0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13888,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167575460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: A roundup of 2006','Perhaps I should resolve to clarify my writing for 2007.\r\n\r\nSorry again A, out of the 112 listed I\'ve seen 101, can\'t wait to get my teeth into Stntang though.\r\n\r\nI\'d guess between 300 - 400 dvds passed my way during the year including US films, dvds released prior to 2006 and a few imports.\r\n\r\nOverall I\'ve watched between 200 - 250 dvds during the last 12 months but my trips to the cinema have dropped dramatically. Whereas in 2004 and 2005 I hit the cinemas around 150 times, I don\'t think I\'ve seen more than 40 - 50 during 2006. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','ba9cf1e0c6fd10ae3560f0f0146f882a',0,'','jdJgKtQV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13889,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167762600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: A roundup of 2006','Pareing down the dvd list, first to go are the ones I have acquired but havent seen yet:\r\n\r\nLes Amants Reguliers (Regular Lovers) I wasnt too keen on the film when I saw it in the cinema but the dvd was exceptionally cheap and Im hoping my opinion will change when I watch it again.\r\n\r\nBear Cub \r\nBlack Cat, White Cat\r\nBrief Crossing\r\nCrush (NZ)\r\nDo You Remember Dolly Bell?\r\nI Am Curious Yellow/Blue\r\nManderlay\r\nPassenger (Pasazerka)\r\nSatantango I had it Christmas so no time to see it yet otherwise Im sure it would make the best of for 2006.\r\n\r\nLes Valseuses Another Christmas gift.\r\n\r\nIts tougher judging dvds than movies, so many elements come into play including visual/audio quality plus extras but when it comes down to it, if a film is mediocre or poor, then no amount of extras, high bit-rate imaging and audio options will turn it into a good film. \r\n\r\nHaving pruned the average and at times horrendous films, these are the ones left, quite a few are Studio Ghibli anime films but I find it very hard to find fault with these (apart from The Cat Returns).\r\n\r\n4 (Chetyre)\r\nBlind Beast\r\nBlissfully Yours\r\nLa Crmonie\r\nThe Child\r\nCome And See\r\nThe Death Of Mr Lazarescu\r\nThe Double Life Of Veronique \r\nFantomas \r\nFree Cinema\r\nFuneral Parade Of Roses\r\nGhost In The Shell 2 Innocence\r\nGodzilla\r\nHidden \r\nThe Hidden Blade\r\nHowl\'s Moving Castle\r\nInnocence \r\nLoulou \r\nMonsieur Hire \r\nMy Neighbours The Yamadas\r\nNoce Blanche\r\nOffside\r\nOne Night In Mongkok\r\nOnly Yesterday\r\nOzu - Vol. 3 - Tokyo Twilight / Equinox Flower / Good Morning\r\nPom Poko\r\nPorco Rosso\r\nPrincess Raccoon\r\nPulse\r\nRenaissance\r\nRien Ne Va Plus\r\nThe Road To Guantanamo\r\nRome Open City\r\nSaraband\r\nStrayed\r\nThe Sun \r\nSurvive Style 5\r\nTickets \r\nTime To Leave \r\nTony Takitani\r\nTsotsi\r\nVital\r\nThe Wind That Shakes The Barley\r\nWoman Of The Dunes\r\n\r\nPicking 10 as a best of is pretty much impossible but I have very little doubt as to which I consider to be the best all-round dvd:\r\n\r\nEureka Masters of Cinema release of \"Funeral Parade of Roses\" directed by Toshio Matsumoto.\r\n\r\nVery swinging 60\'s, very avant-garde, a twisted take on the Oedipus legend. \r\n\r\nFantastic transfer, and great extras including: \r\nDirector\'s commentary\r\nAn interview with the director\r\nPromo gallery\r\nTrailer\r\n36-page booklet.\r\n\r\nIf I had to pick one purely for the film then I would have to go for \"Strayed\", I don\'t think any other film touched me in the way this one did, devastating in its subtlety. \r\n\r\nWhat were your favourite dvd releases of 2006?\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','42fc7f839bbd82f3c83cadba08f42ca7',0,'','aD5vCWQb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13890,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1167877500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','I`m really never up to date with DVD releases, and usually discover that a film is out on DVD when somebody tells me, or I see it at the library. As I usually don`t remember the quality of a DVD I see, I have not the faintest idea, which DVD I liked best this year. If something comes up, I`ll tell you, though.','89c92559e9fff0f5616547678123e95b',0,'','2EWdGlFN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13891,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168866720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','DVD RELEASES (2006)\r\n\r\nHere\'s my list of the Best/Most Important DVD Releases (2006) . DVDs of \"new\" films have been excluded.\r\n\r\nSingle Film DVDs in alphabetical order:\r\n\r\nnos amours (Pialat) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\nAlmanac of Fall (Tarr) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nApocalypse Now (Coppola) [Paramount - U.S.]\r\nArmy of Shadows (Melville) [Universal - Spa]\r\n\r\nBorn in \'45 (Bttcher) [First Run - U.S.]\r\n\r\nCapricious Summer (Menzel) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nChronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach (Straub/Huillet) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nClaire Dolan (Kerrigan) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nClean, Shaven (Kerrigan) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\nUn Coeur en hiver (Sautet) (Koch Lorber - U.S.]\r\nCome and See (Klimov) [Nouveaux - U.K.]\r\nLa Commune (Paris, 1871) (Watkins) [First Run - U.S.]\r\n\r\nDamnation (Tarr) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nThe Desert of the Tartars (Zurlini) [NoShame - U.S.]\r\nThe Double Life of Veronique (Kieslowski) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\n\r\nEdvard Munch (Watkins) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nEternity and a Day (Angelopoulos) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nExterminating Angel (Buuel) [Arrow - U.K.]\r\n\r\nFists in the Pocket (Bellocchio) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\nThe 47 Ronin (Mizoguchi) [UniOne Media - S. Korea]\r\n\r\nThe Gladiators (Watkins) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nThe Gleiwitz Case (Klein) [First Run - U.S.]\r\n\r\nHail Mary (Godard) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nHamlet (Kozintsev & Shapiro) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nHands Over the City (Rosi) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\nHtel du Nord (Carn) [Soda - U.K.]\r\nHunger (Carlsen) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\n\r\nLondon (Keiller) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nLoulou (Pialat) [AE - U.K.]\r\n\r\nMetropolitan (Stillman) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\nMother Joan of the Angels (Kawalerowicz) [Facets - U.S.]\r\n\r\nOrdet (Dreyer) [BFI - U.K.]\r\n\r\nPandora\'s Box (Pabst) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\nParis nous appartient (Rivette) [BFI - U.K.]\r\nPassenger (Munk & Lesiewicz) [Second Run - U.K.]\r\nThe Passenger (Antonioni) [Sony - U.S.]\r\nPhantom (Murnau) [Flicker Alley - U.S]\r\nThe Power of Kangwon Province (Hong) [Tai Seng - U.S.]\r\nThe Prisoner of Shark Island (Ford) [Eureka - U.S.]\r\nPrisoner 13 (Fuentes) [Cinematica - U.S.]\r\n\r\nThe Red Desert (Antonioni) [Madman - Aus]\r\nReds (Beatty) [Paramount - U.S.]\r\nRice People (Panh) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nRoma Citta Libera (Pagliero) [NoShame - U.S.]\r\nThe Round-Up (Jancs) [Clavis - Fra]\r\n\r\nThe Second Circle (Sokurov) [Kino - U.S.]\r\nSlow Motion (Godard) [AE - U.K.]\r\nThe Spirit of the Beehive (Erice) [Criterion - U.S.]\r\n\r\nThe Third Generation (Fassbinder) [Tango - U.S.]\r\nThree Crowns of the Sailor (Ruiz) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nToni (Renoir) [Eureka - U.K.]\r\n\r\nVidas Secas (Dos Santos) [New Yorker - U.S.]\r\nVideograms of a Revolution (Farocki) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nVirgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors (Hong) [Tai Seng - U.S.]\r\n\r\nWanda (Loden) [Parlour - U.S.]\r\nWerckmeister Harmonies (Tarr) [Facets - U.S.]\r\nWhy Does Herr R. Run Amok? (Fassbinder & Fengler) [Fantoma - U.S.]\r\nWinter Soldier (Winterfilm Collective) [New Yorker - U.S.]','cada5023898af84fbd7d7283b9f209e1',0,'','zCQhskYc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13892,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168876740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: A roundup of 2006','Sorry I have no list for this, but I don\'t pay much attention to when DVD\'s are released. On top of that, I have a tendency to not watch dvd\'s for several months after purchasing them.','6571322e11bc9628720854592d343b1d',0,'','ZaX79mni',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13893,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168918680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','@#%$. I can\'t believe that I forgot to list The Cremator. That\'s the first thing that came to my mind today. Since I prefer not to edit annual lists (it\'s a moral issue), I\'ll add it with my list of box sets/compilations.','bb2ace14807e1f1d51d632fb3151739f',0,'','RWZVtd1y',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13894,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168937520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: A roundup of 2006','Strange moral issue. I find annual lists are perfect for editing. At least when you see something new, and its just a listing of dvd\'s, unranked too. If I did make a similar list, I was quite impressed with the Cremator release same goes for Pialat\'s Van Gogh.','4dee76dcff788e8065ae4bc255bb84a1',0,'','SZH7cJnt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13895,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168941480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','Van Gogh didn\'t make it because its U.S. DVD was released this year and its U.K. DVD was released in 2005.','f572ea99ad5fc53852d89d71d03123ad',0,'','Ja9UKCG6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13896,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168947420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: A roundup of 2006','Point taken, hence the reason why I haven\'t put together a list like this.','0b7cfc30039483d6285b25c761706972',0,'','9Mubn1DB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13897,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168947840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','And I don\'t blame you. I worked on this list for at least a couple of weeks. But if it helps someone discover a DVD/film that weren\'t aware of before, then I\'d say that it was worth it.','5136af31f2996215d4c9c4fe276b55f6',0,'','MeSmA7Tv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13898,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1168948260,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: A roundup of 2006','This is getting off subject, but Elvis rules.','e24c7ea90450cf37dd72cf2f1593501f',0,'','aigGkFHJ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13899,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169068620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','Are all of the DVDs you listed quality releases. I mean that not only is the film good, but presented in a great print, correct aspect ratio, uncut, with extras, etc.?','e475cd564484810b70831ebf6d12b3d9',0,'','x96HfU3F',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13900,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169116500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','Not quite. And that\'s part of the reason why I added \"most important\" to the title. For example, the DVD of Mizoguchi\'s film is a substandard release, but right now it\'s the best and most affordable option available for non-Japanese speaking viewers. Also, the initial reels of The Second Circle seem to have been mishandled by the Soviet/Russian bureaus. Sokurov has reportedly worked with the restoration team but the results aren\'t that great (quite sad considering it\'s a 1990 film). But again, right now it is the only viable option.','9c74acdb9c131e451ddd438f2890dc84',0,'','bpqV2iU6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13901,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169118060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: A roundup of 2006','I didn\'t know that about Second Circle. I watched it and honestly wasn\'t too impressed.','0ebc39e1b8be6f7b39c35b7f4ad936c9',0,'','EbVtRBuC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13902,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169245740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','@arsaib\r\n\r\nSo you mean, they are just the best option if you want to purchase that particular film at the moment?\r\nI\'m asking, because I\'m thinking of purchasing some this year.','e751c66709ea2ce9282e67abd7422127',0,'','Jbxjr3At',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13903,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169288760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','There are a few on the last that would perhaps qualify as being the best option available, but that criteria wasn\'t the primary or, in some cases, the only one. Actually, just about every DVD on the list could have its own little story. Needless to say, what remains constant is that I watched these particular DVD editions (that\'s why they qualified), even if I had seen the film on others before (ex. Tarr DVDs). Feel free to ask if you have a question about a particular one.','eff82b1750b6c1c10d631cbb71882ce3',0,'','Vl1GmiXA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13904,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169684520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','Ok, I\'ll pm you if I need more info.','6054bd5bc607a484397caa5a8aeb068c',0,'','jt24zanL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13905,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1171455840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','DVD RELEASES (2006)\r\n\r\nHere\'s the second part of my list of the Best/Most Important DVD Releases (2006) . DVDs of \"new\" films have been excluded.\r\n\r\nDoubles/Sets/Box Sets/Compilations in no particular order:\r\n\r\nMikls Jancs Coffret 1 [Clavis - Fra]\r\n\r\nBenot Jacquot Collection \"2 films de\" [Cahiers/Why Not - Fra]\r\n\r\nRal Ruiz x 2 [Facets - U.S.]\r\n\r\nThe Max Ophls Collection [Second Sight - U.K.]\r\n\r\nMarlene Dietrich: The Glamour Collection (Various) [Universal - U.S.]\r\n\r\nOzu Volume Three [Tartan - U.K.]\r\n\r\nPhilippe Garrel Collection \"2 films de\" [Cahiers/Why Not - Fra]\r\n\r\nFree Cinema: The Definitive Film Collection (Various) [BFI - U.K.]\r\n\r\n3 films de Jean Renoir [Studio Canal - Fra]\r\n\r\nLuc Moullet x 2 [Facets - U.S.]\r\n\r\nThe Japanese Masters Collection (Ozu & Mizoguchi) [AE - U.K.]\r\n\r\nThe Valerio Zurlini Box Set: The Early Masterpieces [NoShame - U.S.]\r\n\r\nEric Rohmer\'s Six Moral Tales [Criterion - U.S.]\r\n\r\nSeijun Suzuki: Taisho Trilogy [Kino/Kimstim - U.S.]\r\n\r\nPeter Watkins x 2 [NewYorker - U.S.]\r\n\r\nChantal Akerman Collection \"2 films de\" [Cahiers/Why Not - Fra]\r\n\r\nFantmas (Feuillade) [AE - U.K.]\r\n\r\nPreston Sturges: The Filmmaker Collection (Universal - U.S.]\r\n\r\n_____________________\r\n\r\nThe Cremator (Herz) [Second Run - U.K.]\r\n\r\nFull List of Single Film DVDs.','34d3d8106691a3010c88b9a2047f9205',0,'','qmcJedUK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13906,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174157820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','I recently got the Fantomas DVD by AE and the two Garrel films with english subs (La naissance de l\'amour and Sauvage Innocence). Thanks for the info.','b4bfaca7481e40f5bfc59d8b06f3190d',0,'','HfTSmQsx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13907,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174202520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','Great! I\'m glad my list helped in some way. By now, Cahiers has released three different sets of Garrel films. The one you\'ve bought was the first from a couple of years ago. I love both of those films.','ac5d88a4d448473b86d8a8623216f299',0,'','MXFkbzyx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13908,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174254420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','I can\'t promise when i will decide to watch them though...\r\nBy now I have about 400 films on DVD/VHS/VCD at home that I haven\'t seen yet.\r\nI also have the AE Van Gogh and a german DVD of Police \r\nI believe the other two Garrel sets are without subs... correct me if I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\nI still have a bad feeling that I missed Garrel\'s \"Le lit dans la vierge\" at the Berlinale (I currently use my ticket for it as bookmark in King/Straub\'s \"Black House\" ).\r\n\r\nI also finally have Les Vampires by Feuillade on DVD, so I guess along with the five Fantomas films this will end on my director\'s Week project. But I don\'t know if I will have time for Feuillade this year...','533fe7c974607cdeee3847ed12fcc0a5',0,'','ykUFNs2J',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13909,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174259520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: A roundup of 2006','My list of DVD\'s I haven\'t watched is probably around 60-70 right now, which isn\'t bad considering. Judex is available on DVD here, and with any luck I\'ll get to check that out, as my Feullade is still only Les Vampires.','5f33b3e01aa18d50fdec71fdf00451af',0,'','sd8krlP1',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13910,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174551420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: A roundup of 2006','Now that nos amours has been released by Criterion, the focus should shift towards Police and the Palme d\'Or winning Under the Sun of Satan, two other Pialat films from the 80\'s that aren\'t out on subtitled DVD and are practically OOP on vhs (a few others of course aren\'t even available in any format).\r\n\r\nNo, no subs on the other Garrel sets.','8c92bef3fbab7853248170831eee94a8',0,'','bfoGA4mv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13911,2301,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1174580820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: A roundup of 2006','I guess i\'m lucky that the German DVD of Police is out. But there are nor English subs - as usual only German. I was happy to see at least these two Garrel\'s were subtitled. \r\nI think France, Germany and Japan are amongst the countries who release most of their films without english subs. That\'s really a shame.','154eb8de0323d7837e9fa72a58ed50f6',0,'','P1ha4gjo',1,0,'',0,0,0);
INSERT INTO `phpbb_posts` VALUES (13912,2302,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1170438720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Alejandro Jodorowsky on DVD','Good news. \r\n\r\nThree of the most sought after cult classics, from director Alejandro Jodorowsky, are finally available to buy on DVD in this Special Limited Edition 6 Disc Set.\r\n\r\nAll information TBC\r\n\r\nFando Y Lis (1968 ) - 93 mins\r\n\r\nSpecial Features:\r\n\r\nSpanish Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 \r\nNew English subtitle translation \r\nAudio commentary with the director \r\nLa Constellation Jodorowsky documentary \r\n\r\nEl Topo (1970) - 125 mins\r\n\r\nSpecial Features:\r\n\r\nSpanish Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 \r\nNew English subtitle translation \r\nAudio commentary by the director \r\nOriginal theatrical trailer \r\n2006 on-camera interview with the director \r\nExclusive new interview \r\nPhoto gallery \r\nOriginal script excerpts \r\nCD Soundtrack \r\n\r\nThe Holy Mountain (1973) - 114 mins\r\n\r\nSpecial Features:\r\n\r\nEnglish Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 \r\nAudio commentary with the director \r\nDeleted scenes with commentary \r\nOriginal theatrical trailer \r\nTarot short with commentary \r\nRestoration process featurette \r\nRestoration credits \r\nPhoto gallery \r\nOriginal script excerpts \r\nCD Soundtrack \r\nThis set also includes a DVD of Jodorowsky\'s never-before-released first film, La Cravate\r\n\r\nQuote:\r\nLooks to be an Anchor Bay release. This from www.thedigitalbits.com:\r\n\r\nBoy have we got some great DVD news for you film geeks today! ABKCO Films and Anchor Bay Entertainment have just announced a pair of titles that we\'ve been waiting for on DVD since Day One of this format... El Topo and The Holy Mountain! No kidding! Anchor Bay will release a special limited edition collector\'s box set, The Films of Alejandro Jodorowsky, on DVD on 5/1 (SRP $49.98 ) . The set will contain El Topo, The Holy Mountain and Fando Y Lis on DVD, fully restored and remastered from new HD transfers in anamorphic widescreen video, with Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 audio (El Topo is 125 minutes in Spanish, The Holy Mountain is 114 minutes in English, Fando Y Lis is 93 minutes in Spanish). The box set will also include 2 music CDs containing the soundtracks for El Topo and The Holy Mountain, as well as a DVD of Jodorowsky\'s never-before-released first film, La Cravate. El Topo and The Holy Mountain will also be available separately (SRP $24.98 each). The El Topo DVD will contain audio commentary by the director, the original theatrical trailer (with English voice-over), a 2006 on-camera interview with the director as well as an exclusive new interview, a photo gallery and original script excerpts. The Holy Mountain DVD will include audio commentary with the director, deleted scenes with commentary, the original theatrical trailer (with English voice-over), the Tarot short with commentary, a restoration process short, restoration credits, a photo gallery and original script excerpts. Fando Y Lis will include audio commentary with the director and the La Constellation Jodorowsky documentary. Subtitles on the discs will be available in English, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. Awesome news indeed! To which Todd adds, \"Aaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!\" and faints dead away in shock. This is, you see, his long awaited Holy Grail of DVD.','38d400ebac03329e6ef21689682d128b',0,'','V0GM3j9U',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13913,2302,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1170455940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Alejandro Jodorowsky on DVD','I heard rumors about this for a long time, nice to see a confirmation. It would be great if Santa Sangre was part of this set, but to see a decent print of El Topo and Holy Mountain is enough for me.','aeaeb6106250d5e373e00bda821dc1fd',0,'','6C7z20iK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13914,2302,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1170460080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Alejandro Jodorowsky on DVD','Santa Sangre has just appeared in Germany as a two disc special edition. It has also an english soundtrack.\r\nHere\'s the link to German amazon.','21f5042e980390ddc83c74caa7fb4462',0,'','tcrAgn8N',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13915,2302,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1170478140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Alejandro Jodorowsky on DVD','Good news, indeed! Thanks for the info, A.','dba4f45bad76b5877ebcbf33dd6c7847',0,'','YfUl8row',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13916,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148349000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Japanese New Wave on DVD','Since two of you already mentioned this site were we will be able to get many classic japanese films from, I thought I should open a new thread.\r\n\r\nHere\'s a link to their FAQ\'s:\r\nwww.japanesenewwave.com/faq.php','a2eab9175a43dc4e24b8784f0b837461',0,'','5fhcCxPH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13917,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148351820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','As wpqx suspected, these are second-rate products that should be approached with caution. I\'m not sure if we should be \"promoting\" them without any first hand experience.','cc05398adbc516f33fed2ac375a7adda',0,'','gV4fTdwL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13918,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148368920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Well I think Madhuban volunteered to be our ginnea pig, but if its legit and these prints are solid, then I\'m all for it. They still have three Oshima films I\'ve been looking for.','00405be04d7f56ef54b7b10cf5783d55',0,'','Xujwl9o0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13919,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148371020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','\"I think Madhuban volunteered to be our ginnea pig\"\r\n\r\nThat\'s good to know.','0884dd9551f1648dc0fca29f72b170a5',0,'','qb0us6aT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13920,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148371560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','I\'ve bought from superhappyfun and haven\'t been disappointed. And these guys are closely associated with it. In fact, superhappyfun will be taking the japanese releases off it\'s site because the ones on japanesewave are better. Now, the question is whether you are expecting a Criterion quality DVD. You\'ll be disappointed then. But their rating system is pretty transparent. When I bought Rivette\'s \"Paris Belongs To Us\", I knew it wouldn\'t be the best print, given that it was rated 6. Having to choose between a personal copy (so that I can watch this favourite whenever I like), and being denied that opportunity till somebody decides to release it years later, I went for the former. Some of the stuff was very good though, like \"The Cremator\" and \"Hamlet Goes Business\". I\'ll risk it with the japanesenewwave guys too, because I desperately want the Oshimas. \r\n\r\nAnd, I\'ll get the Imamuras as soon as they are on offer \r\n\r\np.s. wpqx, I\'ll suggest getting onto their mailing lists. With superhappyfun, you have the additional advantage of accessing their password protected offers (that\'s where a 4-disc set of \"Satantango\" is hidden away). Also, I\'ve always got prompt replies to any enquiries I\'ve made so far, including queries about quality. \r\n\r\nM','e3d18b8be40838cfe5f1d8c481621319',0,'','vkrn7w5S',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13921,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148373120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Thanks, Madhuban, I\'m glad to hear that.','84f1f6f2e3cdc5a98be2a138749c71b8',0,'','TDsW72cL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13922,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148574960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'gululv','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Great! Finally! I have waited for many of these films to be released. I bought \"Insect Woman\" on Ebay, a crap copy, I won\'t buy anything at Ebay again, because it seems like every film I\'m waiting for is coming to DVD.','5f08e2f5ed0c7ce685c347f504745b9c',0,'','mKqZt36y',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13923,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148575620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','These might just be the same versions. These aren\'t \"official\" releases, so hence the reason I\'m proceeding with caution. My curiosity might just get the best of me, but I have enough dvd\'s to keep me busy for awhile.','391e96735c091624f27b8b217aa802ac',0,'','D0CS61xP',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13924,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148580840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','@ wpqx\r\n\r\nI don\'t think they are the same versions because the JNW guys have been working on subtitling (which means that the versions they\'ve got hold of did not have subtitles) and that\'s why it took so long to put out the DVDs. \r\n\r\nM','a48636b301d34bbee73702657fe8471d',0,'','gvzpWTL2',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13925,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148589360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Yes, I think madhuban may be on a good path. Maybe they are a bunch of people who want to make quick money, but to me they don\'t give this impression.\r\nThat\'s why I posted the FAQ page.\r\nIt seems that they are working to get the best possible versions without restoring the original material (for which there is no money). But they make their own subs id they deem it necessary, which is already a big thing, considering most crappy subs from the 60s and 70s (boy do I hate them! :( ) But I\'ll also wait for madhuabn, because I don\'t know how good the best DVD they may get hold of actually is, as they haven\'t laid out any minimal standards.','a597608029e8f22d0d6bfbcf2adb44ca',0,'','p367Xyun',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13926,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149053640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'impossiblefunky','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Did ya get \'em yet? I\'m curious as hell about a quality report.','842ea6fd18b3eedc199d5cf19773a8d5',0,'','NLMxe4yo',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13927,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149234360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','@impossiblefunky\r\n\r\nI\'ll order them a little later (perhaps mid July, if you can wait that long!) though for once I do have some money saved up. The reason being that my addiction is getting out of hand, and if the titles arrive, I cannot resist watching them (at this rate my doctoral dissertation would never get done ) To make matters worse, the film society is on an overkill and will be screening Tarr\'s \"Damnation\" and Anderson\'s \"Songs From the Second Floor\" in the feature section, and Yael\'s \"Palestine Trilogy\" and Mograbi\'s \'Avenge But One of My Two Eyes\" in the non-fiction segment, next week. I\'ll be damned \r\n\r\nM','6c00ba705effc71a8ee99f7693dcaafd',0,'','TEt4lM9d',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13928,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149269700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','I understand where Madhuban is coming from. I\'ve gotten to the point where I\'m averaging buying more than one dvd a day. I still have about 25 sitting here, and got three more over the last two days, plus two more rentals from Facets, and I got 4 DVD\'s coming from one company, and another 30 or so from dvdplanet. On top of all that I actually have another dozen or so waiting in a cart on yet another site, and damn Barnes and Nobel has a sale buy 2 get one free for dvd\'s, so yeah I have a habit of acquisition. It hasn\'t helped that I\'ve worked two jobs every day this week, and still have several movies in theaters remaining to be seen. To my great relief I have one more week to catch Army of Shadows. \r\n\r\non a related note, I did get a VHS copy of The Insect Woman yesterday, so that will most likely be good enough, felt the need to get something from Immamura.','b14e25cc6d0fd37cb03c033216142b00',0,'','N8bEUAnl',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13929,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149273720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','@wpqx\r\n\r\n25+3+2+4+30+12=72!!! I actually counted, and am half-dead under the sheer weight of that information!','a1c94eaeb3f96c1bc10a2e15a49123e6',0,'','Kbs458uT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13930,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1158822540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Any updates?','0b285015bcfce81b602fada129bb3b65',0,'','CThXvRaz',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13931,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1158865920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','I have no idea what Madhuban was on, and I still haven\'t ordered anything, might check my source in the city to see if he picked any up.','4678953c08f81fc9ecc560777abf93aa',0,'','9d3uU4gW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13932,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160463900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','I bought Susumu\'s Inferno of First Love and I must say that the quality of the transfer is excellent!','984d999c9aa6f0a9428b0d5894393fc8',0,'','MVkSdl39',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13933,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160509020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Great News. \r\nMaybe I\'ll be purchasing the Tarayama titles when I\'ll get my hands on some money.\r\nHaven\'t heard of that film, yet arsaib. \r\nI hope you\'ll write some comments when you\'ve seen it.','794f23778589395a5c789fb1d3a492d1',0,'','U40GKSbJ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13934,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163717220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Sorry guys, I forgot that I was supposed to be the guinea pig! Never got around to ordering any titles because I am totally broke after submitting 5 bound volumes of my dissertation and clearing all the examination fees etc Patience is my mantra, you see \r\n\r\nM','477939b39e0c9f0382d865cad4ae9340',0,'','ZRMCbtXV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13935,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163742960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','poverty is no stranger to me, otherwise I\'d have at least ordered The Ceremony.','2ad045c76bf4eac7dff4f354907cdd53',0,'','HyPNfl3p',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13936,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169154300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','The japanesenewwave guys are folding up on January 20, 2007 \r\n\r\nM','bd217f0dc15c5f8e6257377ddb653ec8',0,'','A0w3xRkL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13937,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169162940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Ok so much for trying them out. Damn, any idea if its monetary, or if its a legal issue? Criterion\'s Eclipse label has promised some of the films already put out by the people at Japanese New Wave, so I blame them. And Madhuban for never ordering anything.','635d28c41fe8e869f2e7f43ed73ed9d5',0,'','HgC0Z1oy',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13938,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169178900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','News Link.','6c256b1bdc601167b1b874712a415e2f',0,'','81V3RqiE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13939,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169246280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','Too bad, as I was waiting for their Terayama releases.\r\nBut they have been at least trying to do something, so the effort is laudable.\r\nGuess I\'ll have to start purchasing from \"other\" sources...','3f6f5265476acd2d8b114d205fc6f7e5',0,'','e2DKVEvw',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13940,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169292960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','@wpqx\r\n\r\nI am blaming myself for not ordering their Christmas/New Year deal of 125 dollars each for all the Oshima and Imamura releases. The Kerala festival in early December left me dead broke for the rest of the month','e7345ebe4a32b04d6dbf115e6e2057dd',0,'','cnsyu5vg',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13941,2303,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1169684160,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Japanese New Wave on DVD','I can understand your situation. Because I purchased so many DVDs during the last months I\'m also broke. If it weren\'t for my accreditation I would have had to get a loan from my bank to attend this years Berlin film festival. \r\nOne cannot have it all.','09fbb2d90978ddb0a8b77ec61bf504cd',0,'','vpechskx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13942,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1150227120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Subterranean Cinema','I have found a new site for rare and hard to find films called Subterranean Cinema. There are no prices listed, but the films are, and for ordering information you have to email. I\'m wondering if anyone has ordered with them in the past and can either recommend or warn about them. I found it in my search for more Frederick Wiseman, and they have about 12 films of his that I don\'t own. In addition they have the only copy of Hour of the Furnaces I\'ve been able to find after a 5 year search, as well as an unfortunately dubbed copy of Lilly Marleen. There\'s a lot more, including some films that already are readily available on DVD, but I plan on ordering if all goes well.\r\n\r\nwww.subcin.com/subvid.html','c914a50a80349d5af956cfdadfc54e12',0,'','9wbypV1e',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13943,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1150421220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Subterranean Cinema','From Frederick Wiseman:\r\nBALLET\r\nBELFAST, MAINE (2 discs)\r\nDEAF\r\nDOMESTIC VIOLENCE (2 discs)\r\nESSENE\r\nHIGH SCHOOL II (2 discs)\r\nHOSPITAL\r\nJUVENILE COURT\r\nLA COMEDIE FRANCAISE (2 discs)\r\nMISSILE\r\nNEAR DEATH (4 disc)\r\nPRIMATE\r\nPUBLIC HOUSING (2 disc)\r\nRACETRACK\r\nTHE STORE\r\nZOO\r\n\r\nJean Luc Godard\'s SLOW MOTION \r\nLES BLANK (3 discs): can\'t remember what is all on this, but I know it contains Gap-Toothed Woman, and doesn\'t have the two Blank films I already own starring Werner Herzog)\r\nStanley Kubrick FEAR AND DESIRE + SHORT FILMS\r\nFernando E Solonas and Octavio Getino\'s HOUR OF THE FURNACES (3 discs)\r\nLuchino Visconti\'s THE INNOCENT\r\nElio Petri\'s INVESTIGATION OF A CITIZEN ABOVE SUSPICION\r\nMICHAEL SNOW (4 discs): these include most of his films, but the main reason I\'m ordering it is for Wavelength, I don\'t remember what else is included.','f9f0ff867dccb49f61675ef8f8b22795',0,'','BiGUy7Tl',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13944,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1150421640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Subterranean Cinema','I thought you\'d only select a couple initially to see if it works for you. That\'s a big order, but at least you\'ll be able to fill us in on quite a few. You don\'t have to reveal the prices, but how did it turn out?','8dd419d0d41e0afd1c4b002064946d85',0,'','FSN6ijAC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13945,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1150442820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Subterranean Cinema','I haven\'t received them yet, and this is a somewhat small order for me I plan on ordering some more if everything works out, but I went a little overboard and ordered every Wiseman film he had that I didn\'t.','26cb94e232dff4402a2531d4fb03b70a',0,'','Pz3YytXW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13946,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1151387100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Subterranean Cinema','Well true to his word, he got them here by Monday, so service is quick. As far as the quality, well you get what you can, and Fear and Desire looks like a poor quality 100 year old VHS tape transfered on to DVD.','eea60bcd7dfd57c95afeacfc192c1aed',0,'','MfikSsV3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13947,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163717040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Subterranean Cinema','How is Hour of Furnaces in terms of quality? I\'m planning to order that and Berlin Alexanderplatz next month','f4b25df858a7b0089abe4e102e6cd320',0,'','QgzHl9Pu',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13948,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163739120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Subterranean Cinema','I\'d wait for the official DVD release of Berlin Alexanderplatz because it\'s currently in the process of being restored for the 25th anniversary of Fassbinder\'s death early next year.','4b657b4a4fa42faa4b3f3197eff9397d',0,'','yl7q9tiL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13949,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163742900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Subterranean Cinema','I actually haven\'t watched the Hour of the Furnaces DVD yet, but from what I was told the quality isn\'t exactly pristine.','feae0735e27ccb19dea720121bb9a39f',0,'','dsALiNgf',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13950,2304,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163760300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Subterranean Cinema','Thanks arsaib, but I think I\'ll get the subcin version because it is affordable. Given that the film will run into at least 6 dual layer discs, the official DVD release will certainly be beyond my means \r\n\r\n@wpqx\r\n\r\nI\'ve seen Hour of the Furnaces at a National Film Archive screening and I don\'t expect the DVD to be great. As long as it is watchable, it is fine \r\n\r\nM','8dc5bf0067adb9fbf8f840300f5345e4',0,'','VADugjaT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13951,2305,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163697420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Sara','Last Year at Marienbad gone...','As you know I had put Last Year at Marienbad on my \"movies to rewatch\" list and had it in my Netflix queue.\r\n\r\nToday I checked. It is no longer in my queue. Instead it is listed under films with unknown release dates.\r\n\r\nSo I checked on Amazon. The only copies of the DVD are sold new or used by private sellers STARTING at something like $92.\r\n\r\nWhy has that great film\'s DVD disappeared?\r\n\r\nMoral of the story. \"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may...\" as what\'s here today may be gone tomorrow.\r\n\r\nSigh.\r\nSara','72b3efa0d589d935a30aa879207975e8',0,'','aERK4wdx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13952,2305,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1163713980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Last Year at Marienbad gone...','They\'re most likely planning on a re-release, or there are some rights issues. The transfer if I remember correctly was piss poor on the DVD, so this is most likely the reason. Maybe Criterion is working on it? Point is hold tight, the film WILL be available again shortly, and if nothing else the VHS is floating around all over the place.','0d73b323cef847c5ae9e68b3c4b09a6c',0,'','GAaHmV2q',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13953,2306,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1140556440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'tightslice','Anyone know where to purchase \"Hoy y Maana\" on DV','I\'ve been trying to hunt down the movie \"Hoy y Maana (Today and Tomorrow\" on DVD and i can\'t find it anywhere! I know it came out....but i just can\'t find any websites that carry it?!?\r\n\r\ndoes anyone know where a good place to look?','17b0b6c297665f6b92fc86e0a5ee5980',0,'','nKl6Bap3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13954,2306,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1140599280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Anyone know where to purchase \"Hoy y Maana\" on DV','It is available in Argentina, but as far as I know the DVD doesn\'t offer English subs.','813f57eeaa62bd6bfb54303031bbf0f2',0,'','WDZwpMAB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13955,2306,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1161851340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Anyone know where to purchase \"Hoy y Maana\" on DV','Today and Tomorrow will be released on DVD in the U.S. in December.','d6f782d529f03dfc71baf422f2220001',0,'','oNZX9GkC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13956,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1155963660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'bamboomedia1','DVD Spot','Does anyone on this board have a DVDspot? It is a pretty cool site that lets you keep a record of your DVD collection. You can plug in things like your wish list and what not. Once you have input all the DVD\'s you own it gives you a break down of your statistics like what directors/actors/genres/producers etc you have the most of in your collection. If anyone decides to do this please post back with a link to your spot. I would love to see what everyone has sitting on their shelves. DVDspot.com.','f598ff4aea80f2b6f8e50bfcae0430be',0,'','F9jbeLig',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13957,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156015980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: DVD Spot','Sounds good, I\'ll be checking out the site.\r\nHow about you posting your own collection first?','7bb7c7ed65356c058fbe85673b8ffd30',0,'','zY0t71SC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13958,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156023960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Spot','Got a hell of a lot more to add, but I started today.\r\n\r\nwww.dvdspot.com/member=wpqx','38909570833a66b493b966bb66d0e081',0,'','hwbkUKu4',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13959,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156024680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: DVD Spot','I also created my profile, and I have more to add of course.\r\nThe only problem I have with the site, is that they usually only list Region 1 DVDs, while most of mine are Region 2...\r\nThat means, that you will be able to see only a tiny glimpse of my vast DVD collection (just kidding, as I own only about 100 DVDs ). Anyway, it would be better if one could add DVD\'s from all regions.\r\n\r\nMy profile','3aaafdb995257ef648f4580a224c7056',0,'','SN7CpyAc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13960,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156026180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Spot','I think there is an option to add dvd\'s. I only got 125 of mine online now, so much more to come. At least now I\'ll finally know how many I really have.','553d6fc84913aa1da08723af485fb72b',0,'','2ptqauBE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13961,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156036320,1,0,1,1,1,1,'bamboomedia1','Re: DVD Spot','\r\nwww.dvdspot.com/member=bamboomedia1','34328d2ba9bbd5613e4e18def5023eee',0,'','EcNvdinT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13962,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156147620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: DVD Spot','Could you tell me more about this option wpqx? I checked the site, but didn\'t find a possibility to do so.','2d609baa4f4e29381c22b7776d7c9968',0,'','bFE0B75i',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13963,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156159080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Spot','www.dvdspot.com/contrib_member.php?a=new\r\n\r\nthat should work','d8fb3e2a14e1beb6c41d7a1501afb6e0',0,'','WDVBTMFj',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13964,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156172040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'bamboomedia1','Re: DVD Spot','That link doesn\'t work for whatever reason. Here is a way you can do it:\r\n\r\nLog in to your account\r\nScroll down a bit and on right hand side under \"Quick Links\"\r\nClick on \"DVD Search\"\r\nOn the bottom of blue search box is a link that says \"Can\'t find a DVD...\"\r\n\r\nLet me know if this helps or if you still have questions.','7a48e287b5f4844150e2672398b48495',0,'','7CtTDxZw',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13965,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156188180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: DVD Spot','Ok, I tried this option, but it takes very long to complete, and now it looks like the DVD has to be approved by the Editors of DVDSpot to be added in the future. \r\nIf I\'ll have to do this with all my DVDs they don\'t have listed (ca. 90%), it will be a hell of a lot of work...\r\nBut thanks anyway.','3e46cf0a3308cf157b2133a02593a3b2',0,'','V8npMo5y',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13966,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156201140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Spot','Reminds me of the original FF.com I added many a film there and Jason had to approve all of them.','7d0892f5c04f2c0e1ba26cb6cd54c9f7',0,'','u6o3ztrA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13967,2307,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1156208460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: DVD Spot','Oh, yes, almost forgot about that experience. \r\nI also added a few, but unfortunately some of my favorites weren\'t approved at all. \r\n\r\nWow, DVDSpot IS fast. They already accepted my addition when I looked in today. I\'ve now added my first German DVD. But I\'m curious on how they will react to my Slovenian, or even Serbian DVDs... \r\nBut it will still take a loooot of time to add them all, so my profile will probably remain incomplete at least till the end of the year.','50686cfa60bf58f1691e8f8eb8f6e92c',0,'','47QK6Uhd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13968,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149421440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','I note that you can rent some R2 dvds in the US now, I thought a list of the distributors and whether they use macro protection or not may prove useful.\r\n\r\nAlthough we cannot condone copying films, sometimes it is the only way to obtain a decent print without going to a great deal of expense, as long as its for your personal use theres no harm.\r\n\r\nArtificial Eye. Good quality range including films such as Black Cat, White Cat, one of the best and most highly regarded UK distributors - macro free.\r\n\r\nEureka Entertainment. Overall good quality but their Masters of Cinema range is amongst the best in terms of quality even out-doing Criterion macro free.\r\n\r\nNouveaux Pictures. Nice range, the Godard films in particular are well presented - macro free.\r\n\r\nOptimum Releasing. A company that has certainly improved over the years in terms of the overall quality of the dvds, good range of films including the Ghibli Collection macro free.\r\n\r\nRevolver Entertainment. Small but growing range, decent quality in terms of sound, picture and extras macro free.\r\n\r\nSecond Run. The most exciting newcomer, good prints, interesting range of films and documentaries macro free.\r\n\r\nSecond Sight. Some good releases though most are lacking in extras macro free.\r\n\r\nTartan Video. Large range, a mix between the commercial, usually horror or violence, through directors collections to more controversial releases macro free and region 0.\r\n\r\nThis is only a start, Ill go through as many distributors as possible, if there are any in particular you need or want to know about, please ask.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','1df7ee832a3e17ba4cf330a7a68c729e',0,'','Fwtme7DV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13969,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149459180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','Thanks for your effort in listing all those companies. Here in Germany it also isn\'t easy to obtain DVD\'s from the UK, but if I do rent some, this is very helpful.','f65201fd933511c0a6f5b2636eac82b7',0,'','RSY7CEKL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13970,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149485880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','Welcome back, Trev. Thanks for the list. It\'s quite obvious that most distributors don\'t employ that technology; after all, there isn\'t a need when niche films are in question. \"Pathe,\" however, is one whose discs (at least the new releases) aren\'t macro-free.','d9825aee978d809ddb07fb5ba3d24148',0,'','Bx3nEuhA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13971,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149486780,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','Also, I came across this article in \"The Guardian\" recently. I truly hope that it doesn\'t become a cause for concern.\r\n\r\nAct, Knatchbull acquire UK distributor Artificial Eye : \r\n\r\nIn a further shake-up to the UK distribution market, Artificial Eye Film Company, for 30 years the UKs leading distributor of arthouse and foreign language films, has been acquired by Act Entertainment Group, owner of Curzon Cinemas, and Knatchbull Communications Group. \r\n\r\nTerms of the acquisition were not released. \r\n\r\nSet up in the mid-1970s by Pam and Andi Engel, Artificial Eye owns a library of more than 200 films as well as two first-run cinemas in central London, The Chelsea Cinema and The Renoir. \r\n\r\nIt has long been the doyen of UK arthouse distributors, handling work from such renowned filmmakers as Robert Bresson, Claude Chabrol, The Dardenne brothers, Eric Rohmer, Krzysztof Kiewslowski, Andrei Tarkovsky and Alexander Sokurov. \r\n\r\nRobert Beeson will stay on as managing director of Artificial Eyes distribution company and Pam Engel will remain as a consultant. \r\n\r\nArtificial Eyes cinemas together with the Curzon Mayfair and Curzon Soho and the Richmond Filmhouse will be absorbed into a new subsidiary, giving the group nine screens on five London sites. \r\n\r\nAndi and Pamela Engel have created a unique, quality brand, said Roger Wingate, who owns Act. Philip Knatchbull and I feel honoured to carry the torch from now on. Artificial Eye is now the leading UK label for foreign films. With their distribution expertise and our plans to diversify and grow the group through new digital platforms we will make this an internationally recognised brand leader. \r\n\r\nThis is the third takeover of an independent UK distributor in recent months, following on from Lionsgate\'s acquisition of Redbus and StudioCanal\'s takeover of Optimum.','e6ba0f5058b01a5e082ae0dedcceb633',0,'','cRs3ZVqB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13972,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149493920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','Well New Yorker employs heavy copy protection here in the US, and about half of Home Vision/Criterions are as well.','aba54a9ce8c2d952adb990416cbbb6f8',0,'','0ZmPn97G',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13973,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149495840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','New Yorker had it on their old vhs tapes as well. Quite infuriating, but if you go back and check, they used to sell anywhere from $50 - $75. It\'s understandable why Criterion does it. Most others don\'t, since they don\'t feel that there is an issue, and rightfully so.','284afe1ced46c16a32fec6c6529a3875',0,'','PMhulwN6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13974,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149507420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','There are several distributors who do use \"macro\" protection including: \r\n\r\nBritish Film Institute who are probably the most well known distributor plus some of the smaller companies like \r\n\r\nSoda Pictures Head On, Reconstruction etc. \r\n\r\nMomentum Pictures which is a large distributor with a small core of decent foreign films and \r\n\r\nTai Seng who have released some good films but are very poor in terms of product quality.\r\n\r\nAnd of course Pathe as arsaib4 has already mentioned.\r\n\r\nHopefully the takeover of Artificial Eye will not affect their status, without them, World Cinema in the UK would be in a much poorer position.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','54d799712e2d9920202f27a2e059d871',0,'','8B7HfC3x',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13975,2308,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1149871440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Dvd distributors in the UK, re: macro protection.','Hmm, these takeover\'s sound like bad news... but let\'s see how things will develop.','fb20e4d8cef8d4baf6b52e060607be0a',0,'','sPebaBf6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13976,2309,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148450820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','I am officially excited','The original Star Wars trilogy is being re-released in September, to include not just Lucas\' crappy 2004 altered versions, but an extra disc to feature the original theatrical versions. I suppose enough dorks bitched long enough. I\'d like to pat myself on the back for being patient enough to wait. I suppose I can stop sending weekly hate male to Mr. Lucas now.\r\n\r\nwww.starwars.com/episode-...60503.html','3b01d5430118258b95866627357acd3c',0,'','p4DfiqP7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13977,2309,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1148475480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: I am officially excited','Here\'s an interesting link. I hope you\'re not diappointed...\r\n\r\nwww.listology.com/content_show.cfm/content_id.24310/Movies','452b7497ae17216d8eb2a1eacae2c6b3',0,'','x8N1vqL3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13978,2310,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1145179620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Mikls Jancs on DVD','\r\n\r\nA Mikls Jancs boxset is now available in France with English subtitles. It includes gy jttem/Mon chemin (\"My Way Home\" [1965]), Csend s kilts/Silence et cri (\"Silence and Cry\" [1967]) and Mg kr a np/Psaume rouge (\"Red Psalm\" [1972]). These films are also available separately. \r\n\r\nTwo more films are also available with subs: Szegnylegnyek/Les sans-espoirs (\"The Round-Up\" [1965]) and Csillagosok, katonk/Rouges et blancs (\"The Red and the White\" [1967].\r\n\r\nClick here.\r\n\r\n*Among the aforementioned films, Silence and Cry and The Red and The White are out on DVD in the U.S.','7ee9c16043de598da9689584c4cfd38e',0,'','a0KPd52B',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13979,2310,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1145911980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Mikls Jancs on DVD','Thanks for the info.','7be4cf6bb7fc58bd9ad0256de17b476e',0,'','Vics3v9f',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13980,2311,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1139304600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Ray & Kieslowski','Satyajit Ray\'s Shakha Proshakha (The Branches of the Tree/1990) is being released on DVD (with English subs) in France. It will be available on Feb. 16th.\r\n\r\nKieslowski\'s perennially undervalued The Double Life of Veronique (La double vie de Vronique/1991) is also coming out in France. MK2, who have created a special website for their 2-disc version, will release the film on Feb. 22 (subs included).\r\n\r\nextras include:\r\n\r\n- Documentary on making of film by Ruben Korenfeld (53 mins)\r\n- Interview with Irne Jacob (17 mins, 2005)\r\n- \'1966-1988\' Kieslowski documentary by Luc Lagier (30 mins)\r\n- 3 short films : LUsine(17 mins), LHpital (20 mins), La Gare (12 mins) \r\n- Short film by Kazimierz Karabasz (10 mins)','e285c7a7bccc31e9b815b8626036ef01',0,'','X3kl7Jpr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13981,2311,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1139380980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Ray & Kieslowski','That\'s great news arsaib4, although I haven\'t seen Shakha Proshakha (The Branches of the Tree/1990), every Ray film I have seen has been wonderful.\r\n\r\nAs for The Double Life of Veronique (La double vie de Vronique/1991), I can\'t believe it\'s taken so long but hopefully it\'ll be an exceptional release, certainly sounds like.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d21bc1cb8b18aa7036b33a9ce525b6c2',0,'','5Lw0oqX8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13982,2311,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1139387640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Ray & Kieslowski','Yeah, it has taken quite a bit of time. Here the film is tangled between various distributors so who knows how long it will take. But in the U.K., Artificial-Eye will release it on April 24th.','8a138693773fa342cfae741a92fc237f',0,'','w2r8Y6if',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13983,2311,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1139614980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Ray & Kieslowski','I guess I\'m one of those people that undervalues it. I wasn\'t overly impressed with the film, but seeing what great work was done with Kieslowski\'s already available films in the US, I would hope that this continues on. I\'d be much more interested in the release of his Calm Before the Storm however.','9caebd2f157092c7073a7d32ce5de809',0,'','etVx254n',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13984,2311,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1144063680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Ray & Kieslowski','Veronique will be available on DVD in the U.S. very shortly.\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Kieslowski retro is ready to begin in NYC. I\'ll get to it when it reaches Toronto next month. It\'s quite comprehensive!','2c0f3150b2d591aeba550a927a9b503c',0,'','kSJMfYeu',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13985,2311,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1144077180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Ray & Kieslowski','Very nice.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','66cc8f7f0b4d74ebac86e5a34b066740',0,'','z1lHCRTc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13986,2312,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120280520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','DVD WISH LIST','Well it always makes me weep in bitter anger at the films that do get released vs. the films that should be released. So reading about a retrospective of Louis Malle\'s work I longed deeply for his films to get some damn dvd treatment. So from there I\'m working on my own little list of films I\'d love to see on DVD. Generally keeping it to Region One discs, some of these films may be out in other countries.\r\n\r\nFrom Louis Malle\r\nThe Silent World \r\nThe Lovers \r\nZazie Dans Le Metro\r\nLacombe, Lucien\r\nElevator to the Gallows\r\nThe Fire Within\r\n\r\nThe Hour of the Furnaces - #1 movie I\'d like to see in any form\r\nFace to Face - Of all the Bergman, I\'d love this to be released in its full TV incarnation\r\nLili Marleen - Heard lots about this film, but of all the Fassbinder on DVD, this one has no release date in site\r\nPoint of Order - blame New Yorker for this doc being OOP\r\nCat People - I heard over a year ago that an 8 film Val Lewton set was going to be released last February, but well I\'m still waiting\r\nThe Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith - how is the supposed best Australian film not released ever\r\nDiamonds of the Night - Hoping Facets might step up with this, classic Czech film that is only (scarcely) available in a horrible VHS print\r\nAce in the Hole/The Big Carnival - got to see this in a theater, and can\'t understand why this is being kept out of mass consumption, it is flawless\r\nCeline and Julie Go Boating - Rivette\'s best film, at least from the few I\'ve seen\r\n\r\nFrom Nagisa Oshima (anybody have any idea why these are OOP?)\r\nBoy\r\nThe Ceremony\r\nDeath by Hanging\r\nCruel Story of Youth\r\n\r\nFrom Ernst Lubitsch \r\nKiss Me Again\r\nSo This is Paris\r\nEternal Love\r\nThe Love Parade\r\nThe Patriot\r\nOne Hour With You\r\nIf I Had a Million\r\n\r\nI\'ll stop there, and I hope that this list become obsolete very soon.','892ed925725e43c7e52e397f0840ff9d',0,'','F8liDdCE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13987,2312,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121479380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: DVD WISH LIST','I wish they\'d release Jean Eustache\'s two feature films, so I could watch them again,... and again,... and again,... and..\r\nOk, I\'ve made my point clear.\r\nI\'d also wish for a full version of Ryu Murakami\'s Tokyo Decadence (Topazu / Japan / 1992) with english subtitles, looots of extras (interviews, making of, etc.) and maybe Audition as a bonus disc But I\'d also be satisfied with a complete version with english subs \r\nBesides that, The long awaited Angelopoulos Box set, with ALL his films, and some major extras (more than an hour additional footage of \"Ulysse\'s Gaze\" *dream* ), should come out sometim this year, or I\'ll go nuts! It has been announced for ages.\r\n\r\nAlso early /animation, and late (after La Bete) Borowczyck in good prints even on Video would be fine with me.\r\nAnd Skolimowski\'s films, as well as anything by Ken McMullen ( or at least Zina) would be great, and who knows, maybe McMullen will one day start making films again like Skolimowski? \r\n\r\nAnd How about some films by Glauber Rocha, or from \"classic\" filmmakers from the philippines like Lino Brocka or Mike de Leon?\r\n\r\nAnd personal favorites, I\'d like to see once on a decent DVD, like Bertolluci\'s \"1900\" and James Toback\'s \"Fingers\".\r\n\r\nAnd at last, a Parajanoc Box-Set with all of his works (fragments included) with remastered prints would be fine, and I don\'t want to start about all the films I haven\'t seen yet, because of their unavailability, ( \"Nouvelle Vague\" by Godard with english subs?)\r\n\r\nBut I won\'t go on, or this list will become endless.\r\nSo as not to ask too much, I\'d even be happy with only the two Eustache\'s. Pleeeeease.','ea4df945037c0893bd93e2a9b7b8019a',0,'','zdlmKc8G',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13988,2312,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121481480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: DVD WISH LIST','Just for a start, all the Zhang Yimou/Gong Li films.','709319c89be440481d291ad53e03a1e4',0,'','yKlASLVa',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13989,2312,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121487960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD WISH LIST','Forget about Yimou, but primarily Red Sourghum I\'d like to see. While I\'m at it, can\'t remember if I mentioned it but I\'d love to see more early Hou and Yang films, particularly City of Sadness and A Brighter Summer Day. I have City of Sadness on a DVD without English subtitles, so I could only really see the film rather than understand it.\r\n\r\nGlad to hear that Black Girl is coming out soon, so another film from my wishlist can leave. I have heard of the Angelopoulus boxed set, but so far nothing is on the horizon for the US.','a1efea09c57d4035672ce1ce694b7d05',0,'','7ybiHg3Q',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13990,2312,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1128375000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: DVD WISH LIST','Link to further posts on this subject:\r\n\r\nWhat films do you really want to see but not yet on DVD?\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','8d5849ecc2e9e4b9bc6d1b2fd5800573',0,'','gpmh1lEN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13991,2312,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1144023240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Hokuto1','Re: DVD WISH LIST','Max Ophuls..Earrings of Madame de...or most other Ophuls titles too','0e45e635ec6d79770702b51104666618',0,'','97Gd641A',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13992,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117880280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','Arrow Films in the U.K. have brought together 8 of Rohmer\'s most influential films, including all 6 films from his Comedies and Proverbs series, as part of a newly released DVD box-set.\r\n\r\nThe films are :\r\n\r\nLove in the Afternoon\r\n\r\nFull Moon in Paris\r\n\r\nThe Aviator\'s Wife\r\n\r\nMy Girlfriend\'s Boyfriend\r\n\r\nPauline at the Beach\r\n\r\nThe Green Ray\r\n\r\nThe Marquise of O\r\n\r\nA Good Marriage\r\n\r\nWhile all of them are available on DVD in the U.S., what\'s significant about this set is its price. Bensons in the U.K. are offering it for GBP 29.95 (at least right now), which is about $55. So, if my math is correct, one film comes to about $6.88. I don\'t think one can do better than that. Here it is.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, the discs are Region-2 PAL, so a multi-system player is required.','a325218f6b2a309a08e4196fff65c1f4',0,'','vUbeRjA2',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13993,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1119185460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','The only negative point is that the transfers are only adequate, they could have been a lot better but at least they\'re good value. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','b821defb579970ee0f167de7d8106c81',0,'','npowethT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13994,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1135856940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Johndav','Re: Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','Well worth it- The Green Ray and My Girlfriend\'s Boyfriend my pick of the bunch, not much to choose between the rest, The Marquise of O (period drama) perhaps the weakest, imo, though i did see it in a couple of critics\' top 10\'s some years back.\r\n\r\nI\'ll have to check out the setting for Pauline at the Beach, in Brittany apparently. Glad to find A Summer\'s Tale location not far from where i\'m now living- at Dinard. Snow there 2 days ago, not quite the image expected!','eb91732fab01b5a37b66745127d492ee',0,'','nETs2CcV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13995,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137808200,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','Found this incredible deal on the Rohmer box set! \r\n\r\nwww.selectcheaper.com/sea...rch=FCD219\r\n\r\nM','6c3d3a2a7cb93d727378275e0f945618',0,'','zpZv6Adm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13996,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137890220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','Seems a very cheap site. I wonder if the prices are always so low, or if they are just having a sell out.\r\nAnyone familiar with it?\r\nI\'d buy the box-set, but I\'m still broke. Better to pay the rent for this month.','88ada0f14989e1d9ecf114174bb25fe7',0,'','Up3ndLaB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13997,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137965820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','I was secretly feeling happy last week that the superhappyfun site was down, and that prevented me from using up all I had to get a new cartload of rare films! And now the lure of Rohmer! To buy or not to buy, that is the question \r\n\r\nM','f73b70ad6ec62595583430d56593cccd',0,'','fiwTc7Mb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13998,2313,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137966720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Eric Rohmer\'s Box-Set','The price is excellent but I have to re-iterate, the transfers are adequate at best, the images appear flat and lacking. They don\'t seem any better than a video release and really pale in comparison with the transfers of Rohmers films released through Artificial Eye. Shame that Arrow didn\'t put a little effort into these films. Still, good value for money.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','5c9545d3b5b0404fe78c9394fff4d2ad',0,'','mtXslKD3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(13999,2314,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137420900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Issus123','Carlos Saura films on DVD','Just wanted to know the best source for obtaining Carlos Saura films esp. Cria Cuervos (with English subtitles).','69fa41a7034964c484a0d888d9ac643a',0,'','LCjmn5tM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14000,2314,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137556800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Carlos Saura films on DVD','Don`t know, maybe some spanish DVD`s? \r\nNo, I really don`t know...\r\nMaybe some others can help?','1c6c4eb1e3d37d05d07af6025026b160',0,'','xHUpujGo',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14001,2314,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137790260,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Carlos Saura films on DVD','Cria isn\'t available on DVD in the US, and neither is The Hunt, Garden of Delights, or Carmen. A few of his films do exist, like Flamenco, Tango, Outrage, and Antonieta.','43d5bf48d7498eb1539b835267773faf',0,'','DARElv5m',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14002,2314,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137801120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'madhuban','Re: Carlos Saura films on DVD','Saura\'s \"Bunuel and King Solomon\'s Table\" is available at superhappyfun.com. The site is currently under reconstruction. Check it after some time.\r\n\r\nM','fd3f96a3bbcc016c046fcfcbfe81cd09',0,'','A6GCrvLd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14003,2314,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206956400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Carlos Saura films on DVD','\r\n\r\n[OP - Eclipse thread] \r\n\r\nSeries 6: Carlos Saura\'s Flamenco Trilogy \r\n\r\nBlood Wedding / Carmen / El amor brujo \r\n\r\n*Manuel Yáñez Murillo on Saura','e6f3dbc0ff9b07bdb181244523512795',0,'','jWylsGKr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14004,2314,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207125360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Carlos Saura films on DVD','[OP - Criterion thread] \r\n\r\nCría cuervos... \r\n\r\nSpecial Features \r\nDouble-disc set includes: \r\n\r\n- New, restored high-definition digital transfer \r\n- Portrait of Carlos Saura, a documentary on the life and career of the Spanish auteur \r\n- New interviews with actresses Geraldine Chaplin and Ana Torrent \r\n- Original theatrical trailer \r\n- New and improved English subtitle translation \r\n- PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar Paul Julian Smith','ce6ce98e7bae59c05dc030f405978fe8',0,'','pFki8ZUt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14005,2315,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1128374700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','What do you need to know?','Are you finding it difficult sorting out your region codes?\r\nDon\'t know the difference between Pal, ntsc and secam?\r\nNeed links for distributors?\r\n\r\nOr maybe something completely different!\r\n\r\nWhat sort of info (if any) would you like concerning dvds?\r\n\r\nMake a list and we\'ll do our best to answer your queries.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','9c754201e6c65f2c7cf38b0b2890c238',0,'','PUt08jVQ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14006,2315,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1128398700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: What do you need to know?','Well I am dead broke, but perhaps where to find some films, particularly non-US releases. I know there are some great films available in other countries, but have no idea how to go about ordering them, with the exception of the lame selction available on ebay.\r\n\r\nAlso wherever you order from would be helpful. Since dvdplanet stopped carrying New Yorker DVD\'s, I\'m still unable to find a really good place to order their films, and with the upcoming release schedule this information is crucial.','083cf017bda988b9e22464bb636b3c4a',0,'','9mnVskDj',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14007,2316,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1127198460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'oscarjunk25','Disturbing documentary','Hey guys...Anyone seen Mail Order Wife? I just saw it this weekend. It was so good. It\'s a documentary about some loser guy that buys a mail order bride. It\'s hillarious. It\'s disturbing at the same time, too. He treats her like a total slave. It\'s so sad...I felt so bad for her. If anyone\'s heard more stuff about it, just hit me up.','c9aea9cf88e4a871ad6c26178a813eb8',0,'','zkmCMs2V',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14008,2317,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1122844620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Alexander (2004)','It seems like the director has deleted 18 minutes from the movie and reinstated nine minutes.\r\n\r\nDoes anyone know \r\n-- what has been deleted?\r\n-- what has been reinstated?\r\n\r\nIs the DVD worth buying?','2e8c21266e54159dff4e23a608fb95b0',0,'','76KHbqdt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14009,2317,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1122849540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Alexander (2004)','From what I understand there are 2 releases, the cinematic and directors version.\r\n\r\nThe directors cut is unusual in that it has pandered to the critics and has actually created a more balanced movie, a lot of the earlier scenes are cut or interspersed within the movie allowing the action to get going a lot earlier.\r\n\r\nI suppose you pay your money and take your choice.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','e4ebe7ff7ae0e305d22d7f1990353267',0,'','Dy97deol',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14010,2318,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121737500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','The Wayward Cloud (Tian Bian Yi Duo Yun) (2005) (Taiwan)','Hi,\r\nThe DVD with English subtitles is available.\r\nglobal.yesasia.com/en/Prd...s/did-106/\r\n\r\nWhat is the movie about?','55592f3e39fec82236d17ac187765ac5',0,'','f2bCoUps',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14011,2318,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121737620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: The Wayward Cloud (Tian Bian Yi Duo Yun) (2005) (Taiwan)','Thanks a lot hengcs!','78fa9e474334a2f7605210062ab0946e',0,'','C1VfeG7Y',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14012,2319,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120226040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Why?','Why are the majority of Asian DVD releases either horror or violent films, do the companies not realise the potential market they\'re missing out on?\r\n\r\nFor example, there were 4 or 5 Korean DVDs released recently in the UK, they were:\r\n\r\nH - a violent film about serial killings.\r\nAcacia - A horror film, actually seems quite interesting but that\'s not my point.\r\nThe Quiet Family - Another film with a lot of violence in it albeit on a lighter note than H.\r\nReal Fiction - I know it\'s Ki-duk Kim but still chock full of violence.\r\nDoll Master - A very poorly rated horror film.\r\n\r\nWhere are the dramas, where are the classics, in fact where is anything that doesn\'t smack of making a quick buck?\r\n\r\nThe bubble will burst soon and then what? Companies are cutting their own throats and some of them (no names mentioned) should know a lot better.\r\n\r\nDoes anyone else have an opinion on this subject?\r\n\r\nCheers Trev','2b1b8e05cb48271667d5755b954bae3c',0,'','B4u73CQE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14013,2319,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120700760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Why?','Here in Germany the commercial releases (which are most) are also only horror or splatter movies, or some second rate trash. It seems that the licences for these b-films are very cheap, and with the current asia-boom, it\'s easy to make a quick buck with the casual videostore customer.\r\nBut I agree that this will soon be over, as it isn\'t based on quality.\r\nBut there are also (very few) quality releases from small labels. Some Kim-ki duk, some japanese films, and I think Nobody knows will be released soon.','9cd749b0a63c6cb24734c02863c7ea57',0,'','GwJ1tMvk',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14014,2320,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117760880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Raise the Red Lantern.','I would love to get hold of a decent copy of this great film, does anyone know which is the best DVD release?\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','56575fdfe1c2e6be353f4b8f00983a46',0,'','jgzHExlV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14015,2320,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118021580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Loaded Man','Re: Raise the Red Lantern.','Hey Trev, I didn\'t know that RTRL had an official DVD release anywhere. I have one that I bought on eBay released by the company called ERA. Its probably a bootleg but I couldn\'t find this film anywhere else! The subs are burned in Mandarin and English and the quality is only slightly better than VHS. I believe DVD Beaver has the same copy that I have.\r\nLoaded Man - Latin Music Enthusiast & DVD Collector\r\n\r\n\"Right Now I\'m Having Amnesia And Deja Vu At The Same Time. I Think I\'ve Forgotten This Before.\"','adf39151cd1d7c7bc70e50553e6cdc76',0,'','au71HBGr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14016,2320,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118054880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Raise the Red Lantern.','Thanks for the info, I\'ll probably wait for a decent DVD release as I have it on video.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','52c3e468b50e7db6710b3e8ff96948f0',0,'','pL1JACTm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14017,2321,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117760520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Bresson\'s Pickpocket','The film:\r\n\r\nMichel , a petty thief seems to spend the whole of the film setting himself up for the fall, you get the impression that he want\'s to be caught and punished, he does carry a burden of guilt concerning his mother that is eating at him like a cancer. \r\n\r\nAfter several close calls with the police and people he\'s tried to rob, he teams up with a skilled pickpocket who teaches him the ropes and together with another partner they carry out their dexterous craft on trains, in banks and on the streets of Paris, this leads to some amazing set pieces as passers by are fleeced of their wallets and cash. He leaves Paris for London when the gang is caught but on his return he is set up by the police and arrested. \r\n\r\nIn prison he is visited by Jeanne, a neighbour of his mothers who looked after her until she died, she has been abandoned with a baby and he realises that with her, he can change his life.\r\n\r\nAn excellent character driven drama with stunning setpieces, recommended viewing and one that Im sure you will enjoy even more with repeated viewings. \r\n\r\nThe DVD:\r\n\r\nReleased by Artificial Eye in the UK, this is an excellent transfer of the film with very little signs of print damage, it is shown in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 making it full screen. At 73 minutes long I was surprised that disc 1 contained nothing in the way of extras but this did allow for the best possible film presentation.\r\n\r\nDisc 2\r\n\r\nExtras include a cabaret performance with Kassagi, illusionist and expert pickpocket, he acted as technical advisor and took the role of the skilled pickpocket in the film, his skills are ably demonstrated on members of the audience. There are also interviews with Robert Bresson and various members of the cast which I hvent seen yet and a trailer for the film.\r\n\r\nOut of interest:\r\n\r\nWhile watching the film I couldn\'t help being reminded of Xiao Wu (which is also known as Pickpocket) the central characters were similar in a number of ways, from their general demeanor, their postures, even down to their ill fitting suits. The only thing missing was the guilt and I wonder how much of an influence Pickpocket was on Jia Zhang-ke when he made Xiao Wu?\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','2d824db60fa5bbd6436e8cdce7201285',0,'','cHxiTPQ0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14018,2321,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118019000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'Sara','Re: Bresson\'s Pickpocket','Great review, trevor.\r\n\r\nI long to see this film. If only the US had a DVD. Or even if it only came on TV for me to tape...\r\n\r\nSara','cc31c3f433cb1c7e29116abaf3e3cf33',0,'','nPRQY3eE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14019,2321,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118029380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Bresson\'s Pickpocket','I believe you should be getting a US release this year, as far as I can see Criterion hold the rights so it should be good quality .\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','cd3ed08f51941569744e36eceadbad0c',0,'','z82frW09',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14020,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182323640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','Blockbuster to focus on Blu-ray (BBC News)\r\n\r\n\"Film rental firm Blockbuster is to rent high-definition DVDs only in the Blu-ray format at 1,450 US stores. \r\n\r\nThe move is viewed as a blow for the rival Toshiba-backed HD DVD format - which has been battling against the Blu-ray format, supported by Sony. \r\n\r\nBlockbuster said that consumers have chosen Blu-ray over HD DVD in the 250 stores where both were available. \r\n\r\nThe limited choice of titles in the HD DVD format was also a factor in focusing on Blu-ray, Blockbuster said. \r\n\r\n\'The consumers are sending us a message. I can\'t ignore what I\'m seeing,\' Matthew Smith, senior vice president of merchandising at Blockbusters, told the Associated Press news agency. \r\n\r\nMr Smith added that most studios were offering films on Blu-ray, with the exception of Universal which has been supplying films on HD DVD alone. \r\n\r\nThe North American HD DVD Promotional Group said Blockbuster\'s move was short sighted, and had been prompted by the success of films released exclusively in the Blu-ray format in early 2007 such as Casino Royale and Spider Man. \r\n\r\n\'I think trying to make a format decision using such a short time period is really not measuring what the consumer is saying,\' said Ken Graffeo, co-president of the group. \r\n\r\nThe HD DVD format will still be available at Blockbuster in 250 of its stores as well as via the internet.\"','7e6aa925d480ebfdd7df2e34cd465a6a',0,'','cqmM60Qx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14021,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182326100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','Hmmm ... are any of you purchasing Blu Ray over HD DVD? or simply maintaining the old DVD? I wonder if the old DVD will suffer the same fate as VHS ...','dd72cd2f099eee475d2db5749cf5f920',0,'','Zgt3FciJ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14022,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182331380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','The high-definition equipment is still quite expensive for most people, so it will take some time. But I don\'t think there\'s any question that the standard DVD will eventually be replaced.','477ed7f49addad3cfa7ba6330bf8a138',0,'','LZAXF8bw',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14023,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182429120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','So it\'s Betamax vs VHS all over again, last time price rather than quality was the deciding factor, this time it won\'t even be film fans who decide.\r\n\r\nNo, this time it\'ll be gamers, Sony\'s decicion to package a Blu-ray player as standard in the PS3 and the fact that the XBox 360 can play HD Dvd (though with a little extra cost to the customer) will be pivotal to this battle of the giants.\r\n\r\nI don\'t believe it\'ll affect the specialist world cinema end of the market for a long time but it\'ll be interesting to watch companies like Criterion in the near future and see what decision (if any) they make.\r\n\r\nClimates would certainly benefit from a release on these higher standards but can you honestly see it happening?\r\n\r\nNot for a long time, the market is too small and the expense too prohibative.\r\n\r\nThe plus point of both systems is that while being incompatible with each other, they\'re both compatible with the standard single/ dual layer dvd discs.\r\n\r\nShould be interesting to see how it goes but at the moment, Blu-ray looks like the odds on favourite.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','e836962d8874ac5ff0353f424168ccfe',0,'','fD4rdlas',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14024,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182527400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','Well, I belive that the new format (at least one of them) will replace DVD pretty soon (in the next 5 years). The quality certainly is superior, though I hat it that DVD didn\'t have its full potential realized (only ten years on the market).\r\n\r\nPersonally I won\'t be purchasing any new formats until the format war is over AND the prizes drop significantly. I agree with trevor, that the gamers will probably play a huge part in deciding the outcome of this game.','9d92d3a97280eef5c7c78b707631424f',0,'','Bc5e1zvj',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14025,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182597060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','\"I don\'t believe it\'ll affect the specialist world cinema end of the market for a long time...\r\n\r\nIt will be a slow process, much like the one we\'re still going through with vhs and DVD. As you know, there are still a large number of films that only exist on vhs. \r\n\r\n\"The plus point of both systems is that while being incompatible with each other, they\'re both compatible with the standard single/ dual layer dvd discs.\"\r\n\r\nTrue, and high-definition players that support both formats have already been introduced. I believe Samsung just came out with one which also fully honors their individual traits.','6aed6661da673a1483317fffc9c8821e',0,'','DgChKAX8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14026,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1182623220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','and high-definition players that support both formats have already been introduced. \r\n\r\nThat is surprising but very welcome news, another big area of course will be PC manufacturers, microsoft have obviously sided with HD and Apple and Sony with Blu-ray, quite a few other manufacturers have dedicated themselves to one or the other as well.\r\n\r\nIn this area you would have to give the advantage to HD simply because of Microsoft\'s involvement.\r\n\r\nYou have to wonder though, will these new systems ever be used to capacity?\r\n\r\nEach disc could hold a few films at highest def and a lot more at current dvd standards, they should certainly be useful for compilations.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','024f5f0af5220aee9a171f442ab56449',0,'','m3hxdFjN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14027,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187144400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','Holiday shoppers could deliver knockout blow in high-def DVD fight\r\n\r\nThe Associated Press - Published: August 13, 2007\r\n\r\n\"LOS ANGELES: People who own an HD DVD player can forget about watching \"Spider-Man 3\" in high definition when it goes on sale during the holiday season. The movie from Sony Pictures will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format.\r\n\r\nLikewise, people with Blu-ray players won\'t be able to enjoy the action-thriller \"The Bourne Ultimatum,\" which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.\"\r\n\r\nRead More.','5a39cc6fa787ba0a3e08ca9b108a5890',0,'','MnYKso7F',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14028,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187145300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','Nonetheless, Warner Bros. believes both formats can coexist and has been urging Blu-ray backers to begin supporting HD DVD as well. The studio has developed a dual-format disc and has said it would license the technology to other studios willing to back both.\r\n\r\nNow this does sound like a sensible way forward, the only problem is, will the likes of Sony adopt this dual format disc or will the licencing costs be prohibitive. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','d098833fea1810a1ab86fe057fa74f3d',0,'','wU2M7jiS',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14029,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187153640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','sigh ... i still dont know whether i shld just buy the normal DVD or others ...\r\n\r\nReason: 10 years down the road, another new tech will emerge ... sigh','2051547ebbddbe1c42ee6a5ae3d4be89',0,'','bNCJut8R',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14030,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187364600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','That\'s consumerism for you, doesn\'t matter if it\'s dvd players, mobile phones, games consoles, cars or toothpaste. There\'ll always be something supposedly better and more advanced coming along to part you from your money. \r\n\r\nCapitalism is the new religion.......... \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','9080db5c494d95f52f036daa93f56251',0,'','H7hgXzQb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14031,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1189286760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','Yes, it\'s consumerism, but it\'s also new and better technology. Personally I\'m satisfied with VHS quality and I still tape films from time to time if I have the opportunity. But DVD was a huge improvement in sound and quality which i appreciate immensly (though the main factor for me was always the dubbing on VHS in Germany and the subtitle option on DVD ) HD and Blu-ray offer even better sound and image, something which i appreciate again. As to what format to choose. I don\'t see any reason to giver up DVD. For us cineastes, HD and Blu-ray are a welcome treat, but I really don#t appreciate our capitalist societies who have to immediately rush out and buy everything \"new\". I will start buying HD or Blu-ray when they will be as cheap as DVDs. If not, I won\'t be purchasing any. And I don\'t think you ever have to change formats or technology if you don\'t want to. There is an infinite amount of VHS and DVDs on the market which you can enjoy your whole life. Right now, I\'m buying more LPs again, as I never was such a huge fan of the Compact Disc \r\n\r\nWe are currently discussing this topic at the DVDBeaver mailinglist ad infinitum (I\'m already a bit sick of it ), and the machinations of the big companies in this format war are really a sad example of our money loving prestige seeking society. \r\n\r\nI hope both formats will be compatible in some players in the future. And as I read somewhere else: there are probably already even better and more advanced technologies being developed this very moment','baef0a99ac468e3303122c143f116a5b',0,'','dqJcxKHM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14032,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1191138540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','DVDBeaver\'s primer.','b6387c50ebc67cb1aca9b694ea0c2b86',0,'','P1LM30uE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14033,2322,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203487080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray','HD DVD is officially ending ... \r\n\r\noh no ... will all the prices start plunging?! ... \r\nwhat will happen to my DVDs? \r\noh no ... history has repeated (same with LD) ... sigh ... NO more player ... \r\noh no ... will prices for Blu Ray start escalating?! \r\n\r\noh yes ... at least we need NOT buy two different players any more ...','4f791e72025e0b6bdf735233f67eb7ed',0,'','2XeuYcJC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14039,2324,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201087740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Ordinary People (1980) - Robert Redford','There are some films that no matter how much you may have loved them, you don\'t necessarily wish to revisit. In some ways its a form of punishment watching a film that evoked great emotion in you which weren\'t always pleasant emotions. Ordinary People affected me in a profound way when I first saw it some 8 years ago. I was in high school and the same grade as Conrad (Timothy Hutton) so much about it seemed so real. In the years since the film has seemed like a picture I needed to see again, but was scared to. I needed to see it because I needed to confirm something. I thought it was the best film of the 1980\'s, one of the all time greats, and since I was so alone in this assumption I needed reinforcement. Was this film really that great, or did it hit me at a very impressionable time? The reason I was scared was because I spent most of the film on the verge of tears, and revisiting a film like that is akin to thinking of your dead dog, it\'s painful. In preparation for a forthcoming top 100 list, I thought I needed to revisit it, most of the films in my top 10 to 20 I\'ve seen several times, and it just seemed odd to include a film that I had only seen one time some 8 years ago. I wondered if it would affect me the same way. I\'m no longer in high school I\'m not particularly suicidal and I\'ve grown a lot since then. Well as often happens with rewatching a movie, your first reaction is usually the correct one. \r\n\r\nOrdinary People had a lot to prove to me back in 2000. I had wrapped up the AFI\'s top 100 and decided to go after best picture Oscar winners. I needed to see Ordinary People just to prove to myself that it was far inferior to Raging Bull like every single critic walking the earth seemed to think. I was stunned with the film, it wasn\'t just better than Raging Bull, but it was damn near better than any film I had seen. In my travels I\'ve gotten to know northern Illinois extremely well. Most of Ordinary People was shot on location in Lake Forest where a girlfriend of mine attended high school. I worked along the lakeshore there and new what the neighborhoods looked like. I had driven past Lake Forest High School. A great movie theater is located in downtown Highland Park where Dr. Berger\'s (Judd Hirsch) office is. If anything the film hit home even more. These were real locations, not some set, and these real locations I knew. It wasn\'t a collage of famous city landmarks. The one scene shot in Chicago doesn\'t show the L, the skyscrapers, just two people walking along the Chicago River. Anyone who traveled the same road would know it, but it didn\'t need to be explained. That scene is followed with Calvin (Donald Sutherland) taking the Metra home, a stop I had been to many times. Since seeing the film the first time I spent time in a hospital, and got to know people like Karen and Conrad. \r\n\r\nRobert Redford was intent on making a sincere film. Now some may gripe that these affluent white people are \"ordinary\" but that might be missing the point. Sure anyone from here knows to live in Lake Forest you need a substantial income but it is in their presentation. The Oscar winning screenplay by Alvin Sargent is supremely perfect. People fumble for words, they make insignificant small talk, they have a problem expressing themselves, they have awkward moments that real people have in conversations. People don\'t have the answers, even when someone is expressing their real feelings and that a breakthrough seems imminent it is filled with stops and pauses and not finding quite the right way to put it as anyone would find. Hearing Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern talk over McDonald\'s (the real McDonald\'s in Lake Forest has a #*+%++% fireplace) it seems like two kids out on a date. They seem to ad lib off of each other. Starting a conversation with \"anyways\" and trying to connect in their own way. The awkward ride home where you want them to say the right thing, but think of how many times you were in that situation where you could only find the right words several days later. \r\n\r\nThis is a sincere film on nearly all fronts, and doesn\'t cop out with an easy answer. The family seems no closer at the end than at the beginning but everyone has done some reflecting, grown, and we feel that at least Conrad might be on the right path. It\'s a complete and utter mystery why Timothy Hutton was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar (which he won) despite the fact that he\'s on screen for nearly 75% of the film and the focus of the story is very much on him. I suppose it doesn\'t matter much because no one could have beaten DeNiro that year. The editing makes a great use of flashbacks which can seem to oversimplify things. Again though these flashbacks come to us as they would the character, all of them are subjective. They are in bursts. A shot of something, back to the present, a shot of something else, they are quick, not full. Calvin remembers a scene of his two boys as kids arguing over a sweater that Buck stole from Conrad. A simple insignificant scene in the essential plot but says so much about what a father remembers and what funny things stick with you. For a first time director Redford was impeccable. He is free to frame tight shots, yet occasionally let his actors roam free allowing for several minute long scenes to play out in one master shot. He knows just how much of the scenery to get and not a shot seems wasted. I\'m glad I took a chance to revisit this film. Emotionally it shook me just as hard (which is even more astonishing considering I knew what was going to happen) and firmly established itself as one of if not the best film of the 80\'s.','b16890cd9b126d4c82184c47c35eecc4',0,'','qLhZGokU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14040,2324,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201089900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Ordinary People (1980) - Robert Redford','I feel like I haven\'t seen this film since 1980. I was born in \'82.','c269881414867c41e86e7bf50f20499b',0,'','DbWzuaHM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14041,2324,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201090680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Ordinary People (1980) - Robert Redford','Well if you\'re looking for a movie to watch with about ten exceptions you could do a lot worse.','b008c78b085093ba0669c77fc2c6a46f',0,'','0H7m32us',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14042,2324,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201153800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Ordinary People (1980) - Robert Redford','I think that\'s exactly what I need right now.','7988d6c09b12986ec0dccd112b2442b0',0,'','ymUzLWbq',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14043,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201117680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Julian Schnabel \r\nCast: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze \r\n\r\nI shall reserve the full review for justin ... hee hee \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n(i) The story telling and filming style ... yes, the director deserves to be credited ... \r\n\r\nTwo aspects ... \r\n(a) Technically, \r\n... it would wow some audience ... \r\n... I particularly like the beginning half an hour or so ... \r\n... I also like the ending credits with all the snow ... \r\n(b) Emotionally, \r\n... Prior to watching, I was wondering whether it would be like THE SEA INSIDE ... but not exactly ... \r\n... THE SEA INSIDE has more narrative, but THIS FILM does not. In a way, I have to admit that the director has a rather challenging job because some audience may find it less engaging or engrossing ... Nonetheless, considering that it is a very simple story, the director has managed to captivate through various different means (a difficult feat indeed) ... \r\n\r\n(ii) It was difficult, but the director succeeded in peppering the film with some sense of humor ... \r\n\r\n(iii) Of course, the message of the film ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nRecommended.','6058b3f7886fc7801fb9ce8f1394db43',0,'','USYyVJcz',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14044,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201169400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','Review: \r\n\r\nThe much vaunted \"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly\" has an undeniably inventive and captivating visual style but its truest successes lie in the simple moments of genuine emotional clarity that Cannes winner and Golden Globe winning director, Julian Schnabel crafts within his flourishes. Based on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), the 43-year-old bon vivant editor of Elle France, who suffered a ruthless stroke that left him totally paralysed save for a single eye, is left veritably \"locked-in\", as the doctors tells him. Fully cognisant but with the barest of responses, Bauby learns to slowly and painfully communicate through blinks of his left eye. The title refers to the disparity of existence that his consciousness feels, his mind is liberated as a butterfly but his body threatens to tether and submerge him. \r\n\r\nWhile the source material of the film (unread by me) takes on a meta quality late on in the proceedings, the film translates the experience of experiencing an experience to a whole other level of appreciation, an assault on our optical senses by presenting a significant portion of film from the subjective point of view of Bauby, every tinge of fear amplified by a needle closing in, the constant dependence and the creeping realisation of an inescapable nightmare. Then Schnabel and Ronald Harwood\'s screenplay wisely incorporates moments of reflection and memories from Bauby, releasing its aesthetics from the fringes of gimmickry by flashbacks and a surrealistic energy as ethereal as it is pulverising.\r\n\r\nJazzed up on the film\'s plaintive moods (most evidently in a brutal love triangle and the evanescence of fatherhood), the film is engrossingly devastating, but when Schnabel is in more calculating and blustering moods, the film can adversely turn on itself by becoming so precious and patently uninspiring. But the film\'s descent into an anonymous stirring tale is halted by its filmmaker\'s intensity towards elevating the material. With Harwood\'s narrative ellipses sharp as scalpels, Bauby becomes more than just a character; he becomes the person Schnabel can muse upon.\r\n\r\nAmalric offers more panache to his role than he is offered back. We believe the inner snark, the wry narration that punctuates each new endeavour and each reevaluation of Bauby\'s life. Neither saint nor sinner, Bauby\'s actions that eventually led to his slender memoir of experiences told letter by letter with the help of a translator (Anne Consigny) and speech therapist (Marie-Josee Croze) are revealed to be an individual\'s strength and resilience personified.\r\n\r\nSchnabel\'s idealistic dalliance with indulgence is tempered by Harwood\'s gentle script that allows a consistently affecting (though fleetingly cursory) narrative to flow between its satellite characters and Bauby becomes the film\'s sincerest ode to a remarkable story.','010f380276af3dfdfa3281164b04c893',0,'','Gh86ScQd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14045,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201251540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','Good reviews, hengcs and Justin. Looking forward to this one.','0d8a7d209c157c8e3003426dbcb18ab6',0,'','Et0WdUQM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14046,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201266060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','Thanks arsaib, but to be honest I did expect more from it. But it must have been the hyperbole I was inundated with, what with people saying this was \"CINEMA!\" in its embodiment. Simple moments save this film from being a bit too exaggerated.','eaba3b7749351703543d5fff53bafe2c',0,'','sZk4hX58',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14047,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201273440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','do those of you who have watched prefer THE DIVING BELL or THE SEA INSIDE ... \r\n\r\nIn terms of story telling, I vote for THE SEA INSIDE ... \r\nIn terms of the \"skills\" demanded of a director, I vote for THE DIVING BELL ...','d19a848a2774a146de7e540103de8806',0,'','2QN50Xjx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14048,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201274940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','THE SEA INSIDE? \r\n\r\nHmm, haven\'t seen it I don\'t think. Was a bad year for film-going for me. Must have seemed like a downer for me to have not even attempted to see it.','27385925c3ed3c346c93939f983b9fe2',0,'','VUzx6E0S',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14049,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202594580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','\"This is Cinema\" and \"This is art\" monikers do get thrown around quite a bit, especially as we near the end of a given year, and primarily by those \"critics\" who neither firmly grasp the historical perspective, regardless of what they have or haven\'t seen, nor do they have the foresight, which of course is intangible and can\'t be acquired. At times such practice is undertaken in order to bestow added importance to the work at hand (the Cahiers gang did that regularly, but they had both of the aforementioned qualities) without the realization that it could actually prevent the work from being properly evaluated in the future.','47f92a6bcf2b8a2ad0e63018dc4d8451',0,'','MyH8YcBb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14050,2325,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202602260,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon) (2007) (France)','Excellent analysis, arsaib. Couldn\'t have put it better myself, especially your final statement. It\'s pretty unfortunate actually, that there\'s a real dearth of enlightened critics out there who actually are critical about films they review. I think there\'s too many of them who see themselves as a collective, never deviating from works that should be put into perspective. My main gripe about the film in question is that while its visually inventive enough, it really is a film that\'s less than the sum of its part and too many reviews I\'ve read just seem to tow the line, and admittedly I was just a little tempted myself.','1160af220bf59b380f7ef5689a2422b7',0,'','YFS38eXC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14051,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201118280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Joe Wright \r\nCast: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nBased on the novel by Ian McEwan, it tells the story of how an accusation by Briony changes the lives of a potential couple, Cecilia and Robbie. As indicated by the title, can she atone for what she has done?! \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n* The entire discussion may contain spoilers * \r\n\r\n-- I can understand why some people do not like the film ... but maybe I can help shed some light as to why the film is worth watching ... \r\n\r\n(i) I particularly like the film for its beginning (until the apprehension of Robbie) and its ending (the interview with old Briony) ... However, somewhere in the middle, I thought it does not grip as much in terms of story telling, but rather visually in portraying the war ... \r\n\r\nIn particular, I thought this was the BEST LINE in the entire film (I am not sure how many people notice or recall this line at the end) ... during the interview ... * PLOT TWIST SPOILER * old Briony finally admitted that none of those could have happened because the two of them had died before she could atone for her deeds ... and since the two could not be together in reality, she has decided to let them be together in her novel ... old Briony said, \"I GAVE THEM HAPPINESS!\" ... WOW ... \r\n... I really thought that this line is so PUNCHING, PUNNING, PARADOXICAL ... stirring all the emotions needed for the audience to decide upon all the events that have happened ... \r\n\r\n(ii) The style in story telling (i.e., starting from a point of time that was over) may be novel to some audience, but i do recall seeing it in several other films ... (maybe you can help me recall ... hee hee) ... but this does NOT discredit its appropriateness ... \r\n... (a) in line with the theme, it challenges us to think ... IF TIME WERE TO REWIND, CAN WE UNDO THE PAST? ... unfortunately, time does not really go back ... \r\n... (b) we thought we knew what happened, but hey ... let\'s go through it AGAIN ... maybe SEEING IS NOT BELIEVING (e.g., the fountain scene) ... maybe HEARING IS NOT BELIEVING (e.g., police listening Briony\'s testimony), etc ... \r\n... (c) by doing so, it also allows the director to depict different perspectives of the various characters ... \r\n\r\n(iii) The original story?! or the director?! or simply the film is GREAT at dropping hints ... \r\ne.g., the film opens with a script/play ... it prepares the audience of MANY GRAY/UNCLEAR lines between reality and fantasy/imagination ... \r\n... (a) such as Briony and what she saw, \r\n... (b) such as Robbie and what he desired, \r\n... (c) such as Lola and her wanting to be an adult (as for her relationship, if any, watch out for the scene where the man hands the chocolate bar, the camera makes it diffcult to tell whether their hands \"touched\", and if they did, was it still a \"rape\"), \r\n... (d) such as old Briony and her novel ... etc ... there are numerous to list ... \r\n\r\n(iv) the film is also very philosphical about life ... and its complex relationship among people ... \r\n... I guess you can infer too ... so I shant type more ... \r\n\r\n(v) Technically ... \r\n... the cinematography is commendable ... \r\n... the soundtrack, esp. the beginning with all the typewriter sound, keeps the pace going ... \r\n... in terms of cast, the young Briony kind of stole the show ... the two main protagonists were great too ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nRecommended ... but because I have yet to watch ALL 5 nominated films ... I withhold my assessment of which film I think is more deserving of the Best Film in 2007 ...','e97bf1a5af024c5017c5826398dee46b',0,'','vha5Smgi',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14052,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201273740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','No one has watched?','d300a369573408ce2d80c9c2ba06ad6b',0,'','8PANZSFK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14053,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201275060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','Well, I have. But I think you already know my thoughts on this film','8d61344f2b48bcb5e391b83599946158',0,'','CevXZAwG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14054,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201323180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','Lord love a double feature. I\'ve been prone to pay for one film wait until its over and sneak in another screen in my local multiplex for awhile now. I can\'t afford movie tickets (the matinee was $7) so whenever possible I try and double my money. The ironic thing is that nearly every time I do this it is the second film, the one I didn\'t pay for, that\'s the better. Atonement was the second feature on this day, which directly followed Paul Thomas Anderson\'s There Will Be Blood. There was a great deal to commend about the film. I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice immensely so my expectations were certainly high for this one. James McAvoy\'s performance was certainly a highlight of the film and I can certainly see him emerging as an immense talent in the coming years, especially after an equally impressive turn in last year\'s Last King of Scotland. As a film I\'d say this is a remarkably complete work. I loved how the film showed things from repeating sides, and although not entirely original, is still fairly uncommon. We see things as Briony sees them, and then as they really happened, but this is done only a few times. The narrative does jumble a bit during the war, but never to a point where we can\'t follow what\'s going on. The music and soundtrack which makes great use of the percussive sound of typewriters is also top notch. I expected great cinematography considering how well photographed Wright\'s last film was. For a brief moment while at Dunkirk I thought I had stepped into Children of Men with that insanely elaborate tracking shot. As much as I may have appreciated it, somehow a long steadicam tracking shot amidst war is becoming a minor cliche. Certainly the most impressive cliche in film, but a cliche none the less. I\'m not sure about the dialogue. Briony may be a writer but she talks like few 13 year olds I ever met, even the smart ones. The film good as it is never ceases to feel like a literary adaptation. Somehow in Pride and Prejudice I was able to look beyond the world of the book and feel that this could be a contemporary story. Here however the dialogue and structure consistently call attention to the fact that this was based on a book. Based on how few films I\'ve seen from the past year, I\'m not qualified to list this as one of the very best, but it will be in my mind whenever I do get around to making my best of \'07 list. \r\n\r\n*This film was shown in one of the smaller screens in the multiplex and as such I think they did absolutely nothing to adjust the aspect ratio. Not only did the projection bleed into the sides of the frame, but also the top, unfortunately the high schoolers running the projectors really don\'t pay too much attention to aspect ratios.','8557d24b581dd43593385253bfa1b65b',0,'','oikQUlmV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14055,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201508340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','wpqx wrote: The narrative does jumble a bit during the war, but never to a point where we can\'t follow what\'s going on. ... \r\nThe music and soundtrack which makes great use of the percussive sound of typewriters is also top notch. ... \r\nI\'m not sure about the dialogue. Briony may be a writer but she talks like few 13 year olds I ever met, even the smart ones. ... \r\nI\'m not qualified to list this as one of the very best, but it will be in my mind whenever I do get around to making my best of \'07 list. \r\n\r\nI think we concur ...','52b42438061b03e81c8e661271ec9321',0,'','h3EiRumS',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14056,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201508820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','Well the young girl who played the 13 year old Briony certainly impressed a few people she picked up the Oscar nomination.','95f74f9fd7c986a7322d165a08c19780',0,'','6oB45kgS',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14057,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1210898940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'tzarine','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','I like James Mcavoy best as Mr. Tumnus. \r\n\r\nNot as much in Last King of Scotland. \r\n\r\nKK\'s anorexia frightens me. I find her really hard to look at. Totally agree about Briony\'s precociousness.','6de9b90c93355468412ae81857870c8c',0,'','jYUdrkv8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14058,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1210923960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','Ironically I have no problem looking at Knightley, and I thought Macavoy was more entertaining than Forest Whitaker in Last King of Scotland, but big boisterous roles generally don\'t impress me too much.','af86b77d906a2d7c0344fb7d06d4f7f5',0,'','aw5QkEP4',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14059,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1210994940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'tzarine','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','I would rather look at Penelope Cruz, Thandie Newton or Gael Garcia Bernal.','a71febfaa21ddc9e0fe396c9be802a82',0,'','d4XZ80Sx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14060,2326,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1214982900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'chard09','Re: Atonement (2007) (UK/France)','the film actually fares well but in looms in comparison to mcewan\'s novel. i like what wright did with the ending, though because perhaps he\'s thinking he cannot surpass what mcewan did with its closure so he found another way to show it.','cebef3ad4552c31f60ec18dd733d6b30',0,'','7VDWs4Rn',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14105,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201329000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','As far as I can tell there is no thread open for this film, so let\'s use it to that effect. I\'ll start by saying that no film was as anticipated by me in this award season. Paul Thomas Anderson is certainly one of the best American filmmakers working today, and you can reasonably assume he\'s only getting started. There Will Be Blood takes him into a world he hasn\'t gone before. Part frontier Western, period picture and intimate character study it is a film that isn\'t easily found in modern American cinema, and being based (loosely) on Upton Sinclair\'s novel Oil it is a rare literary adaptation for Anderson. More than anything though this film is dominated from beginning to end by Daniel Day Lewis. Undoubtedly one of the best actors of his generation he is also the most selective, and when he makes a rare film appearance its usually of a larger than life variety. Daniel Plainview is everything a Lewis role should be. He\'s commanding, multi-faceted, loud, brooding, and always seems to know more than anyone else. His performance is so commanding that anytime someone else has a line you almost feel as though they are stealing from Lewis. \r\n\r\nIt isn\'t hard to be on his side. We begin the film with him. An accident causes him to break his leg in the first scene. With that broken leg he crawls to the claim office with a deed for land and some coal. In a few years he\'s drilling for oil, and in a few more he\'s ready to ship it himself. This is the American dream we have always heard about. The self made man who gets his hands dirty and profits because of it, whose just a little smarter than anyone else to get what he needs. We never doubt his worth and his ideals. He\'s always on the job and never allows things to be handled by others. What also helps endear us to him is just how weak every other character is. They are either soft spoken pushovers or sheep allowing themselves to be handled as they may. The main antagonist to Plainview is Eli Sunday (Paul Dano) who never for even a brief second gets us to even tolerate him. Anderson did such a good job in casting Dano that I almost hated the film because this despicable character was in it. I mean I really hated every second of the film Dano was in. This allowed me to be rewarded on two occasions when Plainview finally slaps the hell out of him just as I had been praying for the entire film. In that regard the ending of the film was by far the most rewarding moment of the picture. \r\n\r\nThe idea that oil corrupts certainly isn\'t a new one. Nearly everyone is willing to turn their back on family, friends, and even their god for oil, or the promise of wealth. These aren\'t highly principled people, they speak well of their core values but have no problem sacrificing for their personal gain. An America of rugged individualism popular at the time, but perhaps the lack of principle isn\'t what Teddy Roosevelt had in mind. Just as in his previous films Anderson allows cinematographer Robert Elswit to take his time with shots. The great oil fire plays out largely in a lengthy master shot and this free and ever moving camera has been with Anderson since the beginning. Lighting is key here and if it isn\'t all natural lighting, it certainly looks like it. So much of the film is dark in wells, night scenes, with only a flicker of a candle, match, or fire to light the scene. Elswit also shot Michael Clayton but was recognized for his work here with an Oscar nomination. \r\n\r\nThe film was dedicated to Robert Altman, and at first this might seem the farthest thing from an Altman-esque film. However the muddy and bleak Western landscapes of this film seem at times to be straight out of McCabe and Mrs. Miller. As a film together There Will Be Blood is dare I say it, overrated? However when you enter into a film expecting the greatest thing ever, then meeting those expectations are nearly impossible. Dano was distracting and although he got his, it took far too long and the whiny preaching just wore my nerves down far too early. Lewis has gotten a well deserved Oscar nomination and based on what I\'ve seen this year, I would have no objection to him winning. In many variations 2007 seems like the year of the Western, with this, No Country for Old Men, 3:10 to Yuma, and The Assassination of Jesse James all in one way or another touching on traditions of the Western.','a5d610e4b33a83c54d871ccbb6666498',0,'','zTS3unVo',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14106,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203118440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','I have watched this film. \r\nI feel like procrastinating a review until I watched it again. \r\n\r\nAs of now, I can only say ... \r\n(i) among the best selling poing has to be Daniel Day Lewis; somehow, Dano pales too much in comparison ... i am just wondering, would there be an actor that would match Daniel? Reason: Dano\'s role is so interesting that it shouldnt be difficult to garner a supporting role nomination, but he didnt ... \r\n(ii) the various scenes dealing with religion can be rather \"tricky\" or even \"disturbing\" for some people. depending on where you stand, it may even affect your assessment of the film ... but for those who are willing to look beyond, the film does have several interesting themes/messages ... worth discussing ... \r\n(iii) the soundtrack is rather different \r\n\r\nHumbly ... \r\nI think there is no clear winner this year ... \r\nAll the 5 films in Oscar (or 7 in Golden Globe) have their pros and some cons ... \r\nMaybe 2 or 3 deserve more attention ... bet you guess it ... \r\nLet me contemplate which of the 3 is better ... Atonement? No Country For Old Men? There Will Be Blood?','bf398b0de7ee1afca578d23bcce5f842',0,'','jVUau1dR',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14107,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203119820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','I\'m slightly puzzled yet amused that somehow \"I Drink Your Milkshake\" has become the catchphrase for this year\'s awards, which rumor has it was a line used during the Teapot Dome scandal in a congressional hearing. It was interesting because talking it over with a teacher of mine he said the film was great until the end, and I thought the end was by far the best scene in the film. Paul Dano is not that great of an actor and I think he was grossly miscast in here. I never really bought him as a preacher and the film could have used a stronger presence, I disliked Dano so much that he was an overwhelming distraction every time he made an onscreen appearance. Lewis seems like a lock to win the Oscar and I can\'t even fathom another actor even coming close this past year. Since poverty isn\'t going anywhere I might just download Juno and Michael Clayton so I can confirm my Oscar picks.','cf761a6b95e26538213112f87a8824f6',0,'','dU60Avhi',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14108,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203235020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','\r\nAnother point ... \r\n\r\nbackground: maybe becos i have kind of acted (in a classroom play) as Shylock (in Merchant of Venice), i recall then that ... unlike many people who feel that Shylock was a nasty guy and hence, when he was ultimately coerced to convert his religion (i.e., if i recall the ending correctly), some people thought he deserved it ... i recall that during then, i chose a diff take (after all, that is what \"literature\" as a subject is all abt) ... i decided to let the audience be more empathetic towards Shylock at that scene ... \r\n\r\nmy point: \r\n\r\n(1) hence, when the two scenes of \"coercion/convertion/bad mouthing\" appeared in the film (i.e., Daniel\'s and Dano\'s) ... i always feel very upsetting ... \r\n\r\nI have always thought ... if only the world respects one another religion a bit more ... it will be a merrier place ... and there will be unity amidst diversity ... \r\n\r\n(2) i also mention this point becos i wonder how the voting academy will be affected by these two scenes ... will it antagonize any becos of the way the film views/depicts religion ... always a tricky issue ...','ab46020201457478ab103c4da5f1d3dd',0,'','bGCDLhr3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14109,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203345540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','Review: \r\n\r\nThe ceaseless back and forth for attention between the two ominously titled magnum opuses of American cinema in 2007 are well deserved. The Coen Brothers\' sublime \"No Country for Old Men\" and Paul Thomas Anderson\'s often times majestic \"There Will Be Blood\" share a great deal of attributes including their divisive powerhouse endings, but none of them more arousing than their shared Old Testament vehemence. The epic struggle between spiritual awakening and the primitive ambitions are at the centre of the film\'s tug of wars between oilman Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) and preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), eliciting the most intimate yet profound fascination from its unholy communions. This turn-of-the-century period saga is frightening and attractive, mysterious and merciless. \r\n\r\nThe foundation is Upton Sinclair\'s \"Oil!\", the collusion of religion and politics amidst reservoirs of rapacious capitalism and slippery beliefs. Plainview\'s self-interested certitude in his lust for power and conquest is pitted against Sunday\'s faith in divinity. It is Sinclair\'s harsh indictments of the dark undercurrents running wild at the heart of the American Dream put through the ringer by Anderson\'s traditional inquiries into the paradigms of community, family, love and its tenets of salvation. \r\n\r\nYou don\'t watch Anderson\'s film so much as you experience it, be consumed by its ferocious lyricism and then left expended and shivering in its wake. With the masterly work from its cinematographer Robert Elswit, Anderson utilises quick, succinct bursts of penetrating dialogue and intense visual images. The spectacular ejaculation of oil and flame that punctuates the film\'s master sequence is ravishing, deformed in its connotations and eventually turns unearthly when initiating Plainview\'s baptism by fire. Anderson\'s own macabre surrealism (underscored by Jonny Greenwood\'s eerie score burrowing deep into naked skin) is less a showcase of auteuristic flourishes, but studded with cinematic touches that make the film\'s turbulent psyche much more trenchant than what its narrative promises. \r\n\r\nThe twin castles of the film\'s corrupted and corruptible, Paul Dano\'s comparatively rumbustious performance next to Daniel Day-Lewis\'s fired-up bluster is unique and effective in its filmic context. Dano becomes awkward, volatile, creepy, shifty, alluring and laden with suspicion and guilt. It\'s a performance that punctures the cretinous Eli\'s characterisation through its core, where hate and pity become inextricable. Day-Lewis erupts like a man possessed, via Anderson\'s exorcism of his material, in his mountainous and overbearing strides of pained fury, as his curse of obsession is brought upon the sun-scorched desert plains like a plague of locusts. The animalistic fervour compliments Anderson\'s raging beast, while emotion throws off Plainview\'s equation. \r\n\r\nThere\'s indefinable greatness apparent in the film, sustained by short bursts of throbbing fearlessness in its moral labyrinths. Expectations and sentiments run high for Anderson\'s most admirable and progressive film yet, but even with an overzealous momentum, \"There Will Be Blood\" proves to be potently powerful and startlingly poetic.','501f78718ab42c515ccae5d6dac3c40b',0,'','MJZ5xUFk',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14110,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203452340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','I just returned from the Cinema - after all, I couldn\'t resist to watch the film dubbed because I\'ll have to wait for a screening of the original version a few more weeks and I was sooo anxious to see it. The German dubbing fortunately was one of the best and most careful I\'ve heard in a long time (probably since \"Inland Empire\" and \"Death Proof\") and it did the film no harm. (Just listen to the German Trailer, doesn\'t it sound adequate?) \r\n\r\nLike A\'s, my feelings about the film are a bit uneven. It took my breath away and sometimes I couldn\'t believe what a timeless and grand piece of mature, pure filmmaking I was watching on the screen of a Multiplex - this film definitely has the potential to become a classic (I know that this has already been said by many but it\'s a miracle nevertheless - how many future classics came up within the last years, especially from the USA?) as it\'s not devoted to the stylistics and the criterias of today\'s cinema. But I had the feeling I was climbing a steep rock face without getting really hold of it, just finding a few ledges to climb further but slipping back all the time, only touching the surface of a film that was just to profound to be unlocked within one viewing. \r\n\r\nIf Anderson (I wasn\'t really a fan of his lately though I liked all of his films - now things may change) will develop himself further in the future, he\'ll might become one of America\'s most interesting auteurs - he just started his career, more or less. If he keep moving, I wouldn\'t guess what unearthly individual films he\'ll make in 10, 15 years... \r\n\r\nIn \"There Will Be Blood\", it\'s finally obvious which position he keeps upon his characters. He behaves like god - not in a spiritual or arrogant manner but in a moralistic. God loves the people but he doesn\'t love their sins - that\'s some kind of key sentence to receipe Anderson\'s films and while I wasn\'t sure if Anderson was just a strong, conservative moralist while watching \"Boogie Nights\" and \"Magnolia\" three years ago, I know think his position is beyond any self-righteous condemnation of his characters. He loves them. \r\n\r\n9/10 (No 25-Point-Rating, the former is just an attempt to demonstrate my reverence to a film which left me with insecure feelings but a strong impression.) I\'m looking forward to many future rewatches and the screening of the original version. \r\n\r\nPS: I\'ll try to read nothing about the film until I feel confident enought about my own point of view, so I\'ll avoid your reviews for the moment, sorry. I don\'t like being influenced by others if my mind is a bit inconstant about a film.','73bc2536ef6e8e79c2038711e4885e72',0,'','5JafLln3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14111,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203455700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','Those are some mighty big shoes to fill dubbing Daniel Day Lewis so pardon my authenticity but I would strongly recommend trying to see an English language version.','cae7b1b4b8e72957f5f743edde52792a',0,'','XnREi6bq',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14112,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203459960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','Those are some mighty big shoes to fill dubbing Daniel Day Lewis so pardon my authenticity but I would strongly recommend trying to see an English language version. Of course, of course! As I wrote above, it almost broke my heart to be so unpatient and watch it dubbed but in the end, the dubbing was extraordinarily well done (especially as there aren\'t even average dubbings around today, usually) and I didn\'t have to regret my decision. \r\n\r\nI\'m already very nervous to see it in the Original version and on the big Screen again within the next two months. I could\'ve watched \"The Orphanage\" today but there was only one film playing I really wanted to see bady: \"There Will Be Blood\"!','968305a87cf6a132b42d0e1a6c8056f7',0,'','01aXYhDN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14113,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206084180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','I found it very hard to write down my thoughts on this film. Like previous films who were clearly my most awaited cinema experiences of the year (e.g. The Matrix Reloaded or The Fountain ) I was quite disappointed, though I fortunately enjoyed the film and found much to be liked. I didn\'t think that Day-Lewis gave the best possible performance (though he certainly was great), and I actually preferred watching Paul Dano (possible Oscar for best supporting role imo) and also Dillon Freasier (as Plainview\'s \"son\"). \r\nBesides that, I thought that either I didn\'t understand the film, or the film was trying much without ever reaching it, because what it was trying to say was very simple, yet disguised as a \"grandiose\" epic. Perhaps an ironicaly playfull and self-conscious attitude, but I doubt that Anderson has started to follow the Coens\' footsteps in this regard. Like R6dw6C I also need a second sitting, but i doubt that I\'ll ever think of the film as an \" instant classic\" or a masterpiece. I like it very much though, but less for what it\'s saying about America (which I think is only a small part of the film and even moreso Anderson\'s intention), than about the portrayal of its characters in a desolate world. Griping for a way out, some sort of humanity - as always in Paul Thomas Anderson\'s films. Same as usual one might say, only that Anderson progresses in terms of direction in a way that most other \"mainstream\" filmmakers can only dream of. He is truly doing leaps from film to film that would take decades for other directors. I probably still prefer his direction in Punch-Drunk Love (2002), though I\'ll probably have to admit that he HAS again gotten much better. It seems that the simple days of mimicking other directorial styles and too \"orderly\" compositions (like in Magnolia (1999)) are over once and for all. This definitely earns my respect. \r\n\r\nSo far from what I\'ve seen I would rank Anderson\'s films this way (the first two are personal favorites): \r\n\r\n1. Punch-Drunk Love \r\n2. Magnolia \r\n3. There Will be Blood \r\n4. Boogie Nights \r\n\r\nNevertheless I think in terms of artistic vision ( though not the same as \"execution\") they are very similar, and are (thus?) also difficult to separate in terms of quality. Great is great is great. \r\n\r\nAs i can\'t seem to find the right words, here\'s an interesting review of the film which expresses some of my views very well (especially the first page). But I don\'t agree with the overly simple conclusions that are drawn at the end of the article and I\'m also not in line with the dismissal of the film on (merely) the terms stated by the author. \r\n\r\nStephanie Zacharek on \"There Will Be Blood\" \r\n\r\nPS: I watched the film in English without subtitles on a huge theater screen during the advance of a bad flu. That may explain some of my problems. LoL','be4f88ddd97765fd8ac235cfe7fec621',0,'','Jiujyotx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14114,2329,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207972080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: There Will Be Blood (2007) - Paul Thomas Anderson','\r\n\r\nNow available on DVD in both single and two-disc editions (Paramount).','40230592af7c1e5ba65c85402009e434',0,'','ZUyNcSRG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14115,2330,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201500060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','ASIA','\r\n\r\nBhutan \r\n\r\nThe Cup (1999) \r\nMilarepa (2006) \r\n\r\nChina \r\n\r\nThe Banquet (2006) \r\nCrazy Stone (2006) \r\nCurse of The Golden Flower (2006) \r\nDevils on the Doorstep (2000) \r\nThe Green Hat (2004) \r\nHouse of Flying Daggers (2004) \r\nJasmine Women (2004) \r\nLetter From An Unknown Woman (2004) \r\nLittle Red Flowers (2006) \r\nMountain Patrol: Kekexili (2004) \r\nPeacock (2005) \r\nStill Life (2006) \r\nTea-Horse Road Series: Delamu (2004) \r\nXiao Wu (1997) \r\nThe World (2004) \r\nA World Without Thieves (2004) \r\n\r\nGeorgia \r\n\r\nTbilisi-Tbilisi (2005) \r\n\r\nHong Kong \r\n\r\n2046 (2004) \r\nAb-normal Beauty (2004) \r\nAll About Love (2005) \r\nAshes of Time (1994) \r\nBreaking News (2004) \r\nA Chinese Ghost Story (1987) \r\nChungking Express (1994) \r\nConfession of Pain (2006) \r\nDragon Tiger Gate (2006) \r\nDumplings (2004) \r\nElection (2005) \r\nElection 2 (2006) \r\nEverlasting Regret (2005) \r\nExiled (2006) \r\nFearless (2006) \r\nInitial D (2005) \r\nInner Senses (2002) \r\nIsabella (2006) \r\nKung Fu Hustle (2004) \r\nThe Myth (2005) \r\nOn The Edge (2006) \r\nOne Night in Mongkok (2004) \r\nPerhaps Love (2005) \r\nThe Promise (2005) \r\nRe-cycle (2006) \r\nSeven Swords (2005) \r\nSha Po Lang (SPL) (2005) \r\nWait \'Til You\'re Older (2005) \r\n\r\nIndia \r\n\r\nMughal-e-Azam (1960) \r\n\r\nIran \r\n\r\n20 Fingers (2004) \r\nABC Africa (2001) \r\nTurtles Can Fly (2004) \r\n\r\nIsrael \r\n\r\nBroken Wings (2002) \r\nNina\'s Tragedies (2003) \r\nOr (2004) \r\nSomeone To Run With (2006) \r\nThe Syrian Bride (2005) \r\n\r\nJapan \r\n\r\nAll About Lily Chou Chou (2001) \r\nThe Anti-Extortion Woman (1992) \r\nApril Story (1998) \r\nAzumi (2003) \r\nBattlefield Baseball (2003) \r\nBattle Heater: Kotatsu (1990) \r\nBattle Royale (2000) \r\nBlood and Bones (2005) \r\nDark Tales of Japan (2005) \r\nDark Water (2002) \r\nDeath Note (2006) \r\nDeath Note 2 (2006) \r\n\r\nForbidden Siren (2006) \r\nA Frightful School Horror (2001) \r\nGhost Story (Kwaidan) (1964) \r\nGohatto (1999) \r\nGoke, Body Snatcher from Hell (1968) \r\nThe Grudge (Ju On) (2003) \r\n\r\nHaibane Renmie (2002) \r\nHula Girls (2006) \r\n\r\nInfection (2004) \r\nIsola (2000) \r\nJunk (2000) \r\nKagemusha (1980) \r\nKill (1968) \r\nLady Snowblood (1973) \r\nLinda Linda Linda (2005) \r\nLittle Birds (2005) \r\nThe Lone Wolf and Cub series () \r\nLove and Honor (2006) \r\nNobody Knows (2004) \r\nPremonition (2004) \r\nPrincess Raccoon (2005) \r\n\r\nRhapsody in August (1991) \r\nRing (1998) \r\nSamurai Banners (1968) \r\nSamurai Rebellion (1967) \r\nShikoku (1999) \r\nThe Suicide Manual (2003) \r\nSword of the Beast (1965) \r\nThe Shogun\'s Samurai (1978) \r\nTears For You (2006) \r\nTokyo Psycho (2004) \r\nTony Takitani (2004) \r\nTwilight Samurai (2002) \r\nUzumaki (2000) \r\nWhen The Last Sword is Drawn (2003) \r\nWild Zero (2000) \r\nZatoichi series (1962-89) \r\n\r\nKazakhstan \r\n\r\n\r\nMalaysia \r\n\r\nThe Last Communist (2006) \r\n\r\nMongolia \r\n\r\n\r\nPalestine \r\n\r\nParadise Now (2005) (Palestine/France/Germany/Netherlands) \r\n\r\nPhilippines \r\n\r\nThe Bet Collector (2006) \r\n\r\nSingapore \r\n\r\n15 (2003) \r\n4.30 (2005) \r\nBe With Me (2005) \r\nI Not Stupid (2002) \r\nI Not Stupid Too (2006) \r\nLove Story (2006) \r\nMen in White (2007) \r\nSingapore Dreaming (2006) \r\nZodiac, The Race Begins (2006) \r\n\r\nSouth Korea \r\n\r\nA Moment To Remember (2004) \r\n\r\n3-Iron (2004) \r\nAcacia (2003) \r\nAd Lib Night (2006) \r\nAddicted (2002) \r\nAlmost Love (2006) \r\nAPT. (2006) \r\nArahan (2004) \r\nArdor (2002) \r\nArt Museum by the Zoo (1998) \r\nBad Guy (2001) \r\nBloody Beach (2000) \r\nBirdcage Inn (1998) \r\nA Bittersweet Life (2005) \r\nThe Bow (2005) \r\nBreath (Soom)(2007) \r\nChristmas in August (1998) \r\nCrying Fist (2005) \r\nCut (2004) \r\nDoll Master (2004) \r\nFailan (2001) \r\nH (2002) \r\nHappy End (1999) \r\nHarmonium in my Memory (1998) \r\nHoliday in Seoul (1997) \r\nThe Host (2006) \r\nThe Humanist (2001) \r\nIl Mare (2000) \r\nInterview (2000) \r\nThe Isle (2000) \r\nInto the Mirror (2003) \r\nJoint Security Area (2000) \r\nKing And The Clown (2005) \r\nLove Wind Love Song (1999) \r\nMarriage is a Crazy Thing (2002) \r\nMemento Mori aka Whispering Corridors 2 (1999) \r\nMemories of Murder (2003) \r\nA Moment To Remember (2004) \r\nMy Sassy Girl (2001) \r\nNightmare (2000) \r\nOldboy (2003) \r\nOnce Upon a Time in High School (2004) \r\nOseam (2003) \r\nPisces (2000) \r\nThe President\'s Last Bang (2005) \r\nThe Quiet Family (1988) \r\nR-Point (2004) \r\nReal Fiction (2000) \r\nRing Virus (1999) \r\nSamaritan Girl (2004) \r\nSave the Green Planet! (2003) \r\nSecret Sunshine (2007) \r\nSex is Zero (2002) \r\nSpider Forest (2004) \r\nSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003) \r\nSympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005) \r\nSympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002) \r\nTell Me Something (1999) \r\nThis Charming Girl (2004) \r\nTime (2006) (S. Kor/Jap) \r\nThe Unforgiven (2005) \r\nUntold Scandal (2003) \r\nVirgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors (2000) \r\nWhispering Corridors (1998) \r\nWoman on the Beach (2006) \r\nWonderful Days (2003) \r\nYou Are My Sunshine (2005) \r\n\r\nTaiwan \r\n\r\nThe Best of Times (2002) \r\nCafe Lumiere (2003) \r\nThree Times (2005) \r\nThe Wayward Cloud (2005) \r\n\r\nTajikistan \r\n\r\nAngel on the Right (2002) \r\nSex & Philosophy (2005) \r\n\r\nThailand \r\n\r\nBeautiful Boxer (2003) \r\nChai-Lai Angels: Dangerous Flowers (2006) \r\nCitizen Dog (2004) \r\nDorm (2006) \r\nGhost Game (2005) \r\nThe Iron Ladies (2000) \r\nMon-Rak Transistor (2001) \r\nOng Bak (2003) \r\nThe Overture () \r\nShutter (2004) \r\nSyndromes and a Century (2006) \r\nTears of the Black Tiger (2000) \r\nThe Tin Mine (2005) \r\nTom Yum Goong (2005) \r\nTropical Malady (2004) \r\n\r\nVietnam \r\n\r\nCyclo (1995) \r\nThe Scent of Green Papaya (1995) \r\nThree Seasons (1999) \r\nVertical Ray of the Sun (2000)','7aa50ae9114da42a4758f408c8849455',0,'','q9zXFuDs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14116,2330,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208339640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: ASIA','\r\n\r\n.','33669ec5fa6656c9b93b659bbffcece6',0,'','zTpCHZ6W',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14117,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201500480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','REST OF THE WORLD','admin \r\nThanks wpqx for the effort ... \r\n\r\nhi wpqx or others, \r\nsorry for closing THIS thread ... \r\nreasons: \r\n(i) it may be easier to migrate using the other index \r\n(ii) also, there are some error in links in this thread. as mentioned in my other posts (see suggestion thread), those \"non dedicated\" threads, please USE the \"second\" link. otherwise, all the reply posts will not be seen. \r\ne.g. \r\nPizza, Beer, & Smokes (1997) (cannot see follow up) \r\nPizza, Beer & Smokes (1997) (can see follow up) \r\n\r\nwe are all learning ... me too ... \r\n\r\nThanks \r\n\r\n-------- \r\n\r\nArgentina \r\nBolivia (2001) \r\nPizza, Beer, & Smokes (1997) \r\n\r\nAustralia \r\nDecember Boys (2007) \r\nThe Home Song Stories (2007) Australia-Singapore \r\nJindabyne (2006) \r\n\r\nCanada \r\nAway From Her (2006) \r\n\r\nChile \r\nMachuca (2004) \r\n\r\nUSA \r\nAlpha Dog (2006) \r\nAmerican Gangster (2007) \r\nArctic Tale (2007) \r\nThe Aristocrats (2005) \r\nThe Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford (2007) \r\nBorat (2006) \r\nBug (2006) \r\nChain (2004) US-Germany \r\nClerks 2 (2006) \r\nCrash (2005) \r\nThe Devil Came on Horseback (2007) \r\nThe Ghoul (1934) \r\nGone Baby Gone (2007) \r\nGrindhouse: Planet Terror & Death Proof (2007) \r\nHalloween (2007) \r\nIn Between Days (2006) US-Canada-South Korea \r\nInto the Wild (2007) \r\nJoshua (2007) \r\nThe Kite Runner (2007) \r\nLars and the Real Girl (2007) \r\nLions For Lambs (2007) \r\nMemento (2000) \r\nMr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) \r\nNanking (2007) \r\nNo Country For Old Men (2007) \r\nThe Prestige (2006) \r\nRendition (2007) \r\nSicko (2007) \r\nSilk (2007) \r\nSketches of Frank Gehry (2006) US-Germany \r\nSpider Man 3 (2007) \r\nState Legislature (2006) \r\nSuperbad (2007) \r\nThere Will Be Blood (2007) \r\nWe Own the Night (2007) \r\nZodiac (2007)','908791fe45970e95a70c8f6fb5979eb5',0,'','d8RYFsPb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14118,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202367600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','After nearly an hour I didn\'t even finish three pages, so by all means people feel free to pitch in.','802dafac86f59b186cd79b12a64e9a28',0,'','W6svDR7f',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14119,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202370720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','Well, now you know how time consuming a task this is. arsaib4 and Trevor spent quite a bit of time and energy keeping it as fresh as possible.','8a01e856e120d8485c2c5724bb8baad4',0,'','Xw3qmAfY',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14120,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202371140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','Well it would\'ve taken a third of the time if the original indexes weren\'t deleted.','323a45d382ca3828d9378bd69036fe1c',0,'','rlLTSGqd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14121,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202371500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','They aren\'t, the movie info is still in those threads, only the links need to be changed.','952b2fc3493e51fecd41bb699a3f7566',0,'','rQHychTZ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14122,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202373120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','well %$%%*!$ hell I wasted a lot of time','3dc2a45ca2da0eae45661b54dbb7d35f',0,'','gukHh7jS',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14123,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202373960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','Yeah, just edit and copy the \"structure\" from those threads before changing the links.','caca11a073bcbf3f2d9b5026f53a332a',0,'','SGDbRVMx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14124,2331,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203315300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: REST OF THE WORLD','hi \r\n\r\njust want to say ... a great work done ... \r\n\r\nrgds \r\nhengcs','0e2cc44c9d49563a0849321e75d29598',0,'','nurg6Msc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14126,2333,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201605000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Gone Baby Gone (2007)','\r\n\r\nMovie Review: \r\n\r\nBoston resides in the marrow of the Afflecks. Ben Affleck directs his younger brother Casey to an arduously plaintive performance as an amateur Boston gumshoe in his adaptation of novelist Dennis Lehane\'s \"Gone Baby Gone\", a film that is so quietly accumulative in power when its collapses in morality become tangled in its web of inescapable rot, and where those who seem to have good in them always get hurt. \r\n\r\nWhen 4 year-old Amanda McCready is abducted from her working-class Dorchester home, her aunt and uncle (Amy Madigan and Titus Welliver) \"augment\" the limp search conducted by the police when she hires local detectives Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his girlfriend Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) to sift though the neighbourhood and extract information from its distrusting merchants and volatile proles. The elder Affleck adroitly portrays Boston\'s inherent tribalism and rotting facades with the duo\'s tortured investigations through the diseased surfaces that recede from the pale daylight into shadows and grime, and eventually through the city\'s underground of venality so terrible a thing to imagine that it gets under your skin and stays there. \r\n\r\nCloser to an affecting study of unravelling communal drama than a riveting crime piece, this urban notturno draws on its mileage when the investigation into the little girl\'s disappearance reveals dark secrets and a trail that leads in circles, discovering more than what they sought to know about themselves. Characters like the girl\'s mother, a social parasite named Helene (played fiercely by a noteworthy Amy Ryan), balances and evocates the film\'s residual outrage and pity for its ravaged denizens. Further populated by magnificent performances from Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman as jaded cops, it lends Affleck\'s directorial debut a confident swagger that allows focus on the material, so unafraid of disturbing its audience, to keep patience in its mauling eruptions of nihilism. \r\n\r\nThere\'s both a deepness of procedurals and an authenticity of time and place in the script\'s constant turning of the screw, the narrative wheels churn as damaged children and ineffectual adults begin to take the stage. It just gets darker and more intense in the film\'s inspection of gnarled human nature, and the reasons that coerce it is at the centre of its slow-burning style, giving it an effectively sustained dramatic tension as its moral convictions become no less irreducible. \r\nBen Affleck\'s ambitious and unremittingly desolate purview of his turbulent city is never intellectualised, but instead remains meticulously modulated to the emotional resonance of Kenzie as he journeys from one stinging moral decision to another, evincing the confluence of conundrums that\'s entrenched into the very fibres of the people we are and aspire to be. \"Gone Baby Gone\" presents to us how warped and strident individual instinctive moralities can be and what the right thing truly entails in a world that remains unresponsive to the inner cries of the film\'s palpitating bleakness.','6181b345d97b8e4025acad63057a4f3b',0,'','BGFnWsTi',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14127,2333,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201606860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Gone Baby Gone (2007)','U.S. DVD Release Date: February 12.','6ad6bfcaaf8bf9f33c25500e060640f1',0,'','yG0HvNqB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14128,2333,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201608720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Gone Baby Gone (2007)','Hi justin, \r\nwould it make a diff whether i watch in cinema or DVD? \r\n(reason: too many films to catch, can procrastinate means will procrastinate ... ha ha)','9ec61c378ca624edfbadb07a5724a5a8',0,'','Tupv8UxR',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14129,2333,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201611000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Gone Baby Gone (2007)','DVD will be fine. It\'s the sort of intimate film that doesn\'t rely on much other than your concentration and rapport with the characters. Anyway it\'s only showing in Vivocity and Plaza so I don\'t think they are expecting much fanfare either, so it might not last too long.','b0e32cb88dbfac11c36f07cab5c40113',0,'','Yv7l0pXs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14130,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160508180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'howardschumann(d)','Syndromes and a Century','Seen at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)\r\nSYNDROMES AND A CENTURY (Sang Sattawat) \r\n\r\nDirected by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (2006)\r\n\r\n\"The film is about transformation, about how people transform themselves for the better - Apichatpong\r\n\r\nFunded by the city of Vienna as part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of Mozart\'s birth, Syndromes and a Century by Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Blissfully Yours, Tropical Malady), is a visionary masterpiece that blurs the boundaries of past and present and, like the plays of Harold Pinter, explores the subjectivity of memory. It is an abstract but a very warm and often very funny film about the director\'s recollections of his parents, both doctors, before they fell in love. According to Apichatpong, however, it is not about biography but about emotion. \"It\'s a film about heart\", he says, \"about feelings that have been forever etched in the heart.\" \r\n\r\nStructured in two parts similar to Tropical Malady, the opening sequence takes place in a rural hospital surrounded by lush vegetation. A woman doctor, Dr. Toey (Nantarat Sawaddikul) interviews Dr. Nohng (Jaruchai Iamaram), an ex-army medic who wants to work in the hospital, the two characters reflecting the director\'s parents. The questions, quite playfully, are not only about his knowledge and experience but also about his hobbies, his pets, and whether he prefers circles, squares or triangles. When asked what DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) stands for, he replies, \"Destroy Dirty Things\".\r\n\r\nLike the fragmented recollection of a dream, the film is composed of snippets of memory that start suddenly then end abruptly without resolution. A dentist wants to become a singer and takes an interest in one of his patients, a Buddhist monk whose dream is to become a disc jockey. A fellow doctor awkwardly proclaims his desperate love for Dr. Toey who relates to him a story about an infatuation that she had with an orchid expert who invited her to his farm. A woman doctor hides a pint of liquor inside a prosthetic limb. A monk tells the doctor of some bad dreams he has been having about chickens. A young patient with carbon monoxide poisoning bats tennis balls down a long hospital corridor.\r\n\r\nSyndromes and a Century does not yield to immediate deciphering as it moves swiftly from the real to the surreal and back again. Halfway through the film, the same characters repeat the opening sequence but this time it is in a modern high-tech facility and the mood is changed as well as the camera focus. The second variation is less intimate than the first, but there are no overarching judgments about past or present, rural or urban, ancient or modern. Things are exactly the way that they are and the way they are not, and we are left to embrace it all. Towards the end, a funnel inhales smoke for several minutes as if memories are being sucked into a vortex to be stored forever or forgotten. Like this serenely magical film, it casts a spell that is both hypnotic and enigmatic. \r\n\r\nGRADE: A','b49aa146525817653572c6ca5eda869b',0,'','J8uS9NYD',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14131,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160553360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Syndromes and a Century','wow ... i will try to catch this too\r\n\r\ni am not sure, but do you by chance like all of his films (i.e., the style)?\r\n\r\nrgds','3889e7a4e4640ae55397d64d90dabd4c',0,'','z3lopDGV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14132,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160554380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'howardschumann(d)','Re: Syndromes and a Century','I have only seen one other film by him, Tropical Malady and yes I like his style very much. I met him at the VIFF but unfortunately he did not stay long enough for a Q and A.','548d95c5f61412eb36cf2f7a705f494d',0,'','S5ij3Jzc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14133,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160708460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Syndromes and a Century','Boy, I am becoming envious of you Howard, for getting the opportunity to watch all those films. And how do you find the time to write all the reviews in between? Thanks a lot! \r\n\r\nBtw, do you have a link to the Vancouver lineup?','1a577eb61e69e21559afd2aa87be8188',0,'','MyuYPrBs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14134,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160811180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'howardschumann(d)','Re: Syndromes and a Century','The official website for the VIFF is \r\n\r\nwww.viff.org/home.html\r\n\r\nIt is over today, however. I usually see a film in the day, read the reviews at night and perhaps jot down some notes, then write my review the following morning.','a4c4a63c3dd4ee63504ac78c225dd78e',0,'','VyavQ0mo',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14135,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160854380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Syndromes and a Century','What a lineup! Vancouver seems to have picked the best from most festivals over the year. \r\n\r\nThat\'s probably a good tactic you\'ve adopted. My attempt to see as many films as possible at this year\'s Berlinale proved very bad for writing reviews. I only managed one, and made some notes on a few after the Festival had ended. But I had totally run out of steam by that point and wasn\'t able to write anything on my favorites anymore. \r\nI guess I should try a different approach next time, but I\'m usually such a junkie when it comes to film festivals. I actually wanted to see even more films at the Berlinale.','57667882838c71469be46dad4fef70ea',0,'','UwsmThYj',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14136,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1177711560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Syndromes and a Century','Hi\r\nI have just caught it in SIFF too ...','52f9622c05cdede952c31c4651e8936d',0,'','0hdMB9x1',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14137,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187701380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Syndromes and a Century','Originally posted by Chard09 21 Aug 2007.\r\n\r\nAnyone here who has seen this one? This film is beautiful and obscure, without losing the eerie Apichatpong-ness in it. Really, really sublime. And a friend made some comparisons between the film and Tarkovsky\'s Solaris. Quite justifiable.\r\n\r\nSorry. I\'ve been away for a long time. And still haven\'t finished my thesis yet! Anyway, (shameless plugging) feel free to visit my blog if you have time: www.digitalburyong.blogspot.com.\r\n\r\nQuentin Tarantino was here to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Cinemanila IFF, amidst the typhoon and oceanic streets. It\'s a shame I have only seen two films -- both Thai but both excellent -- this one and Ploy.\r\n\r\nBe back soon.','9f8e68fda29b998fccb642d0b81b0274',0,'','CLy7KmsT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14138,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187701680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Syndromes and a Century','Reposted 21 Aug.\r\n\r\nGreat to have you back Chard09, thereis a thread for Syndromes and a Century if you\'d like to repost or elaborate on your thoughts:\r\n\r\nSyndromes and a Century thread\r\n\r\nHope to see you more often, I\'d love to read your opinion of Pen-Ek Ratanaruang\'s latest, Ploy.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','174ba132be7ee84754691bf0d2a7e622',0,'','otQs5cYS',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14139,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187701800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Syndromes and a Century','Originally posted by Chard09 21 Aug\r\n\r\nhi trev, sorry for that. you may perhaps transfer this post to that. \r\n\r\nploy is a knock-out. really, really good. anyway, i\'ll try to post a short \"review\" asap or probably in my blog. thanks for the warm welcome. it\'s been years.','61e89f215c0d37a31ac0ea86ee1ccd88',0,'','i96eRPtm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14140,2334,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201682700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Syndromes and a Century','The masterful Syndromes and a Century is now available on DVD in the U.S. from Strand Releasing. No extra features.','c83ea79503a5ed6ac31ff8e09629f320',0,'','uSUXQPNd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14141,2335,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1198328940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Breath (Soom) (2007) (Korea)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Kim Ki Duk \r\nCast: Chang Chen, Park Ji-a, Ha Jung-woo \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nSeemingly simplistic, it is a film about a man who is facing an impending death, and a woman who has experienced death. She is drawn to him and starts visiting him in the prison … \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n-- Having watched a number of his films, I have to admit that he is \"smart\" and \"skilful\", with a \"style\" of his own. \r\n\r\n(i) He is \"smart\" because he knows what appeals to the art audience (and critics). He always to choose to have minimal dialogues (so that nothing is lost in translation; and everything is gained in expression). He always choose to have little explained (so that every creative critic can choose their own interpretation; and every whimsical writer can claim to know what he is conveying). \r\n\r\n(ii) Yet, one cannot deny his \"skilful style\", for many of his scenes always come across as beautifully captured and poetic. \r\n\r\n-- So, what have he challenged us with this time? Well, you can claim the following to be indeed the director\'s deeds … or you may credit the writer\'s will … hee hee … \r\n\r\n* there may be possible spoilers, but it is difficult to discuss without * \r\n\r\n(i) What is life and what is death? \r\nThe man -- Is it really true that one who faces impending death is really worried about dying?! (or is that what most audience would erroneously assume his various suicide attempts are driven by?!) The woman -- How does it feel to be dead when one is alive? How does it feel to have died and now be alive? Does life become more valuable after death? \r\n\r\nPS: I have my interpretation of these two scenes … \r\n(a) When she tries to suffocate him … maybe she hopes to help him die when he is at his happiest (i.e., they are having s**) (since she gathers from the media that his suicide attempts are probably attributed to the impending death) \r\n(b) When the inmates try to suffocate him … maybe they hope to help him die for living is as hellish as death for him … \r\n\r\n(ii) What is prison and what is freedom? \r\nThe male seems entrapped but his liberation is helped by many (the woman, his inmates, and even the prison guard who allows the visit) … the woman seems so free, yet she cannot free herself (from the past, from the brink of death, and from now, her husband\'s affair and her infatuation with the prison mate) … \r\n\r\n(iii) What is time and what is distance? \r\nOn one hand, the impending death seems so near and definite, but yet so distant and draggy … But on the other hand, the four seasons which take a year may pass so soon and sudden … \r\n\r\nThe prison bars separate the male and female protagonists, but their distance are so close … \"Nothing\" separates the couple but they are so far apart … in heart and soul … \r\n\r\nPS: how abt the prison guard who observes them from the camera?! How abt the prison guard who observes them in proximity … \r\n\r\n(iv) How complex are humans? And what are their relationships? \r\nThe director does not dictate too much, and by doing so, he depicts much … for the audience will have no end to their deliberation and discussion … \r\n\r\nMost of the characters (and their actions) seem complex, and it is anybody\'s guess what goes through their minds (or the director\'s mind) … Even the various relationships are not easily typify … btw the male and female protagonists; btw the male and inmates; btw the female protagonist and her husband; etc … \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nRecommended. ;)\r\n\r\nBut frankly, sometimes i am at a lost ... are we over crediting the director?! Occasionally, I am still wondering the worth of a film ... should it be decided by what the director really intended, or how creative/crazy a reviewer could pen his interpretations ... ha ha','493edbbf3ab07d595ea1566c74dbea06',0,'','yjQrRf7X',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14142,2335,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1200943800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Breath (Soom) (2007) (Korea)','I think if a director allows room and the freedom for a person watching the film to draw his own implications and interpretations then I suppose we could credit the director in letting his work \"breathe\" as it were.','b522e7b32c6c353e1dc0b989872f9385',0,'','wpDn6qQy',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14143,2335,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201097460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'sfdavide','Re: Breath (Soom) (2007) (Korea)','Any film by Ki-duk Kim I want to see. I hope it comes out on DVD soon.','652454e9a50a7f3b15345f7596fdb5a2',0,'','6SwrkEUR',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14144,2335,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201123560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Breath (Soom) (2007) (Korea)','Hi sfdavide, \r\nThe DVD for region 3 is available.','ad2328cc3afd6a56e01cfe6dd695e876',0,'','SJQYRdr6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14145,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121460120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'HipHopHoney07','Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','JSA (Joint Security Area) just came out on DVD. I checked out the trailer and it looks really interesting, its supposedly about Korean War conflicts. Has anyone seen it? I want to get a good opinion be fore buying. Thanks.','5fa99c506a0bc335348678b1e9ddf9e0',0,'','YLb6SaD7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14146,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121462040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','Hey,\r\nI like the movie a lot. It has one of the better performances by Lee Byung Hun.\r\n\r\nNoteworthy, do NOT expect it to be a film about battles, fights or gun shots (e.g., Taegukgi) ...\r\nInstead, it is an intelligent movie about human relationships ... and a movie about \"what actually happens\" …','fe466a58e506623d7503f09764c25f7e',0,'','nBfoF0Qv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14147,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121462700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','By the way, I believe quite a number of members here have watched it (i.e., if you want to wait for more reviews). Their comments used to be on the board before virus attack and major revamp.\r\n\r\nBy the way, I am not sure about the dubbed version.\r\nI would prefer to hear the original Korean dialogues (which were very well delivered by the cast) and read the English subtitles. It does make a difference given that it is a \"drama\" about human relationships.','7fbb91d81940324d8228065f1b76036a',0,'','T9gnheED',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14148,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121475540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','HipHopHoney07, don\'t know if you\'re in the UK but if you are the DVD is very good with some interesting extras, it\'s definitely worth a rental and has great moments.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','c6dfc45ac80a7d3e223239e41248d03b',0,'','hgYpycAa',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14149,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121478000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','Have seen the film, and it is an above average human drama, about the diffiulties of approach between North and South Korea, wrapped up as a detective story. I had too high expectations for it, as it is nothing special, but for an interesting drama with few clichees, you can go for it. \r\nBut certainly don\'t expect action or fast-paced cutting or anything escapist, as it is no oldboy','4d770528081b28339e7b1e9dcd62d33b',0,'','f3dQAjiC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14150,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121532060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'nate','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','I have the dvd of JSA and highly recommends this film to better understand the conflict of the North and South today.\r\n\r\nI think the only flaw is this film is adding a little backstory with the female investigator.','a441b19f87a6bba1d3f468ad83547494',0,'','h3RyTrxP',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14151,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1122321120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','Hi HipHopHoney,\r\n\r\nSo, did you end up getting the DVD?\r\nIf yes, did you like the film?\r\n\r\nhengcs','95d5c7b710f33ff42a672a831e700468',0,'','BRFTwMh7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14152,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1122329580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'HipHopHoney07','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','I have only heard very good things about this movie on this board and a couple others so I will definately be buying it. Someone recommended searching the internet for a good price so that is what I am curently doing. As soon as I watch it I will let you know what I though. I\'m pretty sure its going to be something I will enjoy though','95dd1d6f9e198aadb8abb52f5f73c2c6',0,'','UZElovgK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14153,2336,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1201157520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'sfdavide','Re: Joint Security Area (Korea) (2000)','\r\nAnother example of Asian movie making being superior to American films. This is a great film of four guys (two from South Korea and two from North Korea) who become friends during very tense times. Great performances from the four stars, Byung-hun Lee, Tae-wo Kim, Ha-kyun Shin and especially Kang-Lo Song. It is a very tense story of these four men who meet, drink and play games at the Demilitarized Zone. They come to realize that instead of \"Comrade\" they are \"Brothers\" until the tragic end. If this film was made in the US the ending would have been different. Tom Cruise or Leonardo DiCaprio would not have done what the actor did at the end of this film. I hope that an American director does not try to remake this one. I definitely recommend this film to anyone who love great film making','84930533f0407b28bcb152a9776b0709',0,'','txWNR3pJ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14154,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164970440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Patrick Tam\r\nCast: Aaron Kwok, Charlie Yeung, Ng King-to\r\n\r\nThe film has recently garnered the Best Film, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in the Golden Horse Award 2006 .\r\n\r\nThe official website\r\nsee\r\nhttp://www.afterthisourexile.com/\r\n\r\nSynopsis:\r\nThe Chinese title literally translates to \"Father And Son\". So, predictably, it is a film that revolves around the happenings of a father and his son (mainly in the second half) ... the first quarter or so primarily focuses on the couple ... and not the son ...\r\n\r\nMy thoughts:\r\n\r\n-- The ending ... It has to be the ending ... Not to set your expectations too high, but I think it is one of those films that will linger in you becos of the ending ... Despite feeling occasionally long, the script does have some selling points ...\r\n\r\n(i) definitely the realism of the lines delivered by aaron kwok (i.e., the father) ... it is so credible that we (at least asians) have heard our parents/adults uttered those lines before, sometimes it is so ironical, sometimes it is so paradoxical, sometimes it is so contradictory ... but they are all so real ... \r\n\r\n(ii) characterization ... despite the existence of a \"lousy\" father ... he is not \"totally\" bad ... all the characters have \"depth/realism\" written to them ... in essence, humans are contradictory/complex/weird ... we may not always do what we mean ... and we may not always choose what we know is correct ...\r\n\r\nwith regards to acting, not only are the two award winners compelling, i thought charlie (i.e., the mother) also did a good job, or at least departs from her past roles ...\r\n\r\naaron (i.e., the father) ... great acting (also in part credited to the great lines given to him ... \"great\" means full of humanistic irony, but realistic)\r\n\r\nNg King-to (i.e., the kid) ... he only has more screen time in the second half ... in most scenes, he may come across as \"plain\" but that makes it realistic and highly credible as a typical kid (with little exaggerated expressions ... unlike many films that insist on kids exaggerated expressions) ... yup, he does have a few great scenes that may wrench your heart ... \r\n\r\n(iii) despite some predictability, there are some \"surprises\" in the script ...\r\n\r\n(iv) For those who are not aware, although it is a HK film, it is filmed in Malaysia ... \r\n\r\nWhat could be better ...\r\n\r\n-- some editing to improve the pacing ...\r\n-- some scenes/soundtrack changes too abruptly\r\n-- pardon my insolence, but in my very humble opinion, one or two of the really \"minor/supporting cast\" could be better ...\r\n\r\nConclusion:\r\nHighly Recommended. This is a film whereby watching till the end does pay off ... Occasionally it does feel a bit long ... and I am not sure whether \"mainstream\" audience will like it as much ... nonetheless, it does script human nature and human relationship very well and very realistically (esp. those lines delivered by aaron, so part of the credit shld go to the script writer ... ha ha ha) ...\r\n\r\nAs usual, dont expect too much, and you will like it more ...','dc8120963ef0caff9d3821a896d9178d',0,'','jDVLYxSG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14155,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1165296000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','I forget to add ...\r\nthat sth may be lost in dubbing or subtitles ...\r\n\r\ni.e., When the dialogues are in Cantonese, one would realize that they even spent the effort to script the language using Malaysian Cantonese (from their choice of words) ...','1c0eb005f79a53a154c31bf9336b1616',0,'','yzLZ1aJn',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14156,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1176699600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','Once again, congrats on its win at major categories at the 26th HK Film Awards yesterday\r\n\r\nIt also won the major awards at the Golden Horse\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPS: \r\nReportedly, at the Golden Horse Award, the jury viewedd the 160 min version. The theatre and DVDs are unfortunately the 120 min version.\r\n\r\nDuring his first award, at the Golden Horse, the young lead (Goum Ian Iskandar) was scared into tears by all the flashlights when he went backstage ... after all, he has never been exposed to all these media frenzy ... a rather nice kid indeed ... ... Somehow, occasionally, I have a feeling that a few kids in Hollywood (NOT all) are \"too seasoned\" and \"polished\" in the way they handle media/press and awards ... ... So, my votes go to this kid ... hee hee …','6f600565670d1e577cf9fed0aa7c5721',0,'','iWGCaDxk',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14157,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1176788760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','\"Reportedly, at the Golden Horse Award, the jury viewed the 160 min version. The theatre and DVDs are unfortunately the 120 min version.\"\r\n\r\nI believe the HK DVD from Panorama which came out in February contained the 120 min version. But a Taiwanese version was released last week and it\'s reportedly the \"Director\'s Cut.\"','7813283ef74955ec0c761081af50972e',0,'','QPBkruan',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14158,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184224800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','Distributor Wanted.','52516ae2aa8c57fa9fcf4ccad4f1fdce',0,'','mMkLsJ3f',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14159,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184302200,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','Hi,\r\nso, are you going to watch?\r\nas for me, i have gotten the director\'s version ... but i have no time to rewatch it ... sigh','42130c4be2fe316d7ebce73ae152a204',0,'','mSzW4PNL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14160,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184309460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','Yup, will comment in a few days.','ec5c23573db27c848f2a5947e8db2c8f',0,'','EMNxRpSV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14161,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1184921640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','\"(ii)characterization ... despite the existence of a \"lousy\" father ... he is not \"totally\" bad ... all the characters have \"depth/realism\" written to them ... in essence, humans are contradictory/complex/weird ... we may not always do what we mean ... and we may not always choose what we know is correct ...\"\r\n\r\nOne has to dig down deep to find something for Aaron Kwok\'s character. Chris Chang said that \"you\'ll hate him; but you\'ll also feel his pain.\" I\'m not sure if I felt his pain that much since he primarily inflicted it upon himself. The multi-faceted Kwok is apparently quite popular back home. He was good in parts but I think a better actor was required to play this difficult, albeit one-dimentional, role.\r\n\r\n\"Ng King-to (i.e., the kid) ... he only has more screen time in the second half ... in most scenes, he may come across as \"plain\" but that makes it realistic and highly credible as a typical kid (with little exaggerated expressions ... unlike many films that insist on kids exaggerated expressions) ... yup, he does have a few great scenes that may wrench your heart ... \"\r\n\r\nI agree that the young boy was very good. I believe this was Goum Ian Iskander\'s (Ng King-to) first film. \r\n\r\n\"(iii) despite some predictability, there are some \"surprises\" in the script ...\"\r\n\r\nTrue. Also, the scenes set in the motel reminded me of 2046. I\'m sure Mr. Tam is well familiar with that film.\r\n\r\n\"some editing to improve the pacing\"\r\n\r\nI agree. But speaking of editing, I was rather impressed with it during the torrid sex scenes. \r\n\r\n\"pardon my insolence, but in my very humble opinion, one or two of the really \"minor/supporting cast\" could be better ...\"\r\n\r\nWould you mind being more specific?\r\n\r\n\"When the dialogues are in Cantonese, one would realize that they even spent the effort to script the language using Malaysian Cantonese (from their choice of words) ...\"\r\n\r\nThey did. Most seem to be satisfied with the Malay influenced Cantonese spoken in the film.\r\n\r\n\"Highly Recommended. This is a film whereby watching till the end does pay off ... Occasionally it does feel a bit long ... and I am not sure whether \"mainstream\" audience will like it as much ... nonetheless, it does script human nature and human relationship very well and very realistically (esp. those lines delivered by aaron, so part of the credit shld go to the script writer ... ha ha ha) ...\"\r\n\r\nThere\'s much to like about After This Our Exile. It\'d be criminal not to mention the contribution of the great DP Mark Lee (a Hou favorite whose name changes with just about every film). The way he incorporates light and its varied textures is second to none. Cinematography factors into why I think this is an above-average film.\r\n\r\nDo you know the reason(s) behind Patrick Tam\'s absence?','7b530cdd9d116ebea1d5fbc556ca4ac2',0,'','ZAMabgcK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14162,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185165960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','I am glad you like the film ...\r\n\r\ncos there r a number of pple who dont ...\r\n\r\nQuote arsaib4,\"Chris Chang said that \"you\'ll hate him; but you\'ll also feel his pain.\" I\'m not sure if I felt his pain that much since he primarily inflicted it upon himself. The multi-faceted Kwok is apparently quite popular back home. He was good in parts but I think a better actor was required to play this difficult, albeit one-dimentional, role.\"\r\n\r\nwell, Kwok was more popular as a singer/dancer in the 90s ... i cannot say that he is as huge an actor, nor as huge a singer now (but most pple have their ups and downs) ... anyway, he surprises many last year by winning the Best Actor for DIVERGENCE in the Golden Horse Award, and this year, making it two consecutve years.\r\n\r\nwith rgds to the character, put it this way ... the director originally approached Anthony Wong (yup, you have seen him in many movies) ... but he admittedly noted that, if he were to act, the father would come across as too much of a villain ... at least with Aaron\'s face and portrayal, most pple still feel that he likes the kid except that he always sent both of them down the wrong path ...\r\n\r\nQuote arsaib4, \"I agree that the young boy was very good. I believe this was Goum Ian Iskander\'s (Ng King-to) first film.\"\r\n\r\nyes.\r\n\r\nQuote hengcs, \"pardon my insolence, but in my very humble opinion, one or two of the really \"minor/supporting cast\" could be better ...\"\r\nQuote arsaib4, \"Would you mind being more specific?\"\r\n\r\nHmmm ... I was talking abt Qin Hailu (I know she is famous and a good actress), somehow her role does not stick, despite a lot of screen time in the latter half; likewise, the few families that were intruded into, etc\"\r\n\r\nQuote arsaib4, \"Do you know the reason(s) behind Patrick Tam\'s absence?\"\r\n\r\nI presume you mean in the NY screening?!\r\nI am not sure. I guess you would have to email the organizers ...','e9c59932fa811a8b0d69834a649626b4',0,'','Hh9NtWwK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14163,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1185168600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','\"Quote arsaib4, \"Do you know the reason(s) behind Patrick Tam\'s absence?\"\r\nI presume you mean in the NY screening?!\"\r\n\r\nNo, I\'m referring to the fact that he didn\'t direct a film for 17 years. Though he did edited Wong\'s Days of Being Wild and Ashes of Time and To\'s Election in between.','7065a0444e4f97ae2e03326cee65e91c',0,'','2rpFq7zt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14164,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1187748420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','From this website (in Chinese), \r\nclick\r\nculture.people.com.cn/GB/...59056.html\r\n\r\nSomewhere near the end of the interview, it was noted that after fading off from the film industry about 17 years ago, Patrick Tam had gone to teach in a University in Malaysia, something related to filming.\r\n\r\nHe also mentioned that after this film, he would return to teaching (where his passion lies), instead of returning to direct the next film.','bef3737253dcf8bf2958b1e2a0319da3',0,'','vVwLD8Mi',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14165,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1198833120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','Olaf Mller:\r\n\r\n\"[9th] editions retrospective, the oeuvre of Hong Kong New Wave master of masters Patrick Tam Kar Ming THANK YOU, UDINE [Far East Film Festival] occasioned by his comeback-monument Fu zi (After This Our Exile), probably expressed better than anything in recent memory what popular cinema actually means when it gets serious: a willingness to search for new ideas, a lust for contradictions, a passion for genre always helps! above all, a belief in the audience, its willingness to find out something new about itself. Tam, again and again, has worked the rules, of genre and of Modernism, at the same time in unusual harmonies, like few others were ever able to. Fu zi, now, finally strikes the perfect balance: an echt Cantonese father-and-son-melodrama gets told in a pragmatically modernist realism ending, consequently, in the kind of fury and despair earlier generations of Cantonese masters were afraid of: the house is not only divided, its razed to the ground.\"','a1656b70ffd71c219253cca1a5863131',0,'','H3y7Jge4',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14166,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199453040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','I have said it several times, but I really think it is a good film ... \r\nunfortunately, there are also numerous critics who do not like it ...','6cfdf90c04ccc3e677cd7a835596c069',0,'','wgpK0qb7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14167,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199603700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','If me, you, Chris Chang and Olaf Mller agree that it\'s a good film, then that\'s more than good enough.','e2429062bb302e4c0e44bc7110a5339f',0,'','K6tfNGrs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14168,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199615220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','I\'ve held off on it before, because I\'m not sure whether I should get the Director\'s Cut or the theatrical cut. Any suggestions on which one was the better DVD release?','eb5e0d29fb9268ffd4c8d0dc32c53800',0,'','LaV65WYK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14169,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199877420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','Hmmm ... unfortunately I have not watched the Director\'s version yet. Otherwise, I would advise.','4fbb9927f305376fe8b8277600b5e3f3',0,'','kc68U9fe',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14170,2337,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199883300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Fu Zi (After This Our Exile) (2006) (Hong Kong)','And I\'ve only seen the Director\'s Cut, so I\'m not in a position to offer a comparison. Also can\'t comment on the quality of any of the DVD releases because, as mentioned earlier, I caught a theatrical screening of the film. But since my post back in April in which I listed the running-times of the two then-available DVD versions, another 3-disc set from HK\'s Panorama has surfaced. Needless to say, it contains the Director\'s Cut like the Taiwanese DVD did, and it\'s reviewed here. \r\n\r\nAfter This Our Exile came very close to cracking my 30 Best \"Undistributed\" Films list, which, if I may say so, contains more good films than in the years past. For the final available spot, I narrowed it down to this, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and The Counterfeiters, but I went with the Japanese anime for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it\'s the one which needs the most exposure. Sorry, Mr. Tam, but as you can see I\'m still fully supporting your film.','74cc4089a96f588d2951dac4fbf48fc1',0,'','FPXh0Rqu',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14171,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117820520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','This will cover the countries that I have only seen a few films from, if I do see enough from any particular country (or if others have) then they will get there own column.\r\n\r\nPlease feel free to add your own comments, reviews, criticisms to this thread.\r\n\r\nINDEX\r\n\r\nVietnam\r\n\r\nAt the Height of Summer - 2000\r\n\r\nVertical Rays of the Sun aka At the Height of Summer - 2000 Full review by Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nCyclo - 1995 \r\n\r\nCyclo - 1995 Full review by Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nThe Scent of Green Papaya - 1993 \r\n\r\nThe Scent of Green Papaya - 1993 Full review by Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nThree Seasons - 1999\r\n\r\nThailand\r\n\r\nBeautiful Boxer - 2003\r\n\r\nDorm - 2006 Comments by hengcs\r\n\r\nGhost Game - 2006 Comments by justindeimen \r\n\r\nThe Iron Ladies - 2000\r\n\r\nMon-Rak Transistor -2001\r\n\r\nMysterious Object at Noon 2000 Comments by arsaib4\r\n\r\nOng Bak - 2003\r\n\r\nOng Bak - 2003 Full review by justindeimen\r\n\r\nThe Overture - 2004 Review by justindeimen\r\n\r\nShutter - 2004comments by hengcs\r\n\r\nTears of the Black Tiger - 2000\r\n\r\nThe Tin Mine - 2005 Comments by hengcs\r\n\r\nTom Yum Goong - 2005 Comments by hengcs\r\n\r\nTropical Malady - 2004 Thread started by arsaib4.\r\n\r\nSINGAPORE\r\n\r\n15 - 2003 Thread started by hengcs.\r\n\r\n4.30 - 2005 Thread started by hengcs.\r\n\r\nBe With Me - 2005 Thread started by hengcs.\r\n\r\nI Not Stupid - 2002comments by hengcs.\r\n\r\nI Not Stupid Too- 2006comments by hengcs.\r\n\r\nLove Story - 2006 review by justindeimen \r\n\r\nMen in White - 2007 review by justindeimen \r\n\r\nSingapore Dreaming - 2006 Thread started by justindeimen \r\n\r\nZodiac, The Race Begins - 2006comments by hengcs.\r\n\r\nBhutan\r\n\r\nThe Cup - 1999\r\n\r\nMore to come.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','be6a18582be200a77f6230759f19a6a0',0,'','C3ylEU7a',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14172,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117820760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Mui du du xanh (1993) - The Scent of Green Papaya\r\n\r\nDirected by Anh Hung Tran\r\n\r\nStarring Tran Nu Yn-Kh, Man San Lu\r\n\r\nBeautiful simplistic film charting the story of Mui from a 10 year old servant girl to a 20 year old, in love. \r\n\r\nThe atmosphere carries the film which is made up of tiny moments, fragments in time between the innocence of youth and the budding beauty who is still in many ways naive of the world. Stunning cinematography, atmospheric sound and composed acting make this a joy to watch, the pace is languid, sensual even. \r\n\r\nFor a full review please use the link:\r\n\r\nFull review from Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nIf action is your thing then forget it but if you like a film to carry you away and swamp you in it\'s beauty then this is an excellent choice. \r\n\r\nAsian angle - Although you are immersed enough to believe you are in Saigon, the film was made entirely in France just outside of Paris due to the difficulty of filming in Vietnam.\r\n\r\nAsian angle - The way Mui cleans the floors is reminiscent of Miyazaki\'s films like Spirited Away, in most European films this sort of work would be done on hands and knees.\r\n\r\nHighly recommended viewing and good for the soul.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rating U suitable for anyone.','0a1dc0a59d18a2fa30388660a67fa707',0,'','3KbfxkhW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14173,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117821000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Xich lo (1995) Cyclo\r\n\r\nDirected by Anh Hung Tran\r\n\r\nStarring Le Van Loc, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Tran Nu Yn-Kh, Nhu Quynh Nguyen\r\n\r\nHow can one director produce three such distinct visions of Vietnam, you have the romanticised nostalgia of The Scent of Green Papaya, the sublime beauty and serenity of At the Height of Summer and then you have Cyclo, a look into the dark underbelly of life in modern Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh City.\r\n\r\nA world where poverty, prostitutes, pimps, drug traffickers, violence, arson and murder are the norm. We follow the life of a Cyclo and his family as they are corrupted, manipulated and cajoled into acts they would never have considered doing. We see violence, not in any stylised manner like Tarantino, John Woo, the Pang brothers or any number of directors, this is violence that feels real and painful and because of that, it works.\r\n\r\nIt is amazing though that with all its downside, the film has enough positivity for the future to balance out the bad, small sequences usually involving children interlude the continuing battle between conscience and poverty.\r\n\r\nGreat performances all round and another outstanding film from Anh Hung Tran.\r\n\r\nFor a full review, please use the following link:\r\n\r\nfull review from Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nHighly recommended but there are some scenes that are traumatic.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rated 18.','205f8f609c21100a48ee592bb07de569',0,'','wFKS349J',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14174,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117821240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Mua he chieu thang dung (2000) - At the Height of Summer - Vertical Ray of the Sun\r\n\r\nDirected by Anh Hung Tran\r\n\r\nStarring Tran Nu Yn-Kh, Nhu Quynh Nguyen, Le Khanh\r\n\r\nThe sublimest of films, primarily covering a month in the lives of 3 sisters between the anniversary of their mothers death and the anniversary of the loss of their father. Marriage, infidelity, pregnancy and other subjects are raised but the mood is so languid and sensuous that even when it\'s pouring with rain you wish you were there.\r\n\r\nFor a full review, please use the link:\r\n\r\nfull review by Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nBeautiful cinematography, exquisite acting, superb soundtrack, seriously sensual, the perfect escape from the humdrum of daily life.\r\n\r\nAsian angle - the ritual preparation of food and the honoring of the dead. The unique beauty of Halong Bay.\r\n\r\nRecommended? Yes very highly. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rating PG suitable for almost anyone.','434380969b42ae00566797a622fff80b',0,'','63j9JS87',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14175,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1117821600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Three Seasons (1999)\r\n\r\nDirected by Tony Bui\r\n\r\nStarring Ngoc Hiep Nguyen, Diep Bui, Harvey Keitel\r\n\r\nGorgeous multi stranded storyline, an American searching for his Vietnamese daughter. A cyclo driver who falls in love with a prostitute, a young lotus picker who befriends her employer and a street rat who makes a living selling trinkets to tourists. The story sections which intersect and overlap each other are at times beautiful, the lotus pickers singing; exhilarating, the cyclo race; moving, the care and love shown to the prostitute and the lotus picker helping her employer and at times disturbing, the street kids having to fend for themselves. I wasnt too struck with the story of the American but it did help connect the strands together.\r\n\r\nFor a full review, please use the link:\r\n\r\nfull review from Howard Schumann\r\n\r\nA mostly pleasurable look at contrasting faces of Vietnam and Saigon in particular, it may be a bit too sentimental for some but is definitely worth seeing. A good introduction to foreign films.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev \r\n\r\nBBFC rating 12a, suitable for most.','c47d1f972508f77a39b26c94a2b97d3d',0,'','VFiRLh8c',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14176,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118230860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Fah talai jone (2000) - Tears of the Black Tiger\r\n\r\nDirected by Wisit Sasanatieng\r\n\r\nStarring Chartchai Ngamsan, Stella Malucchi\r\n\r\nThis is one bizarre film, a Thai Western with an incredible pastel colour palate. Musically there\'s a mix of what sounds like Western songs and traditional Thai music.\r\n\r\nAs for the storyline, a parody of an old style romantic film interspersed with stylised gunfights and action sequences. Love, jealousy, revenge, betrayal all blended together into a quite campy, unique and often absurd package.\r\n\r\nAsian angle - A definite pastiche of 1950\'s Thai cinema, the use of a loud colour palette and overacting, you\'ll either love it or hate it.\r\n\r\nPersonally I love the absurdity of the whole film so I give it a hearty thumbs up.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rated 18 for violent scenes.','647045f81205c6f3d0f40ddcb02df3b5',0,'','sMK8C9BS',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14177,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118345340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Just saw it again yesterday on TV. The colors werent of course as gorgeous as in cinema (or on DVD?), but I noticed more sexual metaphores, homophobia, etc. and the film has remarkable depth. A hommage and a parody at the same time - kind of a deconstruction of older popular genre films.\r\nStill liked it more the first time around.\r\nRated it a low *** / ****','5e13de3be5778cc6d4f1a580ecb752d1',0,'','xHwmCziL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14178,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118369280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','I haven\'t seen anything from Thai filmmaker Wisit Sasanatieng, but I love both Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Pen-Ek-Ratanaruang. (Believe me, I spelled both on my own.) Last Life in the Universe was one of the best films I saw last year, and I was also impressed with Ratanaruang\'s sex-comedy 6ixtynin9 quite a bit.','7337ac81487bc8fabc3e98f74701dc15',0,'','gvCNDrYZ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14179,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118459040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Any chance of some comments for 6ixtynin9 arsaib4?\r\n\r\nMon-rak Transistor (2001) - Transistor Love Story\r\n\r\nDirected by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang\r\n\r\nStarring Supakorn Kitsuwon, Siriyakorn Pukkavesh\r\n\r\nA Thai romantic, musical, melodramatic odyssey. \r\n\r\nPan and Sadaw are a couple very much in love, unfortunately the course of true love never runs smoothly and a short while after they are married Pan is conscripted into the army. Most of the film is then occupied with Pans trials and tribulations as he tries to become a singing star and get back to his true love. The transistor of the title is one left with Sadaw so that hopefully one day she will hear him singing for her.\r\n\r\nThere is a quite funny scene especially for those who have seen Tears of the Black Tiger, they show silent scenes from it with a doctor doing his own script over a microphone, its even dafter than the original version.\r\n\r\nPen-Ek Ratanaruang describes his film as \"A piece of candy with just a taste of satirical poison at its centre,\" and that pretty much sums it up. The film has been lambasted by several critics for having stereotypical characters but Ive seen worse, Ong Bak for example and at least Mon-rak Transistor doesnt take itself too seriously. As far as criticism is concerned, Ill leave the last comment to a Thai viewer, Full of laughs, tears and familiar with Thai Lifestyles. This movie is for Thai people by Thai people.\r\n\r\nAsian aspect The whole Idol process, treating them as property, working them to death from morning till night to make them famous and make their managers rich.\r\n\r\nNot a flawless movie but very enjoyable, recommended for light entertainment, vastly different from the same directors Last Life in the Universe.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC no rating at present but probably 12a','538ab2b146adbc348022795385e3a658',0,'','hrkx136S',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14180,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118707440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','LLITU to follow soon.','4c9fc104e7634f33a5bcd3274c0f37d6',0,'','xGaEvCKF',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14181,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1118708040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Ong-bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003) \r\n\r\nDirected by Prachya Pinkaew\r\n\r\nStarring Tony Jaa\r\n\r\nNo wires. No computer graphics. No stunt doubles!\r\n\r\nNearly 2 hours of absolutely stunning martial arts action. The story is lame and more than a little cheesy, harking back to the Hong Kong films of the 70\'s but if you can leave your brain at home you will be entranced by the sheer acrobatic and fighting skills of Tony Jaa which are phenomenal, like a cross between Jet Li and Jackie Chan. The fight scenes are brutal yet at times poetically graceful. \r\n\r\nIf you\'re in need of an adrenalin rush of a movie and can put up with stereotypical characterisations, go and see Ong Bak.\r\n\r\nAlso see - Ong Bak - 2003 Full review by justindeimen\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rating 18','a896b8a81dec6febf9bea48d117c18c0',0,'','YDThvNi5',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14182,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120161060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','I have more to add ...\r\n\r\nThailand\r\n\r\nDang Bireley and Young Gangsters (1997)\r\n(directed by Nonzee Nimibutr)\r\n\r\nNang Nak (1999)\r\n(directed by Nonzee Nimibutr)\r\n\r\nFear Faith Revenge 303 (199 \r\n(directed by Somching Srisupap)\r\n\r\nMy Girl (2004)\r\n(directed by a lot of people)\r\n\r\nShutter (2004)\r\n(directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, Parkpoom Wongpoom)','1289213d86d977c1c55da2304416df80',0,'','h4lLGyMm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14183,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120161420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Hi hengcs, nice to hear from you, could you please add comments for all the films mentioned in your post, the more the merrier.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','815d6c57c85793cbe0ccccd5d4f88069',0,'','WfnMp0bX',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14184,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120359360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Satree lek (2000) The Iron Ladies\r\n\r\nDirected by Youngyooth Thongkonthun\r\n\r\nStarring Jesdaporn Pholdee, Sahaphap Tor\r\n\r\nBased on a real life story about a volleyball team of gays, transvestites, and transsexuals and a straight guy and their struggle to enter and eventually win the National Volleyball Championship in Thailand.\r\n\r\nAcerbically funny and surprisingly touching, I wasnt looking forward to watching this (because it was based on a true story) but I can honestly say it was an enjoyable film and one that makes you question your own attitude and way of thinking. It is quite a shallow film in terms of character defining dealing mainly with the team as a whole and the tournament but luckily I wasnt expecting much in the way of depth.\r\n\r\nThe film is obviously very camp and I thought theyd played it up too much until the end when you see some of the actual people involved, they make the actors look normal!\r\n\r\nYou may think yeah typical underdogs make good but in this case it did happen and where else could it happen other than Thailand? \r\n\r\nYou dont need to answer that!\r\n\r\nRecommended if your looking for a lightish campy comedy or sports film or both.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rated 15','ab2800bab13034b08fab2929b991cf07',0,'','y7pUnG1l',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14185,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1120958220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Shutter (2004) (Thailand)\r\n\r\nDirected by Banjong Pisanthanakun, Parkpoom Wongpoom\r\n\r\nStarring Ananda Everingham, Natthaweeranuch Thongmee\r\n\r\nThe official website (in Thai)\r\nwww.shuttermovie.com/forums/index.php\r\n\r\n-- It was the the box office hit in Thailand in 2004\r\n-- This movie was screened at the 4th Tribeca Film Festival \r\nwww.tribecafilmfestival.o...FullNote=1\r\n-- Not surprising, there is gonna be a remake of this movie by Hollywood.\r\n\r\nSynopsis:\r\n(I usually do not like to write too much to avoid spoilers)\r\nIt is basically a horror film. After a hit-and-run accident, the girl and her partner keep having ghostly shadows in their photographs. The friends of the photographer also get implicated ... is it just a simple accident? is there more to it?\r\n\r\nWhat is good?\r\n-- There are a few scenes that are indeed scary ...\r\n-- Belying the simple plot, the directors do try to create depth by questioning love, responsibilities, the past and the present, etc ...\r\n-- The ending ...\r\n\r\nWhat may be weak?\r\n-- I watched from a DVD rather than a theater. I think the impact of scariness might be less. It might be scarier if you watched in a totally pitch dark cinema with screaming audience.\r\n-- Also, I had set too high an expectation from friends who keep telling me it is very scary; hence, I was more prepared and less frightened. So, do not go with too high an expectation. You might like it better ...\r\n-- After a while, you can predict the \"main\" plot \r\n(nonetheless, some scenes are still unpredictable ... \r\ne.g., the visit, and the ending)\r\n\r\nConclusion:\r\n-- As I am usually not a fan of horror movies, I guess a second opinion is needed.\r\n\r\nI think it is a slightly above average film ... I really do not know ... maybe teenagers will really like it ... I guess I still like The Sixth Sense better ...','e52875b554849a099b156a08c8d52114',0,'','0QmMrFc2',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14186,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121012580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Re: Shutter (2004)\r\n\r\nI watched Shutter yesterday, it comes across as a mix of several other recent Asian horror films but with a couple of unique concepts. \r\n\r\nI couldn\'t help being reminded of Ju-on (The Grudge) above all but with elements of Ringu and The Eye and Phone amongst others.\r\n\r\nOriginality wise, well it won\'t spoil the film by saying at times it\'s a real pain in the neck!\r\n\r\nSo I am in agreement with hengcs on this one, good production values but apart from the odd original concept there\'s nothing to make it stand out amongst the rising torrent of horror/ghost films that have poured out of Asia since the success of Ringu.\r\n\r\nIf you watch it on DVD, try and listen to the DTS audio selection, it is excellent and I can imagine people getting a little freaked out with the sounds coming from all around them.\r\n\r\nIf you\'re a horror fan there\'s more than enough enjoyment to be had from Shutter just don\'t expect it to change your world.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','464206e6904c07f61694f5b4e65d0d18',0,'','wCUuWpV4',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14187,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1121012700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Phrpa (1999) The Cup\r\n\r\nDirected by Khyentse Norbu\r\n\r\nStarring Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling\r\n\r\nThis film is apparently based on real events. \r\n\r\nThe one thing many of the young trainee Buddhist monks love is football, during the World Cup several sneak out down to the local village to try and watch the matches, they are caught returning from one visit, punished and told if they try it again theyll be expelled. Orgyen who is probably the cheekiest takes it upon himself to seek permission from the Abbott to hire a telly for the night of the World Cup final.\r\n\r\nMost of the cast are the real deal, Buddhist monks pretty much playing themselves, they are naturals and Im sure most of them probably enjoyed the unique experience of being involved in the film. Ritual and prayers play an important part and certainly add to the authenticity and atmosphere.\r\n\r\nA simple but touching good natured film where conscience plays a pivotal role, political points are made concerning China and Tibet but these are kept to a minimum, its nice to know that even devout Buddhist monks are down to earth and enjoy some of the normality of life.\r\n\r\nRecommended as a light film with a healthy dose of Buddhist tradition and philosophy. I forgot to mention the amazing traditional singing at the start and end of the film.\r\n\r\nWhat I didn\'t like, tardy product placement for a major soft drink company.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rated PG.','581a8aa77e5870bdc409c03c9b660317',0,'','XaRpBs9x',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14188,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1130926980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','\r\nDirector: Prachya Pinkaew\r\nCast: Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao\r\n\r\nok ... this is so called the \"sequel\" (having the same few actors, but NOT story) to ONG BAK!\r\n\r\nThe official website and synopsis\r\nsee\r\nwww.tomyumgoongmovie.com/\r\n\r\nWhat is commendable ...\r\n-- Needless to say, the real fighting sequences are good, i.e., no wires, not computer edited, etc ... though near the end, it gets kind of \"violent/bloody\" ... by the way, the fighting only commences AFTER the little/no action in the first 30 min ...\r\n-- However, I actually like the beginning scenes and some later ones which depict the more rural and beautiful aspects of Thailand ...\r\n\r\n-- If you like ...\r\n... Sidney ... you may be happy to know that part of it is filmed there!\r\n... elephants ... you will be delighted too ...\r\n-- Overall, the MAIN message is nice ...\r\n... about the love of animals \r\nBut there are a few \"minor\" messages ...\r\n... about culture and respect\r\n... about people and respect\r\netc\r\n\r\nWhat can be better ...\r\n-- It has to be the plot, although the message is good ...\r\n-- Near the end, the violence can be rather \"violent/bloody\" for kids ... but I guess teenagers who like martial arts films will like it ... hiaks hiaks ...\r\n\r\nConclusion:\r\nIf you enjoy real martial arts ... go watch it ...\r\n\r\nPS: You could tell it is a big budget film (300 mil baht), with the things that got exploded or damaged ... hee hee','5cebb5692f2dbc33fe56d5d97236aee3',0,'','ox6zhvW9',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14189,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1137003060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Tin Mine (Maha\'lai Muang Rae) (2005) (Thailand)\r\n\r\nDirector: Jira Maligool\r\nCast: Pijaya Vachajitpan, Donlaya Mudcha, Sonthaya Chitmanee, Jumpol Thongtan, Niran Sattar, and Anthony Howard Gould\r\n\r\nIt is Thailand\'s submission to Oscar 2006. In Thailand, it took six awards at the Supannahongsa Film Awards , incl. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound, Best Art Design and Best Costume.\r\n\r\nThe official website\r\nclick\r\n\r\nIt is based on the widely read short stories of \"The Tin Mine\" (about 142 chapters, I think) (by Ajin Panjapan) which is semi-autobiographical. Also, at the end of the film, the author and one of his friends (i.e., Kai), now in their 70s, made a cameo ...\r\n\r\nMy thoughts ...\r\n-- Very often, I would associate such \"epic\" (covering events over 4 years) and coming-of-age story to be more \"serious\" and \"dramatic\". However, the film took a comedy approach, with caricatures, stereotypes, exaggerated expressions, etc such that it came across as a \"fun to watch\" film rather than a serious film. Also, typical of films from Thailand, the initial scene was injected with a haunting and frightening \"ghost\" story, which may have pleased some audience but possibly (and maybe) displeased serious award voters.\r\n-- Unfortunately, for many of us who read subtitles, the multicultural aspect of the film might have been lost in translation ...\r\n-- Nonetheless, the film should be credited for its many good messages on humanity, integrity, determination, loss, respect, friendship, love, etc\r\n-- In terms of cinematography, there are a few beautifully filmed scenes.\r\n\r\nConclusion:\r\nAbove average. A simple but sincere narration of what happened to the author and his friends in the tin mine over a period of four years ...','784b42a3f2f516b9671877ecbcdb06c3',0,'','EmGa9Bsz',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14190,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1138906740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Beautiful Boxer (2003 - Thailand) \r\n\r\nDirected by Ekachai Uekrongtham \r\n\r\nStarring Asanee Suwan\r\n\r\nHe fights like a man so he can become a woman\r\n\r\nThats the tagline for the film and pretty well sums it up. A surprisingly mainstream orientated uplifting film giving a slightly romanticised view of the story of Nong Toom/Parinaya Charoemphol from childhood to post op sex change, this is based on a true story and has the blessing of the actual person.\r\n\r\nI wont go into detail about the storyline as its pretty straight forward except to say that from a very young age Nong Toom wanted to be a female. The only way he could earn enough to take care of his family and have the operation was to take up a sport that he saw as nothing more than mindless violence, kick boxing. \r\n\r\nHis trainer can see his potential but it is the trainers wife who reveals the poetry and beauty of the sport to him. After winning a few fights, Nong Toom starts to wear make up in the ring, a hero to some, a cheap gimmick to others and offensive to many more including several of his opponents, he struggles on determined to be able to become the woman inside.\r\n\r\nWell theres no need to add that he/she finally achieves their goal, helped by some, persecuted by others he becomes physically female (as far as that can be achieved).\r\n\r\nThe events shown in the film are obviously (for dramatic purposes) altered giving the film the same sort of feel as Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story it also broadens the appeal of the film but detracts from what must have been a real struggle mentally. The boxing is fine, certainly looks brutal enough though not on the same level as Ong Bak, there are quite a few fights shown but theyre tightly edited so as not to detract from the story.\r\n\r\nSo overall, if you enjoyed Dragon or other boxing/fighting films and the struggles of a person to find their true self then Beautiful Boxer comes highly recommended. Well-edited, very good camerawork and decent acting all go to make a pleasurable viewing experience. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev.\r\n\r\nBBFC rated 15.\r\n\r\nR2 Pal dvd released by Tartan Video.\r\n\r\nDVD extras include a making of doc and interviews with the director, star and Nong Toom/Parinaya Charoemphol.','642126bf32dc1394f524252085850c51',0,'','97X5uw1Q',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14191,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1142435040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Dorm (Dek Hor) (2006) (Thailand)\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Songyos Sugmakanan\r\nCast: Chalee Trairat, Jintara Sugapat, Siranath Jianthavorn\r\n\r\nThis is a box office hit in Thailand ...\r\n\r\nMy thoughts ...\r\n\r\n- If the film is marketed as a horror film, it is not scary enough.\r\n\r\n- If it is marketed as a drama film, in particular, a movie about FRIENDSHIP\r\n(with themes such as \"loneliness\", \"understanding\", etc), \r\nthe second half of the film can be rather touching ...\r\n\r\n- It is also a movie about growing up ...\r\n\r\n- Half way through, you more or less can guess who is the ghost ...\r\nhowever, how the whole story gets pieced together is still interesting ... \r\nand the ending is not bad ...\r\n\r\nConclusion:\r\nBetween above average and recommended ...\r\nwhile the first half tries to be scary, the second half is rather touching ... \r\nso, it all depends on what you expect ...','b91abd11d92c246e7b364e3240505ee5',0,'','NsfgCZVv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14192,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1155233460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Hey, \r\nthose from Singapore ... \r\nare you catching any of these?\r\nwanted to ... BUT I am too busy ...\r\n\r\nwww.gv.com.sg/Booking/aseanff.htm\r\nand\r\nwww.gv.com.sg/Booking/sawadee.htm','0a1bd6f756b43e73df3a5169aba8ef10',0,'','KRw97eSv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14193,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1155240660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Ah? You mean me :P ?\r\n\r\nYes I\'ll be attending a few of the ASEAN ones and definitely the Chai Lai one on Monday. After that I\'ll see how goes it...I\'m indeed excited to meet the girls starring in Chai lai\'s Angels','75162327f79dec80718d71e6ab8b3ea7',0,'','v8FskUSB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14194,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1157954340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Hi,\r\nI have just attended the Asian Film Symposium,\r\nsee\r\nwww.substation.org/6afs/index.htm\r\n\r\nI just want to recommend this new link ...\r\nsee\r\nwww.thaiindie.com/\r\n\r\nFor those who are a fan of Apichatpong Weerasethakul\r\nhere is an interview\r\ncriticine.com/interview_a....php?id=24','5f2afe3ca7cfd396064ed022cc188b4b',0,'','DzpJWAd0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14195,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1157962620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Tom Yum Goong (2005) (Thailand) is now showing in US, but with a different title ... The Protector.','c8005ba381adf4cc62761e3e52fb0204',0,'','5M7Rob4j',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14196,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1158527580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Hmm... interesting interwiev with Weerasethakul. I\'m reading a collection of essays on film and architecture right now, and I love his comments about the connections between the two fields. seems like he also has some good ideas for the national film industry, though i must admit that I am quite ignorant about such issues, and have to struggle to understand some of the concepts.','73841c4eca7f75b4fd8eb866b90f35fe',0,'','YcQz5pHN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14197,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160154600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Ong-Bak\r\n\r\nReview:\r\n\r\nQuote:Evoking the duality of good and bad through the pastoral simplicity of the Thai countryside and the seedy underbelly of Bangkoks prostitution and drug trade, Ong-Bak argues its principles with a brutally honest knee to the face of the Wests creeping cultural domination of Asia. The filmmakers present this as a homage to the visual masters in Besson, Spielberg and most of all the glut of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan fighting vehicles that saw them fleeting from hordes of non-descript assailants through literally tight spaces. Tony Jaas prototypical monastic role as an avenging warrior for the lower rung of Thailand is no different from his role in this films follow-up international moneymaker, Tom Yum Goong or more particularly known as The Protector. \r\n\r\nOther than its similarities in characters, Jaa has to retrieve his temples talismanic Buddha statue head (the titular Ong-Bak) that is being held for ransom by Bangkok druggist, Don instead of being commissioned to rescue his elephants from animal traders in its structural and thematic progeny, Tom Yum Goong. The stoic (by choice?), reticent country boy is thrust into a dodgy and faced with dangers at every corner, mostly by evil and greedy men trying to make a quick buck from Jaas expertise with his elbows and knees. \r\n\r\nThe most apparent hint of the veracious nationalism that Ong-Bak suffuses between its prolonged chase sequences and high kicks to head are set in the dingy underground fighting club where patrons of all nationalities and races huddle together, hand on each others shoulders while corralling a motley collection of ribald pugilists hoping to best each other blow for blow to receive that plate of prize money.\r\n\r\nIn steps Jaa with his tattered temple habits, unaware of the monetary reverence for such an occasion. As the newly crowned fighting champion rushes towards Jaa with a fists clenched, up goes Jaas knee to deliver a knockout that silences the raucous crowd. In yet another scrap at the same club, a brawny Aussie lout bellows across the room to Jaas disinterested character after nearly decimating his previous opponent who jumped in to rescue a damsel as said lout was groping her repeatedly. Rounding off his character as best the writers could, his soft spot for rescuing distressed women prevails and Jaa unleashes a torrent of body blows onto the racist, sexist and eventually vanquished miscreant, resulting in the long overdue return to the main plot. \r\n\r\nPlaying as though through a series of videogame levels varying in difficulty, the settings and pliable environments start to change but not the fighters. Each opponent are nothing but fodder to the invincible Jaa as he dispatches each one of them with astonishingly legerdemain and a refreshingly straightforward temerity unseen in any city boy that knows whats best for him and his limps. This machine of a man probably leaves behind a hundred men in his wake until he reaches the tough final boss stage, the right hand stooge of the villainous old man with a neat idiosyncrasy suggesting either a barely breathing, handicapped warning label or a live every moment till life crashes down on you type of attitude. Ong-Bak is appropriately billed as brilliantly choreographed escapist fare that presents to us a man without personality and without emotions, just a moral imperative that transcends life and death.\r\n\r\nRating: 3 out of 5','69155dd6099cf1de400186f64a68b17b',0,'','XjQfTd9S',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14198,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160184720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Justin, please refer to this thread regarding the use of images.','4e75aabcbbf622d5af65b510f590fd55',0,'','BVfQ6nHM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14199,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1160704140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','\r\n\r\nQuote:Ong-Bak is appropriately billed as brilliantly choreographed escapist fare that presents to us a man without personality and without emotions, just a moral imperative that transcends life and death.\r\n\r\nSounds like a film for me to watch. \r\nI like this kind of no-nonsense martial arts movies. But the best fight I\'ve seen on screen so far was the magnificent end-fight by Bruce Lee in \"The Big Boss\". Hope to see soon what Tony Jaa is capable of.','930cf1e96a1e7de1da42835ddf2796f9',0,'','LnaNx5Vb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14200,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1179573960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Review of The Overture (2004)\r\n\r\nIn The Overture, music is presented with a towering sense of religious ferocity. The musicians are treated with intense reverence, and their music a cause worth dying for. The film is a fictionalised account that is based on the life of Thailands Luang Pradit Phairao, the last master of the ranad-ek (a classical instrument resembling a wooden xylophone). He is manifested through the central character of Sorn (primarily played by Anuchit Sapanpong), a master of the instrument that becomes a sort of Christ-like saviour to the instruments continued survival and its wielders. In a scene early on, Sorn is seen as a child feeling his way through the ranad-ek and witnessing his natural affinity with the instruments notes. Underlining the spiritual tone of the film, Sorn\'s prodigious talent with the ranad-ek is akin to turning water into wine and his greatest obstacle to greatness is overcoming an opponent clad in black whose mastery of the instrument literally calls forth angry winds of change. \r\n\r\nSentimentally farcical, the main vein of its story understates Sorns challenges with being a phenomenon in his village and his rise through the royal court that culminates in a showdown. The secondary narrative is the weakest but holds the most promise. An elder Sorn is given a final challenge, pitting him against the countrys changing cultural pursuits and invading influences of Japan, keen to keep creative processes down to a minimum by way of bureaucracy. It is admirable in its suggestion of invoking a certain parallelism between the generations but the jarring, feckless edits that include strident political machinations with ludicrously over the top musical set pieces makes it all seem like two different films spliced together as an afterthought. \r\n\r\nBut the endless fawning over its material is truly the films inherent predicament. It is enamoured by its own self-importance, so much so that it ignores coherency and papers over it with its single most powerful factor in its technical proficiency. Lush, full-blooded cinematography is employed throughout the proceedings and the characters are framed luminously. The dream-like aesthetics of the film can almost be used as an excuse for its lax storytelling but an ambitious and underwhelming double narrative introduced midway tarnishes any preferable possibility that the story could have been a lazy afternoons reverie.','7efcf862f1a3758369fea7c01d8d9773',0,'','Gl76Jthm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14201,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1179598920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','I am glad that you did a review on this. I can\'t seem to locate mine, or whether I have even done the review from SFIFF. Given that I have watched it two or three years ago, only 2 scenes seem to \"stick\" now ... ha ha ha ...\r\n\r\n(i) the 2 or 3 competition scenes ... wow ... what great music they played ... but guess what ... i DEFINITELY remember the FINAL competition ... why?! becos the thunder storm is so \"OVER DRAMATIC\" ... ha ha ha ... ;PPP\r\n\r\n(ii) i also remember the scene when he met the girl that he likes ... ha ha ha ... it is \"so asian\" (i.e., the way they film reminds me so much of our asian TV drama/movies in the early days) ... hee hee ... ;PPP','17aa2eb8787e5bdd3eeea3648b131419',0,'','emt4ykD1',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14202,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1196845440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Could have sworn there was a thread for this but it\'s not in the index so I might be mistaken.\r\n\r\nCitizen Dog (2004) (Thailand)\r\n\r\nReview: \r\n\r\nThe peculiar oddities in Wisit Sasanatiengs Citizen Dog roll out like a fable from a factory of quirks and macabre whimsy, and of hopes and dreams. Its ingratiatingly twee love story is accentuated by delightfully exaggerated visuals, ones that involve marvelously ironic staging of helmets raining down on unprotected heads, a sliced and canned digit, a undead taxi driver continuing his gig, a chain-smoking 8 year-old and other quotidian miracles. Bearing strong echoes of Jean-Pierre Jeunet\'s Amlie, Citizen Dog is wonderful in the truest sense of the word. It arouses a childlike awe as we meet a fabulous collection of madcap, memorable characters. But its real magic comes from latching on and never losing sight of its local parlance and cultural appeal even when its treacly charms turn bittersweet and just a little too precious. \r\n\r\nAlong with a briskly paced and wildly off-hinged introduction that sets the stage for a modern, adult fairy tale, which finds nave country boy Pod (Mahasamut Boonyaruk), getting a job at a sardine-packing factory in the big colourfully wacky city of Bangkok. He loses his finger, searches for it, gets a hold of a different finger in a can etc. The films initial episodic structure offers a pithy enthusiasm that goes unmatched in its second half, as Pods impetus becomes more single-minded as he jostles for the attention of the enchantingly daffy Jin (Saengthong Gate-Uthong), an obsessive compulsive maid who spends most of her time trying to decipher a book in a foreign language that fell out of a plane. \r\n\r\nCitizen Dog has a charm, originality and freshness while attempting to exhibit a romantic sweetness. But it is not without its failings, as do all endeavours that (thankfully) deviate from the norm. A romance that never fully feels fleshed out, a petered out pacing and an aggressive palette of absurd inventions that turn hollow and much too cursory when compared to the visually triumphant first halfs parade of candy-striped adventures. But that really shouldnt matter when a film offers a unique experience seemingly plucked out of oneiric ether, one so fanciful and fun, so exuberantly sweet in spirit even when it delightfully embraces the offbeat while being blissfully dreamy.','9d7b881b5917982029f77b9d8a022ecd',0,'','BQoAz17P',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14203,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199453400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Citizen Dog (2004) (Thailand)\r\n\r\nWhat I like from the movie is ...\r\nthe choice of colors ...\r\nand to some extent, its sense of humor ...','c50137868716470be8413cc5d0943a32',0,'','Q7fcGpNr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14204,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205854200,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','hi, \r\nfor those with reviews across two diff threads, i hope you do not mind me merging them ... \r\ne.g. most of the vietnam films (review by trevor here, and howard elsewhere) \r\n\r\nwill merge if no objection ...','34477bbcb94bf49ec248123187c3a145',0,'','CgrPMH78',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14205,2338,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1210832760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'tzarine','Re: Asian arena - films from Thailand, Vietnam, etc','Last Life in the Universe by Pen Ek Ratanaruang \r\n\r\nA suicidal Japanese librarian with OCD and a yakuza brother and a foul mouthed bar hostess whose kid sister was killed in an accident cross paths in Bangkok. Subtly seductive. \r\n\r\nLanguid, moody & atmospheric direction with many lingering images by shot by the wonderful Chris Doyle.','99fe3de5837515d146ca326acd3578df',0,'','Nrb9KDZo',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14206,2339,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199444940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Assembly (Ji Jie Hao) (China) (2007)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Feng Xiao Gang\r\nCast: Zhang Hanyu\r\n\r\nSynopsis\r\nBased on the short story by Yang Jin Yuan, which is also inspired by a real event, it tells the story of how Platoon 9 is being wiped out by the enemy, and how its sole survivor, Cpt Gu Zidi tries to help its platoon regain the respect it deserves \r\n\r\nMy thoughts \r\nA very sincere film. One must go in with the correct expectation. It is NOT exactly a film about numerous individuals within a platoon at war (i.e., do NOT expect to know too much IN DEPTH about the platoon mates). They die too early before you can get to know them well. Instead, it is more about an individual and you really get to know more about him at the second half.\r\n\r\n-- The first half is recommended mainly for its realistic portrayal of war at close range, the bombs, the blood and the battle. With a big screen and powerful sound system, it does match those of Hollywood (e.g., Saving Private Ryan) or Korea (Taegukgi). However, given the amount of war films present audience have watched, it may be occasionally hard to remember or feel for every single victim in the beginning half because the audience knows too little about many of them.\r\n\r\nPS: In other words, characterization do suffer slightly in this first half. One may even wonder at times whether most of the accolades for the film are only for its effects. \r\nBUT BE PATIENT ... \r\n\r\n-- The second half will soon touches with its soul, although some may feel that it is nearly a one man show. Indeed, the film has numerous VERY TOUCHING moments (not necessarily dramatic but down to earth). In particular, I like these 3 scenes \r\n(i) the landmine scene\r\n(ii) the talk between the two men outside the hospital ward\r\n(iii) the tomb scene\r\nThere are several more but these 3 are very well executed \r\n\r\nPS: Some may fault the slightly happy (should it be called that?!) ending but hey, it is inspired by a real event and a short story, so lets be forgiving \r\n\r\nConclusion\r\nRecommended. Set the correct expectation and you will like it.\r\n\r\nPS: The short story (in Chinese)\r\nclick\r\nhttp://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=273586433','31c574548e88bed05b23d7267087aeb2',0,'','v2AGDNn7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14207,2339,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1199445900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Assembly (Ji Jie Hao) (China) (2007)','Having started screening since Dec 20 in China, \r\nit has already garnered 180 million in box office ... \r\nand it is still going strong ...\r\n\r\nPS: The Warlords has garnered abt 200 million','6bdb2abe8b06be0c956a589791729eff',0,'','ZbtVAhz2',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14208,2340,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164170700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Paprika (2006) (Japan)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Satoshi Kon\r\n\r\nThe official website (in English)\r\nsee\r\nhttp://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/paprika/index.html\r\n(in Japanese)\r\nsee\r\nhttp://www.sonypictures.jp/movies/paprika/index.html\r\n\r\nSome thoughts ...\r\n\r\n- It will impress you with its visuals (i.e., art direction), colors, soundtrack ... and pacing ...\r\n\r\n- Its story is rather compelling ... with the initial parts rather puzzling ... but as usual, they get pieced together as the story goes on ...\r\n\r\n- If you are one that searches for depth, you have it ... like most japanese anime ... it is also strong on its philosophical take ... abt issues of\r\n... science and humanity\r\n... dream vs reality\r\n... past vs present\r\n... love vs lust\r\netc\r\n\r\nYup, there are indeed numerous rather interesting philosophical lines ... \r\n\r\n- It also has a lot of \"humor/jokes\" played on classic/well known movies ... so if you are a movie fan ... try not to miss it ...\r\n\r\nConclusion:\r\nHighly recommended ... Often, such movies provide new takes upon every rewatch ... because of its philosophical take ... but hey, it is never boring ... but rather thrilling\r\n\r\n\r\nPS: wondering why i have watched 2 anime this week?! ... here you go ... \r\nclick\r\nhttp://www.sfs.org.sg/animation2006/films.htm\r\nHighly recommended ... Renaissance (France) & Paprika (Japan)','d6774ac5dfa1b800ac9cb472f9bcf248',0,'','783Mk1a0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14209,2340,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164295500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'trevor826','Re: Paprika (2006) (Japan)','Hengcs, thank\'s for the info and your thoughts, out of interest have you seen any of the other films by Satoshi Kon:\r\n\r\nPerfect Blue (1998),\r\nMillennium Actress (2001), \r\nTokyo Godfathers (2003) \r\nor the anime series Paranoia Agent (2004)?\r\n\r\nPaprika sounds as though it carries along in a similar vein to his other films which all demand rewatching but also hold your attention. Certainly sounds like one I\'ll be keeping my eye on.\r\n\r\nCheers Trev.','941e823e99b7a64b1a2c7a3d5fe99c5e',0,'','kX6snMml',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14210,2340,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1164699780,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Paprika (2006) (Japan)','had these, but no time to watch ...\r\n- Perfect Blue (199 \r\n- Millennium Actress (2001)\r\nwill some day ...','2d249c94b9c20304d2022c85679ac1e7',0,'','qhmk6GJH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14211,2340,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1179735960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Paprika (2006) (Japan)','From New York Times\r\n\r\nwww.nytimes.com/2007/05/2...0kehr.html','94df56f0e68d693201c37196df2bdd9a',0,'','KPXGmfHb',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14212,2340,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1198832220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Paprika (2006) (Japan)','\r\n\r\nBased on noted science fiction author Tsutsui Yasutaka\'s 1993 novel of the same name, this vibrant and visually dynamic fourth anime feature by Kon Satoshi, which both reaffirms and recontextualizes his thematic preoccupations with the notions of dream, technology, psychosis, and cinema, is now available on DVD in the U.S. from Sony. \r\n\r\nPlenty of extras: Filmmakers\' audio-commentary, making-of-doc, a conversation about the \"dream,\" the art of fantasy, the dream CG world, and more.','1b9fc2dbdc9172cb04dfd9251422bb33',0,'','jdgyX31Z',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14213,2341,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202364780,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)','It\'s hard to believe but it\'s been over eight years since I first saw this film from Frank Capra, and consequentially its been eight years since the last time I saw it. Time has done nothing to diminish my initial reaction and if anything the film is even better in my eyes. Mr. Smith was made in the fabled year of 1939, where all the stars aligned in classic Hollywood and lightning seemed to strike a dozen times. Just look at character actor Thomas Mitchell who appeared in this film as well as Gone with the Wind, Stagecoach, Only Angels Have Wings, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame all in 1939. In many ways Mr. Smith Goes to Washington seems like the perfect example of 1939. The last of Frank Capra\'s films for Columbia Pictures and a film that seemed to sum up all of the idealism that went into the New Deal. Watching the film today you wonder how it even was made, like a modern day fable that although of its time is powerfully relevant. \r\n\r\n2008 is an election year and as such we\'re going to be bombarded with lots of junk about politicians for the rest of the year. Character attacks, bland promises, and us voting for who we think is the most attractive puppet. Mr. Smith comments on an America that lost its ideals, whose politicians make deals with the devil in order to presumably do some good. When Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains) tries to explain things to Jeff Smith (Jimmy Stewart) we almost believe him, and feel that he is sincere when saying that in order to do good you have to make deals with the James Taylor\'s (Edward Arnold) of the world. Power comes in election and as we are reminded of more and more people don\'t vote. Paine has lost sight of his original ideals and is hell bent on his dream of becoming the president, a position Taylor has promised him with the help of his all powerful machine. Paine is a man who we want to respect because Smith respects him. Rains plays Paine as a fallen angel who struggles with his conscience for much of the film. The overwhelming idea for the \"good\" characters in the film is that they don\'t want to see country bumpkin Smith lose his idealistic view of this great nation. \r\n\r\nThe casting is rather inspired. Had the original cast played out it would have been Mr. Deeds Goes to Washington. I do think Gary Cooper would be a great Senator in this regard but there\'s something about him that doesn\'t seem to be able to grasp the whole \"gee whiz\" posturing that Stewart perfected here. Stewart also seems positioned between late adolescence, a man with the youthful energy and big ideas of the most excited young boy, but not quite wise to the darker side of things. His innocence is coveted by many in the film who view him as a genuine \"Daniel Boone\". He appears awfully green but as the type of American we had always envisioned as children would be the people leading our country. Full of energy to do good things and a man who can appear father and mentor to nearly all the children in the country (at least his state). His mentoring ability seems genuine and if it were made today our jaded 21st century post-Michael Jackson sensibilities would be to assume the man is a pedophile, but it doesn\'t even cross our minds here. This is a leader of men who wants to teach kids about America and what this country stands for. \r\n\r\nI\'ve never really noticed Capra\'s direction before but he was in fine form here. Capra had won three best directing Oscars in five years (a record that still stands) and felt naturally he could do no wrong. Continuity is spot on here and the framing seems to be perfectly suited. Take a look at the scene where Smith runs into Senator Paine\'s lovely daughter Susan (Astrid Allwyn) and the camera stays below their wastes and all we see is Smith clumsily fumbling with his hat. The case of the elusive hat returns when Susan calls him on the phone and there is even a joke to buy him a hat that will stay on his head. It\'s a subtle move that doesn\'t have much to do with the plot but says an awful lot about Smith and his nearly complete incomprehension of the opposite sex. Even on first meeting we are not convinced on Susan. She is introduced to us and Smith as one of five girls requesting a donation. She doesn\'t particularly stand out from the other pretty faces and it is only when Paine introduces her do we even know she\'s someone besides a charity case. Nothing to slight Astrid Allwyn but she is far from the beauty queen top billed Jean Arthur is. \r\n\r\nThe relationship between the two is built in a wonderful fashion. For starters Smith never really seems to lose his nerve with Saunders (Arthur). He has roughly three stages with her. First he calls her Miss Saunders, then while writing his bill with her they warm up to the point of him calling her just Saunders like everyone else. It is at this point that Smith seems to step out of his complete buffoonery and is able to look at Saunders as something of an equal. He never completely loses his cool but you can catch a few glances and pauses in his speech that lets us know he is getting slightly distracted with his well qualified secretary. By the end of the film once they are in love does he have the nerve to call her Clarissa, her first name that he learns while writing the bill. Her transition is in a separate trajectory. Smith \"wakes up\" to the world of politics while Saunders slowly regains her faith in the American dream. Smith makes her a believer just as he had already won over the boys in the country, and as he almost instantly wins us over. She in turn educates him on how to go about getting anything done and is his very noticeable coach, feeding him careful advice during his filibuster that lasts over 23 hours. \r\n\r\nRobert Donat won an Oscar in 1939 for his portrayal of an energetic young school teacher who enriches the lives of several generations of boys in Goodbye Mr. Chips, yet Stewart has almost the same character arch in only a matter of weeks, producing the same result of endearing the youngest boy to a senior senator. Stewart is able to be funny in goofy way as well as witty, clumsy and finally confident. His transition is complete and although most people are either won or lost in regards to his coarse voiced final collapse, the performance was commanding from the start. It\'s nearly impossible not to feel some of his enthusiasm for the capital and this country, although at times like Saunders conveys sometimes you just want to sedate the boy. \r\n\r\nI found myself at odds with a friend of mine who had only recently started watching Capra\'s films. He hated Mr. Smith and desperately wanted Gary Cooper to kill himself at the end of Meet John Doe. Perhaps there is a cynicism in him that can\'t express the deliberately populist sentiments in Capra\'s films. However I find it nearly impossible not to love his films, particularly this one. It reminds me that at least at one point in time this country stood for something and that maybe we all can individually defeat the Taylor\'s of the world.','a4c720f6bc04fd947bd73e80c143ca87',0,'','gu4oEC3N',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14214,2342,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202731740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Argentina x 2: Glue (2006) & Los muertos (2004)','','d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e',0,'','Z8SiekA9',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14215,2342,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1202787420,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Argentina x 2: Glue (2006) & Los muertos (2004)','[TIFF \'06] \r\n\r\n*A 2007 (U.S. DVD) Release* \r\n\r\nGLUE (Argentina-U.K. / 2006) \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPartly inspired by debutant feature director Alexis Dos Santos\' personal experiences of growing up in a small, dead-end town in the southern Argentinean region of Patagonia, where his family moved to in the late \'70s due to political reasons, Glue (Glue - historia adolescente en medio de la nada) is an impressionistic yet poignant account of adolescent alienation and sexual awakening. The film centers around Lucas (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart), a gawky, sleepy-eyed fifteen-year-old \"music-head\" who spends the lazy summer days with his best friend Nacho (Nahuel Viale). While incisevely capturing their excursions, no matter how wayward, Dos Santos and DP Natasha Braier\'s camera at times feels just as restless and indeterminate as its subjects do. Not so the case when Lucas is home, where the sticky focus on bodies, not to mention the familial conflicts, feels Martel-esque. The young lads eventually befriend a mousy and bespectacled local gal (Inés Efron), whose inhibitions render her their female counterpart, and make plans that don\'t quite come to fruition, much like everything else during that phase of our lives. Largely improvised, the film is a moody collage of prosaic moments that nonetheless manage to tell a story, a universal one involving exploration of teenage identity and self-discovery. To facilitate that process, the DV camera is relieved for a grainy Super-8 for a handful of moments which help sniff out the protagonists\' hormone-laden inner anxieties and frustrations. The spacey, Van Santian soundscape also does wonders in that wind-whipped milieu, creating an effect that is as spatial as it is temporal and psychological. Dos Santos\' aesthetic is not as consistent in the second half, and like most debut features, Glue runs a tad too long, but despite any shortcomings it is an intimate and introspective sketch, one which seems very real. \r\nGrade: B \r\n[C+ = Average / B- = Above Average / B = Good ]','7fa06dab6e697fa55a5bd44b0bdb660c',0,'','rYbl2vcN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14216,2342,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203300240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Argentina x 2: Glue (2006) & Los muertos (2004)','Glue had its N. American premiere at Toronto. It went on to play at numerous festivals in the U.S., albeit of the second and third-tier variety (Cleveland, Miami, Washington, etc.). Picture This! Entertainment distributed the film directly-to-DVD in the U.S. Extras include a lenthy interview with the director.','c809dffd5545efdc15fe2038a2a7b41f',0,'','P6NamVu3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14217,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203119400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','DVD Subtitles','I have downloaded a few films and found that the subtitles are only text files and not encrypted on the AVI file itself. Well there\'s a program called BS.Player that supports .sub files. As such I\'ll now be able to watch my three Mikio Naruse films I downloaded. There\'s a free version of the player available so keep it in mind if you run into the same problem.','e9ea5ecbf11c52652766ce89e7ef4d2a',0,'','FaLge4E3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14218,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203131580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: DVD Subtitles','Is downloading films, especially classics, more prevalent than I realize? Your tone sort of indicates that to me. But can the beauty of Naruse be truly appreciated from an online media player?','1abd3cc33a567d2c00e8a99fb2ee24e0',0,'','P0JF6Sg8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14219,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203136500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Subtitles','There are some good external monitors and downloading films seems to get bigger more and more. I even found a torrent for Face to Face, which is in progress.','3d2e4369d8fe6788494124b88d52c8ea',0,'','f1k5sRxv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14220,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203139620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: DVD Subtitles','One thing I do know about torrents is that your IP address becomes visible to others, which to me sounds like a very unsafe process. Aren\'t you taking a big risk by downloading, as you\'ve stated elsewhere, Hollywood films?','4e58c070384a7dbcd9249db7177e13d1',0,'','pfRsAhjc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14221,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203201900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Subtitles','For the people who would be concerned I think the primary target are the people uploading, but I\'ll let you know when the Feds show up.','552883bf287a3b159dc6c5549f4bfdaa',0,'','w8gNc9Cx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14222,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203300120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: DVD Subtitles','You\'re probably right. Contrary to popular belief, that embodies the future of \"home entertainment,\" not any of the DVD formats. I fully expect most of us paying a small fee to download a given film and then either watching it on our computers or the television sets via some sort of a converter box.','b853a6991c8cb0762a6f87a15817d152',0,'','R0EVjivB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14223,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203346800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: DVD Subtitles','wpqx wrote: For the people who would be concerned I think the primary target are the people uploading, but I\'ll let you know when the Feds show up. \r\n\r\nThat\'s actually a fallacy, depending on the method of distribution. If you use a method such as P2P (and since you mentioned torrents, this is especially so), the downloader is invariably an uploader as well, for other downloaders. \r\n\r\n\r\nPersonally, and hopefully without stepping on anybody\'s toes, the idea of illegally (I\'d welcome a legal alternative if it meant I\'d never have to sit next to a person with a sneezing fit again) downloading films, especially new ones readily available (or soon to be) on DVDs or cinemas makes me queasy. Though, on the flipside, I can understand cineastes attempting to watch older and rare films in any form they can get their hands on.','9b26df77ad057dc4daca167632a87be6',0,'','GHk1Ai7F',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14224,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203364680,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Subtitles','Well whenever the US plans on releasing those Naruse films by all means I\'m waiting.','b0690eaaf575c7c0f5501f53206e07ad',0,'','C5X3F8Js',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14225,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203394560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: DVD Subtitles','justindeimen wrote: Personally, and hopefully without stepping on anybody\'s toes, the idea of illegally (I\'d welcome a legal alternative if it meant I\'d never have to sit next to a person with a sneezing fit again) downloading films, especially new ones readily available (or soon to be) on DVDs or cinemas makes me queasy. Though, on the flipside, I can understand cineastes attempting to watch older and rare films in any form they can get their hands on. \r\n\r\nIt\'s coming, a legal alternative, that is (at least for independent and foreign films). The likes of IFC and Magnolia have done well with \"day-and-date\" releases via VOD, and the next step ideologically is to make the product available online, which I where the consumers are headed. \r\n\r\nIt would be pretty embarrassing if someone were to get caught downloading a Rob Schneider movie.','b756fcc7e3ddd729ca77755573e01275',0,'','2ZGBChDu',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14226,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203410220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Subtitles','I think it\'d be more embarrassing if someone were paying for a Rob Schneider movie. \r\n\r\nIn all honesty though this is the same thing that happened with music, it took a few years for record companies to figure out how to make money off of downloading and now they\'re raking in the dough like never before, so shall it be with cinema as hard drives get larger and larger, HD formats become more widespread. \r\n\r\nI don\'t see any real damage to film as a whole and this is far from a crisis. Just as a point of reference an estimated 60 \"adult\" features are released on DVD every week and no matter how popular Cloverfield might be it\'ll probably never be downloaded as much as the films from the other side. \r\n\r\nThe history of the internet will be marked by tremendous freedom being stomped out and ruined by greedy corporations and lawyers.','7e210dd4bd6fa8451015eee83d2586e3',0,'','wbquFJkX',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14227,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203411180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: DVD Subtitles','I set you up pretty well there, didn\'t I?! \r\n\r\nThe comparison with the music industry is an appropriate one. But compared to what people have to deal with in certain countries in the Middle and Far East, you should be glad regarding what you are able to accomplish online.','4d54cd646d7efc6495f55ea4eb8b925c',0,'','F7zQsibY',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14228,2343,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203415320,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: DVD Subtitles','True but the industry is always a few years behind the times.','14a24df51d7dd24e9019654c50e7f518',0,'','qetNK7Hh',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14229,2344,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203166560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Persepolis (2007 / France)','I could have sworn there was a thread for this wonderful film. Was it lost? Or am I just imagining it? In any case, if there was one, I\'d appreciate this thread being merged. \r\n\r\nReview: \r\n\r\n\"Persepolis\" is a persuasive reminder of struggles still remnant in the Middle East with Iran taking centrestage during these times of dangerous rhetoric. The blossoming political consciousness of a young girl is dutifully evinced in Marjane Satrapi\'s (co-directed by Vincent Paronnaud) feature animation adapted from an autobiographical graphic novel by Satrapi, an Iranian exile in France. She tells her story with an uncommon grace, an elegant emotional journey fraught with the bittersweet remembrance of youth and the aching longing for her heritage left behind in Tehran, and her formative years with a loving and progressive family. \r\n\r\nSatrapi invokes post 9/11 prejudices and the collision of cultural norms with the colour-laden opening sequence set in an airport where she waits for a flight as a grown woman in her traditional headscarf and a cigarette in hand, cognisant of the suspicious looks she receives from those around her. The film\'s framing device takes shape as a monochromatic flashback is constructed into 1978 Iran, where eight-year-old Marjane Satrapi is obliviously practicing her \"Enter the Dragon\" routine, right smack in the middle of collective vigilance, in a country on the verge of an inevitable clash between liberal modern secularism and oppressive religious tyranny. A quick history lesson tells of the deposed Shah\'s suppressive rule giving way to an even more fundamentalist regime under the ayatollah. Regardless of the social turmoil unfolding around the neighbourhoods, the playgrounds and her apartment, Marjane lives her childhood, with the kinship of her fiercely spirited family, as happily as she possible can. \r\n\r\nThis is the film\'s strongest segment in its bifurcated narrative, which further bleeds into Marjane\'s adolescence and personal upheavals. The scenes with her as a child are a joy to witness as we see how her burgeoning ideas are moulded from an unbridled imagination and the intellectual stimulation that her immediate environments now offers her as she starts forming vital (but often times flawed) opinions and observations of people around her, including those who she would never again see. As her childhood wanes, Satrapi wistfully looks back at her naiveté as a time of not mere transition, but as a time of implicit obligation, as the burden of state-enforced tradition forces a change of perception when her mother and grandmother are subjugated against their will to adhere to patriarchal conservatism by donning pitch-black veils that mask not just their faces, but their identities in its most personal sense. \r\n\r\nThe film\'s starkly vivid aesthetics are in contrast to the rich emotions extrapolated from Satrapi\'s narration. The adherence to hand-drawn animation is congruent to one of the film\'s core themes of recalling the past while marching forward to a future by pushing the antiquated technique to innovative and expressionistic tableaus, and in the process finds a sort of freedom in its austerity that offers its intimate narrative fluidity as it traverses 30 years of personal and political history with nary a blip. \r\n\r\nAs Satrapi confronts her past, the monuments of history in Tehran start to pale in comparison to individual epiphanies and personal revolutions through different times and places. And one of the grand truths of \"Persepolis\" is that growing up, the quintessential coming-of-age story we all eventually tell is by and large a trial by fire. It is a time when we are unsure of who we are supposed to know, or what we are supposed to be, and even wary of whether we want what we are supposed to want. \r\n\r\n\"Persepolis\" eschews idealism for a tentative sense of identity in an increasingly tumultuous world, the transposing of personal demons and the roots that hark back to Satrapi despite various dislocations. She configures the landscape of political upheaval to a distinctively personal voice. It\'s an unsentimental c\'est la vie, a stirring dictum of finding a foothold wherever we land and never letting go what freedoms we come into the world with.','b12d4d116b3b23c611ecf61623e2d9dd',0,'','SgqDmjAc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14230,2344,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205692920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Persepolis (2007 / France)','the version singapore screens is entirely in English ... \r\nwonder whether it sounds better in its original language ...','3643bf6a779b373a8fecdb22af3a61e0',0,'','qjZ3l5cL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14231,2344,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205694660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Persepolis (2007 / France)','It sure does sound better in French.','9e629acbcfeaa9db6271f636449d4215',0,'','tDgMcW0H',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14232,2344,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208984760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'jcdavies','Re: Persepolis (2007 / France)','A very likeable film, and i approve of the positive portrait of committed left-wing relative(s), and also question marks over the West (or at least Vienna) really being the promised land many of us would like to think. Then again she\'s now in France isn\'t she? I was a touch disappointed at first with the technical side of the animation, but that simplicity is part of its charm.','0b245fb9d51047307f0d509e75bba42b',0,'','y8AC7uG3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14233,2344,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1210838280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'tzarine','Re: Persepolis (2007 / France)','I loved the simplicity of the visuals and the voicing especially Chiara Mastrioni and Danielle Darrieux as Marjane and her grandmere are wonderfully evocative. \r\n\r\nThe black humor and child\'s eye view of politics of the Iran section worked much better than her travails abroad.','7f7dfeb110225bef29c947dd6aea9485',0,'','vhe4wLo6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14234,2345,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203206340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','George A. Romero\'s Diary of the Dead (2007)','I was surprised to find when looking up showtimes for this film that the official title was George A. Romero\'s Diary of the Dead. Apparently, and with fairly good reason, a zombie film is almost completely unreleasable unless Romero\'s name is inscribed. For the last forty years he has set the standard of the genre, good or bad and virtually defined the modern horror film. Diary of the Dead isn\'t a continuation of Land of the Dead, nor is it necessarily a pre-quel. It\'s as if he\'s starting over again, going back to the beginning but not going back in time. The film is very much rooted in the present day with tie-ins to youtube and myspace all over the place. Romero himself did a great deal of promotion for this film through myspace releasing various interviews and trailers for the project months before it was released. It seems odd that this old time horror director could still set the standard. Romero\'s non-zombie related films never achieved any degree of success that the Dead films did, so you can\'t slight the man for going back to the well. The film takes on a very personal tone, shot by a bunch of film school students in Romero\'s old back yard of Pittsburgh. It makes sense for technical reasons that Pitt actually does have a rather reputable film program. However like Land of the Dead before it, the film was shot in Canada, this time Ontario is meant to represent Pennsylvania. \r\n\r\nThere are no new answers to the story, but if we\'ve learned anything from the past forty years its that we don\'t really need an explanation for how zombies are created. Return of the Living Dead was one of the few films that sought to explain where they originated (an experimental chemical called Trioxin-245), but Romero makes no such explanation. Like Night before it the film is pure social satire. It is examining our fear obsessed culture and takes a profound nihilistic attitude towards it. There is great pandering to traditional genre aficionados, and Romero has some extremely memorable gore scenes. I wonder sometimes if there were great round table discussions on new ways to kill zombies. Here we see a zombie\'s eyes pop out of her skull after being fried by a defibrillator, a deaf Amish man stick a scythe through his own head and into the zombie behind him, a zombie strung up by its mouth having its body blown away, and in the most impressive sequence hydrochloric acid burning a zombies skull until brains are visible. The last sequence was done without any cuts and is far more impressive than all the bloated CGI garbage I\'ve been seeing for the last decade or so. \r\n\r\nSince Blair Witch shooting with video cameras has become a painful cliche, but Romero seems to do it right here. At times Jason Creed\'s (Josh Close) desire to document everything gets a little tedious and in one sequence near the end he nearly lets his friend get killed by a zombie in a mummy costume rather than helping her. We get a sense of vindication from the scene and it was set up to directly parallel the first look at the characters when they are in a similar woods shooting their own fictional film. They mention that the dead move slowly, the girl always trips, and that the zombie/mummy grabs at the girl\'s dress in order to expose her breasts. All is brought back in a wonderful bit of dramatic irony and remains one of the film\'s self referential winks to the audience. Granted we do have to witness an insufferable \"Don\'t mess with Texas\" line but that can be overlooked for the greater good. \r\n\r\nThe film is largely about people\'s desire for survival and at several points in the film the question of whether its worth living in a world like this is brought up. Jason seems to have no desire to live, and due to his character traits as an audience we really don\'t care to see him survive the ordeal, especially after the encounter in the woods. Debra (Michelle Morgan) is the feisty strong willed female that is a wonderful counterpoint to the typically weak females of zombie films, Romero\'s in particular. She is not the run around screaming until someone helps her type but the self appointed leader of the bunch who we know survives because it is her narrating the film within the film. Morgan is outstanding in the film, and in general the cast is top notch, full of unknowns who have a wonderful ability to emote almost on cue. A project of this kind can easily be lost with a weak cast, and Romero certainly gets the most out of this group. I was surprised particularly with Morgan because I haven\'t seen her in anything before yet she comes off as so familiar and endearing, although like Jason she too can get a little preachy. The film might not be a masterpiece in the traditional sense but its the best damn zombie movie I\'ve seen in a very long time, and I\'ve seen a lot of them.','cd8843a2d741f9f049b34f1faa0c861d',0,'','QkaoUNms',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14235,2346,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1203446520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Things We Lost in the Fire (2007) (Susanne Bier)','Review: \r\n\r\nDanish director Susanne Bier continues to bring the same middlebrow sensibilities to middle-class anxieties in \"Things We Lost in the Fire\", her first English-language film. Bier sets off on similar tracts by anchoring her story around a sturdy leading man, courtesy of a reliably intense performance by Benecio Del Toro. Following the terrifically compassionate \"After the Wedding\", this minor Bier effort that begins with the disintegration of a family unit can reasonably be called \"After the Funeral\", where loss and unity implausibly labour around each other to deny its characters closure. \r\n\r\nWhere Dogme kin Lars von Trier found equal measures of flaw and emotional entropy in both sexes, grounded in an arduously earthly world, Bier\'s vocation is ambiguous hope in an operatic dreamworld. Bier\'s preoccupation with putting her hyper-idealised men on pedestals while maintaining her women as needy wrecks is no less tempered here. The dead husband, Brian (David Duchovny) dies a valiant protector, has an immensely successful professional life, patiently loves his wife while being a dutiful father, and tops it off by being \"loyal to a fault\" to his drug-addled best friend, Jerry (Del Toro). \r\n\r\nReality of loss threatens to seep into Audrey\'s (Halle Berry) life when she has to pick up the pieces, comfort her two children, and fix up the damaged garage on her lonesome. She finds a remnant of his life by seeking out a relative acquaintance in Jerry to conceivably do what Brian would have wanted. Trading shelter for a man around the house, Audrey secretly aches for a non-romantic stand-in that results in the pair\'s wordless pas de deux around Brian\'s irreproachable spectre. The film allows us to intuit a level of antagonism between the two that sustains and validates the relationship. \r\n\r\nBier strives for an unconventional romantic tension. It\'s an attraction that isn\'t fueled by chemistry, but the need for two damaged beings to find solace in one another. Jerry reconfigures and sees himself as the family\'s new protector, taking over from what his best friend leaves behind - something he never thought he would have. Audrey sees Jerry\'s as the closest thing to Brian, that to wean Jerry of his addiction would be to keep some part of her husband alive. \r\n\r\nWriter Allan Loeb\'s dissonant screenplay is shuffled like a pack of cards. The jerky temporal loop that elucidates Brian\'s death, his charity to Jerry and the aftermath come together to provide parallels and his actions\' cause-and-effects in the two leads. The director\'s sharp use of close-ups for offhand actions - a hand caressing a earlobe, weary eyes connecting - capably compliments the detail-attentiveness and immediacy of Bier\'s hand-held shots and brings us closer to the emotional state of her characters by incising and delving into the frame. \r\n\r\nAs coolly as Bier\'s camera soars, her limitations of failing to venture out of her comparative comfort zone rarely capture the true impact of loss in a woman. Longing for a life lost is Audrey\'s constant badge and turns into Bier\'s cheap shot at drawing out the waterworks in her polished vision of the world. John Carroll Lynch is a welcome tragicomic distraction from its sudsy machinations as a henpecked financier neighbour, who\'s lonely in a gregarious rather than a withdrawn way, and strikes up a friendship with the newly domesticated addict. \r\n\r\nUnconventionally, Bier makes it clear that any sort of romance between the two leads will be invariably strained considering the perfect marriage Audrey once enjoyed, and by accepting Jerry\'s analogy to Audrey on chasing the elusive high that came with his first jolts of heroin: \"You chase that initial feeling when you can never get it back.\"','26484779a80c7f83864e3fd3ee3fa8e7',0,'','kftv4CJ3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14236,2347,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1204628400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad (2007) (Japan)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Joji Matsuoka \r\nCast: Joe Odagiri, Kirin Kiki, Yayako Uchida, Takako Matsu, Kaoru Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Hirayama, Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, Tamae Ando, Akira Emoto, Junko Emoto \r\n\r\nThis film garnered the Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and numerous awards in the recent Japan Academy Awards. \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/topic/385 \r\n\r\nThe trailer \r\nclick \r\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2nTyk4mpiw \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nBased on the best selling auto-biographical novel by Lili Franky, it tells the story of a man and his dying mother ... She took care of him and stood by him when he was young. Now that she is dying, it is time for him to take care of her ... \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n- It is one of those films where nothing much will grip you DURING the film (because it is plain like daily lives), yet something may simply linger on after the film is over. I was initially anticipating for something drastic/dramatic/daring/defying/etc to occur ... but nope, nothing. \r\n\r\nIn the earlier days, you can tell the mum was a good mum (not a perfect mum). But there is no over the top incident or heroic deeds. It is a story that many mum can relate to, the quiet support for a son\'s future. The father drank a lot, and that was the reason why the mum abandoned him. But he was not too bad a dad. There was no horrible abuse, or whatever, so there was no true villain. And throughout the years, the son actually had occasional moments with the dad ... and if you observed properly, the son took after the dad in some ways ... genetically and behaviorally ... \r\n\r\nThe older days, again it could have turned into a melodrama with the dying mum etc ... but it did not. There were scenes of excruciating pain, but it was not over the top. There was a nice scene of the mum and the son crossing the road ... nothing much happened, but it was a nice scene ... effective ... \r\n\r\nIn sum, I thought it stole the Japanese hearts thru various means ... a true story (semi autobiographical) ... the book was a bestseller ... many women can relate to (abt themselves as wives/mums, about their husbands, abt their kid, etc) ... there was no over the top drama ... the song was great too ... while simple and plain, it is a story that narrates life and death as it is ... it celebrates relationship ... it is full of subtleties ... \r\n\r\nI am not sure whether it will be commercially successful overseas, but I guess there are some who will like it and some who will dismiss it as not being eventful ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nThinking about it, I can perfectly understand why the Japanese like it. \r\nAs for audiences around the world, I can only say this ... If you are looking for a realistic/reflective film about the relationship between parent(s) and kid (esp. as an adult), or about life and death, this is the film for you. There are no over dramatic events nor moments, there are no surprising plot twist, there are no true \"villains\", there are no incredible \"heroes\", they are all \"human\" ... Everything is simply life as it is ... This film wins by being real, and not going overboard in its portrayal of anything and everything ... \r\n\r\nPS: Worth taking a bet by watching it, you may be in deep love with the film or you may dismiss it, wondering what captivates the Japanese critics and audience ...','b9c7c887425b9f222dc23d8ca8535b75',0,'','xmvAcutW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14237,2347,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1204711260,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad (2007) (Japan)','\r\n\r\nAccording to various websites, the film\'s DVD editions from Taiwan and HK are English subtitled, the ones from Korea and Japan aren\'t.','8258b31ff4b95460019dfd2af340d7cb',0,'','xgi9nUud',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14238,2347,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1204718760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad (2007) (Japan)','I am really interested to know whether the rest of you like it ... \r\nAmericans, Europeans, Asians, etc ...','741ed6f9d731a2454efc8d2efdc0df34',0,'','h8msQLoF',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14239,2348,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1204782180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Sky Of Love (Japan) (2007)','\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Natsuki Imai \r\nCast:Yui Aragaki, Haruma Miura\r\n\r\nWell, the caption on the poster caught my attention \"Based on a cell phone novel that moved 11 million to tears\". Knowing that the film is a box office hit in Japan, how can I not watch it? \r\n\r\nMy thoughts \r\n\r\n- Well, I couldnt possibly say everything I want without going into some MAJOR SPOILERS ... so feel free to skip the entire section if you are not keen on spoilers ... \r\n\r\nLike a typical Japanese film/story about teenagers in love, you kind of predicted what will happen ... the girl and the guy crossed path, but the girl did not exactly like him initially, and the guy persevered and managed to steal her heart ... just when you thought everything would go smooth sailing, something horrible would happen ... and at the end, you kind of guessed what would happen ... yup, like most recent Japanese and Korean drama, someone would die ... and die of what?! what else but a terminal illness ... sigh ... \r\n\r\nBut hey, PAUSE for a while before you start dismissing the film as not worthy of a watch ... although the story might be a bit cliche, it does boast of a few merits ... there are a few scenes that would still touch you ... there are a few scenes that would still make you smile ... and if you were to watch with your lady partner, they would be touched ... \r\n\r\nNow back to the plot ... typical of me, I like to know how others felt about the film (I would not surf the net prior to watching becos most reviews give the story away and spoil my fun) ... after watching the film, I start surfing the net to read more about it ... guess what, I become more forgiving of this plot \"cliche\" ... why?! it seems to be based on a real story ... and it seems like the story was a dedication by the author to her love who really did die ... sob sob ... i become more forgiving of this plot cliche, after all, it is based on a cell phone novel which is based on the author\'s real story ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nI wasnt bored. Can watch, esp. with a female partner ...','01d6ebc25678d207bc9b14a8739e3017',0,'','f5hjdciA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14240,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205124300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Li Yang \r\nCast: Huang Lu \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nA girl from the big city thought she was offered a prospective job in a rural area. Upon waking up, she realized that she had been sold as a bride ... What did the future lie for her? Would she be able to escape? \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\nFor this film, it might be better for me to first articulate my \"concerns/reservations\" etc (or what could be better) before articulating what i liked ... yup, the film is worth crediting too ... \r\n\r\n-- The topic is important. There are many girls who are victims. But it is important (albeit difficult) to separate the technical qualities of the film from its message. In a way, there are few surprises because some other films about human trafficking preceded this, except that the girls are mainly being prostituted rather than sold as brides (e.g., Lilya 4 ever; Justine, etc). So, the shock value might have decreased, and all that remained might be how well the director kept the tension, or crafted the characterization. \r\n\r\n-- However, UNLIKE prior films, this film did have a few creditable differences ... \r\n(i) The director did NOT opt for excessive violence and gore, but instead depicted how these brides were allowed to live and roam around, but never truly escaped ... every time the girl tried to escape, the audience were made to wonder whether she would succeed. \r\n(ii) The director also tried to evoke some empathy (for the \"abducting\" family) by depicting their \"plain/simple\" desire to have a daughter-in-law so as to have a grandson. In a way, they have also been cheated (by the middleman) and have paid a huge some of money for the bride ... \r\n\r\n(iii) The ending was realistic/good (i.e., thought provoking), and \"human enough\" (i.e., it depicted how different women would behave, weighing what mattered to them differently) ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nRecommended mainly for its importance (theme/message) rather than its plot ... The film also came across as very realistic and credible.','c9f365d0e0ed5286d7bead70b2702cc9',0,'','ZBd18xv4',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14241,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205205660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','Lilya 4-Ever is rightfully considered as one of the most important and emotionally devastating films of this decade. I\'d be surprised if Blind Mountain is quite as accomplished, but I\'m looking forward to it.','10599e17783d708149a79cce482c5ad5',0,'','pA8rglic',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14242,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205219820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','Btw, how did you watch it? DVD?','15b23a4bec0fa48dd641b679e0901f11',0,'','syuBdKJE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14243,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205295960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','It is not better than Lilya 4-Ever. \r\nAlso, it does not warrant that two or three levels of analysis. \r\n\r\nyup, small screen. \r\nthat is why i wouldnt comment on the cinematography etc ...','1fdd46a47bb0905b28bd49f1766be75e',0,'','b4jWQNiU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14244,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205296140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','Also, it does not warrant that two or three levels of analysis. \r\n\r\nI\'m tough, but fair.','c0ff1b1d2fb33621fa92b9f96d11721c',0,'','A95JUG81',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14245,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205840640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','any thoughts? \r\n\r\nby the way, his next film is also \"Blind Something\" (Mang Liu), \r\nif I see the chinese character, I can translate what is that sth ... \r\n\r\n* synopsis is rather full of spoilers * \r\nclick \r\nhttp://www.haf.org.hk/haf/pdf/project08/se13.pdf','f9f3c0344ee3f933e906a23285be0fc1',0,'','tuWlsdzV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14246,2349,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206435180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Blind Mountain (Mang Shan) (2007) (China)','\r\n\r\n\"Blind Something\" (Mang Liu)\r\n\r\nBased on the Chinese character, it may be translated to Blind Flow \r\nbut it is anybody\'s guess till the official English title appears\r\n\r\nAccording to this Chinese website \r\nclick\r\nhttp://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2008-03-25/11291960163.shtml \r\n\r\n-- this may be his LAST \"blind\" trilogy ... he claims that the first Blind Shaft is abt man, Blind Mountain is abt woman, and the next will be abt kids ... \r\n\r\n-- he hopes to do a commercial film after this trilogy ...','2b3246400e52ef9dc448c8aead8a6bd6',0,'','nTfKoDb0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14247,2350,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205304900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Love of Siam (2007) (Thailand)','\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Chukiat Sakveerakul \r\nCast: Witwisit Hiranyawongkul, Mario Maurer \r\n\r\nThe film garnered Best Film, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress in Thailand National Film Association Awards 2008 \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nThe film traces the lives of two kids, Mew and Tong, who used to be neighbours and close childhood friends. When they meet again as teenagers, how will their lives cross and change? \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n- It is a film that will linger on after the credits start rolling ... \r\n* clap * ... \r\n\r\n- However, let me set the expectations right before one plunges into the film or start dissecting it into its parts. I humbly think the film is \"great\" as a whole, and its sum is indeed greater than its parts. In other words, if one were to wrongly tease apart all the subplot or artificially coerce it into a specific genre, one may fail to see why the film boasts of so much accolades or one may be able to cite many other films better in that specific genre. If one construes it merely as a teenage flick, one may be upset over its digression; If one desires a complex drama, one may be perturbed by its juvenile romance; If one dismisses it simply as a gay film, so much is lost; etc ... But if you insist, I humbly think it can be \"categorized\" as a \"coming of age\" film ... \r\n\r\n- Overall, it is a story about love. But this word is used in its broadest sense. The film relates many kind of love ... among family members, between spouse, between siblings, between friends ... between old and young, between girls and guys, between guys and guys ... On deeper thoughts, one can gather that the film is also about lost and found ... about hope and despair ... about living and dying ... about the past but also about the future ... To some extent, the film is also about faith and religion ... and about music, words, communication ... one can ask what is conveyed explicitly and what is not spoken but still communicated ... one can wonder why some people do certain things even if it does not seem radical or rational ... More importantly, there are numerous subtleties in the film that I thought are rather good ... Overall, I think the film describes human beings very well (from the protagonists to most of the supporting roles) ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nRecommended. But in case you leave the film wondering why all the accolades, isn\'t it just another \"familiar\" film?! I iterate again -- that the sum is better than its part! The film should be appreciated by how well it pieced together the separate pieces (which are not exactly new) and how well it portrayed people. Overall, it is a well told story ... \r\n\r\nPS: I suspect it may represent Thailand in next year\'s Oscar ... but who knows?!','88b157e3e7fb19dc9a132d56a7bde800',0,'','HXv5dEcs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14248,2350,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205325480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: Love of Siam (2007) (Thailand)','Where\'d you see it?','fb8a5e0eaae834051dcbd3e0bc0d0462',0,'','NqE8vzXi',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14249,2350,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205399880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Love of Siam (2007) (Thailand)','Overseas, quite some time back. \r\n\r\nI know the DVD is available, but without English subtitles ... \r\nMy guess is ... it would probably be screened in Singapore in the near future ... \r\n\r\nWorried that some of you might have over high expectation of the film ... I would like to qualify that it is a simple but sweet film, or rather bittersweet film ... Although it does not blow your mind ... it lingers ...','d6d426cbd8051dd4668ae611ed266980',0,'','VZ9irY5k',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14250,2350,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205687100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Love of Siam (2007) (Thailand)','Thailand National Film Association Awards 2008 \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/topic/1922','693c9c8c49026b9b7c46deccd413ea76',0,'','W9t4qubQ',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14251,2350,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205821560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Love of Siam (2007) (Thailand)','congrats on another six wins ... at the Thailand Critic Awards 2008 \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/sreply/14615/t/Thailand-Subhanahongsa-Awards-2008-aka-Thailand-National-Fil.html \r\n\r\nBest Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay and Best Score','1b815b15a98135109eb3a3b7a2443472',0,'','1qK27TFN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14252,2350,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1224778080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Love of Siam (2007) (Thailand)','hengcs wrote: \r\n\r\nPS: I suspect it may represent Thailand in next year\'s Oscar ... but who knows?!\r\n\r\nHa ha ... I was correct','f0b40252e12c4e4fda54438ba7f4bf9a',0,'','4PJEbKlr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14253,2351,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205457600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Argentina x 2: XXY (2007) & Ana y los otros (2003)','.','5058f1af8388633f609cadb75a75dc9d',0,'','uzUiVQKr',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14254,2351,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205483640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Argentina x 2: XXY (2007) & Ana y los otros (2003)','\r\n\r\nXXY (Argentina-Spa-Fra / 2007) \r\n\r\n*A 2008 (U.S.) Release*\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn a recent article devoted to the copious virtues offered by the cinema of Lucrecia Martel, Argentine New Wave\'s most talented filmmaker, the inestimable American critic Kent Jones made an acute observation regarding the propensity in certain women directors to operate according to their own private rules, logic, timing, and sense of space. This, of course, applies to the work done by the best of them -- Martel, Claire Denis, Chantal Akerman, etc. But beyond that, over the years the unique textures of feminine sensibilities have enlivened many a hackneyed narrative. While one (thankfully) doesn\'t need to hurl such praise in the direction of the Buenos Aires-born thirtysomething Lucía Puenzo, who makes her feature directorial debut with XXY, her sensitive treatment of a difficult and, possibly, contentious subject matter could be linked back to female subjectivity.\r\n\r\nBased on Sergio Bizzio\'s short story called Cinismo, the film concerns the sexual awakening of a 15-year-old born with genital ambiguity. Well played by Inés Efron, who was recently seen in Alexis Dos Santos\' Glue (2006), the ostensibly female Alex has reached the age when gender is normally determined by corrective surgery. Eventually much to the chagrin of her supportive marine biologist father (an excellent Ricardo Darín), her mother (Valeria Bertuccelli) makes the initiative by inviting a cosmetic surgeon and his family to the isolated seaside village in Uruguay, where the trio have resided since moving from Buenos Aires. Upon their arrival, an increasingly irritable and emotionally volatile Alex, who feels as if she\'s about to be violated, ends up forming a bond of sorts with the surgeon\'s 16-year-old son Alvaro (Martín Piroyansky), someone who\'s struggling with his own identity issues.\r\n\r\nLargely related in hushed tones, this melancholic effort is neither sensationalistic nor sentimental. And that\'s partly because, despite the film\'s acknowledgement of the fact that the ordeal faced by its protagonist is quite unique, it remains attuned to the dilemmas of other characters, especially Alvaro\'s. Puenzo\'s discerning eye towards the unwittingly fragile emotional and psychological bonds shared by parents and children evidences a level of maturity not usually seen in initial efforts. (Puenzo, who\'s the daughter of Luis, director of the popular Academy Award-winning movie The Official Story [1985], has written three novels and has a number of other credits to her name, including a screenplay for her father\'s latest, La puta y la ballena [2004].) Working with DP Natasha Braier (In the City of Sylvia [2007]), she makes good use of the natural light and the surrounding landscape, though her visual metaphors are too precious at times. Not as remarkable as the debut features from many of Puenzo\'s New Wave counterparts -- La ciénaga (2001) by Martel, Crane World (1999) by Pablo Trapero, La libertad (2001) by Lisandro Alonso, etc. -- but it\'s an assured and auspicious one nonetheless. \r\n\r\nGrade: B \r\n[C+ = Average / B- = Above Average / B = Good ]','b459506470c45e982b040b67e2480fe7',0,'','FjRAh7Nq',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14255,2351,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205657880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Argentina x 2: XXY (2007) & Ana y los otros (2003)','*XXY premiered at Cannes \'07 (Critics\' Weeks), and won the sidebar competition\'s Grand Prize. It has since collected a host of other awards on the festival circuit. The film had its N. American premire at the Toronto Film Festival, which has gradually become the region\'s mecca for important Latin American films. \r\n\r\n*U.S. distributor: Film Movement (May, \'08)','c9bf401d83e8bb53b76bf0696531c2f7',0,'','2fmqRiya',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14256,2351,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208081580,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Argentina x 2: XXY (2007) & Ana y los otros (2003)','[OP - 2005] \r\n\r\nANA Y LOS OTROS (ARGENTINA / 2003) \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe jewels of the Argentine New Wave have finally started to spill over onto our shores, if not in theaters then at least on home video. After the recent DVD releases of the masterpieces from Lucrecia Martel and Pablo Trapero (La ciénaga [2001] and Crane World [1999], respectively), not to mention of the formidable debut of Diego Lerman (Suddenly [2002]), it\'s now the turn of yet another young Argentinian -- Celina Murga, who made her much heralded debut with Ana y los otros (\"Ana and the Others\"). The film is a Rohmer-esque tale involving a young woman\'s journey back to her hometown, and it\'s the sort of effort in which, as Film Comment\'s editor Kent Jones stated, \"the big picture is inferred from the little details.\" \r\n\r\nThe titular Ana (Camila Toker, who was also featured in Murga\'s earlier short) is a twentysomething from Buenos Aires who returns to her northeastern coastal city of Paraná in order to sell the family home. But her goal also involves meeting with old friends, especially a former boyfriend who might still be living there. As we observe her casually strolling the streets, it doesn\'t take her long to come across familiar faces. She eventually meets up with her good pal (Natacha Massera) who\'s now married. Most of the life-like conversations in the film involve friends trying to scope-out each other; one advises her to settle down, but we get the sense that Ana cherishes her independence, something that unwittingly makes her that much more desirable. A former admirer certainly thinks so, but it doesn\'t take long for Ana to dispatch him in order to continue searching for the boyfriend. \r\n\r\nA darling on the festival circuit, Ana y los otros is an acutely observed, wonderfully written and acted film which explores the psyche of its protagonist in a very low-key manner; like much of Rohmer\'s work, this film truly feels as light as a soufflé. And Murga, a twentysomething herself at the time she shot this film, is confident and talented enough to generate interest from her camera lingering on Ana\'s most mundane activities. There\'s some wry humor but it doesnt seem forced in any way. Murga seems a bit unsure about how to wrap things up, and there\'s a hint of preciousness late when Ana meets a young boy, but all in all, Ana, Paraná and the film are as sunny as it gets.','303430ee7af6fed0b83bb2d4f4d60489',0,'','7HscMPQD',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14257,2351,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208841240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Argentina x 2: XXY (2007) & Ana y los otros (2003)','*Ana y los otros premiered at the prestigious Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema in 2003, and won a \"Special Award.\" It went on to garner another at Venice later that year. \r\n\r\n*The film didn\'t receive theatrical distribution in the U.S. but was released on DVD by Venevision back in 2005. No extra features.','700baabb4bc90cde58c180f44ca60472',0,'','b04UmVhF',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14258,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205686500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Poj Arnon \r\nCast: Rattanaballang Tohssawat, Chaiwat Thongsaeng \r\n\r\nThe film garnered Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Screenplay in Thailand National Film Association Awards 2008 \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/topic/1922 \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nA killer was on his last mission to kill a policeman. However, he had a change of heart, and the destiny of these two guys changed too. \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n-- Two things really impressed me in this film \r\n... the cinematography ... a few scenes were postcard like, painting like, picturesque, ... \r\n... the soundtrack ... one of the most haunting music i have heard ... it wrenches your heart at the right scenes ... \r\n\r\n-- Now the screenplay ... i have so many things to say ... IMHO, i would prefer it to end at the train station, when fog was waiting for cloud ... but the film went on for quite some time after that ... while i do prefer it to end earlier, i have no qualms over these remaining scenes ... why?! although one may \"fault\" it for having too much melodrama as well as twists and turns near the end, i have to admit humbly -- by the end of the film, it does wrench one\'s heart ... the film is very depressing ... \r\n\r\nif one is willing to overlook the melodrama in this film (and actually in numerous asian films or tv series), the film actually has important messages and interesting parallels ... i shall leave it for you to figure it out ... \r\n\r\nPS: I like the names in the film ... cloud, fog, stone and sand ... hee hee ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nIt is not as bad as some local media rated it (i.e., with one star out of five). In my very humble opinion, apart from some excessive melodrama, it is quite worth watching, a very depressing film indeed. After all, it did garner the best screenplay not without reasons. Have those critics who are too harsh on it ever wonder why it did win the best screenplay award?! There are important messages and interesting parallels ... \r\n\r\nI will recommend it mainly for two reasons -- the cinematography and the VERY haunting music indeed ...','d6f93086715d168b6c5237a00fef5bc9',0,'','VcaTN5dD',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14259,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205726280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','I wouldn\'t get too caught up with all these awards and nominations that certain films have a tendency to accumulate. Why? Because in most cases, even at festivals, they aren\'t presented by those who\'re familiar with this art form the most.','fb53f2607f27ef9c551c890982451897',0,'','1lEJcTFq',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14260,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205730720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','(1) the awards \r\n... since the Subhanahongsa Award (presented by the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand) is the most recognized in Thailand, i was just trying to give it its due recognition. for many who are not from thailand, at least it drops some hint to what the thais feel about their movies for that year ... \r\n\r\nPS: a surf of the net would confirm the fact that ... \r\n... most agree that its cinematography was great \r\n... quite a number also mention its music \r\n... as for the plot, i think only the local media was too harsh on it (even though i respect that all are entitled to their own views). \r\n\r\nMy point of the award is: given that it is the most recognized in thailand, and there is tough competition from Love of Siam (which rightfully deserves the Best Film and Best Director award) etc, maybe it is worth pondering over why the screenplay won over the other films ... is it something that we as outsiders (culturally, religiously, etc) fail to appreciate?! \r\n\r\n(ii) the melodrama \r\n... well, when you read OTHER reviews, they heavily pen it over a few points, which i can try to help the director/scriptwriter justify ... \r\ne.g. \r\n(a) many mention the melodrama ... well, you have to accept some cultural differences here ... if one were to recall The Overture (click http://foreignfilms.yuku.com/reply/3223#reply-3223 ), I did recall mentioning the thunderstorm, and the \"love at first sight scenes\", so it is not a hindsight wisdom or bias; likewise, for The Tin Mine (click http://foreignfilms.yuku.com/search/topic/topic/1898 ), there is also some melodrama scenes ... so, let\'s be kinder becos that is part of their style ... \r\n\r\n(b) many mention about the twists and turns ... although at times, i do agree that it may be \"too eventful\", one has to realize 2 things: (1) time is compressed, the last few scenes are time in fast forwards, so only essential plots are depicted, hence it comes across as FULL OF EVENTS (2) last time, i have a friend who doesnt exactly like Hongkong TVB series, claiming that how can so many things happen to one person. my answer is: it can happen and it does happen, the only thing is: whether you know who these people are ... there are many people in this world with shocking and traumatic things happening to them, but just becos you do not know who they are, it does not mean it cannot ALL happen to a person ... \r\n\r\n(c) finally, the scantily clad scenes ... well, regardless of the director\'s actual intention, we may like to ask, are people scantily clad at home (or in the place they stay)?! but of course, even in singapore, some people do that ... when we visit some of our friends, the males in their family may be rather scantily clad ... \r\n\r\nIn sum, my point in writing the review is this: \r\n-- while i do respect differing views (even great films can be polarizing), i thought 1 star out of 5 is simply too harsh, and the points they mention can be \"justified\" to some extent ... \r\n-- i want to credit the film for what it deserves ... at least for its cinematography and its music ... NO JOKE ... the cinematography and music is great on a BIG SCREEN, enclosed theatre ...','7fe161b44b9fba530ea1a1000f1fb33b',0,'','p37ZfNl0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14261,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205741940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','hengcs wrote: (1) the awards \r\nMy point of the award is: given that it is the most recognized in thailand, and there is tough competition from Love of Siam (which rightfully deserves the Best Film and Best Director award) etc, \r\n\r\n\r\nWas Apichatpong Weerasethakul\'s Syndromes and a Century nominated for any of the local awards?! After battling the authorities for nearly a year, Apichatpong has finally accepted to \"black out\" a few scenes in his innocuous little film, just so it could be shown in his native country. So you see, hengcs, outsiders often present a better perspective on things.','7d87d24244795af6765a7f0497cc802f',0,'','90fQJhSj',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14262,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205742300,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','\r\n\r\ni know what you mean, but let me articulate a few rather different scenarios/examples ... \r\ne.g. \r\n\r\n(1) a swedish friend once told me (not sure how true it is) -- that the rest of the world likes Ingmar Bergman\'s works much more than many of the swedish themselves. maybe sometimes the world has a diff taste from the locals?! ... whose taste is \"correct\"?! just like food, i dont think there is a right and wrong, but the recognition that tastes do differ ... \r\n\r\n(2) a lot of critics love Tsai Ming Liang\'s work, but you cannot deny that among the chinese population (i.e., from china, taiwan, hongkong, singapore, etc), only a substantial number like his works, i often called it an acquired taste ... it is too cryptic at times for commercial success ... \r\n\r\n(3) now back to Syndromes and a Century ... very humbly, i think it deserves a technical nomination at least for its style ... now i recall the controversy, it has to do with the depiction of monks, religion, etc ... \r\n\r\nas for it being the \"best film\", it dep on the yardstick we are using ... frankly, i wonder if the average thais (as in the normal citizens, NOT necessary people from the film association) do like these artsy fartsy films (that boast of more style than \"plot\") ... i want to discuss more about his works ... so click ... http://foreignfilms.yuku.com/topic/1336','eb72018c0c5abad7da6f85b3da88756b',0,'','GSgbL9xH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14263,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205809320,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','\"(3) now back to Syndromes and a Century ... very humbly, i think it deserves a technical nomination at least for its style ... now i recall the controversy, it has to do with the depiction of monks, religion, etc ... \" \r\n\r\nApichatpong and his producers tried to argue that violent and disrespectful films are approved every week for mass consumption. The committee claimed that the film depicted Thai society in a bad light and has no artistic merit (which is laughable to say the least). Incidentally, the scene in which a monk plays a guitar was deemed to be okay. The kissing scene between the doctor and his girlfriend wasn\'t, and neither was the one in which a group of medical professionals share some whiskey. It goes deeper, I think. Apichatpong\'s sexual orientation has been an issue for a while now, and it seems to me that attempts are made to humiliate him at every turn.','3f28a5a4137612172ed26564ba05144f',0,'','hxXs9LmG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14264,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205820360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','arsaib4 wrote: It goes deeper, I think. Apichatpong\'s sexual orientation has been an issue for a while now, and it seems to me that attempts are made to humiliate him at every turn. \r\n\r\nI am not sure what happens. \r\n\r\nBut very humbly, I think the Thais are pretty open to different sexual orientation.Even for the film awards, 2 of the films that got a lot of nominations did win and they were loosely classified as gay films even though they dealt with bigger issues ... \r\nclick \r\nhttp://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/02/entertainment/entertainment_30064182.php \r\n\r\n(i) Love Of Siam - 13 nominations, finally 3 wins (Best Picture, Director, Sup Actress) \r\n(ii) Bangkok Love Story - 8 nominations, finally 3 wins (Best Cinematography, Sound, Screenplay) \r\n\r\nSo, I am not sure what exactly happens btw the director and the authority.','79f61139b393906cba8e73a74453d739',0,'','mbwGVXaK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14265,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205821920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','Yes, my comment specifically referred to him and his situation. I\'m not interested in the sort of films that won the awards.','09cbbb26cb83f5a76f762d9cfb4b58d5',0,'','yT5tY7vG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14266,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205822280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','arsaib4 wrote: Yes, my comment specifically referred to him and his situation. I\'m not interested in the sort of films that won the awards. \r\n\r\nguess we need some insider\'s news or some published info ...','288036edd0fb42c36891ddc7036024b9',0,'','CrMkWGao',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14267,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205827800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','\r\n\r\nsince arsaib4 brought up the issue of censorship for Syndromes and A Century ... \r\n\r\nhere is some info i found on the web ... \r\nclick \r\nApichatpong gives up, film cut further-Wise Kwai','e8e42071ee53df549319ca819a76b830',0,'','DgHo4q6k',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14268,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205828400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','hi arsaib4 \r\n\r\nshould we delete post #5 to #9? becos i have already cut and paste it to the other forum ... \r\nnot sure if there is a better way to cross post ... \r\nfeel free to do so if there is a better way ...','3308b93b251fae8e25b8e6b67d5c01df',0,'','PkF8wxqc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14269,2352,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205830860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Bangkok Love Story (2007) (Thailand)','hi, \r\n\r\nThat\'s okay. I think can have them in both of the threads.','69d80e9a8d444a7b1995496de6252423',0,'','Sd5wGVjC',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14270,2353,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205686980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Thailand Subhanahongsa Awards 2008 (aka Thailand National Film Association Awards)','\r\n\r\nBest Picture \r\n\"The Love of Siam\" (Sahamongkol Film International) \r\n\r\nBest Director \r\nChukiat Sakweerakul for \"The Love of Siam\" \r\n\r\nBest Actor \r\nAkara Amarttayakul for \"Muay Thai Chaiya\" \r\n\r\nBest Actress \r\nMarsha Wattanapanich for \"Alone\" \r\n\r\nBest Supporting Actor \r\nSonthaya Chitmanee for \"Muay Thai Chaiya\" \r\n\r\nBest Supporting Actress \r\nChermarn Boonyasak for \"The Love of Siam\" \r\n\r\nBest Screenplay \r\nPoj Arnon for \"Bangkok Love Story\" \r\n\r\nBest Cinematography \r\nTiwa Moeithaisong for \"Bangkok Love Story\" \r\n\r\nBest Film Editing \r\nSonit Atwinigon for \"Muay Thai Chaiya\" \r\n\r\nBest Sound \r\nWachai Rawongsarut for \"Bangkok Love Story\" \r\n\r\nBest Original Song \r\n\"Parinippan\" from \"The Life of Buddha\" \r\n\r\nBest Original Score \r\nGaywan Golawanotai for \"The Life of Buddha\" \r\n\r\nBest Art Direction \r\nTana Maykaampoot and Natniti Sotganwijit for \"Muay Thai Chaiya\" \r\n\r\nBest Costume Design \r\nCharaa Wanaalai for \"Kung Fu Tootsie\" \r\n\r\nBest Make Up \r\nMarit Choakbecha for \"Muay Thai Chaiya\" \r\n\r\nBest Visual Effects \r\nJulien Vanhoenacker and Joaquim Montserrat for \"Body #19\"','f9b89c77e6ab7af1152836959708d2ab',0,'','agovwzDE',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14271,2353,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205821080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Thailand Subhanahongsa Awards 2008 (aka Thailand National Film Association Awards)','To have a fairer picture, the following award was given out this month ... \r\n\r\nThailand Critic Awards 2008 \r\n\r\nBest Picture - The Love of Siam \r\nBest Director - The Love of Siam \r\n\r\nBest Actor - Akara Amarttayakul (Muay Thai Chaiya) \r\nBest Actress - Sinjai Hongthai (The Love of Siam) \r\nBest Supporting Actor - Sonthaya Chitmanee (Muay Thai Chaiya) \r\nBest Supporting Actress - Chermal Boonyasak (The Love of Siam) \r\n\r\nBest Screenplay - The Love of Siam \r\nBest Score - (tie) The Love of Siam and Muay Thai Chaiya \r\nBest Cinematography - Ploy \r\nBest Editing - 365 Wan Tam Tid Cheewit Dek Ent (Final Score) \r\n\r\nLifetime Achievement Award - Adul Dulyarat. He starred in the 2004 musical historical drama, The Overture. \r\n\r\nHBO Award for the highest-grossing film last year went to The Legend of King Naresuan: Pegu\'s Hostage, the first in the epic historical drama trilogy by M.C. Chatrichalerm Yukol.','7eb5a4044c04371332b881d6302e0706',0,'','1gjcKPAz',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14272,2354,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205691000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007) (Spain)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Juan Antonio Bayona \r\nCast: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Geraldine Chaplin, Montserrat Carulla, Mabel Rivera, Andrés Gertrúdix\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n-- Lazy to type ... so some random thoughts ... \r\n\r\n(i) Plot/Pace/Events related ... \r\n... some scary scenes indeed ... \r\n... thought the ending was so so ... sigh ... \r\n... thought the story could have dwelt with the past much better ... \r\n... there was an interesting parallel ... the story told of two mothers who loved their children ... \r\n\r\n(ii) Acting \r\n... the female protagonist carried her role well ... \r\n... the old lady was scary ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nRecommended, but only as a mainstream movie. \r\n\r\nPS: unfortunately, it did not have the analytical depth that I found in Pan\'s Labyrinth ... ;(','a139a9fb798eda20631a986c8e7e118a',0,'','W6EflBbc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14273,2354,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205723760,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007) (Spain)','Your review confirms what I already wrote: A good film but there\'s not much to write about. If somebody would\'ve asked me for a review, it would\'ve been very short, I guess. The interesting and recommandable German Film Magazine \"Splatting Image\" wrote: \"It\'s fascinating that the viewer never has the feeling of watching only a chain of stolen ideas\". Very compending, imo. The best way to describe what makes the film worthwhile. \r\n\r\nBtw, I thought the ending was great.','5135ef9924a65dd426cf7051bb862d91',0,'','yUpXJErs',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14274,2354,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205732340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007) (Spain)','R6dw6C wrote: Btw, I thought the ending was great. \r\n\r\nIt was a touching ending ... but i thought it was an \"easy\" way to end ... it would be difficult to spring a surprise on the audience (which was what i thought could make the film much better) The following is quoted from THE LAST MOVIE WATCHED thread \r\nR6dw6C wrote: I watched \" El Orfanato / The Orphanage \" tonight in the cinema (dubbed) and couldn\'t really figure out what all this fuss is about and why they (Spain) chose it as their Oscar submission - it\'s well done, it has its great and hypnotic moments but overall, it isn\'t outstanding in any way expect for the slow and non-striking pacing which is very unusual today in films like this (mystery / ghost tale), as well as the pleasant lack of ridiculous loud shock effects and clumsy gore. But the writer / director should\'ve cared for more than this and elegant photography, it needs a bit more creativity and substance (the film has substance but it feels forced sometimes) to get grandeur and that\'s what they obviously wanted to achieve. I had to think of Jack Clayton\'s \"The Innocents\" all the time, as well as of Dario Argento and William Castle - not a compliment for a remarkable, but overrated film. (7/10 - 19) \r\n\r\n\r\nI also wondered at their choice for Oscar submission. I could believe it was a box office hit, but somehow, i doubt the academy members would appreciate or applaud this kind of film ... \r\n\r\nin fact, when the film first began, i even wondered, would it be another The Sixth Sense?! ... but by the end, i thought it did not have the depth of The Sixth Sense ...','5bc63e1790c6a912a4e84d9f7744e869',0,'','r2ASMPQg',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14275,2354,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205740020,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007) (Spain)','Is this not primarily a Spanish film (a film from Spain, that is)?','911169249ab38edd720d82cd9874f2a1',0,'','M9VxuKP0',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14276,2354,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205741700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007) (Spain)','amended.','80ffc47cb7b3828f3ecdc86d5fa1ba0e',0,'','GcwNUdrT',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14277,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205741940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Chris Marker DVD\'s','Saw a news release about some potential new Marker titles on DVD and came across this \"store\" \r\n\r\nhttp://store.wexnercenterstore.com/chrismarkerstore1.html','8a76d503783cf1386cf343ef577dd9e6',0,'','El3hDemB',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14278,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205742780,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','Saw that a few days ago at MoC. I\'m interested in the two shorts that are packaged together, but not in the $24.98! (Though that\'s certainly preferable than renting the DVD for $100 from First Run/Icarus.)','108edb79edd1dfde18118f3d9c495794',0,'','x9T8JSsc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14279,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205749800,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','Odd Obsession has most if not all of the DVD\'s so $3 is a lot more reasonable.','262533dd6de8109a456aa27a16f21f38',0,'','wpGvsliy',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14280,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205807100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','Too bad the website hasn\'t made any progress over the last couple of years. And I\'ve become leery of DVD-Rs, which I\'m afraid is what the Wexner Center\'s site is selling.','65316c84ed9e3bf3261419bc487a023d',0,'','182wm6ug',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14281,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205855100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','If you know who you\'re buying from they\'re usually willing to send a fresh copy if there\'s a problem, such was the case with the first disc of Satantango amongst many others.','37ec382d6c35f45d21ac75249a9f2e3d',0,'','rwpYWaNA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14282,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1205858880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'A','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','Also read about these good news recently. Though the quality could be a problem, more Marker available is always a good thing. \r\nIf you check some of those out, I\'d nevertheless like to hear about the quality of the releases.','a8ab511646fbc8db9955e3cefd213f7d',0,'','aoXjAf3h',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14283,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207719120,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','One of the sets was just reviewed in The New York Times, so it\'s safe to say these are proper DVDs. That, combined with its affordablity, now makes The Case of the Grinning Cat eligible for my \'08 lists.','f2d13806b8bc3b031b8c16747d11432a',0,'','7v8JcQ31',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14284,2355,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207720860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Chris Marker DVD\'s','Still yet to see that, but hopefully will get around to it within a year.','8bbe7929fe3d7dcd50e0d221ce19d169',0,'','nCu9V1sk',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14285,2356,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206345900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','The Most Distant Course (Zui Yao Yuan De Ju Li) (2007) (Taiwan)','\r\n\r\nDirector : Lin Jing-Jie Lin \r\nStarring : Mo Tz-yi, Jia Siao-guo, Kwai Lunmei \r\n\r\nThe film garnered Critics\' Week Award in Venice Film Festival 2007 \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nThe story revolves around three people ... a man who had just lost his job and girlfriend and was going around Taiwan to record different sounds, unique sounds, etc, so as to realize what he and his ex-girlfriend had wanted to embark on, a project known as \"Formosa\" ... a girl who kept receiving postal mails addressed to the former resident of her new apartment, and soon she sought solace in these sounds and recordings ... a man who was a psychiatrist, and he liked role playing ... \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n-- It is definitely an art film, whereby the plot is less important than the experience itself ... As the audience is led through the life of these three people, you get to know more about them, learn about them, and feel for them ... \r\n\r\n-- The sounds are what made the film slightly more interesting ... Somewhere in the film, it asks, can one really identify a place, or whatever simply based on its sounds?! hmmm ... food for thought ... \r\n\r\n-- I think all the three casts carry their roles well ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nI cannot say all will like this film. However, you may appreciate a slightly different kind of film, at least one that focuses on collecting sounds ... Not a lot, but quite a number ... I thought it was a pity that they deleted the \"chants\" recording of a temple which they have collected (found in \"deleted scenes\") ... But I guess the director has his own reasons ... \r\n\r\nPS: \r\n\r\nFrom the Director: \r\n\r\nWhen I wrote this screenplay in 2002, it was initially for one of my best friends, Chen Ming Tsai; to showcase his enormous talent. At the time I thought he was one of the top performers in Taiwan, and that it was a shame that he had never been given a chance to show his true worth. Therefore I decided to make a film specially written with him in mind. \r\n\r\nIn August 2003, just before pre-production started, he went for a walk on his own to Du-lan Bay in Taidong on the east coast of Taiwan, and ended his life.\r\n\r\nIn August 2006, I decided to finish this film no matter what, in order to realize a promise made to my good friend, to display the strength of will of a film creator and to break free from the depression then present in the Taiwanese film industry with a group of sincere and passionate filmmakers.\r\n\r\nThis film is about the predicament of being human, and the pursuit of meaning regardless of the price. I believe that this is indeed the most distant course which, nonetheless, will reach the deepest place of everyone\'s heart, through which one can reflect on and see the real self.','633ff6c39798f7dcec87dd405827d745',0,'','tprFTzCD',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14286,2356,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206348240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: The Most Distant Course (Zui Yao Yuan De Ju Li) (2007) (Taiwan)','The poem (in Chinese) \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ?????? \r\n?? ?????? ??????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ?????? ??????? \r\n?? ???? ??????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ???? ??????? \r\n?? ?????? ??????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ?????? ??????? \r\n?? ???? ??????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ???? ??????? \r\n?? ??????? ??????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ?????? \r\n?? ??????? ???????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ?????? \r\n?? ??????? ???????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ??????? \r\n?? ?????? ????????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n?? ??????? \r\n?? ???? ??????? \r\n\r\n????????? \r\n???????? \r\n???? ???????','4bbc1f4cba14d5987ad5d6afcd3cae16',0,'','KsVSxpQW',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14287,2356,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206348960,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: The Most Distant Course (Zui Yao Yuan De Ju Li) (2007) (Taiwan)','\r\n\r\nThe poem in English \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... the distance between life and death ... \r\nBUT ... I am standing in front of you ... yet you don\'t know I love you \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... I am standing in front of you ... yet you don\'t know I love you \r\nBUT ... loving you crazily ... yet I cannot tell you I love you \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... loving you crazily ... yet I cannot tell you I love you \r\nBUT ... yearning for you unbearably ... yet I can only bury it deeply in my heart \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... yearning for you unbearably ... yet I can only bury it deeply in my heart \r\nBUT ... we love each other ... yet we cannot be together ... \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... we love each other ... yet we cannot be together ... \r\nBUT ... we know true love conquers all ... yet we pretend not to care \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... the distance between two trees \r\nBUT ... the branches that grow from the same root ... yet they cannot depend on each other in the winds \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... the branches cannot depend on each other \r\nBUT ... two stars that gaze at each other ... yet there is no track of their meeting \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... the track between two stars \r\nBUT ... even if the tracks were to meet ... yet in a flicker, they are nowhere to be found \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS NOT ... the disappearance in a flicker \r\nBUT ... even prior to meeting ... they are destined not to be together \r\n\r\nThe farthest distance in the world \r\nIS ... the distance between fish and bird \r\nOne is in the sky ... the other is diving deeply in the ocean','1ab2187355c91783f5cb7b0cccb78f7c',0,'','li2sh6CM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14288,2356,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206350160,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: The Most Distant Course (Zui Yao Yuan De Ju Li) (2007) (Taiwan)','Very nice.','f721626cc3f6072cd68b710109dea71c',0,'','L2Wv8n6e',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14298,2358,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206444480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Charlie Bartlett (2007)','\r\n\r\nThere are powerful reminders of older, better films in \"Charlie Bartlett\". It harks back to the 80s\' teenage ennui and the 90s\' ensuing hipster cynicism, with its hands digging deep into the Wes Anderson/John Hughes/Alexander Payne playbook and is as artificially constructed as the temporary highs its adolescents gets from prescription panaceas. Fresh and quirky is the promise that fails to deliver in Jon Poll\'s derivative directorial debut, a snarky and marginally clever film that already seems to be a legend in its own mind. \r\n\r\nIt\'s all about the tone when it comes to a film that unevenly straddles the lines between an incisive teen comedy on contemporary mores and social critiques or whether it starts to extend a warm-hearted humanism that glibly presents itself as group therapy for a culturally induced Prozac Nation. Preppy Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin), the titular attention-seeking mandarin, an obnoxious blowhard by way of Holden Caulfield who repugnantly deals in ironic rejoinders and self-conscious quips is oddly, our protaganist. It looks like young Byrd Huffstod\'s grown up to be a bit of a self-satisfied prick. \r\n\r\nYelchin has always been an immensely likable actor, whose strength has always traditionally belonged in his unassuming, wide-eyed view of the world, delivered with soft-spoken optimism and an underlying kindness. But in \"Charlie Bartlett\", Yelchin becomes the smarmy anti-thesis of what sustains his charms, and while not begrudging his change of direction, the dissonance here is staggering. \r\n\r\nCharlie, or Dr. Charlie as he becomes known in the hallways of his new public school after being kicked out of yet another private institution, the prestigious Castlewood School, is a budding entrepreneur butting heads with his nemesis, Principal Nathan Gardner (Robert Downey Jr.) for influence over the school\'s student body and in particular, the sunshiny Goth chick Susan (Kat Dennings) who happens to be the Principal\'s daughter. Charlie sets up stall, literally, in the boy\'s bathroom and starts to dole out advice and more importantly, selling prescription poppers (Ritalin, Xanax, Zoloft etc.) to harried teenagers and disconnected kids. Poll\'s enthrallment with the baby-faced Charlie\'s superiority complex enters dangerously reckless and self-involved terrain - he implicitly posits that the mini-Doc isn\'t doing something any more wrong that what drug-enabling medical businesses around the country are already doing when Charlie hoards his stash by feigning symptoms to various psychiatrists who are only too glad to ply him with more drugs. By prioritising its social commentary before the actions of Charlie, Poll betrays his story and his characters quite conclusively. \r\nIs \"Charlie Bartlett\" just too cool for the room? All signs point to yes, for the most part. The film\'s perverse, albeit cheap thrill of the blind leading the blind, and its inherently inhuman condescension of dysfunction goes the way of smug caricature. But despite the disingenuous diversions that pockmark the film, there\'s a certain, palpable level of cheeky joy that film revels in. There\'s not so much outrage in the film as there is misplaced wit and sympathy that the film enjoys from its veteran casting of an acerbic Downey and a unstable Hope Davis as Charlie\'s boozehound mother that treats him just too much like an adult for their own good. It\'s this centre of humility in the film that keeps it from going too far into the deep end of a cesspool of derisive histrionics of self-obsessed privileged lifestyles, and reminds us that underneath all the blue blazer and cocksure swagger is a lonely, poor little rich boy yearning for adult and peer validation alike.','dd447c379fe14be0e23d2f503fe40aa1',0,'','dXcLumQA',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14299,2359,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206454860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','The Bucket List (2007)','\r\n\r\nRob Reiner\'s \"The Bucket List\" primarily prides itself on the inclusion of two A-list superstar septuagenarians in Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as the leads in a disingenuous buddy comedy about dying slowly from cancer, and is most egregious in its flippancy of life as a race to vacuously check off destinations and activities from a list. Reiner\'s recent outputs have aimed for unmemorable sensations of formulaic heartwarming affirmations of life amidst comic mediocrity and there\'s no reason to think that he might have found actually unearthed some genuine emotions here. \r\n\r\nWhat does an old ruthless white corporate billionaire with hoards of women have in common with an old compassionate black mechanic still in love with his high-school sweetheart? They are both dying from cancer! It\'s the unfunny punchline that Reiner and his screenwriter Justin Zackham keep coming back to when the film gets to one of its many lulls when faced with difficult questions on life. Zackham is the protégé to Reiner\'s master of manufactured sentiments - no surprise then that the globetrotting duo of Edward Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman) mostly find themselves in front of fugly green-screens instead of the real thing. It all adds to the supreme artifice that the film languors in each time it attempts to evoke something, anything from its characters\' inevitable existential struggles with their illness. But Reiner and Zackham have no grasp on true last-gasp mortality and dignity, evidenced by the empty, two-bit truisms that the film closes with. \r\n\r\nThe arrangement is easy. Cole pays for the round-the-world trip, while Chambers earns his passage by keeping him in line by reminding him of what\'s truly important in life. Aided by Thomas (the deadpan Sean Hayes provides most of the honest laughs in the film), the long-suffering assistant to Cole, they proceed to different regions of the world to participate in activities we don\'t expect to see old coots experiencing. Cue the one-note joke. \r\n\r\nWhile there\'s no doubt that these two charismatic stars uplift the material from its doldrums, there\'s still a sense that both men give just about the bare minimum that their roles require from their odd couple dynamics, to the comparatively more profound realisation that they have nothing more to proof to themselves. Nicholson has played the Devil and Freeman has played God. The dichotomy between the two is so apparent that one must surmise that the script was based on the marquee casting rather than its story. Reiner leaves these two to their own machinations and it\'s tempting to say that the two leads play versions of themselves. Nicholson ingratiatingly blusters through his lines, with an appreciable bit of physical comedy but with a dynamic gusto bordering on overbearing insecurities that resembles roles from \"As Good As It Gets\" and \"Anger Management\", as Freeman devolves (intentionally or unintentionally is anyone\'s guess) into a parody of his most famous roles as The Sagacious Narrator last seen in \"Feast of Love\". \r\nIt is fair to say that Nicholson and Freeman have quite a bit of fun in \"The Bucket List\" goofing off in situations more absurd than funny. But the question still begs: How come we don\'t?','bbf27c367a4bc807e708676e238b74ad',0,'','bgtqGh35',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14300,2360,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206524820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','U.S.: Starting Out in the Evening (2007)','.','5058f1af8388633f609cadb75a75dc9d',0,'','QhyxRrAn',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14301,2360,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206588540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: U.S.: Starting Out in the Evening (2007)','STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING (U.S. / 2007) \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOf all the worthy performances the American Motion Picture Academy failed to recognize last year, perhaps none was more deserving than the one given by Frank Langella in Andrew Wagner\'s thoughtful and absorbing drama Starting Out in the Evening, an adaptation of Brian Morton\'s novel of the same name. The sort of wisdom it exuded from its restrained earnestness is uncommon, and something Jack may not be ready to deliver quite yet, though in recent years, that is exactly what many of us have come to love and expect from such French legends as Maurice Garrel, Michel Bouquet, Michel Piccoli and the late, great Michel Serrault. Langella, a newly turned septuagenarian who hasn\'t had a prominent film role in years, plays an aging New York novelist Leonard Schiller whose stationary existence and self-inflicted obscurity gets challenged by a determined young Brown graduate (Lauren Ambrose) who insinuates herself into his life by means of a master thesis supposed to help revive public interest in his now out-of-print work. What develops is a fascinating relationship, which Wagner deftly filters through his thematic concerns (time and mutability, authorship, family) while concurrently allowing it to form a life of its own. Nearly as substantial is one Schiller shares with his aberrant daughter (Lili Taylor), a former dance instructor who desperately wants to take matters into her own hands before her biological clock reaches a crisis stage. Candidly suffused in the rich intellectual milieu of Manhattan\'s Upper West Side, where it was largely shot in less than 3 weeks in HD for only about $500k, the film radiates a certain casual elegance usually associated with literary French films (the impeccable production design and the use of discreet medium shots also play a role in that). Starting Out in the Evening is not perfect (Ambrose\'s character feels stagnant after a point) and is easy to overrate, which has been the case in many circles. The irony however is that, much like its protagonist, it is a rare species in American cinema today, and almost requires of us to do no less. \r\n\r\nGrade: B \r\n\r\n[C+ = Average / B- = Above Average / B = Good]','bea4d84fe17b0369a37ee302db41dc7e',0,'','HWNsbE6g',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14302,2361,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206530640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Linger (Hu Die Fei) (2007) (Hong Kong)','\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Johnnie To \r\nCast: Vic Chou, Li Bing Bing \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nA popular chap in the school switches girlfriend, and wants to know if she loves him indeed. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and the girl is haunted by his spirit ... \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n-- I feel that the director had made a strategically wrong decision. If he had wanted a \"romance\" (likened to Titanic, quoting some media), then he shouldn\'t have made the initial half so scary and horrifying (no pun intended). Yup, the first half felt so haunted as the girl was constantly shocked by the dead, the guy\'s spirit and shadow, such that all notions of love and romance had been dispelled long ago ... By the second half, when the director was hoping to tear you with all the reasons behind the tragedy (incl. the romance and love, their family, their history, etc), the audience were not in the mood for it ... \r\n\r\n-- As for the plot ... \r\n(i) most important of all, the question as to why ALL these relentless \"haunting\" by the male protagonist was NOT compelling when the final answer was revealed ... sigh ... \r\n(ii) when the story of the guy during his childhood days was told, it felt so \"passe\" (familiar) to me ... sorry \r\n\r\nWhat is okay ... \r\n\r\n-- Execution: I like the accident scene in the beginning and a repeat of it near the end ... very well executed ... \r\n-- Acting: It is basically a film that may help showcase the range of acting by the female lead, Li Bing Bing \r\n-- Idol: or if you are a fan of Vic Chou, his maiden appearance on the movie screen ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nHmmm ... so so. I simply think the director is unsure whether he wants a horror film or a romance film. Also, the script needs some polishing. \r\n\r\nPS: Other reviewers \r\nclick \r\nhttp://www.moviexclusive.com/review/linger/linger.htm \r\nor \r\nhttp://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/linger.html','ec00c71edcc2fe00e25f01b4bd647a38',0,'','wUNbfDQ3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14303,2361,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206734040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Linger (Hu Die Fei) (2007) (Hong Kong)','originally posted by R6dw6C (27-Mar-08  11:51 PM) \r\nclick\r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/reply/14763/t/The-Last-Film-Seen.html#reply-14763 \r\n\r\nR6dw6C wrote: @ hengcs: \r\n\r\nThanks a lot! You\'re maybe sorry to hear but your review made my interest increase a lot. A film which cannot decide wether it want to be Romance or Horror - that sounds intriguing (I\'m almost always intrigued if people criticize that a film cannot decide to which department it wants to belong - the same was also true with South Korea\'s \"The Host\" which received many mediocre or even bad reviews - I loved it...). And since I saw \"Sparrow\" at the Berlinale, I\'m also convinced that To is as virtuosical at (Romantic) Comedies as in Gangster films. \r\n\r\nBeside the masterful \"PTU\" and \"Sparrow\", I\'ve also seen \"Breaking News\", imo the weakest of those three. But I\'m already in love with his style, his point of view, his relationship with his protagonists. It\'s a weird mixture of cinematic nostalgia, tough realism, slightly surreal stylization and melancholical romanticism - just wonderful. I\'m not into RomComs usually but \"Sparrow\" (though it is more of a criminal Comedy) really inspired me. We have a lot of his films in review, do visit the index. \r\n\r\nrecent film ... \r\n-- In terms of editing, you may like to watch Eye In The Sky \r\n-- Election 1 and Election 2 are also good, but I would rather he condensed them into 1 three hr film to deliver more punch ... \r\n\r\nolder films \r\n-- mainstream audience like ... Exiled, The Mission, Running Out of Time, The Longest Nite, All About Ah-Long','2301515329b13eff725c84cbb5852c21',0,'','J8bixTUd',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14304,2362,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206735240,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','An Empress and the Warriors (Jiang Shan Mei Ren) (2008) (Hong Kong)','\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Tony Ching Siu Tong \r\nCast: Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Kelly Chen \r\n\r\nThe official website (with English) \r\nclick \r\nhttp://www.anempressandthewarriors.com/ \r\n\r\nSynopsis \r\nThe king died and his only daughter who knew no martial arts had to defend the country. Between her duty and her love, she had to choose ... \r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n* the following is discussed with some spoilers * \r\n\r\n-- given that the film is only abt one and half hour, i thought it shld exploit the timing to be as compact and eventful as possible (implying no dull moments) ... nonetheless, a story which had so much potential was poorly developed, that i felt bored at the romance portion (i actually felt that it dragged the story) ... \r\n\r\n-- like a typical Asian (or Chinese film), it had a tragic ending ... ok ... GREAT SPOILER ... all the 3 guys died ... only she alone survived ... but the sad fact is ... the audience do not feel much. There is so much potential to be in tears when each male died, but there was insufficient development to make one feel strongly for each of them, and hence when they died, one felt little too ... even when the lovers could not be together, we were not drained of any tears ... in sum, the scriptwriter did not do a great job to make one feel more ... \r\n\r\n-- GREAT SPOILER ... i thought the way the princess finally managed to kill the villain was very \"lame\" (a singapore teenager term for \"not compelling\") ... ya, i cant believe that scene too ... it was possible but not convincing ... \r\n\r\nConclusion \r\nso so. \r\n\r\nPS: i would rather pin my hope on Red Cliff this July and December.','431703e2e1387dc142fab6b244823ba2',0,'','xjrwtoSU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14305,2363,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206792840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Jiang Hu (2004) (Hong Kong)','originally posted by trevor (20-Sep-06  05:08 AM) \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/reply/2921/t/The-Last-Film-Seen.html#reply-2921 \r\n\r\nJiang Hu (2004) (HK) \r\n\r\nDirected by Wong Ching-Po \r\n\r\nStarring Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung \r\n\r\nCompressed crime drama that lacks that something that made the likes of Infernal Affairs, Breaking News and One Night in Mongkok stand out from the crowd. \r\n\r\nBecause of the set up it\'s very difficult to actually delve into the plot without giving away the twist except to say that the twist is the main success but also one of the main failings of the film. \r\n\r\nThe biggest problem is the lack of time, I\'m more than happy to complain at the recent spate of over-long Hollywood heavyweights but Jiang Hu needed at least another half hour or so to develop the characters and storyline. Try cutting around an hour from The Godfather and you\'ll get my drift. \r\n\r\nAnother problem is that too much time and effort is wasted on shots which are meant to be stylish and clever but just come across as conceited. Two examples of which are, one of the central characters is beaten up by a gang, the scene is shown from street level but then cuts between that and an underside view (obviously re-shot through a glass floor), nobody appeared to realise that the way blood smears on glass is totally different to the way it smears on paving. Another scene has the two central characters across a table from each other in an empty restaurant involved in a heavy discussion, all of a sudden the table and characters are moving around! Why? Whatever the motive it distracts you from the intensity of the conversation and ends up making it almost comical. \r\n\r\nThe film needed more time, more character development and less smart-ass camera shots, it is a shame as it feels as though this could have been an above average film whereas in the end it\'s only mediocre. \r\n\r\nWorth looking at if you\'re into crime dramas but not worth going out of your way for. \r\n\r\nCheers Trev. \r\n\r\nNo BBFC rating but due to the violence I\'d say a 15 rating would be sensible. \r\n\r\nRegion 0 dvd distributed by Mei Ah Entertainment in a well presented double disc set with a nice quality slip case. \r\n\r\nPicture quality is very good and once again, great use of DTS on the soundtrack, the subtitles are decent with one or two minor slips but nothing that will detract from the film. \r\n\r\nThere are a wealth of extras on the second disc but no English language subtitles which is always a bit of a bummer.','73898e7ba05f8c81e901a43663f29ab9',0,'','uyZgBoq8',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14306,2363,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206793140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Jiang Hu (2004) (Hong Kong)','\r\n\r\noriginally posted by smurfrevolt (17-Apr-07 02:10 AM) \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/reply/7583/t/Chinese-favourites.html#reply-7583\r\n\r\nHmmm, I like Jiang Hu. I think Andy Lau was in it. \r\n\r\noriginally posted by hengcs (17-Apr-07 08:07 PM) \r\n\r\nhmmm ... i thought i used to write sth on it too? \r\nbut i guess it is deleted during that famous \"attack\" ...\r\n\r\nmy 1 cent worth \r\n-- the pace is kind of slow ... shld hasten slightly \r\n-- BUT, i thought the ending was GREAT! \r\n... not many pple expect the ending to be as such ... \r\nwow ... but some of my friends did not get the ending ... kind of pity ...','7d72f54bdf908d25ecc444b8bf989d5b',0,'','7NygWxoG',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14307,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1206988860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','El Verdugo (1963)','Found the entire film online here so feel free to check it out, I plan on watching it over the next couple of days.','9bbadc63286cc527f7d2d2c41c88269f',0,'','pe4kVMcL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14308,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207028220,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','How\'s your Spanish?','8dea2654eac2c748214ab0e45f389352',0,'','02uBTDh6',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14309,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207052700,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','Better than any language besides English, for what that\'s worth.','9a81a6870b2a2d9cdc9de4602166a744',0,'','dlPG8x0k',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14310,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207063380,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','This film seems rather in tune with the wave of Italian comedies coming out around this time. Morbid at times yet quietly funny. Berlanga has become something of a legend in Spanish cinema and I\'ve only recently heard of him, it doesn\'t help that most of his films are unavailable here in the US and the few that are don\'t appear to have any subtitles (this one included). However the nuts and bolts of the story is that young man is the son of the undertaker. He can\'t find any perspective girl because of the extremely morbid family profession. He dreams of becoming a mechanic in Germany but that is not to be. He eventually meets a lovely young girl whose father happens to be the town\'s executioner. Naturally the two misfits are a perfect match but the would be son in law has to take over the family business in order to marry the executioners daughter. He is talked into it when the old man tells him lots of people get sentenced but they always are pardoned. Well it just so happens that his first case doesn\'t get pardoned and in a deliciously satirical moment the executioner is dragged off kicking and screaming on his way to execute the condemned. Bunuelian in its sense of humor which has led a few to wonder if it isn\'t just a Spanish trait. I certainly hope I can get some more films from Berlanga, most notably Bienvenido Mister Marshall and Placido.','f70942598b2401044f7def2b69b83287',0,'','zx9DSuZP',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14311,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207069920,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','I did get the Divorce - Italian Style vibe from it.','4b3d564287c189662ae7d27df20f235f',0,'','ceECLRiw',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14312,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207070820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','That\'s exactly what I had in mind. I wish I could have seen it under better conditions, but I\'ll just add it to the list (La Roue, Dura Lex, By the Bluest of Seas, Chronicle of a Summer, The River and Death) of films to see again with subtitles when I can.','d2f9b1104af2cac493bb81bf7bdcf610',0,'','F6qMlj03',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14313,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207099080,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','Me and John did discuss the film\'s availability a while back. I believe it\'s out on Spanish DVD, but no Eng subs.','fc5c93d2830dc6473233b907443be9b9',0,'','T9zqx34u',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14314,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207114980,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','I believe the same is true on a couple of other Berlanga films.','16536aa3d06a5a02094fcf47afc35d55',0,'','hPcGm6RM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14315,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207116360,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','\r\n\r\nAt least a couple, if you click here and search under the director\'s name. I wouldn\'t mind watching El verdugo again, but I wish the image size was better, though then the resolution would probably suffer. Weren\'t you able to locate some sort of a sub file for this film?','24389118a15741a4e60ac94ad9a91df0',0,'','gziFTAY5',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14316,2364,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207116900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: El Verdugo (1963)','I didn\'t find one for Verdugo, but I did find a sub file for Bienvenido Mister Marshall, which will be useful when I get that film finished.','02d147e37d40230df300fc9c391854f5',0,'','FigKHcbq',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14317,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207061940,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Straub Huillet on DVD','Class Relations has been released by Edition Filmmuseum in a well stocked double disc edition. This is the same company that put out the phenomenal all region Alexander Kluge films. I\'m just pissed that I watched a very downgraded grainy print of this film, if I had known . . . \r\n\r\nProduct information is available here','2777ba8808ea4c8059a1a8ef8adc1ae0',0,'','cd1pHSRh',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14318,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207100040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','I didn\'t know you haven\'t known. \r\n\r\nThis DVD is almost half a year \"old\". A\'s anxious to buy it but he isn\'t rich either. \r\n\r\nMeanwhile, there has been a new Straub-Huillet-Box-Set released in France which includes \"Not Reconciled\", \"Machorka-Muff\", \"Introduction to Arnold Schoenberg\'s Accompaniment to a Cinematic Scene\", \"Moses and Aaron\" and \"From Today Until Tomorrow\", all wonderfully transferred and unfortunately all only German with French Subtitles... \r\n\r\nI don\'t know if I really want to see their films... There\'s a DVD-Copy of \"History Lessons\" lying on my desk which I tried to watch several weeks ago (while being a bit tired which didn\'t help...). It was unbearable. One of the most pretentious and aloof films I\'ve seen so far. It brought my worst Godard-memories back to life. Hopefully, I\'ll make more out of it when I have another try... \r\nAm I too poorly educated to receive this kind of filmmaking?! Sort of, I guess.','04fc4c569bb9b54652b5a600563001e2',0,'','rZET0PSK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14319,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207115280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','I\'d say see Not Reconciled first and foremost, it won me over and it\'s not that long so your attention span won\'t be a huge issue. I found some information about the French set but I didn\'t post it because of the lack of English subs.','5b2cf92a3efea53302b7b98ab07c4a4b',0,'','RtwJUeKv',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14320,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207171140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','Well, it wasn\'t my attention that kept me from watching \"History Lessons\" at its total length (I already got through much more static and difficult films), it was merely a mental barricade. Very often when I watch films like this one (often \"essayistic\" films of an explicit intellectual nature) I get totally disgusted by an aloof, bigheaded attitude which I think sometimes (in the worst cases) even has some kind of fascist character. The latter wasn\'t the case here but it really made me ill. I can\'t stand films which obviously try to avoid to cooperate with the viewer in any way or (worse) select their viewers by certain criterions- even if I\'m still pleased with such a film personally (I still do like some of Godard\'s films...), I often can\'t get rid of the feeling that it\'s inhuman. Art should be humanistic, not cynical. \r\n\r\nBut I don\'t think of Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet as \"evil\" beings like Godard (the \"Demon of Arthouse Cinema\" he certainly is, imo) and looking forward to enter their work - I\'ve read somewhere that \"History Lessons\" is one of their most challenging feature films, so it might has been not a good film to start. \r\n\r\nBtw, when I posted this information, I thought of arsaib who understands French quite a bit (as far as I know). Also, A might be interested as he\'s such a big Fan of Straub / Huillet.','c775faac1eb8a95db821b76345d3db97',0,'','GkpMS2hR',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14321,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207174140,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','The information I\'m sure is beneficial. Based on what you\'ve said, I would probably not make any great effort to see Too Early, Too Late.','732e35632695c075896a49fc2b12870f',0,'','KYvpwGM9',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14322,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207177500,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','I\'ve read some descriptions and that IMDb comment of \"Too Early, too late\" and it sounds as if it is very similar to \"History Lessons\". \r\n\r\nWell, sometimes, you also need to grow older with such filmmakers. I still always use Antonioni as an example - when I was 14, I was bored to death by \"Blow up\", today, it\'s one of my 100 favourite films... Maybe I\'ll love Straub and Huillet when I\'m 30?!','1648c80c9fce927e4de7abbdd69b0bc5',0,'','UEu8FBjR',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14323,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207208040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','arsaib4 appreciates the info but, as far as I know, he\'s just as financially challenged as the rest of you.','26532f2c8d78f84fe179a1b082583259',0,'','clNJ164q',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14324,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207208520,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','It happens to the best of us, the economy isn\'t doing too well for anybody right now.','b80808faae16052fa623e28ee95aa9d3',0,'','wm5GUWcM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14325,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207363860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','Speaking of Edition Filmmuseum, Borzage\'s The River was just released on a 2-disc set.','ca8bbb701cd1d15c76603b6013a30ad9',0,'','SE0AKv2B',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14326,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207364820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'wpqx','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','Here\'s hoping Seventh Heaven follows suit.','64592fd6778a73866298d723e42b8d66',0,'','pAkHdrGt',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14327,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207458840,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','I\'d love to hear about the Borzage release from either A or R6dw6C (29.95 EUR = 47.12 USD = ).','ee2ae84cb342efc6ca0d987847afdfc2',0,'','yhGvXD6F',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14328,2365,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207464720,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: Straub Huillet on DVD','(29.95 EUR = 47.12 USD = ). That\'s why you\'ll probably won\'t hear about it from us two in a long time. \r\n\r\nNuremberg\'s Library isn\'t bad but they don\'t care such expensive and \"special interest\" DVDs either (or, to be more exactly, only few). It\'s probably a totally different thing in Munich or Berlin (a library in Berlin even has ALL Criterion DVDs).','d391027a5c85d674173bc673475474fe',0,'','0HtdASuM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14329,2366,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207137600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Cassandra\'s Dream (2007)','Review: \r\n\r\nWoody Allen\'s London trilogy closes with a whimper in \"Cassandra\'s Dream\". In a culmination of Allen\'s sustained misanthropy, this trilogy (along with \"Match Point\", \"Scoop\") continues to canvas the moral complexities inherent in his entire oeuvre, where the petty motivations of a misdeed and its postmortem of soulless brooding are wanly gazed at by an omnipresent moralist, the mode Allen once again condescendingly occupies with no real concern for either victims nor criminals or for that matter, anyone else caught in the middle. \r\n\r\nIt is a curiously self-contained endeavour. With \"Match Point\", he returned to the scene of his \"Crimes and Misdemeanors\", exploring with a freshly glazed eye its characters\' tumble into a moral morass tipsy with self-loathing bourgeois officiousness. In \"Cassandra\'s Dream\", Allen merely repurposes \"Match Point\" to bookend his sojourn into London\'s social classes (from his first film\'s look at the upper-class to the middle-class in \"Scoop\" and here, its working-class) as he looks with one eye towards the greener pastures of Barcelona. \r\n\r\nDisengaged, lifeless and drenched with a moody cynicism, Allen finds no comfort in the world of desperate men. Underachieving brothers Terry (Colin Farrell) and Ian (Ewan McGregor) live large while bills and debts go unpaid. Terry\'s a feckless gambler who looks for small payday, while Ian, with a more precise and ruthless ambition, looks for his financial escape through high-risk, high-return ventures in speculative property deals as he works his way out of his father\'s modest restaurant. Uncle Howard (Tom Wilkinson) is their ideal. A self-made millionaire, with a house in California and opportunities in China, Howard\'s bailed his family out of financial ruin a few times. His ominous return to London coincides with the brothers\' sudden and frantic need for money. The dangerously fuelled idea of family is invoked many times in Allen\'s story; from the moment Howard proposes a blood-laced quid pro quo to the point when a final meal is acquiesced with a loved one. \r\n\r\nAllen falls back on broadly drawn characters, stilted theatrics, painfully obvious exposition and overwritten insights on the human condition when faced with remorse, torment and the roots of evil. The film is by no means witless but merely passionless in its connotations to pretentious Greek tragedies. The key premise falls short when it stumbles the second the deed is done when Ian coasts through the waves of guilt of which Terry bears its full brunt just as he wises up to his brother\'s nihilism. \r\n\r\nKeenly self-referential, Allen knows the place of each and every character and what they represent in the film\'s final tableau but just lacks the panache to present them as more than just pieces to a puzzle. The title itself signifies a Greek tragedy in the offing but only hints at the idea of truth being spoken and unfortunately heard, whereas Cassandra in the original Greek myth portents the truth and was never believed.','dc520c690324bcf444f3adb619e05197',0,'','htZkAxrL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14330,2367,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207564560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Brazil x 2: Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (2005) & Estamira (2004)','.','5058f1af8388633f609cadb75a75dc9d',0,'','a7dfG9YF',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14331,2367,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207649040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Brazil x 2: Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (2005) & Estamira (2004)','\r\n\r\n*Director Marcelo Gomes previously produced and directed a couple of shorts and documentaries. This is his feature directorial debut. \r\n\r\n*Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures premiered as part of a fairly pedestrian Un Certain Regard lineup (The Bow, The King, Time to Leave) at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu took home the award for Best Film.\r\n\r\n*The film played in the U.S. back in 2006 thanks to Global Lens, a subsidiary of Global Film Initiative: \"A New York-based, nonprofit foundation working with leading American cultural institutions to promote cross-cultural understanding through cinema. Each year, the Initiative acquires a number of features and shorts from the developing world that tour the country for one year.\" Other gems of the 2006 series: Stolen Life, In the Battlefields and Border Cafe.\r\n\r\n*Now available on DVD courtesy of First Run Features, which has distributed select GFI films since 2004. No extra features.','01c0182ae75fe523b5649504089f3a28',0,'','MGDBc8T7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14332,2367,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207649100,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Brazil x 2: Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (2005) & Estamira (2004)','\r\n\r\nCINEMA, ASPIRINS AND VULTURES (BRAZIL / 2005) \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo many, Marcelo Gomes\' Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus) may feel too good to be true. After all, this quiet, contemplative and unassuming road-movie unfolds over a few days and nights starting in the August of 1942, when most of the world was gripped by the Second World War. However, unlike the vast majority of films set during that time-period, war never really enters the picture here, at least not in the conventional sense, and even when it does, it does so tangentially. In addition, the film is surprisingly devoid of emphatic rhetorical gestures, focusing instead on the slow-burning consumption of life at its most fundamental. (Or, in other words, \"For those looking for a smart alternative to The Motorcycle Diaries\' [2004] left-wing hand job, this movie delivers in unexpected ways\" [The Village Voice].)\r\n\r\nThe fact that the film takes place in a poor, draught-ridden Brazilian sertão (Portuguese term for backcountry) certainly plays a hand in its composition. The dusty backroads of this once prosperous northeastern region only seem capable of guiding one back to the westerns of Cinema Novo giant Glauber Rocha. No surprise, then, that our protagonists -- Johann (Peter Ketnath), a German itinerant salesman working out of a truck for a pharmaceutical company, and Ranulpho (João Miguel), a hitchhiker heading for Rio who stays on as his assistant -- start digging one right in the middle of a Podunk town in order to setup a screen for their gig, which involves charming the provincials with promo reels of Johann\'s \"miracle drug\" (hint: the title). \"With this you can sell Bibles to the devil,\" Ranulpho once muses. But since even the war can\'t get out this far, it\'s hard to say if Lucifer ever will. (According to the filmmaker, these people of Picote, Paraíba, were in fact experiencing cinema for the very first time.)\r\n\r\nPacifist by nature, Johann is neither a saint nor a parasite. He\'s simply doing what he has to do to survive. And so is Ranulpho, even though he not only looks down on his counterparts but wants to get the heck away from this godforsaken place as quickly as possible (and it\'s hard to blame him). Much to Ranulpho\'s chagrin, Johann picks up another traveler or two along the way. One is a young woman who wants to distance herself from the misogyny that has a tendency to fester in such places. (Take a deep breath, Cláudio Assis, that\'d serve you well.) The atmosphere inside the vehicle slightly changes once she gets onboard. Her presence could\'ve derailed the duo (not the mention the film itself), but nothing of that nature comes to fruition. Johann tries to impress her with his moving images filled with happy, satisfied people, which only ends up furthering her grief. Next morning, she simply walks off; her destiny lies elsewhere. Gomes faithfully acknowledges the act in a single shot.\r\n\r\n\"Johann and Ranulpho represent our own dreams of happiness,\" he has said. \"Our desire to find a road for our own lives.\" Gomes, who got the idea for this film from his uncle\'s stories about selling the drug in Brazil in the \'40s, worked with his contemporary Karim Ainouz to flesh out his themes and motifs. (Gomes, by the way, was one of the writers on Ainouz\'s acclaimed Madame Satã [2002].) They thankfully did away with any possible variations of the ripe to be exploited \"odd couple\" scenario; and the hint of impending violence fizzles away in the scorching sun. Speaking of which, the blinding daylight is almost metaphysically captured with over-exposed, bleached out stock, usually employed to add grittiness to the favela-set movies (dare I mention the name of yet another mediocre Berlinale winner?!) This process only seems to have helped in distilling the film down to its essence: man, his dreams and, of course, vultures. \r\n\r\nGrade: B+ \r\n\r\n[B- = Above Average / B = Good / B+ = Very Good]','4b0bcf9a56c546f16fd10d3477b89e22',0,'','3xU8sTrl',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14333,2367,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207818480,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Brazil x 2: Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (2005) & Estamira (2004)','\r\n\r\nESTAMIRA (BRAZIL / 2004) \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDocumentary films about 63-year-old schizophrenics who work at garbage dumps aren\'t supposed to be this transcendently beautiful. But Marcos Prado\'s second directorial effort, Estamira, which features the eponymous mentally and emotionally distraught woman who\'s been scavenging the enormous Jardim Gramacho landfill on the outskirts of Rio for the past twenty years, is that and more. Prado followed his subject for nearly five years, at the start of which she was being treated at a psychiatric clinic, much to her displeasure to say the least. Estamira, however, wouldn\'t be an ordinary case for anyone. She was abused as a child and was later forced to prostitute herself by a family member. Her mother spent considerable amount of time at an aging and overcrowded mental facility, where she later passed away. Estamira had to suffer through two violent, emotionally crippling marriages, and the younger of her two daughters was taken away from her at an early stage due to her unstable condition. Prado\'s intimately revealing interviews with her two older children illuminate the fact that things were taking a turn for the better when they eventually asked her to leave the junkyard for health-related reasons, and she did, but not long after she was brutally raped one night right outside her house. \r\n\r\nUnlike most documentaries about troubled individuals, Estamira\'s past isn\'t related in a linear, prepackaged mode. It\'s as if Prado wanted the viewers to discover it in the same way he did -- we follow broken pieces of information and stunted memories that somehow end up deepening the work and its protagonist. Prado\'s aesthetic respectfully emulates Estamira\'s condition. The film switches between grainy black-and-white vérité to serenely composed shots in color -- the striking images of overcast skies teeming with wild birds hovering just above the heads of people standing in mounds of trash (which I haven\'t seen so many of since Filipino filmmaker Mario O\'Hara\'s Woman of Breakwater [2004]) are simply unforgettable -- in a manner similar to its subject\'s transformation from being lucidly poetic to ranting blasphemously in a dialect all her own (she blames god for all modern ills and believes that the universe revolves around her). However Prado doesn\'t turn away during such moments, which admittedly will be too close for comfort for some (at one point, an extremely angry Estamira shows her young grandson where babies really come from). Like Spike Lee\'s When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006), this narration-less effort may also receive some criticism for not contextualizing poverty within a larger framework, but in its own way it\'s arguably just as remarkable, nearly visionary piece of work.','7c94b299544b0e0dc280026eaa1050a1',0,'','j2dmkvBY',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14334,2367,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207971060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Brazil x 2: Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (2005) & Estamira (2004)','*Estamira has played at a number of international film festivals. It won the prestigious Fipresci prize at Vienna. \r\n\r\n*Director Marcos Prado, who\'s also a photographer, started his film career as a producer with The Charcoal People (1999) and Bus 174 (2002) before co-directing (with José Padilha, the primary director of Bus 174) a documentary featurette for television. Padilha now serves as one of the producers of this film. \r\n\r\n*No U.S. distribution at this point.','c45962dab3f733cc058baeed60d8593c',0,'','Nx0GvWz7',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14335,2368,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207817820,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Lucky 7 (2008) (Singapore)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Sun Koh, K Rajagopal, Boo Junfeng, Brian Gothong Tan, Chew Tze Chuan, Ho Tzu Nyen, Tania Sng \r\nCast: Sunny Pang \r\n\r\nCoherence and consistency are intentionally sacrificed, in exchange for a challenging and crazy ride. To appreciate this film, one has to be aware that it is a film made by 7 Singapore directors, with each knowing only what has happened in the last 1 minute of the previous segment. Because the 7 directors were intentionally chosen for their vastly diversified style and taste, it is not difficult to identify when each segment starts and stops. Finding a common theme is trickier, though not impossible. My vote goes to the 2nd segment. It simply sizzles in style and surrealism! The 4th segment perturbs with its perversion and plot, but amuses with its animated additions. The 5th segment sticks, not because of its satirical scorn at censorship, but rather its bloody and gory scenes. In sum, I would have preferred them to separate as shorts. \r\n\r\n3 stars out of 5 \r\n\r\n~  hengcs \r\n\r\nFor more info, \r\nclick the official website and blog \r\nhttp://www.lucky7.sg/ \r\nhttp://lucky7blog.wordpress.com/','78b4c8b69633cdfe943252607d8235d3',0,'','V0uJHwKm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14336,2369,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207822740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Shadows (Senki) (2007) (Macedonia)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Milcho Manchevski \r\nCast: Borce Nacev \r\n\r\nThis film is Macedonia\'s submission to Oscar 2008. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDespite a car crash, the protagonist survived miraculously. It could be a blessing in disguise as he seemed to suffer from visions of the dead. Aptly titled as \"Shadows\", the film is not just about the supernatural, but also about living in the shadows of the others and the past. Unless one is well versed with the history of Macedonia, one may overlook the parabolic plot and symbolic signs, dismissing it simply as a horror film. The first half thrills and chills indeed, but the dead keeps dying repeatedly and reappearing unscathed, such that the scares soon sedate. In essence, the revelation comes too late, but it is an important one. At this stage, audience would have to reconcile their prior assumption of simply a horror film with the important message about humanity and history. In depicting devastation of the dead, the film celebrates life. An ambitious film which may not get its potential depth fully analyzed or appreciated. \r\n\r\n3.5 stars out of 5 \r\n\r\n~ hengcs \r\n\r\nAn interview with the director * possible spoilers * \r\nclick \r\nhttp://blog.en.epochtimes.com/2007/09/11/interview-milcho-manchevski-director-of-shadows/ \r\n\r\nFore more info \r\nclick \r\nhttp://www.bavaria-film-international.de/htmls/bfi/index.php?site=program&id=236','013b7744d0c486aef04b28ab0bd19bdc',0,'','p0wngJDm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14337,2370,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207882560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','The Art of Negative Thinking (2006) (Norway)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Bård Breien \r\nCast: \r\n\r\nstill editing \r\n\r\nFor more info, click the official website \r\nhttp://www.negativfilm.no/','d486f91f8c0a222a0c1c39f622dcc5d8',0,'','0PzwtB6l',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14338,2371,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207883040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Soul of a Demon (Hu Die) (2008) (Taiwan)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Chang Tso Chi \r\nCast: Tseng Yi-che, Chen Pei-chun, Cheng Yu-jen \r\n\r\n\r\nPS: In Taiwan, on the island of Lan Yu, the local dialect has no proper name for butterfly. Instead, they call it Babanalid u  (i.e., Soul of a Demon). Hopefully, this enlightens those who are wondering why the Chinese film title \"Butterfly\" gets translated differently. Actually, in some Chinese folklores, stories, films or beliefs, those who die are depicted to have transformed into butterflies. \r\n\r\nFor more info, click the official blog (in Chinese) \r\nhttp://blog.pixnet.net/soulofademon','d3435e867f139552b18617127ddb2ce0',0,'','xDTGup1d',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14339,2371,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207964400,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: Soul of a Demon (Hu Die) (2008) (Taiwan)','Well, it\'s finished - it must be since it was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.','41e38674030529f1fcfbd7a2de6d39b7',0,'','zEs0Bktm',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14340,2371,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207974000,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Soul of a Demon (Hu Die) (2008) (Taiwan)','\r\n\r\nsorry ... \r\ni mean to say, \"i am still editing my review\" \r\nanyway, it is now done ... (see next) \r\nhee hee','275b1e480c6eff5801228eea387f975f',0,'','TUZmK81b',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14341,2371,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207977900,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Soul of a Demon (Hu Die) (2008) (Taiwan)','Soul of a Demon (Hu Die) (2008) (Taiwan) \r\n\r\nWith the release of the protagonist from the prison, should bygones be bygones? The baggage of the past compounded with the burden of the future. Like \"Butterflies\" (i.e., the film title), he fancied to take flight, but was weighted from within, by a dead soul. The pleasantly poetic and peaceful picture contrasts with the imminent turbulent and threatening turmoil -- the main selling point of the film. It is full of fade outs, sometimes remaining in the same scene, sometimes emerging from a new scene. The laziness and the lethargy accentuated the languid life of the common people, peace is all that one desires. But peace comes with a price. Unlike typical Hong Kong films about triads, this film feels very Taiwanese. If you are in for a tranquil trip that culminates in tearful tragedy, this is the film for you. \r\n\r\n3.5 stars out of 5 \r\n\r\n~ hengcs','7a720b2a8ab183b0bd1bcd32befe7a1e',0,'','R6yNZLQH',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14342,2372,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207883640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','You, The Living (Du levande) (2008) (Sweden)','\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Roy Andersson \r\nCast: \r\n\r\nThis film is Sweden\'s submission to Oscar 2008. \r\n\r\nFor more info, click the official website \r\nhttp://www.royandersson.com/dulevande/','5d2a06096a7fc11effb7c643454ba7fb',0,'','fGwidgKN',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14343,2372,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207884060,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: You, The Living (Du levande) (2008) (Sweden)','originally posted by justindeimen 6-Apr-08 07:51 AM \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/reply/14909/t/21st-Singapore-International-Film-Festival-4-4-14-4-.html#reply-14909 \r\n\r\nYou, The Living \r\n\r\nThe large bell in a bar intermittently rings for last orders and the inevitable rush to queue forms at the counter - do we want what we need only when it\'s too late? Or is the irony of the opening scene\'s wailing Cassandra a more resonant reflection of our perceptions on individual existence? There\'s an endless fascination about where writer-director Roy Andersson wants to take us in his fourth feature, \"You, The Living\". With fifty or so semi-related vignettes strung together by a penchant for tragicomic hyper-reality, its wistful interpretations and symbolic instances of life that bind us all in this great big cosmic Sisyphean struggle. The sheer simplicity of these vignettes act to dramatise the tenuity and immense preciousness of being apart of the symbiotic relationships we have with one another. Andersson might whittle down the complexity of the human condition through harsh and fast cynicism more than he should, but he also reminds us of the inherent, reassuring glory of waking up each morning to a new tomorrow when we\'re all aware of our own distinct forms of arrested development. \r\n\r\nRating: 3½ out of 5','6b2c7fda156a3efc95289fbdc5e465ef',0,'','pWPgnDLV',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14344,2372,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207884660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: You, The Living (Du levande) (2008) (Sweden)','My thoughts \r\n\r\nAlthough interesting, this film poses two challenges \r\n\r\n(i) Without prior knowledge, audience might be caught by surprise. Without a main plot, one has to try gather what the entire film seeks to convey. \r\n\r\n(ii) The humor/black comedy/satire/etc is only powerful and punching probably to the Swedish (how about Europeans in general?! I am not sure) because they have the correct context, culture and capacity linguistically to appreciate it. From the response (e.g., laughter) during the film (NO Q&A), I presume few locals can truly get every single joke. \r\n\r\nLike the beginning two vignettes, one woke up suffering from a nightmare, whereas the other complained about unfulfilled dreams ... I wonder, whether the film turns out to be a dream or a nightmare, you shall have to go watch for yourself!','221e3dddb34763f09ab0225ac083eed6',0,'','SuX9pQig',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14345,2372,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207964340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'R6dw6C','Re: You, The Living (Du levande) (2008) (Sweden)','It\'s playing here right now and I\'m god damn anxious to watch it the day after tomorrow. Sorry for that phrase but I\'ve seen the (German) Trailer a few times and I nearly died almost every time. This film can only be absolutely hilarious and wonderfully sarcastic. \r\n\r\nWill try to respond to you then.','383206d3e1fb5fdec27a4e70f6b96c68',0,'','PBjuecEL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14346,2373,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207885560,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers (2007) (Cambodia/France)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Rithy Panh \r\n\r\nThe film garnered Best Documentary in European Film Awards 2007 \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/topic/390 \r\n\r\nFor more info, click the interview with Director \r\nhttp://www.humanrights-geneva.info/article.php3?id_article=1246','6c4d44eeb9e311d2044cec753e66c2ec',0,'','6M8V3jyc',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14347,2373,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1207977660,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers (2007) (Cambodia/France)','I\'m a fan of Rithy Panh (The Rice People, S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine), so I\'m very interested in this documentary. Looking forward to your review.','c4f92c3e40b6c109b6707303e941ffbb',0,'','VtBqDAwy',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14348,2373,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208033040,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers (2007) (Cambodia/France)','ok i will','0164525db0484ea7ffc99a4617dc68a5',0,'','UQqjY4M3',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14349,2374,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208031540,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Hard Hearted (Kremen) (2007) (Russia)','\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDirector: Aleksei Mizgiryov \r\nCast: Yevgeni Antropov, Dmitri Kulichkov, Anastasiya Bezborodova \r\n\r\nThe film hits one hard, but it has a heart! It charms by being unpredictable and uncompromising, as the audience is seldom prepared for what will happen next. The film relates the survival of a newly discharged paratrooper in Moscow, a place of his childhood dreams. However, dreams and reality rarely match. Undaunted, with an unflinching determination, his actions at times charm, at times chill. Between right and wrong, the line is often gray. Between passion and hate, one\'s emotions get messed up. Between life and death, there is so much to outwit and outdo one another. With its interesting protagonist, the film makes for complex character study and perplexing psychological deliberation. Being a film about life -- especially life in modern times, it accurately points out that life has no easy answer. \r\n\r\n4 stars out of 5 \r\n\r\n\r\n~ hengcs','46b089fd1d44191a97b885e582a8de35',0,'','SBZPy3Dx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14350,2375,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208032440,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','In the Name of God (Khuda Ke Liye) (2007) (Pakistan)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Shoaib Mansoor \r\nCast: Shaan, Fawad Khan, Iman Ali, Rasheed Naz, Naseruddin Shah \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOften, people generalize for simplicity, but stereotyping stinks and profiling perturbs. The film is important for its message - that peace prevails and harmony heartens. The film relates the intertwined lives of two brothers and a girl, who are all of Muslim descent. The younger brother seeks the meaning of a true Muslim, the elder brother ventures to Chicago for music, whereas the girl who is brought up in London falls in love with a British. The film challenges some things that are done, especially in the name of God. Despite a few technical inadequacies and occasional predictability that predicates films dealing with these issues, the film is rather compelling. Audiences should be able to empathize and emote with the characters. Although no film has the power to change the world overnight, they all hope to do their little bit to create awareness. \r\n4 stars out of 5 \r\n\r\n~ hengcs','183c6ca783264ef532e073ac09cd7805',0,'','26GoUEgM',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14351,2375,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208054880,1,0,1,1,1,1,'arsaib4','Re: In the Name of God (Khuda Ke Liye) (2007) (Pakistan)','I see that you\'ve made some changes in how you organize your reviews, at least those covering film fests. And you\'ve added a rating. I like the new style!','71633c8ab5ea252dfa93551c9f90f254',0,'','YwtWE4GR',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14352,2375,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208156280,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: In the Name of God (Khuda Ke Liye) (2007) (Pakistan)','\r\n\r\nha ha ... thnks for the encouragement \r\nlikewise, justin emailed me to praise the new style too ... hee hee \r\n\r\nactually, i did write in paras before \r\nclick 4.30 (2005) \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/topic/614 \r\n\r\n(i) essay vs point form \r\n\r\nthe reasons why i wrote in essay form for that film were \r\n-- i wanted to support local films and i think i was among the first few to write an analysis of it (not just synopsis) \r\n-- maybe if foreign distributors chanced upon this website, they might want to help local films \r\n\r\nthe reasons why i have not written in essay since then were \r\n-- it is less time consuming to write, and it is faster to read ... hee hee \r\n-- also, sometimes, there are 1 or 2 points I really want to comment on that would not be in sync with the coherence of the entire essay ... so, to include them, I chose to write in points \r\n\r\nBUT since most of you prefer essay, I will try to do so ... \r\n\r\n(ii) ratings \r\n\r\nit is kind of difficult at times, let me explain ... \r\n\r\n-- if you use a 5 point scale (which is good and simple) \r\nall the 3.5 in SIFF ratings may not exactly reflect my sentiments about the film ... \r\nsome are nearer the high end of 3.5, some are nearer the low end \r\n\r\n-- however, if you use a 10 point scale (which is more refined) \r\nsometimes it gets difficult to accurately rate them as 6.5, 7, 7.5 etc \r\nwho knows, on second watch, my rating may change \r\n\r\n-- more importantly, there are some films that may boast of numerous good points, hence deserving a watch. BUT often, a poor rating does not accurately reflect my occasional sentiments that the film still deserve a watch. hence, i would rather not get into that predicament ... ha ha \r\n\r\nPS: I wrote essay for SIFF films to be in sync with justin\'s and John Li\'s style ...','c9e092e10762b411bd133feaf1560e03',0,'','sBfuiz2D',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14353,2375,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208183340,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Re: In the Name of God (Khuda Ke Liye) (2007) (Pakistan)','Please do not feel obligated to rate your films on any scale you\'re uncomfortable with. I sure as hell wish I don\'t at times \r\n\r\nPersonally, I\'m trying to find a scale that would work for me in forum postings. A\'s 100 point scale is intriguing to me, but I just don\'t believe that I would be able to find as much nuances in films viewed as he evidently can through his rating system.','caaa971508f9a690e70dea1be19e4610',0,'','r1Aqnm7R',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14354,2376,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208103180,1,0,1,1,1,1,'justindeimen','Funny Games U.S. (2007)','Ever the confrontational cinematic essayist, Michael Haneke follows up his immensely tantalising masterwork \"Caché\" in 2005 with a shot-by-shot replica of his 1997 \"Funny Games\", now technically called \"Funny Games U.S.\", by way of churlish didacticism. If the German-language original\'s finger wag wasn\'t already satisfied aiming its insults at an audience\'s base urges of bloodlust, then the remake adds an extra soupcon of condescension by basing it in English as its raison d\'être - just because Haneke felt that the most uncouth purveyors of movie violence that needed to see his treatise on the audience-filmmaker symbiosis would not respond to European sensibilities. But Haneke\'s English-language debut is an admittedly intriguing failure, an inconsequential reading on our scavenging voyeurism and isn\'t so much a lazy remake as it is a rather irrelevant critique on our pop culture fetishes. \r\n\r\nIn what would be a terrific genre film if it continued to play straight, Haneke presents to us an unsettling premise of a family seized upon by fresh-faced psychopaths in their gated community lakeside vacation home. Like young upstart Ivy League social predators that reflect its Austrian director\'s own siege on bourgeois precepts, Peter (Brady Corbet) and Paul (Michael Pitt) descend on the unassuming household in tennis whites and ominous white gloves, insinuating themselves into their activities and giddily refusing to leave. The gloved men then hold the family - Anne (a tremendous Naomi Watts), George (Tim Roth), and the young Georgie (Devon Gearhart) - hostage and commence a physical and mental torture game throughout the night that begins Haneke\'s film thesis on victims and perpetrators and our perceived expectations. \r\n\r\nHaneke\'s breaches an interesting topic of discussion in violence films\' latent dissimulation of guilt and sympathy, where we identify with the onscreen viciousness instead of being appalled by it and how it\'s simply labelled as \"entertainment. However high-minded this endeavour to deconstruct these filmic conventions ends up, the film\'s sole debilitation is Haneke\'s own love-hate relationship with the idea of sadism. He is as much a product of his own sanguinary environment as he thinks his audience is or will be, but never admits it or turns the finger pointing towards the filmmaker. And because of this, nothing truly gets deconstructed here. We get glimpses of what he\'s getting at but never anything approaching a penetrative statement and those moments of furtiveness elides the opportunity for authentic discourse. \r\n\r\nThe points of interest in the film are its visual triggers. They are littered in different scenes throughout the film in key areas that serve to solidify its classification as a meta-thriller. The fourth wall gets broken intermittently, a narrative conundrum out of left field, the conscious redaction of certain images and a subtle paradigm shift are just some of the film\'s emerging features that alienates the audiences it skewers and subsequently admonishes. It\'s Haneke\'s version of the ultimate cocktease - it wants to deny us the pleasure of expectations while showing us the right amounts of leg to keep drawing us into its perverse grandstanding. Is this Haneke\'s actual funny game? Because curiously enough, the only one who seems to get any sort of onanistic thrill out of this mocking jive is Haneke himself.','faa65966ec715def90d6aa0d03ba38b6',0,'','Va07FpSq',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14355,2377,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208152740,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Slingshot (Tirador) (2008) (Phillipines)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Brillante Mendoza \r\nCast: \r\n\r\nAt the Singapore International Film Festival 2008, \r\nSilver Screen Awards (targeted at Asian Feature Films) \r\nit has just garnered Best Film, Best Director and Netpac Award. \r\n\r\nYup, I did watch the film. \r\nSo, I will post my review soon.','65c07ed53292e24577e4c59cb9b1ef6e',0,'','NEytQauL',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14356,2377,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1214982600,1,0,1,1,1,1,'chard09','Re: Slingshot (Tirador) (2008) (Phillipines)','ironically, you\'ve seen it first than I do, hengcs. tirador will be shown exclusively this week in our independent cinema theaters. how was it? have you seen Serbis?','84963a092ccb71c9561d95e41cbde13e',0,'','9u5pdvSx',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14357,2377,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1216552860,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: Slingshot (Tirador) (2008) (Phillipines)','sorry. \r\ni was out of town. \r\n\r\nslingshot \r\n-- impressed with its realism, grittiness, and style. \r\n-- however, because it does not follow through a single character or plot, it might be difficult to get the audience emotionally attached or engaged. \r\n\r\nnonetheless, i do RECOMMEND the film. \r\n\r\nhow do you like the film?','f6dff0558ea11f5b582bf05cedb41708',0,'','xvHDjXoK',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14358,2378,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208153460,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','I Just Didn\'t Do It (Soredemo Boku Wa Yattenai) (2007) (Japan)','\r\n\r\nDirector: Masayuki Suo \r\nCast: Ryo Kase, Koji Yakusho, Asaka Seto, Masako Motai, Koji Yamamoto, Miyu Yagyu, Ranran Suzuki, Ken Mitsuishi \r\n\r\nThe film was submitted by Japan to Oscar 2008.','7ffa7ae26fa076030eaed8525210089d',0,'','8XzVoe95',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14359,2378,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208153640,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: I Just Didn\'t Do It (Soredemo Boku Wa Yattenai) (2007) (Japan)','\r\n\r\noriginally posted by justindeimen ( 3-Apr-08  08:09 AM) \r\nclick \r\nhttp://foreignfilms.yuku.com/reply/14873/t/21st-Singapore-International-Film-Festival-4-4-14-4-.html#reply-14873\r\n\r\nI Just Didn\'t Do It \r\n\r\nJapan\'s foreign-film entry to the 2008 Academy Awards is a doozy and arrives from one of the country\'s preeminent filmmakers, Masayuki Suo. In his first film since 1996\'s \"Shall We Dansu?\", he brings the same discriminating eye back to Japan\'s cultural and social norms and in \"I Just Didn\'t Do It\", zeros in on its oppressively rigid judicial system. Observed on a level that can only be described as stark realism, a true departure from Suo\'s august social comedies and a distinct legal procedural going by its narrative trajectory of showing the inciting incident, investigation and to the courtroom in its various stages of due process - Teppei Kaneko (Ryo Kase) is accused of molesting a schoolgirl on his way to a job interview, subsequently coerced by weary detectives to accept the charge and pay the fine instead of pursuing vindication - a system that Suo notes as the reason for Japan\'s almost perfect conviction rate and institutionalised prejudice against the accused. \r\n\r\nRating: 4 out of 5','3bd9978c30dda259054a4f83437bc82b',0,'','XWMnPefU',1,0,'',0,0,0),(14360,2378,3,1,0,'69.120.114.47',1208155620,1,0,1,1,1,1,'hengcs','Re: I Just Didn\'t Do It (Soredemo Boku Wa Yattenai) (2007) (Japan)','\r\n\r\nMy Thoughts \r\n\r\n(i) The main protagonist is really great. He is convincing and compelling. \r\n\r\n(ii) The script is good, challenging us to think about our judicial system and legal issues. It questions whether we should be on the cautious side (by being safe rather than sorry) or whether we should be more forgiving (by awarding the benefit of doubt whenever warranted). At the end, there is a relevation by the protagonist, that the court is not about proving innocent and guilt, but rather a battle to find corroborating evidence. Although vastly different from this other film, Reversal of Fortune (1990) has also made a similar observation -- in Reversal of Fortune, the line went something like \"the law has not proven he is innocent, but the evidence against him is insufficient.\" \r\n\r\n(iii) There is some contention about the length of the film. Some people think it is necessary so that one can feel the tedious, tiring, and trying process of court cases. However, I am not in support of that argument. Let me explain, a good director does not need to make one feel bored about the film in order to depict a boring life of its protagonist. Likewise, I thought the film is great, but it could be edited slightly so as to better move the film along. Also, I humbly thought it could have been an even more focused, serious and dramatic piece by removing some unnecessary comical/humorous moments that kind of break the mood. \r\n\r\n(iv) Most controversial has to be the ending. I believe a lot of people will leave the cinema discussing about the ending. Not revealing it here, I would say some prefer a sad ending while some prefer a happy ending. All that I want to say is ... I would have preferred the director to play around with the title and the ending ... In other words, even AFTER the film ends, it is NEVER made known to the audience whether he did it or he didnt do it. ... yup, it is for the protagonist to know and for the audience to guess ... ha ha ... I would prefer the ending voice to say something like ... In life, only you yourself know whether you did it or not ... \r\n\r\n4 stars out of 5','7839577e9961d387d23647a039735b7c',0,'','fCtZPiay',1,0,'',0,0,0),