Ikiru (1952) Review

I saw Ikiru ("To Live") twice over the last 3 days. It was such an outwardly powerful viewing the first time, I simply had to view it again in order to fully understand the underlying message Akira Kurosawa conveyed. It was an equally compelling experience on rewatch, and I think I may understand it enough to do it justice through my writing.

The film is about Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura), a bureaucrat who seems completely detached from the world due to his work. He has been a widower for 20 years, and he has been trapped in his job for 30 years. His son and daughter- in -law are more interested in his retirement bonus and pension, and his misery is compounded more when he finds out that he has stomach cancer. He decides to spend the time he has left, to live his unlived life. He tries to do this in the beginning by spending time in a Japanese nightclub with an eccentric and empathetic novelist (Yūnosuke Itō), but he eventually finds out this is not the solution. While he is there, he sings "Gondolo na Uta", a song about the briefness of life. This specific scene is incredible, and is a great reason to watch the film.

Kanji also decides to bond with his co-worker, Toyo Odagiri, in order to find out the secret behind her joy for life. His constant going out with her leads to misunderstandings with his family, which causes his son and daughter in law to rebuff him. Kanji finally discovers a reason to live, when he decides to build a children's park in a heavily-polluted cesspool.

Kurosawa's films usually had Japanese virtues; however, with this film, he shows his protagonist face the amazing odds against him, and he finally decides to rebel against the norm. Kanji's journey to accomplish one notable achievement in his life, is one of the most inspiring journeys I have ever seen. 

The final scene of the film is instantly iconic, as Kanji sings "Gondolo no Uta" once again. I have to admit, I completely lost it while watching this scene. It is an amazing achievement of cinematography, Kurosawa's direction, and Takashi Shimura's performance. 

That also brings me to the most praiseworthy aspect of the film: the acting. Takashi Shimura gives one of the greatest performances of all time, (and certainly his best), with his heartbreaking and simultaneously inspirational depiction of the dying man. Shimura is always fully invested with his character, and makes his whole journey throughout the film an amazing one, from the stoic bureaucrat to the depressed and dying man, and finally to the man who is content with his life. The smaller supporting performances, such as Yusunuke Ito's performance as the Novelist, and Miki Odagiri's performance as Toyo Odagiri, are also wonderful, and work wonders to amplify the atmosphere of the film. 

Ikiru is quite simply, a masterpiece of film making and acting. It is emotionally harrowing, inspirational and heartbreaking at the same time. In the words of the great critic, Roger Ebert, it is one of the few films that changes who you are as a person after you see it. It is one of the best films I have ever seen, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. 

Score: 5/5

In Bruges (2008) Film Review

In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, is one of the best comedy films I've ever seen. When it comes to black comedy, I'd put it right up there with Kubrick's masterpiece Dr Strangelove, which is one of my all-time favorite films.

The plot essentially goes like this: two hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are given a job to kill a priest. Ray, the rookie of the two, successfully manages to do so, but accidentally takes out a little boy in the process as well. So, they are told to go to Bruges, Belgium until their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) gives them a call. Ken is very interested in the abundance of historical sites Bruges has to offer, and he really wants to see and admire the small city's architecture and museums. Ray, completely hates the experience and idea of being in Bruges, and has no problems expressing this view loudly and repeatedly. He remains in the same manic mood until he meets a really attractive Belgian "actress" Chloe (Clemense Poesy), and he gets a date with her the next night. Ken agrees to let him go, on the condition that they go sightseeing in the morning and the afternoon. Ray eventually finds out his new friend's real job, and manages to offend an American dwarf actor (Joey Prentice, even though I thought it was Peter Dinklage for most of the film). Harry finally gives a call two days later to Ken, and Ken's refusal to obey this specific order sets in motion a series of tragic events that would ruin the whole film.

That being said, this film is maniacally depressing and hilarious, often in the same scene. One of the best examples I can give of this is when Ken and Ray talk about unnecessary casualties while doing their assignments. Ken talks about a lollipop man who tried to defend his brother, while Ray finds out several flaws in the story and the circumstances. In the same scene, Ken nearly breaks down crying, due to his guilt from killing the little boy. Martin McDonagh did an excellent job with the screenplay, turning it into a comic masterpiece and a compelling character study at the same time.

I can't praise the acting enough in this film. Colin Farrell is amazing in his performance, and showed stronger, hidden depths to his acting ability. He is hilarious, manic, yet also heartbreaking. I really felt his grief throughout the whole film, and I couldn't stop laughing at his antics either. Brendan Gleeson gave a simply outstanding performance, being funny and tragic, albeit in a more understated way than Farrell. Gleeson makes Ken a truly likable character we can feel for, and in my honest opinion, Farrell and Gleeson both deserved Best Actor Oscar nominations, with either of them being wholly deserving of the prize.

Ralph Fiennes is excellent as the villain of the film. He shows Harry as someone who is insane, yet with a sense of principles and honor he follows till the end. In the beginning, when he was a voice in the phone, he is profane and riotous. He has such amazing chemistry with his co-stars (they all do, in fact), and he just simply works. Every line that comes out of his mouth is pure comedic gold, and he deserved a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination, even though it rightfully went to Heath Ledger.

In Bruges is a film that I find absolutely flawless, and it is a real delight to watch. However, if you're easily offended and/or depressed, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to you to watch. There is severe swearing throughout the film, with graphic violence tied between. It is still a brilliant film that deserves to be watched.

Score: 5/5

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Review

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..........Wow.

Minutes after finishing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I was truly lost on how to comprehend it. I was truly blown away by the acting, the screenplay, the scope; it is a film which is hard to understand, but once you do, you'll love it.

The movie is about a couple, Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) who believe they are meeting for the first time on a train to Montauk. Let me just put it simply: it is NOT the first time they've met. They've met before, they've been in love, and they broke up, and they both decided  to go through a heartbreaking procedure, erasing their memories of each other. As Clementine meet each other again, she does get an eerie sense of deja vu; howeer, they both laugh it off.

Most of the film takes place in Joel's mind; during the course of the film, he begins to change his mind about changing his mind, and he tries to hide Clementine in parts of his conscious where she didn't exist before. These memories include embarrassing parts of his childhood, experiences of bullying, and places they've never been to before. While his memories have been erased of her, a profound part of his still creates his feelings for her, leaving him in a truly confused state.

Flashbacks show why they didn't work out as a couple in the first place. Clementine was an extrovert, showing that quality by being exceedingly impulsive and adventurous; Joel could not have been any different from her. Both Carrey's and Winslet's portrayals work wonderfully together, creating a dynamic that is impossible not to watch, and they have chemistry that is impossible not to admire. However, just like any real-life couple, they do have their petty arguments, and these leads to their break-up, sparking the events of the film.

In real time, Stan (Mark Ruffalo)  and Patrick (Elijah Wood), the company's erasers, work to erase Joel's memories. They both get wasted, and struggle with Joel's unexpected resistance to the procedure. It doesn't help that they get wasted, and Stan ends up calling his girlfriend Mary (also their co-worker, played by Kirsten Dunst). Patrick on the other hand, leaves to visit his girlfriend, who as irony decides, is Clementine. Patrick, using his knowledge of Joel's memories, tries to seduce Clementine by imitating him. Joel, in his mind, struggles not to get Clementine erased, as they embark through various memories. This is the "science fiction" section of the movie, and it is easy to see why. Joel's resistance leads Stan to call his boss, Dr Howard Mierzwiak, (Tom Wilkinson), for help. Some unexpected plot twists and drama drive the rest of the film, which eventually leads Mary to leak the company's confidential files to all the clients whose memories have been erased, including Joel and Clementine.

They are both confused when they listen to these tapes; Joel is shocked and hurt at what Clementine said about him, (she felt as if he changed her into a person she despised), and Clementine feels the same way (Joel basically stopped short of calling her a slut). Regardless, they decide to give their relationship another go, and the film therefore ends on a happy note.

This film, is amazing, and it continues to astound me even as I write about it. Jim Carrey once again proves his dramatic acting chops, and he is excellent in a thankless role, showing depth and ability which I never would've expected, as I am accustomed to seeing his dumber comedies. Kate Winslet, in an Oscar-nominated performance, is also brilliant, masterfully showing why Joel (and the viewers, in the process), would fall in love with her performance. The most lauded aspect of the film is the screenplay, brilliantly written by the talent Charlie Kufman, who won a much deserved Oscar for it. The technical aspects also provide a smooth transition for the plot, and the direction by Michael Gondry also managed to dazzle me, as it avoids the head-ache inducing direction of Inception. While the film is a masterpiece, I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, as its philosophical themes require a certain maturity on the viewer's part.

Score: 5/5.

Edward Scissorhands Review

 Edward Scissorhands, in my opinion, is one of Tim Burton's finest films. It stars Johnny Depp in one of his first film performances, and he gives perhaps his greatest performance.

The story basically goes like this: it's about a young man named Edward, who just happens to have scissors for hands. His creator (whom he refers to as his father), was a lonely genius who wanted to build himself a son. Before getting to finish his project, he has a heart attack, and he dies. So now Edward is left by himself, as an oddity in a mansion many in the neighborhood believe to be haunted.

A cosmetics saleswoman from Avon named Peg Boggs one day decides to go up to this mansion. The mansion, despite being darkly gloomy in a gothic-sort of way, does not bog down her enthusiasm. Upon meeting Edward for the first time, Peg realizes that he is actually a gentle and sensitive person, who doesn't mean any harm to any one. So, she decides to take him home to her family, who are all pretty tolerant. Her husband and son are actually pretty kind and respectful towards him, but it is when the daughter Kim enters the film, is when the story really starts to unfold.

The neighbors of this family are basically gossipy and bored middle-aged housewives, who are surprisingly rather curious and interested in Edward. He happens to have many talents which excite them, including cutting bushes in a fantastic shape, cutting their pets' hair, and also cutting the hair of the ladies themselves. Later in the film though, they are not as respective of him.

Edward also has to deal with several conflicted feelings; he feels grateful towards Peg, and he falls in love with her daughter, but he has problems expressing either of them. His obvious interest in Kim leads to several altercations and misunderstandings with Kim's douchebag of a boyfriend Jim (Anthony Michael Hall, playing strongly against type), one incident in particular ending Edward up in questioning with the police. All of the actors are in extremely fine form; Winona Ryder is great in the role of Kim, bringing the much needed charm which makes us understand what draws Edward to her; Dianne Wiest as Peg also gives a great performance, showing kindness and empathy, and later regret and guilt in an amazing manner.

But the best performance of all is given by Depp; he is so subtle and emotionally honest, that he makes Edward likable, sympathetic and watchable all at once. Depp actually doesn't have that many lines, which just enhances the power of the mystery of the man. This is the movie which established Johnny Depp as a leading man, and it's really easy to see why.

This is a great movie, and I basically loved everything about it. On the other hand, I was a bit let down by the ending, which I felt could have been far more powerful and satisfactory. The movie is still brilliant, and it is a must watch.

Score : 4.5/5

The Station Agent Movie Review

The Station Agent is a 2003 comedy-drama about  3 people who learn to share their insecurities with each other, as they learn to truly embrace their flaws as the qualities that make them unique. They become friends, and it is a truly moving experience. 

The main character of the film is the dwarf Finbar McBride (played by Peter Dinklage in his breakout performance). He thinks his life is fully set for him: he works at a model train shop with his only friend Henry. He is an introvert; people tend to treat him differently wherever he goes, and it is something that really irks him. He shuns all types of socializing and has gotten used to the way people treat him. But then, Henry literally drops dead one day in the store, and Fin learns that his friend left him some land at a train depot in the rural area of Newfoundland, New Jersey. Fin decides to move there immediately, seeking a life of solitude. However, an enthusiastic Cuban- American named Joe (played brilliantly by Bobby Canavale) decides to befriend Fin due to his own loneliness in the secluded area. Joe is extroverted and open to a fault and seems incapable of being rejected. Fin's life consists of mainly walking around, watching trains, and frequenting grocery stores and libraries where he still gets treated differently. On one of his walks back home, he ends being almost run over twice by a woman named Olivia (played by Patricia Clarkson). These scenes would have been comedic in almost every other film, but in this one, it actually serves the story. As it turns out, Olivia is an artist mourning the death of her son who died too young. The three form a strong friendship which gets threatened by some unexpected circumstances. Fin also meets two other people: a librarian named Emily (Michelle Williams), who is immediately drawn to him; and Cleo, a young girl who shares his interest in trains. She is curious about Fin's physical condition, and he also doesn't mind answering her questions about it. With Emily, Fin realizes that not all other humans are as judgmental as the ones he's become accustomed to and that friendship and romance may actually be possible for him.

The film moves at a slow pace, jut like life. However, it works masterfully; every actor is able to show an amazing transition from the beginning to the end of the film. The film mainly has conversations that move the plot along, as the characters reveal more about themselves to each other. Peter Dinklage is excellent in the film, and it really is no wonder to me why he was discovered for this film. He leads the film better than most actors and actually elevates the film. Patricia Clarkson is also extremely good with her subtle performance and helps drive the plot well with Dinklage. Bobby Canavale plays Joe as eagerness and enthusiasm personified, and he does an excellent job with a role which might have been played easily in an over-the-top manner. 

The Station Agent is an excellent film about these 3 people. It runs for only 90 minutes, which gives us all the sense that we were only allowed to see into these characters' lives for a brief period. As I watched people, I didn't feel like watching actors perform, but rather, real people go along with their lives. To me, that is a remarkable achievement. I definitely recommend this film for everyone.

Score: 4.5/5

The Imitation Game Review

 

                                                                        I may only be the latest reviewer to join the chorus of praise for The Imitation Game. Let me just add that that does not bother me a single bit. It is a brilliant film, perhaps the best of 2014. 

The film concerns Alan Turing, widely known today as the mathematician who cracked Engima, a German machine. By doing so, he ended the world war 2 years earlier. However, Turing has also become famous (and the treatment of him infamous), for his personal life. He was a homosexual, and convicted of gross indecency in 1952, with him being given the option between a prison term, or chemical castration. He chose the latter, and that led to his much-debated death in June 7th, 1954. 

The film's writers took artistic measures, and used their creative license effectively. The historical accuracy of the film has been debated more than The Social Network, perhaps maybe because the real- life protagonist was alive to debunk most of the film's points. This review will not care about accuracy, because the story, the direction, acting and writing more than make up for it. The film opens with a great opening monologue by Turin (Benedict Cumberbatch), which fully captures the viewer's attention as soon as he starts talking. It is a mastery of writing, when that same monologue comes back in a crucial scene with an investigator. The film is intercut between scenes at Bletchley (where Turing and his team works), his difficult childhood years (which ended in tragic heartbreak, with the loss of his best friend), and his current state. Turing, in his interview with the Head of Bletchley, Commander Denniston, proves simply by talking, that he is different. It's simply the way he has been all his life; he was bullied at school, where he only had one friend to guide him and support him, a friend who is commonly known as his "first love": Christopher Marcom. Turing never quite forgot that special bond, and named his famous machine after him. When he goes to Bletchley at the age of 27,  he immediately bashes heads with his colleagues: Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode), John Cairncross (Allen Leech), Peter Hilton (Matthew Beard), and especially with his authority figures Major Gneral Stewart Menzies (Mark Strong) and Commander Denniston (Charles Dance). Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), Turing's co-worker and one time fiance, also helps the men crack the codes. Alan Turing, instead of helping them, begins building a machine which he hopes to crack Enigma's code. The code is changed at midnight, and each one has 159 quintillion possibilities. While many doubt him, (especially his heads of authorities), Turing's faith never waivers. When his relationship blossoms with Joan, he later finally cracks Enigma, and as later revealed, shortened the war by 2 years, saving 14 million lives. However, he cannot hide his homosexuality to Joan, and when he does, he insists on breaking off the engagement. Nevertheless, the five of them continued to work until the end of the war, after which they burned all of THE records and pieces of evidence of their incredible accomplishments.

In the present timeline, (and where the narrative starts from), Turing is being investigated several years after the war for a secret. However, that directly leads to the outing of his homosexuality. While the investigator never intended for that to happen, fate and coincidence intervenes to royally screw Turing over. The man, who newspapers knew as the Professor who worked in a radio factory during the war (a rather believable cover-up story) was prosecuted for his orientation. He chose to be castrated to continue working on his influential machine, "Christopher", and he is visited one last time by Joan. It was a poignant and heartbreaking scene when she finally saw what he'd been reduced to as a result of his mistreatment. She reminds him of his importance, that many people, cities and nations (and perhaps, whole civilizations) would have never existed without his work. Turing is finally at peace with himself, and committed suicide (not shown- onscreen). A better ending to the film could never have been possible.

For nearly half a century, generations didn't know the man who broke Enigma, the man who invented a simpler version of the modern day computers; however, in 2013, Queen Elizabeth II finally granted him a posthumous pardon for his appalling mistreatment. Now, we all use Turing machines, which we know by another name: "computers."

Benedict Cumberbatch and the rest of the cast deliver brilliant and top-notch performances. Cumberbatch is especially great at showing the transition of the man, and proves his acting range is extraordinary. He delivers line after line of calculated dialogue impeccably, which alone, should win the Screenplay Oscar. Keira Knightley, who is also Oscar-nominated with Cumberbatch, showed incredible chemistry with him and was simply amazing. This is an influential film, and shows exactly how to nail a biopic. This is one of the greatest films in recent cinematic history.

Score: 5/5