Reviews

Today is review day. I have seen a few movies (none new, I admit) and decided to write up a nice briefing. I am also near the completion of listening to the audiobook of Hilary Clinton's Living History.

Elizabeth (1998) Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, etc.
This started out very promising. I am very fascinated by history, especially European history, and even more especially, English history of the Elizabethan era. The beginning was very eerie. Cate Blanchett is decent, as are the other actors. I sat up, perky and wide-eyed, and prepared to immerse in the bloody politics of a formidable female monarch. It started out with bangs and booms, but frazzled into "eh." It felt rushed, as though the plot jumped from the major historic scenes, but it didn't fully cover the reign of Elizabeth like I had expected. It only covered up to the point where the queen establishes herself on the throne and declares herself the Virgin Queen who is married to England. Could've been better. There certainly are more interesting parts of English history they could have covered. I would think that since the theme is (seems to be, anyway) the rise and maintenance of power by the most powerful woman in European history, it would cover spectacular events such as the victory over the Spanish Armada, or the beheading of one of her lovers for treason. Oh well.

Like Water for Chocolate (1992) Starring people of hispanic origin with names I cannot recall. My first Spanish film outside of Spanish class. It is a very lovely movie -- you can see the life and death, love and hate, in a women dominated hispanic family, living in TX. The setting is uncertain -- most of the story seems to take place in the vicinities of Texas, and the time is during some sort of revolution -- possibly before the Mexican American War. Tita, the main character, cannot marry the man she loves, because as the youngest daughter in her family, she is forced, by tradition, to take care of her mother until her death (and not marry). There is a conflict of traditions; obviously the tradition that forbids her to marry (at least until her mother's death) and the loving traditions she experiences in the kitchen while cooking meals for the people she loves. Ending is surprising. I don't want to give anything away, but the man that Tita loves dies while having sex. What a way to go. It is somewhat unreal, some supernatural things that happen. Great symbolism. Good movie to see when you want romance without sappiness.

Farewell My Concubine (1993) Starring Leslie Cheung. It is interesting that Leslie Cheung (who is a MAN) played the roll of the concubine. I can't really tell for sure, but the character does appear to be homosexual, as is Cheung. Or should I say, was, as Cheung committed suicide recently (last year perhaps?), over depression regarding disputes with his lover. It covers a substantial amount of history, as it takes place during a time in China where rapid successions of power occurs -- first in a kingdom, then the Japanese occupation, then the ushering in of communism, etc. The story is very good, very well executed. If you don't mind the subtitles (unless you speak Chinese, of course), you should see it.

The Green Mile (1999)Starring Tom Hanks. I've never seen a bad movie with Tom Hanks. While not a personal fan of Stephen King, this isn't quite like other novels by King. A fascinating tale. Reminds me of the Guernica -- a single shine of goodness in the mist of such a cold place where death looms closely. The plot is unlike anything I've ever seen -- you know how there are stories that are just re-told with different settings and characters... like the Cinderella story. Very original, which is expected of Stephen King, of course, and wonderful acting, which is typical of Hanks.

Runaway Jury (2003) Staring Rachel Weiss, John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman. Just like any other John Grisham's novel-to-blockbuster-movie. Obviously has to do with the law, which is Grisham's specialty, very suspenseful. Keeps you on your toes until the end. It is very interesting. Never knew that juries were selected in such a manner -- I thought it was done by random selection, but apparently not. If you're bored, and in need of a slight mood/energy elevation, this is it. Fast paced but does not skimp on details. I think the novel was written so it can be made into a movie. Grisham must be sitting on piles and piles of money. Well, the ending for this story is the underdogs, even if their acts aren't all too innocent, wins. Yay.

Something's Gotta Give (2003) Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet. Love Diane, love Jack (how can anyone NOT love him!), love Keanu (hunky), hate Amanda (ugly mediocre actress!). How wonderful is Diane Keaton! So lovable. It goes to show you that a good movie isn't about having a youthful wrinkle-free face. It's about acting. My mom loved it too, so that's a total of four thumbs up in the Lee household. Easy going movie, perfect for a Sunday early afternoon.

Ok. I'm tired, and have to get some work done!