It was foreign film night at our house last night. We thought, hey, let's watch a film in Spanish since it's Cinco de Mayo. But this film is actually from Spain, not Mexico. Anyway . . . This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film 2005, and stars Javier Bardem (Best Supp. Actor in No Country for Old Men) And just an interesting note, I kept seeing the same name pop up in the credits: Alejandro Amenabar. This guy is a true auteur -- co-writing, directing, producing and even writing the music for this film. (Incidentally, he also directed "The Others", our favorite scary flick.) This film is about euthanasia, and Ramon, who wants to die. (This same year the Best Picture Oscar went to Million Dollar Baby. Hmmm. Whoever said Hollywood isn't political?) Rated PG-13.
V: This is a beautiful film. (You gotta call foreign movies "films" y'know, because you feel kind of cool and important watching them in the first place.) The filming, acting and music is really great. There are particularly moving sequences when the main character imagines himself out of his confining position and the camera takes you away with him, in impressive single shots that are minutes long, travelling over land and sea. Bardem does a fabulous job. His character is touching, sympathetic and frustrating. The film is a little long (125 min), but I felt, worth it, as you really feel compelled to stay with the characters. It is thought-provoking, poignant and not simplified. Euthanasia is one of those tricky subjects, and though the movie does eventually take a stance, it is not overwhelming in that they give you plenty of reasons to be persuaded both ways. But mostly, it's a moving personal story about Ramon. 3 1/2 stars
M: V is right that this is a very moving film. However, for me, it was frustrating to see this man, who was capable of having such a positive impact on the lives of those around him, want so desperately to end his own life. Nevertheless, Bardem gave a stirring performance and the movie is a show that is worth seeing. A bit thick on the political persuasion. 3 stars
V: This is a beautiful film. (You gotta call foreign movies "films" y'know, because you feel kind of cool and important watching them in the first place.) The filming, acting and music is really great. There are particularly moving sequences when the main character imagines himself out of his confining position and the camera takes you away with him, in impressive single shots that are minutes long, travelling over land and sea. Bardem does a fabulous job. His character is touching, sympathetic and frustrating. The film is a little long (125 min), but I felt, worth it, as you really feel compelled to stay with the characters. It is thought-provoking, poignant and not simplified. Euthanasia is one of those tricky subjects, and though the movie does eventually take a stance, it is not overwhelming in that they give you plenty of reasons to be persuaded both ways. But mostly, it's a moving personal story about Ramon. 3 1/2 stars
M: V is right that this is a very moving film. However, for me, it was frustrating to see this man, who was capable of having such a positive impact on the lives of those around him, want so desperately to end his own life. Nevertheless, Bardem gave a stirring performance and the movie is a show that is worth seeing. A bit thick on the political persuasion. 3 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment