''Chinatown'' (1974 movie)- Review

Directed by: Roman Polanski
Released: 1974
Country: United States

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman, Darrell Zwirling, Diane Ladd, Belinda Palmer

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

Jake Gitties (Jack Nicholson) is a private investigator, who investigates about people committing extra-marital affairs. One day, a woman, introducing herself as Mrs Mulwray, comes to him, and tells him that her husband is, apparently, involved with another woman, and asks him to find out about this. On investigating this, Gitties finds out about secrets and crimes, murders and personal secrets of the past. 

Roman Polanski's Chinatown is a mystery with a lot of drama and depth in it, with excellent performances, screenplay, dialogue, and score. It's a film that remains quite unforgettable.

Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwirling) is apparently in a relationship with another woman. After the supposed Mrs Mulwray hires Gitties, he starts spying on Hollis and his girlfriend. But, after some time, a woman (Faye Dunaway) comes to Gitties and tells him that she is Mrs Mulwray. Then who was the woman who had hired Gitties? And for what purpose did she try to impersonate Mrs Mulwray? 

But before long, Hollis Mulwray is found dead. His death was apparently caused by drowning. Or was it actually murder? Gitties investigates and spies, and comes across a plot, a secret, a crime. Hollis Mulwray apparently came to know about it, and he was murdered. But who is behind all these? Gitties takes the help of Mrs Mulwray, and in time, comes across shadows and personal secrets related with the crimes...

Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway are excellent as the two lead characters. Dunaway's performance remains quite unforgettable, for example, the confrontation scene at the car, the scene where Mrs Mulwray tells Gitties the identity of Katherine, and of course, the last scene. Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston- all of them were excellent in the final scene.

The story was excellent and the wonderful screenplay developed the situations excellent--- it always remained suspenseful and exciting and dark, sometimes a little violent, and near the end, emotional as well.

''V for Vendetta'' (2005 movie)- Review

Directed by: James McTeigue
Released: 2005
Country: United Kingdom

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery, Crime

Cast: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, John Hurt, Stephen Fry

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

V for Vendetta is a thoroughly entertaining and energetic film- I'm speechless. It impressed me. A lot. I mean, it's such a fast-paced, well-made film! I just had to stare at the screen because it was so... AMAZING!

Set in a near future, V for Vendetta depicts the world as a chaotic place. Most of the nations of the world are in a state of great turmoil, but only the United Kingdom prevails. But it prevails with cruelty, intolerance, oppression, under the leadership of a dictator, Chancellor Sutler. 

Evey Hammond is a regular, normal young woman who one evening goes out for some chore. But there's a curfew. The ''Fingermen'' secret police stop her. There is something wrong in their intentions. Evey, searching for a way to escape, becomes helpless. However, she is soon rescued by a mysterious person, covered in black clothes and wearing a Guy Fawkes mask. 

Portman and Weaving in ''V for Vendetta''

Evey spends some time with the mysterious masked man, who, in front of her eyes, destroys the Old Bailey. Known simply as ''V'', he is apparently a vigilante. He wants to make the country peaceful again. He wants to give the people a peaceful life, a life without the oppression, without the the cruelty, without the intolerance, that they are leading now. His past, related to a detention camp, is revealed in course of the film.

Meanwhile, the police looks for both the masked man and also Evey- because she was seen with V during the destruction of the Old Bailey. Meanwhile, taking over the television, V calls for the citizens to revolt on the 5th of the November, the next Guy Fawkes Day. Police are looking everywhere for V. It is the strict command of Sutler. But V has his own genius hiding place and method. And he also protects Evey- who is suspected of having connections with V and his plans.

What follows are revelations, surprises and V's work on the revolution...

The film was extremely energetic and attractive. Natalie Portman is touching and effective as ever. Hugo Weaving never shows his face, he always remains hidden behind the mask, but nevertheless gives a superb performance. Stephen Rea as the inspector was also fascinating. John Hurt's role as the antagonist is significant but his appearances are mostly brief so it doesn't get much deep. Imogen Poots is present as Valerie, a small role with no speaking lines, but nevertheless is memorable.

Some scenes are very memorable. The last scene, as an example. Also, the scene when there is rain in the rooftop, and parallel is drawn between Evey and V (the time when V had been burning because of the terrible fire at the detention camp) is also quite memorable.

V for Vendetta is overall a memorable movie. The fight scene near the end seemed slightly illogical but it was okay, on the whole. With excellent performances, superb scores, and a wonderful script (based on a graphic novel Alan Moore and David Llyod), V for Vendetta is indeed a must watch.

''Goodfellas'' (1990 movie)- Review

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Released: 1990
Country: United States

Genres: Biographical crime drama

Main cast: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Chuck Low, Frank Vincent

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas tells the story of mobster Henry Hill's life. A great screenplay, performances and Scorsese's great directorial talent makes the film an absolute masterpiece! 

The opening scene shows three men driving, when something makes a noise. They get out of the car and check the trunk of the car, where there is a bloodied man (who apparently the three men in the car have beaten in this way).  The men comment that the man hasn't died yet, and then, umm, make sure that he is died. Then the protagonist, Henry Hill, narrates that he had always wanted to be a gangster.

A flashback shows us the teenage life of Henry Hill. Leaving school, Hill starts working for the Luchesse crime family. And he soon gets close to Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), a feared mobster, and over time, he has a blooming criminal career. The film focuses both on the personal and professional life of Henry Hill, including violence, crimes, robberies, love, adultery.

The actors do a great job. Ray Liotta, as Henry Hill, gives a particularly splendid performance.  From the beginning to end, Liotta gives a performance so great that brings the character to life. The ambitions and reactions of the characters are very well portrayed by Liotta.

Among the supporting characters, a memorable performance is given by Joe Pesci. Pesci plays Tommy, one of the most memorable characters from the film. Tommy is hot-tempered and violent. Robert De Niro is amazing as always! Lorraine Bracco, as Henry's wife Karen, is VERY memorable as well. Bracco brings into life the feelings of the character: the love and constant worry for her dear husband, the anger and sorrow after coming to know of her husband's extra-marital affair, and her will to forgive her husband so easily. Overall, the characters are very well written and portrayed.

The screenplay, by Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi, is based on the book ''Wiseguy'' by Pileggi. The screenplay is VERY excellent as well. The violence, the dialogues, the humor here and there- are all very mentionable. The violence is frequent but does not get disturbing.

I LOVED this film because it was so excellently-written, directed and acted! It is a fast-paced and enjoyable film and is a must watch! Amazing film!

5 out of 5

''Juno'' and ''Chicago''- Reviews

Juno (2007 movie)

Directed by: Jason Reitman
Released: 2007
Country: Canada, United States

Genres: Comedy-drama

Stars: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, J. K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby

Rating: 4 out of 5

 Juno, directed by Jason Reitman, is not certainly a great movie. But there can be no denying that it is a funny, emotional film that leaves you with a very good feeling, and is one of the best films of 2007: it is entertaining, enjoyable, hilarious and emotional. The story is about 16-year-old high school student Juno (Ellen Page), who suddenly discovers that she is pregnant, and the father of her child is her boyfriend Paulie (Michael Cera). What will she do now? Initially deciding to have an abortion, she then makes up her mind to give birth to the baby and then give the baby to a childless couple. She informs this to her father and stepmother, who support her in her decision. She finds a couple, Mark and Vanessa. Vanessa have always wanted to be a mother, and it is clear from her behavior how she loves children. Juno will be happy to give her baby to such nice people.

Ellen Page and Michael Cera in ''Juno''

The film is very funny, the script is very witty, and the dialogues are delightful. The jokes about the baby having fingernails were very funny, among others. But however, as an emotional journey it is no less remarkable. It also has an emotional depth. Paulie, the father of Juno's unborn child, a girl, and Juno tells him: "Are you ashamed we did it because at least you don't have the evidence under your sweater...'' Isn't it such a touching line? Throughout the movie, the incidences and experiences that Juno goes through are quite enough. Thankfully, they are shown in a lighthearted and witty manner that makes us have a smile in our face almost throughout the movie. Of course, there are exceptions, for example Juno's quarrel with Mark when he tells her that he is going to leave Vanessa. That quarrel scene was very, what will I say, emotional. Also, Vanessa's love for the unborn baby is also very touching.

Jason Reitman's direction is amazing. Ellen Page, as Juno, rightly deserved the Oscar nomination which she got for her role in this film. Michael Cera is no less remarkable, as the nerdy boyfriend of Juno. This character looks awkward and shy every time we see him. And oh, the beautiful Jennifer Garner as Vanessa! She gave such a superb and touching performance. In short, all the actors were well-cast in their roles. The screenplay and the wonderful dialogues also deserve special praise.

Overall, this bittersweet comedy-drama is a wonderful film. Not a masterpiece, but certainly a very feel-good movie.




Chicago (2002 movie)

Directed by: Rob Marshall
Released: 2002
Country: United States

Cast: Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly

Genres: Musical crime comedy

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Rod Marshall's ''Chicago'' is, in a word, superb. It is one of the best, and even possibly the best musical film from the 2000s. This funny, musically astounding, technically wonderful film takes us back to the 1920s Chicago. Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is a famous jazz singer who performs with her sister Veronica. Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) is an ambitious and fame hungry woman. Their happy lives come to a pause when Velma kills her husband and her sister upon discovering them together in bed. Roxie kills her boyfriend when she realizes that she is not going to make her a famous star. Both are sent to prison, and may be hanged.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, and Renee Zellweger in ''Chicago''

The corrupted matron of the prison, played by the amazing Queen Latifah, contacts the successful lawyer, Billy Flynn, for the prisoners, in exchange of money. Both Roxie and Velma pay the matron, known as ''Mama'', for Billy. Initially, Billy pays little importance to Roxie, but then they work out a plan by which Roxie can escape a death sentence: Roxie will make the public have sympathy on her. Through lies, deceiving and coquettish smiles, Roxie not only makes the public sympathize her, but she becomes something of a celebrity, with the newspapers filled with her pictures and articles about her.

This is an astounding, superb film. I LOVED it. The music is extremely pleasant. The songs are... amazing. My favorite songs in this film are ''When You're Good to Mama'' and ''We Both Reached For the Gun''. Renee Zellweger gives a praiseworthy performance as the cunning Roxie. The character is too difficult to analyze. Do we like or dislike her? Surely, she is a cunning, deceiving person, yet Roxie is sweet, and, umm, coquettish. Catherine Zeta-Jones's Velma is also quite remarkable and hugely memorable. Queen Latifah, oh, what a wonder! Seriously, Queen Latifah astounded me. As the corrupt matron, she gives such a highlighting performance. Her character's most memorable scenes in this film were when she sang the song ''When You're Good to Mama''.

Cinematography and editing are wonderful. I liked it when a character is talking, suddenly, in the background, we see her singing and dancing and expressing her emotions in a musical way. It was as if they were performing instead of talking. And the credits go to the actors, directors, cinematographer and the editors.

On the whole, I really loved ''Chicago'' and I'd recommend it to anybody who would like a light and crazy musical comedy. 



 
  

''My Fair Lady'' and ''Run Lola Run''

My Fair Lady (1964 movie)

Directed by: George Cukor 
Released: 1964
Country: United States

Main cast: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Wilfrid Hyde-White,  Stanley Holloway, Jeremy Brett, Theodore Bikel, Gladys Cooper, Mona Washbourne

Genres: Musical, Drama, Romantic, Comedy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Short review

One of the many things I love about musical films are their musical charm- how emotions, feelings, nostalgia, are reflected though songs and music. As of now, my favorite musical film of all time is ''The Sound of Music'', but I think now ''My Fair Lady'' is competing with ''The Sound of Music'' to be my favorite musical film! I absolutely loved George Cukor's ''My Fair Lady''; it's a wonderfully touching film with a powerful musical charm. The film is set in the Edwardian Era. Henry Higgins, an expert in phonetics, one day meets flower seller Eliza Doolittle, a poor young woman who speaks with a Cockney accent. Higgins challenges that he can improve Eliza's accent within six weeks and can present her as a Duchess at the embassy ball. Eliza decides to take phonetics lessons from him so that she can have a status in the society and run a florist shop.  Within weeks, after hard and intense lessons and practices, Eliza's accent improves, and she quite looks aristocratic. At the ball, everybody praises her, some even mistaking that she is a foreign Princess. After the ball, Eliza assumes that Higgins did all these just to win his bet, and leaves his house. Only then the arrogant Higgins realizes how much he has grown accustomed to Eliza.

I simply loved ''My Fair Lady''. Audrey Hepburn gives one of the finest performances of her career. It is a surprising thing that Audrey wasn't nominated for the Oscar for this role. Rex Harrison, as Higgins, is also fascinating. The musical charm of this film is beyond remarks. So many memorable songs are present. My favorite song is ''Wouldn't it be Loverly?'' Oh, such a beautiful song! The script is great. The cinematography is charming. Overall, it is one of the most memorable films I have seen recently.

Run Lola Run (1998 movie)

Directed by: Tom Tykwer
Released: 1998
Country: Germany

Main cast: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup

Genres: Crime Action-thriller, Drama

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Oh, ''Run Lola Run'' is one of the most technically astounding films I have seen recently. What will I say? It's an amazing, excellently written, directed, and edited film. The story is simply. Lola's boyfriend Manni has lost a lot of money that belonged to his criminal boss. Now, Lola must get that much money before Manni robs a store. She starts running to her father, who might help her. This is shown in three ways, and in each story, there are different results to the incidence and characters. The film's major charm is it's technical aspects. The editing is simply awesome. The sudden fast paces, occasional use of animation, speeding up, and the marvelous musics playing at the background makes it something of a technical achievement. The story is also touching, and the screenplay is, oh, wonderful! Franka Potente as Lola gives a superb acting. ''Run Lola Run'' is nothing short of a technical masterpiece! 

4.5 out of 5

4.5 out of 5 
  

''On the Waterfront'' (1954 movie)- Review

Directed by: Elia Kazan
Released: 1954
Country: United States

Main cast: Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Leo J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger, Pat Henning, Ben Wagner
 
Genres: Crime drama

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

Elia Kazan's ''On the Waterfront'' is a wonderful film for any reasons. Firstly, maybe because of the performance by Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint (both Oscar winners for their roles in this film). Secondly, because it's a moving and intense film. However, it is not really a film to fall in love with, yet the intensity it has is powerful, the direction by Kazan is excellent, the script is brilliant, some of the dialogues are completely unforgettable.

Corrupted union boss Johnny Friendly (played by Leo J. Cobb) kills Joey Doyle, who was going to testify against him. Terry (Marlon Brando) the brother of Johnny's right hand man Charley, is indirectly used in this crime. Terry is not pleased with what he has done, and does not like the work that his brother and Johnny Friendly does.

Terry develops a bond with Edie (Eva Marie Saint), the sister of the late Joey Doyle. Then there is Father Barry (played by Karl Malden), who, along with Edie, insists Terry to testify. Will Terry do it? Terry hesitates, as the people involved with the murder are his ''friends''; Charley is his brother, and Johnny Friendly has also played roles in his life. On the other hand, there is a humanistic and noble side in him, a side which is against the injustice and crimes committed by the corrupted union boss. 

The screenplay (by Budd Schulberg) is very powerful; it is brilliant, and rightly deserved the Oscar which it won. The film has some very unforgettable dialogues. One memorable dialogue ''You lost a battle, but you have a chance to win the war''. The dialogues are made more powerful and efficient by the way that the actors deliver them. Indeed, the film has excellent performances, most remarkably from Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint.

Eva Marie Saint and Marlon Brando in ''On the Waterfront''

Brando brings the character Terry to life. The character itself is memorable. Take a look at his background. This dialogue that the character gives give us some insight to the life of this character: ''You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody instead of a bum, which is what I am'' The character is not shown as perfect. He has done a lot of wrong and bad things. Yet, there is a soft and humanistic, memorable side in him, that being one of the reasons making this film so memorable.

Eva Marie Saint gives a yet another powerful. She and Brando make the bondage between the two characters sweeter. Her expressions  and overall acting- oh so wonderful. Near the beginning of the film, just after Joey Doyle is killed, the character shouts, '' "I want to know who killed my brother!" The way Eva Marie Saint says this, we understand that she is a great actress. Several years later she gave another memorable performance in Alfred Hitchcock's comedic thriller ''North by Northwest''.

The other actors, remarkably Leo J. Cobb and Karl Malden, all give excellent performance.

Overall, this is a brilliant film, that is rather simple, but with a script so powerful and performances so brilliant, a presentation so memorable- so sublime!

5 out of 5!


 
 
 

''Taxi Driver'' (1976 movie)- Review

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Released: 1976
Country: United States

Genres: Crime, Drama, Psychological thriller

Main cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shephard, Albert Brooks, Leonard Harris

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a Vietnam War veteran, has insomnia. To spend his night, he takes a job, driving a taxi during night. Life may seem smooth, but inside Travis, there is a desire to clean the social indiscipline of the city: to make it a clean city with peace and sanity. But his desire is something dark, he is clearly mentally unstable, yet so gentle, yet so violent.

Like many other great films, ''Taxi Driver'' is another film whose greatness can't be explained in a few words. This, certainly, will not be one of my favorite films- but no one can deny it's greatness, it's accomplishment. The disturbing theme of the film is artistically played on screen, so engrossing and a wonder to look at.

Travis Bickle wants to clean the social indiscipline of the city. Driving taxis at night, he keeps a diary where he describes how he's passing his life. He becomes attracted to a woman named Betsy (Cybill Shephard), takes her to dates, form a relationship with her, a relation that ultimately comes to an end when he takes her to a see a pornographic film. Why did he start a relation with Betsy? Because he thinks that Betsy is a lonely person. And he knows very well what loneliness means.

Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro in ''Taxi Driver''

Travis buys guns, does exercises, to become more physically fit, that will help him to ''clean up'' the city. He comes across child prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster), and becomes desperate to save her. To return to her the normal childhood.

Loneliness plays a major role throughout the film.  Travis Bickle is certainly a lonely man, and umm... it'll be really very difficult to describe him. Really.

It is an extremely well-written and well-directed film. The screenplay is wonderful. It is filled with wonderful dialogues (the most memorable dialogue: ''You talkin' to me?'' which Travis asks himself, looking into the mirror). The acting, mentionably that of Robert De Niro, is wonderful. Jodie Foster has importance only in some 20 minutes (or even less than that), but the young actress played her role perfectly in a wonderful way. Cybill Shephard's Betsy will also remain a memorable character. Actually, none of the characters, other than Travis, actually gets that much importance in the film. Sure, they are all important, they are all connected to Travis, and we don't feel that they are missing. Yet, the screen presence of most of these characters, compared to that of Travis, is quite less.

The film actually gets shocking and disturbing at it's climax. Sure, the audience expected a certain violence at the climax, but it is so disturbing, compared to the rest of the film. The ending is also excellent, but let's not go into details.

Overall, Martin Scorsese's ''Taxi Driver'' is one of the best works in the careers of both Scorsese and Robert De Niro. An excellently-made film, ''Taxi Driver'' is one of the films that should not be missed.

5 out of 5

''The Godfather Part III'' (1990 movie)- Review

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Released: 1990
Country: United States

Starring: Al Pacino,  Andy García, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Sofia Coppola, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, Richard Bright, Raf Vallone, Franc D'Ambrosio, Donal Donnelly, Helmut Berger

Genres: Crime drama

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

The concluding chapter of The Godfather Trilogy is enjoyable than the second part, yet not as exceptionally powerful as the first two movies. Yet, in the third part, there is a strange power, and the dramatic contents are much intense. Here, family relationships are given much more emphasis. The first two films were also intense in family drama, yet in the third part it seems as if the family relations, perhaps not as intense as that of the first two films, yet they are more touching.

Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is now an old man, and regrets for all his past deeds: his involvement in crimes, and especially for the fact that he murdered his own brother, Fredo. He is now trying to legitimize the family business, and is trying to stay away from the world of crimes.

His children are grown up: Anthony (Franc D'Ambrosio) and Mary (Sofia Coppola). Both are memorable characters. Anthony loves his father, but knows that his father had murdered his own brother. Anthony wants to be an opera singer, but Michael wants him to be a lawyer, to finish his education at the law school. Mary is closer to her father, and is the chairman of the Vito Corleone Foundation. Kay (Diane Keaton) and Michael are now divorced, and Kay comments that she ''dreads'' Michael.

Enter  Vincent (Andy García), the illegitimate son of Sonny Corleone, Michael's late elder brother. Vincent is in nature a young with a good heart, yet he has inherited the bad temper of his late father. Along with Connie (Talia Shire), Michael's only living sibling, he remains a confidant of Michael. Connie, on the other hand, now plays a different role. To me, Connie will remain one of the most memorable characters in The Godfather Trilogy. The first film began with her wedding. We saw her as an abused wife, then we saw her as a hysterical widow furious at her brother because he killed her husband, then we saw her as a reckless woman who goes through meaningless relationships and marriages, and then we saw her as a kindly woman taking care of Michael's little children. And what role does she play now? She is one of the few people whom Michael is closest, she is Michael's confidant, and yet there it seems she is a cunning woman. She supports Vincent in every of his decisions, not caring if it will be right or wrong.

Then there is a trouble (once again!) as conspiracies to kill the Don Corleone starts, and then...

The Godfather Part III is a strange movie, if compared to it's predecessors. What impresses us about this movie, in fact? Was it the dark sides of the story, or the touching family story, or both? Be it anything, I enjoyed this movie better than The Godfather Part II, though there can be no denying that Part III is weaker than the first two films.

Al Pacino, playing the repentant Michael Corleone, plays a touching character. Like Connie, Michael has also had different forms. First, a young man not willing to join the family business. Then he became the ruthless don. And now he is repentent for his past crime, and has become charitable and is no longer coldhearted. Diane Keaton retains the charm as Kay. Andy Garcia deserves special praise.

And now, the performance of Sofia Coppola (daughter of Francis Ford Coppola) is heavily criticized. But I thought she was not that terrible. Sure, her performance wasn't good. Not good at all. She was somewhat expressionless (for example, she couldn't really act angry). But then again, Sofia adds a particular sweetness in the character of Mary. In fact, Sofia Coppola is even charming at times, though her performance was mostly bad.

The screenplay is excellent. Cinematography is worthy of praise. Music is excellent. The opera near the end of the film was fascinating.

Flashback and nostalgia can be seen in the movie, bringing back memories of the old days. The youth of Michael Corleone, for example. These nostalgias remind us of the first film of the series. The trilogy can be viewed as the life of Michael Corleone. A touching ending it has, and the conclusion to The Godfather Trilogy, is, I think, satisfying and touching.

4 out of 5

''Vera Drake'' (2004 movie)- Review

Directed by: Mike Leigh
Released: 2004
Country: United Kingdom

Main cast: Imelda Staunton, Phil Davis, Alex Kelly, Daniel Mays, Eddie Marsan, Richard Graham, Sam Troughton, Ruth Sheen, Adrian Scarborough, Lesley Manville, Peter Wight, Jim Broadbent, Martin Savage

Genres: Crime, Drama

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

''Vera Drake'' was in my to-watch list for a long time. Having loved Mike Leigh's ''Secrets & Lies'' (which is one of my favorite movies) I looked forward to watch more of his works. ''Vera Drake'' is a very excellent movie, another masterpiece from the talented Mike Leigh.  It is as wonderful as ''Secrets & Lies'', much more emotionally intense, and while not a classic like ''Secrets & Lies'', it is one of the best films directed by Mike Leigh and among the best films of 2004.

Imelda Staunton gives a marvelous performance as the film's protagonist and titular character, Vera Drake. Vera is a lower-middle-class woman who works as a maid in the house of  wealthy people. She probably is in her late fifties. Despite her financial hardships, she is a cheerful and happy person.  Her family consists of her husband Stan (Phil Davis), daughter Ethel (Alex Kelly) and son Sid (Daniel Mays). The family, despite of their financial difficulties, is very happy, and Vera takes care of them. Besides, she also takes care of her sick old mother. Always with a warm and affectionate smile, Vera is a caring and beloved person.

Imelda Staunton gives a stunningly excellent performance in ''Vera Drake''

But she has a secret of her own, a thing that she hasn't told anybody. For about 20 years, she has been performing abortions. Though it is against the law, she doesn't think she is doing anything wrong, she thinks she is just helping young woman by ending unwanted pregnancies. She does it without any money. But she hasn't even the slightest idea that Lily (played by Ruth Sheen), the person who organizes the abortions, actually gets the payment from the young women.

But then when one of her patients, Pamela, nearly dies, the detectives come to know that it wasn't a simple miscarriage, it was an abortion. When they come to know that it is Vera...

Imelda Staunton has brought her character to life. From the warm smile that brings her affection, warmness, and motherly character to life, to the tears that bring the tragedy to life, her performance simply makes the film a tear-jerking film. We see, throughout the film, how the life of the woman suddenly changes. We feel and pity and sad for this old woman... Imelda Staunton certainly deserved the Oscar nomination which she received.

It is an excellent film, with the excellent performances by the actors and the wonderful story and screenplay, the beautiful cinematography, and music. One of the best movies movies directed by Mike Leigh.

4 out of 5

Short reviews of two films that I saw most recently

These are short review of two films that I saw most recently...

Rope (1948 movie)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Released:  1948
Country: United States

Main cast: James Stewart, Farley Granger, John Dall, Douglas Dick, Joan Chandler, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Constance Collier, Edith Evanson, Dick Hogan

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Rating: 4 out of 5 

Short review: ''Rope'' is Alfred Hitchcock's first Technicolor film.  The color is brilliant, the screenplay is excellent, and the sets are wonderful. The plot is about two friends, Bradley and Phillip, who murder their friend David Kentley because they think that they are superior to him. They hide the body in a chest. Then they prepare for a dinner party. The guests are: David's father and David's aunt, David's girlfriend Janet, Janet's ex-boyfriend Kenneth, and Rupert, a teacher of Bradley, Phillip, David and Kenneth. At the party, Bradley is overconfident and Phillip is very nervous. Bradley throws subtle hints about the murder here and there, thinking that none would understand. But Rupert is smart enough; he guesses that something is wrong. James Stewart is excellent as he is always. Next, Farley Granger gives an excellent performance as well. It seems as if he brings the nervousness, guilt and fear of Phillip to life. The others give excellent performances as well. The cinematography is wonderful, and the color is brilliant. The set deserves special praise; the big window is wonderful. It is an excellent film. 4 out of 5

Because I Said So (2007 movie)

Director: Michael Lehmann 
Released: 2007
Country: United States

Genres: Romantic-Comedy

Main cast: Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Gabriel Macht, Tom Everett Scott, Stephen Collins, Ty Panitz, Lauren Graham, Piper Perabo

Rating: 1 out of 5

Short review: ''Because I Said So'' is the dumbest and the worst film I have seen in the last few days. It centers around an overprotective mother Daphne (Diane Keaton) with three daughters. Daphne wants her youngest daughter Milly (Mandy Moore) to find a perfect life partner. She puts an ad at the Internet. Several men respond; she chooses architect Jason. Milly doesn't know what her mother has done. Jason meets Milly and she likes him. Meanwhile, another nice man, Johnny, whom Daphne hadn't preferred, also meets Milly, and she dates him as well. She starts an affair with both Johnny and Jason, and then... Well, I hated this movie. With the story too predictable and almost none of the jokes being funny and the screenplay being bad, I thought it was a terrible movie. Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore are amusing, but that doesn't make this movie a good one. Neither a good comedy nor a good romantic; it's a bad movie. 1 out of 5