''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

Hitchcock (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: Sacha Gervasi
Released: 2012
Country: United States

Genres: Biographical-Drama

Main cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Toni Colette, Danny Huston, Jessica Biel, James D'Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg, Ralph Macchio, Michael Wincott

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Alfred Hitchcock, one of the best film directors ever. If you ask people what their favorite Hitchcock movie is, most of them will reply either ''Vertigo'' or ''Psycho''. ''Hitchcock'', directed by Sacha Gervasi and based on the book ''Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho'' by Stephen Rebello, tells the story of how Alfred Hitchcock came up with the thought to make ''Psycho'', a controversial project, how he made it, what happened, along with the story of Hitchcock's relationship with his wife, Alma Reville. It proves to be one of the best films of 2012.

If you ask me who my favorite directors are, the first name that would come to my mind is Alfred Hitchcock. Who can forget films like ''Vertigo'', ''Psycho'' or ''North by Northwest''? It was a delight to see a movie about this great figure in cinematic history. Not only is it a movie showing us about the making of ''Psycho'' and about Hitchcock himself, but it also is a superbly well-made film, witty at times and heartwarming at others.

The film starts in 1959. Alfred Hitchcock (played by Anthony Hopkins), now sixty years old, has made loads of successful movies. His wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), has always helped him. But then there are questions of his retirement because of his age. He is deciding to make a movie. He decides to adapt the horror novel ''Psycho'' by Robert Bloch. Because it is violent, bloody, horrific, and for some other reasons, Paramount denies to finance the film. Hitchcock decides to finance the movie himself. 

Then starts the filming for ''Psycho'', now considered not only to be one of the greatest horror films of all time, but also one of the greatest films of all time. Scarlett Johansson plays Janet Leigh, the talented actress who played Marion Crane. Jessica Biel is present as Vera Miles, who played Marion's sister. And then there is James D'Arcy, playing Anthony Perkins. (I was surprised seeing the resemblance between Perkins and D'Arcy). We see the troubles the crew faced during the filming, how they brought the difficult parts to screen, and with a terrifically excellent performance from the actors and of course, the screenplay, ''Hitchcock'' does it's best!

Other than the making of ''Psycho'', another thing that is given importance is the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville. The relationship is sort of complicated.  I won't like to go in details as they might be spoilers. The star of the film is Helen Mirren, bringing in life the pains of the character. 

I advise you that before seeing''Hitchcock'', please watch ''Psycho'', because there may be spoilers of Psycho in ''Hitchcock''. ''Hitchcock'' is a beautifully made motion picture, excellent and truly fascinating, one of the best films of 2012.

4.5 out of 5

Lincoln (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Released: 2012
Country: United States

Main cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Tommy Lee Jones, Hal Holbrook, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Jackie Earle Haley, Lee Pace, Gloria Reuben, David Constabile, Michael Stuhlbarg

Genres: Historical, Biographical, Drama, War

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

Steven Spielberg, in his biopic of Abraham Lincoln, tells the story of the Lincoln, the President of the United States from March 1861 to April 1865. He was assassinated in April 1865 by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln is revered in history because of his hard work to abolish slavery in the United States. 

 ''Lincoln'' is not really a biography of Abraham Lincoln as it does not tell the story of his whole life. Instead, it tells the story of the last days in his office. Set during the Civil War, the film shows us of Lincoln's continuous efforts to abolish slavery, what happens after the abolishment of slavery, and ends with his assassination.

Daniel Day-Lewis is perfect in his role as Abraham Lincoln. He gives a performance so stunning. He also resembles the real Abraham Lincoln quite much. Sally Field (''Forrest Gump'') in her role as Lincoln's wife is extremely good. The others, notably Tommy Lee Jones, David Straithairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and all others, are very good in their roles. I also liked Gulliver McGrath, who played Tad, Lincoln's youngest son who is very close to him.

The film is made excellently. With it's intensity and great screenplay, wonderful direction by Steven Spielberg, excellent performances from the actors, wonderful cinematography and occasionally beautiful scores, it can easily be said as a great movie. The time has been recreated wonderfully with the sets, makeups and costumes. 

While this is a powerful and skilful motion picture, it's main fault is that many parts of it are a bit boring. At the beginning and middle parts of the film, it is often boring with infrequent exciting moments. But however, the last 40 minutes or so gets extremely exciting and wonderful, and at times, heartwarming.

While it may be boring at parts, it cannot be denied that Steven Spielberg's ''Lincoln'' is a powerful motion picture, wonderfully deep and intense, superbly-made. 

4 out of 5!

127 Hours (2010 movie)- Short Review

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Released: 2010
Country: United Kingdom, United States

Genres: Biographical, Adventure, Drama, Thriller

Main cast: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Clémence Poésy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Short Review

Intense, emotional and touching, Danny Boyle's ''127 Hours'' tells a true story. And truly, it's one of the most emotional, most impressive movies about a true story of survival. It has an excellent screenplay, and with the excellent background music, stunningly great cinematography, great performances (especially by the lead actor, James Franco), and truly excellent editing, it can easily be said as among the best movies of 2010. It tells the story of Aron Ralston, a young man, who, while canyoning, gets trapped. One of his arms get trapped in a big rock. He cannot move. He cannot escape. Thus begins his journey of survival. How will he survive? How? Throughout the film, he thinks that he would die soon, but his efforts to escape and survive doesn't end. He tries and tries. Along with this, he records something in his camera, thinking someone would send it to his parents if he dies. Along with this, there are beautiful flashbacks of his childhood, youth, family life, along with memories of his girlfriend. There are several other supporting characters, but they just remain mere supporting characters. For example, two lost hikers (played by Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara). Aron's girlfriend Rana (played by Clémence Poésy, who appeared as Fleur Delacour in the Harry Potter film series) is present in flashbacks.t   Impressive, powerful, and engrossing, and Often intense, ''127 Hours'' is a beautifully-told movie. It is a must-watch. 

Note: The film is very intense and is rated 'R' for ''language and some disturbing violent content/ bloody images.''

Amazing Grace (2006 movie)

Directed by: Michael Apted
Released: 2006
Country: United States, United Kingdom

Main cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Michael Gambon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Albert Finney, Ciarán Hinds, Youssou N'Dour

Genres: Biographical, drama, historical

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was a leader of the movement to abolish slave trade. ''Amazing Grace'' is a film based on the works, and struggles of William Wilberforce.

''Amazing Grace'' is not a dull or boring film. It is rather a very interesting, enjoyable, and, at some parts, a sweet film. To many of us, movies based on true stories are ''boring'', but Amazing Grace is quite different because of it's wonderful presentation. It kept me looking at the screen from the beginning to the end.

The film starts in 1797, as William Wilberforce arrives in Somerset, Bath for a holiday. He meets his future wife Barbara Spooner, to whom he recalls his past. Through flashbacks, we see the struggles of William Wilberforce in order to abolish the slave trade.

I won't reveal more of the story, as it is quite interesting and sometimes, informative. I am sure that everybody will enjoy this film, as it is presented so wonderfully.

The cast was excellent. Ioan Gruffodd is excellent as William Wilberforce. Romola Garai is also very good as Barbara Spooner. So are Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Gambon in the roles. All others, of course, were excellent. They all gave excellent performances.

''Amazing Grace'' is a very likeable film. It is a very touching film which also informs us how much cruelty was once shown towards the innocent Africans who were made slaves. There is a scene where Equiano shows William Wilberforce a slave ship. This scene is very moving as Equino describes the conditions in which the slaves were brought from Africa. There are quite a few other scenes which deeply touches our feelings.

And oh, the music is EXCELLENT! 

It is a very good film. Though there are several historical inaccuracies, the film tells us about William Wilberforce and his works and struggles. A highly recommended film.

3.5 out of 5.

The King's Speech (2010 movie)

 
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Released: 2010
Country: United Kingdom
 
Plot synopsis
 
 
The film tells the story of the man who became George VI of the United Kingdom. Known as ''Bertie'' by his family, he had a stammer, but his wife was able to find a speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The film tells the story of how, with the help of Lionel Logue, George VI was able to find his voice and became a worthy King.
 
 
Cast
 
 
Colin Firth as King George VI
Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue
Michael Gambon as King George V
Claire Bloom as Queen Mary
Guy Pearce as King Edward VIII
Eve Best as Wallis Simpson
Darek Jacobi as Archbishop Cosmo Lang
Jennifer Ehle as Myrtle Logue
Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill
 
 
Achievements
 
 
The movie won a number of awards. It won 4 Oscars, including Best Actor (Colin Firth) and Best Picture. Also, it won a number of BAFTA Awards, including Outstanding British Film, Best Leading Actor (Colin Firth), Best Supporting Actress (Helena Bonham Carter) and Best Supporting Actor (Geoffrey Rush). It also received numerous other awards and received many other nominations.
 
 
 
My opinion
 
The film is great! I really liked this film. It's a very touching movie about King George VI.  All the actors give excellent performances. 

4.5 out of 5.

The Pianist (2002 movie)

Directed by: Roman Polanski
Released: 2002
Country: France, Poland, Germany, United Kingdom
 
Plot synopsis
 
Wladyslaw Szpilman is a talented Jewish pianist. The film is set during the World War II. After spending some time at the ghetto, they are rounded for deportation to the Treblinka extermination camp. Wladyslaw is saved by a friend from deportation by the Jewish Ghetto Police. After spending some time as a slave laborer, he decides to hide. He hides, helped by two non-Jewish friends, but is discovered by a neighbor. His second hiding place is destroyed by a tank. Looking for a hiding place, he is discovered by a German officer. After hearing him playing piano, the officer is moved, and helps him.
 
Cast
 
Adrien Brody as Wladyslaw Szpilman
Thomas Kretschmann as Captain Wilm Hosenfeld
Ed Stoppard as Henryk
Jessica Kate Meyer as Halina
Julia Rayner as Regina
Frank Finlay as Father
Maureen Lipman as Mother
Ruth Platt as Janina
Ronan Vibert as Janina's husband
 
 
Achievements
 
''The Pianist'' won and was nominated for multiple awards. It won 3 Oscars, including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), 2 BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, and was nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards, along with other nominations and wins. It also won seven César Awards, include Best Actor (Adrien Brody) and Best Picture.

My Opinion
 

The Pianist is a nice and touching movie. It made me very emotional. Adrien Brody gave a wonderful performance. The scenes where Captain Wilm Hosenfeld helped Wladyslaw Szpilman were very touching and nice. Indeed, one of the best movies about the World War II. 

5 out of 5.
 

Schindler's List (1993 movie)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Released: 1993
Country : United States
 
Plot Synopsis

The story of the film takes place in Poland, during the World War II. It is based on a true story. Oskar Schindler, a businessman and Nazi member, saves over 1000 Jews by employing them in his factory.

Cast

Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler
Ben Kingsley as Itzhak Stern
Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth
Embeth Davidtz as Helen Hirsch
Caroline Goodall as Emilie Schindler
Jonathan Sagall as Poldek Pfferberg


Achievements

''Schindler's List'' was very successful. It won seven Oscars. Also, it received several Golden Globes, BAFTA, and many other awards and nomination.


My opinion

Schindler's List is a very nice, touching, and wonderful film. Though it is a very long movie (over 3 hours), I didn't think it was boring at all. I like watching movies about the World War II, and Schindler's List is among the best World War II movies that I've seen. It's so nice a movie...

 The story is so touching... It kept me looking at the screen. I think it was among the best movies made in the 1990s, and one of the best movies about the Holocaust. Very, very, very much nice movie. 

5 out of 5!

Freedom Writers (2007 movie)

Directed by: Richard LaGravenese
Released: 2007
Country: United States

Plot synopsis

The film tells the story of a young teacher, Erin Gruwell, who teaches her students to learn tolerance and to pursue education beyond high school. When she first comes to the class, she is shocked to see that the students fight between themselves because of racial differences. By telling them about Holocaust and how bad racism can be, by teaching about Anne Frank, and by encouraging them to keep diaries, Erin tries to remove the racial feelings from their hearts.

Cast

Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell
Patrick Dempsey as Scott Casey
Imelda Staunton as Margaret Campbell
April L. Hernandez as Eva Benitez
Jason Finn as Marcus
Mario as Andre Bryant
Gabriel Chavarria as Tito
 
My opinion

''Freedom Writers'' is one of the films which brought tears to my eyes. It teaches us how horrible racism can be. It's such a nice and touching movie... Not only the acting, but also the music of the film was truly nice.  

4 out of 5.

Finding Neverland (2004 movie)

 
 

Directed by: Mark Forster
Released: 2004
Country: United States

Plot synopsis

This film tells the true story of the friendship between the Llewelyn Davies family and the playwright and author J. M. Barrie. The Llewelyn Davies boys inspired Barrie to create Peter Pan.


Cast


Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies
Johnny Depp as Sir James Matthew Barrie
Julie Christie as Mrs Emma du Maurier
Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies
Joe Prospero as Jack Llewelyn Davies
Nick Roud as George Llewelyn Davies
Luke Spill as Michael Llewelyn Davies

Achievements

The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Johnny Depp), and won an Oscar for Best Original Score.

My opinion

It is such a nice film! It was interesting to watch. It's such a colorful movie! I really loved it! The whole movie was interesting, but at the end I became very sad. It tells a true story, though some of the events in this film are fictionalized. 

4 out of 5.