Movie Review: "Sophie's Choice"

Watch movie clip "Sophie's Choice."

Directed by: Alan J. Pakula
Cast: Meryll Streep, Kevin Kline, and Peter MacNicol
Date Shown: 1982
Academy Awards USA:
Won Oscar for Best Actress (Meryll Streep),
Oscar Nomination for Best Cinematography (Nestor Almendros)
Oscar Nomination for Best Costume Design (Albert Wolsky)
Oscar Nomination for Best Music Original Score (Marvin Hamlisch)
Oscar Nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay based on Material
from another medium (Alan J. Pakula)

Note: This movie won several awards in different entries.
The above mentioned is only for Academy Awards, USA.


Review

The awards that this movie won speaks for itself. I loved how the movie progressed. It is very unpredictable. More and more secrets were revealed as the story unfolds.

Sophie and Nathan seem to be an odd couple as Nathan seemed to be eccentric with his mood swings. Towards the end, it was told that Nathan has a disability which explains his behaviour.

Meanwhile, one would wonder why Sophie clinged on to Nathan despite his odd behaviour at times (it was shown, however, how Nathan can be very caring and tender when he is in a very good mood). But her story, especially about her experience in the war, would make one understand why she remained loyal to Nathan (the first person who took care of her after she was treated badly in war).

Though the above movie clip (I got the clip from the Sophistry and Illustion website that is why it has text at the beginning of the movie clip) saddens me, it was one of the best scenes in the movie. It was able to impart how the victims of the holocaust were treated, degrading. And, the act of letting the victim choose between who will live and die between her children in front of her children is very cruel. Just imagine the guilt Sophie experienced when she survived the war.

Stingo was the neutral character in the film, the one most people could relate too. The young who leaves home to work on his dream. Along the way, he stumbles into other people who has different life experiences. He listens, observes and becomes a friend.

All the three characters have very different life experiences. In the movie, the three of them became the best of friends. They have nothing in common, and I wonder what brought the three of them together aside from living in the same house. I understand why Nathan and Sophie became a couple. I do not understand how Stingo related to them, especially when Nathan's state seemed to very unstable. Maybe because Stingo was looking for friends as he was new in the city? Or was it because Sophie and Nathan are in love and Stingo was secretly falling in love with Sophie that is why he stuck to the friendship?

Though the ending of the film is not expected, it seemed that Sophie found her peace.

What are your thoughts about the film?

Movie Review: "Bridges of Madison County"

Watch movie clip of "Bridges of Madison County."

Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood and Meryll Streep
Based on a novel (1992) by: Robert James Waller
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Date Shown: 1995


Review

I am making a movie review of "Bridges of Madison County" since the movie inspired me to write. Though we all know that adultery is unacceptable, this movie was able to deliver a reason why people become unfaithful. The movie was able to portray betrayal in a non-malicious way (maybe because they showed the spouse and the family as being the villain in the film). In the end, some viewers might even want the wife to leave her husband and go with the other man.

In this movie, Francesca was portrayed as very lonely housewife looking for affection and love, and Robert just falls into her lap. Though I am not a believer of love at first sight, and four days to fall in love is quite unrealistic, I still liked the movie.

Meanwhile, the scenes I found most promising in the movie is the scene the eyes of Robert (played by Clint Eastwood) and Francesca (portrayed by Meryll Streep) met in the town when Robert was about to leave the town. Their eyes were saying goodbye to each other. It was a prelude to a more powerful scene. At the stoplight, Robert was signalling left (leaving the town) while Francesca was in the car behind him. Robert seemed to be waiting for Francesca to get out of the car and jump into his car while Francesca was battling the feeling at that moment whether he would leave her family and go with Robert where her heart is. In the end (at that moment), it was understood that she made a choice as tears rolled down her cheeks when Robert turned the car left.

There were also two similar scenes in the movie that I liked very much (when the family was having a very quiet dinner in the beginning of the film and at the time after Robert left). The only difference in the scenes were the thoughts of Francesca. In the first dinner with the family scene, Francesca felt so unappreciated by the family. She wanted to hear her family talking and their stories for the day but her family just sat there and refused to partake in conversation. In the next dinner with the family (after Robert left), Francesca felt so relieved that no one was chatting at the dinner table. She loved the quiet time as her thoughts were with Robert at that time.

The movie was made more exceptional as the cast were Meryll Streep and Clint Eastwood, the two (2) most promising actor/actress in Holywood. Direction was also by Clint Eastwood.

What do you think about the movie, "Bridges of Madison County?" I would like to hear your opinion.

Advertisement Review: "The Cog"

Watch the advertisement "The Cog."

Director: Antoine Bardou-Jacquet
Production Company: Partizan Midi Minuit
Agency: Weiden and Kennedy, London
Creative Team (Weiden and Kennedy): Ben Walker and Matt Gooden
Product: Honda Accord
Date Shown: 2003
Duration: 2 minutes

About the Advertisement

"The Cog" is a commercial made for Honda Accord with minimal visual effects. The commercial took about five (5) days to shoot with twenty (20) takes for each day shoot.

Review

The Honda Accord commercial, "The Cog" caught my eye the moment I saw it. What I liked about the commercial is that they used the domino effect principle to communicate accuracy or precision to the public. The point was understood. The idea was simple yet one would know that it was not an easy commercial to produce.

Also, the domino effect principle in the beginning of the commercial created curiosity on what the advertisement was all about. Hence, it will leave people wanting to see the rest of the commercial. This was a good way to introduce the the product, which in this case was, Honda Accord (which was eventually shown at the end of the commercial).

The lights and color scheme in the background helped the foreground stand out as the only items that moved were the items in the foreground.

What is your opinion on the commercial?

Movie Review: "Summer of 42"

Watch Movie Clip of "Summer of 42."

Directed by: Robert Mulligan
Written by: Herman Raucher
Cast: Jennifer O'Neil and Gary Grimes
Date Shown: 1971

About Robert Mulligan (August 23, 1925 - December 20, 2008)

Please read contents about Robert Mulligan in "Man In The Moon."

Review

I made this movie review to compare my thoughts about the movie then and now. I remember watching "Summer of 42" when I was young. Though I do not remember the exact details of the movie, what I remember most is the soundtrack and the story of a young teenage boy falling in love with a woman. I also remember falling in love with the movie.

Upon doing the review of "Man In The Moon," I found out that the Director of "Man In The Moon" is also the Director of "Summer of 42." As such, I watched "Summer of 42" again.

The soundtrack is still as beautiful as I remembered it to be. The love scene was the highlight of the movie and was created with taste and tenderness. One would not think of malice when one watches the love scene between a teenage boy and a woman.

I also liked how the story showed the contrast between Hermie (the teenage boy who fell in love with the woman) and his friend. Hermie has deep thoughts and believes that physical intimacy has more to it than just being "physical." His friend, meanwhile, wants physical intimacy more for experience. Both boys experience their first physical intimacy experience during the summer of 42. However, one would clearly see that Hermie's experience created great impact.

What do you think about "Summer of 42?" Did you like the film?

Movie Review: "Man In The Moon"

Watch trailer of "Man In The Moon."

Directed by: Robert Mulligan
Written by: Jenny Wingfield
Cast: Sam Waterson, Tess Harper, Gail Strickland, Reese Witherspoon, Jason London, Emily Warfield
Date Shown: 1991

About Robert Mulligan (August 23, 1995 - December 20, 2008)

Robert Mulligan is a film director and has directed several films (and / or television shows) which includes "The Moon and Sixpense," "Fear Strikes Out," "The Spiral Road," "To Kill A Mocking Bird," "Summer of 42," and "Man In The Moon" among others. He was recognized for the following television shows and /or films:

The Moon and Sixpense (1959)" Emmy Award
To Kill A Mocking Bird (1962): Academy Award (nomination) and Directors Guild America (nomination)
Summer of 42 (1972): Golden Globe Award for Best Director (nomination) and Directors Guild Award (nomination)

The last film he directed was 1991's "Man In The Moon."

Review

It is about a country girl (14 year old girl) who falls in love for the first time (with a 16 year old boy), her first kiss, and the complications about love that goes with it.

When I first saw the film when I was younger, the first thought that came to mind was that the movie was refreshing. People can relate to the film because everyone went through the growing up stage. The movie was able to convey in many little ways what a young girl experiences on a first crush. This brings us to the topic of analogy to explain the difference of a young girl and a woman liking someone. Have you talked to some of your older friends about Christmas, and they tell you that they have lost their Christmas spirit and they wished they were young again to feel it? What I am trying to impart is that the movie was able to show the young girl's feelings.

The film was recognized not only for its story but also the young actress who played the role of the young country girl, Reese Witherspoon. "Man In The Moon" is Reese Witherspoon's first movie. She is very talented and she portrayed the role very well. I was not surprised that she grew up to be one of Hollywood's fine actresses.

Your comments are welcome.

Short Film Review: "Signs"

Watch the short film "Signs."

Director: Patrick Hughes
Producer: Victoria Connors-Bell
Head of Production: Jen Beitler
Executive Producer: Rob Galluzzo
Written by: Patrick Hughes, Karl Fleet, Nick Worthington
Duration: 12 minutes and 12 seconds
Date Shown: 2009

Background of Patrick Hughes

Patrick Hughes is a Director, Writer, Producer, and Editor based in Australia. In 2000, he was nominated in the Australian Film Institute, Best Editing in a Non-Feature Film for "The Director." In 2001, he won 1st place Topfest award for "The Lighter."

Review

This short film amused me so much. There was no dialogue but communication was done creatively so that the audience will understand and feel the emotions in the short film.

The flashing of paper with words to communicate to the other person made the romantic film so endearing. In addition to that, the soundtrack made the film more special since it goes with the story development. When the man was alone and seem to be searching for something, the music was slow. When the characters were perky, the soundtrack goes with it with an upbeat music. The actors expressive faces also contributed much in communication.

Your comments are welcome.

Advertisement Review: "Funeral"

Watch the advertisement "Funeral."

Filmmaker: Yasmin Ahmad
Launched by: Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry to promote family unity and celebrate one's life partners "for their imperfections."
Duration: 3 minutes and 2 seconds
Date Shown: 2009

Background of the Filmmaker

Yasmin Ahmad is a film director and writter. She was born in Malaysia and is presently the Creative Director at Leo Burnett. She has made several TV commercials which gained popularity in Malaysia. She also has made films and gained the respect of the public because of the international awards she has received. Her works include: "Rabun (My Falling Eyesight)," "Sepet (Chinese Eye)," "Gubra (Anxiety)," "Mukhsin," "Muallaf (The Convert)," and "Talemtime."

Background of Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports is a ministry of Singapore Government which is aimed to promote a over-all well being of individuals and strong family ties.

Review

In this advertisement review, I can honestly say that I watched the advertisement, "Funeral" repeatedly because of the impact it made on me. Most people find funeral scenes disturbing, but this advertisement is not. In fact, the advertisement was moving.

I also enjoyed watching the development of the advertisement. In the beginning of the advertisement, there was no music and was only played when the widower was about to point the highlight of the speech. Good timing of music plus choice of music created great audience impact. I was close to tears after the speech when the widower went to her crying daughter (with a smiling but sad face).

Meanwhile, I could not help but notice the multicultural people in the funeral. One would not be able to guess the nationality of the advertisement. This is good since this commercial can also be shown in other countries (if they decide to do so) and people from all over the world can relate to the commercial.

The gloomy lighting also helped set the mood. Over-all, good actors, lighting, and great words.

I welcome your comments.

Short Film Review: "Strangers"

Watch the short film "Strangers."

Directed, Written, and Produced by: Erez Tadmor and Guy Nattiv.
Duration: 7 minutes and 11 seconds
Date Shown: 1993

Background of the Filmmakers

Erez Tadmor was born in Israel in . Since his graduation from the department of television at the "Camera Obscura" school of Arts in Tel Aviv in 1999, he has directed, written, and produced short films which includes, "Double Happiness," "The Little Prince," and "Moosh." The film "Moosh" won several awards.

Meanwhile, Guy Nativv was also born in Israel. Guy Nativv and Erez Tadmor attended the same school and was in the same program but Guy Nativv graduated in 2002. Guy Natiiv won several prestigious awards. "Mabui," "Strangers (2003)," and "Offside" which Guy Nattiv and Erez Tadmor has directed and written have won several prestigious awards. Guy Nattiv is also into directing commercials (in EU and Israel) of large companies such as Coca-cola and Nestle.

Review

I enjoyed watching the short film, "Strangers" and consider it a "must-see" film. This short film review imparts to viewers what I like about "Strangers." The short film does not have dialouge and message was conveyed through facial expression, signs and symbols (of what each group represents). It is a story about a Jew and a Muslim, who has a racial division, and what brought them together.

The short film started with a man who stepped onto the train and sat in one of the seats near another man. At that point, the group to which each character belong to were being established. Both men looked at each other in an unfriendly manner. The man who entered the train and took a seat is a Jew. The viewer would guess this as he discreetly played with his necklace (sign of Israel). Meanwhile, the man already seated is a Muslim (as shown by the characters in the newspaper he is reading). Clearly, both men dislike each other from history ("Six-Day War," June 5, 1967 to June 10, 1967, between Israel and the armies of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria).

Meanwhile, a third (3rd) group appeared in the train, the Nazis. The Nazi symbol was prominent when one of the men drew a Nazi sign on the Muslim newspaper. Another Nazi sign is shown at the back of the head of one of the Nazi. The Nazis disliked the Muslim man as they started harassing the Muslim man.

Only when the phone of the Jew rang did the Nazis stopped harassing the Muslim man. At that point, it was very clear that the man is Jew since his ringtone was Jewish (it would have been nicer if the ringtone were shorter). From World War 2 history, Nazis also dislike the Jews. The Jew man knew that the Nazis would harass him next. He made eye contact with the Muslim man to run. Both Arab and Jew ran avoiding the Nazis.

I enjoyed watching this short film as the story unfolds and each character's group was slowly revealed. The suspense grew as I watched their facial expressions (along hearing the background sounds).

Over-all, this short film was professionally made. It has a good story, the actors performed well, and it is very well produced. Though the story is simple, it made a profound impact.

What do you think about the short film "Strangers?"