So finally I see Burnt by the Sun. Well, it's not the happiest of movies I've seen, but it's Russian films we're dealing with so I expected so.
Kotov gave me an impression of a good man. He was wonderful with his daughter- still fresh in my mind is the scene when they are on the row boat just drifting down the river, very touching and shows how loving their relationship is, while displaying his feeling for the Motherland. Even from the beginning, it is shown that many others adore Kotov.
When his wife's childhood lover returns, I see him as this darkness that comes into the family. You see them all lovey dovey in the bathhouse as this perfect family and then this guy comes back into her life and brings up past memories (which are very inappropriate, like their first time having sex) and emotions; god, she tries to kill herself over him. Also, the fairytale story Mitya concocts is total bs, just to purposely set of Kotov and his wife.
The ending was terrible (I admit, I did get a little teary eyed). The fact that Kotov knew what was coming and still was able to go and even crack jokes was admirable. I didn't expect him to cry, although his love for his daughter was shown with the whistling of that song she would constantly sing. When Mitya kills himself, I was surprised....this sounds evil, but good riddance.
Oh yeah, I didn't know what to make of that reoccurring fireball, but all I know is that it always came at bad times... I still have no opinion??
Monday, January 28, 2008
Russian Ark
Even though this film was hard to follow, the costumes and the Winter Palace were amazing. I'm a sucker for old style clothing and was shocked at how many people were casted and even more extras were present- the work it must have taken by many make-up specialists and clothing designers to make this film work is astounding, they made it realistic.
For the most part, I treated Russian Ark as a piece of art. At first, it was challenging to not pick it apart and try to find hidden meanings and what not, but as I realized that wouldn't get me anywhere, I appreciated as it was and enjoyed finding historical figures throughout the shots- seeing Nicholas II's family depicted so happy and knowing how they came to a terrible end, was very sad for me (in my opinion, the Romanovs are so fascinating).
Aside from the costumes and many people, I found myself in awe of the architecture and artwork displayed in this film. I would love to see this for myself someday.
For the most part, I treated Russian Ark as a piece of art. At first, it was challenging to not pick it apart and try to find hidden meanings and what not, but as I realized that wouldn't get me anywhere, I appreciated as it was and enjoyed finding historical figures throughout the shots- seeing Nicholas II's family depicted so happy and knowing how they came to a terrible end, was very sad for me (in my opinion, the Romanovs are so fascinating).
Aside from the costumes and many people, I found myself in awe of the architecture and artwork displayed in this film. I would love to see this for myself someday.
The Return
In this film, I noticed certain aspects similar to Tarkovsky, specifically Mirror. I saw many shots of nature, often paused on for a few moments. For instance, the last scene where it focuses on the ocean and pulls back to the forest (very similar to the last scene in Mirror). Also, in the beginning of the film, I found the shot of the burning coals to be reminiscent of this fascinating director.
Off that subject, I did find the boy's house to be very strange. To me, it seemed like a big warehouse from the exterior. The interior was extremely plain- like the movie, I mean, the reoccurring color being blue (all this water around- many times ocean or rain) and the only brightly colored object was the father's car.
Overall, the film gave me this creepy feel, partly because of the plainness and the constant questioning (the father also made me uneasy, I never knew what he was up to). From the beginning, you quite don't know what's going on even though the story is easy to follow. I found myself asking many questions throughout the boy's trip- who is this many really, where did he come from, and what the hell was in that box???!
Off that subject, I did find the boy's house to be very strange. To me, it seemed like a big warehouse from the exterior. The interior was extremely plain- like the movie, I mean, the reoccurring color being blue (all this water around- many times ocean or rain) and the only brightly colored object was the father's car.
Overall, the film gave me this creepy feel, partly because of the plainness and the constant questioning (the father also made me uneasy, I never knew what he was up to). From the beginning, you quite don't know what's going on even though the story is easy to follow. I found myself asking many questions throughout the boy's trip- who is this many really, where did he come from, and what the hell was in that box???!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Brother
When I first saw Danila in the beginning of the film, I never would have expected him to be so comfortable in murder. As he stated, he only served in the HQ as a clerk, but the way he performs the tasks given to him by his brother seem to be executed by someone with experience. As Danila familiarizes himself with St. Petersburg, I think some of the acts that may have been seen as violent are justified. For instance, the scene on the bus as the ticket collector makes his rounds. When Danila threatens the men who give him a hard time, I believe Danny was good in his intentions, but threatening someone with a gun is not my way to do it; Besides, Danila doesn’t kill anyone in the process. Also, when Danny first meets the German and knocks out the man who attempts to take all of his goods, I see this act as something similar to what Robin Hood stood for, protecting the poor. Even though Danila eventually morphs into a mobster (also someone who is able to kill easily), I don’t see him as an evil character, but as one who would protect the good.
I found Danila’s friendship with Cat to be a confusing one. It seems that he has not much of an interest in drugs and doesn’t appear to have that much fun at the party Cat brings him to; maybe he was curious now that he had money? She just seemed to be some dumb rocker chick hooked on drugs. I preferred the mature wife (who does save his life) over Cat any day.
I find the scene in which the high Danila speaks with the Frenchman about the terrible American techno music to be very amusing. (Although Cat thinks it so cool, I laughed at its few words and references to sex.) Speaking of America, Americans portrayed in this film appear dense. In the scene where two tourists ask Cat for directions, they find that speaking slowly and loudly might enhance their ability to be understood by those who obviously don’t speak English. (Duh)
Overall, this Russian version of a gangster movie was unlike any I’ve seen in the States. It was less violent, although it did have some, but not the kind of blood and gore that I’m used to. I did appreciate the modern music and found Danila’s quest for that Nautilus CD to be interesting. I wanted to know why it was so important, maybe something worth checking out?
I found Danila’s friendship with Cat to be a confusing one. It seems that he has not much of an interest in drugs and doesn’t appear to have that much fun at the party Cat brings him to; maybe he was curious now that he had money? She just seemed to be some dumb rocker chick hooked on drugs. I preferred the mature wife (who does save his life) over Cat any day.
I find the scene in which the high Danila speaks with the Frenchman about the terrible American techno music to be very amusing. (Although Cat thinks it so cool, I laughed at its few words and references to sex.) Speaking of America, Americans portrayed in this film appear dense. In the scene where two tourists ask Cat for directions, they find that speaking slowly and loudly might enhance their ability to be understood by those who obviously don’t speak English. (Duh)
Overall, this Russian version of a gangster movie was unlike any I’ve seen in the States. It was less violent, although it did have some, but not the kind of blood and gore that I’m used to. I did appreciate the modern music and found Danila’s quest for that Nautilus CD to be interesting. I wanted to know why it was so important, maybe something worth checking out?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Little Vera
Well, what can I say about this film? It had all the characteristics of an 80's teen flick that I've seen with sex, drugs, and even rock and roll. (but of course with a deeping meaning)
The aspect that most differed with the other movies up to this point was the fact that they actually showed sex -up close and personal. Even more, I can't say that I've seen characters try to commit suicide in the past films either. I also noticed that the film was not at all sugar coated. Vera's life was not a walk in the park; she had a dysfunctional family, didn't seem to be interested in college, and picked a pig for a husband. The apartment and city for that matter looked broken down and polluted. We also see alcoholism portrayed in a negative light- no more jokes about this topic. Vera's father obviously has a problem to the point where he feels justified in stabbing her fiance. It also seems like the family is constantly urging each other to drink- the scene where Vera's parents meet Sergei or when Vera and her mother are alone (the mom mentions rum in the fridge and to have a drink with her).
I also noticed that the youth in this film seemed bored and troubled. Right from the start, Vera appears to be this bad ass against her parents type (no one understands me). She seems to be immature for marriage and asks Sergei if he loves her right after they just met and had sex. Again, in the scene where the youth is dancing outdoors at some apparent hot spot, the guys don't have anything better to do than brawl. I don't know if I want to call the generation rebels, but what exactly are they rebelling against? The traditional ways? A country that is falling apart?
I see that Russia also had a problem in the 80's with bad music, clothes, and hair. :]
Thank god that period is over...
The aspect that most differed with the other movies up to this point was the fact that they actually showed sex -up close and personal. Even more, I can't say that I've seen characters try to commit suicide in the past films either. I also noticed that the film was not at all sugar coated. Vera's life was not a walk in the park; she had a dysfunctional family, didn't seem to be interested in college, and picked a pig for a husband. The apartment and city for that matter looked broken down and polluted. We also see alcoholism portrayed in a negative light- no more jokes about this topic. Vera's father obviously has a problem to the point where he feels justified in stabbing her fiance. It also seems like the family is constantly urging each other to drink- the scene where Vera's parents meet Sergei or when Vera and her mother are alone (the mom mentions rum in the fridge and to have a drink with her).
I also noticed that the youth in this film seemed bored and troubled. Right from the start, Vera appears to be this bad ass against her parents type (no one understands me). She seems to be immature for marriage and asks Sergei if he loves her right after they just met and had sex. Again, in the scene where the youth is dancing outdoors at some apparent hot spot, the guys don't have anything better to do than brawl. I don't know if I want to call the generation rebels, but what exactly are they rebelling against? The traditional ways? A country that is falling apart?
I see that Russia also had a problem in the 80's with bad music, clothes, and hair. :]
Thank god that period is over...
Monday, January 21, 2008
Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears
Overall, I enjoyed the film. I could relate to the characters, which were believable and went through realistic problems throughout their lives.
From the beginning, I knew Katya was going to get into some sort of trouble because of Lyudmila's lies- who knew it would be a baby. Because of this, I didn't find Lyudmila to be a character all that interesting, although she was quite funny. The more she schemed and deceived, it was apparent that her marriage would not last, for it had been built originally on a foundation of lies. Why go through life looking for a rich husband to depend on? Others work hard and earn their living, while others merely act as parasitic insects. I'm an independent, very hard-working female and when I see other women just looking for a rich husband to settle with and not really work a day in their lives, it's infuriating!
Although I did admire Katya's independence and taking responsibility in raising a child alone, while working her way up to an executive director, I found Antonina's life to be the most rewarding in comparison with the other three women. She finds real love from the beginning, raising her children, and helps her husband in tending to the farm. (I'm all for women working their way up in life, but Antonina's humble, traditional, and simple life seems most full of happiness and love.)
I realize that this film was made during a different time far from what is accepted in society as we know it, but I found when Katya submits to Goga demanding that he be superior (the "man's" role) to be ridiculous. Katya should not have to give up her superior role in the family just so she can find love. She has lived most of her life being independent and hard working, raising a daughter without a father figure and just because she finds a man like no other who just strolls into her life, doesn't mean she has to throw that independence away. Relationships should be about equality, not stereotypical gender roles.
And also, why don't these movies ever give subtitles for the songs that begin the story?!? I was interested in understanding what they were singing about this Alexandra for.
From the beginning, I knew Katya was going to get into some sort of trouble because of Lyudmila's lies- who knew it would be a baby. Because of this, I didn't find Lyudmila to be a character all that interesting, although she was quite funny. The more she schemed and deceived, it was apparent that her marriage would not last, for it had been built originally on a foundation of lies. Why go through life looking for a rich husband to depend on? Others work hard and earn their living, while others merely act as parasitic insects. I'm an independent, very hard-working female and when I see other women just looking for a rich husband to settle with and not really work a day in their lives, it's infuriating!
Although I did admire Katya's independence and taking responsibility in raising a child alone, while working her way up to an executive director, I found Antonina's life to be the most rewarding in comparison with the other three women. She finds real love from the beginning, raising her children, and helps her husband in tending to the farm. (I'm all for women working their way up in life, but Antonina's humble, traditional, and simple life seems most full of happiness and love.)
I realize that this film was made during a different time far from what is accepted in society as we know it, but I found when Katya submits to Goga demanding that he be superior (the "man's" role) to be ridiculous. Katya should not have to give up her superior role in the family just so she can find love. She has lived most of her life being independent and hard working, raising a daughter without a father figure and just because she finds a man like no other who just strolls into her life, doesn't mean she has to throw that independence away. Relationships should be about equality, not stereotypical gender roles.
And also, why don't these movies ever give subtitles for the songs that begin the story?!? I was interested in understanding what they were singing about this Alexandra for.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Kidnapping Caucasian Style, or Shurik's New Adventures
It's so refreshing to see a comedy when for the most part, everything is oh so serious.
In comparison with American comedies, this film lacked dirty humor (I noticed this too with Irony of Fate). I enjoyed the physical jokes and was reminded of the Three Stooges when the three villains were brought into the story. I also was thoroughly amused by the quirky chase scenes and the goofy music that accompanied them. This comical film is so different with what I'm accustomed to. For example, Superbad, sticks in my mind. Even though I loved the stupid vulgar teenage humor, it can get old -Sometimes you just have to go back to the basics.
Right from the beginning, I found Shurik to be a dorky, but silly character to watch. I laughed at the reoccurrence of Shurik bringing up that he's interested in folklore and toasts and is met by many who have numerous toasts to tell over some drinks. (I was just waiting for someone to yell "You shouldn't drink so much")
In comparison with American comedies, this film lacked dirty humor (I noticed this too with Irony of Fate). I enjoyed the physical jokes and was reminded of the Three Stooges when the three villains were brought into the story. I also was thoroughly amused by the quirky chase scenes and the goofy music that accompanied them. This comical film is so different with what I'm accustomed to. For example, Superbad, sticks in my mind. Even though I loved the stupid vulgar teenage humor, it can get old -Sometimes you just have to go back to the basics.
Right from the beginning, I found Shurik to be a dorky, but silly character to watch. I laughed at the reoccurrence of Shurik bringing up that he's interested in folklore and toasts and is met by many who have numerous toasts to tell over some drinks. (I was just waiting for someone to yell "You shouldn't drink so much")
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