Film The Redcafe Movie review thread

caid

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Enemy (2013):

I really liked every other Denis Villeneuve movie I have seen, so decided to watch his lesser known psychological drama 'Enemy' yesterday. Probably not the most unique premise, but nonetheless, the movie will keep you guessing about the plot, while also speculating about the symbolism and deeper meaning. For a relatively short film, it is a bit of a slow burner in the first third, but it makes up for it with style, atmosphere and tension. The performances are strong as well, especially from Jake Gyllenhaal and Sarah Gadon. Oh, and it has one of the more disturbing endings I can remember seeing in a film.

7/10. Would recommend to anyone who likes a psychological/surreal drama.
Really liked that film. A few images have stuck with me years later.
 

Dirty Schwein

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Cherry picking excerpts from muh blog:

One Cut of the Dead

One Cut of the Dead is the debut film from Shin’Ichiro Ueda and tells the story of a movie-making exercise gone wrong when the cast and crew are randomly attacked by ferocious zombies. As they’re picked off one by one, the director sees a window of opportunity so keeps filming so as to create the most realistic film possible. As it turns out – and without spoiling anything major – this reality isn’t quite how it seems. The latter parts show us what’s really going on behind the scenes, which ends up being a seriously amusing exercise in meta-filmmaking.

The beauty of the film isn’t how traditionally good it is but instead how strange things are. At one point, the cast and crew head upstairs to take a break, which ends up feeling like an eternity of listening to them have pointless dragged out conversations. It only stops – and thank god for that – when one heads outside for cigarette to get his arm chewed off (I guess smoking is bad for you). The next twenty or so minutes range from a mix of exciting to ridiculously slap-stick. It elicits one single appropriate response – what the feck is happening here? By the end, it’s obvious and most of the joke is on us.

The appeal isn’t obvious but you’ll have to trust me that it all makes sense by the end. The humour is playful, and the characters are both warm and likeable. To me it feels more like a movie made in 2008 rather than the more cynical times of today. I’m really interested to see what this talented young man by the name of Shin’Ichiro Ueda does next because I’m sure it’ll be equally as brilliant.

4/5
I loved this film but hard to get others to watch it. I just say "please get through the first 20 minutes and you'll see the magic". I don't want to spoil it so I say no more but no one gets past those 20 minutes.

Enemy (2013):

I really liked every other Denis Villeneuve movie I have seen, so decided to watch his lesser known psychological drama 'Enemy' yesterday. Probably not the most unique premise, but nonetheless, the movie will keep you guessing about the plot, while also speculating about the symbolism and deeper meaning. For a relatively short film, it is a bit of a slow burner in the first third, but it makes up for it with style, atmosphere and tension. The performances are strong as well, especially from Jake Gyllenhaal and Sarah Gadon. Oh, and it has one of the more disturbing endings I can remember seeing in a film.

7/10. Would recommend to anyone who likes a psychological/surreal drama.
I was very intrigued by the premise but the film was a let down for me.
 

Mike Smalling

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I was very intrigued by the premise but the film was a let down for me.
I can fully understand that - it is intentionally left so vague and ambiguous, that it almost becomes a little frustrating. I have spent some time today watching different analyses of the film, and have seen two or three different interpretations. I find that quite intriguing, though, so I might actually watch it again to try and get a fuller picture.
 

Wibble

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Tenet Good looking nonsensical bollocks. Literally nothing had any logic to it and the motivation of most characters is totally lacking. And he still can't write convincing female characters. A cure for not feeling cheated out 2.5 hrs of your life. Avoid. -1/10
 

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Tenet Good looking nonsensical bollocks. Literally nothing had any logic to it and the motivation of most characters is totally lacking. And he still can't write convincing female characters. A cure for not feeling cheated out 2.5 hrs of your life. Avoid. -1/10
-1 is harsh. It sounds like you won't have the motivation for it, but it gets much better with repeated viewings like many of Nolan's films. I was not quite as down on it as you after the first watch yet was still disappointed, but have watched it a few times since and it's become one of my favourite films from 2020 (admittedly a lean year).
 

Wibble

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-1 is harsh. It sounds like you won't have the motivation for it, but it gets much better with repeated viewings like many of Nolan's films. I was not quite as down on it as you after the first watch yet was still disappointed, but have watched it a few times since and it's become one of my favourite films from 2020 (admittedly a lean year).
I didn't miss anything plot wise. I got what he was trying to do and it was just nonsensical annoying rubbish. I won't gain anything by watching it again.

Inception was much better than I feared because it was at least more or less consistent to its own narrative and amazingly more or less planted the landing. Tenet didn't even pretend to be consistent to its own narrative even if you ignore the "reverse entropy" silliness.
 

Tottenhamguy

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Tenet Good looking nonsensical bollocks. Literally nothing had any logic to it and the motivation of most characters is totally lacking. And he still can't write convincing female characters. A cure for not feeling cheated out 2.5 hrs of your life. Avoid. -1/10
I watched it in the cinema at the time it got released, Massively disappointed. I really enjoy watching Christopher Nolan films but I just thought that there was no real story to the film at all, Very confusing and I never really felt connected to the film in general to be honest even emphatically. Too many changes of scenes and not enough story telling in my opinion.
 

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Some other movies I've watched recently:

Joint Security Area (Park Chan-wook)

The poster and title make it look like a horribly cliched "war movie" but it's actually a tight thriller about how human sentiment gets messed up in times of conflict. It's like Park Chan-wook tried to make a standard blockbuster and realised, shit, I'm far too good at filmmaking to do that. IMO definitely one of his most underrated films. (4/5)

The Eye of Silence (Some guy)

A completely average but surprisingly watchable revenge thriller. The characters are horribly one-dimensional but it's shot well and has some nice location footage of a smog-ridden Beijing, which is interesting if just for voyeuristic reasons. I wouldn’t go into it expecting much but if you're in the mood for something you can just throw on and not think too much about... yeah, it's an option for sure. (2/5)

Poetry (Lee Chang-dong)

A superb character portrait that looks at the impact of soft power and local corruption. It really got to me seeing Mi-ja hold on to everything despite being barraged by constant pressure on all sides, including her own debilitating health. It all comes together as a strong piece of social commentary, as well as a welcome message that only by breaking down our beliefs can we ever hope to understand anything. (5/5)

The Day a Pig Fell into the Well (Hong Sang-soo)

Tempestuous arty types [X]
Extramarital affairs [X]
Selfish people [X]
Lots of soju [X]
Drunken sobbing [X]
Surprisingly polished [X]

Yep, it's a Hong Sang-soo movie (4/5)
 

Amar__

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-1 is harsh. It sounds like you won't have the motivation for it, but it gets much better with repeated viewings like many of Nolan's films. I was not quite as down on it as you after the first watch yet was still disappointed, but have watched it a few times since and it's become one of my favourite films from 2020 (admittedly a lean year).
Nolan movies are mostly more stupid with every rewatch, not better.
 

Dirty Schwein

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Death To 2020
Thought it would be better considering it was by Charlie Brooker but it was light hearted fun way to look back at the year from hell 6/10

Soul

Really really enjoyed this. Great animation, relatable theme and characters. It felt like the adult successor to Inside Out. Would have been in my top 5 of the year of it came out sooner. Loved it 8/10
 

OleBoiii

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Joint Security Area (Park Chan-wook)

The poster and title make it look like a horribly cliched "war movie" but it's actually a tight thriller about how human sentiment gets messed up in times of conflict. It's like Park Chan-wook tried to make a standard blockbuster and realised, shit, I'm far too good at filmmaking to do that. IMO definitely one of his most underrated films. (4/5)
Agreed. Jarring English and poor acting from the Western actors aside, it's a good movie. Luckily 95% of the movie is without this.

I think the concept is pretty funny and original as well. It will never not be funny when
the southern soldier simply walks over to the northern side of the bridge just because he was invited :lol:
 

sullydnl

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Tenet Good looking nonsensical bollocks. Literally nothing had any logic to it and the motivation of most characters is totally lacking. And he still can't write convincing female characters. A cure for not feeling cheated out 2.5 hrs of your life. Avoid. -1/10
The bold is very true

Dull film.
 

R.N7

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The Day a Pig Fell into the Well (Hong Sang-soo)

Tempestuous arty types [X]
Extramarital affairs [X]
Selfish people [X]
Lots of soju [X]
Drunken sobbing [X]
Surprisingly polished [X]

Yep, it's a Hong Sang-soo movie (4/5)
I remember watching that one and being surprised how cinematic it looked, "where are all the zoom ins??". Looked more like an Edward Yang film than a later Hong with his trademark austere compositions.
 

Vidyoyo

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I remember watching that one and being surprised how cinematic it looked, "where are all the zoom ins??". Looked more like an Edward Yang film than a later Hong with his trademark austere compositions.
Haha tell me about it. Seemed weird for a Sang-soo movie as I'm so used to them looking like they were shot on a phone.
 

noodlehair

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Greenland

This is film is worth watching purely for the opening scene and how hilariously obvious it is from his acting that Gerard Butler has never been on (or conversed with anyone who's been on) a construction site in his life. Also, eventually, some bits of comet crash into the earth and blow up some things, in between Gerard Butler and his family running about all across America for no real logical reason. Feels like Greenland is only in the film because they didn't know what to call the film and then decided to call it Greenland, but then realised Greenland wasn't in the film. 6/10
 

Rooney in Paris

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Greenland

This is film is worth watching purely for the opening scene and how hilariously obvious it is from his acting that Gerard Butler has never been on (or conversed with anyone who's been on) a construction site in his life. Also, eventually, some bits of comet crash into the earth and blow up some things, in between Gerard Butler and his family running about all across America for no real logical reason. Feels like Greenland is only in the film because they didn't know what to call the film and then decided to call it Greenland, but then realised Greenland wasn't in the film. 6/10
They go to Greenland at the end, don't they? Or maybe they don't. I was very drunk when I saw this at the cinema.
 

Vidyoyo

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Thanks didn't know about this.

There's was rumours years ago about Nolan doing a live action trilogy remake of Akria.
Really? I couldn't imagine that/hope it never happens. Akira is too closely aligned with Japan's weird relationship with technology post-WW2 that it seems a lot would be lost in translation.

It'd be like if they tried to remake Ghost in the Shell - they'd probably miss the point and end up with a sub-standard Hollywood origin story :wenger:
 

Sweet Square

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From 2015

https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/report-warner-planning-akira-trilogy-christopher-nolan-involved/

I couldn't imagine that/hope it never happens. Akira is too closely aligned with Japan's weird relationship with technology post-WW2 that it seems a lot would be lost in translation.

It'd be like if they tried to remake Ghost in the Shell - they'd probably miss the point and end up with a sub-standard Hollywood origin story :wenger:
Oh yeah completely agree with you. Akira is very much of a time and place, it really shouldn't be updated.

To be fair while the remake of the Ghost In The Shell was shite, it did have some great concept art. Made me realised just how much talent and work goes into even very boring and dull films.
 

Vidyoyo

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From 2015

https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/report-warner-planning-akira-trilogy-christopher-nolan-involved/


Oh yeah completely agree with you. Akira is very much of a time and place, it really shouldn't be updated.

To be fair while the remake of the Ghost In The Shell was shite, it did have some great concept art. Made me realised just how much talent and work goes into even very boring and dull films.
Cheers. I often wonder how far they get into planning. I imagine quite a few production houses buy the rights to projects that never see the light of day, even after talks with producers/directors/etc.

I honestly didn't mind the GitS remake for what it was. Medicore story and sidelined the philosophical bits from Shirow/Oshii but lots of cool aesthetics. Didn't regret paying for a ticket at all.
 

caid

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Enjoyed Ghost in the Shell too. Wasn't expecting much going in so looking pretty was a nice bonus.
 

Sweet Square

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It's a gorgeous film and clearly a lot of love and work went into it.


It really was caught in between wanting to be a 21st century sci fi movie but needing to use ideas from the 20th century as a selling point(Not that this had any effect because the film flopped at the box office). One of the biggest difficulties sci fi movies have always had is the general public show no interest in watching them. It's only years later do they gain attention.
 
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OleBoiii

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The Iron Giant

I enjoyed it! I think it's one of the better animated movies from the US. It's not that far behind Pixar's best, imo.
 

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The Dry
Whodunnit detective story set in drought stricken rural Australia. Good acting, good atmosphere, good story. Apparently the book is better but I enjoyed the film. 8/10
 

Sweet Square

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haha Mr internet you've completely dissected my whole personality


haha very funny......and no these are not tears of sadness running down my face.
 

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I almost watched The Crimes of Grindelwald (Netflix) earlier this week. A Harry Potter spin-off, for the uninitiated. Well, I kinda did watch it. I saw the first hour, but it was a dull affair of side-quests and details. Then I slept for a bit and woke up in time for the final, which didn't make me feel like I had missed anything, and which anyway isn't a final, cause it just sets up the next film. Time wasted, but at least not too much cause I slept. (In my defence, it was my wife's choice - although she regretted it as well.)

I also watched Beirut on Netflix yesterday. That was very good. It's a political thriller set in 1982 Beirut, where a damaged ex-diplomat is called back in for a hostage situation. It's a 'western' story set in Lebanon, which is a little meh; but otherwise it's a good watch (tense, good pace, good acting) that tries to do the situation justice.
 
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Zen

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haha Mr internet you've completely dissected my whole personality


haha very funny......and no these are not tears of sadness running down my face.
Pretty fun video, nuts to see them in the UK now, the effort to get them in the mid 00's was a bit of pain. But their resale value was brilliant when I got rid of most DVD's and went to Blu... but never bothered to get that region free player so have missed out on the blu ray versions. The more I see them about, the more I'm tempted, but no doubt, UK will be miles behind and they'll be films I really want that'll be US-exclusive.

Still keep an eye on their releases though as I can at least view the film in other..... ways.
 

Sweet Square

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Pretty fun video, nuts to see them in the UK now, the effort to get them in the mid 00's was a bit of pain. But their resale value was brilliant when I got rid of most DVD's and went to Blu... but never bothered to get that region free player so have missed out on the blu ray versions. The more I see them about, the more I'm tempted, but no doubt, UK will be miles behind and they'll be films I really want that'll be US-exclusive.

Still keep an eye on their releases though as I can at least view the film in other..... ways.
Yep I'm pretty much the same, love the work they do but I can never justify the price. Thank christ for the internet.
 

Drawfull

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I almost watched The Crimes of Grindewald (Netflix) earlier this week. A Harry Potter spin-off, for the uninitiated. Well, I kinda did watch it. I saw the first hour, but it was a dull affair of side-quests and details. Then I slept for a bit and woke up in time for the final, which didn't make me feel like I had missed anything, and which anyway isn't a final, cause it just sets up the next film. Time wasted, but at least not too much cause I slept. (In my defence, it was my wife's choice - although she regretted it as well.)

I also watched Beirut on Netflix yesterday. That was very good. It's a political thriller set in 1982 Beirut, where a damaged ex-diplomat is called back in for a hostage situation. It's a 'western' story set in Lebanon, which is a little meh; but otherwise it's a good watch (tense, good pace, good acting) that tries to do the situation justice.
The first Fantastic Beasts is good, you should give it a go. Crimes of Grindelwald is shite, yes.