Doctor Zhivago

I've been a busy bee lately, uni finished then work took over...

So I thought, the more reason for a decent film to wind down with!
I was in the mood for something good. Not mediocre, not forgettable but good.

Consequently, I hit the classics.

Doctor Zhivago was available on Amazon Prime and every time it was on TV, I'd sit for a little while looking at Omar Sharif say a few lines and change the channel. I was a little kid and my patience wasn't as it is now.

Now that I've seen it, I wish I had seen it earlier, perhaps when I was studying the Russian Revolution at school- I'm certain it would've painted a better picture.

An epic movie of love, I think I read somewhere... It's epic all right, the cinematography was brilliant with some very clever direction (or directing). I like how we never see the narrator speak to Zhivago when he's telling the story. I liked the ice house and the daffodils.

I still don't get why Zhivago loved Lara that much. I mean I didn't really understand their love. It wasn't spelled out for us which I think was nice in a way because it wasn't overindulgent or verbose.

Still, would've liked to hear a poem or two though...

But that's just silly 21st century me. Lara's theme by Maurice Jarre is astounding and the acting is incredible, truly a stellar cast.

The verdict: definitely worth a watch and deserves the reputation it's gained as an epic.

Pasha: I used to admire your poetry.

Zhivago: Thank you.

Pasha: I shouldn't admire it now. I should find it absurdly personal. Don't you agree? Feelings, insights, affections... it's suddenly trivial now. You don't agree; you're wrong. The personal life is dead in Russia. History has killed it. I can see why you might hate me.

Zhivago: I hate everything you say, but not enough to kill you for it.

Netflix Pix: Thrillers

Last time I complained about having a massive pile of work to do, now that's over and done with for now, Ive got plenty of free time on my hands.
So what does one do in such a lazy situation you ask?
Netflix of course! Best source of entertainment when you just want to "switch off".
1-star Netflix flicks were always a turn off for me but lately I've realised that beggars cannot be choosers, and to be honest I've been pleasantly surprised with how decent some of their content is. Or maybe my standards are dropping, either way let's talk streaming.

I've been enjoying some of their thrillers lately and gotta mention some of these good 'uns:

The Invitation

Ok so a 3-star, pretty good rating for Netflix.
My rating: 4****

Plenty of clever symbolism and foreshadowing that led to a slow and steady suspenseful build-up. Keeps you guessing so read no further if you don't wanna ruin it!

I'm serious look away now and don't look until you see a big LOOK sign...

Spoiler (kind of): what happened to Claire? Did she drive off or did the big guy get her?? Hoping she made it haha creepy film!

LOOKLOOKLOOK

Moving on, let's talk about The Unlikely Girl- part French part English so be prepared for subtitles- I for one love a bit of culture in my movies. This was really good actually in spite of low-budget and newbie director. Got me reallyyyy into it even though it was the middle of the night/early morning and I was exhausted it kept me going! Definitely worth the watch I promise, just don't be expecting too much and you will really get into it.

Spoiler time! Safe word is Canoe!



So did the imposter really know what was going on with Celene and Mathieu or was it all a big mind game? I googled but had no luck, guess it could go both ways.

CANOE

So these were the two films that I feel deserved a mention and worth the watch.

Next time I'm talking Woody Allen with another Netflix find you just have to watch and I mean HAVE to.

To-be-continued.

Blog Post 11- Bean

Today is quickly developing into one of those "I've got a big pile of work to do but it's not gonna get done" kinda days. Who am I kidding, I've been having a whole month's worth of these... Maybe a lifetime's if I'm being brutally honest. I think a feel-good film is just what the movie doctor ordered.

I'm thinking something sweet, light and energetic... I got it! Maybe I'll pull out a Mr Bean flick! Haha I swear I spend so much time gushing over these deep, sophisticated, powerful films when sometimes it takes nothing more than a family favourite to liven up your afternoon and leave you on a high note.

My personal favourite is Bean. This is a classic in its own right. Everyone will remember the drawn-on Whistler's Mother face that had everyone laughing one good hearty guffaw. It takes films like these to sometimes slap us round the face with a whirl of humour and go "stop taking life so seriously and just live a little!"

Routine living can get you down for sure with all those daily stresses and chores. They can suck out all the fun of your day which is why sometimes you need to press pause and watch a man sneeze on a priceless work of art. It'll do ya a world of good!

Someone did once say that it's hard for a film to get you to cry but even harder to make you laugh! I happen to agree with that. Rowan Atkinson has given us this wacky character that delivers on this difficult task for sure. Mr Bean is the original funny-man! I love how no matter how much trouble he gets into, he always finds the most hilarious way out. Take the operation scene for example; only Mr Bean could wind up leading the surgery and manages to get the bullet (and his M&M) out with his bare hands and save the day.

If by any chance you've been living under a rock and haven't seen the movie:

Mr Bean is a gallery security guard who is thrown into Los Angeles, under false pretenses in order to unveil a very precious painting... *Cue ultimate opportunities for mischief*

It's just one of those films that never fails to get you in a good mood, so put all of your troubles out of your head, leave the impending work for another time and belt out some of your best cackles.

Blog Post 10- The Magic of Miyazaki

The other day I caught 'The Wind Rises' on TV- Hayao Miyazaki's latest animation. It was a good one and worth a watch but admittedly it won't beat some of my old Studio Ghibli favourites that I find myself re-watching over and over again. So I dug out an old review I jotted down about these films, and seeing as I've got the will to blog today here goes nothing!

I have feasted my eyes on a lot of Mr Hayao Miyazaki's stunning animes. Mystical, colourful Japanese wonders- a cross between a movie and a symphony.

This vibrant combination of touching story lines and magical artworks that really transport you to a whole other world- like an eccentric dream or whimsical adventure. 
Sitting on your couch revelling in these movies is truly blissful. 

What really makes these films are the political elements and the profound ideas that are at the very core.
Hayao Miyazaki has great views of the world. One that uses his art to express these ideas is one to admire. 
I can't really summarise the stories with much ease because they are so magical and abstract that you kinda have to let yourself go with them and just enjoy the ride.

The ones that stand out the most are 'Spirited Away' and 'Howl's Moving Castle' personally but I've seen almost all of them and have not been disappointed. Film4 dedicated a whole week of them so I got to catch up with some of these such as 'Kiki's Delivery Service' and 'Ponyo'. 

Here is an attempt at a short introduction to the first Miyazaki film I ever saw so many years ago...

Don't forget to listen out for the star-studded cast of voices! Shihiro is a little girl moving to a new home with her parents. Suddenly as if by fate, they take a different route and end up at an enigmatic abandoned theme park. Shihiro's family invite themselves in and greedily start devouring a deserted prepared buffet while Shihiro, sensing the ominous, vibe wonders off discovering an old bath house. What she is about to embark upon is that they have entered the plane of the spirits and there doesn't seem to be a way out especially when her parents have been turned into pigs ...

Blog Post 9: I love the 'Count of Monte Cristo' (2002)

There are three major protagonists in this film; Edmond, the Count & hybrid Count Edmond. 

I like the third one the best. 

My favourite parts in this film have to be every scene with the good old all-knowing Priest building up rock-bottom, broken Edmond as well as that grand and lavish entrance as the Count; our naive hero reborn into a powerful supremo. That part was rather cool. 

We sympathise with him, we laugh with him and we back him against the injustices thrown at him by the imposing forces corrupting his innocence. I mean, it’s exhausting really just watching this.

I think we can all relate to this movie in a million and one ways. Alright, we won’t exactly be noting down tips on how to survive the Chateau D’If but if this film doesn’t inspire or even affect you in some way I don’t know what will. 

Life is gonna chew you up spit you out and then it’s down to you- turn bitter or take it in your stride, gain strength and wisdom. 

Above all, never lose hope. 

I have to acknowledge the fact that this is a Dumas masterpiece but I also gotta say, they made a hell of a movie and I happen to like the adjustments to the story very much. 

Technically speaking, the direction is great and the acting is spot-on. Will continue to re-watch this film over and over as I have done for years. 

Bravo!

Blog Post 8: "Which is better, the book or the film?"

Why is it that we feel the need to appraise these two art forms? Call ourselves refined and pick a side… I was always too much of a film buff to class myself as a book worm but nevertheless appreciated the wonder of the written world. There’s nothing like being totally immersed in a great film or indeed escaping into a good book. Popcorn or cocoa; Hitchcock or Shakespeare can’t we just love both?

Art can be in music, in a painting, in a dish, in a photograph, film, book or even a memory. Whatever your ‘thing’ is, treasure it. A passion is a flame we can fuel and revel in throughout life. Never let it die out. 

So let’s talk about movies. 

The other day I found myself sinking into a pile of work aching to be completed. So, I figured, maybe I’ll just float on the surface for a little while until I find my feet. Naturally I headed to the cinema. There was one film on my mind for a long time that I had missed out on.

Here’s a clue: “Here’s looking at you, kid.” 

Yep, the 40’s classic ‘Casablanca’. It’s a classic for a reason. I found it magical watching this movie on the big screen so if you ever get the chance, save it for the cinema. Bogart and Bergman are a mighty pair dominating the camera with their powerful presence. These are two fine actors that once reigned the box office, true Hollywood royalty. 

It was clearly a different world back then. One we can experience through superb films like these that preserve time for us to travel through. It sure is nice to crossover into that world. Isn’t that the great thing about Art? Cheapest form of travel after all and you get all the culture you need.

So if you have time this week, visit the Art world. If not, make time. Devote at least part of your life to the things you love and you won't regret it. 

Ilsa: Thank you for the coffee, monsieur. I shall miss that when I leave Casablanca.

Senor Ferrari: It was gracious of you to share it with me.

Blog Post 7. Athena's Picks

There are those epic films that you see once and that's it. Then those films that you have the urge to watch the next week or the next day even (guilty as charged, I must say). But what about the films that sit in your collection ready to cater for your mood ? These are a bunch that are worth a buy- invest proudly and you won't be let down.

Great films come in all packages so here's a random bunch from the corners of my movie-muddled mind. 

When I'm feeling like I need a hug, I reach for a mug filled with hot tea and happily see... Trains, Planes and Automobiles 

Fed up and frustrated, Col. Slade makes it fade with...Scent of a Woman!

Need something light? Grease is always a good sight!

Wanna have a cry, so what if you're a guy- The Phantom of The Opera!

Girls' night in, this one's always a win...The Wedding Date

Seeking a Disney cartoon with a catchy tune...Mulan!

Filled with car chases and a couple famous faces... The Terminator

Laugh straight for two hours, this film certainly has the powers... Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 

In places it's very moving, nice and incredibly soothing... Shallow Hal

Bit of black and white charm to get you feeling calm... Some Like it Hot

A fun sci-fi flick always does the trick... The Matrix

Animations have so much tech, this card beats the deck, it's only good old Shrek!

Political and suave, at least try and see half... V for Vendetta 

An absolute great, Made in 1978 of course it's Heaven Can Wait! 

A film with heart can't decide which one's my favourite part... Catch Me If You Can

It's a 100% true story with great actors that deserve all the glory... Papillon 

So there you have it, a very personalised list of wonderful movies- of course I've missed a lot out but these are the first that come to mind for now with more to come- enjoy and have a good night! 

Blog Post 6.

Papillon 

This film. A cinematic masterpiece.

I love Roger Ebert's humorous review so do give that a read!

Here's mine: 

A truly magnificent film that draws on a man's struggle to survive battling the cruelty of life, the setbacks, the drawbacks, the heartaches that force us to fall flat ready to throw in the towel.

This is a true story. A man that tastes the real bitterness of life, facing and fighting every obstacle that appears.

I don't think I've ever been more inspired. Papillon knows the real definition of bad luck. We have the unjust prison sentence, the worst conditions known to man, the

Corrupt unescapable system and here we have this man with an unstoppable will to survive. Somehow every problem we've ever encountered is laughable.Every difficulty: insignificant. I saw this film completely unaware of the plot and I think it's vital that you watch with a clear mind too. Prepare to be amazed every second is worth your attention, your empathy and your time. Reality can be so much more fascinating and powerful than fiction and this film really shows that. 

Other films that may be slightly lighter that trigger a new outlook include 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Survival movies always get you thinking and if you want some further viewing try out 'Alive', 'Cast Away' and 'Life of Pi'. One of them is bound to leave you on a high ;)

Steve McQueen plays the role of his life and he does an incredible job of it. Dustin Hoffman shows off his brilliant dramatic ability and Franklin J. Schaffner pulls off a flawless epic in true nature. But don't take my word for it...

Papillon

Blog post 5. How to pick a Halloween movie!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN for tomorrow guys! If you haven't picked a Halloween film

Just yet (you gotta watch a horror on Halloween) do not fear as I have made it easier for that scared little voice in all of your heads stuck between Insidious and Sinister :) Here is a list of my favourite horrors categorised to suit all- may have missed a few, there are so many out there! my choice is traditionally 'Halloween', So typical but Michael Myers' dodgy William Shatner mask (google it) and Carpenter's creepy instrumental always does the trick eek, ENJOY and watch with caution,

If you dare...

Modern horror

I agree the limited SFX, low level sets and bad hair dos can be off-putting. These horrors had budgets and plenty of fear factor

#The Conjuring

#Insidious

#Sinister

#Devil

#Jeepers Creepers 1 & 2

#Paranormal Activity

#Mama

#White Noise

Classic horror

It feels as though sometimes the stories these days just aren't cutting it- 

Sequels are being made left, right and centre! Hit the old school shelf of movies (most are on tv all the time anyways) for a good creeping ;) 

#Don't Look Now

#The Omen

#The Changelling 

#My Bloody Valentine

#Poltergeist

Sentimental horror

Ok so you like the beating heart and sweaty palms but like to avoid the ongoing trauma

These films are for the subconscious which likes to play up around bed time- they will leave 

You feeling well...a little less freaked out hopefully with their powerful and dramatic plots

#The Sixth Sense 

#Paranorman

#Dragonfly

#What Lies Beneath

#Stir of Echoes 

#The Orphanage

Alien lover

Hey, what's more scary than things that scientists can't disprove?! How are you supposed to run they come with UFOs and better tech 

#Dark Skies

#Signs

#Alien

#Apollo 18

Japanese horrors 

Because let's face it no one has more imagination than a Japanese story teller!

American style or original up to you but The Ring comes with a warning if you choose 

The Japanese version! 

#Shutter

#The Ring

#The Grudge

#Dark Water

#One Missed Call

#Mirrors

Horror hit

Made lotsa dosh, scared a lot of underage kids and set the scene for new films on the block

#The Shining

#Scream

#The Exorcist

#Psycho

#Saw

#The Birds

#A Nightmare on Elm Street

#Texas Chainsaw Massacre 

Books to big screen

Stephen King comes to mind of course, comes with a guarantee that what you're watching

is scary as hell both on a page and in your face

#Pet Cemetery 

#Carrie 

#Christine

#Bag of Bones

#It 

#Misery

Blog Post 4.

The Artist.

You could say so much about this film. For instance, talk about Dujardin's remarkable 'old-school' charm, the profoundly wonderful story-telling or simply the artistic elements cleverly encrypted throughout...

But, if I've learnt anything from this film; it's that you don't always need words to express the truth.

The thing is, I've seen people over-analyse this film countless times but, make of it what you will, The Artist is a gem, a real 'pièce de résistance'. How Hazanavicius and everyone involved in making The Artist has managed to combine the old and the new, so seamlessly, is a rarity.

In fact, cheering on The Artist from TV as it picked up its many (well earned) awards was like seeing your favourite team score.

Without further adieu, all you need to know about The Artist:

George Valentin has it all. Fame, fortune and everything that comes with it. Somehow, he's stuck in the past, blind to the future- a world of talking pictures catching up with this silent movie star. Peppy Miller is a free-spirited young woman with a drive of ambition, and an unwavering admiration for Valentin. Watch as their contrasting paths cross.

So there you have it. A description that doesn't do the film justice so don't just take my word for it! I'm off to put the soundtrack CD on shuffle (did I mention it's great?). As always thanks for reading ~Athena

Blog Post 3.

Corpse Bride

I was mesmerised by this movie when I first saw it in the cinema back in 2005...
I mean, the story is really quite fascinating when you come to think of it.

How many "children's" animations portray the themes of death, sacrifice, dishonesty, betrayal...
-In the space of 78 minutes? All the while displaying one captivating soundtrack (Danny Elfman everybody) plus a star-studded cast of voices...

Tim Burton's darkly vivid imagination has successfully managed to conjure up this timeless stop-motion classic. You hear the phrase "for all the family" being passed around a lot these days. Especially with adventure film- flops that never amount to much but, in this case, they might be on to something. Sure it's a little more mature than the average kid's film but who's to say that it's "too much" for them to handle. Sometimes, their uncomplicated minds can spot things that the more life-experienced cannot. Just like the children in the movie welcoming their loving dead relatives while the townsfolk fled.

Let's look at things realistically speaking; life is brutal. We all know that. However, from time-to-time, that element of reality seems to lose touch in some children's films dare I say High School Musical (sorry). Corpse Bride, even with all of the fantasy, is more true than most of the stuff in the cinema out there now. Think Lord Barkis with his shady agenda, if you've seen it.

There's also the subject of binary oppositions; life and death, the upper-class and the working-class. Which side is scarier? I'll let you guys make of it what you wish, but I think it's clear that Corpse Bride is no simple watch.

Victor & Emily Piano Duet  (here's the link that will direct you to youtube)
Thanks for reading :D

~Athena

Blog Post 2.

Silver Linings Playbook.

Wow, what a film!
Yesterday I heard about them re-releasing it or something, and there it is-
number 3 in the top 10, still going strong! Quite rightly might I add.

First, let's talk about the cast comprising of big names such as:
Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and the mighty Robert De Niro whom never disappoints.

...Need I say more?

Actually, for me, De Niro's knack for comedy really shined towards the end when he delivered this fantastic 'look' during the wildly entertaining dance scene. Funny, how such a simple gesture made an impact in the film enough for me to pick up on and dedicate a small paragraph to in this post.

Lawrence is definitely going places with that superb, raw talent this budding Hollywood actress certainly beholds. It's true that the main cast all seem to obtain this likeability factor, which radiates off screen. Chris Tucker's (Rush Hour) performance doesn't go unnoticed either, as a friend of Pat's, (the protagonist) from the mental facility they both stayed in.

To be completely honest here, I went in thinking 'here we go again, another typical rom com', despite Jonathan Ross' efforts to promote it in his interview with Cooper. Suddenly, within the first couple of minutes I scrapped my low expectations and was hooked.

To all that haven't seen it, I'd rather not give too much away about the plot, but all you really need to know is that it's the perfect combination of a deep, yet light-hearted drama film. This will all make sense if you see it.

I also really love the way Russell tackles mental disorder, tragedy and even racism in a refreshing way with a new, revitalising approach to the original love story. I can't promise it's for everybody, but if you appreciate a great film then you'll enjoy it-sorry my advice is a little vague.

"Let me tell ya. You gotta pay attention to signs. When life reaches out with a moment like this it's a sin if you don't reach back. I'm telling you. - Pat Sr.

See you all soon + thanks for reading~Athena

Blog Post 1.

Films. They have the ability to change the world. As we delve into a sphere of pure cinematic genius, we see things that perhaps, we were blind to initially.

Films are an escape from our dimension into another. They are a portal, a window into oblivion. Sometimes, a decent film is all it takes for us to leave our troubles behind and embark upon a journey into- and here's the best part- wherever and whenever we like.

So here goes nothing, a based-on-a-true-story, film to feel good: Awakenings

Nothing short of a masterpiece, by virtue of Penny Marshall. Robert de Niro (has to) steal the show with a moving performance portraying Mr. Leonard Lowe, a catatonic patient being treated by none other than Robin Williams. Look out for some true tearjerker moments and a light, memorable sequence with the Zombies song 'Time of the Season'. Julie Kavner also plays the part of a kind-hearted nurse working alongside the doctor, bringing him out of his shell. 

What stands out about this lovely film is how it gets you to let go of the melancholy mood, all part of the January package deal, and just simply appreciate life in all it's glory. It shows you what living is really all about...Love. Freedom. Being happy with what you have- a beating heart and a good pair of lungs for example- cue inspirational speech courtesy of Williams ;) 

So if you see one film this week, watch Awakenings and start the weekend off with a happy-go-lucky outlook on life. See you soon~Athena

A poem from the movie:

The Panther

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,
has grown so weary that it cannot hold
anything else. It seems to him there are
a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.

As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,
the movement of his powerful soft strides
is like a ritual dance around a center
in which a mighty will stands paralyzed.

Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly--. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone. 

Rainer Maria Rilke