1minutefilmreview

Doubt

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Director - John Patrick Shanley

Genre - Drama/Mystery

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep spar in this performance-driven drama. We get a double dose of the legendary cinema diva, madame Streep and Hoffman, who more than holds his own against the scene-stealin' queen. What could be better? Hoffman plays a priest who gets in the way of Streep's mother hen of a nun in every way. When word got out that the priest may not be what he seems, the mother hen must protect her chicks at all cost. Even if it means surrendering her beliefs and destroying the very foundation of her faith. Powerful but not overbearing.

3.5 STARS!

All about Doubt

Penelope

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Director - Mark Palansky

Genre - Comedy/Fantasy/Romance

As fairy tales go, this isn't half bad. But then, fairy tales have a certain "been there, done before" curse which almost always takes away their appeal. Christina Ricci is a rich girl born with a pig's snout as a result of a witch's wrath. After numerous efforts to get her married off fail, James McAvoy turns up at the door unperturbed it seems by a life-sized, in the flesh version of Miss Piggy. Is McAvoy the dashing gentleman come to rescue our cute pork-pie or the big bad wolf who wants to blow her whole house down? Do you really need a bedtime story at your age? If the answer's yes then put on your pajamas and go bananas!

2.5 STARS!

All about Penelope

In The Mood For Love

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Director - Wong Kar Wai

Genre - Drama/Romance

Wong Kar Wai has taken the plight of the rejected to the utmost extreme here. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung play two lost souls abandoned by their respective spouses. They then find themselves confiding in each other, their bleedin' hearts laid bare in the grim, cavernous chasm of the unloved. Wong is a master in manipulating our emotions. Utilizing exquisitely compelling music, formidable performances and Doyle's ravishing cinematography, he has managed to tug at the pliant strings of our beating hearts. The period costumes and sets are first-rate, evoking a classy, unforgettable time.

5 STARS!

All about In The Mood For Love

YAM Issue 006

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:56:00 +0000

Check out our Peru friend Amy Wong's YAM Magazine (yetanothermagazine) Issue 006 October edition for her reviews on Inglorious Basterds, Mother and many more!

Brüno

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Director - Larry Charles

Genre - Comedy

Comedy is actually very very hard to do. If you're Sacha Baron Cohen though, making people laugh appear to be what you were born to do in this world. Your god-given gift. We loved 'Borat' and had high hopes for this. Alas, lightning didn't strike twice and we ended up with some genuine laughs and some, not so. The fault lies in 'Brüno' being decidedly more staged than 'Borat' was. This is more of a film than 'Borat', with more scripted scenes and story arcs, which isn't necessary better. We feel robbed of the element of surprise here as it is more predictable than Cohen's last film. It feels like Cohen is channeling Adam Sandler with this. The fact that the whole film revolved mostly around gay jokes also didn't help. It gets really uncomfortable after awhile. Trust us.

2.5 STARS!

All about Brüno

Fight Club

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Director - David Fincher

Genre - Crime/Drama/Thriller

Based on cult author Chuck Palahniuk's novel, this is a movie that will throw you violently out of your comfort zone and into a grungy, unhinged world. 'Matrix' was science fiction. This, horrifyingly, could actually happen in real life. Edward Norton and Brat Pitt both turned in edgy performances but it's Fincher who is the true star here, directing from a script that many directors might not even have the balls to attempt. Ballsy and rife with cynicism courtesy of Palahniuk's angst-ridden mind, this is a film which put Palahniuk's name on everyone's lips while firmly securing Fincher's place in the arena of cinema. Warning: may turn mild-mannered chaps into full blown terrorists or to a lesser extent, terribly fond of picking fights with close friends and people at work (the latter may only refer to us).

4 STARS!

All about Fight Club

Che: Part 1 & 2

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Director - Steven Soderbergh
Genre - Biography/Drama/History/War

At 4 & half hours, this film which gives you a fly on the wall account on the life of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara and the struggles of a revolution require patience to get through. You may go into this thinking, "Whoopee doo! I'm gonna help myself to some Pringles and feast my eyes on this epic!" You'd be dead wrong. This is in fact so anti-epic and anti-Hollywood it feels as though Soderbergh consciously turned the genre on its head. Whatever traits we envisioned Che should have is displayed on the screen. Selfless, steadfast in his believes and ingrained with a fearless outlook on mortality, Soderbergh's 'Che' is the perfect embodiment of a socialist icon. What makes this film uniquely Soderbergh though is how he never lets legend and myth overcome the representation of Guevara. Reminder: Do not go into this expecting big-assed explosions spiraling up the sky with Guevara's handsome mug out of harm's way smokin' a cigar as well as 40 bad guys. Made using the 'Bolivian Diary' written by Guevara himself as a guide, this is perhaps the most accurate and unadorned cinematic portrayal of a revolutionary hero.

3.5 STARS!

All about Che: Part 1 & 2

Mongol

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:19:00 +0000

Director - Sergei Bodrov

Genre - Biography/Drama/Romance/War

Aye Caramba! Genghis Khan as a lover? We hope we won't live long enough to see a romantic movie about Saddam Hussein. Shudder. In this epic-wannabe film, Genghis Khan is shown as a compassionate weakling who gets bullied and trashed about since young yet unbelievably is able to gather at whim warriors who are willing to die for him. As his army of men grow larger and his love for a wife who is bedded by half of Mongolia deepens, we are left wondering, have we missed anything? More importantly, have the filmmakers taken on a mountain and settled on a hill instead?

2 STARS!

All about Mongol

Roger & Me

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Director - Michael Moore

Genre - Documentary/Comedy/Drama

This is Michael Moore before Columbine happened. Before 9/11. We realized all at once when we viewed this documentary, Moore's appeal lies in being contemporary. In being right in the eye of the hurricane when all hell has broken loose. Maybe it is partly our fault for watching this too late but we feel that the subject matter is itself too personal to the filmmaker and not at all to us. As usual, Moore goes after a big corporation and this time the target's on Roger Smith, chairman of General Motors. Roger is depicted like a demonic, soulless prick out to rob the poor out of their jobs in order to fill his own coffers. When Moore takes on the United States of America and paints it as Satan, the entertainment level is lava-hot. This Roger guy and our own boss don't differ much.

2.5 STARS!

All about Roger & Me

The Soloist

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Director - Joe Wright

Genre - Biography/Drama/Music

A homeless person to most of us is like an unsightly moth which fly into our field of vision uninvited and unwelcome. How many of us actually ponder how these street dwellers come to be that way? Joe Wright who directed the wonderful 'Atonement' explores this forgotten colony by focusing the tale on one Nathaniel Ayers. A child prodigy of cello, Ayers seemed like a musical miracle waiting to ascend the starlit skies. Accepted to Juilliard and ready to take on the world, he is instead struck down by an imbalanced mind. Steve Lopez, the writer for Los Angeles Times just stumbles on Mr Ayers one fine afternoon and a friendship which empowers both of these opposites of society unfolds. Foxx has shown time and again that his talent in acting is no fluke. This is another film in which he literally embodies the character. Based on a true story.

4 STARS!

All about The Soloist

YAM Issue 005

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Here it is again, the one and only YAM Magazine (yetanothermagazine) Issue 005 August edition from Peru! Thanks Amy! For fans of Yu Aoi (one of the lead actress from Shunji Iwai's 'Hana and Alice'), check out this latest issue now for her cover story. Here's the PDF link.

City of Life and Death

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Director - Lu Chuan

Genre - Drama/History/War

It is said that evil can only manifest itself when we do nothing to stop it. When we simply allow for it to happen whether in our lives or in the lives of others. The Japanese soldiers who invaded Nanking justified their horrific acts by claiming pride and duty towards their beloved country. Barbaric and without mercy, these troops of doom descended upon the city like the worst nightmare ever conjured by humans. Imagine an army of serial killers and rapists wreaking havoc without being reined in and you'll get an idea. Kudos and hats off to the director for having the courage to bring this shameful blemish in world history to life. Unflinching, painful and without apologies.

4.5 STARS!

All about City of Life and Death

Ho Yuhang's 'At The End of Daybreak' Trailer

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:16:00 +0000

We always thought that Ho Yuhang is one of Malaysia's promising independent directors, and indeed he is. See how we liked about his 'Rain Dogs'. Check out his latest film 'At The End of Daybreak' trailer below, and this film is also about to become the first Malaysian film ever to screen in competition at Locarno.

'New York, I Love You' Official Trailer

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Wow. Just wow!

'New York, I Love You' hits theaters in limited release October 16, 2009.

Park Chan-Wook's Short Film 'Simpan'

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Here's a short film Park made in 1999. Shot in color/black & white, approximately 26 minutes, called 'Simpan' (Judgement). And yes, we loved it. Enjoy!

The Escapist

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Director - Rupert Wyatt

Genre - Thriller

The makers of this film tried very hard to put a distance between their baby and others that have come before it. This is all well and good. Except, they tried so many tricks that their movie came out wanting and unsatisfactory. In a wrap, what we saw wasn't something which could match 'The Shawshank Redemption', but rather more like 'Prison Break' given a slightly artsy, independent reinvention. We feel that Brian Cox does not have the kind of star quality that maybe an actor like Philip Seymour Hoffman possesses in spades and whom could well save this film from being just a silent splash in the ocean.

2.5 STARS!

All about The Escapist

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Director - Sidney Lumet

Genre - Crime/Drama/Thriller

When giants fall, they go down hard don't they? Our love for cinema had been shaped, molded and preserved eons ago by a few of cinema's illuminating lighthouses. Kurosawa, Coppola, Lumet and Orson Welles were part of our formative influences culminating in our collective tastes in movies now. Thus, as one of the directors whom we look up to, Lumet was untouchable and beyond reproach. Sadly, with this latest offering, Lumet seems to be saying, "My game's up. I've no more tricks up my sleeve. It was a pleasure to enthrall you all but now I must leave the hall." What started out like a smart thriller/whodunit took a very wrong turn instead and ended up disastrously farcical. Come back to us, old friend. We still adore you and the magic you once weaved.

1.5 STARS!

All about Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

Across The Universe

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Director - Julie Taymor

Genre - Adventure/Drama/Musical/Romance

They say those who don't like The Beatles don't really like music itself. We're pullin' your legs. Nobody said that but we at 1minutefilmreview believe that to be true somehow. They were highly inventive, magnificent songwriters and musicians who continue to inspire and bring happiness to generations of old and new devotees. This film not only utilized The Beatles' extensive catalogue of valued gems, it repackaged and reintroduced these hits again to new listeners. The actors are a bit too predictable in their parts for our tastes but the real stars here aren't them. The Beatles are front and center again and if you're a detractor (you're a fan of Akon and Shaggy aren't you? Come on, admit it), you won't like this. It's as simple as that.

3.5 STARS!

All about Across The Universe

A Very Short Life

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Director - Dennis Law

Genre - Drama/Thriller

When we viewed this for 35 minutes, we were ready to write a great review for it. Unconventionally directed, with fine and polished acting... What could go wrong? Well, for one we were really put off by one ridiculous scene. We won't go into detail about this but what we will tell you is that fans of slasher/gore films might like it but definitely not us. It's a little like going on a date with a girl you fancy but finding out when you get to the place you booked dinner, it is packed to the brim for a 'One night only live telecast football event'. You go, "What the f*ck? What have I done wrong? I've been a good person, haven't I?"

3 STARS!

All about A Very Short Life

The Tracey Fragments

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Director - Bruce McDonald

Genre - Drama

A kaleidoscope of moving images mapped out in a melange of split screens construct the story of a socially inept teenager. Tracey Berkowitz as played by sensational star of the moment Ellen Page faces a world fraught with resentment and apathy, emotions which are often perpetrated against her. Things come to a head when her younger brother goes missing. Page chalks up another performance which will help her maintain a formidable resume and this film adapted from Maureen Medved's novel of the same name feels like a major breakthrough in the art of movie making. For an indie, that sure is one hell of a coup.

4 STARS!

All about The Tracey Fragments

Once - Original Soundtrack

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Music - Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová

Genre - Soundtrack

We don't usually do this but we're just so enamored with this film and its sensational music that we just couldn't not put this review up. We wanted to eat and breathe this soundtrack. Water it and take it to work and play. It has taken over our thoughts for now and made us pine for the times when we don't get to listen to its melodious, incredulously well written treasures. If you're hankering for something to take you away from badly penned works like the Pussycat Dolls' annoying, demeaning to women songs...well, grab this NOW and you'll wish all your CDs were hot like this!

5 STARS!

All about Once (film & soundtrack)

Once

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Director - John Carney

Genre - Drama/Music/Romance

Music has been one of the major driving forces in movies since way in the early stages of filmmaking. Chaplin relied much on music to break the silence and to convey hope, dreams and even the indomitable human spirit. Never in our not so young lives have we seen a love story embody a passion for music so strongly as in this small but effecting film. There is just so much fondness for what musicians live and breathe for (in this case - a portfolio of out-of-this-world songs) in the face of disparaging unacknowledgements that it actually uplifts the very core of what makes us go on with our existence.

4.5 STARS!

All about Once

YAM Issue 004

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:29:00 +0000

Haven't been really active here since January due to works and busy schedules.... Anyway, here it is again, the YAM (yetanothermagazine) Issue 004 from Amy. Check out how the Asian entertainment industry is invading the world with a storm in this issue! Here's the PDF link.

The Reader

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Director - Stephen Daldry

Genre - Drama/Romance

Kate Winslet takes her kit off again. Wow. Anybody surprised at that? We think she actually has a special clause in each of her film contract which stipulates that she must have at least one scene requiring her to be completely free of fabric. It's like if she was in the 'X-Men' that would be her power. To numb people with her nudeness. Anyway, this film which won her a Best Actress Oscar (maybe the Academy felt she gave her all and more) features her as a lonely woman who seduces and beds one of the Jonas Brothers (no, kidding). Kathy Bates would have played a more convincing 'lonely woman', not covergirl material Winslet.

2.5 STARS!

All about The Reader

62nd Festival de Cannes Results

1minutefilmreview@gmail.com (1minutefilmreview) — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:48:00 +0000

The official Jury of this 62nd Festival de Cannes, presided by Isabelle Huppert, revealed the Prize winners during the Closing Ceremonies on the evening of May 24th.

IN COMPETTION - FEATURE FILMS

Palme d'Or
DAS WEISSE BAND (The White Ribbon) directed by Michael HANEKE

Grand Prix
UN PROPHÈTE (A Prophet) directed by Jacques AUDIARD

Lifetime achievement award for his work and his exceptional contribution to the history of cinema

Alain RESNAIS

Best Director
Brillante MENDOZA for KINATAY

Jury Prize
FISH TANK directed by Andrea ARNOLD

BAK-JWI (Thirst) directed by PARK Chan-Wook

Best Performance for an Actor
Christoph WALTZ in INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS directed by Quentin TARANTINO

Best Performance by an Actress
Charlotte GAINSBOURG in ANTICHRIST directed by Lars von TRIER

Best Screenplay
MEI Feng for CHUN FENG CHEN ZUI DE YE WAN (Spring Fever) directed by LOU Ye

Prix Vulcain: Artist-Technician
Aitor BERENGUER, sound technician of the movie MAP OF THE SOUNDS OF TOKYO directed by Isabel COIXET.

IN COMPETITION - SHORT FILMS

Palme d'Or
ARENA directed by João SALAVIZA

Special Distinction

THE SIX DOLLAR FIFTY MAN directed by Mark ALBISTON, Louis SUTHERLAND

CAMERA D'OR
SAMSON AND DELILAH directed by Warwick THORNTON (presented at Un Certain Regard)

Caméra d'Or – Special Distinction
AJAMI directed by Scandar COPTI, Yaron SHANI (presented at Quinzaine des Réalisateurs)

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Prix Un Certain Regard - Fondation Groupama Gan pour le Cinéma
KYNODONTAS (Dogtooth) by Yorgos LANTHIMOS

Jury Prize

POLITIST, ADJECTIV (Police, Adjective) by Corneliu PORUMBOIU.

Special Prize Un Certain Regard 2009
KASI AZ GORBEHAYE IRANI KHABAR NADAREH (No One Knows About Persian Cats) by Bahman GHOBADI

LE PÈRE DE MES ENFANTS (Father of My Children) by Mia HANSEN-LØVE

CINEFONDATION

First Cinéfondation Prize
BÁBA by Zuzana Kirchnerová-Špidlová (FAMU, République Tchèque)

Second Cinéfondation Prize
GOODBYE by Song Fang (Beijing Film Academy, Chine)

Third Cinéfondation Prize (ex aequo)
DIPLOMA by Yaelle Kayam (The Sam Spiegel Film & TV School, Israël)

NAMMAE UI JIP (Don't Step out of the House) directed by Jo Sung-hee (Korean Academy of Film Arts, Corée du Sud)

Source from Festival de Cannes