FYI: The French DVD has removable french subs.Recon wrote:Rapa Nui: The only dvds i have found are the French, Korean, and Russian.
Don't know anything about the film, though.
What Have You Just Seen... Marks Out of 5
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tom2681
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Don't know anything about the film, though.
I used to be "the man who loves the movies you hate".
Now I'm just "that weird french guy with a cat avatar who comes to BnB once a year for no reason and then disappears again".
Now I'm just "that weird french guy with a cat avatar who comes to BnB once a year for no reason and then disappears again".
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ReconFive
- King of Beggars
- Posts: 519
- Joined: 26 Dec 2004, 05:56
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Uncommon Valor - 4/5
I think this is an excellent film. Deffinetly the best "back to Vietnam" movie ever. Gene Hackman is so convincing in his portrayal of Col. Rhodes. His performance really bumps the film up above being a standard 80s action flick (although it does indeed have an '80s action' feel to it).
Highly underrated film.
Love Letter - 4.5/5
Beautiful film that i enjoyed even more this time around.
Some of Iwai's finest work.
I think this is an excellent film. Deffinetly the best "back to Vietnam" movie ever. Gene Hackman is so convincing in his portrayal of Col. Rhodes. His performance really bumps the film up above being a standard 80s action flick (although it does indeed have an '80s action' feel to it).
Highly underrated film.
Love Letter - 4.5/5
Beautiful film that i enjoyed even more this time around.
Some of Iwai's finest work.
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grim_tales
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grim_tales
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Mark have you seen Life of Brian? As I said IMO I prefer Holy Grail, but still its interesting to think how controversial LoB was when it was released.
I like the soaring, Shirley Bassey-esque opening theme, plus the irony of "Bright Side of Life" at the end.
Strangely I thought Holy Grail's ending was a bit duff, wierd
I havent seen Meaning of Life properly
I like the soaring, Shirley Bassey-esque opening theme, plus the irony of "Bright Side of Life" at the end.
Strangely I thought Holy Grail's ending was a bit duff, wierd
I havent seen Meaning of Life properly
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grim_tales
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BiscLimpkit
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ReconFive
- King of Beggars
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Holy Grail is and always will be the greatest comedy ever 
Bisc deffinetly see Love Letter, its awesome.
I would recommend getting the Korean SRE edition and saving about 85% off the price of the JPN release. I actually like the more white color scheme of the SRE better then the more blueish of the JPN. Both have only Japanese 2.1 audio. Same packaging & cover art. A few minor subtitle errors was the only problem with the SRE. I got mine a while ago but i think its still in print.
Bisc deffinetly see Love Letter, its awesome.
I would recommend getting the Korean SRE edition and saving about 85% off the price of the JPN release. I actually like the more white color scheme of the SRE better then the more blueish of the JPN. Both have only Japanese 2.1 audio. Same packaging & cover art. A few minor subtitle errors was the only problem with the SRE. I got mine a while ago but i think its still in print.
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grim_tales
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grim_tales
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Brilliant movie.
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grim_tales
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ReconFive
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Really? you've never watched a dvd with a mono track, 2.1 surround, or 2.0 stereo? There are many films that have not been remastered in 5.1, and some where the original track sounds better. Granted that Love Letter is a fairly recent film so its alittle less common not to have a 5.1 track, but for this kind of a movie the 2.1 sounds fine.grim_tales wrote:2.1? Wouldnt that be a bit odd? Surely you mean 5.1?
I've never heard of any film with 2.1 audio before.
Edit-- Sorry my mistake...it seems that what i thought was '2.1 surround' is actually referred to as '2.0 surround'. I'm not sure what the difference is between 2.0 stereo and 2.0 surround though. Maybe its just the same thing, plain 2 channel audio. Sorry for the confusion
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tom2681
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@Grim:
Now that Frodo has left the Shire, he will go to the Gray Havens (that's the english name for it I believe) which is the middle-earth equivalent to paradise.
I call it "death", but other people might call it "going to another world".
That's where all the elves and wizards are going, because middle-earth now belongs to Men.
Now that Frodo has left the Shire, he will go to the Gray Havens (that's the english name for it I believe) which is the middle-earth equivalent to paradise.
I call it "death", but other people might call it "going to another world".
That's where all the elves and wizards are going, because middle-earth now belongs to Men.
I used to be "the man who loves the movies you hate".
Now I'm just "that weird french guy with a cat avatar who comes to BnB once a year for no reason and then disappears again".
Now I'm just "that weird french guy with a cat avatar who comes to BnB once a year for no reason and then disappears again".
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grim_tales
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grim_tales
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tom2681
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grim_tales
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romerojpg
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On topic
Brotherhood Of The Wolf (Pacte des loups, Le ) Extended Edition 4.5 out of 5
One of the most surprising and exhilarating films I saw back in 2001, and still now its a stunning film in so many ways. Its just one of a kind.
Two men are sent to 18th Century France to help solve the mystery of the Beast, a monster killing the women and children on mass. The world they visit is a place they are unwelcome, and as the politics kick in, the whole situation gets more complex and disturbing for the two veteran visitors.
A ridiculously enjoyable film from hyperactive director Christophe Gans, its stylish and looks like it has been constructed from as many genres as Gans could cobble together. That's what makes it different to the usual films out there. Its a period,political love story, monster movie with some intricate martial arts work popped in to top it all off, and it really does blend well together to create a fusion of energy unseen in more normal films.
The first thing that strikes you is the cast of familiar films from all over the world, many faces you like to see, and actors who all do a very fine job of convincing you that this strange rich world really does exist. The whole cast do a very fine job and many characters come and go and all seem grounded in the reality of the 18th century setting. Most the cast we do meet are rich, indulgent French aristocrats, and some lesser scummy lower people and peasants, its a pretty fully created land and everyone seems to suit their roles down to the ground.
Samuel Le Bihan plays Grégoire de Fronsac, the main star of the movie in many ways. He is a very watchable guy and I cannot say I have seen him in film before, or since I saw this movie. He has a big presence and fills the screen whenever on camera, he doesn't overplay his role and he gets to shine in his portrayal of the intelligent and skilful Fronsac. You believe he is a man who not to mess with and when he dishes out the pain you need to beware. As far as the star goes, Samuel Le Bihan does a fine job indeed and his looks and acting really bring this complex man to life.
Mark Dacascos plays Indian semi man servant Mani, in the role of his career. Mani is a counterpart to Fronsac, they compliment each other perfectly and Mani's almost silent role is really interesting, we learn plenty about him, and Fronsac and Mani are linked at the hip and rarely separate. Its a relationship of respect between the two of them and both possess many skills. Most obviously for Mani are his very capable martial arts skills, we get introduced to his fists and feet early on and really Mani just shines in his various action scenes throughout the movie. Dacascos seems very real as an Indian, you feel he has a past like his friend and both of them seem to underplay it in a nice way.
Both these Heroes are playing their roles under the radar, and they don't overplay to the camera. I felt both men compliment each other and while they are both skilful in many ways, its the acting which stands out. Both men do some excellent work and I really felt for them and the situation they had been forced into. I really feel the emotion behind them, hiding behind their eyes and these rich complex characters just seem so filled out and end up really interesting parts to play and I really wanted to see more of them and the relationship between them.
The rest of the cast are as good, but the other main roles fall to the married pair of actors Monica Bellucci and real life husband Vincent Cassel. Monica Bellucci plays the seductive and alluring Sylvia, a character never fully explained in the movie, you can tell she is a lot more than she seems. Who needs explanations when you look as good as Bellucci, she really does light up the screen and stands tall among the various ladies in the Brothel where she lives/works? She is stunning to look at, as always, and she plays the part of the sly, layered lady with plenty of guts very well, and you always feel there is more going on than is shown to us. Its a perfect screen role for Bellucci and she never looked better, and as far as eye candy goes, you cannot beat her dressed up in the various period costumes throughout the movie.
Vincent Cassel plays Jean-François de Morangias with plenty of slime, a truly awful man who plays on his disability and seems to end up a really pitiful man who you really want to smack around the face, hard. Pompous and egotistical and pretty messed up, Cassel really relishes in the role of the bad guy, and when we learn the true nature of his character then at least he grows a spine and comes to life a little more. He is still one messed up individual who does evil and despicably nasty things, but at least when he gets revealed he then has new facets to his role and jumps out as a real bad guy.
The various characters all inhabit a very real feeling world, the landscapes and buildings all feel very authentically rich and fully realised. Its a world of grime and mud for the peasants, and a world of luxury for the rich people. The sets are amazing and the camera picks up the world and places in firmly in front of you. Its just a beautifully filmed movie and the gorgeous settings really look perfect. Mix in the various weather effects and stylistic filming techniques and it really looks the part. Gans as a director seems to know what to do, and the film really does seem big scale and epic looking. The slow motion effects Gans places into the movie really work and the action is enhanced with gorgeous slowing down time visual slo motion.
The action in the movie is what sticks in my memory, the martial arts in the film just stand out in the period setting of the story. Its not what you expect and when it happens it just stands out more than in say a normal modern day set film, this is a deep period piece and when the modern day choreography kicks in I cannot help but to be impressed. Its quite an action packed film and many a fight scene appears and usually the fights are with the ever impressive Mani. He gets the 1st fight of the film and introduces us to what we are to expect for the rest of the movies running time. Its not overly created action and it doesn't look too out of place in this world.
Most the various bad guys all seem to know some fighting skills and it just seems to all work well for the film, even if its a little unbelievable when you actually think deeper about it all. Still the fights are hard and fast, sometimes brutal and a bit bloody, but always very entertaining. They are filmed with some wonderful slo motion effects and we get to see some of the best moments performed in clear, crisp slow motion all pumped up with solid and hard sound effects of bodies getting smashed and smacked. Most the fights leave you wanting a lot more and some I did not want to end, they are always great to watch, the various moves all combine well and some parts really do stand out. The deserted mansion scene is for me the perfect action moment as the whole mansion is slowly wiped out in brutal style, cannot beat it.
The martial arts involve feet and fists, and as the film progresses many varied weapons are introduced into the scenes of battle. Mani has his little axe to slay many a bad guy with, and Fronsac has his amazing spinning blades of death, which while impractical, look bloody amazing when put onto the screen and into action.The fights are realistic and reality based, no flying about and no dodgy wirework in this film, its all ground based and very well put onto the screen. Its a varied mix of various fight work and it never seems to overlap, as the next scene is always something new and different. By the end the films shifted into "out there" territory as the final battle degenerates into slightly supernatural territory, but its never less than impressive and combined with Gans direction it just looks superb.
The music. Its as good as a score can get, and it really enhances all of the film. Its got a certain melody which stays with me, and really its just a perfect score for the film, and by the end of the film its put you thru the ringer. The final English vocal track over the credits really just ends the film perfectly. I guess I should mention the actual Beast, as my god its a strange tale, and the actual beast is very cleverly brought to life. The CGI used at the time was great, its showing its age a little now it has to be said, it stands out as CGI. It doesn't feel a bad thing as it is such a strange creature to look at, it would stand out anyway. The close up puppet work is what brings the Beasts to life for me and just a close up of its eye tells me more than a full body shot. Its powerful and deadly and really feels like its an unstoppable killing machine.
The film is just a classic for me, its as different to a Hollywood film as you can get. The tale, cast, music, setting and action just seem to bring the movie to life. I cannot say it has many flaws and I don't think I will ever tire of watching it. Its just one big solid film with so much to see and hear, its just a shame they don't make a prequel to it showing us earlier tales of Mani and Fronsac, as that I would pay to see. Gans isn't exactly pumping out films at more than 1 every 5 years, so it will be interesting to see how he can follow this. His next film Silent Hill will be out next year, so time will tell if he still has it.
Brotherhood Of The Wolf (Pacte des loups, Le ) Extended Edition 4.5 out of 5
One of the most surprising and exhilarating films I saw back in 2001, and still now its a stunning film in so many ways. Its just one of a kind.
Two men are sent to 18th Century France to help solve the mystery of the Beast, a monster killing the women and children on mass. The world they visit is a place they are unwelcome, and as the politics kick in, the whole situation gets more complex and disturbing for the two veteran visitors.
A ridiculously enjoyable film from hyperactive director Christophe Gans, its stylish and looks like it has been constructed from as many genres as Gans could cobble together. That's what makes it different to the usual films out there. Its a period,political love story, monster movie with some intricate martial arts work popped in to top it all off, and it really does blend well together to create a fusion of energy unseen in more normal films.
The first thing that strikes you is the cast of familiar films from all over the world, many faces you like to see, and actors who all do a very fine job of convincing you that this strange rich world really does exist. The whole cast do a very fine job and many characters come and go and all seem grounded in the reality of the 18th century setting. Most the cast we do meet are rich, indulgent French aristocrats, and some lesser scummy lower people and peasants, its a pretty fully created land and everyone seems to suit their roles down to the ground.
Samuel Le Bihan plays Grégoire de Fronsac, the main star of the movie in many ways. He is a very watchable guy and I cannot say I have seen him in film before, or since I saw this movie. He has a big presence and fills the screen whenever on camera, he doesn't overplay his role and he gets to shine in his portrayal of the intelligent and skilful Fronsac. You believe he is a man who not to mess with and when he dishes out the pain you need to beware. As far as the star goes, Samuel Le Bihan does a fine job indeed and his looks and acting really bring this complex man to life.
Mark Dacascos plays Indian semi man servant Mani, in the role of his career. Mani is a counterpart to Fronsac, they compliment each other perfectly and Mani's almost silent role is really interesting, we learn plenty about him, and Fronsac and Mani are linked at the hip and rarely separate. Its a relationship of respect between the two of them and both possess many skills. Most obviously for Mani are his very capable martial arts skills, we get introduced to his fists and feet early on and really Mani just shines in his various action scenes throughout the movie. Dacascos seems very real as an Indian, you feel he has a past like his friend and both of them seem to underplay it in a nice way.
Both these Heroes are playing their roles under the radar, and they don't overplay to the camera. I felt both men compliment each other and while they are both skilful in many ways, its the acting which stands out. Both men do some excellent work and I really felt for them and the situation they had been forced into. I really feel the emotion behind them, hiding behind their eyes and these rich complex characters just seem so filled out and end up really interesting parts to play and I really wanted to see more of them and the relationship between them.
The rest of the cast are as good, but the other main roles fall to the married pair of actors Monica Bellucci and real life husband Vincent Cassel. Monica Bellucci plays the seductive and alluring Sylvia, a character never fully explained in the movie, you can tell she is a lot more than she seems. Who needs explanations when you look as good as Bellucci, she really does light up the screen and stands tall among the various ladies in the Brothel where she lives/works? She is stunning to look at, as always, and she plays the part of the sly, layered lady with plenty of guts very well, and you always feel there is more going on than is shown to us. Its a perfect screen role for Bellucci and she never looked better, and as far as eye candy goes, you cannot beat her dressed up in the various period costumes throughout the movie.
Vincent Cassel plays Jean-François de Morangias with plenty of slime, a truly awful man who plays on his disability and seems to end up a really pitiful man who you really want to smack around the face, hard. Pompous and egotistical and pretty messed up, Cassel really relishes in the role of the bad guy, and when we learn the true nature of his character then at least he grows a spine and comes to life a little more. He is still one messed up individual who does evil and despicably nasty things, but at least when he gets revealed he then has new facets to his role and jumps out as a real bad guy.
The various characters all inhabit a very real feeling world, the landscapes and buildings all feel very authentically rich and fully realised. Its a world of grime and mud for the peasants, and a world of luxury for the rich people. The sets are amazing and the camera picks up the world and places in firmly in front of you. Its just a beautifully filmed movie and the gorgeous settings really look perfect. Mix in the various weather effects and stylistic filming techniques and it really looks the part. Gans as a director seems to know what to do, and the film really does seem big scale and epic looking. The slow motion effects Gans places into the movie really work and the action is enhanced with gorgeous slowing down time visual slo motion.
The action in the movie is what sticks in my memory, the martial arts in the film just stand out in the period setting of the story. Its not what you expect and when it happens it just stands out more than in say a normal modern day set film, this is a deep period piece and when the modern day choreography kicks in I cannot help but to be impressed. Its quite an action packed film and many a fight scene appears and usually the fights are with the ever impressive Mani. He gets the 1st fight of the film and introduces us to what we are to expect for the rest of the movies running time. Its not overly created action and it doesn't look too out of place in this world.
Most the various bad guys all seem to know some fighting skills and it just seems to all work well for the film, even if its a little unbelievable when you actually think deeper about it all. Still the fights are hard and fast, sometimes brutal and a bit bloody, but always very entertaining. They are filmed with some wonderful slo motion effects and we get to see some of the best moments performed in clear, crisp slow motion all pumped up with solid and hard sound effects of bodies getting smashed and smacked. Most the fights leave you wanting a lot more and some I did not want to end, they are always great to watch, the various moves all combine well and some parts really do stand out. The deserted mansion scene is for me the perfect action moment as the whole mansion is slowly wiped out in brutal style, cannot beat it.
The martial arts involve feet and fists, and as the film progresses many varied weapons are introduced into the scenes of battle. Mani has his little axe to slay many a bad guy with, and Fronsac has his amazing spinning blades of death, which while impractical, look bloody amazing when put onto the screen and into action.The fights are realistic and reality based, no flying about and no dodgy wirework in this film, its all ground based and very well put onto the screen. Its a varied mix of various fight work and it never seems to overlap, as the next scene is always something new and different. By the end the films shifted into "out there" territory as the final battle degenerates into slightly supernatural territory, but its never less than impressive and combined with Gans direction it just looks superb.
The music. Its as good as a score can get, and it really enhances all of the film. Its got a certain melody which stays with me, and really its just a perfect score for the film, and by the end of the film its put you thru the ringer. The final English vocal track over the credits really just ends the film perfectly. I guess I should mention the actual Beast, as my god its a strange tale, and the actual beast is very cleverly brought to life. The CGI used at the time was great, its showing its age a little now it has to be said, it stands out as CGI. It doesn't feel a bad thing as it is such a strange creature to look at, it would stand out anyway. The close up puppet work is what brings the Beasts to life for me and just a close up of its eye tells me more than a full body shot. Its powerful and deadly and really feels like its an unstoppable killing machine.
The film is just a classic for me, its as different to a Hollywood film as you can get. The tale, cast, music, setting and action just seem to bring the movie to life. I cannot say it has many flaws and I don't think I will ever tire of watching it. Its just one big solid film with so much to see and hear, its just a shame they don't make a prequel to it showing us earlier tales of Mani and Fronsac, as that I would pay to see. Gans isn't exactly pumping out films at more than 1 every 5 years, so it will be interesting to see how he can follow this. His next film Silent Hill will be out next year, so time will tell if he still has it.
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BiscLimpkit
- Bruce Lee's Fist
- Posts: 4727
- Joined: 25 Oct 2004, 22:33
- Location: Scotland
I swear man your reviews keep getting sexier and more erotic.
I agree that there should be more films based on the characters - there's a wealth of history waiting to be explored.
I can't wait for the next Gans title, I loved BOTW and Crying Freeman. Still if he takes his time then hopefully it'll be worth the wait.
I agree that there should be more films based on the characters - there's a wealth of history waiting to be explored.
I can't wait for the next Gans title, I loved BOTW and Crying Freeman. Still if he takes his time then hopefully it'll be worth the wait.
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ReconFive
- King of Beggars
- Posts: 519
- Joined: 26 Dec 2004, 05:56
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Speed - 4.5/5
90s action classic. I've always thought the premise of this film was an absolutly genius idea for an action movie. Dennis Hopper really steals the show.
"DO NOT attempt to grow a brain!"
Dragonfly - 4/5
I love this film, and the critics are fools
I'll admit that i tend to be more open to supernatural elements in movies then the average viewer. I also have nothing against Kevin Costner, unlike alot of people... but i found this story to be very engaging and thought provoking. Good performances all around, well written, great film IMO.
90s action classic. I've always thought the premise of this film was an absolutly genius idea for an action movie. Dennis Hopper really steals the show.
"DO NOT attempt to grow a brain!"
Dragonfly - 4/5
I love this film, and the critics are fools
I'll admit that i tend to be more open to supernatural elements in movies then the average viewer. I also have nothing against Kevin Costner, unlike alot of people... but i found this story to be very engaging and thought provoking. Good performances all around, well written, great film IMO.
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BiscLimpkit
- Bruce Lee's Fist
- Posts: 4727
- Joined: 25 Oct 2004, 22:33
- Location: Scotland
Yeah I love that movie!! I remember watching it aaages ago but totally forgot about it until now. Pretty clever at the time IMO.ReconFive wrote: Dragonfly - 4/5
I love this film, and the critics are fools
I'll admit that i tend to be more open to supernatural elements in movies then the average viewer. I also have nothing against Kevin Costner, unlike alot of people... but i found this story to be very engaging and thought provoking. Good performances all around, well written, great film IMO.
Did critics hate it? Well I've never really cared for what they think. IMO critics have the worst taste in movies.
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IronMonkey
- Royal Tramp
- Posts: 1950
- Joined: 08 Dec 2004, 16:49
The Dukes Of Hazard - 3/5
Well, my review is a bit late since I saw this at the cinema a week ago today, but I really enjoyed this! It was a lot of fun, and my god how HOT did Jessica Simpson look in that pink bikini?! Normally, I don't even like the girl (too ditsy for me) but in this film she was just gob-smackingly gorgeous!
Needless to say the girlfriend tried to cover my eyes every time she came on screen!
There's some funny comedy & some great car chases - I really enjoyed it!
Well, my review is a bit late since I saw this at the cinema a week ago today, but I really enjoyed this! It was a lot of fun, and my god how HOT did Jessica Simpson look in that pink bikini?! Normally, I don't even like the girl (too ditsy for me) but in this film she was just gob-smackingly gorgeous!
Needless to say the girlfriend tried to cover my eyes every time she came on screen!
There's some funny comedy & some great car chases - I really enjoyed it!
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