2nd favourite Ghibli film (after Laputa).
What Have You Just Seen... Marks Out of 5
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BiscLimpkit
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Shen
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City Hunter - 4/5
man i havent watched this film in ages, its so cool to re-watch it, great fun, though a little too cheesy at times.
just pissed off cuz i have the HKL disc, bought it like 2yrs ago, and this is the first time i watched it half way through the disc sticks and crashes, dammit, tried cleaning and stuff but it stil does it, gonna have to get a better version.
man i havent watched this film in ages, its so cool to re-watch it, great fun, though a little too cheesy at times.
just pissed off cuz i have the HKL disc, bought it like 2yrs ago, and this is the first time i watched it half way through the disc sticks and crashes, dammit, tried cleaning and stuff but it stil does it, gonna have to get a better version.
http://www.intervocative.com/dvdcollection.aspx/_Shen_
http://www.theshadowedone.deviantart.com
you have a .... Ducky Butt!!
http://www.theshadowedone.deviantart.com
you have a .... Ducky Butt!!
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BiscLimpkit
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romerojpg
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May as well start my Van Damme marathon reviews 
as I am close to the end of all his films, may need tweaking it has to be said but hell its good to talk.
BloodSport – 4.5 out of 5
The film that started it all for Van Damme in the late 80’s. The “true story” of Kumite super fighter Frank Dux, that’s spoken Dukes not Ducks as the film so cleverly tells us early on with the classic line “Put Up Your Dukes”.
It has aged a fair amount as it is a full on 80’s film experience, but that doesn’t distract from the simple tournament action on display. It’s an easy to follow film, that is a simple tale of an underground full contact tournament, with a variety of fighters meeting and fighting one on one to find a winner. It’s a feel good film with some great characters and some evil bad guys, you cannot ask for a more easy going film really and it’s all done in such a “nice” way that you cannot really feel anything but a big chunk of healthy wonder about it all. As far as a Van Damme film goes it’s got it all. Lots of fights to show him off as a would be star in the making, and some well choreographed bouts that while are not perfect (they miss contact at some times) are still done in cool slow motion at the right times, and feature some excellently performed athletic fighting moves from all over the world of martial arts.
The variety of fighters is memorably diverse, and the film mixes it up a lot and keeps it all interesting to watch when a new opponent steps up and take some punishment.
We get the Sumo, the African, the Chinese Bruce Lee alike fighters and all sorts of differently stylised and created fighters, they all stand out from one another and they are pretty distinguishable from one another, so you are in no way able to get confused as to who is fighting who. It is all kept simple and easy to keep up to date with the contest and who is still in the game. You grow to like some fighters and want to see them in action against each other to see how they will perform against one another, some pay off well and some are kicked about a little quicker than you expect, but in the end it’s a pretty large cast and slotting in so many characters is done well. A lot of them even get rounded out a little more than you would expect from a simple action film.
Bolo as the big bad is always a watchable guy and you have to admit his stocky little physique really stands out from the rest of the crowd. He really comes off as one hard bugger from beginning to end, with punishing movements, punches and some nasty moments where he goes for it and really get stuck in. He even felt charming at certain points in the film, in an evil way obviously. He is a great example of a bad guy who does everything like a good bad guy should. He does some evil things, kills people and doesn’t take no crap from anyone. He is an arrogant man who seems to really enjoy his fame, and always seems to be performing for the audience watching him inflict punishment on his opponents. He doesn’t speak much, but does get some hilariously funny lines which make he stand out from the crowd. “Bricks Don’t Hit Back” he snarls as Van Damme does his funky Death Touch on a pile of stacked bricks. All in all Bolo does a fine example of how to be a bad guy and I am sure he enjoyed playing such a part, as much as I did watching him.
Still its VD’s film and he takes the reigns and rides the wave of the action and even tries a bit of the old dramatics, with some success it has to be said. His face tells a story and hell he does what’s required of him well, you do feel he is a good guy and you want him to succeed in what he is doing. Van Damme gets to do the crying for a fallen comrade moment where he freaks out and get all emotional and he even gets a nice love interest, really its simple stuff, but it all adds up to round out his character a little more. For a first staring film role he acquits himself very well and while its not a film that will ever get recognition for its acting, it doesn’t seem to perform too badly and its not to be taken seriously all the time, as its more of an entertainment piece than an acting master class lesson.
Donald Gibb as Ray Jackson is a really great comedy character, perfectly inserted into the story. While he never gets much to do in the fights it has to be said, he still really brings some warm heart to the film and always has a classic line or facial expression to bring the mood up a notch or two. Comedy comes down to him and his role screams out “look at me and watch me do my thing” and from the very first moment we see him on a bus in china, you just know his role is the light comedy relief the film needs to chill it down a touch or two. Always amusing and always watchable on screen he does exactly what’s required of him. Watching Van Damme and Gibb playing a classic, basic, very dated fighting arcade game really is one of the better moments in the film, its quirky and more than a bit old school, but its got something going for it. A child like sense of wonder about it all sums up the film perfectly really. Cut out some of the more brutal action moments and it would make a great film for all the family, sadly its got a label of an adult film in the UK as its rated an 18, which the film doesn’t really deserve to be honest and it’s a harsh rating for a film which isn’t exactly a seriously cruel and violent film.
Musically the film really shines out, as hell the music is pure cheesy 80’s power ballads and it’s all the better for it. You cannot ignore the music and while they do age the film, they are never less than fun. Even when they go over the top they always feel right for the film and the moments it is used for. The Chase thru the streets of Hong Kong, the moody sorrow filled flash backs and various fighting action all get some music to pull you in and smack you about with some wet fish, its not subtle, but hell its not that type off movie.
For what it tries to do it is pretty much faultless in its execution, apart from a few cringe worthy acting parts like the child flashbacks. They are hilariously overdone, but still have charm. The dubbing of certain people grates on me it has to be said, but they are minor flaws really and do add to the films less than serious tone. Tournament films come and go and most really never stand out from the crowd. Even now they are still pumping them out hard and fast, with the latest effort being the game to film adaptation of Dead or Alive. It even features Forest Whitaker who has a small, but memorable part and gets in on some of the fun.
Bloodsport will always have a place in my mind as one of the greats, and a fine introduction to the days of Hollywood for Van Damme, as hell any film with such well delivered memorable lines as “OK USA” (performed by one strange looking Asian guy) has to be worth a watch. It’s also got what are now staple parts of any Van Damme film. Him doing the flying kicks to a bad guys face, doing the splits and finally for the ladies exposing his naked toned bum as the camera catches him from behind.
Love him or loath him, Van Damme was here to stay for a good while yet.
as I am close to the end of all his films, may need tweaking it has to be said but hell its good to talk.BloodSport – 4.5 out of 5
The film that started it all for Van Damme in the late 80’s. The “true story” of Kumite super fighter Frank Dux, that’s spoken Dukes not Ducks as the film so cleverly tells us early on with the classic line “Put Up Your Dukes”.
It has aged a fair amount as it is a full on 80’s film experience, but that doesn’t distract from the simple tournament action on display. It’s an easy to follow film, that is a simple tale of an underground full contact tournament, with a variety of fighters meeting and fighting one on one to find a winner. It’s a feel good film with some great characters and some evil bad guys, you cannot ask for a more easy going film really and it’s all done in such a “nice” way that you cannot really feel anything but a big chunk of healthy wonder about it all. As far as a Van Damme film goes it’s got it all. Lots of fights to show him off as a would be star in the making, and some well choreographed bouts that while are not perfect (they miss contact at some times) are still done in cool slow motion at the right times, and feature some excellently performed athletic fighting moves from all over the world of martial arts.
The variety of fighters is memorably diverse, and the film mixes it up a lot and keeps it all interesting to watch when a new opponent steps up and take some punishment.
We get the Sumo, the African, the Chinese Bruce Lee alike fighters and all sorts of differently stylised and created fighters, they all stand out from one another and they are pretty distinguishable from one another, so you are in no way able to get confused as to who is fighting who. It is all kept simple and easy to keep up to date with the contest and who is still in the game. You grow to like some fighters and want to see them in action against each other to see how they will perform against one another, some pay off well and some are kicked about a little quicker than you expect, but in the end it’s a pretty large cast and slotting in so many characters is done well. A lot of them even get rounded out a little more than you would expect from a simple action film.
Bolo as the big bad is always a watchable guy and you have to admit his stocky little physique really stands out from the rest of the crowd. He really comes off as one hard bugger from beginning to end, with punishing movements, punches and some nasty moments where he goes for it and really get stuck in. He even felt charming at certain points in the film, in an evil way obviously. He is a great example of a bad guy who does everything like a good bad guy should. He does some evil things, kills people and doesn’t take no crap from anyone. He is an arrogant man who seems to really enjoy his fame, and always seems to be performing for the audience watching him inflict punishment on his opponents. He doesn’t speak much, but does get some hilariously funny lines which make he stand out from the crowd. “Bricks Don’t Hit Back” he snarls as Van Damme does his funky Death Touch on a pile of stacked bricks. All in all Bolo does a fine example of how to be a bad guy and I am sure he enjoyed playing such a part, as much as I did watching him.
Still its VD’s film and he takes the reigns and rides the wave of the action and even tries a bit of the old dramatics, with some success it has to be said. His face tells a story and hell he does what’s required of him well, you do feel he is a good guy and you want him to succeed in what he is doing. Van Damme gets to do the crying for a fallen comrade moment where he freaks out and get all emotional and he even gets a nice love interest, really its simple stuff, but it all adds up to round out his character a little more. For a first staring film role he acquits himself very well and while its not a film that will ever get recognition for its acting, it doesn’t seem to perform too badly and its not to be taken seriously all the time, as its more of an entertainment piece than an acting master class lesson.
Donald Gibb as Ray Jackson is a really great comedy character, perfectly inserted into the story. While he never gets much to do in the fights it has to be said, he still really brings some warm heart to the film and always has a classic line or facial expression to bring the mood up a notch or two. Comedy comes down to him and his role screams out “look at me and watch me do my thing” and from the very first moment we see him on a bus in china, you just know his role is the light comedy relief the film needs to chill it down a touch or two. Always amusing and always watchable on screen he does exactly what’s required of him. Watching Van Damme and Gibb playing a classic, basic, very dated fighting arcade game really is one of the better moments in the film, its quirky and more than a bit old school, but its got something going for it. A child like sense of wonder about it all sums up the film perfectly really. Cut out some of the more brutal action moments and it would make a great film for all the family, sadly its got a label of an adult film in the UK as its rated an 18, which the film doesn’t really deserve to be honest and it’s a harsh rating for a film which isn’t exactly a seriously cruel and violent film.
Musically the film really shines out, as hell the music is pure cheesy 80’s power ballads and it’s all the better for it. You cannot ignore the music and while they do age the film, they are never less than fun. Even when they go over the top they always feel right for the film and the moments it is used for. The Chase thru the streets of Hong Kong, the moody sorrow filled flash backs and various fighting action all get some music to pull you in and smack you about with some wet fish, its not subtle, but hell its not that type off movie.
For what it tries to do it is pretty much faultless in its execution, apart from a few cringe worthy acting parts like the child flashbacks. They are hilariously overdone, but still have charm. The dubbing of certain people grates on me it has to be said, but they are minor flaws really and do add to the films less than serious tone. Tournament films come and go and most really never stand out from the crowd. Even now they are still pumping them out hard and fast, with the latest effort being the game to film adaptation of Dead or Alive. It even features Forest Whitaker who has a small, but memorable part and gets in on some of the fun.
Bloodsport will always have a place in my mind as one of the greats, and a fine introduction to the days of Hollywood for Van Damme, as hell any film with such well delivered memorable lines as “OK USA” (performed by one strange looking Asian guy) has to be worth a watch. It’s also got what are now staple parts of any Van Damme film. Him doing the flying kicks to a bad guys face, doing the splits and finally for the ladies exposing his naked toned bum as the camera catches him from behind.
Love him or loath him, Van Damme was here to stay for a good while yet.
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slasher13
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Babel - 0.5 / 5
Okay I really really didn't get this movie, it is even worse than 21 Grams. Please could someone explain why the Japanese girl just wanted to get it on with everyone, strip away her pants, be naked in front of a policeman, i didn't get that story. She treated her father like dirt, was this because in her mind she thought her father was to blame for the mother death? I see this movie is nomiated for an Oscar!!!!... Why!!!!, if there is a fan, please could you just explain the movie!!!.... pretty please
The Pursuit Of Happyness - 4.5/5
Now this is more like it, a nice film showing one person hardship, having everything thrown at him, the guy taking it and try to get by, not for himself, but for his kid. The trailer made this film to be another hitch kinda movie, but glady it wasn't. This is one movie, that Will Smith shines in. He is an excellent actor in this, you really feel for him in the 'cave' scene and at the end. Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith are also very good, and you feel sorry for them all. I'm def will be getting this movie on DVD.
Okay I really really didn't get this movie, it is even worse than 21 Grams. Please could someone explain why the Japanese girl just wanted to get it on with everyone, strip away her pants, be naked in front of a policeman, i didn't get that story. She treated her father like dirt, was this because in her mind she thought her father was to blame for the mother death? I see this movie is nomiated for an Oscar!!!!... Why!!!!, if there is a fan, please could you just explain the movie!!!.... pretty please
The Pursuit Of Happyness - 4.5/5
Now this is more like it, a nice film showing one person hardship, having everything thrown at him, the guy taking it and try to get by, not for himself, but for his kid. The trailer made this film to be another hitch kinda movie, but glady it wasn't. This is one movie, that Will Smith shines in. He is an excellent actor in this, you really feel for him in the 'cave' scene and at the end. Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith are also very good, and you feel sorry for them all. I'm def will be getting this movie on DVD.
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Markgway
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romerojpg
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I didn know that downgraded films happen so rarley no wonder I didnt pay attention 
still yes the bone leg bit was dodgy and that alone may have got it the hard rating. Still when fluff can get a 15 or an 18 and have no violence and stuff it amazes me. the use of the C word can get a film an 18 for god sake! I think the rules are use it once get a 15, use it 2 times get an 18, becuase people never say it in real life I guess silly C's
downgraded films happen so rarley no wonder I didnt pay attention still yes the bone leg bit was dodgy and that alone may have got it the hard rating. Still when fluff can get a 15 or an 18 and have no violence and stuff it amazes me. the use of the C word can get a film an 18 for god sake! I think the rules are use it once get a 15, use it 2 times get an 18, becuase people never say it in real life I guess silly C's-
BiscLimpkit
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slasher13 wrote:Babel - 0.5 / 5
Okay I really really didn't get this movie, it is even worse than 21 Grams. Please could someone explain why the Japanese girl just wanted to get it on with everyone, strip away her pants, be naked in front of a policeman, i didn't get that story. She treated her father like dirt, was this because in her mind she thought her father was to blame for the mother death? I see this movie is nomiated for an Oscar!!!!... Why!!!!, if there is a fan, please could you just explain the movie!!!.... pretty please
SPOILER PLEASE DO NOT READ
The thing that makes this movie so awesome is that we have four completely different stories from around the globe and the protagonists similarly face their own unique dilemas, whether they be social, political, racial etc. However only Inarritu can link such diversity to one common incident - in this case the accidental shooting of an American tourist.
It's an overwhelming epic drama. How else can you highlight the youth culture in Tokyo and make it relavant to the problems of imigration in the US/Mexico border? Brilliantly structured and a marvel of filmmaking.
To answer your questions on the Japanese schoolgirl. My assumption was that she's a teenage rebel who's facing a sensitive time, not being helped by the wave of discrimination, mother's death and disability. All these factors that are holding her back, only pressure her to keep up with other teenagers.
Would love to revisit this film. Can't wait for the DVD.
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Knetan
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hey,
My Dear Son 2.5/5
Solid drama about class differences in society that works quite well in the first half thanks to Bill Tung's performance. When turning more dark and violent in the second half, the film loses power as it's way too easy to predict the turns it takes. Still, director David Chiang establishes enough good things early to warrant a recommendation overall. Chiang made several underrated films as director.
My Dear Son 2.5/5
Solid drama about class differences in society that works quite well in the first half thanks to Bill Tung's performance. When turning more dark and violent in the second half, the film loses power as it's way too easy to predict the turns it takes. Still, director David Chiang establishes enough good things early to warrant a recommendation overall. Chiang made several underrated films as director.
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gasteropod
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She's sexually frustrated because no one will have sex with her due to her being a deaf-mute.slasher13 wrote:Babel - 0.5 / 5
Okay I really really didn't get this movie, it is even worse than 21 Grams. Please could someone explain why the Japanese girl just wanted to get it on with everyone, strip away her pants, be naked in front of a policeman, i didn't get that story. She treated her father like dirt, was this because in her mind she thought her father was to blame for the mother death? I see this movie is nomiated for an Oscar!!!!... Why!!!!, if there is a fan, please could you just explain the movie!!!.... pretty please.
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Markgway
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gasteropod
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thelostdragon
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Rocky Balboa - 5/5
Watched this again today with a girl who has never ever watched any of the Rocky films and always refused to watch them due to some damn prejudice. Well, I bought the tickets. She thought it was gonna be "Dreamgirls" we were watching. Well, she looked kinda confused/dumb/pissed when she heard the Rocky theme and saw Stallone's twisted face. But hell, she liked it and after we came out of the theatre she asked me if I had the other 5 parts on DVD. Guess I'm having a "Rocky" marathon soon.
Watched this again today with a girl who has never ever watched any of the Rocky films and always refused to watch them due to some damn prejudice. Well, I bought the tickets. She thought it was gonna be "Dreamgirls" we were watching. Well, she looked kinda confused/dumb/pissed when she heard the Rocky theme and saw Stallone's twisted face. But hell, she liked it and after we came out of the theatre she asked me if I had the other 5 parts on DVD. Guess I'm having a "Rocky" marathon soon.
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BiscLimpkit
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brooce-leroy
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Markgway
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grim_tales
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Old Grey Whistle Test Vol. 3 - 3.5/5
A mixed bag, but there are some fine tracks here. Meet Me On the Corner (Lindisfarne, 1971), Black Coffee (Humble Pie, 1973) and A Heart Needs a Home (Richard and Linda Thompson, 1975) are superb. I also liked Janis Ian's At Seventeen (1976), that was featured in a Simpsons episode, the Johnny Winter cover of the Stones' Jumping Jack Flash (from 1974), and the BB King blues song (from 1978), not forgetting the Bangles' catchy Walk Like An Egyptian from the 80's (1986).
A mixed bag, but there are some fine tracks here. Meet Me On the Corner (Lindisfarne, 1971), Black Coffee (Humble Pie, 1973) and A Heart Needs a Home (Richard and Linda Thompson, 1975) are superb. I also liked Janis Ian's At Seventeen (1976), that was featured in a Simpsons episode, the Johnny Winter cover of the Stones' Jumping Jack Flash (from 1974), and the BB King blues song (from 1978), not forgetting the Bangles' catchy Walk Like An Egyptian from the 80's (1986).
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degeneration
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romerojpg
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degeneration
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BiscLimpkit
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thelostdragon
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0.5/2.5?degeneration wrote:Anyone got screen caps of this one!?tom2681 wrote:The Banquet (Feng Xiao-Gang / Zhang Ziyi): 0,5 / 2,5
There is a gratuitous nude Ziyi shot, but don't get your hopes up. Looks like a body double.
Why such an odd rating system? So you actually mean 1/5? Or was it a typo and you meant 0.5/5?
Don't know why, but I gave it 4/5.
It has some very decent cinematography and a nice soundtrack.-
tom2681
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