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The Games Maker (2014)
Magic realism makes an entrance
Here is a modern classic example of "realismo magico" - magic realism, a literary style which was born in Latin American literature- a style in which fantastical elements are blended into real life. The key difference between magic realism and just a fantasy film for kids are the dream-like elements that are based in emotion which you will see in this film as well. For example, the sinking school// feelings of reality sinking in... or a tattoo that won't wash off// feelings of accepting who you really are, etc. In this really beautiful film, you see Ivan's world change from ordinary to extraordinary, and even when there are moments which are scary, no-one dies or gets hurt. It has a happy ending, with a deep reflection on life intertwined. I would highly recommend this film for anyone studying literature, but also for kids- It's very nicely put together, full of adventure and optimism (things kids really need to see). 8/10.
Max (2015)
Complete misrepresentation of war dogs
Let's all say it together: WTF.
Seriously, this film was such a let-down. It had a really good premise, but the writers must have got lost in a tale of Lassie half-way. It became ludicrous, unbelievable, and worse- CORNY. Like, badly corny. Cringey, even. Highlighting the beautiful work of war dogs is admirable, but so sad to see it completely misrepresented in this way. By far the dog was the best actor, and by far the best scene was the dog's origin story.
//SPOILER ALERT//
So, the military have a funeral for Kyle (which, was honestly quite heartfelt to watch), and then they release the "possible aggressive" war dog with PTSD into the care of the family? Err, that's not real. Then the family (who were not at all briefed on PTSD in dogs) put him in the backyard tethered and caged and alone - hmmm. Dog abuse? Apart from some fireworks (which scare all dogs by the way), Max seems perfectly fine to bound around like a happy young thing. Then when the shady bits take place, I wonder why do kids, with mobile phones and connections with the army, not call the military police or federal police to report a crime? Since when do bad guys not gag a hostage? And do bad guys really chase after dogs and kids instead of securing their gun deals? Like, really?? If the police were in on the whole gun deal, then why not explore that deeper? OK, so it's a kids film, I hear you say- but if it's a kid's film, it needs to be completely PG and silly. Yet the topic is REAL. The topic is meaningful. The topic of this film is meant to be about a war dog whose handler was in killed in action. That is a heavy tale to tell. If this film is about the dogs, and as the end of the film said, "in memory of the dogs who served", then why introduce the shady gun deal? And worse still- Why kill the bad marine dude? Yeh, he's bad, but he didn't deserve to die. He deserved military court. Kids movies need to stop putting in falseness, especially when you're talking about the war- a war currently taking place. OMG, how do you expect kids will understand this film? Tell the truth, join the marines, chase men with guns, all bad guys die (even those on our side who make bad decisions) - yikes. A bit rigid, eh? 2 stars.
47 Ronin (2013)
Excellent cinematography, poor story development
An exceptionally visually BEAUTIFUL film, with such attention to detail in the colours, costumes, and flow of the film... well, i think they forgot to flesh out the storyline a bit.
Where were all the demons? I expected more. Hmm. Some nice fight scenes, but again- I expected more.
The one and MOST IRRITATING part was mid-film with an unoriginal speech to rally the samurai to fight - it sounded like Bravehearts' classic, "They may take away our lives, but they'll never take our freedom" - oh gag me. Also not into the documentary-type intro...
But in spite of my criticisms, i must say it was enjoyable. Just not quite a top of the line film.
Watch for the cinematography and you'll cry in awe. Also interesting it has some real history.
So, 47 Ronin? 6/10.
Southland Tales (2006)
A sci-fi within a sci-fi with kickbacks to Brazil
*SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS*
Creating a world of the fantastical with over-the-top performances and ideas can only be a dreamworld. Although this understanding only becomes clear at the very end. Hence, it's a very clever film.
Roland injects the drug to escape - and so does his friend Ryly (the narrator) which is the missing link. As they talk of PTSD and the friendly fire, it becomes obvious that the whole film is a drug-induced dream to escape the trauma of killing his best friend in friendly fire in Iraq.
The whole thing is an existential crisis of death and disaster to explain the pain and suffering of the psyche. Within each scene is a clue to link back to the "twins" - past self and future self and how the world ends = a death. The realization of the end of suffering.
Wow. As a sci-fi within a sci-fi, it works. This inner sci-fi idea is very Terry Gilliam - kickbacks to Brazil. Fascinating! Worth a watch for sure!