Actually, I hadn't noticed this film until it came into the theaters here a couple weeks ago, but as soon as I read more about it, I felt a need to see it.
First of all, I was interested in seeing how Mikhalkov managed to depict the characters of the current Russia as promised in the description of the film. Second, having the accused boy be from Chechnya, I felt the picture had a possibility for a lot of depth in depicting of the Russia-Chechen dispute and relationship between the people and countries in general together with the mood taken from both sides of the borders. And last but not least, having watched the 1957 film "12 Angry Men" just before that, I was looking forward to see some wonderful performances from the jurors.
I must say the film fulfilled all the above and much more. Mikhalkov has indeed managed to make a film that will pin you to your seat, make you follow every word, blink, or raise of an eyebrow of the actors, pay attention to the hidden and not so hidden messages, will disgust and touch you at the same time and, indeed, will take you to the Russia of the early 21st century.
The moral question as portrayed in the original story is displayed and discussed in many levels as well, the tension gradually increasing as the film goes on and forcing you to think about what is indeed right and wrong in todays' world.
Apart from all the above, the piece contains some beautiful cinematography and the actors' performances are just beyond description.
I would definitely recommend it to everyone interested not only in a wonderful piece of artwork and Mikhalkov's mirror of Putin's Russia (and Putin's Russia it still remains even now IMHO) but is also interested in being taken to situations unimaginable for us, living our "fast food" lives and forced into giving it a longer thought then we manage to in our usual working days.
Three tips before you do so though:
- try to find some time to see it as soon as possible if you're in the CR - because since it's not your "usual blockbuster entertainment" it might disappear from the theatres soon and it's very much worth watching on the big screen (believe me, I went to see in on Saturday night and there were only 5 (!!!) of us there;
- watch the original 1957 film before you go (and it is easily available online btw. and it is great to compare the development of the characters and the plot)
- pay a special attention to the last couple of minutes of the film - you will know what I'm talking about when it comes to it. If not, you might miss an important point.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tribute to: Hayao Miyazaki
The first time I've seen Mononoke-hime (Princess Mononoke) I was really taken by how a cartoon movie can contain such a range of artistic craft and imagination while at the same time convey a message about how humans deal with nature as well as their instant greed vs. how much of good can just one human being do.
Then I just couldn't help it, but go and see his other much respected films such Tenku no shiro Rapyuta (Castle in the Sky) and Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (Spirited Away).
All of these wonderful movies, despite being done in a cartoon-fairytale style do not follow the pattern of this style at all. They contain much more than just that. They will bring you to places you have always wanted to be taken to as a child - fantasy lands full of creatures so far from human nature, not only in their looks but also their character, which sometimes you just have to leave in your mind as uncomprehensible; lands that only a child's mind would consider "normal".
Yet, Miyazaki is going farther than that. In each of his movies, he teaches a lesson. Lesson adults know deep in their minds and souls is correct, but have long forgotten about. Lesson which combines it all together. Respect to the "other kind" whatever that may represent, the right thing to do, the inner gut we as adults have so forgotten and exchanged for other things such as worries about wealth, profession, "respect" (i.e. in society), etc.
Maybe that is why Miyazaki's heroes are always children.
His films teach us an important lesson about "our" (adult's) world and the long-forgotten values we used to have when we were so much younger. Perhaps we should pay a lot more attention to the messages he wishes to convey in his films than we really do at present..
No wonder his Gake no ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on Cliff by the Sea) was considered by some as the hot favourite for the Golden Lion at this year's Venice Film Festival. I have not seen this movie yet, but for sure, Miyazaki's take on the "Little Mermaid" story has - again - got a lot to throw in our adult faces to wake up for in those 100 minutes.
Can't wait to see it. You should too. You won't regret it.
Then I just couldn't help it, but go and see his other much respected films such Tenku no shiro Rapyuta (Castle in the Sky) and Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (Spirited Away).
All of these wonderful movies, despite being done in a cartoon-fairytale style do not follow the pattern of this style at all. They contain much more than just that. They will bring you to places you have always wanted to be taken to as a child - fantasy lands full of creatures so far from human nature, not only in their looks but also their character, which sometimes you just have to leave in your mind as uncomprehensible; lands that only a child's mind would consider "normal".
Yet, Miyazaki is going farther than that. In each of his movies, he teaches a lesson. Lesson adults know deep in their minds and souls is correct, but have long forgotten about. Lesson which combines it all together. Respect to the "other kind" whatever that may represent, the right thing to do, the inner gut we as adults have so forgotten and exchanged for other things such as worries about wealth, profession, "respect" (i.e. in society), etc.
Maybe that is why Miyazaki's heroes are always children.
His films teach us an important lesson about "our" (adult's) world and the long-forgotten values we used to have when we were so much younger. Perhaps we should pay a lot more attention to the messages he wishes to convey in his films than we really do at present..
No wonder his Gake no ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on Cliff by the Sea) was considered by some as the hot favourite for the Golden Lion at this year's Venice Film Festival. I have not seen this movie yet, but for sure, Miyazaki's take on the "Little Mermaid" story has - again - got a lot to throw in our adult faces to wake up for in those 100 minutes.
Can't wait to see it. You should too. You won't regret it.
Monday, September 8, 2008
US radicalism
Having just recently seen a great documentary Jesus Camp followed by several YouTube videos from the speeches of the two presidential election candidates (especially the Mr. McCain ones, they rule) and their histerical supporters I couldn't resist but think about the radicalism US is capable of creating.
It is not just the religion (man, there's nothing wrong with faith, but I just can't stand the radical God preaching and histerical following of Jesus - just watch Jesus Camp and you'll see what I mean!), but it seems to be everything in the country has to be the biggest and greatest and most fantastic.
Let me just name couple of examples here - it's the most bombastic election campaigns, most expensive movies, biggest hamburgers (when will they get to add a 4th XXL layer to those yummies I wonder?), widest and whitest smiles, highest number of invaded countries (I believe they even beat good ol' GB and France now), and man, I could go on and on here. I bet they are biting their fingers now for having been beaten by China in the number of Olympic medals ;)
But joking aside.
This approach might very well wrok when it comes in drops and used according to the prescription but as it seems some Americans just won't listen to their doctors and drink the drug in gallons in a "get rich and most bombastic quick manner".
No wonder Europe gets so many of US and North America emigrants (the trend has changed guys, now the North Americans flee to Europe rather than vice-versa) in order to search for normality and some breathing air. Unfortunately, some of them are just so convinced to spread the radicalism to our relaxed European lands and cling to being bombastic at any cost.
Oh well, what shall we do? They have saved our ass in WWII, so we can just as well do them a favour and provide a safe haven for them now, even though they make a little mess..
Luckily, they still have us, citizens of the other parts of the world to remind them they should not be taking themselves too seriously :)
It is not just the religion (man, there's nothing wrong with faith, but I just can't stand the radical God preaching and histerical following of Jesus - just watch Jesus Camp and you'll see what I mean!), but it seems to be everything in the country has to be the biggest and greatest and most fantastic.
Let me just name couple of examples here - it's the most bombastic election campaigns, most expensive movies, biggest hamburgers (when will they get to add a 4th XXL layer to those yummies I wonder?), widest and whitest smiles, highest number of invaded countries (I believe they even beat good ol' GB and France now), and man, I could go on and on here. I bet they are biting their fingers now for having been beaten by China in the number of Olympic medals ;)
But joking aside.
This approach might very well wrok when it comes in drops and used according to the prescription but as it seems some Americans just won't listen to their doctors and drink the drug in gallons in a "get rich and most bombastic quick manner".
No wonder Europe gets so many of US and North America emigrants (the trend has changed guys, now the North Americans flee to Europe rather than vice-versa) in order to search for normality and some breathing air. Unfortunately, some of them are just so convinced to spread the radicalism to our relaxed European lands and cling to being bombastic at any cost.
Oh well, what shall we do? They have saved our ass in WWII, so we can just as well do them a favour and provide a safe haven for them now, even though they make a little mess..
Luckily, they still have us, citizens of the other parts of the world to remind them they should not be taking themselves too seriously :)
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