In 1992 Haitian-born filmmaker Raoul Peck reconciles with his boyhood memories of the genesis of post-independence Belgian Congo's destruction and of the execution of its nationalist leader Patrice Lumumba. A documentary picture shot during the challenging period of the rule of Mobutu, Lumumba's executioner, and probably Africa's most notorious dictator. This movie accurately recounts Lumumba's origins, his efforts, the challenges he faced and his betrayal. Most of all it reveals Lumumba's tragic destiny, that of a mere Bantu who unfortunately sought too much for his people. Drawn from his evidently deep emotional ties with the then Zaire, the director tells the story of an African holocaust and of the omnipresent invisible hand of the West: "Holocaust! The sole unit of measurement of the human race
" Now the prophet's phantom visits the streets and palaces of the West, haunting its past and present actors, now forever discomforted, summoning them to their inevitable judgment day.
Reviews
14 Reviews
Alex's Wedding
(2003)
a bantu marriage day!
3 July 2004
As he makes his debut behind the camera, director Téno reveals the atmosphere around the choice for polygamy in his region of origin. Through this live documentary he visits the implications, better still the objectives of polygamy as evoked in one scene; the need to populate the village, and a quest for recognition, making it to a certain status.
Filmed quite simply and quite negligent about the editing and music, this picture nevertheless portrays the realities of the local culture in quite a faithful manner.
The intervention of a Protestant Pastor, accompanied by religious chants, all in the setting of a traditional marriage punctuated by rituals and blessings, seems to seal another union, quite a controversial one in these parts, between the local traditions and foreign religions.
The characters constantly swap from the French language to their dialect, the latter being subtitled. As such it is easier to discover the impact of local proverbs, sayings, etc used by family and friends to explain and express the local perspective of love within a polygamous household:
· A parent says " In polygamy the new wife must conjugate the verb 'to withstand' in the past, present and future tenses..." in her daily life so as to remember she must not falter.
· In an attempt to express the importance/implications of polygamy, a close friend of Alex says " When a man has one wife, he is making a proposal for marriage, when he has two, he is a fiancé, and when he has three he is married."
When Elise mocks at Joséphine, her new co-wife, the narrator fails to get any more answers to his questions from the former. He tells of his urge to break the silence on the cons of polygamy within his region, "... for his mother, yesterday, for Joséphine and for Elise, today, and for his daughter tomorrow.
Filmed quite simply and quite negligent about the editing and music, this picture nevertheless portrays the realities of the local culture in quite a faithful manner.
The intervention of a Protestant Pastor, accompanied by religious chants, all in the setting of a traditional marriage punctuated by rituals and blessings, seems to seal another union, quite a controversial one in these parts, between the local traditions and foreign religions.
The characters constantly swap from the French language to their dialect, the latter being subtitled. As such it is easier to discover the impact of local proverbs, sayings, etc used by family and friends to explain and express the local perspective of love within a polygamous household:
· A parent says " In polygamy the new wife must conjugate the verb 'to withstand' in the past, present and future tenses..." in her daily life so as to remember she must not falter.
· In an attempt to express the importance/implications of polygamy, a close friend of Alex says " When a man has one wife, he is making a proposal for marriage, when he has two, he is a fiancé, and when he has three he is married."
When Elise mocks at Joséphine, her new co-wife, the narrator fails to get any more answers to his questions from the former. He tells of his urge to break the silence on the cons of polygamy within his region, "... for his mother, yesterday, for Joséphine and for Elise, today, and for his daughter tomorrow.
The Pianist
(2002)
the sad sweetness of the sound of persecution.
3 July 2004
More than a masterpiece on the poetry of wartime, Roman Polanski uses the eyes of an artist in his tribute to the suffering of Jews in Warsaw. Less concrete than that of a soldier, yet more resistant, the experience of Wvadyslav Szpilman expresses his negligence of the gravity of the wartime situation to an unfortunate sudden change of fate.
Polanski's picture of WW2 Warsaw is a very deep one, revealing details which characterized the Jewish suffering with an outstanding touche of proximity; a fight over a pan of soup which ends with a man licking up spilt porridge on the ground, a woman gone mad after the disappearance of her husband, another one having herself caused her baby to suffocate as she tried to conceal its cries...
This movie goes beyond the details of the ongoing of the war itself to reveal the sad and frustrating consequences on its victims. How can Wadek survive without his family, without food but even more with his ever growing urge to satisfy his wish to play a piano. He follows the sound of playing as often as he is lucky to. In this a perfect repertoire is mounted, involving Beethoven, Bach, etc.
Wadek's pure and sympathetic nature seems to call for tolerance in wartime. Funny and creative, he could eventually be considered a spectator to these events. One could attribute the luck he has and the intermittent support he receives to some providence. Yet the experience is real and his final contribution to building a new nation summarizes the lessons to be drawn.
Polanski's picture of WW2 Warsaw is a very deep one, revealing details which characterized the Jewish suffering with an outstanding touche of proximity; a fight over a pan of soup which ends with a man licking up spilt porridge on the ground, a woman gone mad after the disappearance of her husband, another one having herself caused her baby to suffocate as she tried to conceal its cries...
This movie goes beyond the details of the ongoing of the war itself to reveal the sad and frustrating consequences on its victims. How can Wadek survive without his family, without food but even more with his ever growing urge to satisfy his wish to play a piano. He follows the sound of playing as often as he is lucky to. In this a perfect repertoire is mounted, involving Beethoven, Bach, etc.
Wadek's pure and sympathetic nature seems to call for tolerance in wartime. Funny and creative, he could eventually be considered a spectator to these events. One could attribute the luck he has and the intermittent support he receives to some providence. Yet the experience is real and his final contribution to building a new nation summarizes the lessons to be drawn.
Macadam tribu
(1996)
Zaire music, mimbo and mambo.....
3 July 2004
In an early scene a drunk client to whom a bartender would not give another beer because of his already high unpaid bills retorted "You're like the Western imperialists; you finish my resources and now you ask me to pay debts !..." This film mainly visits the theme of uneven distribution of global wealth, though the influence is hardly ever seen directly.
Zeka Laplaine's movie seems halfway between "The Circle of Powers" and "Quartier Mozart", both Cameroonian movies. As often the jobless and idle end up promiscuity and over-drinking. Even the expatriates are quickly contaminated.
The music is brilliant and certainly accompanies story and emotions perfectly. Influenced by Zaire rythms, it is dominated by hits from Papa Wemba,, and the acclaimed Franco accompanied as ever by the Mighty OK Jazz Band are present on the score. Once more music seems to be the perfect spice in Afro-cinema.
I watched this movie during the 2004 Ecrans Noirs Film Festival in Yaounde. There was quite a crowd next-door following a popular Ivorian reggae star. An African movie on reggae music would probably have been more convincing. Who knows!
Zeka Laplaine's movie seems halfway between "The Circle of Powers" and "Quartier Mozart", both Cameroonian movies. As often the jobless and idle end up promiscuity and over-drinking. Even the expatriates are quickly contaminated.
The music is brilliant and certainly accompanies story and emotions perfectly. Influenced by Zaire rythms, it is dominated by hits from Papa Wemba,, and the acclaimed Franco accompanied as ever by the Mighty OK Jazz Band are present on the score. Once more music seems to be the perfect spice in Afro-cinema.
I watched this movie during the 2004 Ecrans Noirs Film Festival in Yaounde. There was quite a crowd next-door following a popular Ivorian reggae star. An African movie on reggae music would probably have been more convincing. Who knows!
Les caprices d'un fleuve
(1996)
dare the beauty of the dark continent !
3 July 2004
This story tells of the encounter of many Europeans with the 'Black Continent' in the late 19th Century, and of lessons drawn from this. Much came as a consequence of this encounter between both cultures; quite often children were left behind and the traces of an oppressive invading force left as a souvenir, the indisputable effect of the Whiteman's coming is that of deeply transformed society.
A rare contrast as compared to the often one-sided pictures on the early European arrival on Africa, this story describes the unfinished love story between the 'Old Continent' and the 'Black Continent'. What emerges is a race haunted by quite eternally unanswered questions on the choice of Europe or Africa as home, or on the colour of love.
A brilliant cast, with Bernard Giraudeau and Richard Bohringer.
The art work is quite an impressive; a beautiful capture of the local folklore and its reaction to European invasion.
A rare contrast as compared to the often one-sided pictures on the early European arrival on Africa, this story describes the unfinished love story between the 'Old Continent' and the 'Black Continent'. What emerges is a race haunted by quite eternally unanswered questions on the choice of Europe or Africa as home, or on the colour of love.
A brilliant cast, with Bernard Giraudeau and Richard Bohringer.
The art work is quite an impressive; a beautiful capture of the local folklore and its reaction to European invasion.
Yaaba
(1989)
a malinke tale of two generations !
3 July 2004
The very touching story of Yaaba examines a major aspect of African and societies; the complicity between the young and the old. Through his contact with Yaaba, the young man discovers his ability to comfort her. As he chooses to ignore the distance set by the rest of the village he undoubtedly becomes a man.
Director Ouedraogo visits a theme he knows, as he grew up in a rural setting. The emotions aroused as he pictures the Savannah countryside wearing a pale aspect during the Harmattan season is perfect. The sounds of nature are beautifully captured, and the sharp voices of the innocent children seem to cast a spell of immortality over this old lady.
A proof that where such inspiration and ability to convey emotions exists, appropriate means can contribute to making better movies. Idrissa Ouedraogo's script could have been better exploited by a more experienced crew. The inadequacy between the emotions expressed and the music is unfortunate, though the script makes this a good movie.
Director Ouedraogo visits a theme he knows, as he grew up in a rural setting. The emotions aroused as he pictures the Savannah countryside wearing a pale aspect during the Harmattan season is perfect. The sounds of nature are beautifully captured, and the sharp voices of the innocent children seem to cast a spell of immortality over this old lady.
A proof that where such inspiration and ability to convey emotions exists, appropriate means can contribute to making better movies. Idrissa Ouedraogo's script could have been better exploited by a more experienced crew. The inadequacy between the emotions expressed and the music is unfortunate, though the script makes this a good movie.
Les pygmées de Carlo
(2002 TV Movie)
Journey to the heart of endangered nature...
16 June 2003
I've always liked movies talking about other movies, but I don't know much what to say about this one. In fact nothing concrete is said about the seriously-distressed film maker Carlo's plans for the Pygmies. One simply gets the impression he needs them for something he won't tell.
The movie is full of abrupt transitions from one scene to another and recounts the adventures or ...misadventures of two French film makers on their way to and into ...Cameroon with the aim of getting a group of Pygmies needed for the next movie of their boss. Yes to Cameroon because although the name of the country is never mentioned it is easy to recognize the active streets of Douala, one or two Cameroonian car number plates, well-known local dishes, and the use of local words like "Ntobassi"
Although the story quite perfectly and objectively criticizes the socio-economic and political situation of Black Africa in many aspects (infrastructure, neocolonialism, administrative malfunctioning,...) it still goes extremist in portraying some ills of our society; Minister's don't accompany soldiers on their patrols, candidates to presidential elections are not encountered with such ease in hotels, Ministers don't have this Savimbi-like look,...etc.
Nevertheless this movie successfully describes the popular opinions and encounters between the West and the parts of Africa. No matter how unqualified or irrelevant in his/her declarations any 'White man' will be courted because and so far as his pockets are full... On the other hand it shows the effect coming into close contact with Africans and their daily suffering has on Westerners ; as such our two friends are in agony as a child is hit by a car which goes off.
The Pygmies play a very significant role in this movie as the Frenchmen marvel at their natural way of living and mastery of the Equatorial Forest. Yet we are told that they belong to a local boss who evaluates the loss he'll incur in their absence since they serve during the harvest period. The Pygmies are in a sense used to portray the impact of the West on Africa as one can see in their 'Hum hum' (they do not understand what the Frenchman is saying but they answer 'Yes') a continuous 'Yes' to the West. Another touching scene is that during which they are dressed in clothes depriving them of their local garments.
It's quite noticing that globalization can sometimes have some beautiful illustrations ; French movie by a Rumanian-born Director, partly shot in Gabon and in Cameroon starring Frenchmen and half-Burundi Miss France.
The movie is full of abrupt transitions from one scene to another and recounts the adventures or ...misadventures of two French film makers on their way to and into ...Cameroon with the aim of getting a group of Pygmies needed for the next movie of their boss. Yes to Cameroon because although the name of the country is never mentioned it is easy to recognize the active streets of Douala, one or two Cameroonian car number plates, well-known local dishes, and the use of local words like "Ntobassi"
Although the story quite perfectly and objectively criticizes the socio-economic and political situation of Black Africa in many aspects (infrastructure, neocolonialism, administrative malfunctioning,...) it still goes extremist in portraying some ills of our society; Minister's don't accompany soldiers on their patrols, candidates to presidential elections are not encountered with such ease in hotels, Ministers don't have this Savimbi-like look,...etc.
Nevertheless this movie successfully describes the popular opinions and encounters between the West and the parts of Africa. No matter how unqualified or irrelevant in his/her declarations any 'White man' will be courted because and so far as his pockets are full... On the other hand it shows the effect coming into close contact with Africans and their daily suffering has on Westerners ; as such our two friends are in agony as a child is hit by a car which goes off.
The Pygmies play a very significant role in this movie as the Frenchmen marvel at their natural way of living and mastery of the Equatorial Forest. Yet we are told that they belong to a local boss who evaluates the loss he'll incur in their absence since they serve during the harvest period. The Pygmies are in a sense used to portray the impact of the West on Africa as one can see in their 'Hum hum' (they do not understand what the Frenchman is saying but they answer 'Yes') a continuous 'Yes' to the West. Another touching scene is that during which they are dressed in clothes depriving them of their local garments.
It's quite noticing that globalization can sometimes have some beautiful illustrations ; French movie by a Rumanian-born Director, partly shot in Gabon and in Cameroon starring Frenchmen and half-Burundi Miss France.
Die Another Day
(2002)
probably a new race of James Bond...
9 May 2003
This is a most impressive contribution to the James Bond series... probably the best. Well so far those JB scripts have often been well managed but this one easily carries you through all the sensations a moviegoer wants to get. Primarily for all those Bond fans, hope you're techno-wise because 2003 Golden Globe nominee MADONNA - `Die Another Day' sets the pace for this atmosphere with a most exciting James Bond theme song. Once James Bond on one of those 'round the world in xxxx days' missions ; North Korea, Hong Kong, Havana, London, South Korea,. follow!!!
Our great agent is out this time to settle scores with Korean terrorists led by Zao (Rick Yune) who managed to capture and detain him. Pierce Brosnan is just great once more as JB and one can't help but regret he often accepts less-than-average roles in other movies. Beyond the MI6-trained super agent many have seen so far, this time you find him more human than ever (worn out after detention.). Though we all know he's had some training in psychology, his power in understanding others is just thrilling (he observes Graves in his show off before confronting him,. Unfortunately our man is most vulnerable as ever to the opposite sex and Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike) didn't have much to do for him to fall into her trap. How do you explain Bond's ability to gain confidence (Raoul the Cuban dealer easily likes him, . ). The man is simply charismatic and natural beyond all those gadgets he carries.
Halle Berry confirms all the talent she's proved to have these days and her performance as Jinx (kind of that she did in Swordfish) is great. Watch her as an NSA grasp the gun and stay alongside JB. The scene with her rising from the water as well as when she undresses to jump are captivating ones. Overall she's a good enough mate to the world's greatest agent, capable of becoming one of the top James Bond girls.
Well there're one or two things one could find a little bit out of place ; how comes CIA Agent Falco (Michael Madsen) informs M (Judi Dench) about Bond's adventures in Havana - she being surprised. does this mean Bond is not being watched ?
Overall the cast is good and the cultural mix satisfying. The crew is also a good one , Director LEE TAMAHORI (Mulholland Falls, The Edge, Along Came A Spider) does a great job alongside Mr. Peter Lamont (1978 Academy nominee for 'The Spy Who Loved Me') whose production design has accompanied six other James Bond movies over 20 years since 'For Your Eyes Only in 1981.' Thank You Sir.
Hey don't forget to watch close for those gadgets - 20th wrist watch , disappearing Aston Martin, glass-shattering ring.
Probably a new race of JB movies..
Rating - 9/10
Our great agent is out this time to settle scores with Korean terrorists led by Zao (Rick Yune) who managed to capture and detain him. Pierce Brosnan is just great once more as JB and one can't help but regret he often accepts less-than-average roles in other movies. Beyond the MI6-trained super agent many have seen so far, this time you find him more human than ever (worn out after detention.). Though we all know he's had some training in psychology, his power in understanding others is just thrilling (he observes Graves in his show off before confronting him,. Unfortunately our man is most vulnerable as ever to the opposite sex and Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike) didn't have much to do for him to fall into her trap. How do you explain Bond's ability to gain confidence (Raoul the Cuban dealer easily likes him, . ). The man is simply charismatic and natural beyond all those gadgets he carries.
Halle Berry confirms all the talent she's proved to have these days and her performance as Jinx (kind of that she did in Swordfish) is great. Watch her as an NSA grasp the gun and stay alongside JB. The scene with her rising from the water as well as when she undresses to jump are captivating ones. Overall she's a good enough mate to the world's greatest agent, capable of becoming one of the top James Bond girls.
Well there're one or two things one could find a little bit out of place ; how comes CIA Agent Falco (Michael Madsen) informs M (Judi Dench) about Bond's adventures in Havana - she being surprised. does this mean Bond is not being watched ?
Overall the cast is good and the cultural mix satisfying. The crew is also a good one , Director LEE TAMAHORI (Mulholland Falls, The Edge, Along Came A Spider) does a great job alongside Mr. Peter Lamont (1978 Academy nominee for 'The Spy Who Loved Me') whose production design has accompanied six other James Bond movies over 20 years since 'For Your Eyes Only in 1981.' Thank You Sir.
Hey don't forget to watch close for those gadgets - 20th wrist watch , disappearing Aston Martin, glass-shattering ring.
Probably a new race of JB movies..
Rating - 9/10
Crying Freeman
(1995)
passions to a deeper extent.
13 April 2003
When a potter is forced into becoming a killer, his passion may still hardly be done with , and his heart hardly stay frozen forever.
This faithful adaptation of a Japanese comic book, accurately directed by Christophe Gans is another proof of his mastery of the spiritual and of those themes which few movie makers dare to attempt. the psychological fusion which sparks off in the opening scene between the cold Freeman (Mark Dacascos) and the passionate artist (Julie Condra) is a sweet picture for an original love story.
Hands up for this movie which honors the immense treasure of oriental respect for tradition and devotion. The Freeman is expected to serve the Sons of the Dragon forever, regardless of his convictions. In a sense, this Asian ability to share the secrets of its tradition without totally revealing them is a sublime example of original cinema.
Overall the movie is good; the cast suits well, conscious of the impact their performance must have, the musical score is equally well adapted to the passion-violence context mingled with scenes full of suspense. Spontaneous transition in the music is most notable, contributing to the suspense during a gunfight in Emu's bedroom, electric guitars accompany the transition from easily-killed secondary assassins to their tougher and more dangerous leader; a danger-announcing tone sets in as an old Chinese man is threatened with a machete in a depot.
But most of is the excellent martial arts choreography which brings one name to most minds John Woo. Nothing better than a rational choice to use a gun or one's hands and feet.
Watch out for a couple of phrases full of inspiration: as Yo remembers the origin of his encounter with his undesired employers he says ` A dead mans eyes are a curse to those who behold them; I wanted to see into that darkness, I wanted to behold it.'
Rating : *** (3/5)
This faithful adaptation of a Japanese comic book, accurately directed by Christophe Gans is another proof of his mastery of the spiritual and of those themes which few movie makers dare to attempt. the psychological fusion which sparks off in the opening scene between the cold Freeman (Mark Dacascos) and the passionate artist (Julie Condra) is a sweet picture for an original love story.
Hands up for this movie which honors the immense treasure of oriental respect for tradition and devotion. The Freeman is expected to serve the Sons of the Dragon forever, regardless of his convictions. In a sense, this Asian ability to share the secrets of its tradition without totally revealing them is a sublime example of original cinema.
Overall the movie is good; the cast suits well, conscious of the impact their performance must have, the musical score is equally well adapted to the passion-violence context mingled with scenes full of suspense. Spontaneous transition in the music is most notable, contributing to the suspense during a gunfight in Emu's bedroom, electric guitars accompany the transition from easily-killed secondary assassins to their tougher and more dangerous leader; a danger-announcing tone sets in as an old Chinese man is threatened with a machete in a depot.
But most of is the excellent martial arts choreography which brings one name to most minds John Woo. Nothing better than a rational choice to use a gun or one's hands and feet.
Watch out for a couple of phrases full of inspiration: as Yo remembers the origin of his encounter with his undesired employers he says ` A dead mans eyes are a curse to those who behold them; I wanted to see into that darkness, I wanted to behold it.'
Rating : *** (3/5)
Awakenings
(1990)
When warm hearts bring hope and sunshine.
13 April 2003
The outstanding beauty of this true story lies in the extreme originality in performance of the main actors. Only at the end of the movie could I sit back and say ` Wow, Williams and De Niro are really great actors'. Throughout the movie the sensation one gets is that of living the honest emotions of two determined men, and friends, in a world in which many would rather not communicate their true feelings.
On one side, a Medical doctor, Malcolm Sayer, convinced he can `resurrect' his encephalitic patients, in a role similar to Williams' - `Will Hunting'.On the other side the first of those patients to be cured, Leonard , in another proof by De Niro of his ability to fit into those roles which require the reviving of lived emotions see `Men of Honor' and `The Untouchables'. Surely two of the best actors these days.
The music is just perfect, fitting into the emotional flow of the movie; feel Dr. Sayer as he walks through his cured patients, a very intense scene.
Beyond the movie one can see criticism of a society darkened by its eventual enlighteners, armed with a cure suitable enough in satisfying their interests
The movie is unnecessarily lengthened by attempts to show the revived patients regain pleasure in their former hobbies. Overall the contribution to a better social build-up is one which requires much thanks.
Rating : *** (3/5)
On one side, a Medical doctor, Malcolm Sayer, convinced he can `resurrect' his encephalitic patients, in a role similar to Williams' - `Will Hunting'.On the other side the first of those patients to be cured, Leonard , in another proof by De Niro of his ability to fit into those roles which require the reviving of lived emotions see `Men of Honor' and `The Untouchables'. Surely two of the best actors these days.
The music is just perfect, fitting into the emotional flow of the movie; feel Dr. Sayer as he walks through his cured patients, a very intense scene.
Beyond the movie one can see criticism of a society darkened by its eventual enlighteners, armed with a cure suitable enough in satisfying their interests
The movie is unnecessarily lengthened by attempts to show the revived patients regain pleasure in their former hobbies. Overall the contribution to a better social build-up is one which requires much thanks.
Rating : *** (3/5)
8 Women
(2002)
as good as you'll get a crime!!!
5 March 2003
Beautiful costumes, an excellent décor, a suspicious mood and a perfect "crime". is what could make a good French movie.
The fabulous end of this home-based murder set in France's 1920's or 30's made me wonder I ever tried to figure out who the criminal was, ... being a fan of Lady Christie's Hercule Poirot.
Wonder if some police inspector or grey-celled detective would have found some space among the characters? Obvious answer : NO ! ... Wouldn't like to see a man come singing among those ladies.
The cast is just perfect, and the generational mix calls for much applause, easily fitting into the emotional transition, with each suspect revealing her untold secret involvement and contribution to the crime; Isabelle Huppert beautifully justifies her eventual best female performance at the 2003 "Césars" as the victim's sister-in-law, and is practically acquitted, as a 'bad girl' image is voluntarily attributed to her.
The complicity between head servant Madame Chanel (Firmine Richard) and Pierette, the victim's sister, beautifully played by Fanny Ardant, brings many questions, though it is known that classic beneficiaries of a rich man's murder are his wife and children, payed by well-known French star Catherine Deneuve a and sisters Suzon (Virginie Ledoyen) and Cathérine (Ludivine Saigner).
Although Mamy (Danielle Darrieux), the victim's mother-in-law, and Louise (Emmanuelle Béart) the maid have their own secrets, they seem to have little to fear, except a possible collective crime.
Whatever you like or hate about those crimes committed and solved at home, without external help, director François Ozon's movie will satisfy anyone who appreciates good costume designing adapted to a certain époque which saw those passionate crimes.
I still think our victim died for his crimes anyway, though what a pity for that 8th woman who remains innocent and uninvolved afterall, except if....... she should think out her initiatives with more psychology.
The fabulous end of this home-based murder set in France's 1920's or 30's made me wonder I ever tried to figure out who the criminal was, ... being a fan of Lady Christie's Hercule Poirot.
Wonder if some police inspector or grey-celled detective would have found some space among the characters? Obvious answer : NO ! ... Wouldn't like to see a man come singing among those ladies.
The cast is just perfect, and the generational mix calls for much applause, easily fitting into the emotional transition, with each suspect revealing her untold secret involvement and contribution to the crime; Isabelle Huppert beautifully justifies her eventual best female performance at the 2003 "Césars" as the victim's sister-in-law, and is practically acquitted, as a 'bad girl' image is voluntarily attributed to her.
The complicity between head servant Madame Chanel (Firmine Richard) and Pierette, the victim's sister, beautifully played by Fanny Ardant, brings many questions, though it is known that classic beneficiaries of a rich man's murder are his wife and children, payed by well-known French star Catherine Deneuve a and sisters Suzon (Virginie Ledoyen) and Cathérine (Ludivine Saigner).
Although Mamy (Danielle Darrieux), the victim's mother-in-law, and Louise (Emmanuelle Béart) the maid have their own secrets, they seem to have little to fear, except a possible collective crime.
Whatever you like or hate about those crimes committed and solved at home, without external help, director François Ozon's movie will satisfy anyone who appreciates good costume designing adapted to a certain époque which saw those passionate crimes.
I still think our victim died for his crimes anyway, though what a pity for that 8th woman who remains innocent and uninvolved afterall, except if....... she should think out her initiatives with more psychology.
Brotherhood of the Wolf
(2001)
taming on the beast.
5 March 2003
This is probably one of the best French movies I've seen for long.
The disturbing encounter between the adventurous scientist Chévalier Grégoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) and the mysterious "Beast of the Gévaudan" is that adventure story which a good film director like Christophe Gans should have made fans enjoy long before.
Although I consider the plot uneccessarily lenghtened by attempts to show us how dangerous the Beast is, I still prefer this mystery many others. Still how unfortunate one easily sees that this "Beast" is the fruit of some computer manipulation.
Although I know little of th social life in the Gévaudan in those days, director Christophe Gans perfectly builds a properly-adapted setting, full of superstition, be it within the upper or lower classes. Worst of all is that complicity within the upper class.
Climax reaches when de Fronsac's Red Indian mate Mani (Mark Dacascos) becomes a victim of the conspiracy, bringing his late discouragement to an end, as he sets out for the 'bad guys'.
Overall this movie is a good one, full of common but deep daily themes; friendship, love, fear, treason, heroism,... all well accompanied by music prepared by Joseph LoDuca, guiding an adventurer set out to give a scientific explanation to his questions and bent on adding a contribution to rationalism.
The disturbing encounter between the adventurous scientist Chévalier Grégoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) and the mysterious "Beast of the Gévaudan" is that adventure story which a good film director like Christophe Gans should have made fans enjoy long before.
Although I consider the plot uneccessarily lenghtened by attempts to show us how dangerous the Beast is, I still prefer this mystery many others. Still how unfortunate one easily sees that this "Beast" is the fruit of some computer manipulation.
Although I know little of th social life in the Gévaudan in those days, director Christophe Gans perfectly builds a properly-adapted setting, full of superstition, be it within the upper or lower classes. Worst of all is that complicity within the upper class.
Climax reaches when de Fronsac's Red Indian mate Mani (Mark Dacascos) becomes a victim of the conspiracy, bringing his late discouragement to an end, as he sets out for the 'bad guys'.
Overall this movie is a good one, full of common but deep daily themes; friendship, love, fear, treason, heroism,... all well accompanied by music prepared by Joseph LoDuca, guiding an adventurer set out to give a scientific explanation to his questions and bent on adding a contribution to rationalism.
Insomnia
(2002)
either you'll like the stars or you'll be fighting back sleep...
22 February 2003
Whoever said Robin Williams couldn't be the bad guy, or Al Pacino feel deep-weary when faced with a known murderer?
MEMENTO's SUNDANCE-acclaimed director Christopher Nolan proves you wrong, and his bringing together three ACADEMY winners (Pacino, Williams and Swank) uses flashbacks and lack of sleep as a fortunately-fictional obstacle to a detective's (Pacino) attempts to get rid of a murderer (Williams) tooled with blackmail.
I lost a couple of scenes of this movie as I was lured into sleep by a long and tiring conversation between Pacino and Williams on a ferry, and sometime else... but I couldn't wait to see if Pacino-fan Swank would get rid of proof of his having killed his partner.
Maybe the quite well-adapted musical score by David Julyan (Memento, The Following,...) is a little bit too heavy but it accompanies the sleepless-state of detective Pacino who surely contributes much to the experience of inspector Ellie Burr (Swank).
Overall, if you're out to meet stars of different generations gathered to boost a scenario which maybe nowadays only Soderbergh could save , then get going, but if you loved the Hitchcock movies in which unknown criminals were discovered at the end, then try something else.
MEMENTO's SUNDANCE-acclaimed director Christopher Nolan proves you wrong, and his bringing together three ACADEMY winners (Pacino, Williams and Swank) uses flashbacks and lack of sleep as a fortunately-fictional obstacle to a detective's (Pacino) attempts to get rid of a murderer (Williams) tooled with blackmail.
I lost a couple of scenes of this movie as I was lured into sleep by a long and tiring conversation between Pacino and Williams on a ferry, and sometime else... but I couldn't wait to see if Pacino-fan Swank would get rid of proof of his having killed his partner.
Maybe the quite well-adapted musical score by David Julyan (Memento, The Following,...) is a little bit too heavy but it accompanies the sleepless-state of detective Pacino who surely contributes much to the experience of inspector Ellie Burr (Swank).
Overall, if you're out to meet stars of different generations gathered to boost a scenario which maybe nowadays only Soderbergh could save , then get going, but if you loved the Hitchcock movies in which unknown criminals were discovered at the end, then try something else.
Sango Malo
(1990)
not so long ago, a picture of daily Africa!
2 January 2003
Bassek Ba Kobhio has done few movies! Sango Malo stands out as his most successful one. It brings out the reality of Black African routine. This story not only shows the challenges Sango is faced with as a man and as a teacher, but much more as an African.
Ba Kobhio's contribution to enhancing the professional careers of Sango Malo's cast is outstanding!
The quality of the shooting is yet another story. Little emphasis is placed on the quality of SOUND and ART.
Well notice that Bassek has not shot any movie in nearly ten years though he presides festivals in Cameroon and collaborates with the continentally-prestigious FESPACO. Hope he's taking his time to do it much better in the near future.
Ba Kobhio's contribution to enhancing the professional careers of Sango Malo's cast is outstanding!
The quality of the shooting is yet another story. Little emphasis is placed on the quality of SOUND and ART.
Well notice that Bassek has not shot any movie in nearly ten years though he presides festivals in Cameroon and collaborates with the continentally-prestigious FESPACO. Hope he's taking his time to do it much better in the near future.
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