Change Your Image
arnold57
Reviews
Regel nr. 1 (2003)
the good, the bad, and the ugly
The good -- a surprising debut for director Oliver Ussing. The bad -- the truly awful script: shallow, predictable, unsophisticated, or shall I say -- amateurish The ugly -- most of the cast -- come on Herr Ussing -- you could have done better: unappealing cast dramatically and physically (with minor exceptions: Thomas Levin; Nicholas Bro.
I was pleasantly surprised by the mature directorial style of newcomer Ussing, the rest of the film is truly forgettable.
I won't dwell on the plot or its lack of logic, but why cast actresses as sisters who don't have the slightest resemblance to each other...and why is one sporting a jylland accent whereas the other one has a "Copenhagener" -- where are the parents of the sisters supposed to come from?
And what's the point of the physical infirmity? How does it contribute to the plot?
Just because Danish films are riding high, one cannot do just about anything...
Better luck next time (and don't use the same screenwriter...)
Et hjørne af paradis (1997)
Warm,tug-at-heart enviromental story
Penelope Cruz's first English Speaking film, I believe. Penelope is not great (although beautiful,) but the movie is a must watch! Beautifully shot, and a magnificent story. My fifth viewing, and I never get tired of it!
Samuel Froeler is a consumate performer. I strongly recommend him in any movie. "Good Intentions" for one. John Savage might have aged, but turn an excellent performance as the disillusioned Padre.
In some ways, the protagonist is a prophetic persona, as it forecasts the evils of Agent Orange, earlier than it was used prolifically in Vietnam. It also introduces the world to the very first at rain-forest conservation in South America.
Struggle (2003)
Social Realism without the drama
I can appreciate Ruth Mader's noble attempt at portraying the evils of capitalism as symbolized by the satiated EU members, but then why not do a documentary. rather than spending 3/4 of the film depicting the miseries of migrant workers, and then clumsily attempt to connect it with a modicum of drama. Realistically, this is a student's film with plenty of "good intentions" -- a a feature film, it fails. Not worth the bother...