thunderfoot75 Reviews

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

I love the musical scenes in the film

[10/10 · 2 April 2004]

I have seen most of 'Beat' Takeshi's other films out there ie. Violent Cop, Boiling Point, Sonatine and Hana Bi, but Zatoichi is so much better than any of these previously released movies. Zatoichi is almost perfect. It contains a decent plot, great characters, comedy, amazing dance scenes and some of the best action since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but without the wires or superhuman powers which kind of let that movie down. I love the musical scenes in the film which incorporate villagers digging/building in time to the beat, very original. I can wholeheartedly recommend Zatoichi to anybody who appreciates the best that eastern cinema has to offer. Can't wait till this gem of a film is released on DVD,**slight spoiler** hopefully, the human 'Beat' will make another Zatoichi movie and put another big smile on my face after I leave the cinema. 10/10

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Unbiased review of an above average film

[8/10 · 2 April 2004]

I don't doubt at all the power of this film, it is a very powerful picture. What makes me a little puzzled is what was the need to make this film. Everybody knows what happens in this story, everyone knows the outcome. It is an important story to be told but all that Gibson has offered that's fresh is that the film is in Latin and the level of torture and horror has been taken to the uppermost level. Does Mr Gibson have a thing for eye-watering torture scenes in his films or what...remember the disembowelling scene in Braveheart, or what about the toe popping, hammer scene in Payback (I can't recall whether he directed that). I like the way that Gibson has depicted satan in this film, very subtle but extremely effective. All in all, Passion is a pretty good attempt at depicting the events of the criminally unfair trial and brutal crucifiction of Jesus Christ. The film feels very authentic, probably due to the entire cast speaking in Latin. I like the fact that Mel has made the film gritty and realistic. He has captured the right mood. When I finished viewing the film I felt quite empty. 8/10

The Sword of Doom (1966)

truly great and original piece of film-making

[10/10 · 26 March 2004]

Sword of doom is a truly great and original piece of film-making. As soon as the film had started, and the dark and eerie soundtrack kicked in, I knew I was about to enjoy a gem of japanese cinema. The most original element of the film is that the main character Ryunosuke is a real mean, killing machine, seriously, he is the lead in the film, but whereas in any other samurai/martial arts film he would normally turn up for a few scenes of mayhem, then turn up at the very end for a much deserved death. Well in this film the villain is the lead, Ryunosuke is such an interesting character, that days after watching this film you will find yourself thinking I wonder if... or what if that had happened. Sword of doom is one of those movies that just sticks in your head days after viewing time has ended. It doesn't even matter that the ending comes quite abruptly, that just let's the viewer imagine their own conclusion to the film. Sword of doom is without doubt the darkest and the most mysterious martial arts/samurai film that i've ever had the pleasure of viewing. The action scenes in the film are first rate too, with very believable sword duels. I put this film right up there with the very best that eastern cinema has to offer. 10/10