barrymahonb Reviews

Poor Things (2023)

What or why

[3/10 · 17 February 2024]

What is it supposed to be, why was/is it ever conceived to be a - whatever it is?

11 Oscar nominations, for what? Maybe for making the effort to build the sets?

I sort of appreciate that a story as weird as this needs an outing, as a piece of scientific curiosity, but surely it could be made more realistically?

I have seen some strange, weird, unbelievable productions in a film theatre in my life, even some I have persevered with to see what happens, but this lasted less than an hour.

Weird can mean many things, but this is weird for no reason that I can imagine. It is also, disgusting, especially in this new world of personal equality. This film is an insult to women, titillating, just for the sake of it, degrading to science and degrading to the science of film making.

Perhaps the funders are a weird group of people. OK.

May December (2023)

A film makers film

[6/10 · 14 February 2024]

Around the time of year when the award season beckons, film makers make films about film making.

This one of them. I suppose the hope is that the participants in the awards will recognise their colleagues and vote, as well as the opportunity for publicity.

This story, if that is not too big a word for this production, is about a film about to be made about another film "star"

So far so tentative.

The film making is also tentative, so much so that the 'scenes' are introduced by loud music intervals, why? Maybe to keep the viewers awake?

Predictably, the reviews concentrate on the director's recognised homage to the film making world.

So a film about film. It may well be well made, the director has form. But not much else.

Barry.

If Only I Could Hibernate (2023)

Brilliant, but would you like to live there?

[10/10 · 5 February 2024]

As I say, brilliant, but.... It is maybe part of the plot to leave us wondering?

Is it sufficiently well constructed to feel good as you leave the cinema?

It won't sell Mongolia as a holiday destination, but it will make you wonder whether a country with such inequality, needs a movie like this?

A sad story beautifully illustrated, portrayed, evaluated, constructed and made.

I know nothing about the makers of the film, but they themselves know a lot about making a film, even if you feel uncomfortable, part of the beauty?

Makes you want see more, about Mongolia, its people, its culture, its future and its film industry.

What I do know is that Chinese exploitants have ruined probably their best option to develope their economy by producing probably the finest Cashmere clothing. By creating so many goats to produce the wool that the land is laid bare.

Probably, European and other businessmen required the Chinese to ruin the commercial future?

The Quiet Girl (2022)

Ireland, is it really like this.

[9/10 · 23 January 2024]

Spoiler, of a kind, I am Irish.

This film is, according to the description, based on 1980s Ireland. I was not living there in that period, but I had hoped we, as a community, had moved on, but maybe not.

I have experienced situations such as those illustrated in this film, our babysitter became pregnant and was rejected from her family, except for her mother. I tried to get her help, from a local priest, but he copped out, saying she wasn't from his parish.

Just some environmental information, to provide background.

The film is a beautiful illustration of a number of familial circumstances. It is carefully filmed, the environments are real. The actors are very real, the child is a perfect example.

Sad but understandably so. Not upsetting, but a good illustration of a societal situation in a country during it's progress to modernity.

The Settlers (2023)

Is it real? Or is it a "conception for the film maker?

[7/10 · 8 January 2024]

Well, difficult to decide. We have been to Chile, a magnificent country, so beautiful and savage at the same time.

This film purports to tell the story of the foundation, or attempted foundation of Chile, at the start of the 20th century. I say "purports" because certain elements don't quite fit.

If you see it, can you divine how or why the half cast character decides to eliminate the indigenous peoples? He pretends to shoot them, he refuses to do what he is told by his supposed boss, a British ex soldier, and other oddities.

It can certainly be interpreted as a sideways view of the abuses of the colonisers, presuming on the well known terrible history of their invasion, but perhaps little else.

The presentation is unusual, but may be an interpretation of the horrors. Filmed mostly in the dark of winter, it is certainly not a tourist advertisement.

Interesting? Yes, but only as a viewpoint.

Past Lives (2023)

Yes, it is good, even great.

[8/10 · 7 January 2024]

The ratings, the hype, the 'best of' lists, all, well almost all, say it.

Memorable, yes, sympa as the French say, Nice. But remarkable, unforgettable, terrific, etc., maybe.

A truly romantic love story of a kind. All the right things for a good film.

Maybe a bit simplified, the early scenes maybe miss a typical school context, there are no female 'best friends' Coming out of the cinema I didn't know how to feel about it. My wife was/is bowled over. Is it a "female" film? Perhaps it is a more attractive story for female viewers, in a general way.

Definitely worth viewing. Great story, great visuals.

I'm glad I don't live in either city, too crowded, too busy, too noisy. But that doesn't take away from the visual entertainment.

A drawback. The speed with which the principles marriage happens.

Perfect Days (2023)

Worth the time

[7/10 · 30 December 2023]

If someone said to me "would you spend 2 hours watching a film about a man who cleans toilets in Tokyo" I'd have to think about it.

I spent the time last evening and didn't feel I had wasted my time.

I thought it was fascinating. But, I have been to Japan, and I feel I could appreciate it more because of that.

Our daughter suggested we visit Japan, "it is really different"

The film is about Japan, I'll leave it at that. If you are curious, go and see it.

If you are not curious, ok.

Questions, what is the significance of his dreams? Where did his niece get the bicycle?

Plenty of other questions, that makes it interesting.

And, the toilets are terrific.

Barry.

Just Mercy (2019)

When was this series of events

[9/10 · 3 March 2020]

Over the years I have seen many films about "The South" and about the peculiar justice environment there. I had the vague idea that things had changed, for the better,but this made me rethink it.

I ask myself did the events on which this based happen in 1890 or 1990?

I think you all know the answer.

Family Romance, LLC (2019)

If you haven't been to Japan...

[8/10 · 12 November 2019]

...you will not understand how 'real' this film is. It may appear banal or even boring if you don't appreciate how sensitive the Japanese are. For a society and culture as creative as Japan, the idea you would like to have someone who could 'fill in the gaps' in your life is quite possible. Werner Herzog was apparently influenced by an article in the NYT. I haven't read the article but I will try to find it, it is probably as interesting as the film. Wonderful images and roles.

BTW, if you haven't visited Japan, put it on you list of things to do, if possible.

The Selfish Giant (2013)

Good portrayal, but why?

[8/10 · 31 December 2013]

Quote - "In order to see similar living conditions we don't need to leave the European Union. Therefore, it is questionable why would The Selfish Giant have more artistic merit than a docudrama about immigrants in France, jobless Spaniards, rural Poland, Gypsies in Romania or any other environment "reformed" towards free market and liberal capitalism."

Quite, and the question that crossed my mind as I left the cinema last night was why make this film? In no way do I question the portrayal, the acting the directing, etc - I give it 8/10, but I wonder why this particular movie? Ken Loach has made many similar movies (better, in my opinion) on the topic, gritty North Of England atmosphere and scenery has a long history going back to Alan Sillitoe, and many other authors.

If it is a message - great, but will it impact - no, not as an art film.

As I said 8/10 for everything else. I'll try to have a look at the previous work Arbor (same name - same subject??) as I think the team have a future.

Barry, France

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Of its time but, again, are the brothers asking us or telling us?

[7/10 · 8 November 2013]

Just come out of viewing it in Paris. It is typical Coen's, wonderfully created and performed, especially the 'minor' roles, so typical of their attention to detail. No spoiler but there is a start and finish repeat scene which sets the film in context. It has also a few horrific scenes, again typical and the soundtrack is used to perfection to wake one up, if you were ever going to sleep!!

Cat lovers will love it and will be sad and happy.

So, what's the decision. Good Coens, good story well told, good characterisations, wonderful ambiance of NY in the 60s.

However, I'm of the generation when the 60s was the 60s for me, out of school in the late years, into Beatles and Stones - living in Ireland, when the folk scene let us escape from the stifling 'traditional Irish music' scene. The Clancy's were the start on mass media, but there were hundreds of lesser mortals who were better.

I ask, what are the Coens saying? Are they (just) reliving their youth, or part of it? Are they indulging their film interests, making a musical? Are they just "doing it" ? Either way a very entertaining 2 hours, not Oscar stuff in my opinion, and anyway 2014 will be Hanks..... gung ho stuff.

I give it seven/ten, because it is them and it relives part of my life, good enough reasons.