damian-chakk Reviews

Scarface (1983)

Pacino in full-throttle!

[8/10 · 11 August 2015]

Arguably Al Pacino career role Scarface is the portrayal of a ruthless gangster, with no barriers who won't stop at anything.

As good as Brian De Palma is and as good as this film is it would never be as good as its final result without Al Pacino in the title role. It is an amazing, one of the best portrayals of a gangster in film ( many of these portrayals belong to Pacino).

This is a gutless, ruthless journey through the life of a penniless migrant who becomes a rich tyrannic, determined gangster and it one of the cult films of the early eighties. Michelle Pfeiffer also starres in quite a prominent role. Warning: if you think that this film won't be violent then I suggest you son't even consider the thought of watching it; this version of the film hides nothing.

Three Colors: Red (1994)

A French drama with a hint of sweetness and a twist!

[9/10 · 11 August 2015]

Precisely, this is a beautiful film centered around a french model and a retired judge and tells their stories and their exquisite relationship.

A compelling end to a beautiful trilogy the third installment is the best. Capturing performances from the two main characters they depict this story as well as it can be shown. The love in this film, not necessarily between the two characters provokes emotion and Tringtingnant tops off the film with a bun bunch of very memorable lines, lining this drama with a dash of wit.

Perhaps one of the hardest things that should be accomplished in trilogies is wrapping up the trilogy (not necessarily just the last film). The film 'Red' succeeds in doing so and the director does it very smartly not always directly relating to the previous us films but keeping them loosely connected.

Perhaps this is the best French film I have seen so far.

The Conformist (1970)

Tringtingant is superb!

[9/10 · 11 August 2015]

The career performance from JeanLouis Tringtingant as the 'conformist' of the Italian Gestapo defines this political drama along with the mastery work of mastermind Bernardo Bertolucci.

It is simply a classic film in genre, very appealing to those who know their history of fascist Italy. Tringtingant portrays the confined movements and confidential mannerisms of the gestapo officer in such a fashion that it is unquestionably spot on.

A powerful film, the Conformist is one that has very deep back stories, tying loose ends in the film and giving it another dimension. The watcher is engaged within the secret lives of many throughout this film.

This is without doubt an enthralling political drama which is good study material and is quite realistic in multiple ways.

Inception (2010)

A mind bending and enthralling sci-fi action epic

[9/10 · 11 August 2015]

Despite being very ambitious, this masterpiece from Christopher Nolan centres around a few strong philosophical ideas about dreams and reality. Although complex it ticks the boxes with ease, much work has been put into the story line, every aspect of the plot, settings, cast and choice of characters has been thoroughly thought through. Warning: you may have to watch it twice although you probably won't because you will be paying full attention to DiCaprio's fantastic performance; perhaps the greatest of his career, Leo plays a man who navigates peoples mind in dreams. Not to mention the other members of the cast which include Ellen Page Gordon- Levitt, Ken Watanabe and a cunning Tom Hardy who are also fantastic.

Christopher Nolan brings the audience yet another masterpiece; responsible for multiple films considered as some of the greatest films of the 21st century this is one of his best, redefining the genre of sci-fi action.

Far from Men (2014)

Touching, well written, Mortensen at his best!

[9/10 · 11 August 2015]

Brilliant performances by Mortensen and Betak, who play two men and show their story in a war torn 1950s Algiere. The film has a progressive build of relationship between the two characters which is fantastic. They evolve deeply and create definite emotion throughout film; a fantastic effort with character development. Definititely one of Mortensen's best performances. If a film is better than just good I will usually give it a 7.5-8. This french slow paced drama scrapes itself a 9. It exceeded my expectations. It accomplished conveying the story very well. An original score from Nick Cave as well, which perhaps has a slight hint of a downfall. So far one of the two best European films of the year.

Wild Tales (2014)

Radical, humorous and dramatic!

[9/10 · 11 August 2015]

Splendid and well crafted.A slightly radical film, this is a collection of six equally good short stories of different people from director Damian Scifron and producer Pedro Almodovar. Engaging throughout and entire film; well shot and performed with convivial dialogue. Thoroughly dramatic as well as humorous this film will keep you excited throughout, no doubt. An interesting blend of characters as well. To be able to create six funny, intense and ironic stories and combine them in one is really the work of a master director. A well chosen cast tops off this terrific comedy drama. Evidently one of the better films of 2015 so far A must see! Solid and comfortable 9.