bapu_the_brave

Up and Down has a subtle mix of stories from several strata of modern Czech life. Those who fled the communist takeover, those who stayed and suffered; those who're rising and those mired; those haunted by their past and those who ignore it. Each aspect of the story is given weight and the actors shine in their individual moments. The direction shows a love of the Czech people and republic without shying away from their darker selves.

A Czech co-worker of my spouse said, "I love this movie. And it's completely realistic."

Those who like Mike Leigh will enjoy this film and those who enjoy this film should check out Mr. Leigh's work (perhaps especially "Secrets and Lies).

Grosse Pointe Blank is a mediocre film. Few will be bothered by the gratuitous violence, and there is plenty, because the cast is excellent, charming and amusing. You want to like them. And there are plenty of well timed gags.

To what end? Perhaps this is a parody of our desensitization - only one character in the film condemns Cusak for being a hit man. Sadly, for Cusak, she's the girl he loves. Still, why was this film made? Are we all killers as is our protagonist? Are we surrounded by lethal violence? The movie is not cruel enough to nail our real failings, a la American Beauty. And I suspect that's because the film didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings... and yet, it stars a hit man - a profession that cannot be forgiven.

The professional execution is fine, especially the soundtrack with help by Joe Strummer of The Clash. The actors are all funny and the casting great (Hank Azaria, Alan Arkin, Joan Cusak, Dan Ackroyd...)

Sadly, this is a film that could have had us laughing AND made us see how our society has sold too much of its soul, leaving us hollow. That they chose feelin' good instead is what keeps this a good time instead of art.

Jarmusch does a masterful job weaving three stories, portraying simultaneity of action, building a mood and creating believable characters. All the things that Tarrentino would later get credit for in Pulp Fiction are done here and better.

The stories move at less than break-neck pace, so if you need action all the time this is not your film. But a belief in the reality of the world, and a compassion for the characters is wonderfully realized.

Because each of the three stories has it's on rhythm, conflict and characters, some will be drawn more to one part of the trilogy than another. The wonder of this, the mastery shown, is when contrasted with other, lesser writers who attempt this but have three stories all with the same tone - for example in Sin City where everyone acts the same.

I loved Mystery Train (as I had Down by Law). Bapu says check it out.