shreke2003

I caught this gem at Sundance earlier in the year. It was part of the 'Park City at midnight' group of films, which showcased horror and thriller movies, and played them at, can you guess? Midnight. I saw Buried on the last night of the festival, Ryan Reynolds wasn't there, but both the director and writer were. It was a small theater on Main street, very artsy in it's look. But once the film started I had eyes only for the screen.

It starts off with Ryan waking up, trapped in a box. A long box, the length of a human body, buried deep beneath the ground. From there the film plays out in an awe inspiring way, especially seeing as there's only so much you can reveal from one location. The way Rodrigo Cortes handled the filming is truly exceptional. From the start the camera switches between closely claustrophobic, and flying high above Ryan, showing the box with him inside and black all around. It's constantly on the move just like our main character's thoughts. Diving in when the action is intense, and then cutting to black when you don't think you can take any more.

The pacing and plot of the film were nothing short of genius. And Chris Sparling, the writer, should be commended for his work. He said after the showing, that after having his scripts rejected for their cost of locations he decided to go for a cheep but genius idea. One location, one star, and a wealth of idea's. It makes a film like 'Salt' look like a giant waste of resources, when Buried does what even some of the best thrillers can't do, it brings us inside the character's head, and does it all without a romp through the city, or blowing things up.

If you're one of those people who loves to sit on the edge of your seat, chewing at your fingernails, while you're constantly asking yourself what's going to happen next. Then by all means watch Buried, and consider yourself lucky that you're not in his shoes...

I've been a fan of studio Ghibli and their films for quite some time now. So i suppose it was only fitting for this to be the last of their films for to me watch.

It tells the tale of a twenty something year old woman, as she travels to the country on holiday. She's pretty, with lines under her eyes, and a smile that show's up all to often in Anime. But the real narrative thrust is not in the present, but instead the past. When she was a child in fifth grade. It is through these flashbacks, that we're able to understand her personality, and what brought about the situation she now finds herself in. Twenty something, unmarried and undecided about life. Picky about her future, just like she was in the past.

Isao Takahata is a genius, not only for structuring the story to near perfection, but also the depth in which he delves to show the feelings of a preteen girl. I laughed, nearly cried, and was touched by every scene. Which is amazing considering it's a drawing that holds the movie together. I'm amazed at the level of emotion that a good artist can bring out. The gaps and chasms between my culture and hers were blown away by the simple feelings that everyone, no matter how far apart, experiences.

I believe that a nineteen year old Massai warrior could enjoy this film the same as a thirty year old resident of Tokyo. Some emotions go beyond words, as do some movies. This is one of those movies. And i urge every film lover, nature lover, and Anime lover, to watch this film, and i dare you to fall in love.

Like i have.....

This shockingly diverse film offers numerous delights to the viewer. Beginning with simple title credits, and ending in a beautiful display of foliage. Winter's Bone will grab your attention and never let go.

Based on a novel of the same name, it's the story of a seventeen year old girl who is searching for her missing father. Sound like something you've seen before? Well it's not! The basic premise surrounds itself with remarkably new idea's and situation's. A feeling of noir envelopes the screen and each character and action leads you on a most enjoyable journey. The Actor's and more importantly Actress, are dug so deep into their characters that there isn't a single fake second.

Debra Granik does an amazing job in the director/screenwriter role. Her vision entangles the story together and propels it forward to the unforgettable climax. The world that is shown through this film is one i was unfamiliar with, but after seeing it all i can think about is the life those characters lead. And how different it is from my own.

A film that deserved the grand jury award at Sundance and one which I plan to see again. Winter's Bone is a film for everyone, be you young, old, or in the middle. Just walk into the cinema with an empty plate and you will leave filled.