Change Your Image
whitetigah
Reviews
DragonHeart (1996)
A magnificent piece of art.
(Fair warning: even if I try to keep my comments spoiler-free, some might slip trough. If you haven't watched the movie, read this at your own risk)
At first, I refused to watch this movie, because I considered it to be a children movie. Every time I had a chance to see it, I let it slip. I mean, DRAGONS? With cheesy spit-fire special effects? Obviously, it was a movie that could not by a long shot entertain a grown up.
Then Italian TV aired it on new year's eve (December 31, 1999). I had nothing better to do, so I sat down to watch it.
I will never be able to thank them enough. After half an hour, I was in awe.
Not only is this a movie about dragons, knights and kings, but it's a movie about differences, and friendship.
I laughed out loud at many of the funny lines. I actually cheered in one of the last battle scenes. And I'm not ashamed to admit I cried my heart out in the ending. This movie has a unique way of conveying emotions, thanks to the masterful acting and wonderful story. Couple it with an absolutely outstanding soundtrack, and it's sure to keep it glued to the screen for all its lenght. Sure, it's not a perfect movie, but then again, is there a perfect movie?
8 out of 10.
Hauru no ugoku shiro (2004)
Another wonderful movie from Miyazaki
(first of all: sorry if my English is not the best out there, but it's not my native language)
I was lucky enough to see the world premiere (at Venice Film Festival, September 5, 2004).
Not only the art and animation is breathtaking (with almost no CGI), but the story is also above Miyazaki standards.
The characters are wonderful, each one with his (or her) own personality. Among them the best is for sure Calcifer, the Fire Demon, who is actually an almost all-powerful being, but is often underestimated by the other characters ("If you don't obey, I'll pour water on you!").
The music is one of the best parts of the movie. Even if you don't notice it, it is always there, always conveying the right feeling.
Bottom line: this is an excellent movie. If you liked other movies by Miyazaki (such as Mononoke Hime, Spirited Away, Laputa Castle in the Sky...) you cannot miss it.