MusicaEternal Reviews

Mina Tannenbaum (1994)

Powerful

[8/10 · 7 February 2013]

This film follows the relationship of two Jewish students living in Paris, and how their initially deep friendship gradually drifts apart. It is powerful and will remind some viewers of the natural (albeit sometimes very sad) loss of friendship. One girl (Ethel) tends to do quite well, whilst the other (Mina) is more sensitive and finds more difficulties in life, as she is very introvert. It concludes with a powerful climax.

I enjoyed every moment of this film, it is well directed, the acting is flawless, and it was a really moving, touching film. Perhaps ultimately emphasizing the importance of good friendships. Highly recommended!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (2009)

Great ending, but I don't want it to end

[9/10 · 11 April 2010]

The final film in the Millennium Trilogy and what a great film is it, right up there with it's precursors.

We learn even more about Lisbeth's, hidden organisations, and how everything is linked. The pieces of the puzzle come together, and I felt the film explained almost everything pretty cleverly, though this does involve some concentration from the viewer, because some of the links are not emphasised that well and maybe can be missed.

This is more similar to the first one, in the style of directing and also the ruthless reporting is back. Less action than the first, but no less enthralling for it. There is a lot of tension in this movie, and it made for compulsive viewing.

These three films have turned me more onto more modern Swedish Cinema. I was always a fan of Bergman and I have seen a few movies over the last few years from there, but this makes me want to keep a closer eye on the Swedish Film Making Industry. Great success guys, I look forward to seeing much more cinema from Sweden. Now I will read the books.

9/10 Excellent

The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)

A fine sequel

[9/10 · 11 April 2010]

This film continues where "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" left off. I have to say that personally, I do not really understand the bad reviews, though I must also admit I have not read the books yet, so I am not comparing it to the book, I am simply viewing it as a film in it's own right, and perhaps my review is therefore more generous than it would be if I had read the book too.

I personally thought this movie was riveting, but for different reasons than the first. Firstly, there is a lot of action in this film, I feel it was done well, and it kept the film exciting. Secondly, the depths into Lisbeth's past were also revealed very well. If you didn't learn that Lisbeth is untimately very sensitive behind her "cold" exterior, you learn it from this film.

Yes, certain scenes could have been better shot, better directed etc, but these are minor drawbacks. I feel this is again a must-see, and a very good bridge to the conclusion of this millennium trilogy.

9/10 Recommended!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)

Excellent Mystery Thriller

[9/10 · 11 April 2010]

Having now seen all three films, I cannot really say which I preferred, but as it started here, this is a fantastic introduction to Lisbeth, Micke and all at Millennium.

There is much suspense, twists and turns, and a plot that keeps building and keeps the viewing experience riveting. I have to say that the acting is fantastic and convincing, as is the directing. I hope to see more of these actors and actresses. I must keep an eye out for other films they have been in or will make, as it is not so easy to see some lesser known Swedish films here in UK.

In this particular episode, we learn of related crimes and why possibly Lisbeth is being targeted. Micke is the fearless and determined reporter, even to the point of risking his own life. He is committed to the truth, and reminds me a bit of Mulder's Character in the x files. One man on a mission to expose and dig for the truth.

9/10, highly recommended!

Love Actually (2003)

Terrible but accurate portrayal of cringeworthy aspects of British culture

[1/10 · 14 March 2009]

I wanted to see this after recommende by a friend but I found it so embrassingly bad that after 30 minutes I had to leave. The problems: all too typical British stereotypes, poor one dimensional characters, the over emphasis on sex, infidelity etc and not real love, and the cringeworthy subtle anti-americanism. Plenty of foul-mouthed characters who are superficial on every level (unloveable and a cliché). It's very soap opera-ish and not really a comedy. This film made me embarrassed to be British, it sort of highlights all the worst aspects of the culture here in some ways... if you'd like to see a real romantic film, try "il mare" or for romantic comedy try "my sassy girl" (Yeopgijeogin geunyeo). Made me angry, but if you love the British societal culture here and love the typical British insular and short-sighted way of life you'll probably love it.

The Orphanage (2007)

Excellent tense horror/drama

[10/10 · 11 October 2008]

This film has a few shocks (and you will jump in parts) but overall it relies on creating a creeping tense atmosphere that is simply chilling. I love the fact that you never really know if the atmosphere is benign or evil until the very end.

Acting is perfect, especially the lead role (Laura character).

When the end came I was really moved, there is a lot of emotional depth to this film behind all the horror.

If you like a good tense film with a touch of horror and drama with a good story, then I throughly recommend this film. Best film I have seen in a while, and good to see another excellent film from Spain, I was pleased also by "REC". 10/10.

Borat (2006)

Exploitative

[1/10 · 15 June 2008]

Very crude and unintelligent exploitation comedy that leaves a bad aftertaste. What is strange that Sacha Baron Cohen thinks that by making fun of his own Jewish Heritage it somehow also gives him the right to make fun of Romania, Kazakhstan, America and basically play on people's good intentions by misguiding them intentionally for the sake to build a cruel joke. It is the sort of film a jaded and uneducated 16 yr old would make. And this inanity is compared to Monty Python? Oh please. I think films such as these do not care who they offend. Therein lies the problem. Someone who is masterful at creating comedy doesn't need to rely on cheap shots at other people or cultures, and can create more hilarity without exploitation. Save your time and watch something more worthwhile.

Underground (1995)

Fantastic

[10/10 · 18 March 2007]

This is amazing film about independence, betrayal, loyalty, love, pain, struggle and everything inbetween. Cinematography is amazing, amongst the best I've seen. No Hollywood rubbish or cliché here, this is a totally originally picture that is vivacious and poignant. All the actors give great performances as well. A fitting tribute to Yugoslavia and those who lost their lives trying to preserve it. I must see the five hour long picture of this, because this is real cinema, pure, and untainted. So if you are tired of the many films of the West that are coated and lavished in high production but little substance, then try and track this one down, because it says a lot more than many films, much of it without words. (Imagery is incredible). Highly recommended!

The Descent (2005)

Nothing special

[4/10 · 22 January 2006]

I'm amazed that this film is getting so many high reviews, particularly as it rips off so many horror films that have gone before. For example...the the ominous heartbeart sound...ripped off from John Carpenter's "The Thing". The scene in the hospital where she's running down the corridor...Hellraiser anyone? Then the "monsters" themselves are a complete rip off of the mentally unbalanced guy in the British horror "Creep". If you've seen this film you'll see what I mean. Well if you find a guy prancing around with a bit of make-up and really bad choppy editing so you can hardly see what's happening scary, good for you.

The actresses were great to be fair, I just feel that nothing inventive was done much here.

My advice, if you want a real scary horror, go and see one of the Asian horrors like "Cello", "The Shutter", "Ju-on" or for real suspense "The Thing". This is a "jumpy" film in the style of "I know what you did last summer" and all those type of films. It is not scary or a horror, I would describe it more as a slightly suspenseful thriller. Conclusion, good acting but bad unoriginal realisation and shameless stealing of ideas from other films and so 4/10 from me.

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 20 January 2006]

I've just seen this film and thought I should comment. After watching Tony Jaa in action in this movie I was stunned. Phenomenal action sequences and the martial arts scenes are breathtaking particularly by Jaa. If you want a gripping action film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further. I liked the angle of this film and the fight to preserve something MEANINGFUL unlike all the action films over money or drugs, this has a spiritual core. Forget Hollywood for action and see this film. Congratulations Tony Jaa and look forward to seeing you in some more films. The rest of the cast were great too, and the direction and production is brilliant! 9/10.

Morvern Callar (2002)

Superficial and selfish

[4/10 · 14 January 2005]

I watched this film after a tip off from a friend, so naturally curious, I took a look. What a big mistake. The lead character was pathetically unsympathetic...no sensitivity, no emotion, just turning a tragedy into something positive (for her). In fact, all of the characters were wooden and uninspiring. The scenes in the hotel in Spain were just plain embarrassing. All in all I found this film to say nothing...a vacuous, cold and selfish film, steeped in the all too familiar type of disposable youth culture that seems to saturate Britain at the moment. (Also see Twin Town and their ilk). If you want to see a good Scottish film try Trainspotting, at least that was interesting and fun to watch (and with a much better soundtrack).

Tedious.