Imdad_Palijo Reviews

Forever Amber (1947)

The Ambitious Amber

[7/10 · 15 July 2022]

This movie is about an ambitious, bold, shrewd but a charming lady who is raised in a poor family, however, she has aimed high plans for her future. She takes no time to leave the poor family and embarks upon a tough and challenging journey towards London. From rags to riches, we see her go through harsh and trying times, but she surpasses the difficulties with her unending debaucheries and affairs ranging from a thief to King of England.

The movie is set in 17th century England and filmed in USA with portrayal of 17th century London, which is adeptly performed. At times, it feels like the old London envisioned by Charles Dickens in his works.

The sets and costumes are spectacular, presenting time and style that of the 17th century that too in Technicolor. The script is a bit inconsistent respecting the portrayal of lead character of Amber St. Claire (Linda Darnell). George Sanders has superbly performed the role of King Charles II; performance of other lead actors is also superb.

Love Brides of the Blood Mummy (1973)

The Mesmerizing Mummy

[6/10 · 14 July 2022]

Count Dartmoor, a scientist and explorer reveals to a disguised Police Inspector a strange account concerning the mysterious events that took place at his spooky countryside castle when a sarcophagus containing mummified body of a young Egyptian believed to be the son of an Egyptian Priest was brought to the castle. The count reincarnates the mummy that feeds on human blood.

The young mummy with carved eyes has got hypnotic powers. He has got a particular desire for young women and enjoys innocent country girls in every horrific way.

Cinematography is reasonable. It is wonderful to see gorgeous country with open fields, streams, houses and of course the ghastly manor. Script and musical score are fine.

Except inept portrayal of the mummy on certain occasions, the performance of characters is up to the mark. The movie deserves six stars out of ten from my viewpoint.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Close to Reality

[8/10 · 14 July 2022]

During World War II, a British army battalion lead by Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is held as POW by Japanese troops commanded by terrifying Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) along River Kwai. The usual cruelties of a prison war camp are dominant.

Colonel Nicholson is a professional soldier. He is of the opinion that in order to save his battalion from humiliation and atrocities of detention, it would be better to engage his men in a healthy activity in the shape of construction of bridge as demanded by the captors. He considers this as survival with honor. However, he develops a strong affiliation with the bridge during the process disregarding the tactics and realities of war.

This is one of the best of piece of direction from David Lean; The movie is a classic piece of War Drama superbly presented with a well-articulated script and outstanding cinematography. Above all is the outclassing performance of Sir Alec Guinness with his particular style and demeanor. Performance of William Holden is equally good. It is good experience to watch this movie.

The Mummy (1999)

Exciting and Entertaining

[7/10 · 12 July 2022]

Egypt and the mummies have long been a source of mystery and inspiration for explorers and filmmakers alike. As such, different movies on these topics have been made in past and sequels of this version as well.

The film is based on a very fine script that intertwines the events of past and present in a very logical and attractive way. Use of modern technology (CGI) in production is probably the main factor of commercial success as novel ideas were translated into amazing scenes, which attracted a large number of audiences.

A superb casting and fine acting are much appreciated particularly the portrayal of mummy by Arnold Vosloo. This is a fine action-packed, exciting and entertaining adventure movie. One of best of its time.

The 300 Spartans (1962)

A Huge Task Nicely Performed

[7/10 · 12 July 2022]

Set in 480 BC, about 25 centuries ago, in ancient Greece, the story relates to the events paving the way of a battalion of Spartans under King Leonidas, the legendary 300 Spartans, to wage war against the invading Persian armies lead by King Xerxes at the battle of Thermopylae.

This story eulogizes the courage and bravery of warring Spartans. Casting is admirable. A fine cast of characters have nicely performed. The bold and imposing performances by Richard Egan (King Leonidas of Sparta) and David Farrar (King Xerxes of Persia) are particular.

Selection of filming locations is also splendid. Though CGI techniques were not in place at that time, the filmmakers have suitably created huge sets. Keeping in view the nature, timeline of the events and period of production, it won't be out of place to mention that the filmmakers have nicely performed a gigantic task.

Story of a Cloistered Nun (1973)

Truly a Nun

[7/10 · 12 July 2022]

I have watched different movies on the sub-genre Nunsploitation, this is one of the quite suitable and fitting movies on the subject. The theme is analogous to various movies on the subject; it has been handled skillfully with a balanced approach. I am of the opinion that this movie has been slightly underrated.

The movie, claimed at the ending to be a true account, pertains to the life of Carmela Simoni (Eleonora Giorgi) who is forcefully sent to be cloistered at the convent so as to restrain her from marrying at her won will. Set in the 17th century Italy, the movie depicts the tough life at nunnery including flaws, intrigues, and sufferings of the nuns.

Brancaleone alle Crociate (1970)

Funny Adventure of Brancaleone Continues...

[7/10 · 12 July 2022]

This is a sequel to an equally fine and funny flick 'L'armata Brancaleone (1966)' aka 'For Love and Gold' from Italian Director Mario Monicelli.

Set in the medieval period, the movie follows a band of wanderers-cum-warriors led by their knight Brancaleone da Norcia (Vittorio Gassman) on a funny and adventurous journey towards the Crusades. Along the way they come across various quests finally engaging in a battle with the grim reaper.

Lancelot of the Lake (1974)

Unimpressive

[5/10 · 12 July 2022]

A poor rendition of a great Arthurian legend, the movie fails to capture your interest for a variety of reasons. The opening scene is a bit promising, but the rest of the movie is a simple performance of events devoid of any attractions be it acting, cinematography, casting, Lighting, Editing or music.

The most annoying aspect is representation of the legs. Throughout the movie, the camera is rolled down to legs of most of the characters including horses. It appears that not much of the surroundings are intended for viewers to see. Characters are also seen uneasy in their metal clanking armors.

This move is just an attempt to present the affair of Lancelot and Guinevere in a simple manner through an amateur cast.

Elizabeth (1998)

A Good Movie with an Unfitting Casting

[7/10 · 11 July 2022]

There appear to be reports of certain historical inaccuracies in the movie; I will restrain myself to whatsoever portrayed in the in movie.

Though the reign of Elizabeth I is regarded as golden age in the history of England, the movie is focused on her early years. With everything going against her, Elizabeth is found struggling for her life and throne in later half of sixteenth century England. Surviving the Tower of London and subsequent attempts on her life, she finally establishes her grip on power to rule England.

The later period is presented by filmmakers in the 2007 sequel: 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'.

Though the filmmakers can be credited for fine cinematography, glamorous costumes and content, the casting is poor except that of the queen portrayed by Cate Blanchett. Rest of the cast is not a fitting selection for the characters being portrayed. It can be felt that these characters are in low spirits and dull, presenting a documentary style demonstration. I might say that even the experienced of the cast could not present a powerful impression. Background music is also much of choirs on most occasions.

Brivido giallo: A cena con il vampiro (1989) Season 1, Episode 4

The Filmy Dracula

[4/10 · 10 July 2022]

A bit violent and gory, this is an episode from TV mini-series 'Brivido Giallo' directed by Lamberto Bava.

A newly auditioned team of film aspirants is lured to the lavish lodgings of Dracula to be his guests. The formidable and filmy Dracula offers his guests a tough time in his big house with intricate dungeons till the time the clue to kill him is finally known.

The Last Warrior: Root of Evil (2021)

A Fine Fantasy Sequel

[6/10 · 9 July 2022]

This is a sequel to 2017 movie 'The Last Warrior'; also called 'The Last Warrior 2'. The movie is full with fun and adventure. It nicely portrays some of the regional folklore characters. A production of Russian chapter of Walt Disney, the movie takes us along a wonderful adventure to exotic places.

We are transported into the modern world as well on occasions during the movie. This pattern is not new to this movie; it however, disrupts your fun when you are immersed in a fantasy world. Touch of comedy is prevalent throughout the movie, which increases fun and interest altogether.

A bit poorly rated from my perspective and needs to be recognized accordingly.

The Fighting Kentuckian (1949)

Adventure, Fun and Romance

[6/10 · 9 July 2022]

A band of Kentuckian soldiers are on their way back home from a war expedition when cupid targets one of the soldiers John Breen (John Wayne) and a French settler Fleurette De Marchand (Vera Ralston) at Mobile, Alabama, a coastal town.

The fun and adventure ensues further on the French settlement at Demopolis, Alabama. Romance is very much in the air, however, the shrewd and greedy local influentials are hands in glove to usurp the land earmarked for French settlements.

Oliver Hardy as Willie Paine will surely make you laugh. The movie is in black and white, which has its own beauty.

Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972)

The Black Cat and Costume of the Countess

[5/10 · 9 July 2022]

Grisly murders take place in a small Italian town in the backdrop of strained relations between an Italian writer Oliviero (Luigi Pistilli) and his seemingly psychotic wife Irina (Anita Strindberg) at their Villa Rouvigny.

The once famous costume of the countess and her black cat have added some mystery that may keep you guessing about murders and the murderers till the moment the curtain of mystery is finally lifted. Murder and violence are predominant so is the presence of Edwige Fenech a sex symbol of that period.

Singing Guns (1950)

Up to the mark

[5/10 · 8 July 2022]

A fine Trucolor western, which portrays the dual life of a bandit-turned-sheriff Rhiannon aka John Gwyn (Vaughn Monroe). The beginning is a bit impressive, yet it gets unappealing and insignificant as the story develops.

Events are not properly correlated to present a logical sequence. Script is weak and not nicely portrayed. Casting is just up to the mark. You may give it a try though.

Eternal Winter (2018)

War and Persecution

[7/10 · 8 July 2022]

A fine addition to the War Drama category from Hungary portraying atrocities of World War II this time focusing on forced encamping and ruthless handling of women of Hungary by Gulag forces of Soviet Union in harsh winters for many years. The movie follows Irén (Marina Gera) with other innocent females who are transported two thousand kilometers away from their homes for forced labor.

It was quite shocking to note that the forced labor and persecution of internees including hundreds of thousands of Hungarians remained in force with the agreement and consent of other world powers at that time, which continued even when the war was over.

The acting performances and cinematography are good, but the ending sequence respecting lead roles is not logical, which could have been avoided in such a fine movie.

Lawman (1971)

The Long and Strong Arm of the Law

[7/10 · 7 July 2022]

The wild fun and reckless firing by a bunch of travelling cowboys kills a resident of Bannock, a small western town. This sets Marshal Jared Maddox (Burt Lancaster) to chase the killers to bring them to book; however, fierce resistance is offered by the perpetrators of crime abetted by the townsmen and patrons of Sabbath.

It is evident that performance of Burt Lancaster as a relentless, harsh and uncompromising lawman is the key point and major strength of the film. He has wielded a stern bearing with a certain degree of style that enthralls the viewers. His adept analysis of crime and criminal mindset is logical and appealing.

Though the story and the plot are not much stronger, it is the acting performances of the lead actors including Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan and Lee J. Cobb that viewer often feels grip of the movie. It is also good to see veteran actor Robert Duvall perform, though in a minor role.

Again it won't be out of place to mention that acting performances and apt direction are the strong and core points of the film.

Gunman's Walk (1958)

Might Doesn't Make Everything Right

[6/10 · 6 July 2022]

Lee Hackett (Van Heflin) is an influential rancher based near a calm western town. Himself a hardheaded person, he has brought up his two motherless sons who have utter disregard for right or wrong. Things get worst when one of his headstrong and reckless sons Ed Hackett (Tab Hunter) adopts a destructive and killing course with unjustified and unlawful support from his father. It is, however, too late when he realizes his helplessness. Nature takes its course of justice with toughest consequences.

Van Heflin, Tab Hunter and Kathryn Grant have acted nicely. Though colors are not rich, the film story with a strong message and plot are commendable.

El verano que vivimos (2020)

Love and Betrayal

[6/10 · 5 July 2022]

An unusual piece of obituary at a newspaper office in Galicia (Spain) draws a young female intern into a journey to explore events leading back to summer of 1958. The young journalist tracks down an amazing love story of Lucía Vega and Gonzalo Medina, an architect who travels to a Spanish coastal town to construct a wine cellar for his friend Hernán Ibáñez.

This is an intense story of love and betrayal with enthralling dramatic sequences. Captivating music by Federico Jusid shall keep you immersed and entertained throughout. I find this film a mature piece of romantic drama. Casting is fabulous and performance by Blanca Suárez is magnificent.

Gallowwalkers (2012)

Violent and Confusing

[4/10 · 3 July 2022]

An action-packed typical Wesley Snipes movie. This time in the role of Aman, he is on a ruthless killing spree to exact revenge upon those who cruelly raped his girlfriend. However, the rapists reemerge from the dead and gruesome encounters ensue.

It is full of intensely violent content with routine western style gunfights. Characters are not suitably entwined, which may leave you in confusion for a while.

The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (1966 TV Movie)

Joys of a King

[7/10 · 3 July 2022]

King Louis XIV ruled France for a vast period; the movie follows him assuming power after the death of powerful chief minister Cardinal Mazarin. The movie is focused on initial years of his rise to power and lifestyle as that of a king, however, we do not see much of a struggle to retain power or the usual castle intrigues.

Essentially, life of the king is focused in court and castle surrounded by important political, cultural figures and of course beautiful ladies all attired with glamorous costumes. The king is seen enjoying life at court and royal hunts with some personal moments; however, it can be felt that no moment is a personal moment as a vast presence of nobles is seen around on almost all occasions.

Though the level of acting performances is observed average, the film setting and direction is par excellence and a best example of film direction by film director Roberto Rossellini.

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Broken Hearts & Shattered Dreams

[8/10 · 1 July 2022]

Sense and Sensibility is a superb piece of classic English literature created by renowned author Jane Austen set in late 18th century England.

The movie takes viewer in its control due to a well-knit plot and splendid acting performances by experienced and dedicated actors including Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, Alan Rickman and others.

Kate Winslet is seen at one of best performances of her career in the role of Marianne Dashwood. Marvelous performance by her indeed.

Miss Thompson again proved her brilliance with her outclass acting skills in the role of Miss Elinor Dashwood. At the same time, she has excelled in writing screenplay for the movie, which earned her an Oscar for the Best Adapted Screenplay.

One of the significant aspects of success and beauty of the movie is the fine selection of filming locations by the production team, showing beautiful English country houses, lush, vast and greener pastures. On the other hand, sweet and melodious piano scores of music composer Patrick Doyle cannot be ignored.

This movie version of the classic English novel is a must-see.

Little Women (1949)

The Four Little Women of Concord, Massachusetts

[7/10 · 30 June 2022]

Little Women is a 1949 family film directed by Mervyn LeRoy, based on the novel of Louisa May Alcott. It is believed that some of the characters of film are inspired by sisters of the novelist.

The novel the film is based upon is widely read and adopted in various forms including stage, film, TV, musicals and audio dramas. The film depiction revolves around the central character namely Josephine March / Jo March portrayed in this film by June Allyson.

There have been seven film adaptations of the above novel. Prominent of them being the 1933 version directed by George Cukor wherein central role of Jo March is played by Katharine Hepburn, a class of her own, the 1949 version (instant) and the 1994 version directed by Gillian Armstrong having an all-star cost wherein Jo March is played by Winona Ryder.

This film tells the story of four young sisters namely Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March passing through the upheavals of American Civil War. Hard times, poverty and cold conduct of human characters is prevalent. All the sisters have great love for each other. They are ready to do the best for each other despite financial constraints and slight differences amongst themselves.

June Allyson in her role as Jo March has performed nicely as a hardheaded and at times a naïve girl who is at forefront to do her best for the family and sisters, however, sometimes making tough and bold choices that are deeply felt. Margaret O'Brien and Elizabeth Taylor have played elegantly their roles. Janet Leigh has also played well with her great looks, beauty and charms.

The art direction by Cedric Gibbons and set decorations by Edwin B. Willis are as great as ever presenting best scenes and locations, which you are surely going to enjoy for natural beauty and colors of South.

For its warm and touching story, impeccable acting, beautiful art and set decorations, the film can fairly be rated seven stars out of ten.