filmtodeath Reviews

Cross of Iron (1977)

Some of his best

[9/10 · 2 September 2005]

I truly feel this is a remarkable film. It has a power that only Peckinpah is able to achieve with his unique talent. I am under the impression it did not make much money, and undeservedly so, because I think this film is amazing. I recommend it to all, except those who detest violence. No doubt about it, Peckinpah shows his visceral impression of war in mass "Wild Bunch" proportions. Beautifully edited and shot by Peckinpah, it is truly some of his best work. I think that his films should rank...Straw Dogs, Wild Bunch, Cross of Iron and Bring Me the Head of Al Garcia. Definitely some of my favorite films of all time.

The Sicilian (1987)

Worth watching

[6/10 · 21 August 2005]

This film is not as bad as many say. It is somewhat melodramatic at times, but not too often. I really enjoy watching it and recommend it. The main problems with the movie are, the music and acting. The opening song in the film is great and it leads you to believe the film will be a near masterpiece. But there is this one song that is used during some romantic moments, and it just plain sucks. It kills any effect the film had. Then there is the acting. Lambert is one of the worst actors i have ever seen. Simple. However, this movie is probably his best work. The violence in the film is intense which keeps your attention and the cinematography is rather beautiful (One of Cimino's greatest abilities) So, if you can find a copy, watch it.

Alexander (2004)

Terrible Melodrama but...

[1/10 · 3 August 2005]

The only things in this film that are worth watching, are the battle scenes. Those are actually really well done, and i'm not an "action fanatic" but the rest of the movie is bad. Sometimes there will be a performance or scene of quality, but the rest of the time its horrible. It's a real shame, because I have always been a huge Stone fan. It can be viewed as an interesting failure. But other than that... not good. It's melodramatic, over done, and who the hell was the dialog coach for the actors?!! We have Irish, Russian, American accents! I am Greek and felt that the element of dialog was laughable. Anyways, I don't recommend paying money for this overly budgeted junk, but if your friend has it or something, than skip to the action. (Which is top notch in direction)Especially the battle with the "red filter-look".

The Deer Hunter (1978)

Incredible

[10/10 · 17 July 2005]

This motion picture is the most powerful, depressing, shocking, disturbing film ever made on the subject of Vietnam. It is one of my top 10 favorites, and just blows me away every time I view it. The raw power-house performances by Deniro and Walken melt together with the beautiful cinematography and rich directing. But what's almost more sad to me, then the film, is that Michael Cimino's career nearly ended after his following film. I still believe "Heaven's Gate" is a great film that many unfairly dismiss due to reputation, but at least no one can take THE DEER HUNTER away from him. He's left his mark in cinema for many to recognize down the road.

Battle Royale (2000)

Captivating

[9/10 · 31 May 2005]

This film is incredibly crafted. I've never seen something with such shocking material. The black humor, violence, music, the codes of honor and friendship, it's just hard to look away from the screen. Kinji Fukasaku was truly gifted and I am so happy he made this film before he died, it's a great way to end a career. I won't try to analyze the film or anything, but if you can stomach the gore etc., then you should definitely try to find a copy. If you like the film then go on and check out his earlier stuff, like the Yakuza Papers. It almost appears that he's been practicing his whole life and then went out with a bang making a film which broke every Japanese Box office record.