Rate the films you watched at home

[zen]

The Wind Rises (2013, Japanese) 1/2

 

This would have been the last feature length film by Miyazaki if he hadn’t come out of the retirement to direct the Boy and the Heron (2023).

 

This is another different type of Studio Ghibli film based on Miyazaki’s own Manga. It is relatively serious and “fantasy” moments are usually in dreams. 

 

This is a historical drama telling the fictionalized account of a Japanese aeronautical engineer. I like that Thomas Mann’s “Magic Mountain” is discussed in it. 

 

Now-a-days, I seem to prefer relatively serious Studio Ghibli films such as Grave of the Fireflies (directed by Isao Takahata), The Wind Rises, and The Boy and the Heron (all three have been rated/reviewed here). 

[zen]

North by Northwest (1959) 

 

This is a widely popular Hitchcock film that was probably like “a Bond film before the Bond films”. 

 

The film has a great cast with Cary Grant as the person suffering because of a mistaken identity. Eva Marie Saint is his love interest. James Mason plays the sophisticated “Bond” villain. Martin Landau works well as the henchman.

 

The cinematography is cool. And the score by Hitchcock’s regular Bernard Herrmann adds to the experience.

 

More than the story, the film is about going from one suspenseful sequence to other (in a more or less lighthearted fashion): the set up -> the train -> the crop duster -> the auction -> the memorable finale at Mt. Rushmore. 

 

On its 65th anniversary this year, the film was restored and released in 4K. It is a gorgeous transfer which makes the film shine more. This film too is a part of my collection! 
 

Edited November 25, 2024 by zen

[zen]

PS

 

 

[zen]

https://youtu.be/BINW4bd1DrY?feature=shared

[zen]

Dial M for Murder (1954) 1/2

 

This film is a part of my collection. It is based on a stage play. By and large, the film is set in an apartment. 

 

Overall, a solid Hitchcock film with a simple but engaging story, good acting, and nice use of lighting. 

 

[zen]

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) 1/2

 

Many 007 fans like to watch this film over the Christmas holidays. It is a relatively different type of 007 film.

 

Lazenby does an excellent job in action sequences. He appears fit and comfortable in the tight fitting ski suit too. He is surrounded by a good set of actors in Diana Rigg (Tracy), Gabriele Ferzetti (Draco) and Telly Savalas (Blofeld), who play their parts well. 

 

Bond’s escape from Piz Gloria and the hunt for 007 segments are exceptional. The majestic Swiss Alps mesmerize. John Barry is at the top of his game with the score. 

 

Overall, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains an evergreen spy thriller! Much like all official 007 films, this film is a part of my collection.  

 

[zen]

 

[zen]

The Fifth Cord (1971, Italian) 1/2

 

An Italian Giallo film. I added this film to my collection because of its interesting cinematography (excellent compositions). Not surprising as the cinematographer is Vittorio Storaro who is known for films such as the Conformist (1970), Apocalypse Now (1979), and the Last Emperor (1987). 
 

Franco Nero plays the lead so that adds value to a giallo film. The score is by Ennio Morricone. The film is based on a novel. 

 

 

 

[zen]

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (2024, French) 

 

I purchased this French film a few days back not realizing that the transfer had no English subtitles. Since I am aware of the story of the Count of Monte Cristo and can get by reading some basic French (connect the dots at times), I watched it. 

 

At close to 3 hours, this film is an epic. And it feels like one. It does not try to be too extravagant or experimental but does the basic so well that it shines as a package. The acting, cinematography, production design, locations, suitable score, editing, etc., combine to create an experience that lacks dull moments, which is notable for a film with a run-time of close to 3 hours. 

 

Another pro is that it feels like a modern 2024 film. While the story is old wine, the presentation is the new bottle. This is how a 2024 film should feel. 

 

As for cons, it does not follow the book too closely but the general idea is faithful to the book. 

 

Good to kick start 2025 with such an excellently packaged epic!  … If this one gets more repeat viewing from me, my French will get brushed up too. 

 

 

 

[zen]

The last 10 movies that I purchased recently but yet to watch (or rewatch where applicable) most of them:

 

Delicatessen  (1991, French) - 4K HDR 

On the Waterfront (1954) - 4K HDR

The Count of Monte Cristo (2024, French) - 4K SDR -> Reviewed

The Threat (1966, Japanese)

A Fugitive from the Past (1965, Japanese)

The Fifth Cord (1971, Italian) -> Reviewed 

Dial M for Murder (1954) -> Reviewed

The Lives of Others (2007, German)

Gone with the Wind (1939)

Drive (2011)

 

Not sure when I will watch all of them (still have to view many other previous purchases as well) but if there is any particular title that needs a review from the above, let me know and I will put it up the order!

Edited January 4 by zen

[zen]

Delicatessen (1991, French) 1/2

 

A dark comedy film with an interesting story, weird characters, and relatively stylized cinematography. 
 

A must watch for those who like a “different” type of film.

 

 

[BacktoCricaddict]

This post lists all the good things about Singham Returns on Prime:

 

 

 

[zen]

Perfect Blue (1997, Japanese) 1/2

 

A dark mystery thriller that keeps you engaged till the end. Though, I had guessed the “killer” just about when the character was introduced. 
 

This anime is a part of my film collection. 

[zen]

Love Story (1970) 5/5

 

Wow. A simple film but poignant, impactful and memorable. The restored 4K HDR transfer makes the film shine. Glad that I added it to my collection.
 

 

 

 

Edited June 22 by zen

[Prakat]

The only time I disappointed my grandfather was when he saw me reading this book.