zen Posted November 21, 2024 Author Posted November 21, 2024 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 Posted November 23, 2024 Author Posted November 23, 2024 (edited) 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 Posted November 26, 2024 Author Posted November 26, 2024 https://youtu.be/BINW4bd1DrY?feature=shared
zen Posted December 24, 2024 Author Posted December 24, 2024 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 Posted December 26, 2024 Author Posted December 26, 2024 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 Posted December 31, 2024 Author Posted December 31, 2024 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 Posted January 1, 2025 Author Posted January 1, 2025 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 Posted January 3, 2025 Author Posted January 3, 2025 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 Posted January 12, 2025 Posted January 12, 2025 This post lists all the good things about Singham Returns on Prime: zen 1
zen Posted January 15, 2025 Author Posted January 15, 2025 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 Posted June 22, 2025 Author Posted June 22, 2025 (edited) 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, 2025 by zen
Prakat Posted June 23, 2025 Posted June 23, 2025 The only time I disappointed my grandfather was when he saw me reading this book. zen 1
zen Posted July 19, 2025 Author Posted July 19, 2025 (edited) I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) 4/5 Holds up nicely in 2025. Most of the kills are interesting and therefore memorable. This was restored in 4K DV and is a part of my iTunes collection. I mainly revisited this as a new version has just released in cinemas. It will not win any acting awards but it shines as a good example of this genre. Edited July 19, 2025 by zen
jf1gp_1 Posted July 19, 2025 Posted July 19, 2025 5 hours ago, zen said: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) 4/5 Holds up nicely in 2025. Most of the kills are interesting and therefore memorable. This was restored in 4K DV and is a part of my iTunes collection. I mainly revisited this as a new version has just released in cinemas. It will not win any acting awards but it shines as a good example of this genre. I fell in love with jennifer love hewitt after watching this movie zen 1
Ranvir Posted July 20, 2025 Posted July 20, 2025 Scarface 1932. 4/5 Holds up incredibly well for a movie that is almost 100 years old. The lead performance from Paul Muni is great and not as theatrical as Al Pacino's in the 1983 remake. The action scenes are also engaging. It bizarrely had a comic relief character who although was hilarious at times didnt fit in with the atmosphere of the rest of the film. zen 1
zen Posted July 20, 2025 Author Posted July 20, 2025 1 hour ago, Ranvir said: Scarface 1932. 4/5 Holds up incredibly well for a movie that is almost 100 years old. The lead performance from Paul Muni is great and not as theatrical as Al Pacino's in the 1983 remake. The action scenes are also engaging. It bizarrely had a comic relief character who although was hilarious at times didnt fit in with the atmosphere of the rest of the film. Yeah, Scarface (1932) is a good watch but I like the 1983 version more because of Al Pacino:
Ranvir Posted July 20, 2025 Posted July 20, 2025 6 hours ago, zen said: Yeah, Scarface (1932) is a good watch but I like the 1983 version more because of Al Pacino: What makes the Al Pacino movie better in my opinion are the great side characters like Manny, Frank Lopez, Sosa, Gina. This was a bit lacking in the 1932 version. Muni's performance was just as good if not better than Pacino's, less hammy. zen 1
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