Flame and Citron - 2008

Movie #159

4 stars

Based on actual events, this exciting drama tells the story of World War II Danish Resistance fighters Flame (Thure Lindhardt) and Citron (Mads Mikkelsen). Taking orders from Resistance leader Aksel Winther (Peter Mygind), the two systematically assassinate Danish collaborators and Nazi officers. But they are far from heroic in their personal lives, and filmmaker Ole Christian Madsen explores the serious flaws of these complex men.

Cast: Thure Lindhardt, Mads Mikkelsen, Stine Stengade, Christian Berkel, Hanns Zischler, Peter Mygind, Rasmus Bjerg, David Bjergsø, Rasmus Botoft, Jesper Christensen

Director: Ole Christian Madsen [Prague]

Filming Locations:  Berlin, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Prague, Czech Republic

My question to you:  Is there a cause that you would kill for?  How do you decide who must be go?

The film opens with black and white footage of the Germans taking over Copenhagen.  An unnammed narrator asks the viewer, "Do you remember April 9, 1940?"  This made me realize that he has such strong feelings towards this day.  The narrator turn out the be Flame.  With such a calm voice he makes the perfect narrator- a voice that is almost forgettable...a voice that is not intruding.

The viewer is first introduced to the Flame and Citron duo when Flam walks out to the car where Citron is asleep in the backseat.  Citron then starts driving, sweat glistening his face.  This is a remarkable scene.  Flame appears to be confident whereas Citron is nervous.  This instills in the viewer that Flame is more like the #1 man...he is the narrator and all.

Like:  The script allows for the main characters to have a line that is noteworthy:

Flame:  I forgot we're not killing people, but nazis.
Flame: The only thing that you can do is eliminate them.  One by one.  Down to the last one.
Ketty:  It was fun in the beginning.  But it's different now.  Everything is grey.  I think I just want to survive.

Dislike:  The viwer was not able to get to know Citron until Flame was shot.  The narration seems to dissapear for a while and Citron's story slowly emerges.  Citron's relationship with his wife has deteriorated.  She says to him, "You're just not that kind of man," explaining that they won't be a functional family.  She says this to him the day he doesn't have the nerve to shoot and kill a woman, only graze her.  From here on, Citron feels the need to prove himself.  He is the perfect person to take over for Flame while he is out of commission.  The look into Citron's life, even though exciting, was rather short.

Dislike:  The relationship between Flame and Citron was never really fully developed.  Even though the title suggests that they are inseperable, I felt as though I miss out on the foundation of their relationship.  The last shot of the film could have been much more effective if their lives together had been explored more.

Overall Recommendation:  The film is a somewhat perfect blend of action, a little comedy, heart, and enough twists and turns to keep you enthusiasitcally watching.

Budget: $7.4 million
Gross: $10.2 million (98.5% non-US)

Invictus - 2009

Movie #156

3.5 stars

In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin's book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Adojoa Andoh, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julian Lewis Jones, Marguerite Wheatley, Leleti Khumalo, Patrick Lyster, Penny Downie

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writers: Anthony Peckham (screenplay) [Sherlock Holmes]
            John Carlin (book)

Tagline: His people needed a leader. He gave them a champion.

Filming Locations: Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa


hmmmm....I just wasn't that impressed.  I was never bored (or should I say really bored)...but even with low expectations, I was unimpressed.  The biggest disappointment was Matt Damon.  His accent was terrible, almost to the point where it was distracting.  It would come and go....I just don't think he prepared enough that's all (accent wise). He definitely beefed up a bit...

I don't really know who would have played a better Francois Pienaar...Jonathan Rhys Meyers?  Maybe.

Morgan Freeman did a pretty good job I thought.  He definitely looks a lot like Mandela.  As far as his accent goes, he did an OK job, better than Damon that's for sure.

According to iMDB (the greatest site ever!): The actors playing the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, had to learn the traditional Maori war chant, the Haka, which is performed at every game to intimidate rival teams. Out of a sense of verisimilitude and respect, the crew contacted the New Zealand Rugby Association to make sure the Haka would be done correctly. They sent over a Haka expert named Inia Maxwell, who assisted in Haka/rugby training and was present when the Haka was filmed so that it was portrayed accurately.

This scene...or should I say little clip...was a huge disappointment too!  It was too short!  Here is a real one..



I almost think that the film Forever Strong did a better Haka. (that's a pretty interesting movie by the way)



Back to Invictus.....

Favorite Scene:  When the rugby team went and held clinics with the kids.  It was just fun to watch.

Another Dislike:  The film didn't really explore the relationship between Mandela and his family.  The film hinted at it but only for a couple of minutes.  The filmmakers either should have cut out all of the scenes with the daughter or added 5 more minutes.

Overall Recommendation:  If you like Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood then check it out.  But if you like Matt Damon then stay away---you may just lose all respect for him.  And if you aren't interested in history or sports then stay away too.

Budget: $60 million
Worldwide Gross: $122,231,655  (70% non-US)  

Good but cheesy line: I was thinking how a man could spend thirty years in prison, and come out and forgive the men who did it to him...

Last Line:
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.

Good Evening Mr. Wallenberg - 1990

Movie #150

4.5 stars

The story of Swedish businessman Raoul Wallenberg, who, in 1944, helped Jews in Budapest obtain Swedish passports to get them out of Adolph Eichmann's deadly path. Wallenberg's efforts helped save more than 60,000 people in Budapest's Jewish ghetto -- the most successful rescue of Jews during World War II. Aside from Winston Churchill, Wallenberg was the only other person ever to be made an Honorary Citizen of the United States.

Cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Károly Eperjes, Miklos Szekely B., Erland Josephson, Jesper Christensen, Ivan Desny, Katharina Thalbach, Franciszek Pieczka, Geza Balkay

Director: Kjell Grede

The main selling point of this film was that it didn't try and go overboard.  When you are dealing with such a tragic issue it is easy to try and outdo everything else that has been made.  Kinda like Boy in the Stripped Pajamas...it was trying to send a message.  With Good Evening Mr. Wallenberg, it is apparent that they did not try to top every other film that tackled the subject.  The film simply told a story...and the story in itself was moving.  Yes, the film was pretty violent at times but not in order to entertain or keep the story interesting...it was violent because it was portraying real events.  And it's sad to say...but you don't need to add a Hollywood plot to make this a good film.

In addition, I think another reason this film was so good was because it is foreign.  Tom Cruise was not hired to entertain us for 2 hours....Stellan Skarsgard prepared himself for the role in order to let more of the world know more about who Wallenberg was.

Skarsgard has said..."There is no overacting, only untrue acting."  He did a fabulous job.  In no way did he overact.  When I was watching the film I was unsure about his acting.  When people would be murdered it was as if Skarsgard was underacting...his character did not seem sad.  But looking back on his performance, it was perfect.  Every single day Wallenberg witnessed people being murdered.  If his reaction every single time was that of sadness then he could not be the most effective he could be.  In order to save people he needed to think of a way to make the Germans stop.

The acting as a whole in the film was superb.  The shots of Budapest added to the affect of the story....even if it was portrayed a little bit more gray then it really is.  The reason I am not giving this 5 stars is because it did drag a little bit...but that is also what added to its greatness...it was a non-Hollywood film.

Overall Recommendation:  If you're not in the mood for something lighthearted...then watch this film!

Interesting Fact about Wallenberg:
Wallenberg rented 32 buildings in Budapest and declared them to be extraterritorial, protected by diplomatic immunity. He put up signs such as "The Swedish Library" and "The Swedish Research Institute" on their doors and hung oversize Swedish flags on the front of the buildings to bolster the deception. The buildings eventually housed almost 10,000 people

And yes...Stellan Skarsgard is Alexander Skarsgard's father.  I guess you can kinda see it..

Ben X - 2007

Movie #146
5 stars


Harassed by bullies because of his mild autism, teen Ben (Greg Timmermans) finds refuge in an online computer game, which leads him to his virtual dream girl, Scarlite (Laura Verlinden). Together, the odd couple seeks revenge against Ben's tormentors.


Cast: Greg Timmermans, Laura Verlinden, Marijke Pinoy, Pol Goossen


Director: Nic Balthazar


Filming Location: Belgium

In 93 minutes, this film sent a message to the viewer. In 93 minutes, this film can change peoples lives. So what is the message? People are different and bullying is a terrible thing. This seems not only simple but..well...like common sense. The difficult part about making this kind of film is (a) not to go overboard and (b) entertain as well as educate. Ben X is practically perfect. Actually, I wouldn't change a single thing. The film had a perfect blend of seriousness...and well...realistic comedic relief (is there such a thing).


Ben feels connected to the online video game, and in turn, the video game becomes part of the film. The viewers attention is sparked as Ben's real life is mixed with the game.


There is no doubt in my mind as to why this film is so good. The director is so passionate, so committed to this story that it just seeps out into the film. To top it off, this is Nic Balthazar's first film. This is what he said about making the film:

I was wondering what I should write about and there was this 17-year-old young man who threw himself off a medieval castle in Ghent, the city where I live [in Belgium]. Apparently he was mildly autistic - he suffered from Asperger syndrome - went to a normal school and in his letter of goodbye he said that he had basically been bullied to death.


The lead actor did a wonderful job. My only dislike may be that he definitely does not look like he is in high school....but could a 16 year old really play this part? The acting ability of the main character would make or break this film. Greg Timmermans was perfect for this role.


Overall recommendation: This film just might change your life.

The Stoning of Soraya M - 2008

Movie #134
5 stars

Set in 1986 Iran at the start of Khomeini's reign, director Cyrus Nowrasteh's drama tells the true story of Soraya (Mozhan Marnò), whose husband plots to have her falsely accused of adultery so he can divorce her and marry a young girl. French journalist Freidoune (Jim Caviezel) is pulled into Soraya's tragic story when he meets a desperate woman named Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo).

Cast: Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mozhan Marnò, James Caviezel, Navid Negahban, Ali Pourtash, David Diaan, Vida Ghahremani

Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh

Filming Location: An undisclosed location in the Middle East (how awesome is that)

Like: The cast was amazing!! Everyone did an excellent job. Especially the husband. The viewer starts to hate the husband right off the bat...solely because he just looks evil.

Like: The film was very moving. I started to feel for Soraya right away. The whole time I was watching it I still hoped that she would somehow get away...even though it was evident that she was dead. I think this is a hard feat...given the fact that the viewer knows her fate even from the title.














Dislike: Yes, i know the title gives it away but the stoning scene is just too much. The whole process, from her walking, to being buried waist deep, to her final breath, takes about 20 minutes. It is hardcore stuff! Maybe the scene was this way because the audience has already been preparing itself from the start...so the creators felt the need to go a little overboard. If they were going for shock effect, the story in itself is already disheartening. Is it not enough to murder an innocent woman? Do you have to show every strike?

Dislike: The side stories were rather shallow. The husband blackmailed the mullah for something the husband viewed in jail while he was working as a guard. But what was it? I wish I could tell you. The Aunt's story isn't very developed...or should I say not as developed as it could have been. I feel as though in order to get to know the story of Soraya M, one needs to understand the stories of her murderers.

















Overall recommendation: It may seem as though I am bashing this film more than I am praising it but its only because I don't want to give anything away. You should definitely watch this movie...but brace yourself for the stoning.

First Line (title card): Don't act like the hypocrite, who thinks he can conceal his wiles while loudly quoting the Koran. - Hafez, 14th Century Iranian Poet

Last Line: The world will know!

American Violet - 2008

Movie #133

5 stars

Inspired by true events, this penetrating drama centers on Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie), a 24-year-old mother of four who's forced to take on a corrupt district attorney (Michael O'Keefe) when she's unjustly prosecuted in a large-scale drug case. Directed by Tim Disney, the inspiring tale also stars Alfre Woodard as Dee's mother, Alma, Tim Blake Nelson as ACLU attorney David Cohen and Will Patton as retired narcotics officer Sam Conroy.

Cast: Nicole Beharie, Michael O'Keefe, Will Patton, Alfre Woodard, Tim Blake Nelson, Scott A. Martin, Malcolm Barrett, Charles S. Dutton, Jackson Beals, Michael Beasley, Samantha Beaulieu

Director: Tim Disney

Filming Location: New Orleans (even though it is set in Texas)

Yes, director Tim Disney is indeed the grand nephew of Walt Disney) - surprising because of the fact that this film is anything but a fun filled day at Disney. However, the viewer becomes emotionally attached to each character as the truth of the unjust drug raids is unraveled.


















The movie is "based on a true story," which always makes the movie a little more interesting (especially horror...think about it). But it also makes the viewer wonder how much is true and how much is just Hollywood. It is disheartening to think that people actually have to go through such events. This film shows people practically forced to take a plea bargain because they are afraid of the maximum penalty...even if they are innocent. The director says that 95% of the movie is based on reality. Which is still pretty high. In a perfect world though you would want 0% of this story to be based on reality.

I have read a lot of the film's reviews and I sadly have to say...most critics are somewhat bashing this movie. Why? Basically because this movie has been made so many times. I disagree...sooo much.



Regina Kelly (who the film is based on) and Nicole Beharie

And yes, that is Xhibit...

Moving on...the best actor (besides Nicole Beharie of course) was Malcolm Barrett. He played Byron Hill, the ACLU lawyer's assistant. His one scene was sooo pivotal to the movie and up until that point his character barely said a word. Excellent job. Oh...and he certainty transformed himself from his Better of Ted character.












Overall Recommendation: WATCH IT!