The same day as Kill Bill, Oct 24, another special film opens in Taiwan:
28 Days Later, by Danny Boyle of Trainspotting and The Beach fame.
A British movie, thriller, horror and science fiction, SARS-related though not inspired by it because it was made way before the epidemic came up. The movie received rave reviews and was a big hit in Britain and top-10 in the States. Here in Taiwan it might not last very long because the marketing campaign will no doubt be more limited than for Hollywood movies … so first go see 28 Days Later, and then see Kill Bill!
Just saw “Below” per someone’s recommendation and thought it was pretty creepy, though I inadvertantly guessed the surprise ending early on and spoiled it for myself, other than the smug pleasure of saying “Haha, saw that coming.”
Also watched “Donny Darko” and must ask: did anyone out there get that movie? The best I can figure was that the bunny-costume-clad ghost from a potential future comes back to warn the kid of the terrible consequences if he gets out of bed on that particulary night instead of staying there and getting smashed by the jet engine. Oddly, though, it is the ghost-bunny’s visit which gets him out of bed; hence, why didn’t he just let him stay there? Was the point to give Donny a choice? And what was all that about the world ending? Did the ghost-bunny mean it metaphorically, because several loved ones of Donny’s would die, equalling an emotional ending to Donny’s world?
Ugh. Maybe I’m thinking about all this too much. It probably just didn’t make sense no matter which way you work it.
“Intolerable Cruelty” is intolerably awful for a Coen Bro film. Couple of funny moments, but I forgot them as soon as the credits rolled. I blame it on that Zeta woman. First actress(?) I’ve seen NOT have onscreen chemistry with lusty G. Cloony. She ruined it. But then, it wasn’t that well written either. I would say it’s the worst film they’ve ever done, those boys. Or maybe I just didn’t get this particular joke. I think it just tried tooo hard to be a black comedy. I prefer it when black comedies are played straight. They’re just … more comic?
Has anyone seen the movie Ginger Snaps? Looks kind of cheesy, but it is acutally a pretty good movie. Excellent performances by the two main characters. I recommend it highly for anyone seeking an entertaining horror flick.
I got a hold of a pirated version of Owning Mahowny, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s new(?) film. Unfortunately, it is one of those DVD’s where some guy points a camera at the screen and then rips it…I spent more time listening to the cameraman eat his popcorn and shift around in his seat than being able to hear the movie…which looks really good…I hope I can find a real DVD of it…
I’ve seen The Matchstickman and it was great! It’s worth a download or a VCD purchase. I wouldn’t say “see it in the theater” but I am a cheap bastard!
Saw the new Jimmy movie 地下鐵, English title The Sound of Colours or Subway, last night and loved it!!! It took me about half an hour to fall off the pink cloud I was floating on after leaving the theatre. The friend I went with said it was much more interesting and funny and lively than Go left, go right.
Unfortunately, most of the movie is in Cantonese as it takes place in Hong Kong. About two scenes in the very beginning take place in Taipei, and then some more in Shanghai, those are in Mandarin. It had English subtitles, though.
If you’re looking for a date movie, that’s it!!
Oh, and whoever gets a chance: Go and watch Whalerider!!!
Goodbye, Lenin–about a brother and sister in East cum West Germany in 1989 who try to cover up the fact that the two are back together when their very communist mother awakens from a long coma. Very interesting to note how quick the changes were at that time.
Love Actually–ensemble cast featuring Hugh Grant playing England’s PM, Colin Firth with excellent performances by Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and Laura Linney. Worth seeing just for Bill Nighy as a hilarious burnt out ‘comeback’ singer.
Dogville–Nicole Kidman does the big screen as a stage number. Deeply engrossing and darkly comic film about moral standards and crowd mentalities. It’ll make you think.
In America–a present day Irish family move to New York City after the death of the boy child. The two little girls are brilliant in this film.
Spanish Apartment–a bunch of students from all over Europe move in together in Barcelona. Sort of a hip, young portrayal of the EC relations?
Would highly recommend each of these films if and when they come to Taipei. I think Dogville played here, or at least it’s available on dvd by now.
The fake retards one was von Trier? I did not know that (loved the film).
Dogville’s out now on DVD. Bloody amazing.
Spanish Apartment’s def. on VCD. Haven’t seen the DVD yet.
Love Actually is on the backs of the buses. I think it opens on Feb. 13.
Goodbye Lenin has been and gone. My wife saw it and thought it was excellent. I didn’t go, as my German doesn’t cut the mustard, but I expect it’ll be out on DVD soon.
Saw Big Fish and 21 Grams and both were pretty good. 21 grams is a bit slow on certain scenes but the ending might just surprise you! (Kind of like momento)
Big Fish is pretty slowat times too, (IMO) but I love some of the quotes in that movie. The ending is awasome and yes, I did cried in the theatre.
