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Archive through June 05, 2005

Reality TVClubHouse Discussions: Movies & Library ARCHIVES: Movies & Library 2010-1: Under The Radar Movies: ARCHIVES: Archive through June 05, 2005 users admin

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Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Friday, March 25, 2005 - 8:09 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
I just thought i would start a thread of those cinema features that don't get the press or attention they deserve. So if you see a movie that you think is worth reviewing, post it here..


Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Friday, March 25, 2005 - 8:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
(Especially recommending for all teachers and those who interact with children)

To Be and To Have

This is a really nice French documentary that recently came out on DVD.

How do we learn to live with others and their wishes? The documentary poses this question in a village schoolhouse in Auvergne, where Georges Lopez teaches 13 children, ages ranging from about four to 12. Against a landscape of mountains and farmland, from driving snow to rain to sun, the children gather in Lopez's warm and colorful classroom, to read, write dictation, cook, and sort things out. At home, the older ones do homework with parents after their chores. At year's end, they look ahead to the next, visiting the middle school and meeting the little ones coming in the fall. As they learn sums and adjectives, with Lopez's help, they also learn to live side by side.
It is another reflection that things are the same anywhere in the world – the same human emotions, the same struggles, the same kind of interaction, the same humor, the same hope, and the same desire to have children be given the kind of attention that we see in this documentary.

Turn on the English subtitles if you don’t know French – but it is well worth the effort – and you will quickly be connected to all of the people.


Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Friday, March 25, 2005 - 8:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
(Reposting from my folder a couple of weeks ago, just because it is that nice of a movie)

the next must see documentary (ok not at the same level as Touching the Void but still one people will love seeing)

"The Story of the Weeping Camel"

The Story of the Weeping Camel is an enchanting film that follows the adventures of a family of herders in Mongolia's Gobi region who face a crisis when the mother camel unexpectedly rejects her newborn calf after a particularly difficult birth. Uniquely composed of equal parts reality, drama, and magic, this film is a window into a different way of life and the universal terrain of the heart.

It is just remarkable, touching and beautiful to see, not to mention hilarious in parts (i will give away a short scene - little brother to big brother saying he will ask dad for a TV when they get home, big brother says they are too expensive, would cost 20-30 sheep, little brother says but we have many sheep, and older brother says, but you need electricity too and that would cost a whole flock!!)

the scenery is just breathtaking and while there isn't a lot of dialogue, you need to put on the english subtitles when you watch it (unless you know how to speak Khalkha. )

it just came out on video so go rent it!


Ketchuplover
Member

08-30-2000

Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 9:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ketchuplover a private message Print Post    
(((camels)))

Mak1
Member

08-12-2002

Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 11:00 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mak1 a private message Print Post    
I've never seen a picture of a baby camel. I love it!!

Touching the Void was on PBS last night. Since I haven't gotten around to renting it yet, I taped it. After your great review, I'm really looking forward to watching it.

This is a good idea for a thread, Legal. I like to hear about movies that don't get all the attention of the bigger hits.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Saturday, April 02, 2005 - 1:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
Patch of Blue

This is an old movie but definitely one worth seeing if you havent already. Thanks to Nino, who recommended it, i was finally able to see it today for the first time and it was definitely worth it! Its from 1965 with Sidney Portier and Shelley Winters (who won best supporting actress for her role), and is the story of this poor white girl who is blind, who comes from a very physical and emotionally abused home, who befriends a young black man and learns about a whole other world outside the walls of the apartment, and world, she has been "trapped" in.

if you want a movie about looking inside of people, about friendships across boundaries, about learning to live life and explore, and learning about yourself, along with the turmoil some face when they are obsessed right under the eyes of normal people, then see this film.


Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Saturday, April 02, 2005 - 3:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
For pure acting joy, I really recommend "The Ballad of Jack and Rose," which stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Catherine Keener, and Camilla Belle. The film has great cinematography and some interesting (which is not to say appropriate) camera work. The script and the direction, by Arthur Miller's daughter Rebecca Miller, leave something to be desired. Oh well. She can't be that bad at directing if she got such strong performances out of admittedly excellent actors.

It's a small film and one worth seeing if you love great acting. You may find the script distasteful, but you will be impressed by the performances.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Saturday, April 09, 2005 - 9:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
ok so i am on a documentary rampage but that is because they are GOOD and this one is right near the top of the list (of course it was directed by the same person that did touching the void)

I have seen it twice in the last week now - and its just unbelievable to watch - as much as it kills you to watch the horror and stupid mistakes, i think its one of those movies that you need to see to understand what happened on sept 5, 1972 in Munich... and i am posting a summary from a website below - but even with all that detail, you need to see the movie to understand and grasp the magnitude of the situation... its on DVD - came out in 2000, won an Oscar and all that jazz - but hearing the one terrorist still alive interviewed is worthy enough of watching this - just be careful of a couple scenes with real photos of the dead.

One Day In September

We may think of Israelis as tough, brash, and vital, but One Day in September, a riveting film about the massacre of eleven Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972, portrays a different image. Here, once again, we see Jews tied up, helpless, victims.

The images are deeply disturbing.

The chain of events that led to the death of the Israeli Olympic athletes, and the lack of an adequate response to their capture, boggle the mind. As the documentary conveys, the West German government failed to protect the Israelis and utterly botched any plans to save them. East German Olympic athletes worked with the Black September movement terrorists, told them how to locate the Israelis, and alerted the terrorists to plans to rescue the hostages. In a situation eerily reminiscent of the Nazi period when so many who could have helped Jews feared to do so, the German rescue teams, afraid for their lives, backed out. Once again, helpless Jews died in Germany while the rest of the world stood by.

Although we know in advance that the athletes will be killed, the film has viewers sitting on the edge of their seats, hoping against hope that the outcome will be different.

The film opens ironically with a clip from an advertisement for the Munich Olympics, inviting viewers to this idyllic setting. It then follows two people who were integral to the events: Israeli Olympic wrestling coach Andre Spitzer and Black September terrorist Jarnil Al Gashey.

Spitzer, who had been married to a Dutch woman for a little over one year, had a baby daughter at the time he was killed. From interviews with his open and engaging wife, we learn about their marriage and their last moments with together. We also see their daughter, now an adult, talk about the father she never got to know.

Jarnil Al Gashey, giving his first interview ever, states his motives for participating in the hostage taking and killing--to bring the Palestinian cause to the center of world attention. He also proclaims his pride in having succeeded.

In an effort to be even handed, the documentary shows scenes of the crowded refugee camp where Al Gashey had lived. Al Gashey discusses his state of mind back in 1972--his desperate wish to return to his family's homeland, and his expectation that he would never be able to do so. Although the Israeli Mossad (Secret Service) eventually killed the other two surviving terrorists, Al Gashey has been in hiding somewhere in Africa ever since, where he lives with his wife and daughters.

The film intersperses clips of athletes competing in the Olympics in 1972 with interviews with Germans who had a role in handling the events; Zvi Zamir, director of the Mossad at the time; a member of the International Olympic Committee; and surviving members of the Israeli Olympic team. As it follows the events, tension mounts until the final, disastrous outcome.


Wendo
Member

08-07-2000

Saturday, April 09, 2005 - 11:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wendo a private message Print Post    
I second the recommendation for One Day in September. And excellent documentary and worth a view.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 8:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
I FINALLY got to see Spellbound- the 2002 documentary about the national spelling bee and it is just as good as everyone said at the time.

It follows 8 kids in the 1999 National Spelling Bee - and its so great to see the different families and backgrounds and tactics of all the kids - from Angela, the 1st generation girl from mexican immigrants in Texas to Neil who his grandfather paid 1000 people in india to chant and pray for him all day long during the competition, to Harry and his facial expressions and Ashley from DC, etc etc - you are rooting for all of them and realize just how intense a time it is for those kids to go through all the work and be on that stage... it may not be a "sport" but ESPN is so justified in airing the finals live every year because it's definitely one of the most competitive events out there.

so if you have not watched it, i highly recommend that you do - and see the bonus features as well!

also, this year's 78th annual national spelling bee will be aired live on ESPN on June 2nd. (the championship rounds)

and if you should ever ask....

What is the origin of the term spelling bee?

The word bee, as used in spelling bee, is a language puzzle that has never been satisfactorily accounted for. A fairly old and widely-used word, it refers to a community social gathering at which friends and neighbors join together in a single activity (sewing, quilting, barn raising, etc.), usually to help one person or family. The earliest known example in print is a spinning bee, in 1769. Other early occurrences are husking bee (1816), apple bee (1827), and logging bee (1836). Spelling bee is apparently an American term. It first appeared in print in 1875, but it seems certain that the word was used orally for several years before that.

Those who used the word, including most early students of language, assumed that it was the same word as referred to the insect. They thought that this particular meaning had probably been inspired by the obvious similarity between these human gatherings and the industrious, social nature of a beehive. But in recent years scholars have rejected this explanation, suggesting instead that this bee is a completely different word. One possibility is that it comes from the Middle English word bene, which means "a prayer" or "a favor" (and is related to the more familiar word boon). In England, a dialectal form of this word, been or bean, referred to "voluntary help given by neighbors toward the accomplishment of a particular task." (Webster's Third New International Dictionary). Bee may simply be a shortened form of been, but no one is entirely certain.

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 10:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Yankee_in_ca a private message Print Post    
Yeah... I really wish I knew what each of those kids were doing today...

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 7:38 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
That was a fun one.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 8:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
the bonus features have "where are they now"

Reader234
Member

08-13-2000

Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 9:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Reader234 a private message Print Post    
Legal you should post your review of Secondhand Lion!

I dont know if it goes here, or start a new thread for it??

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 9:15 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
Hehe Reader - i was debating that all night (where to post since i know that one point it had a thread but its not up any more)

so i will just repost what i wrote in spy's folder...

Secondhand Lions


Definitely enjoyed it. I already love all 3 actors (michael caine, robert duvall and haley joel osment) - the uncles are so funny and haley does such a great job at reacting to them - and the message behind all the antics is a good one - and as someone who loves old movies, i thought they did a great job replaying the african stories just as someone Haley's age in the early 1950s would reenact them in his imagination, - those sequences reminded me so much of everything from the old hope/crosby movies to errol flynn and even the old silent flicks with douglas fairbanks - and there were a lot of layering of messages too - such as they take in the nephew who could be seen as a reject just as later they take in the "secondhand" lion...

I would hope spy and egbok would watch it and enjoy it - i think people who have little patience may think its too slow at times but i personally thought it was pretty good - and as always, i loved the bonus features as well... the only thing that i couldnt get over was how deep haley's voice is getting - he is growing up TOO fast!!!

(i miss michael caine!!!)


Reader234
Member

08-13-2000

Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 10:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Reader234 a private message Print Post    
Great Review Legal, this one gave me goosebumps! I tried not to cry, it was a 'feel good' cry tho! After it ended dh and dd watched the 'deleted' scene versions, I kept saying, didnt we just watch this? and then you'd crack up at a part!! Just watch it!! :-)

Cablejockey
Member

12-27-2001

Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 1:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cablejockey a private message Print Post    
I watched Primer, and may have to watch it again to figure it out. Two guys accidently build a machine that allows them to travel back in time for several hours. They figure they can bet on games they know the outcome to and trade stocks to make a lot of money. In the middle of the movie it gets very complicated. Considering the movie was made for $7000. by an unknown and won first prize at the Sundance Festival, its worth a look. Check out imdb for more info.

Ketchuplover
Member

08-30-2000

Friday, May 06, 2005 - 1:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ketchuplover a private message Print Post    
I watched Primer. I thought they were moving forward in time. One thing I didn't understand was the "doubles". Get in the box. Get out 6 hours later(box time). In real time its 6 days later. Why would a "double" be involved?

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 4:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
Follow Me Boys

what else can you say about a 1966 Walt Disney movie with a young Kurt Russell and Fred MacMurray other than its a GREAT film to see with your family - great for people who have kids and for kids - as well as for those who just enjoy decent, heartwarming storylines.


i agree with some critics that say there are some scenes in the last 40 minutes that could have been deleted as the storyline jumps ahead in years - but its still a wonderful movie and worth seeing -








Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 12:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
Shall We Dance

I know it wasnt a huge hit in the box office but i love dance movies - especially ballroom dance movie (strictly ballroom was so funny) - and i was quite happy with this film - i liked the storyline, the tension in different situations, the message about how you be happy with all you have but also unhappy but not know how to express that - and i was so rooting for richard gere near the end in the competition eventhough it was just a movie - and i liked how it ended - not to mention ALL the supporting characters were just perfect (i KNEW that Chic was one of my boys from Third Watch and i was right, its Bobby!!) - Richard was great and jennifer lopez and susan sarandon did good jobs - and again, the supporting cast just took the cake!

laughter, heartwarming, and a alot of great music - so if you like any of those, see the movie.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 10:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Legalboxer a private message Print Post    
Virginia's Run

"This story of a family in turmoil is part coming-of-age tale, part social commentary on the functionality of the family unit. The "Virginia" of the title is a 13-year-old horse riding fanatic whose mother has just been killed. Sadly, her death came while riding, leading Virginia's grief stricken father to disallow Virginia from taking to the saddle ever again. Sneaking out at night to train with her horse, Stormy, Virginia disobeys her father's wishes and follows her passion. But further complications ensue, leading to a tense, grief-stricken finale to this touching story of a family in crisis.

Sure its a classic family flick that you can tell where teh story is going but hey, that doesnt make it any less of a movie to watch - i loved the interactions between the family members - always love horses and the scenery in Canada is great - there is never a reason to like the town bullies, always a reason to root for the underdogs, but isnt that what stories are for? And its a good message of both growing up and holding on - and of a parent recognizing that they meed to let their kids be who they are and not harness them because of the parent's own fears.

I never heard of the movie until i ran across it in blockbuster under new releases but i am happy i got to see it - and i like how it is "PG" for "reckless behavior". :-)

also i realized the main star (besides the horse) is the young actress who plays Georgie on General Hospital - and I do think she has a lot of potential as an actor!



Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Friday, June 03, 2005 - 9:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
Go see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It's excellent.

Eeyoreslament
Member

07-20-2003

Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 12:04 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Eeyoreslament a private message Print Post    
I have to admit I want to see it. I really liked that one girl who was in "Real Women Have Curves", and I'm sure she'll be great in this movie. Good to hear you liked it Tish.

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 2:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sillycalimomma a private message Print Post    
Saw the Sisterhood today in fact with DD who is 8- we both really enjoyed it...even had a few tear jerking moments....made me miss my girlfriends as well

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 4:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
Just watched Friday Night Lights.

Excellent and gripping movie.