Red Cliff

By Leora Haynes
Viewing At: Nu Metro
Release Date: Released

Directed By John Woo
Screenplay By: Terence Chang; John Woo; Khan Chan; Kuo Cheng; Sheng Heyu

Cast:
Tony Leung; Takeshi Kaneshiro; Hou Yong; Sheng Heyu; Chang Chen; Zhang Fengyi; Hu Jun

Genre: Adventure
Classification: PG 13
Running time: 148 minutes



John Woo opens history's pages to A.D. 208 and takes the viewer on an enthralling adventure back to the three kingdoms and the epic battle of Red Cliff. Prime-minister-turned-general Cao Cao is a power hungry, egotistical man whom wants to have the kingdoms and beautiful woman (What would the plot be without her?) for himself. Trapped by childhood longings, he mistakes unrequited love for distant affection and his cup literally runs over.

The battle scenes are superbly pieced together with aid from computer technology and the costume designer Tim Yip makes sure the costumes are historically accurate, profound and dignified. The settings can sometimes be seen as digitally enhanced, but not to the film's demise. The film won Best Visual Effects at the 3rd Asian Film Awards as well as the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards.

Costing a small sum of $80 million to produce, Red Cliff is currently the most expensive Chinese film ever created. However, viewers of non-Asian descent may find this film less encapsulating than its Asian counterparts and thus this famous war may deem insignificant and not get the acclaim from the Western world that it so badly deserves.
On an intricate level however, the actors need to warm up to one another more and certain scenes lagged, but where boredom threatens to ensue, Red Cliff attributes Chinese martial arts on such a large scale that it makes Jackie Chan look like the “Before” version of the Karate Kid.Symbolism is rife and John has such an ornate way of directing that he gives an ornamental shine to even the least beautiful forms, such as death.
Symbolism and ancient Chinese wisdom is on the tip of every arrow but it is up to the viewer to unleash his inner Confucius and perhaps read up on the historical happenings behind the inspiration for the film, before watching it.

To sum up: A dramatically scrumptious film that enthrals and evokes all the viewer's senses for an experience which will leave them satisfied and yearning for more. I would give this film six & half out of 10. But don't take my word for it. Please leave your own comments and ratings. See you at the movies.

Yihuir jian! (See You Later)

Remember Me

By Magdaleen Duvenage

Viewing at: Nu Metro
Release Date: Released

Directed by Allen Coulter.
Written by Will Fetters.
Produced by Nicholas Osborne, Trevor Engelson.
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Tate Ellington, Ruby Jerins & Pierce Brosnan.

Genre: Drama, Romance.
Classification: PG-13 VL
Running time: 128 Minutes

Well, well, well – what do we have here, could it be Mr. Pattinson, at his best? That is the question... An overnight sensation because of the Fantasy Drama Twilight, Pattinson seems to grow at a seemingly fast rate, not only as a actor but also as a man. This, however, is troublesome: the increase of stardom has been doomed before and often results in a horrible collapse. But let's get back to the movie...



Tyler (Robert Pattinson) is a young man in New York, seemingly troubled, who goes through the stages of rebellion. The movie starts with his worst possible stage – portraying him as violent and vicious. Isn't that lovely! Pattinson off-course, never seizes to amaze me: young, vicious, rebellious, troubling but still so very mysterious. There is almost something good about him, like a drug: you know it's bad but yet you still can't seem to get enough of it! He comes from a broken family – hence all his problems and it seems that all the souls he attracts is also quite saddened. He has a very bad relationship with his father (Pierce Brosnan) but like all boys, although they hate their fathers they all desperately seek their approval in one way or another.



Tyler meets Ally (Emilie de Ravin), who also has a heart breaking story to tell and they fall madly in love. Her father's (Chris Cooper) behaviour – because of his own broken heart – forces her closer into Tyler's arms. It is with him that she seeks refuge and strength. The sad part about the movie is that Tyler cant give her something, he himself does not possess. There is alas, a difference between brute force and strength. This young couple finds out that there is much more to life and love than the obvious appearances.



In their own way they had to become whole, as individual people, to truly love each other. That kind of love is strong and true – it can stand through the toughest winds and the darkest nights. One can only truly give it if one is able to have it. I did not see it in this movie though, of all the things Coulter did, this was the worst mistake. Sure, he seemed more “happy”, with a few more smile's and so ons, but with a talented actor like Pattinson, he could have showed the healing much more significantly. Which brings me to another point: Was he truly healed? They were both young, they found what they thought is love, but is in truth only a expression of love. Making love is the act of the feeling. What is sad about this statement is that it rarely shows the expression which is love. I guess you get a chicken/egg situation. I would love to see a movie where the actual act is shown! A movie were the expression was not sex and where a director could capture the actual event without showing that the perfect love ends up in a bed with dirty sheets. That, unfortunately is why we have such a sick world. Those are the images we portray and the messages we send. The impression is made that these two broken souls found each other and they became “whole”. I am asking: How can you give yourself if you aren't whole? What are you exactly giving then? I would like to know who the first person was to say to the world that a perfect, wholesome “you” exist in someone else, find them and then you'll find, you! If the above mentioned is true then I believe with Ghandi: "Everything you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." Lucky for me, I don't. I also don't believe that everything you do is insignificant. Am I unrealistic? No, I am exactly the opposite! I hope for a world where directors will start showing the truth without the “so-called-truth”. I am hoping for a world where we don't have to kill someone in the end to make it realistic, that we can talk about princes and angels – because we truly believe they exist. I am hoping for a world where we can tell a story in complete truth and it is really a fairy tale and not a fairy tale version of the truth. I am hoping for stories that we can embrace, live in and finally let go. The movie is rated aged 13, I truly think that is preposterous – it should at least be rated aged 16. There is really upsetting scenes of violence, horrible language and profanity, lots of sexual content and smoking. Parents be strongly cautioned. I guess to see Robert actually kissing a girl and being a normal guy, was fun. He had a lot of the same presence he had in Twilight, which probably means he is going to have a lot of trouble shedding that character. The movie has a devastating end, completely unexpected. An added bonus was to see a older, salt 'n pepper, Brosnan.

I am giving it a love/hate 4½/10!

See you at the movies! Please share your thoughts on the movie... We would love to know!

Everybody's Fine

By Jozua J. Jonker

Viewing at: Ster Kinekor
Release Date: Released

Written and Directed by Kirk Jones
Produced by Vittorio Cecchi Gori, Ted Field

Genre: Drama
Classification: 13MLV
Running Time: 99Min

Another arty film for me to review: as I sit and read through some of the other critic's reviews, I am amazed at their sheer knowledge and expertise on film. I also realise that some reviewers write for the general public and others write for filmmakers. As I read through one particular review I could agree with many of the tinks in the armour of “Everybody's Fine” by Kirk Jones. Being new to the art circuit of films I am not always aware of the intricacies of an art film and what should be presented by a filmmaker to make it extra-ordinary.

Like “The Visitor” this film moved me... For me, it started very slow, since I am an adventurer at heart, but the film suddenly moved up a few passes as the plot progressed. I did not see the original film, “Stanno tutti bene” by Guiseppe Tornatore, but based on my sources both are equally suited for its time.

The film is about a father of four, Frank Goode (Robert de Niro), who eagerly awaits the arrival of his children to a family get together at his house. The kids cancel at the last minute which spurs our main character on to go and visit them. He does not inform them of his new founded adventure to their surprise which they are faced with, with their father's out of the blue visit.



So what did move me about this film? My father. Yes, the man was as emotionally detached as Frank although he did not give much attention to gardening. Frank catches on to the 21st century re-invention of everyday jobs with provocative titles, like housewives are now known as home executives. So, he teaches his son David that he is not a painter but an artist. Each child, David, Rosie (Drew Barrymore), Amy (Kate Beckensale) and Robert (Sam Rockwell) tries to reach their father's expectations of them but only Amy succeeds to get to the pinnacle of what conventional wisdom calls success. With it she pays the price of failed a marriage and so each of them also pays individual prices for their life choices. Fathers have the tendency to bring the worst or best out in each of us. There are two types of fathers out there: first their are those that try and do good, they are not always approachable, but then do we even try from our side. Then there are those who don't know how and no matter how much you try they will always be a closed book.



I see Frank as stubborn and it seems like he is not approachable but I wish I had a father that was as mild tempered as Frank. Frank's wife was the mediator in the family and through her Frank got the news of what was happening in his kid's life's, be it the news he wanted to hear. So this man was never faced with his true responsibility as a father and only really came to terms with that eight months after his wife died.




Frank aims one last time to get the family together, which ultimately leads him on this road trip of discovering his real role as the father to his children. Robert de Niro is not his usual intimidating, kick ass character, which gives the story a refreshing touch while the other cast members are remarkable in their portrayal of each of the kids.

This film gets a well adapted 7.5 out of 10. Don't take my word for it though. Go and see the film film for yourself and leave your own comments.

Bright Star

By Magdaleen Duvenage.

Viewing at: Ster Kinekor
Release Date: 5 February 2010

Written and Directed by Jane Campion.
Produced by Caroline Hewitt, Jan Chapman.

Genre: Biography Drama, Romance.
Classification: PG
Running Time: 1 hour 59 minutes.

When one thinks of modern day fairy tale, things like “love”, “happily ever after” , “music” and “poetry” are all words that come to mind. Although Bright Star has most of these components, it is still a real story, written perhaps in a time when things did not always turn out to be happily ever after.

John Keats was a famous poet. The movie tells the story of Keats, Fanny Brawne and their romantic relationship. It is a collage filled with passion, poetry, love and beautiful pictures. Keats is a young and handsome poet. Fanny is a young feminist who one would easily describe as one of Jane Austen's characters. She is a feisty seamstress, extremely opinionated and simply colourful.

Fanny seems to be noticeable in a crowd. She is very fashionable and always brings colour to a conversation. Herself and Keats falls in love passionately, they shared a never ending love relationship, if there was a possibility for a everlasting ever-true love – the love of Keats and Fanny would be top of the list. In such a short time, they loved more dearly than any character written about in fairy tales. Their love was never consummated because of Keats's untimely death in 1821.

When one look at a dictionary, under the word “true love”, there should be a picture of Keats and Fanny. Something that was striking is how he loved her. In modern romantic movies, the expression of love is usually done through sex. It seems as if society has proclaimed that when one love someone it is showed through the expression of some physical act like sex. In Keats's expression of love he abstained from sex. When Keats became ill, just before he went away, Fanny offered her self to him, claiming that: “no one would know”. He loved her so much he didn't want to do anything to shame her by saying: “I would know.” He loved her with a love that is remembered today still – words and acts of love. Modern day writers can take a few lessons from Keats: “How to woo a woman without the involvement of sex or physical acts.”

The movie is mostly about the emotional journey of Fanny, not so much the struggles of Keats and his art. This, off course, I would not classify as a “chick flick”, yet it is definitely written for the many colours of a women's heart.

I love what Campion did, she visually describes the poetry – with every phrase you see colours, this is why I love film people! Even if you don't like poetry or love stories, it is very good to just see this movie for the visuals – or as I would like to call it: Poetry for the eyes. When seeing this film you will be satisfied mentally, visually, morally, emotionally and linguistically.

The circumstances is quite troubling because Keats is penniless. Basically everyone, in the end, accepts their love. Brown is the only character who is pessimistic about Keats's and Fanny's relationship, he is an extremely cynical character and does not get along with Fanny. He has a deep love for Keats and that is the factor that brings the humanity aspect out of Brown.

Cornish gives a remarkable performance! Astonishing! She grows with the character, every women can feel what she feels and taste the changes as she grows from girl to woman. You can go through the motion of growth realizing that was you at age 16, at age 18 and finally now. She is far away from the norm size two... Curvaceous but beautiful, fashionable, artistic, feminine, elegant, graceful and different. She handles herself with ease. She floats like ghost on a cloud, head held high - pure, over dramatising movements.

As for Mr. Keats – I do believe this is the beginning of a fascination...

Bright Star was a remarkable movie. It spoke to the most private parts of my heart. The story was told completely... Every ray of sunlight, every movement and word were created to tell a story. To make it a perfect story, Keats's poetry ends this beautiful tale. There was no scenes of nudity or sex, no violence or strong language, no miss use of alcohol or drugs. Every mother can send their child to see this movie with ease.

I am giving it a poetical 7/10!
See you at the movies!
I would love to know what your opinion is on Bright Star, looking forward to hearing from you...

The Velveteen Rabbit

By Jozua J. Jonker

Viewing At: Nu Metro
Release Date: Released

Directed By Michael Landon Jr.
Screenplay By Cindy Kelley

Cast:
Jane Seymour, Tom Skerritt, Ellen Burstyn, Matthew Harbour, Kevin Jubinville, Michael Sinelnikoff, Una Kay, Michael Perron

Genre: Animation, Family
Classification: PG
Running Time: 86 min

Good solid entertainment is hard to find for toddlers and young kids these days. This is a story of good moral fibre and imagination that kids will enjoy and come to love. The story is set in the nineteen twenties when a young ten year old boy is left with his grandmother for the Christmas holidays. The storyline is not complicated, so as to confuse younger viewers with too much plot. Soon we discover that all is not well in Toby's family and he uses his imagination as a form of escape to deal with his absent father and circumstances. The adventure begins...

The story explores themes like, “What makes us real?”, “The power of imagination and friendship.” , “Sacrifice and second chances” to name a few. An added touch for children is that those scenes imagined by Toby are animation which draws the audience into Toby's make believe world.

The Velveteen Rabbit is an open adaptation of a children's story by Margery Williams. This might leave the older crowd disappointed because they may want to look at the movie to reminisce on old childhood memories. The film is adequately directed by Michael Landon Jr. who gave us films like the “Last Sin Eater” and “Love come Softly”. For a low budget production this film was elegantly woven together and the acting left one with entertaining performances. For a Children's film I give this a 7 out 10. But don't take my word for it. Watch the film and please give us your comments.

50 Dead Men Walking

By Magdaleen Duvenage

Viewing at: Ster Kinekor
Release Date: Released

Directed By Kari Skogland.
Screenplay By Nicholas Davies, Martin McGartland and Kari Skogland.
Executive Producers: Donald J. Lee Jr., Scott Rudin & Dana Stevens.
Produced By Stephen Hegyes, Peter La Terriere, Kari Skogland, Shawn Williamson.
Cast:
Jim Strugess, Ben Kingsley, Kevin Zegers & Natalie Press. Genre: Action Classification: VLS 13 Running Time: 117 Minutes

As a rule of thumb, I don't see action movies cause I find them crude and upsetting. I mean all action movies... What I like about them is the small pieces of romance and the tense passion, they always seem to have. Themes are basically always the same, there are always someone who dies (a few people actually), lots of blood and loud shooting. I am just not fond of it... The other part of the truth is, I had to focus with this one, and seeing as though my knowledge of army, wars and politics are extremely limited – I had to up my game, but this, however, I do know: The town we visiting is Belfast in Ireland, 1988. The British and Irish are in war and the British is occupying the the streets. They want Northern Ireland as part of the UK. The IRA isn't letting that happen – therefore the fight. Martin McGartland is a second-hand sales man, selling women's under garments, shoes, etc. He is politically in the mid stream, not caring much for either side. When the IRA breaks his friend's legs, he sides with the British police. He is recruited by Fergus (Ben Kingsley) a Special Branch officer to become a double agent. Both the IRA and the British Police, is positive about who he is... In modern day movies, one knows that a “informer” is someone that is basically already dead. He will be discovered, the story told is therefore, how he dies. So at this stage in the story one knows that McGartland is already dead, you actually know that from the opening scene. McGartland help saved the lives of at least 50 Men, that we know of. A very odd situation is that the IRA see no comparison between the assassinations and McGartland's share; I am sure, by now they have gotten better with it...

Towards the end of the movie there is a situation were his identity and who he works for, is revealed. By then, he is to far in to get out and he realizes that they basically own his life, however long that lasts. He will always be in hiding and he will always run.

The political situation of the time was quite tricky, the movie never really explains McGartland's view or standpoint. I am also not sure I understand the political situation correctly, cause it is explained quite vaguely. The only fact I do understand about this movie, quite clearly as well, is that McGartland did survive. His relationship with Fergus helps him in his position in the IRA and he climbs the ladder of trust and success. The two men become co-dependant on one another, and I sense that McGartland sees Fergus as a father figure. Through the telling, one realizes that Fergus gave up just as much to have this position in the British police, and I would like to call it a longing for a son. Towards the end, Fergus also puts his life on the line to safe McGartland. One, once again realizes, just how cold and hard these men are, when they have gotten what they wanted, they would easily dispose of someone like a garbage bag. The IRA still has him marked as dead and even with him saying the story was “inspired by” the book, would still not in any way help him. There was an attempt on his life 10 years after he fled in Canada and he is still out there – SOME WHERE... This is really Hollywood stuff, in my wildest dream, I never thought something like this is possible of happening in the world.

When one views this story from out side, the question remains: Where is morality in all this? How does one decide whom should live? We in South Africa, especially the younger generation have no idea of what really happens in a war, we don't know the capacity of a war in a country and the implication on a human life when one talks about war... That is why a story like this seems like some sort of fairy tale, I don't think my mind comprehends the capacity of a guy still in hiding in 2009 (not because he is a criminal but because he stood up for the truth)... Everything you are taught is shaken, the very people that are suppose to protect and serve their own, has marked this man as dead. The real question is where will all of this end? What does he still need to loose? How does one find a balance between heroism and moral capability?

He can literally be dead any second... What meaning would his life have had? He already lost it, then what did he gain? A struggle to stay alive very rarely equals the quality of all that is dear to living; I believe that the equity is vied.

There are scenes of implicated sex, brutal and unsettling violence and gruesome scenes of torture, gun violence and horrible fist fights. The violence is extremely realistic and awful to watch – just watching it, is torture. A lot of swearing goes on, you almost feel offended from time to time. The film is extremely intense, from the beginning to the very end. Parents be VERY strongly cautioned, I don't even recommend under 18's to watch this, I just don't think with the crime and violence in our own country that this is a up-lifting movie to see, especially with the president trying to minimize gun violence. This movie will definitely leave you wondering. For me to grasp a life lived like that, is just to unreal to be true. The acting was done brilliantly. The director, yes you better believe it, was done by none other than Kari Skogland! This woman is full of surprises! She had such a good balance in the movie, I am always scared when a woman directs a movie like this, scared of getting a version viewpoint that I am already familiar with, but she did a brilliant job! To everyone: Well done! For my personal taste, I would not buy the DVD – just because of all the gruesome scenes, violence and swearing. It is however, a wake-up call that these things are true and they do exist. As a woman, my heart naturally goes out to McGartland's mother and Lara, and I wonder what they must be feeling knowing that he is still alive and he chose not to put them through the ordeal of his choices. I wonder what they would want? What is your comments on the subject? I am giving it a very violent 6/10. See you at the movies!

MORGAN FREEMAN SHOWS SUPPORT TO DAY OF RECONCILIATION

Morgan Freeman shows support to local charities in light of South Africa’s national
DAY OF RECONCILIATION

Johannesburg, 11 December 2009:- In respect of South Africa’s heritage and in the spirit of promoting reconciliation and unity around the Day of Reconciliation, commemorated nationally on the 16th December, Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman and Producing partner from Revelations Entertainment, Lori McCreary have committed their support in a corporate charity drive to raise much needed funds for three charities of choice. The Soweto INVICTUS Outreach Programme will take place at the Ster-Kinekor Maponya Mall in Soweto on the celebrated day. At the event, Freeman will hand over all funds raised to The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Make a Difference Foundation, and the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players’ Fund. Making an appearance at the Johannesburg premiere of Invictus, Winnie Madikizela Mandela and family have also pledged their support in favour of all Invictus charity-related activities.

Several communities in Soweto, south of Johannesburg, will be transported to Ster-Kinekor Maponya Mall, where they will be treated to a free screening of Invictus. Freeman is excited to address the guests, and hopes that this event will usher in a spirit of generosity and charity in the corporate environment. In the true spirit of ubuntu, Warner Bros. Pictures, Nu Metro Films along with MTN are honoured and excited to be at the forefront of this initiative, and MTN South Africa’s welcomed support in the local entertainment industry serves to confirm their commitment to our country, as a whole.

“With its involvement in the Invictus premiere and charity event, MTN South Africa is showing its commitment to not only the ideals underpinning the movie, but also to provide people from all walks of life with the opportunity to see this uplifting story,” says Veli Mabena, general manager for marketing and brand at MTN South Africa.

Established in 1999 in lieu of Nelson Mandela’s retirement, The Nelson Mandela Foundation, through the creation of strategic networks and partnerships proudly contributes to the making of a just society by promoting vision, values and convening dialogue around critical social issues that require much needed attention. The Make a Difference Foundation which was corely founded by ex Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, provides exceptional educational opportunities for deserving youngsters in South Africa, who might otherwise never have been given the opportunity to reach their full potential. In respect and homage to two young rugby players who died playing the game they loved, The Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players’ Fund was formed in 1980. With the purpose of making rugby a safer sport, this fund to assist the unfortunate victims of catastrophic or serious rugby injuries and to develop and implement initiatives that aim to educate, inform and create awareness around rugby injuries.


Freeman and McCreary are in South Africa to support local premiere events for the motion picture release “Invictus,” starring Freeman as Nelson Mandela. Invictus releases nationwide on 11 December 2009, and will stay on in South Africa to support the above Invictus charity- related initiatives.
ENDS


For more information, please contact:

Elisha Bholanath
Nu Metro Entertainment
(011) 340 9426
Elishabh@numetro.co.za