BEAUTIFUL AND PATHETIC HISTORICAL DISTORTION

Historical drama in modern day Hollywood is in a dead end that seems endless at this moment. There are just not some decent scripts left, even if they are depicting some of the most fascinating characters and events of our civilization.

Yes, not even the rise of Winston Churchill to power can give us a non-sweetened and real story without much distortion of historical facts. No, ’’Darkest hour’’ can’t even grant us with some decent acting, and if Gary Oldman receives the ’’Golden boy’’ for his somewhat parody-like portrayal of the greatest British politician of this century, it will represent a injustice, both to his impeccable career and his opponents in ’’Kodak Theater’’.

On the other hand, not everything will be dark in ’’Darkest hour’’, since Joe Wright will give us some really great focusing, light and overhead cuts, making it deservedly to all the major directing nominations.

’’Darkest hour’’ will represent the feast for the eye, but your brain will be pretty much annoyed during the entire course of the movie.

DARKEST HOUR – 4/10

FOTO: cwtheaters.com

DELICACY FOR THE BRAIN

Jerome Bixby is an old school writer of the sci-fi („Twilight zone” - movie, „Star Trek” – TV series) and his final testimony bears that spirit of storytelling.

„The man from earth” can hardly be classified as a movie itself, since it is basically a theatre play filmed by a cheap camera. Casting is all „B” and „C” and the production is on the level of TV movie endeavours. But all of that won't matter at all since the script steals the show and awes tha average viewer offering some of the most memorable ideas and dialogues in the newer movie history.

The basic concept of a man saying goodbye to a bunch of friends and colleagues by revealing a shocking truth about himself is just the begining. Story and plot thickens from that point, sucking in philosophy, history, science and religion along its way. The outcome will be only logical and so inspiring that your brain will refuse to stop working after the credits.

„The man from Earth” is one of the most original science fiction movies ever made and maybe the best „small” movie in history of indie production.

THE MAN FROM EARTH – 9/10

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UNREAL, PATHETIC AND SPECTACULAR

Korean historical war movies tend to overact with pathetic patriotism and the story about one of the greatest naval victories in Second war with Japan in late 16^th century is one of those scripts.

Also, entire concept and strategy described will stay pretty much doubtful when it comes to the level of reality. Acting will be solid, led by reliable Choi Min-shik, while the show will be stolen by some really innovative action sequences and quality CGI.

„The Admiral” is a true spectacle, but also a one huge exaggeration of historical facts.

THE ADMIRAL – 4/10

FOTO: korea.net

GENUINE BALKAN WESTERN

Romanian cinema is one of the better ones in Europe, especially when it comes to depiction of social problems in that country.

„Aferim” is situated in the 19th century Romania under Turkish occupation and revolves around the quest for a Gypsy slave that dared to perform an adultery with a boyar's (nobleman) wife.

Painted with dark humor, sparing none of the protagonists, Radu Jude's movie will dissect the entire Romanian society top to bottom and peel the skin off all the problems plaguing this nation in a eternal transition to nowhere.

„Aferim” is the movie for the people of Balkan to understand and laugh, a very good small dark comedy with an atmosphere of a Western.

AFERIM - 7/10

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UNINTERESTING

FOTO: cdn.hitfix.com

American war stories are these days literally drowning in the sea of pathetic scripts and badly camouflaged CGI.

”Unbroken” is no exception from that trend. True story about the Olympic athletic champion and his journey through the WWII as an aviator is fascinating, but does not relay that fascination to the silver screen. On the contrary.

Angelina Jolie’s ”Oscar” runner for this year is just plain naïve and corny mashup of unrelated episodes in the Japanese captivity. This goes to the Jack O'Connell's acting and rare action sequences as well.

You should bypass ”Unbroken”, even if you don’t  know any wiser way to spend your Sunday afternoon.

UNBROKEN - 3/10

LONG LIVE KOREAN SCREENWRITERS!

FOTO: kofan.com

Americans used to know how to make a quality thriller and sell it to the world in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but they lost it. Koreans found that craftsmanship at the turn of centuries and revived the genre in the most beautiful way.

”Montage” has a superbly original script, built around the ageing case that has haunted the victim’s mother and the detective in charge of the case for a decade, but refuses to die off. Suspense is really high throughout, even though the action sequences tend to repeat themselves. The twists are powerful and unexpected. Even the ending isn’t your typical one, defeating the boring American ”safe” concept. When you add some superb cinematography and original angles to it, you get one really prominent movie.

”Montage” represents an absolute recommendation for the genre lovers, as well for everyone else.

MONTAGE - 8/10