lionoflaredo Reviews

Unidentified Objects (2022)

"This is my favorite way to look at the world..."

[8/10 · 2 February 2024]

It's probably not fair to try and quantify this movie in the traditional sense of critique. The effort and subject is only for those who can betray their sense of cynicism long enough to just let it wash over them. The two principles are committed, talented and believers. Beyond some typical tropes to keep the uninitiated involved, there is quality cinematography, dynamic of story and wonderful editing. Lots of perfect moments on what must have been a limited budget (just a guess). If you have lived a life, you know these people, and maybe, they are you? Without hope, there is no life. So lets live this life and enjoy the longings.

Live Hard (2020)

A mash up that somehow works

[8/10 · 18 January 2024]

Part Waiting For Godot, part Musical, part Jarmusch meandering story line. I can't explain it but, somehow it all works together? A natural and unpretentious look at a subculture that unites some people's, from most of the world. How passion and malaise serve as a bumper to ultimate action. The only thing is...we don't get to see that action? But, we all know, ultimately it will happen...or not?

Two band mates are waiting for their godhead guitarist/vocalist to show up for an audition. The guitarist's groupie who just can't quite bring herself to tell these two hapless wantabees to just get over it and do their own thing. It's a failure to launch but wait, there's more. Enter: two other guitarist who have more than enough style and talent to propel this rhythm section to greatness (or at the very least...get a gig).

The acting is spot-on, natural and authentic. Street level South Korean urban settings, dark, smokey (only by owners permission) clubs, devoid (almost) of audience, and completely realistic.

No traditional story arc here. If you are looking for resolution...sorry, ain't happening.

Butcher's Crossing (2022)

It pains me to give it 3 stars.

[3/10 · 15 January 2024]

I always enjoy a good Western and a good War flick...what can I say, I'm a dude?! This is not one. The sets in the beginning are OK and the acting (likely suffering from poor direction) barely reaches mediocracy. At it's basic premise the story has potential but never really gets off the ground or goes anywhere rewarding. I need some believability and authenticity in a Western and this one fails completely. It appears to me that they hired the wrong historical consultant. The characters in the story who are supposed to be seasoned hunters, make too many rudimentary mistakes. If I may venture a guess...it's a bit of a "Heart of Darkness" knock off done horribly. What ever you do don't pay to see it. Watch it for free when you are so bored you feel like witnessing a train wreck in slow motion. Three stars for some of the scenery and the fact that someone put up money to make it. Nick Cage is a concubine and will make any amount of garbage?!

Free and Easy (2016)

Jim Jarmusch in Mandarin

[8/10 · 24 November 2023]

Delightful, slowly developing tragi-comedy in a mostly abandoned Chinese mining town. A soap salesman arrives with bad intentions. This alone is sub textually genius because even amongst themselves, Chinese admittedly suffer from cleanliness and hygiene difficulties. While the soap salesman attempts to apply his chosen trade and stay one step ahead of the local law enforcement, he becomes embroiled with other sad sack inhabitants of this lonely town. Static camera and slowly developing scenes with long shots thrown in here and there, it is reminiscent of Jarmusch. That being said it stands on its own as well as providing tongue-in-cheek social critique. A curious statement to me is the fact that the only self proclaimed Christian in the group is the only Moral and empathetic character? There's just more than meets the eye going on here and a great little "side trip" of a movie.

The Wall (2012)

Not the A,B, C's of survival.

[9/10 · 24 November 2023]

This movie is not the A, B, C's of survival, thank God, we already have enough of those. It is a monologue on the struggle with isolation. Realizing this from the beginning will allow you to apply this existential examination to aspects of your own life and perhaps the lives of others you may know. It is significant that the Woman does not struggle at length with the supernatural circumstances that cause her isolation but quickly adapts and survives. Also significant is the fact that she refers to her collected animals as "responsibilities" but ultimately depends on their presence for fulfillment, especially Lynx the dog. The monologue covers a multitude of thoughts and dilemmas. Beautiful, bittersweet, sad and uplifting, not for everyone but, right on point for me.

Still Life (I) (2013)

A tremendously well crafted movie.

[10/10 · 9 July 2023]

John May is a Detective, although he does not refer to himself as one. He is charged with finding next-of-kin for those that have died alone. At some point during his 20 year stint at this job he has taken the viewpoint that there must be someone, if even just a little, who cared what happened with the soul that has departed. We have no cumbersome back story here and the story is told over just a few days. There are two stories here, John Mays diligence, why, we don't know, and the circumstances and fate that befell the departed to find themselves all alone. Again, we don't know. You have to think for yourself and there is nothing more refreshing than a director who respects his audience and lets them come to their own conclusions. Eddie Marsan is glorious as usual and the pacing, editing and shooting is superb. Excellent supporting cast as well. Let this slice of humanity wash over you, absorb it and revel in it.

Ginger (I) (2018)

Seldom seen quality, intimate, personal story.

[9/10 · 26 April 2023]

Seldom is this topic told with such authenticity, understanding and sincerity. No fanfare of triumphant human will or bulls**t emotional manipulation. A delightful character caught in a dynamic and emotionally challenging situation and forced to make some decisions she is ill-prepared to make. The true treasure of this film amongst many is the performance of Susan Gordon. An actress I was not familiar with prior to this viewing. Her performance is sublime and obviously motivated by a desire for authenticity and a desire to show respect for the subject matter and the people who have travelled this path. A tough subject well told.

The Stranger (II) (2022)

True crime done very well.

[9/10 · 21 January 2023]

This is a well crafted, in every aspect, true crime drama. That being said, it is not for everyone. The pacing is deliberate and could be interpreted as slow for some viewers. The pacing fits the mood and style of the direction well and if you are actually watching, it will likely hook you and reel you in. Story, character, direction and authenticity is outstanding. Sean Harris and his performance is truly exceptional in every way and I can only hope that he himself was able to survive this characterization without any emotional damage to his person...it's that good, really. Imho...a near perfect execution of the true-crime genre.

Two Days, One Night (2014)

A remake of Bicycle Thieves

[10/10 · 24 December 2022]

Bicycle Thieves is my favorite movie of all time. I consider this a remake of that film albeit with different subject matter. But, basically it is the same. A woman (in this case) unfairly and tragically looses her job, and she has the weekend (two days and a night) to wade through humanity amidst a sea of despair, and impose herself on her coworkers in order to regain her factory job at a solar panel manufacturer. This is Bicycle Thieves 2.0 but expands on and adds additional thematic subtext. I have often wondered what a remake or a re-do of Bicycle Thieves would look like and this exceeded my expectations. Luc and Jean nail it again with cast, camera, story and the street. This is movie-making at its finest. No fat and fancy tricks, just good character and good story done good.

Battle for Saipan (2022)

Had to turn it off.

[2/10 · 1 December 2022]

Inauthentic, script was banal, costuming not historically accurate, fight scenes like a B Kung-Fu movie. Formulaic and uninspired.

This movie plays like a mediocre made for TV drama and just doesn't involve or demand much from the audience. I frankly couldn't finish watching it because I found it insulting and trite. I was disappointed to have paid good cash to see it and have it be so unoriginal and pedestrian. I only hope that some day a filmmaker will approach the Battle of Saipan authentically because it was truly a horrific sacrifice of American lives and deserves a better treatment than this refuse.

Hateship Loveship (2013)

A finely crafted, well acted, original story.

[10/10 · 27 September 2022]

Deserves better than it's 6 rating.

This very original story is a well told, well acted, well directed, believable, mellow drama. A good director and story teller will impart to the audience a delicate sense of how fragile and precarious our existence can be and how easily it can turn on a dime. There is an ominous incipient sense that everything could turn to s**t at any moment. It is the human condition. To tell this type of story in a believable fashion without clubbing your audience into submission, is a truly difficult thing to pull off. Every aspect of this movie achieves that. There is real talent on display here from top to bottom. If you enjoy empathizing and rooting for an underdog story, you will not be disappointed.

Tsili (2014)

Inarticulate

[2/10 · 18 August 2022]

I'm up for a challenge most of the time but this is boring, inarticulate and near pointless. I give it two points for some of the scenery. I'm not saying you have to make strong statements with your films but gimme something?!

Free Samples (2012)

A worthy Independent.

[9/10 · 29 January 2022]

Here's the the thing about so-called Independent film these days, it's so much more cheaper and easier to make than it use to be and most of it is unworthy. It seems like everyone is trying to make the next "Clerks" or "Slingblade" and they simply don't have the talent or the vision. "Free Samples" is a great example of what they could be. It's a pretty relatable example of a commonplace metaphysical crisis (at least for a large demographic), and well done top to bottom. Quality, efficiency, and doesn't take itself too seriously. Very close to perfect for its type.

Prayers for the Stolen (2021)

Social Realism filmaking

[8/10 · 22 December 2021]

Anna, Paula and Maria are three young girls growing up in a remote mountain town in the Mexican rainforest. Poppies are grown locally and harvested by the townspeople controlled by the Cartels. Life is precarious and the balance of power between Police, Cartel and Military is tenuous at best. This is impeccable Social Realist film with many captivating performances from non actors. If you like the genre you will like this one. 8/10.

A Single Shot (2013)

I don't understand the low rating?!

[9/10 · 18 December 2021]

This is a well crafted, well acted, authentic Neo-Noir. Gritty and believable, not for the faint of heart. Jeffrey Wright steals the show with an acting tour-de-force. The pace is slower but appropriate for the feel of the film. Well done all-around. Redneck Noir.

The Forgotten Battle (2020)

Excellent War Flick

[8/10 · 22 October 2021]

Just enough character development to garner sympathy from the viewer without over-sentimentalizing. Excellent sets, costuming and militaria. Good story and great acting. Plays out completely believable. Addresses an important aspect of the Market Gardens offensive at the beginning of the Allied attempt to retake the Continent. This movie will help you realize once again the enormous sacrifices by every-day heroes who have been long forgotten. Truly the "greatest generation".

I, Daniel Blake (2016)

Impeccable Social Realist filmmaking

[10/10 · 13 October 2021]

Ken Loach has never done better, Hayley Squires delivers a tour-de-force performance, excellent production and a jack-you-up out of your complacency story. It's clear here who the enemy is.

Wonder Wheel (2017)

Kate Winslet tour-de-force

[9/10 · 4 October 2021]

The other positive reviewers have said it all and are more articulate than myself. Kate puts in a tremendous performance. It is a-shame that actors in Woody Allen films don't receive the credit they are due. To my surprise, the chemistry and believability of Jim and Kate is wonderful and feels authentic. Excellent film.

Small Apartments (2012)

Not everyone lives like you so

[9/10 · 30 September 2021]

Not everyone lives like you do, that doesn't make them bad people or their aspirations unworthy. If this was an over produced, emotionally manipulative, spoon fed, ego-bloated, Hollywood piece of crap...they would be throwing awards at it. That being said, it is a well crafted movie top to bottom and not for people who can't appreciate it's idiosyncratic style. I'm glad I was able to catch it.

Tobruk (2008)

Decent Eastern EU war flik

[7/10 · 29 September 2021]

I agree with Aiax, this is a decent Eastern European effort. I am justifiably dubious about Eastern EU films, especially war films. They usually suffer from low production value, poor writing and dialogue. Largely manipulative and Nationalistic propaganda films. This one largely does not suffer from any of that. It is a "just tell it like it is" war film without a lot of backstory development. This is not an action packed over produced blow up everything blood soaked war film. It does show the boredom and soul crushing routine behind the lines before you find yourself in a hot spot. Some of the dialogue and situations suffer in the believability department but the costuming, sets and props look authentic, they pyrotechnics are good as well. It's nice that someone has put a focus on a pivotal battle that helped turn the tide in the early part of WWII. Worth a watch if your looking for a war flic.

The Salesman (2016)

A truly excellent film

[10/10 · 7 July 2021]

I can find no flaws in this production. Acting, character, story, direction, cinematography, sets, costuming, believability, pacing or editing. Excellently crafted film. This film achieves an almost complete empathy for every character involved without being manipulative. It's a gem for a thinking audience that appreciates subtext.

System Crasher (2019)

See it just for Helena

[8/10 · 3 July 2021]

I don't exaggerate when I say that the performance by Helena is the most outstanding performance by a child actor I have ever seen. The movie itself is none too original, none to exceptional. The editing is good and the pacing as well but, Helena as Benni is out of this world talented. Can't wait to see News of the World with her and Tom Hanks.

Kona fer í stríð (2018)

Perfectly executed movie experience.

[10/10 · 2 July 2021]

The great Roger Ebert said that the only way to impartially judge a movie is to ask, "how well did they execute what they were trying to do?". This movie is perfect. An original and well told story with great Acting, Directing and Cinematography.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Impeccable

[10/10 · 21 April 2021]

I can find no fault to criticize in this film. Everything is impeccable. Direction, acting, pacing, story, dialogue, editing and exceptional cinematography.

Here's a little filmmaking 101; start with a good story. Tom Ford appears to have learned that. It pains me to admit it, because I deplore the fashion industry for all the obvious reasons but, he has done a near perfect job on this one.

Queen of Diamonds (1991)

Montage portrayal

[7/10 · 13 April 2021]

Static shots, compositional exercises, long takes, natural pacing, very limited dialogue. The characters are almost secondary to the portrayal of a desolate, time worn, fading glory town crushed by the banality of routine. Tinka does a great job as the disaffected Blackjack dealer. Atypical movie experience. A sort of "slide show" storytelling slice of metaphysics.