martinvives Reviews

Rifkin's Festival (2020)

Keep Going Mr. Allen

[10/10 · 6 October 2020]

I just read an article suggesting Woody Allen should retire because he no longer makes good movies and so on. I am not a film critic, but as a film fan that has been enjoying his films at least once a year for quite some time, I beg to differ.

It would have been easy for him to make a film every 7 years give or take like many do and discard everything in between. In my opinion the way he has done things is braver and his fans are thankful for that.

Yes, perhaps he is an ageing "star" but for people who have grown used to his humor and literary and cinematic references, watching his films is still more enjoyable than the random Hollywood offering.

Perhaps this film is not one of his strongest ones, but these times are surely trying, and perhaps, even more for him. Even then, once a year, I still count on him.

Nasty Old People (2009)

A Pleasant Tale

[8/10 · 29 October 2009]

This is the first time in my life that I can download a movie before it hits the theaters, but thats another story...

I was really surprised by the magic of this independent movie. Besides the captivating story behind the scenes, this movie is made with a lot of talent.

The story talks about Mette, a 19 year old nazi who works for the home service and has to take care of the most problematic and crazy oldies in her town. The story talks about how through their relation the "Nasty Old People" and Mette start learning from one another which creates a powerful bond among them...

If you like tales that leave a half smile in your face, thats definitely your movie! Enjoy

The Wrestler (2008)

When beyond a great performance there is a dramatic personal story...

[10/10 · 13 January 2009]

I have just seen this and now my heart is totally divided. I loved the movie, 9/10. And Mickey Rourke, this guy I had never heard of (I even thought the character was real) and which I found out through this movie made a brilliant performance.

I don't know if anyone watched Irina Palm, starred by Marianne Faithful, who also has a long story on her back... I don't know, but when you feel beyond a great performance there is a dramatic personal story, a story of drowning and coming back... Man, I'm speechless.

I loved all movies I've seen from Aranofsky, from Pi to the present. But I think after this he made it into my TOP5 directors for a long time.

I'm not really good at reviews, I'm actually a n00b on it, and my main language is not even English, but I just can say HEY, watch this movie and I hope it gets to you just just half of what has touched me.

Irina Palm (2007)

A Great Surprise

[9/10 · 13 December 2007]

I watched this movie in the preview in my university. I must admit that when my friend told me what it was about I thought it would be one of those dull good-intentioned but poorly made movie. I was wrong.

This movie is powerful and transmits a lot. Doesn't pretend to feel pity, and even though the beginning might be even considered dramatic, it made me laugh out loud several times.

It's the first review I write, but I definitely thought I should drop a line to defend this beautiful story that talks about what can a person do for a loved one, about re-discovering yourself, about avoiding stupid dogmas... And at the end it leaves you with a broad smile and a sense of tenderness that not so commonly a movie inflicts you.

If you like beautiful stories, this is your movie.