roy-95830 Reviews

Civilisation (1969–1970)

Superb Reminder of all we Deserve to be Proud Of

[10/10 · 5 May 2024]

Totally superb. The truth is that for all the current foolish complaints about the patriarchy and white privilege etc, etc ad nauseam the facts will outlive the children's current outrage.

Here is a reminder that the west has so much to be proud of. Britain especially. We are where we are today because of the success and adoption of the British and the wests systems of government, an independent judiciary, standardized weights and measures, universal education, invention, financial institutions, etc, etc.

Without the west's civilization life will be nasty, brutish and short to quote Hobbes. This cracking documentary shows the results of supporting "from the river to the sea" and the superb developments that resulted from the terrible colonizers.

The Long Shadow (2023)

Nearly Excellent.

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Just fast forward all the over egged and exaggerated sections on Jean Jordan. Yes it's to be expected that we will see absolutely any aspect of anything that promotes "the message" exaggerated. But her screen time is out of any reasonable proportion to the story.

This is an important story that highlights how interdepartmental rivalry allows bad players to literally get away murder. All the way up to and including 911. The sexism and expectations on women is realistically shown.

I remember the case. It was, still is shocking. To have such a powerful and gripping story detracted by the message is frustrating. Still the show is excellent despite this and I'm happy to score it a 7. Worth watching.

Unthinkable (2010)

Authentic. Brilliant. Rare.

[10/10 · 29 April 2024]

Hollywood can and does produce real, authentic films that can ask us the toughest questions and this is one of them.

Just how far would you go to save millions of lives? Do we continue to worship at the altar of the individual, do we maintain the view that every life is equal and precious? Even when weighed against the probability but not the certainty of mass murder?

I'm glad I don't have to make the choice.

This film changed my opinion of Michael Sheen. He was fun in Masters & Johnson but I just never took him that seriously. He doesn't convince as a die hard lunatic fundamentalist but when he refuses to give in he leaves you wondering.

In doing so he wins big.

Samuel L Jackson starts out as we expect him to but then goes deeper. It's as if the actors themselves spent time thinking about the characters and roles and you can visibly see them develop.

Another 10 for me. Watch it.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

Wanted to like this.

[2/10 · 3 April 2024]

A serious topic I wanted to watch and gain insight from. The war continues to keep revealing new stories and insights even eighty years after its end.

The fact that these people lived seemingly normal lives so close to such horror is at once horrendous, shocking and fascinating. The film is without question 10/10 for historical accuracy, costumes, behaviors and buildings, etc, etc.

So what's wrong?

It is just too slow. Agonizingly, desperately, teeth gnashingly tediously paced. This becomes frustrating fast. But then the other issue is that we never get to learn or understand what led them to be able to live like this.

Deutsches Haus Or The Interpreters Silence tells this story better and gives us greater understanding.

The Tourist (2022–2024)

Season 1 was so good. Danielle deserves better.

[3/10 · 2 April 2024]

It really was terrific. Something new and refreshing. Jamie is so talented and versatile as an actor and the writing by Harry and Jack Williams felt genuinely exciting.

Then season 2 breaks our hearts. Going back to Ireland was great and the story initially makes sense but as viewers we are constantly confused and distracted by the relationship between Danielle MacDonald as Helen and Jamie as Elliot.

Because we are all screaming at the screen saying Jamie just would not ever be with her. So instead of paying attention you end up in arguments with your partner about how horrible you are because the match between a 9 and a large 5 just does not add up.

But then episode 3.

Ha! The director Chris Sweeney shows Jamie coming out of the shower topless looking fabulous. Now I said let's see Danielle even modestly wrapped in a towel. Of course not.

Danielle is a lovely lady and a fine actor but juxtaposing her into a non sensible relationship it is unfair.

The Patriot (2000)

Mel Gibson in Braveheart Part 2

[2/10 · 21 March 2024]

He really does not like the British our Mel Gibson does he? From Braveheart to Gallipoli it's "the British are bad" over and over.

Maybe it's the Australian convict thing. Maybe it's just he is cross about the British support for the establishment of Israel.

This film is so rediculous and insulting that I couldn't stand more than a few minutes. No mention that the British were trying to maintain an agreement with the Indians not to keep settling in the Delaware valley.

Or the fact that the settlers, the colonists were paying the lowest taxes in the world at the time. Or that the British were protecting them from the French and Indians. Or that by the written description "a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims." the founding fathers were in fact terrorists?

It wouldn't matter so much if so many didn't think this real history.

Gomorrah (2014–2021)

For me the best TV show ever made

[10/10 · 7 March 2024]

My god not easy to watch. At times sincerely heartbreaking. You wonder how can I care so much about these terrible awful people.

It is the skill of Robert Saviano that we do. Plus the perfect acting of, not just one or two but so many. The main stars. Marco De'Amore as Ciro and Salvatore Espisito as Genny are simply superb. I never once not ever doubted them in their roles or their journey.

Cristiana Dell'Anna as Patrize is chilling and authentic and always leaves us wandering if she had sex with Chanel to convince her. But I especially loved Arturo Muselli as Enzo.

The locations, the pacing, individual motivations and again authenticity never faltered. That it managed to be poignant is incredible.

The show is a journey that rewards. Don't miss it.

Sniper. The White Raven (2022)

Skip the first 30 mins. Then it's not bad.

[7/10 · 28 February 2024]

Takes thirty minutes to start the film. Nothing preceding it explains how come our hero can strip and rebuild a rifle blindfold.

The first thirty minutes also has all the propaganda. Depending on your viewpoint this is OK or not. I liked the female sniper character and the Russian military (was Ukraine/is now) does have a history of successful women in the role, most famously Lyudmila Pavlichenko.

But we never get to understand her or learn much. Shame.

His motivation is revenge and was covered by Charles Bronson in Death Wish in 1974 or Straw Dogs in 1971. But you didn't come here for the acting did you?

Lots and lots of unnecessary shouting. Drove me crazy. Finally the film gets started properly 52 minutes in. It is what it is and less enjoyable for that.

World War II: From the Frontlines (2023)

Superb. Sometimes hard to watch.

[2/10 · 14 December 2023]

A really excellent documentary that is not only superbly updated and remastered it also contains a very large amount of new material.

I've been watching WW2 documentaries and film/TV since Granadas "World at War" and often see the same content reused. Very little of that here.

The maps showing territorial expansion and loss are really good and help explain the scale of the war.

The content is also very well balanced between viewpoints and experiences. But it doesn't shy from some of the really harrowing things that happened and it can be difficult to watch.

Oddly I found the Italian civilians punching and spitting on the British POWs really upsetting. It also made me angry given how they changed sides so fast months later.

My only criticism would be that like so many others the series does not report on the worst atrocities and barbarism of the war. By the Japanese. Ordinary Japanese soldiers raped, mutilated, threw babies in the air and caught them on bayonets, chopped the heads off civilians and POWs equally. Practiced evil medicine on children, pregnant women, etc.

Unlike in Germany it was all covered up.

Payback (I) (2023)

Easy to Guess. Enjoyable despite the tropes.

[8/10 · 19 November 2023]

Only the women are sympathetic and the minorities are the "goodies". This trope is getting monotonous and makes every show predictable.

There must be lots of black and minority actors who want to play the baddie at least occasionally. Look did there need to be balance? Yes! Damn right there needed to be. But does it now have to be so automatic that the white guys are always evil, hiding dark secrets whilst any minority is an icon of perfection?

We don't even get flawed black or minority heroes so the character depth for the actors is restricted. Andi Osho is terrific as DI Joan Royce for the limited time she's on screen. The brilliant IT hacker dude is,.... Let's guess, Indian. Sigh.

But I enjoyed it very much. Morvan Christie is superb as Lexie Noble, credible, and with a depth and range that makes us wonder if she is actually involved or just disintegrating.

Tropes aside I liked it very much.

Black Sails (2014–2017)

Great show. British Empire Justified, Explained

[9/10 · 10 November 2023]

Chaos, theft, murder, random cruelty, why we are romantic about pirates is a mystery. This show exemplifies why the British Empire was a force for good.

An independent judiciary, education (I didn't see any pirates building any schools) hospitals, formal weights and measures, ownership and property laws and on and on. I kept wanting the British to win the whole time.

Still it's a heck of a fun romp, Rackham is a hoot. Charles Vance is an original real man who would have any modern snowflake in hysterics. The writing is strong, the CGI utterly appalling, they looked like they used the video game "Total War" for the ships but it is a great show I enjoyed.

Volkswagen Joe (2013)

Moving and Superb

[10/10 · 11 October 2023]

I was very lucky to see this as a result of a friend having a copy. It manages to convey a strong narrative and understanding of the key characters quickly which is difficult for any film maker. I was immediately drawn and wanted to know what would happen next.

That it manages to deliver pathos and also creates a question of "why" is a further testament to the team that put it together. It really is superb and should anyone get a chance to see it I would strongly suggest watching.

Well done to everyone who gave their time and creativity to make this wonderful short film. It's very special and I hope it gets recognition one day.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (2018– )

An antidote to our stressful world

[10/10 · 9 October 2023]

The most beautiful yet ridiculously simple idea executed to a level the exceeds the sublime. That Paul and Bob are absolutely genuine and authentic in their banter is clear and comes across immediately. "don't wind" is often shouted at Bob with unrestrained frustration!

But it is also gorgeous to watch, the cinematography makes your heart ache at the beauty of the British countryside. It should win awards just for it alone. Then there is the music so well matched to it that you feel your heart rate drop and your stress go down with a quiet joy.

In case it comes across as syrupy be reassured by the unintended comedy of Bobs inability to stand up and the fun of listening to two of Britains best comedians "going at it".

I think what sets it apart for me is the poignancy of their moments and reflections which often move me to gentle tears. I just don't want them to ever stop. Thank you Bob and thank you Paul.