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RedShikari
Reviews
Secret Lives: Hidden Children and Their Rescuers During WWII (2002)
Mistake leads to enlightening film
This documentary, which I admit I picked up thinking it was a narrative film, was beautifully done. The stories are personal and moving, particularly the reunions of the rescuers and the children. It's fascinating to see how many different types of relationships formed, and the numerous ways in which being a rescuer or a rescuee changed the course of people's lives. Coming from a narrator who experienced being a hidden child herself, every story has deeper meaning. Whether it was a teenager who got stuck with her babysitting charges despite being only a few years older than them, or the woman who thought of her rescuer as more her mother, even though she lost contact at age two and spent her life with her real mother, or the boy who hid in a closet for two years - something will touch you. You will learn something about World War II from a personal viewpoint, not just facts on a page.
Viva Zapata! (1952)
A moving portrayal of one of the most famous Revolutions
Having just learned about the Mexican Revolution in a History class, I jumped at the chance to view this film for my Film class when I was assigned Elia Kazan as a director to investigate. Kazan is not overwhelmingly present in the film, allowing the viewer to take things in and simply enjoy and process the film. Marlon Brando is quietly intense, just as the real Emiliano Zapata was. The love his followers had for him is just as accurately portrayed. This film, while taking a few historical liberties, remains true to the spirit of the people who fought for their freedom, a fight that many Mexicans claim continues to this day. I highly recommend it, both as a film and as a history lesson.
Benny & Joon (1993)
A sweet film
This movie never fails to make me smile, and I'm always clapping by the end. It's sweet, Depp's performance is amusing and masterful, and the story is wonderful. It just leaves me feeling happy. I only wish they had expanded more on Sam's background, or shown more of his mime acts, which really made the film for me. Depp in one of his best.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Amazing film
One of the most amazing films I've ever seen. Baz Luhrman takes chances and they work. The love story is poignant, the music is refreshing, the actors are obviously having fun, and the film style is stunning. I could watch this movie over and over again, and I actually have. I always notice something new, a look, a bit of a song, a camera angle, that makes it even better.