marianajb Reviews

I Lost My Body (2019)

Searching

[8/10 · 25 January 2020]

As a latinamerican, the way we conceive art is very different from how it is in Europe. In this beautifully made animated motion picture of how the protagonist is (throughout the film) searching for what is missing from him, his hand looking and suffering many obstacles along the way for his body to finally complete it again; and himself, his essence, his persona, suddenly falling in love with what was at first a mysterious woman, and risking many of his personal things for her, to win her heart and be together and finally complete her It was a cultural contact and an impact for me but in a good way, me a costarican with a very different and not so conservative way of showing bodies and just how by themselves are art but also what it is inside them, the union and divine engagement between two bodies, two persons, two minds. In my country bodies are not usually seen as a form of art, even less bodies that are missing a part of themselves. But in this movie and in general these types of movies makes me realize the importance of bodies as they are in a physical way but also what its inside them, that the divine is within all of us. To me I lost My Body is a very different thing from what I am used to but it truly opened my eyes and touched my heart, made every centimeter of my body engage on this gorgeous form of art.

The Breadwinner (2017)

Great animation, great characters, great story-telling

[8/10 · 11 July 2018]

I was truly amazed with this film, I really enjoy those movie that are able to produce certain emotions in me. The story is great and also the characters in it are very empowering. The way it tells the story is awesome, because they had the ability to step out, they were original and creative, using so much colors and different animation. In motion pictures what matters is not if it is an entertaining story full of action or drama, but how the plot is told regarding of its theme. The two combination of the animation present in this film and all the magical and non-magical parts in it, is extraordinary, at least for me. They not only try to show a little of reality of this culture but also a little of fantasy and art present everywhere, regardless of its culture. Breadwinner is really worth your time. 8.8

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Not a great film, but it has some good aspects

[6/10 · 5 January 2018]

I didn't like the movie, I am not a fan of wizards or Rowling's work, but I decided to watch it to see Rowling's work as a screenwriter, which I found not good. Though there are some details in the film which I found good; like production, how they make everything fit the historical context which the story is based on, for example the briefcase (being the resource of Newt's magical products, being relevant to the story of the motion picture), also the production design, costume design, I like how the played with the colors, and used some specific ones to create a good photography. One of the reasons why I don't like a lot Sci-Fi or Fantasy movies is because of the use of many special effects, but I was quite pleased with those shown in the movie. I do think the acting, direction and screenplay are poor, could be better.

Dunkirk (2017)

This is the proof that motion pictures are art.

[9/10 · 11 August 2017]

It is true that it is a historical movie because it takes place at Dunkirk during the World War II, but the way I see it this is just "an excuse" to prove how awesome movies are, and the power of them. We have new technologies and must learn to embrace them and take all the advantage as we can of them. From beginning to resolution, this masterpiece amazed me and remind me why I love movies so much. It is so complete and there is not much to say about it than freaking amazing. If you are looking for a historical movie, then this is not it; but if you are looking for art at its fullest, then... what are you waiting for?

My Life as a Zucchini (2016)

Simplicity is just another form of art

[9/10 · 19 July 2017]

The way they made this film was very original, and good originality is very valuable and worth watching. I love stop-motion, in this is an excellent stop-motion, because of everything in the film impressed me. The characters are very original, even the name that the main character has is amazing. The screenplay embraces so many genuine topics, as love and the different ways it can be shown; it has humor but it also wants to make you cry and fall in love with each character. The production is incredible, amazing, out of this world; and I couldn't ask for more, it made me want to cry because of this simple but outstanding production! This motion picture is really worth watching, is very touching; and if I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life it will be this one.

Ex Machina (2014)

Excellent film! a Sci-Fi classic

[9/10 · 5 July 2017]

I don't usually like or watch Sci-Fi movies, for many reasons; but this one was really worth it, every minute of it. This film is excellent. Artificial Intelligence is something that many hope it occurs, it has also become an arguable topic; and here they show us the interaction of a machine that has human attributes with a human. The whole concept and difference of what make a machine human or not. The special effects amazed me, they look very genuine, and everything related to the Sci-Fi part with imagination it looks believable, and that what I liked. It takes place in a house in the woods, so having, and first I must describe how amazing the takes of the nature are. Its a nice and pleasant contrast of the nature that hopefully it has and will always be there and something so advanced as Artificial Intelligence. This movie talks about the past, a little of the present, and the future. It talks about many subjects, this movie is about the everything. Production was incredible, and i could not ask for anything else. The performances by the three main characters are very subtle and nice, each one of them has its own persona, it shows very different people, and that is vital for interaction within characters in the story. This is the first movie that Alex Garland directs, and for me it did a wonderful job, because this movie is beyond amazing, it should be classic of Science Fiction that must live forever. And maybe in the future when they develop Artificial Intelligence in a human-like form, and they look back at a movie like this, with the expectations or at least the view that humanity used to have with A.I. 9.7/10

Ruby Sparks (2012)

Beyond incredible!

[10/10 · 10 May 2017]

I knew the moment when I finished the movie that what happened in those minutes, something that you not usually see, happened; something good. I stayed like a week without getting over this movie; I haven't felt like that for a film in a very long time, that night I couldn't sleep just thinking about it, about the everything of it, and it was at that moment that I knew this movie became something of me, one of my favorite motion pictures. I feel like everything in this film is meant to be: the directors, the actors, the time and the place were it was filmed, the story, the wholeness of it. I usually don't like fantasy stories, but in this one, is completely unexpected, and that is what I like the most: to be impressed. Starting with the idea of him as a writer, makes it in a very poetic and romantic way; he even idealizes the idea of his perfect woman; and just the relationship they have, and well... how he controls her at some point, is just perfect and very beautiful. At the end the message of: "if you love someone or something let it go", and I loved the resolution of the movie because it leaves us with the idea of hoping that they come back again. Also the book that he writes "for Her" is like the most perfect, incredible and awesome end for one of the most incredible and awesome films ever. The photography and cinematography and how they used the colors they used according of what was happening in the lives of the main characters, and that looked splendid. The actors, all of them, both the protagonists and the other ones, were right for the role, they knew who to played them and they did it with passion and love for everything that is the seventh form of art. If you are a true lover of good and brilliant movies, this one will definitely blow your expectation. At first and I think that in a way right now to, got me speechless and it really hard for that to happened. This motion picture truly is something. 9.9/10

Nebraska (2013)

Art

[9/10 · 8 April 2017]

I have never heard of this film or anyone involved in it, when I finished it I din't understand why because this film is amazingly done, one of the few that has the honor of calling it a motion picture, a form of art, that is what it is: art. Strating with a cinematography that not anyone dares to use, and in here work with a sense of pure beauty. Then the film edition was one of the things that impressed me the most, it changes of scene so delicate and profound just perfectly to the screenplay. The actors with amazing performances, just when I thought they can't do better, they just overcome my expectations and did it ten times more amazing. This type of screenplay is the one of my favorites, from a story that some people think is boring, for me are the ones where you can take the best of it; starting with something simple, that seemed hopeless, but then with the characters that also lived simple lives, but each one of them had their virtues and ideas to live for, a history behind them. I also loved the reality in the film. The dialogue they used is like gold transformed into words. and then the music that showed tranquility in a place where a lot of negative but not terrible things happened. This are the kind of films that should last forever.If you like classics this one will fill you with joy. I loved every second and minute of it.

Jackie (V) (2016)

Originality

[8/10 · 27 March 2017]

I was fascinated when I finished the movie. Portman's performance was wonderful, very touching, you could really feel for her, Jaqueline was a very strong women specially at the moment where they shot her husband, she had to be brave and put a face, she was a great woman in a tight spot. In my opinion, she was even better than in the "Black Swan" (2010); expressing feelings of anger, sadness, happiness, and encouragement; even to a point of no feelings at all. The director of this film, is from Chile, the way he made the whole was incredible, specially because is very adaptable and relatable, cinematographycally speaking, to the 60's, the image is centered the whole film, also the cinematography is antique, the way the played with the colors was very pleasant, the custom design was a challenge that they overcome and turned into perfection. The film edition was great. The story and the script were incredible and with the perfect combination of the performances turned itself into magic. I haven't seen these much of originality and beauty in a while! Amazing motion picture!

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Outstanding!

[9/10 · 27 February 2017]

These is the kind of films I love, adore and enjoy watching; because of screenplays like this, actors like this, soundtrack like these, the length of the film, and many more reasons. Strating with screenplay and script, using that kind of language is rough and difficult to create, and the way actors took it was amazing, that lead to those incredible performances; the story that each character had and the way they showed it, the before and after the event changed their lives. I love the order in which the story is told, because it means that only some people could understand it and more important will find the movie interesting and stick with it till the end. Kenneth Lornergan is a true artist, a man with passion, that everything he creates is art, is magnificent. Affleck's performance was excellent, got me speechless. Also William's was pretty good, and Hedges' was good. Also the production and cinematography was perfect to the film. The soundtrack was very very nice because it had the combination of modern classic music and old classic music.

I Am Sam (2001)

Beautiful story

[8/10 · 3 February 2017]

This film, is a very touching one and shows a lot of values. Sean Penn's performance is very good, also Dakota Fanning's, one of the best performance made by a child a ever seen. I loved all the characters who played Sam's friends, how each one of them is super special and unique in their own way, I have to say that my personal favorite is Ifty, because he loves movies, and I think it was brilliant the way they mention other movies, a very passionate and subtle way. The screenplay is wonderful! There is nothing else to say about it. I have to say that the cinematography is weird though; to dark for this kind of movie, also the position of the cameras is not nice.

La La Land (2016)

Already a classic that will live forever

[9/10 · 1 February 2017]

This movie is a dream come true, and I know it sound weird but it is true, at least for me. The screenplay is just the perfect combination of romance, comedy, and drama. The whole idea of dreams, chasing them, admiring the ones who have already achieve them; is really inspirational. Also the dancing, most of the time is was tap, but even a waltz comes near, which was a perfect touch. I love musicals, and this one is not an exception, it is one of the best I have ever seen. Chazelle is a genius. And also his work as a director was outstanding, from beginning to end. Talking about beginning, the introduction of this film was amazing. The songs, are really good, also the dancing. The performances made by the two leading roles, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, were incredible, really really good. Especially Stone's one. How both of them have their own history and passion. The custom design were classic and pretty, but at the same time very modern. The cinematography is just perfect for the motion picture, and film editing made me want to cry because it is excellent. I love movies, I love musicals, this movie is just perfection to me. "Here's to the ones who dream!"

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

A pride of Latin American cinema

[7/10 · 26 January 2017]

A movie with flashbacks, love, crime, passion, drama, and mystery. That is just the perfect combination. First of all the cinematography is extraordinary, is different, and is risky; and the result is magical. Strating with the positions of the cameras, at some point of the scene they use an angle that is not very common, its original and I loved it. Ricardo Darín is an excellent actor, one of the best in Latin America. his performance in this movie was pretty good. Also Guillermo Francella performance was very very good. The whole screenplay is thrilling from beginning to end, and once it ends, you still wish for more. Is these kind of movies, is these kind of art that makes me proud to be a Latin American. Many people complain the language they use, but I think is wonderful because it adapts itself perfect to the film.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Wow!

[8/10 · 19 January 2017]

I was very impressed with this film. I really like Michael Cera as an actor and also the movies he has work on. I loved the edition of the film because it is original and different and off course very well done. The screenplay is awesome because first it starts normal and as it goes on there is a plot twist and then at the end you finally understand everything. Also the idea of them having a band, and the girl with rollers and changes of hair color. Each scene that came, things become weirder but in a very good sense, I loved it. Personally I recommend everyone to watch this movie; specially if you like color full details and originality.

12 Angry Men (1957)

Inspirational

[9/10 · 12 January 2017]

This piece of art, master piece, excellent film, whoever you want to call it; is inspirational in every sense, whereas is of how the movie is made, or for the daily life. This are the kind of movies that last forever. starting with the screenplay, and the whole idea of it, twelve men in a room deciding if a child is guilty or not, at first it seemed so simple, there was an only option, until someone opposes. Having most of the film placed in one room, was and incredible touch. The script was amazing, also the placing of the cameras along the movie; and well the performances off course, who were brilliant all of them. James Fonda character represent the good difference we must make in this world. To always question things. The message that this movie brings is one of a kind. 9.9/10

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

A very artistic story

[8/10 · 12 January 2017]

Tom Ford is a fashion designer (not a secret), so when he makes movies he makes a wonderful combination of them. The opening of the film is beautiful. It is really noticeable how much effort he put in each scene, you can see the development of the characters through the movie. the cinematography was spectacular, it matches with the screenplay (loved that). Talking about screenplay, once the movie finishes the idea that I had is gone, now I start to question the whole story, who is real, who isn't, what is real, what isn't. I believe is really worth to watch this movie, and everyone has different conclusions. I believe Jake Gyllenhaal performances was amazing, he is a little crazy, then loving, caring, insecure, joyful. So that much versatility is one character was amazing. My favorite was the male performances, Gyllenhaal, Shannon, Taylor-Johnson, the three of them made a spectacular job.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Great Stop-motion

[8/10 · 11 January 2017]

This movie is very well done in my opinion. First of all the combination of Stop-Motion and the regular animation was brilliant, was outstanding and very enjoyable to watch. Personally, I love this kinds of movies, but I am sure that even if you don't, you will enjoy this one. The casting was a very nice combination of actors. Screenplay was beautiful, it shows the values of family, also the customs and tradition in Japan; in involves action, love, comedy, sadness, fear, and fantasy (just the perfect combination). The dialogue was brilliant, a very developed one, told in a a sophisticated but at the same time in a humble way. The origami was magnificent, and a very beautiful and artistic way to tell stories. The whole story is very pretty. This movie is one of a kind. The director made a wonderful job, the characters of course and their own stories, makes you fall in love with it. Laika's animation was incredible! 9.0/10

Gone with the Wind (1939)

"A piece of film history"

[9/10 · 22 December 2016]

Excellent, this movie is excellent. Everything. First the special effects amazed me! Incredible. This film was based on a book, a Pulitzer Price winner and such as the book the motion picture is great. The film has an amazing screenplay, very complete. Then the performances, brilliant, excellent performances; Vivien Leigh was amazing, taking the role of women during those times and how she completely changed their role in that society. And Clark Gable, specially with his famous line of "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn"; his performances in this movie is one of the best I have ever seen. The cinematography of this film is beyond incredible, I loved it, excellent, and again one of the best I have ever seen. In this category also was nominated The Wizard of Oz, and this movie as well has an excellent cinematography, and Gone with the Wind won. I also loved the production and set decoration it really sticks to the time where this movie takes place. This kind of movies are the ones that live forever, beautiful pieces of art, that is worth watching every second of it. 9.9/10

The Shining (1980)

An excellent movie

[10/10 · 13 December 2016]

The score that I gave to this film says it all. EXCELLENT! I wouldn't change a single thing about this movie. First things first; the direction that the genius Stanley Kubirk made was outstanding. He was looking for perfection an got very close to it. Then the performances that the actors made. Personally I think that Jack Nicholson's performance is one of the best I have ever seen. Now is not a secret how much Shelly Duvall suffered on set, but at the end the result makes it seem as if it all was really worth it. Along with the performances there was a little improvisation, phrases that have been quote till today and for eternity, those improvisations and their performances combined with the script and the direction is the result of an amazing piece if art. The production did a wonderful job. The film editing seems so simple, that for me that makes it look excellent, again, one of the best I have ever seen. All the psycho part was incredible. Every scene of this movie is legendary. Is an excellent movie, that everyone should watch, off course if he or she have the guts to watch it. If you like suspense, horror, thriller, and psychological themed movies, this one is for you!

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

One of the best films of 2015

[9/10 · 10 December 2016]

I watched the trailer, and at first I wasn't very convinced, but I said to myself to give it a try. Like a month later I watched the movie and it was blew my expectations, thank God I watched it! because it was really worth it. It doesn't matter your age, everyone will enjoy this film. The screenplay is so well written, and the script is a little complicated but, for me, that is what makes it so good. Young characters (not for me because I'm younger than the) made awesome performances, the relationships that they show from beginning to the end were amazing. the characters are that kind of people that I like to be around and called them my friends. The director did an a good job, the result of this movie was excellent, I have to give credit for that. also the production nice, the custom designs: I love that little touche of a pink wig, gives personality to the character. I also loved how they placed the cameras. But above all, what I really and truly loved was the fact that they made films, two teenagers. This really inspires me. For me, this film is one of the best of 2015. Beautiful everything! 9.5/10

The Martian (2015)

A Sci-Fi I really enjoyed

[8/10 · 7 December 2016]

I was completely amazed by this movie! I don't usually like Sci-Fi movies or TV series, but I really enjoyed this one, I guess that there are some exceptions... Probably it was because not everything in the film is placed in Mars, they come back constantly to Earth, so having that change was nice; it was half the Sci-Fi part and half the realistic part. Matt Damon's performance was really good, he expressed many feelings: happiness, loneliness, nervousness, excitement.His character went to a lot and he expressed it just perfectly. Scott Ridley did an incredible job, I'm speechless. Was absolutely magnificent. I loved the screenplay, actually most of the performances called a lot my attention. The production was just enough, it wasn't an extravagant weird thing. Everything seemed so real for me (possibly why I don't like much Sci-Fi is because is so unrealistic to me, and I like things that can be real) but what Mr. Ridley did to this movie was so fantastic, is really awesome. Likely is one of the best Sci-Fi movies I have ever seen.

9.0/10

American Beauty (1999)

a beautiful classic

[10/10 · 2 December 2016]

The title of the movie says it all. Beauty is all this movie is about, beautiful actors, director, script, production, screenplay, soundtrack, and everything else that contribute with this movie is beautiful. I loved how they turned simple things, such as a family (that in this case is what the movie is based on), and turn it into something absolutely amazing. If you read the word "beutiful" or "beauty" many times, well its because its true, everything is, literally everything is pure beauty. The performances held by the actors and actress are incredible, specially Kevin Spacey's and Annette Bening's. They did and excellent work together. It felt as if they shared the spotlight, what I mean with this is that they sort of trade it, at one time you could see how Kevin lets Annette make a wonderful performance and "viceversa". That little touch of the red roses was absolutely incredible. Also the character who filmed everything and even if it was a plastic bag somehow they made them sound as if it was the most beautiful thing ever. I couldn't get over this movie for like a week, it really amazed me, I fell in love with it. Maybe its because this film is my favorite movie, or maybe its because everything the put in this movie is fantastic, but practically everyone who has seen this movie, and specially if you like classics, good movies, that deserve to be recognized by the history of excellent movies.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

The best movie I'll ever see.

[10/10 · 28 November 2016]

I am not lying when I say this is the best movie ever seen. Just as the other movie, everything is excellent, a piece of art; the directing, the acting, the screenplay, the soundtrack, the production, the costume design, the script, the film editing, etc. But, what makes this movie different from the other one? that made me like this one even more.. Simple, that beautiful constant flashback; of when it all started, of how Vito achieve that much power to have the last name Corleone so popular along anyone who is involved in the mafia; and then it takes you back to the present, with Al Pacino's awesome performance of Michael as the new Godfather; that incredible screenplay was what catch me, it made me fall in love with this movie. A classic that is worth watching every minute of it, because each single part of this movie is excellent.

The Godfather (1972)

Best movie ever.

[10/10 · 24 November 2016]

"The Godfather" along with "The Gofather: Part II" are the best movies I have ever seen. Absolutely everything of it is magnificent, pure magic, gold, etc. The performances, the directing, the screenplay, the production, the script, the soundtrack, the film editing, the costume design, and the list goes on and on. The performances are excellent, all of them, through that you can see all the work the director Francis Ford Coppola made, which is one i truly admire. This movie is irreplaceable, a true piece of art. A classic. It involves love, crime, passion, negotiations, family, loyalty, respect. For me is just the perfect combo, because I love movies with violence, I also love movies with romance. I think there will never be a movie as perfect as this one.

The Shallows (2016)

A waste of a my time and my money

[4/10 · 23 November 2016]

School decided to celebrate the end of exams by going to the movies... they made us vote for the movie we would like to see, and "The Shallows" was the winner, I really tried to go with a positive attitude. The movie started, the first thing I could notice was is that the editing of the movie is terrible, I completely hated it, it was awful. Then the soundtrack was so bad, I get the impression as if they tried to copy one but just turned out worst than if they have created it themselves. When we got out of the theater my classmates asked me what I thought, I told them those things; but then they asked me if a liked the acting and the directing... So the directing was a joke to what you called a director, and then the acting, please there wasn't even an acting. Through out the movie I tried to stay with a positive attitude and open minded, i tried. Please there are many other good movies with a similar screenplay, way more better than this...