FELIZ NAVIDAD Y LO MEJOR PARA EL 2010!!!
I'm done with my comments for this year. It was a year full of great moments and teachings. It was tough but I've learned a lot in the process. I wish to you all a great 2010 full of love.
LoL. Claudia
December 12, 2009
Los Brazos Rotos
English Title: Broken Embraces
Pedro Almodovar, Spain, 2009, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: Since I heard the rumors that Almodovar was making a new film, I was dying to see it! Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed. I guessed the plot after the first 30 minutes of the film and that killed the rest for me. Without any doubt a good film but not a great film. As always in Almodovar's films, the cinematography is superb! Penelope is great as she normally is in spanish films. The rest of the actors.... really, really good!
Comment: Since I heard the rumors that Almodovar was making a new film, I was dying to see it! Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed. I guessed the plot after the first 30 minutes of the film and that killed the rest for me. Without any doubt a good film but not a great film. As always in Almodovar's films, the cinematography is superb! Penelope is great as she normally is in spanish films. The rest of the actors.... really, really good!
Gigante
English Title: Gigante
Adrian Biniez, Uruguay-Argentina, 2008, imdb
Review: 3.0 Uchuvas
Comment: .... no, I didn't like it... I was really waiting to see this film but I thought it was too flat. I liked the main actor's work thou. In the beginning of the film I thought it would be a tough story but ends up being a story with nothing attractive.
Comment: .... no, I didn't like it... I was really waiting to see this film but I thought it was too flat. I liked the main actor's work thou. In the beginning of the film I thought it would be a tough story but ends up being a story with nothing attractive.
Sophie School - Die Letzten Tage
English Title: Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Marc Rothermund, Germany, 2005, imdb
Review: 3.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I'm still not sure why I didn't like this film much. The actors were not bad. The story was sad, heroic and good; but, there was something that didn't make me feel connected with the film. The only really good part was to see "Roger Federer" acting!! (just kidding... Fabian Hinrichs, second character in the film, must be his lost twin brother!!)
Comment: I'm still not sure why I didn't like this film much. The actors were not bad. The story was sad, heroic and good; but, there was something that didn't make me feel connected with the film. The only really good part was to see "Roger Federer" acting!! (just kidding... Fabian Hinrichs, second character in the film, must be his lost twin brother!!)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
English Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Garth Jennings, UK, 2005, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: Again, the first time I watched this film I fell asleep!!! also the second time!! but I just totally loved it the third time when I managed to finish it! The actors are really good (most of them) and "Marvin", the robot, is superb!! (his voice is spot on!). I also liked a lot the effects! I'm just totally in love with British films! I pretty much enjoy most of them! I've heard the book is really good too; will need to check it out! BTW, I just realized is the same director of "Son of Rambow" a film I liked too!!
Comment: Again, the first time I watched this film I fell asleep!!! also the second time!! but I just totally loved it the third time when I managed to finish it! The actors are really good (most of them) and "Marvin", the robot, is superb!! (his voice is spot on!). I also liked a lot the effects! I'm just totally in love with British films! I pretty much enjoy most of them! I've heard the book is really good too; will need to check it out! BTW, I just realized is the same director of "Son of Rambow" a film I liked too!!
Cache
English Title: Cache
Michael Haneke, France, 2005, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: I saw this film few years ago but I fell asleep. I liked the parts I remember so I rent it again but I fell asleep again! So, I decided to have a third go and try not to fall sleep. I finally managed and saw until the last scene! I liked it but it wasn't my cup of tea. Now I understand why I fall sleep every time! some scenes, where nothing happens, are endless! I feel that the film is a bit too long! They should put a note that reads: "Not recommended for tired people"
Comment: I saw this film few years ago but I fell asleep. I liked the parts I remember so I rent it again but I fell asleep again! So, I decided to have a third go and try not to fall sleep. I finally managed and saw until the last scene! I liked it but it wasn't my cup of tea. Now I understand why I fall sleep every time! some scenes, where nothing happens, are endless! I feel that the film is a bit too long! They should put a note that reads: "Not recommended for tired people"
Lost in La Mancha
English Title: Lost in La Mancha
Keith Fulton-Louis Pepe, UK-US, 2002, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: It needs to be said that this film is a documentary and the film it self was never made ("The Man Who Killed Don Quixote"). In the beginning the documentary was a bit boring but it turns out to be painful, sad and good. It was very sad to see how the Terry Gilliam's dream became a complete nightmare! What was really sad about the "disaster" is that most of the problems during the shooting were for weather and health conditions! Nobody can really predict that. I'm glad that at least the documentary was well known.
Comment: It needs to be said that this film is a documentary and the film it self was never made ("The Man Who Killed Don Quixote"). In the beginning the documentary was a bit boring but it turns out to be painful, sad and good. It was very sad to see how the Terry Gilliam's dream became a complete nightmare! What was really sad about the "disaster" is that most of the problems during the shooting were for weather and health conditions! Nobody can really predict that. I'm glad that at least the documentary was well known.
November 22, 2009
Cashback
English Title: Cashback
Sean Ellis, UK, 2006, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I started to see this film without even knowing that it was a British film. The films was amazing but it turns out to be a ... it never mind. It's a super nice film with great acting and super effects. I'm not sure about the ending... that was my disappointment.
Comment: I started to see this film without even knowing that it was a British film. The films was amazing but it turns out to be a ... it never mind. It's a super nice film with great acting and super effects. I'm not sure about the ending... that was my disappointment.
Perder es cuestion de metodo
English Title: The Art of Losing
Sergio Cabrera, Colombia, 2004, imdb
Review: 2.5 Uchuvas
Comment: It's a good story but suddenly in the last part of the film, everything happens in a hurry without showing too much about how or when. The actors did a terrible job despite being good (I've seen them some other times and they aren't that bad!!). The only thing I like was the sound track.
Comment: It's a good story but suddenly in the last part of the film, everything happens in a hurry without showing too much about how or when. The actors did a terrible job despite being good (I've seen them some other times and they aren't that bad!!). The only thing I like was the sound track.
Fa yeung nin wa
English Title: In the mood for Love
Kar Wai Wong, Hong Kong, 2000, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: Without any doubt the cinematography of this film is 10/10; it's incredibly beautiful, but I have to say that it's the second time that I fall asleep trying to see the film. It's super slow and after the first 30 minutes I feel that nothing happens, just amazing photographs! Maybe I'll need to see it for 3rd time to make a better judgment and understand how has won so many awards.
Comment: Without any doubt the cinematography of this film is 10/10; it's incredibly beautiful, but I have to say that it's the second time that I fall asleep trying to see the film. It's super slow and after the first 30 minutes I feel that nothing happens, just amazing photographs! Maybe I'll need to see it for 3rd time to make a better judgment and understand how has won so many awards.
La vida secreta de las palabras
English Title: The Secret Life of Words
Isabel Coixet, Spain, 2005, imdb
Review: 2.5 Uchuvas
Comment: This film has lots of awards. You have a go and judge your self. I thought it was boring. The story started interesting but turns out to be a boring film (to me). I think that the last 15 minutes were very poor.... very!
Comment: This film has lots of awards. You have a go and judge your self. I thought it was boring. The story started interesting but turns out to be a boring film (to me). I think that the last 15 minutes were very poor.... very!
Un long dimanche de fiancailles
English Title: A Very Long Engagement
Jean-Pierre Jeunet, France, 2004, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: I was avoiding this film for so long that I can't believed I finally gave it a chance. In general, I try to avoid "love stories" with happy cheap endings; that's why I didn't want to see this film which in any case has a "cheap ending". I was happily surprise for a lot of reasons. The first one is that I should have seen it considering that it was a Jeunet film. Second the photography was amazing!! really really amazing! it's a pleasure just to see the film for this reason; and third, the actors, all of them, are just great! Have a go! don't put it aside as I did!!!
Comment: I was avoiding this film for so long that I can't believed I finally gave it a chance. In general, I try to avoid "love stories" with happy cheap endings; that's why I didn't want to see this film which in any case has a "cheap ending". I was happily surprise for a lot of reasons. The first one is that I should have seen it considering that it was a Jeunet film. Second the photography was amazing!! really really amazing! it's a pleasure just to see the film for this reason; and third, the actors, all of them, are just great! Have a go! don't put it aside as I did!!!
Treeless Mountain
English Title: Treeless Mountain
So Yong Kim, South Korea, 2008, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: Finally a Korean film that is not so weird and it's "easy" to digest... although is sooooo sad!!! The director made a fantastic work with the little super sweet girls!!! they look sooooo natural that's is hard to believe that they are acting!! It's a great film, with great little actors and a well built story. (thanks Claire by the way!)
Comment: Finally a Korean film that is not so weird and it's "easy" to digest... although is sooooo sad!!! The director made a fantastic work with the little super sweet girls!!! they look sooooo natural that's is hard to believe that they are acting!! It's a great film, with great little actors and a well built story. (thanks Claire by the way!)
October 19, 2009
1st LaUchuva film Festival
So, here I am with the 1st LaUchuva film Festival!!!!I really don't know how to make this selection; I just realized that I want to nominate more than 10 films!!! But, I will do this first year, is to select only 4 films with only one parameter: I just totally loooooved the film. (what a parameter, ah?!! oh well...)
So, the nominees for LaUchuva d'Or 2009 areeeeeeeeeeeeeee:
1. La Sconosciuta (The Unkwon woman), Italy, 2006, LaUchuva
2. 4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile (4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days), Romania, 2007, LaUchuva
3. Lat den ratte kom in (Let the right one in), Sweeden,2008, LaUchuva
4. El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth), Mexico, 2009, LaUchuva
4. El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth), Mexico, 2009, LaUchuva
If you want to vote before the festival, feel free to do it here or via email lauchuva@gmail.com
October 18, 2009
Happy Birthday!!
It's been great!!!
Happy First Birthday Uchuva!!!
Wish you a happy long life!!!!
Tomorrow I will announce LaUchuva d'Or 2009 nominees!! don't miss it!!
Harishchandrachi Factory nomination!
Harishchandra's Factory has not been released yet!! BUT the good great super nice thing about it is that one of the main characters (Vibhawari Deshpande) is the sister of my good great super nice friend Hrishi. BUT the real good great super nice thing about it is that the film was selected as the official entry from India for The Oscars!! Great Vibhawari! and good luck! For now we will have to wait to see it! (Also, avoiding any confusion like the one in Facebook ;) I want to clarify that this is not the official poster.... but in the mid time let's keep this one here!!)
La nana
English Title: The Maid
Sebastian Silva, Chile, 2009, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I was very lucky; I went to see this film and when it was finished the director was there for Q&A!! I always like when I have the chance to see someone from the film after watching it. I used to enjoy more when actors are invited but with time I started to appreciate more when the the director is the one in front of you (although I would reconsider this point if the one in front of me is Pitt!) Anyway, the film was good. It's a very simple subject with a great acting of the maids especially the main maid!! (some others of the crew were not as good). From q&a was nice to recognized the fact that the 3 secondaries maids are little parts of the main maid identity.
Comment: I was very lucky; I went to see this film and when it was finished the director was there for Q&A!! I always like when I have the chance to see someone from the film after watching it. I used to enjoy more when actors are invited but with time I started to appreciate more when the the director is the one in front of you (although I would reconsider this point if the one in front of me is Pitt!) Anyway, the film was good. It's a very simple subject with a great acting of the maids especially the main maid!! (some others of the crew were not as good). From q&a was nice to recognized the fact that the 3 secondaries maids are little parts of the main maid identity.
Cold Souls
English Title: Cold Souls
Sophie Barthes, France-US, 2009, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: This film it's just great! I totally totally totally TOTALLY loved how the director converts such a subject in something totally credible! The film is so powerful (great acting btw) that it's difficult to keep remembering that, in fact, it just can't happen!
Comment: This film it's just great! I totally totally totally TOTALLY loved how the director converts such a subject in something totally credible! The film is so powerful (great acting btw) that it's difficult to keep remembering that, in fact, it just can't happen!
The Invention of Lying
English Title: The Invention of Lying
Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson, UK, 2009, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: First, I think this film is a US film no UK... but I will leave it as UK's. It's a film that won't change your life. Also, it's not a film to be remembered for it's cinematography or sound or acting. In fact this film should only have 3 Uchuvas BUT I always give a lot of credits when a story has a lot of design! It's not easy to make a script when everything has to be the truth... think about it! Also, I liked the fact of watching an easy and not trascendental film on a terrible raining day, Sunday, alone and with an empty stomach! Anyway, a nice relaxing film. (Also you have to consider the fact that I just totally loved Gervais)
Comment: First, I think this film is a US film no UK... but I will leave it as UK's. It's a film that won't change your life. Also, it's not a film to be remembered for it's cinematography or sound or acting. In fact this film should only have 3 Uchuvas BUT I always give a lot of credits when a story has a lot of design! It's not easy to make a script when everything has to be the truth... think about it! Also, I liked the fact of watching an easy and not trascendental film on a terrible raining day, Sunday, alone and with an empty stomach! Anyway, a nice relaxing film. (Also you have to consider the fact that I just totally loved Gervais)
Araya
English Title: Araya
Margot Benacerraf, Venezuela, 1959, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: As some of you know, I'm not a big fun of black and white films. However I loved this film not only for his great cinematography but for the beautiful way the documentary was developed. A South American film nominated to the Golden Palm (Cannes) with great great camera movements. The only "funny" thing was the narrator's script... it felts like reading a soap opera or a bad poetry.
Comment: As some of you know, I'm not a big fun of black and white films. However I loved this film not only for his great cinematography but for the beautiful way the documentary was developed. A South American film nominated to the Golden Palm (Cannes) with great great camera movements. The only "funny" thing was the narrator's script... it felts like reading a soap opera or a bad poetry.
August 22, 2009
In the Loop
English Title: In the Loop
Armando Lannucci, UK, 2009, imdb
Review: 3.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I just have to say that whoever likes politics and/or it's familiar with British politicians, must see this film. I didn't like it as I didn't get most of the jokes BUT there were a lot of good laughs around, so, have a go!
Comment: I just have to say that whoever likes politics and/or it's familiar with British politicians, must see this film. I didn't like it as I didn't get most of the jokes BUT there were a lot of good laughs around, so, have a go!
Leonera
English Title: Lion's Den
Pablo Trapero, Argentina, 2008, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I don't know what is better in this film: the super sad story, the great actress or the effects! One of the saddest films I've seen and also one of the toughest! After you've seen it you will need a couple of hours to recover.
Comment: I don't know what is better in this film: the super sad story, the great actress or the effects! One of the saddest films I've seen and also one of the toughest! After you've seen it you will need a couple of hours to recover.
Anonyma-Eine Frau in Berlin
English Title: A Woman in Berlin
Max Farberbock, Germany, 2009, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: I think is a bit low the number of Uchuvas but I really can't give more to a film that made me feel bored in the middle of it. I just kept thinking: "ok, move on.... what else are you going to show". The film become very repetitive at some point. The story is really good but a bit too long.
Comment: I think is a bit low the number of Uchuvas but I really can't give more to a film that made me feel bored in the middle of it. I just kept thinking: "ok, move on.... what else are you going to show". The film become very repetitive at some point. The story is really good but a bit too long.
Malena
English Title: Malena
Giuseppe Tornatore, Italy, 2000, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: Another great Tornatore's film. I loved they way he pictures Italy's towns and specially the way kids are educated (or were... not sure). The story is sad but also full of funny moments that make a good balance. The cinematography is really good. I need to keep an eye on his new film La porta del vento that hasn't been realized yet; I'm starting to become his fan.
Comment: Another great Tornatore's film. I loved they way he pictures Italy's towns and specially the way kids are educated (or were... not sure). The story is sad but also full of funny moments that make a good balance. The cinematography is really good. I need to keep an eye on his new film La porta del vento that hasn't been realized yet; I'm starting to become his fan.
July 23, 2009
2nd LaUchuva film night
LaUchuva film blog in partnership with 2 Washington Square Village and apt 7 J presentssssssss: 2nd LaUchuva FILM NIGHT.
For this second screen, I have selected LaUchuva d'Or film: Children of Heaven from Iran, (don't get it confuse with Children of Men or Little children)
When: POSTPONED until August 1st 2009
Time: Come at 5pm and we'll wait until it gets dark.
Where: The partnership has offered the venue, so it will be there.
RSV: lauchuva@gmail.com
Popcorns on my account.
July 4, 2009
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
English Title: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Guy Ritchie, UK, 1998, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: This was my first Ritchie's film and totally loved it! I keep watching it and still enjoy every part of it. Very similar to his master peace Snatch but still good enough to be a great one on it's own. I love mess films that ends some where! edition was superb!
Comment: This was my first Ritchie's film and totally loved it! I keep watching it and still enjoy every part of it. Very similar to his master peace Snatch but still good enough to be a great one on it's own. I love mess films that ends some where! edition was superb!
Abre los ojos
English Title: Open your Eyes
Alejandro Amenabar, Spain, 1997, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I saw this film long long long ago and I liked it a lot. I recently saw it again and still liked it a lot especially after watching the horrible American version... which made me think, why! why they have to re-made films!! WHY!! especially WHY if the first one was soo good!... W H Y ! ! ? But anyway, this Amenabar film was superb, edition was super good, acting was good and the story kind of too crazy to be understood the first time (well, in my case!... although even the third time I saw it I thought: "what?!")
Comment: I saw this film long long long ago and I liked it a lot. I recently saw it again and still liked it a lot especially after watching the horrible American version... which made me think, why! why they have to re-made films!! WHY!! especially WHY if the first one was soo good!... W H Y ! ! ? But anyway, this Amenabar film was superb, edition was super good, acting was good and the story kind of too crazy to be understood the first time (well, in my case!... although even the third time I saw it I thought: "what?!")
Why not FF posting
(FF=Festival Fims)
I had an idea of posting FF news and winners in the blog. I started doing it but suddenly I realized that:
1. There are more FF in the word than mosquitos in the air!
2. There are more unknown films than unknown clouds types.
3. If I wanted to post about the FF I had to dedicated more than:
a. 90% of my posting talking about them.
b. 80% of my time looking for info about them.
4. If I was reading so much about the FF I new which films are around and which ones I would like to see, which is not bad at all BUT:
1. I have to wait for months to see the films which make my expectations go higher and higher with time and:
a. I feel disappointed most of the time after having such a high expectations (case: Gomorra)
b. After reading so much about the film I knew everything (plot), which I don't like at all!
After realizing this, I felt sick and decided:
1. I won't post about FF in the blog.
2. I won't look for information in the web about the FF. I will only (and this is my advice) create a list of films that has been shown in IMPORTANT FF. Just keep them in mind to see them without reading too much about them.
I will create a post with my list... if you want to have a look...
In the mid time and because I don't post too many US films, I want to suggest this great film: "Away we go" ...Super nice!
June 14, 2009
Seraphine
English Title: Seraphine
Martin Provost, France-Belgium, 2008, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: This is an amazing biography of this French painter that tbh I didn't know until yesterday. The film, some how, reminds me the the softness of the Scandinavian's films. It has a kind of cold cinematography giving all the power to the landscape and paintings (especially the ones in big format which after watching them in the big screen, makes you fell in love with her art!) The acting is superb! The sound, perfect! The photography very beautiful.
Comment: This is an amazing biography of this French painter that tbh I didn't know until yesterday. The film, some how, reminds me the the softness of the Scandinavian's films. It has a kind of cold cinematography giving all the power to the landscape and paintings (especially the ones in big format which after watching them in the big screen, makes you fell in love with her art!) The acting is superb! The sound, perfect! The photography very beautiful.
May 11, 2009
Bin-jip
English Title: 3 Iron
Ki-duk Kim, South Korea, 2004, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: Here with my second Korean film in the blog. Against any prediction, this film was surprisedly soft and delicate (considering the idea I have of Korean cinematography). With almost any dialogue at all (apart of my friends' comments during the film asking who is that guy? whose house is this? "that part is important so pay attention!", or, "he doesn't talk in the whole film" ;) this film doesn't have any special photography or effects or acting; it's just a nice and soft story with a nice ending that is open for you to guess it; the nicest you get your guess the nicest the film is. Thanks Hrishi for hosting!
Comment: Here with my second Korean film in the blog. Against any prediction, this film was surprisedly soft and delicate (considering the idea I have of Korean cinematography). With almost any dialogue at all (apart of my friends' comments during the film asking who is that guy? whose house is this? "that part is important so pay attention!", or, "he doesn't talk in the whole film" ;) this film doesn't have any special photography or effects or acting; it's just a nice and soft story with a nice ending that is open for you to guess it; the nicest you get your guess the nicest the film is. Thanks Hrishi for hosting!
May 5, 2009
Le Scaphandre et le Papillon
English Title: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Julian Schnabel, France, 2007, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: I remember that when I went to the theatre to watch this film I had so many expectations! so many that I end up totally disappointed. I guess the story itself is so bloody sad that when you go to watch a film that you know it's deeply sad it doesn't make you feel that sad anymore unless it's a super great production which I think it's not the case here. Maybe I'm wrong but from my point of view this film it's no much that a general sad film with no much of interesting factors on it. The only thing that it was really good and I still remember after these years, was the sound when the main character is "talking" or thinking. Plus the eyes scenes are deadly strong!
Comment: I remember that when I went to the theatre to watch this film I had so many expectations! so many that I end up totally disappointed. I guess the story itself is so bloody sad that when you go to watch a film that you know it's deeply sad it doesn't make you feel that sad anymore unless it's a super great production which I think it's not the case here. Maybe I'm wrong but from my point of view this film it's no much that a general sad film with no much of interesting factors on it. The only thing that it was really good and I still remember after these years, was the sound when the main character is "talking" or thinking. Plus the eyes scenes are deadly strong!
Rabbit-Proof Fence
English Title: Rabbit-Proof Fence
Phillip Noyce, Australia, 2002, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I didn't know that this film was a true story until I finish with the film and look for more information about the whole thing. The film it self is beautiful but the story is just amazing.
Comment: I didn't know that this film was a true story until I finish with the film and look for more information about the whole thing. The film it self is beautiful but the story is just amazing.
Nord
English Title: North
Rune Denstad Langlo, Norway, 2009, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: The only film I managed to watch from Tribeca film festival. It was well worth the queue under the rain. It's a beautiful film as soft and delicate as most of the Scandinavian films. The last ski scene has the most amazing photography. Also, the film have the sweetest death I've seen in films!!!
Comment: The only film I managed to watch from Tribeca film festival. It was well worth the queue under the rain. It's a beautiful film as soft and delicate as most of the Scandinavian films. The last ski scene has the most amazing photography. Also, the film have the sweetest death I've seen in films!!!
April 27, 2009
Gmar Gavi'a
English Title: Cup Final
Eran Riklis, Israel, 1991, imdb
Review: 1.5 Uchuvas
Comment: So, I had another go with this director and it was deeply dissapointed. Let's say that he got better with age! There is no way to compare either The Syrian Bride (2004) and Lemon Tree (2008)with this film! I will only say that during the film I took plenty of time to find and kill a mosquito flying around my room without stoping the film.
Comment: So, I had another go with this director and it was deeply dissapointed. Let's say that he got better with age! There is no way to compare either The Syrian Bride (2004) and Lemon Tree (2008)with this film! I will only say that during the film I took plenty of time to find and kill a mosquito flying around my room without stoping the film.
April 25, 2009
Bila Jednom Jedna Zemlja
English Title: Underground
Emir Kusturica, Yugoslavia+others, 1995, imdb
Review: 5.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I wanted to finish my today's post with a happier film! If you like Kusturica films, this movie is a MUST in your list! It's, from my end, the funniest I've seen from him. Do not miss it!
Comment: I wanted to finish my today's post with a happier film! If you like Kusturica films, this movie is a MUST in your list! It's, from my end, the funniest I've seen from him. Do not miss it!
La Stanza del figlio
English Title: The Son's room
Nanni Moretti, Italy+France, 2001, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: It's not my cup of tea but it's a worth watching film ONLY if you are in a mood to watch sad films. In my case, it didn't touch me that much, I really don't know why as the acting is really good. The story is super sad but what it's nice about it is how the strong emotions are well shown by the great acting.
Comment: It's not my cup of tea but it's a worth watching film ONLY if you are in a mood to watch sad films. In my case, it didn't touch me that much, I really don't know why as the acting is really good. The story is super sad but what it's nice about it is how the strong emotions are well shown by the great acting.
Efter Brylluppet
English Title: Afer the Wedding
Susanne Bier, Denamark+Sweden, 2006, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: What else tonight but talking about weddings, relationships, tears, reunion, beginnings and endings. This film has it all together. It has great acting but more than anything it's a film full of emotions. I remembered that it touched me very deeply, I even keep crying for some days after I saw it. Nice film, fully recommended.
Comment: What else tonight but talking about weddings, relationships, tears, reunion, beginnings and endings. This film has it all together. It has great acting but more than anything it's a film full of emotions. I remembered that it touched me very deeply, I even keep crying for some days after I saw it. Nice film, fully recommended.
April 23, 2009
Etz Limon
English Title: Lemon Tree
Eran Riklis, Israel+France+Germany, 2008, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: It's been a while since my last post and I'm glad I'm back with this beautiful film. I passed by a theater and saw a poster of an Israel film with an actress I knew so I just decided to have a go and see what was about. After I saw the film I realized that it's the same director of the other film I liked a lot: The Syrian Bride. What I like the most is the softness of the film with such a tough subject. It's very nice how the director mixed the complex political subject with complex relationships.
Comment: It's been a while since my last post and I'm glad I'm back with this beautiful film. I passed by a theater and saw a poster of an Israel film with an actress I knew so I just decided to have a go and see what was about. After I saw the film I realized that it's the same director of the other film I liked a lot: The Syrian Bride. What I like the most is the softness of the film with such a tough subject. It's very nice how the director mixed the complex political subject with complex relationships.
March 10, 2009
Gomorra
English Title: Gomorrah
Matteo Garrone, Italy, 2008, imdb
Review: 3.5 Uchuvas
Comment: I was waiting for so long to see this film that I was a bit disappointed when I saw it as I had a lot of expectations, so maybe I'm a bit tough with the review... I even fall sleep a couple of times!!! and that never happens to me in a theater!!! no even while watching The Love in the times of Cholera! But anyway.... It has won some good awards and nominated several times, so have a look and judge your self.
Comment: I was waiting for so long to see this film that I was a bit disappointed when I saw it as I had a lot of expectations, so maybe I'm a bit tough with the review... I even fall sleep a couple of times!!! and that never happens to me in a theater!!! no even while watching The Love in the times of Cholera! But anyway.... It has won some good awards and nominated several times, so have a look and judge your self.
March 7, 2009
Sita Signs the Blues
English Title: Sita Signs the Blues
Nina Paley, US, 2008, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: Ok, so here I am with my first US film. It's a nice way to introduce Independence US's film with this one!. This film is still available at this web page if you want to watch it! It's an epic Indian story mixed with a 20's jazz singer's songs and three amazing Indonesian shadow puppets!!!. Add to that an amazing 2D animation and super humor! The shadow puppets, who narrate the story, are just super funny! The collage used in some parts of the film are really good! and the music it's really well mixed with the story. So, don't miss the opportunity to watch this film while it gets over the copy right issues that have had and it's finally realised on big screen. Even if you don't like musicals (like me), it's really worth watching!!
Comment: Ok, so here I am with my first US film. It's a nice way to introduce Independence US's film with this one!. This film is still available at this web page if you want to watch it! It's an epic Indian story mixed with a 20's jazz singer's songs and three amazing Indonesian shadow puppets!!!. Add to that an amazing 2D animation and super humor! The shadow puppets, who narrate the story, are just super funny! The collage used in some parts of the film are really good! and the music it's really well mixed with the story. So, don't miss the opportunity to watch this film while it gets over the copy right issues that have had and it's finally realised on big screen. Even if you don't like musicals (like me), it's really worth watching!!
March 4, 2009
The Pianist
English Title: The Pianist
Roman Polanski, France, Poland+others, 2002, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I think I have seen just too much holocaust films plus too much times this film to feel as much sympathetic as when I first saw it. Without any doubt it's a great production. The acting of Adrien Brody is really remarkable!; I was super impressed by the way he looses weight towards the end of the film!! (ask for his diet!!) However I think the screen play is a bit too much. I just didn't buy much the part where he is hidden all alone under that circumstances and for that period of time. It's very sad watching Holocaust films and this one is not the exception.
Comment: I think I have seen just too much holocaust films plus too much times this film to feel as much sympathetic as when I first saw it. Without any doubt it's a great production. The acting of Adrien Brody is really remarkable!; I was super impressed by the way he looses weight towards the end of the film!! (ask for his diet!!) However I think the screen play is a bit too much. I just didn't buy much the part where he is hidden all alone under that circumstances and for that period of time. It's very sad watching Holocaust films and this one is not the exception.
Mio Fratello e Figlio Unico
English Title: My Brother is an Only Child
Daniele Luchetti, Italy, 2007, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: I like a lot this film as it's a nice mixture between family affairs and political subject. The acting is really really good.
Comment: I like a lot this film as it's a nice mixture between family affairs and political subject. The acting is really really good.
February 28, 2009
No comment on Oscar's night
The only good thing about that night was: The little gathering, the Cranberry juice, the delicious brownies, the winners bet, the smiles, two awards (Winslet and Penn). The biggest disappointment... I don't even have to tell you which one was. The winners are listed in my previous post just in case you didn't see the ceremony. Thanks to our hostess!
February 22, 2009
Diarios de la Motocicleta
English Title: The Motorcycle Diaries
Walter Salles, Argentina + others, 2004, imdb
Review: 5.0 Uchuvas
Comment: Another long story about Che Guevara but not as long as the new production called "Che" (2008) that has to be split into two films as nobody was able to resist 4 long hours in a row watching a film.... Who can be seated for more than 3??!! even if the film is truly amazing! no way! but anyway we are here to talk about the beautiful production of the Motorcycles Diary... which is in two words: really amazing! The film has a lot of great things but what makes the whole film worth it is the super beautiful cinematography. You can add to that the great acting, the great screen play and the amazing music.
Comment: Another long story about Che Guevara but not as long as the new production called "Che" (2008) that has to be split into two films as nobody was able to resist 4 long hours in a row watching a film.... Who can be seated for more than 3??!! even if the film is truly amazing! no way! but anyway we are here to talk about the beautiful production of the Motorcycles Diary... which is in two words: really amazing! The film has a lot of great things but what makes the whole film worth it is the super beautiful cinematography. You can add to that the great acting, the great screen play and the amazing music.
El Aura
English Title: The Aura
Fabian Bielinsky, Argentina-France-Spain, 2005, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: I saw this film a long ago. I don't remember the film in detail but I do remember that the story is very cleaver, the acting is really good and I loved the shots in the Forest.... very nice photographs!! This director has another great film, Nueve Reinas, but unfortunately hasn't done much recently.
Comment: I saw this film a long ago. I don't remember the film in detail but I do remember that the story is very cleaver, the acting is really good and I loved the shots in the Forest.... very nice photographs!! This director has another great film, Nueve Reinas, but unfortunately hasn't done much recently.
February 17, 2009
POST # 100!!!!!!
HEY!!! We did it!!!! We reach the post 100!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY FOR THE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS GREAT IDEA!!! It's been great fun having all your feedback through comments in the blog or by mail or in person!! I have found great voices around the subject and I enjoy it more and more every day! Keep sending info and making comments... I enjoy replying to the comments and talking and watching whatever films you tell me to see.
Happy post to you,
Happy Post to you,
Happing Post LaUchuva
Happy Post to you!!!!!! (if you have imagination just put a bit of music to the lyric)
To Celebrate our first 100 Post day, I'm going to post this great video which is not film related but... oh well.... we are in happy birthday so I'm allowed!! These people have great stuff! check their web page for more great videos!!!
MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.
February 16, 2009
Los Amantes del Circulo Polar
English Title: The Lovers of the Arctic Pole
Julio Medem, Spain, 1996, imdb
Review: 4.5 Uchuvas
Comment: Great Film! Soft and Powerful but most important full of transparent and true love. Great acting, beautiful cinematography and super good edition.
Comment: Great Film! Soft and Powerful but most important full of transparent and true love. Great acting, beautiful cinematography and super good edition.
February 15, 2009
SAFTA 2009
What it's nice about checking the film festivals and awards, is that you collect a long list of films that you can check out at some point in your life; most of the time those films awarded or nominees are worth watching!. The South African Film and Television Awards 2009 (that were celebrated on Feb 07) have given 6 out of 7 of the most important awards to one and only one film: The World Unseen by Shamim Sarif. So, let's wait until it's release here to check it out!
Berlinale 2009
I'll keep posting some awards and festivals butnot many as they are countless but I'll do it when feeling in festival's mood.
This time I'll post about Berlin Film Festival. The awards were annouced yesterday night. There is a list of great films to have a look. This year's most important award (The Golden Bear) was awarded to a Latin American film and director!! Well done! It is her second film and apparently it's really a great job (what else can you expect from someone with such a beautiful name!!)
Golden Bear for Best Film:
La Teta Asustada (The Milk Sorrow) by Claudia Llosa, Peru-Spain
Silver Bear - The Jury Grand Priz
Alle Anderen (Everyone else) by Maren Ade, Germany
Gigante by Adrian Biniez, Argentina-Uruguay-Germany-Spain
Silver Bear for Best Director:
Asghar Farhadi for Darbareye Elly (About Elly), Iran
Silver Bear for Best Actress
Birgit minichmayr in Alle Anderen (Everyone else), Germany
Silver Bear for Best Actor
Sotigui Kouyate in London River, UK
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution
for the Sound-Design of Katalin Varga, Romania-UK-Hungary
Silver Bear for Best Script
for The Messenger, USA
Alfred Bauer Prize
Adrian Biniez for Gigante, Argentina-Uruguay-Germany-Spain
Andrzej Wajda for Tatarak (Sweet Rush), Poland
Just one last word to mentioned that Tilda Swinton is the Jury President of The International Jury of the Berlinale 2009.
Offret
English Title: The Sacrifice
Andrei Tarkovsky, Sweden-UK-France, 1986, imdb
Review: 4.0 Uchuvas
Comment: It's not an easy film for the only fact that it's extremely slow; I was about to collapse half way of the film but manage to forget about the story and just enjoy the amazing cinematography. Most of the shoots of the film (if not all) were so beautiful! The use of color emphasis so beautifully the photo. There were million of scenes where it looks like a portrait! I remember especially one of them that reminds me Johannes Vermeer's paintings. It really amuse me how a film could make that! The other great point of the film is the movements of the camera... it moves horizontally several times during the film but soooooo slowly that lulls you!!! As I said, it's a beautiful film but be aware of the slowness of it! My sister will get sleep in the first minute of the film for sure!
Comment: It's not an easy film for the only fact that it's extremely slow; I was about to collapse half way of the film but manage to forget about the story and just enjoy the amazing cinematography. Most of the shoots of the film (if not all) were so beautiful! The use of color emphasis so beautifully the photo. There were million of scenes where it looks like a portrait! I remember especially one of them that reminds me Johannes Vermeer's paintings. It really amuse me how a film could make that! The other great point of the film is the movements of the camera... it moves horizontally several times during the film but soooooo slowly that lulls you!!! As I said, it's a beautiful film but be aware of the slowness of it! My sister will get sleep in the first minute of the film for sure!
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