Last decent Cinema film you watched

[GaryA]

Oooh its a toughie because there is just soooo much dross around
But one film that genuinley surprised me was 'Walk the line' the Johnny cash biography...ok they took a few libertys with the facts and it did descend in to slushiness but that all peripheral to the authentic feel of the thing
Some, in fact most of the rocking stage music numbers were quiet simply awesome, albeit too brief...there were touches of syncopated brilliance in the directors camera flow I havn't seen in a mainstream film for a long time...its one of those films TV veiwing will mute.. eg the rising bass cresendo in the opening scene

I thought they didn't make em' like this anymore

 

[Kirstie]

Well Weds night I went to see The Flying Scotsman, and it was superb, BUT, three weeks ago I saw 'The Lives of Others' which is pretty much one of best films I've ever seen. I'm off to see it again tonight at the Warwick Arts Centre. If you get the chance to see either of these films then go for it.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I was impressed by The Lives of Others... though not as blown away as some seem to have been. I'm afraid I've been to our nice local cinema less since it moved (temporarily) over the river, whilst the original building is being done up and improved. Whilst my wife was in Japan, I practically lived there...

Anyway, I'm just impressed you sat through a film, Kirstie. Could this be the start of something new?

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Will look out for The Lives of Others, what's it about?

It's about a Stasi (old East German secret police) surveillance officer who falls for the wife of the guy he's supposed to be monitoring... and all manner of hilarious hijinks ensue.

Oh, the last bit was a lie. It's very serious. But very good indeed.

 

[Kirstie]

Anyway, I'm just impressed you sat through a film, Kirstie. Could this be the start of something new?

Aw. Well, I was genuinely interested in the subject matter you see. Also I have somebody to accompany me to the cinema these days so it's quite nice to go out properly.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

me I'm a Pirates fan...watched them all so many times I lost count, except the latest one which I've only seen twice 'cos it's not on dvd yet

 

[WindyRob]

iknow it's not on topic but it's close.

i got brought the StarWars 1 to 3 for fathers day and have really enjoyed the story rather than the spectical (if that makes sense) last night watched StarWars episode 4, rather dismayed to realise that i first watched it 30, yes 30 years ago. fight scenes are really low key compared to the new ones but a great story... but then i guess you'd all know that anyway

Windy

 

[fluff]

Makes me sad that kids watching 1-3 before 4-6 will have the story ruined for them., "No, I am your father" when you see it in ESB, not much of a suprise is it? :/

I think 300 was the last decent film I saw on the big screen, style over substance but a good bit of cinema. Want to see Flying Scotsman but going to be a bit of a trip to find somewhere showing it.

 

[redcogs]

i have recently enjoyed '300', which, i am convinced was made to appeal to class warriers.

'Pans Labyrinth' is brilliant. A stunning experience. Not for the faint hearted though.

Another fan of 'Lives of Others', a film which, although i'm certain many here will disagree, reminds me of how close our society is to becoming a type of totalitarianism of the 'elite'.

 

[Andy in Sig]

FM,

are you sure the Stasi bloke fell for the playwright's wife? I thought he did what he did because he was disgusted with the minister abusing his position by ordering the surveillance operation in the first place. I'll have to watch the DVD again now. Anyway I reckon you were playing too much attention to your popcorn and not enough to the plot. Very good film though.

My other two hot recommendations, both of which happen to be German but I suppose you can get the DVDs with subtitles are:

Four Minutes, about a emotionally damaged kid (abused by her father) who is a brilliantly talented pianist and while in the nick gets taken under the wing of a strict old fashioned piano teacher. No schmaltzy ending which is good.

Herr Lehmann, brilliant film based on a hilarious book (published in the UK under the title of Berlin Blues I think) about a Berlin barman and his reprobate mates. Subtitles are unfortunately in American-ish English. Definitely worth a watch though.

 

[punkypossum]

FM,

Four Minutes, about a emotionally damaged kid (abused by her father) who is a brilliantly talented pianist and while in the nick gets taken under the wing of a strict old fashioned piano teacher. No schmaltzy ending which is good.

I have heard about 4 Minutes - it's supposed to be ace...have been trying to track down a cheap copy as I am seriously skint at the moment, but no luck as yet...At least I don't have to worry about the subtitles, in fact it would probably be a very good idea to polish up my rusty German!

 

[Andy in Sig]

I don't know if it is out on DVD yet but if it is you should be able to get it from German Amazon or probably even get via UK Amazon. It's not as funny (or as good IMO) as Herr Lehmann though.

 

[Kirstie]

FM,

are you sure the Stasi bloke fell for the playwright's wife? I thought he did what he did because he was disgusted with the minister abusing his position by ordering the surveillance operation in the first place. I'll have to watch the DVD again now.

I wasn't sure about that either but then when I watched it again it's signposted as a potential explanation for his behaviour from the start. I think because Wiesman (Stasi bloke) had such an empty life anyway, he had a really skewed view of relationships and was an obsessive charactier. His obsession with the Stasi and surveillance transformed into an obsession with the actress. He begins by trying to wreck the Dreyman/Sieland relationship as per his orders but then it all gets out of control and he becomes more and more involved and paranoid. He's simultaneously v powerful (because he is watching everything) and powerless (because he can't control their reactions) in the situation. It's such a good film.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I'd agree with Andy and Kirstie that it's not as simple as what I posted - I was just trying to give a (not entirely serious) one sentence summary for redcogs... I think Kirstie's rather lengthier exposition stands up to rather more scrutiny!

 

[Tetedelacourse]

Really struggling to think of a decent film I've seen at the pics in the last 2 or 3 years.

Admittedly my opportunities to go have been restricted of late but even so...

I thought 300 was overrated, Casino Royale too long, The Wicker Man rubbish and unnecessary...

On DVD only 2 I can think of:

Pan's Labyrinth: agree with Redcogs - excellent.
Red Road: Glasgow film, very good but not a cheer-me-up!