This is an extraordinary achievement, the work of not only a master animator but a master director. It is probably the greatest environmental film. No other film comes close, with the depth of vision and remarkable execution of a war between man and beast, industry and nature, and the journey of one person who seeks to reconcile both sides. It is a spiritual and cathartic experience that remains relevant in the world we live in today. Never does it get didactic; the film challenges the viewer to consider all perspectives, a hugely admirable choice on the part of its director. I am astonished every time I watch for so many reasons. It's so moving, how the main character Ashitaka is tainted and must leave his secluded village, and as he does, he witnesses Japan modernize from a traditional society before his eyes. The storytelling is terrific, as we'd expect from Miyazaki. But here his action sequences and characterization are at their most impressive. So many incredible characters and creatures, from the elusive warrior-leader Lady Eboshi of Iron Town to her foil, part-human part-animal San, the Mononoke Hime. Yakul, Ashitaka's loyal friend, and the Kodama are unforgettable and vital additions to the Ghibli pantheon, as is the Forest Spirit. The scene when he heals Ashitaka in the pool is simply sublime, one of the most gorgeously animated in the film, with its compelling use of sound and silence. Of course, there's also the stunning music score by Joe Hisaishi at his best that sweeps you from the very beginning. This is Miyazaki firing on all cylinders, his tremendous creativity, his level of craftsmanship and detail, the maturity of his film, how he remains ever hopeful that we may co-exist with nature. His passion and compassion are inspiring. I think this may just be the greatest animated movie ever made.
A monumental directorial triumph. Certainly a pillar in Asian and war cinema. I'm in awe of so much of what Kurosawa accomplished...how he showed the passage of time in the village and on the samurai faces, how he made us fall in love with them before the battles. This is extraordinary storytelling from beginning to end...every scene and moment has a purpose. The action is wonderfully staged, and Kurosawa's use of slow motion changed the language of cinema. I'm a huge fan of his cinematography here and the staging of actors. Even in a chase sequence you can feel the influence of Asian art as the camera tilts vertically, capturing a dramatic landscape. And like for any real conflict, the consequences here are felt by the villagers, the samurai, and the audience.
A wonderful meditation on life and one person's decisions and relationships, the impact they had, the regrets. I love the power of nostalgia, done so carefully and meticulously here as Professor Borg walks the lands of his old home. The power and hold of place on the individual...and people from our past. Sjostrom's face is so powerful; he's perfectly cast. Few films make flashbacks/reflections on the past work so elegantly and so poignantly.
Simply one of, if not THE greatest war film ever made. It's unprecedented, how you see a revolution begin, executed from both sides, and ultimately succeed over the course of a film. Bold storytelling. Terrific and inspiring filmmaking that remains relevant today and shows us that ambitious stories and concepts can work under an unrelenting, prescient vision. Pontecorvo's moving camera, his staging (everything was shot for the film--no documentary footage), Morricone's score, the incredible cast (Ali La Pointe in particular, a non-professional actor). It's one of my all-time favorite films. How can you top it? Few films in the genre come close.
This is an extraordinary film and may arguably represent silent cinema at its peak. The power of the close-up, the human face, and the expressionistic style. It changes you to watch The Passion of Joan of Arc. You emerge from the experience as a changed person, having taken the journey of Joan's final days with the mesmerizing Maria Falconetti, a performance for all time. I loved the score by Richard Einhorn, "Voices of Light." The film is deeply spiritual and a true masterpiece of the art form. In comparison to the wave of current religion projects on film and television, they just retell familiar stories; this is transcendent, a completely religious experience. Very highly recommended.
Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Movie comment on Mononoke-hime
tk338
This is an extraordinary achievement, the work of not only a master animator but a master director. It is probably the greatest environmental film. No other film comes close, with the depth of vision and remarkable execution of a war between man and beast, industry and nature, and the journey of one person who seeks to reconcile both sides. It is a spiritual and cathartic experience that remains relevant in the world we live in today. Never does it get didactic; the film challenges the viewer to consider all perspectives, a hugely admirable choice on the part of its director. I am astonished every time I watch for so many reasons. It's so moving, how the main character Ashitaka is tainted and must leave his secluded village, and as he does, he witnesses Japan modernize from a traditional society before his eyes. The storytelling is terrific, as we'd expect from Miyazaki. But here his action sequences and characterization are at their most impressive. So many incredible characters and creatures, from the elusive warrior-leader Lady Eboshi of Iron Town to her foil, part-human part-animal San, the Mononoke Hime. Yakul, Ashitaka's loyal friend, and the Kodama are unforgettable and vital additions to the Ghibli pantheon, as is the Forest Spirit. The scene when he heals Ashitaka in the pool is simply sublime, one of the most gorgeously animated in the film, with its compelling use of sound and silence. Of course, there's also the stunning music score by Joe Hisaishi at his best that sweeps you from the very beginning. This is Miyazaki firing on all cylinders, his tremendous creativity, his level of craftsmanship and detail, the maturity of his film, how he remains ever hopeful that we may co-exist with nature. His passion and compassion are inspiring. I think this may just be the greatest animated movie ever made.Movie comment on Shichinin no samurai
tk338
A monumental directorial triumph. Certainly a pillar in Asian and war cinema. I'm in awe of so much of what Kurosawa accomplished...how he showed the passage of time in the village and on the samurai faces, how he made us fall in love with them before the battles. This is extraordinary storytelling from beginning to end...every scene and moment has a purpose. The action is wonderfully staged, and Kurosawa's use of slow motion changed the language of cinema. I'm a huge fan of his cinematography here and the staging of actors. Even in a chase sequence you can feel the influence of Asian art as the camera tilts vertically, capturing a dramatic landscape. And like for any real conflict, the consequences here are felt by the villagers, the samurai, and the audience.Movie comment on Smultronstället
tk338
A wonderful meditation on life and one person's decisions and relationships, the impact they had, the regrets. I love the power of nostalgia, done so carefully and meticulously here as Professor Borg walks the lands of his old home. The power and hold of place on the individual...and people from our past. Sjostrom's face is so powerful; he's perfectly cast. Few films make flashbacks/reflections on the past work so elegantly and so poignantly.Movie comment on La battaglia di Algeri
tk338
Simply one of, if not THE greatest war film ever made. It's unprecedented, how you see a revolution begin, executed from both sides, and ultimately succeed over the course of a film. Bold storytelling. Terrific and inspiring filmmaking that remains relevant today and shows us that ambitious stories and concepts can work under an unrelenting, prescient vision. Pontecorvo's moving camera, his staging (everything was shot for the film--no documentary footage), Morricone's score, the incredible cast (Ali La Pointe in particular, a non-professional actor). It's one of my all-time favorite films. How can you top it? Few films in the genre come close.Movie comment on La passion de Jeanne d'Arc
tk338
This is an extraordinary film and may arguably represent silent cinema at its peak. The power of the close-up, the human face, and the expressionistic style. It changes you to watch The Passion of Joan of Arc. You emerge from the experience as a changed person, having taken the journey of Joan's final days with the mesmerizing Maria Falconetti, a performance for all time. I loved the score by Richard Einhorn, "Voices of Light." The film is deeply spiritual and a true masterpiece of the art form. In comparison to the wave of current religion projects on film and television, they just retell familiar stories; this is transcendent, a completely religious experience. Very highly recommended.