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Reviews
Death and the Maiden (1994)
Interesting, yet unconvincing.
"Death and the Maiden" claims to be a thriller, but fails to provide the classic surprise ending which is the trademark of almost every great suspense movie ever made.
It features two names forever etched into movie history; Ben Kingsley and Roman Polanski.
The pace is slow almost stagnant, and the characters are just unable to convince me that this is a way one would be likely to act if one should somehow find oneself in similar positions. The setting in some South American republic taking it's first steps towards democracy is made unrealistic by the fact that the language is English and neither Mr. nor Mrs. Escobar look all that South American.
Having said all this, it's not a bad movie. You do get a very uncomfortable feeling of what it might be like to be captured and robbed of your constitutional rights. I think Sigourney Waever does an excellent job. The scene, were she tells her husband what happened to her, is the best one in the movie.
In conclusion I'd say that this movie is more of an education than it is entertainment, but it's worth watching despite the obvious errors.
Deconstructing Harry (1997)
Not worth it!
Yesterday was Video Night at our house and I rented, thankfully among others, "Deconstructing Harry". Remembering the trailer fondly, I was looking very much forward to the Allen-experience. But boy... what a disappointment. It's truly very different from other Allen movies. As a Dane I wouldn't generally consider myself up-tight about vulgar language. But even for a liberal Dane there is a limit... I think of myself as a true movie buff. I always tell me friends that there are redeeming qualities in all movies. If the plot's a bit thin, look at the performance. If that's weak as well, how about those camera angles...But last night as my friends were looking at me with wonder, and I think one of them disgust, I just found myself speechless (You'll be happy to see I recovered quickly). I had to agree with them. Obviously I had lost my gift. I was painfully aware that I could no longer trust myself to pick the perfect movie. I have lost the respect of my friends and ruined a year-long perfect record. And for what? For what I ask you? A sad, depressing, not-even-close-to-being-funny and did-I-mention-vulgar, long-dragging movie, which only redeeming qualities could have been it's many stars had it not been for the fact that they all appeared in practically cameos. Let me say in no uncertain terms: I am a Woody fan. The Jewish, guilt-ridden humor. The poor little guy with the big brown eyes begging for acceptance and love. I love all that! But were was it??? Where were Hannah and her sisters or Diane Keaton and Alan Alda when we needed them the most. And let me tell you...I could only pawn off this movie on my friends because they, as did I, loved "Hannah and Her sisters", "Radio Days", "Manhattan Murder Mystery" and "Everyone Says I Love You". Oh Woody, nothing stings like the betrayal of someone you trusted! This is the second(!) movie in 15 long and happy years as a movie goer that I've failed to finish. The first one was due to sudden illness, and I practically had to be carried out of that one.