I don't remember much of "Hachiko Monogatari" because at the time I saw it I was only 5 or 6 years old. I remember it was late in the evening and my parents had gone out. The ending completely devastated me back then, tears and all. It threw me in quite a shock and I remember going outside to look for my mum and dad. This movie had stayed with me for such a long time. I watched it on the Bulgarian national TV - it was back in the 80's, around the time when the film was released. I remember being fascinated with the Japanese setting of the film and the dog. That is in fact all I remember about the movie - the dog waiting at the train station, its master giving a speech and dying and finally when the dog died. The emotional impact at the end was unforgettable. I would like to see this film again after all these years, but it seems like it is quite obscure and I don't know if I will have the chance to see it once more. Until a couple of years ago I didn't even know how the film is called (internet helped). If I was to watch "Hachiko Monogatari" again, probably it wouldn't seem as emotionally devastating as it did back when I was a little child. But for a film to leave such a great impression on me, it must be worth experiencing again.
Reviews
19 Reviews
Troy
(2004)
waste
7 September 2004
This film was a punishment, a slightly intriguing bore at first, which after the first hour and a half caused utmost apathy and empty staring at the flickering images on the screen. This movie does not take the viewer on a journey through ancient history, it fails to offer an adequate portrayal of the Ancient Greeks' way of life and of thinking, reduces all characters to numb clichés mumbling dull dialogue, offers repetitive and pointless battle scenes and lacks any sort of attempt at an inventive directing. The music score was also the usual unmemorable epic crap. Repulsive, lacking and completely forgettable.
1/10 - horribly bad
1/10 - horribly bad
13ta godenitsa na printsa
(1987)
interesting
6 December 2003
I liked watching this movie, it is one of a very few Bulgarian science fiction/fantasy films made. Of course, visually it does not offer any particularly "fascinating", flashy graphic effects. The main strength as I see it is the script, which is quite intriguing, just as a good fantasy script should be. Points of reference would be the the StarWars series, to which "Trinaistata Godenica na Princa" pays homage - with the spaceboy's flashing sword, and the weird-talking robot. The action however takes place in a wacky Middle-Age kingdom, with the aliens studying closely the intrigues and extreme greed, but also the true passion of love. Well, the film does not seem very serios, but gives you something to think about. Good movie, not strictly for kids.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
(1972)
beautiful
20 November 2003
Although I am not a religious person, and I've never heard of St. Francis before, I loved this film. It employs what I believe is some of the greatest use of colour, thus the movie is beautiful beyond words, with my favourite moment being the end, when Francis meets the pope. As for the story, it was good, but the visual aspect is much more overwhelming.
Five Evenings
(1979)
insightful
2 November 2003
I stayed once late to watch this film on TV. I've never seen anything by Mihalkov and I didn't know what to expect, but I am only glad that I saw Five Evenings. It's a thorough study of a two characters and how they respond to the conditions they live in. They eventually fall in love but after a lot of doubt, uncertainty and lack of feelings. They want to live a happier life, but are not sure how to achieve it. In a broad sense I thought it aimed at presenting the state of the Russian people(and of any other people for that matter) after the Second World War. Mihalkov made me experience the discouragement and the loss of faith in good that these people felt. I have to note that the actors were simply flawless and it was through their acting that the film was able to breathe and fascinate. And the ending was simply beautiful. Most of the film was black and white, but in the last few minutes, we see wonderful colour details from inside an apartment, as if the whole film, together with the characters overcame the alienation and lack of feeling. Very much recommended! I can't wait to see something else by Mihalkov.
A Beautiful Mind
(2001)
Naaah...we've seen all this before.
18 October 2003
I didn't like Beautiful Mind and I think it's a terribly overrated film. Crowe's performance is the only things that saves it for me.
Basically this movie is one more Hollywood cliche - with the character depiction and development, the generic ending, the BORING generic music in the exact moments as expected. Perfectly tailored for mass consumption. The peak of all predictability was prof. Nash's speech when he receives the Nobel Prize - "love is the essence" - what a boring and unimaginative thing to say at the peak of your life. As a whole, this film adds absolutely nothing to the cinema world and does not deserve the high rating it has been given. (3 out of 10)
Basically this movie is one more Hollywood cliche - with the character depiction and development, the generic ending, the BORING generic music in the exact moments as expected. Perfectly tailored for mass consumption. The peak of all predictability was prof. Nash's speech when he receives the Nobel Prize - "love is the essence" - what a boring and unimaginative thing to say at the peak of your life. As a whole, this film adds absolutely nothing to the cinema world and does not deserve the high rating it has been given. (3 out of 10)
Rabid
(1977)
Pretty good early Cronenberg film
18 October 2003
Warning: Spoilers
(*minor spoilers*)I thought this was pretty good for a horror film, considering the piles of crap that plague the genre. Rabid was entertaining, and unusual, and I would recommend it to horror fans. Of course, the plot is quite terrible, but despite this obvious flaw, til the last minute it kept me waiting for what is to come next. It was never made clear where did Rose get that "disease" from. Maybe the accident? The operation in the clinic? None of these make sense.
But I liked the ending. Usually you would expect a grand Hollywood-style climax at the end, but in Rabid there was no climax whatsoever. Nothing was made clear and the pace of the movie was pretty much monotonous after Rose's first murder. But for people tired of stereotypical horror, Rabid will be a nice watch. (5 out of 10)
But I liked the ending. Usually you would expect a grand Hollywood-style climax at the end, but in Rabid there was no climax whatsoever. Nothing was made clear and the pace of the movie was pretty much monotonous after Rose's first murder. But for people tired of stereotypical horror, Rabid will be a nice watch. (5 out of 10)
Impressive
28 February 2003
This film is definitely builds on the reputation of anime as being the most creative and worthy of the animation genre. Back in '84 it must have posed extremely high standards for what was to come after it.
All that we expect from an excellent anime is here: it's very emotonal and humane, there are some great battle scenes, and the story is a product of a very wild and unrestrained imagination. Totally recommended for everyone. This is what great animation is about.
All that we expect from an excellent anime is here: it's very emotonal and humane, there are some great battle scenes, and the story is a product of a very wild and unrestrained imagination. Totally recommended for everyone. This is what great animation is about.
Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii
(1972)
Pompeii
21 November 2002
The music is awesome and that's the most important thing about this documentary. The film itself is not too bad. I liked how they used the contrast between the old setting and the band's equipment.
Very good. 10/10(as a Floyd fan)
Very good. 10/10(as a Floyd fan)
Blue Crush
(2002)
zzzzzzzzz...boring...
13 September 2002
As a whole I'd give Blue Crush a 5, as it was a perfect example of an average film. On the good side of the film, there were some prety good surfing scenes especially near the end. Also I agree that the film was quite realistic in the sense that the surfing girls were working to pay their rent and stuff. On the bad side though: crappy, absolutely uninteresting storyline, often poor dialogue, most of the "jokes" were quite dumb especially the cliche-image of "the jolly fat fellow". I am happy that I saw this movie for free, so I consider it only a waste of time. Go watch it and see for yourself.
Julien Donkey-Boy
(1999)
Gummo 2 or is it...?
28 August 2002
Warning: Spoilers
This film was very similar to Gummo, which does not come as a surprise, considering that it's Korine's second effort. Here he tries to fix some of the weak spots in Gummo. Like the plot for instance. While "Gummo" was disturbingly funny, "Julien" seems to be much more sad and thoughtful. There were some very interesting ideas, like the constant presence of religious issues. The final scenes were very interesting. Music, figure skating, beauty, fun, and as a result - a dead baby. As a whole, I think that Gummo is a little bit better.
Korine did not disappoint us.
Korine did not disappoint us.
Babe: Pig in the City
(1998)
psychedelic
22 July 2002
I watched it yesterday, having no expectations whatsoever and it turned out to be a great and very original movie. The characters were very well developed and the viewer cares about what is happening to them. I loved the dreamy atmosphere, which was at the same time quite dark. The first film of the series is very good as well but if I had to pick one it would probably be "Pig in the Big City". That is not to say the original Babe is bad - on the contrary - it is a very nice and bright movie that would appeal to kids. It seems to me "Pig in the Big City" is not so much a children's movie, it's much more complex both in terms of narrative and visual presentation. Absolutely recommended...
Zardoz
(1974)
Wow, some truly weird stuff!!!
11 July 2002
I was watching TV one night and then came the movie "Zardoz". I decided to watch it after I saw the names of John Boorman, Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling. Soon I was blown away by the weird beginning: a flying talking head, Zardoz, vomits guns to a bunch of guys... What I thought would be some average sci-fi boredom, turned out to be a strange and appealing experience.
The film was very colorful, with tons of image distortions. I wouldn't say that it's a sci-fi film, it's much more acceptable in the fantasy genre.
Recommended...
The film was very colorful, with tons of image distortions. I wouldn't say that it's a sci-fi film, it's much more acceptable in the fantasy genre.
Recommended...
nice follow up
13 January 2002
The ending was too good to be true. The best ending I've ever seen in a film. Not the happy ending stuff of 99% of other films. Suits perfectly the story. And why would we want another PotA sequel. This film must not turn to be just another Rocky with 5 sequels. I would be glad just with those two.
Gummo
(1997)
A unique experience!!!!!!
14 November 2001
This is one of the most amazing films I have ever seen. I have watched it 6 times and it's still interesting. The critics will say, blinded by stupidity:
* It has no plot - does a good film have to have a plot? I don't think it's necessary. Gummo clearly presents its message and is interesting all the way through. Moreover, the abscence of plot makes Gummo unique and unforgettable unlike most of the Oscar-nominated stinking slut-buckets.
* Absurd characters - ok, i agree with that although Gummo is charged by the absurdity of the characters. They intensify the feeling of insanity and decaying society. All the characters are amazing, everyone has its own place in the movie. The mad female person with the doll for a baby. The rabbit boy, symbolizes good in the film, alone, cold, shot at, chased away.
* Stupid humor - Gummo is not spposed to be a comedy and if someone watches it with the intention to laugh, he would be disappointed. The comic situations induce laughing that is combined with subconscious disgust, fear, wonder.
I hope that Harmony Korine presents us with another piece of greatness like this one.
* It has no plot - does a good film have to have a plot? I don't think it's necessary. Gummo clearly presents its message and is interesting all the way through. Moreover, the abscence of plot makes Gummo unique and unforgettable unlike most of the Oscar-nominated stinking slut-buckets.
* Absurd characters - ok, i agree with that although Gummo is charged by the absurdity of the characters. They intensify the feeling of insanity and decaying society. All the characters are amazing, everyone has its own place in the movie. The mad female person with the doll for a baby. The rabbit boy, symbolizes good in the film, alone, cold, shot at, chased away.
* Stupid humor - Gummo is not spposed to be a comedy and if someone watches it with the intention to laugh, he would be disappointed. The comic situations induce laughing that is combined with subconscious disgust, fear, wonder.
I hope that Harmony Korine presents us with another piece of greatness like this one.
Titanic
(1997)
I sincerely, totally HATE this stupid film.
5 November 2001
So much money spent for nothing. There's nothing special about that piece of crap. Nothing innovative, nothing really interesting. Plain, old, stupid-as-hell, trivial, boring love story. A well-tested money-collecting formula, product in a shiny package. Nothing else. Shame on James Cameron for bringing such a mess into the world.
What did you people see here that is worth 600 mln. dolars? 0/10 ...and remember people the phrase "I shop therefore I am." That's all this movie is about.
What did you people see here that is worth 600 mln. dolars? 0/10 ...and remember people the phrase "I shop therefore I am." That's all this movie is about.
Teachers
(1984)
Aghhhhhh!!!
5 November 2001
This movie sucks. Ridiculous "school" athmosphere, unbelievable students that are very bad and behave like criminals but then later after the "good teacher" Nick Nolte taught them they became as good and as quiet as kittens.
If this works for you, it doesn't for me. 0 out of 10
If this works for you, it doesn't for me. 0 out of 10
Baby Blood
(1990)
I liked it....something different is always good.
3 November 2001
The film is not that bad as the raiting says. If your are expecting to see something in the vein of "Friday the13th part10" or something like that you'll be disappointed. This film carries the nuances of European horror cinema: not as much gore but more psycho assault. Watch it and I am sure you won't forget some parts.
Suspiria
(1977)
a psychadelic symphony of colours and feelings
3 November 2001
One of the best films I have ever watched. Dario Argento proves to us that Europeans can also make excellent horror films, if not better than Hollywood productions. This film is more about an assault of the subconscious by methods impressionism. I do not agree that this is a gorey film or that it is very bloody, because it isn't. The feeling of terror is transmitted to the viewer by the appropriate athmosphere - the red color, the color of evil.
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