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Mimi and Dona (2014)
A beautiful and personal film
"Mimi and Dona" is filmed by a granddaughter of Mimi who presents the film from a personal point of view. Seeing this story from the granddaughter's standpoint doesn't hinder the film because the truth is not hindered by the filmmaker's opinions.
Mimi has cared for her intellectually-challenged daughter, Dona, for sixty-four years, Dona's entire life. This film is about the love and symbiotic relationship between them.
The surrounding family members are of course also affected by Mimi's and Dona's lives, so their stories are interwoven. The history of the family members is important and plays a role in the documentary, as well as the personal story of the filmmaker.
The main storyline is Mimi's letting go of Dona. Mimi is ninety-two at the beginning of the film, and the concern is that when Mimi dies what will happen to Dona.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
Only two words truly work here:
"Excellently harrowing." This is a great film, for all of the reasons previously expressed by others at this web-site. To me, the essence of the film is encapsulated in this exchange that takes place one hour and eleven minutes (approximately) into the film:
The German soldiers are resting, changing clothing, discussing what they would do if it was suddenly peacetime again, dreaming of the beautiful and gratifying nature of their past lives, realizing how fortunate they had been back then; then the following scene takes place. I only recall a part of the scene in this comment.
The German soldiers are resting, changing clothing, discussing what they would do if it was suddenly peacetime again, dreaming of the beautiful and gratifying nature of their past lives, realizing how fortunate they had been back then; then this exchange takes place:
Former student - "...You've all got something to back to, wives, children, jobs.......but what about us? What have we got to go back to, school?"
Learned Soldier - "Why not? You know everything already."
Former student - "A man can't take all that rubbish they teach you seriously. After three years of shells and bombs, you can't peel that off as easily as a sock."
Former student - "They never taught us anything really useful, like how to light a cigarette in the wind or make a fire out of wet wood or bayonet a man in the belly instead of the ribs where it gets jammed."
This film exposes us to what war really is and, I think importantly, what it does to the soldiers, not just by the visual horrors, but by conversations such as these.
The fact that Lew Ayres became a conscientious objector partly because of the character he played in this movie reinforced the knowledge that a film impacts everyone involved in it and not simply the audience, and film is not merely entertainment.
As for me, I try to live by this quotation: "You must be the change you seek in this world." Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian philosopher & political figure
American Movie (1999)
I agree with "INFOFREAK'S" comment, except...............POTENTIAL SPOILER!
I find this film to be desperately sad because if Mark and Mike had NOT been alcoholics/ druggies and partied way too much, I think of what they each MIGHT HAVE DONE artistically. As they are now, Mark comes across as someone who's intellect is completely and forever jumbled by dead brain cells, and Mike seems to have no brain cells left and is now just a sweet kid - but he is in his 20's, not six years old.
But on another level, Mark's film IS what independent film is all about (even though he pronounces "Coven" incorrectly, which had me laughing hysterically) and I hope he sobers up, grows up, and wakes up to his own intelligence (there is something other than swearing and belligerence in his head, I KNOW that!) in time to truly realize all of his dreams.
Night Must Fall (1937)
The Epitome of an Intelligent Horror Film
A marvelous suspenseful, tension-filled, atmospheric thriller with absolutely NO "blood and guts," and I thank God for that. This film is intelligent in every respect and requires the viewer to watch with his/her brain switched "ON." "Night Must Fall" is the epitome of an intelligent horror film.
The first time I saw this film I was initially and completely mesmerized by Robert Montgomery's performance. I had not seen him act in any film other than gay '30's farces (with some serious roles thrown into the mix) or WW II films. I always enjoyed his films, but after seeing "Night Must Fall" I began to pay attention to his acting in other films and developed a greater appreciation for his skill as an actor.
Rosalind Russell is a talented, gorgeous actor/wit/comedienne, and is able to fully-utilize her skill in her role. What can I say about Dame May Witty, other than I wish I could travel back in time to see her on the stage in London in her prime. The two other women characters in the home, the cook and the girlfriend/servant, are small but vital roles that each actor plays to perfection.
Additionally, this was that unusual and rare film that was adapted from a stage play BUT was not merely shot as a play. Unless you paid attention to the credits, you would not realize this was a stage play. Not so easy to adapt a stage play to film, keep the dialog flowing properly, turning the play into a film that is meant to be seen as a film.
This film is perfectly written, directed and acted. The lighting and cinematography are superb. The set designs, costumes, etc...............all nonpareil.
Lady Be Good (1941)
The Berry Brothers are an AMAZING talent
I have to give this film an eight simply because The Berry Brothers appeared in it (I love them - what incredible talent) which was pretty unusual for a 1940's "white" film, AND also because of the incredible, breathtaking, amazingly choreographed and executed dance sequences at the end of the film.
The film also has sublime bits throughout, such as the tap dances that includes Eleanor Powell tap-dancing with "Blackie," a captivating black and white terrier-mix dog, "Miss Deadpan" (Virginia O'Brien) who delivers her own style of comedic twists to the songs she sings in the film and, of course, Robert Young and Ann Sothern contribute their own charm to enrich the film.
TIVO the film and fast-forward to the song and dance numbers - they are worth the wait!