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Placitan
Placitan's stats
- Review count6
- Helpfulness votes2
- First reviewMay 10, 2010
- Last reviewSeptember 4, 2011
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
Placitan's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
A Film's Quiet Dignity
PostedSeptember 4, 2011
Placitan
from Los Angeles, CA
Vera Farmiga's superb film from Carolyn Briggs' book takes the audience on a thirty year journey in the spiritual life of one girl and her family. Now THAT is a risky film proposition. And, being an agnostic myself, at times during the film I felt uncomfortable with these people on the screen. I wanted derision and satire instead of impartiality and objectivity. Their fundamentalist naivete' drove me crazy. And yet the film patiently leads us through a complex and gradual uncovering of the girl and her faith. This film doesn't explain (or preach); it describes, a trait of a fine book. Both Farmiga sisters who play her-- Vera, the woman and Taissa, the teenager-- are sensational in a quiet, remarkable role.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Yet Another Encore
PostedJuly 11, 2011
Placitan
from Los Angeles, CA
Abrams, Spielberg and the others know how to make a rip-roaring summer adventure that appeals to your middle-school fascinations... those that happen to stay with you all your life. This film, like War of the Worlds, is no exception. Unfortunately, we've come to know the formula well and the concoction has begun to taste a little stale. I would say to Spielberg, in particular: I love you, man, but you now need to tweak your schtick.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Questions Worth Your Watching
PostedMay 30, 2011
Placitan
from Los Angeles, CA
Some people say this is an incomprehensible film and a waste of time. Despite its meandering, organic structure, no doubt difficult for those used to a linear narrative, which is most people, The Tree of Life is a valuable, beautiful work of art. It is not an easily followed movie adventure but a series of existential questions... with a few answers.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
a slip in art-making
PostedApril 10, 2011
Placitan
from Los Angeles, CA
The story couldn't be more important to bring to the cinema. For that, it's a brave film. As a piece of art, I was disappointed. Compared to Schnabel's other films, the craft of this film was not in the same league, with eratic-seeming editing and quilting together of the pieces. It seemed to feign low-budget crudeness at times, as if to heighten the realism.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Exquisite
PostedJanuary 2, 2011
Placitan
from Los Angeles, CA
From Mike Leigh, another magnificently subtle rendering of intertwined lives. Brilliantly detailed performances from every cast member. The film is a painful ride at times -- the ring of truth as delivered by Leigh can affect deeply -- but this is also the mark of the highest art.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Benning Brilliant Despite Faults in Film
PostedMay 10, 2010
Placitan
from Los Angeles, CA
I wanted to love this movie because I have great respect for many of its actors, particularly Annette Benning. She is boldly willing to go to difficult places, allowing her age and the psychology of the moment to fall across her face to amazing effect. But the movie itself disappoints. The plot reads like it has one foot planted in a daytime soap with the toe of the other foot dipping in a little Mexican magical realism. I wish the producers had given more care in the film's basic problem because the talent inside deserved it, as did the timeless poetry of its essential story.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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