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smithot
smithot's stats
- Review count6
- Helpfulness votes3
- First reviewDecember 28, 2008
- Last reviewJanuary 29, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
smithot's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
a delicate movie
PostedJanuary 29, 2012
smithot
from Coral Gables, FL
The Cold War was what it sounds like, and much of it was carried out on the periphery, Africa, Asia, Latin America, using proxies. Spy work was the driver for this war. It was slow, deliberate and nuanced. So is this movie, a delicate rendition of the book. While I agree that the PBS series with Sir Alec Guinness as George Smiley was easier to understand, the current version with Gary Oldman as Smiley, is extraordinary in capturing the essence of the game to catch the mole. A great deal of the backstory is missing, which may explain why many reviewers simply gave up on this movie. Of course, should one pay attention to the dialogue, all is revealed. It helps to have read the book, as I had, some 30 - 40 years ago. It is also useful to know something about the history of one's country. England was a proxy/ally of the United States in this war of spies.
Not everything can be resolved with an explosion and car chase. This movie demonstrates that most of what passes for inaction is in fact a game of behind the scenes maneuvering, a silent game of multidimensional chess. Read the book and discover a world that wasn't so safe.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Work of art
PostedJuly 10, 2011
smithot
from Coral Gables, FL
If one is looking for mindless entertainment, this is not the movie. Go see the Transformer series or anything from Disney. Better yet, go to Disney World -- where everything is just facsimile of the real thing.
The Tree of Life is a visual poem on the nature of relationships and loss. It does not have the conventional structure for a story, there isn't much in the way of dialogue.
I have a need to return and watch The Tree of Life once more, to savour the scenes and the message.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
It is kinda funny
PostedOctober 10, 2010
smithot
from Miami, FL
Good movie. Surprisingly warm, but also dealt delicately with the issues of depression, anxiety, insecurity and fear of failure. The book, on which this is based, is much better. But this movie is more accessible. I recommend this movie.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Almost outstanding
PostedJuly 25, 2010
smithot
from Miami, FL
Visually stunning with good transitions and superior editing, the work suffers from a pedestrian script and journeyman acting from a fine cast. Christopher Nolan doesen't give the actors enough room to to fully develop their characters. There are way too many holes in the storyline, and it lacks any true unity.
But it is a wild and absorbing ride, one that leaves you breathless at the end.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Best recent work by Almodovar
PostedJanuary 16, 2010
smithot
from Miami, FL
This is probably the finest work Almodovar has done since Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
He is more subtle, controlled and elegant than he's ever been. Penelope Cruz glows in this film. Outstanding work by a truly creative director.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Creative movie, engaging
PostedDecember 28, 2008
smithot
from Miami, FL
The director has a subtle eye for detail and shows but doesn't dwell on the poverty where many work to simply survive. He directs the children well and that makes the movie magical. As adults, the main characters have changed, and so do the circumstances. The stakes are higher, and the hero's naivete is his salvation. A story of the strength of spirit over nearly insurmountable odds. Worth watching in a theatre, where the large screen really adds dimension and scope, immersing the viewer in a way no home theatre can.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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