#179. Grave of the Fireflies

“Why do fireflies have to die so soon?"

Characters: 6.5
Acting: 6
Storyline: 7
Entertainment Value: 7
Immediate Rating: 7

Total Score: 33.5/50

#180. Diabolique

“There is only one possible end. We are monsters. I don't like monsters."

Characters: 7
Acting: 8
Storyline: 6
Entertainment Value: 6.5
Immediate Rating: 7

Total Score: 34.5/50

#181. The Night of the Hunter

 

“It's a hard world for little things."

A vulnerable widow, Willa, marries a self-described priest, Harry, who becomes the step-dad of her children John and Pearl. Though Willa is devoted to her new husband, who claims to be able to bring her salvation, the kids suspect something is off about Harry.

I was going through a really hard time when I first watched this movie. The mood of it seemed to reflect my emotions, though I’m not sure if that was a good thing or bad thing. If I could describe it, maybe “heavy” is the word. Even after watching and forgetting various other movies, this one made an impression. I often think back to the words “love” and “hate” on Reverand’s right and left knuckles respectively. There are other disturbing visuals that make the movie iconic and often referenced.

I have to admit it’s not really my thing, despite its objective significance. I found it slow paced and too uncomfortable at times. My immediate rating is a 6/10.

Characters: 7
Acting: 7
Storyline: 6
Entertainment Value: 5.5
Immediate Rating: 6

Total Score: 31.5/50

#182. Judgment at Nuremberg

I created this blog more than 10 years ago. A teenager still, I excitedly dove head first into movies I would have never watched otherwise. What I would give to hold this excitement again, for anything. Years later, In the midst of the (justified?) insecurity of my writing and overall perfectionism, I was burnt out from even the little watching and reviewing I did. Though according to a few friends, it could be a bit more than I believe.

Then, faced with a 3 hour, black and white, court drama that I couldn’t find on the internet ANYWHERE, I gave up for a few years. But I never forgot about my goal. I frequently think about how proud I will be once I revisit and make progress on the Top 250 List. So for now, I’m back. Maybe just for this review and I’ll write another one 10 years from now. That’s okay. And hopefully, my writing will be just as bad as I fear, so I can just say “fuck my perfectionism” and finally write.

Side note - I haven’t used the email associated with this account in ages. It just took me about an hour to figure out how to log into this account, to the point I thought I’d never be able to post again. In experiencing this sadness and loss, I realized how important this blog is to me. I’m officially excited to post! ♡

 

“We must forget if we want to go on living.”

In 1947, US Chief Justice Haywood (Spencer Tracy) listens the arguments led by the German defense attorney, Hans Rolfe (Maximilian Schell), and American prosecutor, Col. Tad Lawson (Richard Widmark). Haywood’s judgment determines if the defendants have committed crimes against humanity by enforcing the heinous laws in Nazi Germany. Outside of the courtroom, Haywood gets to know ordinary German citizens and specifically takes a liking to Frau Bertholt (Marlene Dietrich), a widow of a German general.

I would have never seen this movie if not for the 250 List, but I’m thankful I did. The dialogue and acting stand out especially. I’m particularly impressed by Hans Rolfe’s performance. I don’t believe it had to be three hours to make an impact and be considered a great movie; if some content were taken out of certain slow court scenes, it could have been the same quality in two hours. But as someone who knows little about WW2 since forgetting most of what I learned ten years ago, I found the plot (inspired by true events) educational and eye-opening, and it led me to do more research on its background that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

This isn’t the typical sit back and relax, popcorn flick that requires little thought, obviously. It took consistent intention and focus to fully absorb it, at least for me. Regardless, the actors’ performances and dialogue are emotionally impactful, highlighting the interconnection of ethics and law. I’m finding the movie difficult to assess as I feel unqualified to do so with my little knowledge and perspective of its context. Nevertheless, my immediate rating is a 7.5.

Characters: 7.5

Acting: 8

Storyline: 6.5

Entertainment Value: 6

Immediate Rating: 7.5

Total Score: 35.5/50

#183. The Incredibles

"We're superheroes. What could happen?”

A married superhero couple is obligated by the government to stop fighting crime and instead live the rest of their lives as normally as possible. Fifteen years and two kids later, evil is afoot, as is Mr. Incredible's impulse to defeat it.

I really enjoyed this film for the most part! It often surprised me with its depth and seemingly adult subject matter. The action was also pretty intense for a family movie. I don't believe it was at all too mature for children though; the themes were diplomatically a delicate balance of kid-friendly and an entry-level perspective into adulthood that isn't too abrasive. Further, I liked that they expressed the point that super villains aren’t necessarily always bad and protagonists aren’t necessarily always good. Ethics and human beings are colored with shades of gray.

There are also some great insights between the lines of this film that are fantastic to convey to someone of any age -- big dreams/talent being shoved in to too small spaces, the mundane reality that is middle age when true potential isn't being realized. It's a tale about the exceptional, AKA The Incredibles, but just as much the viewer.

So in my view, it was fairly good. There was intelligent dialogue and an interesting message as well as aesthetic (somewhat futuristic, somewhat retro 50's). It's a unique movie, that's for sure. I did find it a bit boring, too long, and predictable at times though, so my immediate rating is a 7.4.

Characters: 7.2

Acting: 7.3

Storyline: 7.3

Entertainment Value: 7.5

Immediate Rating: 7.4

Total Score: 36.7/50

#184. The Princess Bride

“As you wish.“

A grandfather reads a book to his sick grandson called the Princess Bride, a fairytale, adventure, love story that takes place in a mythical world, abundant with themes comparable to the most authentic human experience.

I am SO happy that I got another chance to watch this movie! It's just perfect. It has flawlessly cast actors, romance, horror, action, comedy, incredibly intelligent dialogue, the list goes on. All in the creative context of a story read by grandfather to grandson, honoring its original medium, a novel. What an adventure. I don't even usually like fantasy movies, but The Princess Bride is in a class of its own. 

The characters are fantastic; I have to give special props to Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Fezzik (Andre the Giant), Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), and Westley (Cary Elwes). They compliment each other in such an ideal way, and each offer their own developed perspective on their motives, ethics, and loyalty. Such great chemistry. Not to mention, Westley is dreamy as hell. So romantic and handsome, with all the qualities for men to aspire to have and women to desire in a perfect partner.

Man, it's hard to even find something to criticize. Since it's been about 10 years since I've last seen this film, I figured I would have come up with something more insightful to say on this viewing, but it's just as magical as I remember. The fantastical scenery, how it pulls on the heart strings as well as makes the heart rush, and quotes that stay with you forever:

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

“Inconceivable!”

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

“There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours.”

“MAWAGE!!!”

“Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning.”

It successfully brought me right back to my childhood. Another Rob Reiner masterpiece. 9.5/10 is my immediate rating.

Characters: 9.5/10

Acting: 9.2/10

Storyline: 9.8/10

Entertainment Value: 9.8/10

Immediate Rating: 9.5/10

Total Score: 47.8/50

#185. The Killing

“You have not yet learned that in this life you have to be like everyone else - the perfect mediocrity; no better, no worse. Individuality's a monster and it must be strangled in it's cradle to make our friends feel confident.”

After a betting teller informs his wife of a planned heist that will make them millions, she creates a scheme of her own. All taking place over the course of a day, the film tracks the exciting racetrack robbery and its aftermath.

The Killing didn’t capture my interest as much as I feel it could have. That's not to say I don't think it's an objectively great movie. Anyone who would enjoy a well-done film noir would most likely enjoy The Killing. The ending is fantastic and unexpected, and I found the rest of the plot mostly interesting. I enjoyed the dark comedic aspects, and the film's general mood. I just wonder what the point of it all is. Sole entertainment? Though I enjoyed the movie in the moment, it didn't inspire me to question anything or think any further about it after it was over. Doing that is the reason I love watching movies.

Despite that, I enjoyed observing the character dynamic, as all the characters have a completely different reason for being involved in the heist and desire different outcomes. The acting is also good, and the dialogue is interesting and intelligent.

Overall, it was enjoyable, but doesn’t appeal much to my personal taste, so I don't find it memorable. My immediate rating is 7.1/10.

Characters: 7.3/10

Acting: 7.5/10

Storyline: 7.5/10

Entertainment Value: 7.3/10

Immediate rating: 7.1/10

Total Score: 36.7/50