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big fish (2003)
the butterfly effect (2004)
ju-on : the grudge 2 (2003)
monster (2003)
the passion of the christ (2004)
reconstruction (2003)
shattered glass (2003)
A-"reconstruction - A-/7.9 out of 10
although i wasn't clear what's going on and had no clue what's going to happen next, i willingly went along for the ride out of curiosity. this is one of those films that plays with your mind and how much you'd enjoy this film depends on how much you get into what's going on with the characters.
the film is visually stylish and very well shot and edited. the music used is effective, including barber's adagio for strings which is one of my favourite classical works. i didn't know copenhagen was such a beautiful city until i watched the film tonight! and you know what, my friend and i both didn't realize both aimee and simone were starred by the same actress until i read the synopsis on my way home!"
B-"one's religious belief has much to do with how much you'd get from mel gibson's the passion of the christ and how much you'd like this film. i'm an atheist and though i've studied the bible before (as i took religious studies in hkcee), frankly i've forgotten almost everything i've been taught about the bible.
i think the film succeeds in its goal for creating the most realistic film about jesus ever made but it lacks the depth of a great film and left me wanting for more. if you're looking for movies that talk about religion, humanity and love, look elsewhere, probably lars von trier's breaking the waves. however, the film is impressive from a technical standpoint, esp. the cinematography, the settings and make-up. as opposed to mona lisa smile, i dun have any doubt or disbelief that the film takes place more than 2000 years ago esp. when the actors are all speaking aramaic and latin." back
A-"i did like monster a lot, though not as much as boys don't cry. the story may be a bit plain but watching ms. theron starring as aileen wuornos in the movie was definitely an exciting and rewarding experience. in my opinion, she delivered one of the best female performances in recent years since hilary swank in boys don't cry, bjork in dancer in the dark and ellen burstyn in requiem for a dream. christina ricci is good as well though in a more subtle way. however, if you find two ugly girls kissing unpleasant or disgusting, skip this film." back
march 2004
A"big fish is currently my favourite film of 2003 (for films released worldwide in 2003); an extraordinary achievement! it's a truly heart-warming film and i was deeply touched towards the end."
"well, that's what this film is trying to explore : what stories really mean to people and why are they so important to some people despite the fact that they may be exaggerated or merely lies... " back
C+"i'm very interested in the concept of the film though the directors are using "the butterfly effect" as the vehicle and place it in the realm of a lovesick protagonist using his mysterious power to travel through time in order to fashion a relationship. as sir cadogan said, the film starts out promisingly. however, the film suffers from confused direction and editing and i was soon getting tired of the what-if game. i'm not asking for a total logic from the film but the butterfly effect is a film that's completely devoid of logic at its worst. the "special effects" appearing repeatedly while evan's travelling through time is stupid and frustrating. for films exploring similar ground, i'd recommend frequency starring dennis quaid and james caviezel." back
B+"i was shocked when i found that i was one of the five audience sitting in ua telford watching the movie at 10p.m. yesterday which was a saturday. as for the film, well, i think it's pretty good. it raises questions whether we should trust what the news reports write that easily if faking stories as depicted in the film is so simple. it's a must-see for everyone, esp. journalism students." back
C-"i watched ju-on : the grudge 2 tonight and sorry guys, it sucks! there're only 2 or 3 jumping scenes and overall, the film isn't scary at all. it's basically the same movie as the original & there're too many stupid twists that make no sense at all. thumbs down." back
