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Rent Everything Is Illuminated (2005)

Some people collect stamps, cigar bands or teacups. Jonathan saves memories of family: photos, cards, false teeth, handfuls of dirt - all sealed in individual bags and mounted on a wall. Now Jonathan seeks a more elusive memory. He'll journey to the Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis in 1942.

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You rated this movie: 4

Reviewed by: Geek Pie
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Everything Is Illuminated review by Geek Pie

Quirky, funny and moving.

(4) of (6) members found this review helpful.

The story of 'Everything Is Illuminated' revolves around the character of Jonathan, a young man who travels to the Ukraine to discover more information on the woman who saved his grandfathers life during world war two. On arrival Jonathan meets a quirky translator named Alex and with the help of his grandfather and his dog, they act as guides to Jonathon on his Ukrainian journey. Essentially the film is a road trip movie split into two halves, the first being quite light hearted and quirky and the second more solemn and personal. Overall, despite being a bit slow in parts 'Everything Is Illuminated' is pretty original and unique look at a young mans journey into his family history and well worth a look.

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You rated this movie: 5

Reviewed by: Daryll Nesmejanow
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Everything Is Illuminated review by Daryll Nesmejanow

Everything Is Surprisingly Fantastic

(3) of (3) members found this review helpful.

I don't normally go for 'quirky' or 'arty' films. One night I was bored and decided to give this film a go. I have to say that this is one of the best films I have ever seen. It starts and you start to think 'Here we go- one of these types of films.' But within 5-10 minutes, you realise that the potential quirkiness of the film is due to one character's quirkiness- this is then beautifully addressed and balanced by the straight, 'normality' of the other characters. The film deals with human issues- relationships, personal identity etc. It is amazing. I loved it. It is my most favorite film. It also has many quotable lines. It is a great blend of getting you laughing and also tugging your heart strings. Superb.

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You rated this movie: 5

Reviewed by: JN
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Everything Is Illuminated review by JN

surreal

(2) of (2) members found this review helpful.

I loved this one. It had the kind of surreal-humoristic tone I love (which you find in lots of film I like from Drive to Big Fish to Black Cat/White Cat...) in spite of tackling a very sensitive subject… and doing it with great care. It seems the book is even more surreal and irreverant, I will have to dig it up.