Film Reviews by Oli

Really great film, I'm probably going to watch it again tonight as it is a really special film, one of a kind really, it does have it's moments that are a bit long winded, and some annoying characters (Bessie namely) But Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney and Clifton Webb make this film a memorable experience, you come into the film with Dana Andrews intruiging detective speaking to Clifton Webbs peculiar journalist, he has a short chat with him, the journalist ends by telling him he actually knows the detective and admires a case he worked on, the detective really takes no notice of this and carrys on as usual, then presumes to tell him he will naturally be one of the main suspects. The rest of the film unfolds in brilliant fashion, and I have to say I didn't see the twist coming about half way through, it is a really dreamy experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Sure it has it's flaws but they are outweighed by the powerful story and by how it unfolds. Like JK said the theme is as nice a piece of music I have ever heard on film. I agree as well films don't need blood and gore to be powerful, a door shutting, the 2-3 gunshots in a brilliantly fascinating story is as good as anything.

Just dismiss the review above without any thought, sure it can be a bit slow at times but its story, Ozu does a good job in this and many similar films that I've seen (Tokyo Story, An Autumn Afternoon) of detailing the characters with intellect, so you feel like you're a part of their world. It's just build up which is a part of good cinema, if the story/characters are interesting enough to keep it going what difference does it make? I'll admit to one thing the above said though, you could argue it's a little bit dated, it didn't make a difference for me though as the story is brilliant and Ozu like he always does, does a great job of conveying important messages and important characters into one very satisfying film. I have to also mention the acting is always brilliant in Ozu's films, Setsuko Hara is stunningly beautiful and you feel mesmerized by her like you do in so many other of Ozu's films, and Chishû Ryû always plays this fantastic calm presence with a bit of a boyish side but a caring one.

Just watched this last night, thought it initially sounded like an interesting movie when I was looking through my 1001 movies to watch list, but it is a bit average, it's likeable and it has a few moments, and you can see there's definitely people like this in real life, but he isn't someone you rally behind and you do begin to question how he would get such a nice caring girl and a nice flat etc. some of it doesn't really add up. It was still a decent watch though, maybe the film was made more to see the horrors of being an alcoholic, Jane Wyman was really good and there was some great acting like the above said, just the story doesn't really add up in the end. It's just so hard to believe a person like this could ever have become a great writer, he just seems to lack ambition.

It is a great film, really well directed, there's some really fascinating characters in this especially the 2 boys Julien and Jean, and it is just all in all a brilliant story. There are some fantastic memorable images throughout the film, and it breaks your heart. Loved it!

I didn't know what to come into this expecting admittedly, it's the 1st Indian film I've seen! Always liked the look of these films though, and I noticed Roger Ebert put them on his great movies list so you can't normally go wrong there! But all in all great film, great watch, it's simple and you get scenes with just music playing, but I think that's the brilliance of it, Ray doesn't neccessarily feel the need to make you hear the characters conveying anger grief etc. and it comes across brilliantly, it's simple but powerful, a simple film about upbringing in India with a family, well worth the watch! I will now be renting Aparajito and World of Apu!