I really really really wish they never made that Perfect Storm movie so I wouldn't have to hear people constantly say everything was a perfect storm. (e.g. the financial crisis)

Argo was good but not great, not sure what all the hype was about. I found the climax to be incredibly disappointing, and while I know nothing about how that part actually happened in real life, I thought the movie's portrayal was completely unrealistic, Hollywood nonsense.



Bernie on the other hand was amazing start to finish. I don't have a bad thing to say about the movie. Every performance was amazing, the content of the movie was informative, interesting, and well put together. The actual people of Carthage's recounting of the story was both hilarious and informative. The actors portrayal of events, as well as their fake documentary style scenes were all amazing. This movie was just perfect imo. I was enthralled start to finish.

the storyline was Original?

13 Assassins is an absolutely incredible period piece. It's violent, brutal, has a good plot, and also includes a 35 minute battle finale that takes place in what is either one of the coolest sets I've ever seen or a really authentic place (didn't include any pics of it in case any of you watch it). The plot focuses on Lord Doi, the man in charge of delivering the Shogun's justice. He's put into an impossible position when the Shogun's sadistic half brother, Lord Naritsugu rises to daimyo of the Akashi clan, who are also put into an impossible situation due to the code of the samurai's necessity to follow their leader even if he is unfit to rule.







Lord Doi is responsibile for saving face for the Shogun, while trying to get Lord Naritsugu out of power, and at the same time maintaining the Shogun's peaceful rule. The plot is intricate, well paced, and has some of the best sets and locations I've seen.

















The fights themselves are choreographed perfectly. They are quick, (not necessarily the entire scene, but the fights themselves) realistic, and most importantly fun to watch. The politics involved is interesting, and interspersed with enough action to keep the movie exciting throughout. The ending (well last 1/3) of the movie is amazing. I can't imagine how long they must have choreographed this, the time put into the set, the costumes and special effects etc. It's truly epic.










This write up doesn't do the film justice, but only Diebitter and John Cole have discussed the film itt so far, so I don't want to spoil it for any of you who haven't seen it yet. Not to mention my writing ability wouldn't do it justice anyways. Go check it out!

I think I gave this 97/100. I may watch it again tonight.

opening scene grabbed my attention and i loved it until the end. of course im a sucker for the setting and plot with sven samurai being one of my favorite films. the only thing i didnt like was the last addition to their party and his way of fighting. it didnt flow well and was often clumsy.

quite often these(any) samurai movies don't really portray bushido and indeed the art of Katana very well even if they are a great movie.

When it comes to mastery and exhibition of sword skill, there have been a few exceptions, but often those are extremely small parts in a movie... or the movie itself as a whole is not that impressive.

This guy is really pretty good... and the movie, even though the movie has Kitano in it, is only really only so so.

any of these strikes, if real, would cause serious serious injury.

Hey, I gave it 13 Assassins a great review, too!

hmmm when i searched assassins only the two posts showed up. ill do a search for your review.

I'm not sure if I did a full review beyond, "awesome movie," but you never know.

Exquisite swordplay. Great find, MSchu. Do you study any sword arts?

Most swordplay in American films is dog****. I have to look to ooooooold school Asian films to get quality swordplay. Though the swordplay in The Duellists was fairly elite.

You nailed so much of what annoyed me about this film.




It could have been a very good film if done in a more understated manner: the situation provided plenty of tension, which was reduced by the Hollywood bull****. I also wish Affleck had cast someone other than himself; his acting performance was wooden.

I've mentioned this before in the hating Ben Affleck thread. Re-imagine that movie with Javier Bardem in the lead.

To the Wonder is now on Netflix. I'm awake early as usual and thought I'd finally watch it. Wait, this is in French??? Okay, at least it's now in my queue...

one thing that always upsets me is when I am watching some random movie with a samurai sword and they are carrying it sheathed upside down... it's not like this in most Japanese Samurai movies.

In that clip it's really easy to loose site of the great attacks and indeed the great strikes because they happen to fast or are "pulled" slightly. I think one of the best strikes in that video is the last protagonist swordsman(not a samurai yet) directly after the two release from the wrestling... as they step back the master samurai strikes the other katana right on top of the blade and his edge trails back to the opponents hands... he surely would have lost both hands in a real fight. it happens @ 2:05

There are maybe 6 lines of dialogue in the film.

His voice work in Wreck It Ralph sets a new bar IMO. Dang kids movie nearly made me cry.

His face irritates me for some reason, but yes, he is a great actor in everything.

I think I know what you mean. For some reason he just pisses me off and I would rather avoid stuff he is in rather than seek it out.

for the life of me i cant remember his role in the thin red line

what was the guitar playing movie he made a few years back?
all I remember is trying to make it thru that and pulling the plug after about an hour. maybe I should give it another shot.

Leon: The Professional 92/100



A terrific movie from a great year for movies (1994), Rewatching makes me think this is Portman's best performance in any movie, and Jean Reno has so much presence as the unassuming cleaner. And of course, Oldman is terrific. Some great shots, and outstanding music design, Just wonderful.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

an image from a Brazilian licensing expo has been accidentally released of the face of the new Godzilla...



legendary lawyers have been pounding the internet getting all the images taken down, so no telling how long this will be up.

I think 1994 might be the second greatest year for movies... right after 1939.