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Wednesday, 21 June 2017

Review: The Hunt

So we're gonna talk about another foreign film but this time its not a happy film or a film that children should watch, but its so good and I'm very happy I watched it as I've been going through a bit of a funk in terms of films where I just don't know what to watch and this film kinda sparked that curiosity back again. 
The story is about a man called Lucas who is a teacher in a very close-knit Danish village, he very well liked by everyone including the kids. Until one day he is at Theo his best friend's house, his daughter Klara has a little crush on Lucas and puts a love note in his pocket and kisses him on the lips, Lucas rebuffs Klara's feelings leaving Klara feeling hurt. At school Klara makes comments believing that Lucas sexually abused her, and everyone believes her soon other classmates say the same thing and shones Lucas as a Pedophile and Sexual Predator, and completely ostractised his son Marcus, Lucas's relationship with his girlfriend Nadja is ruined. 
This film is not for children by any means, as it deals with very dark themes there is also a scene that is just so horrifically disgusting it made me cry and that's a rare thing for me in terms of films, as I don't usually cry at films, real life things yes but not films. The whole film is in Danish but don't ever let language put you off from watching a film as yes understanding a film is important but just because its in a different language doesn't mean you can't understand it its like when babies talk and you can't understand them but you know what they mean, I worded it horrifically but it makes sense, plus always make sure it has subtitles aswell because that can help out a lot. 
Its one of those films that really makes you think, as its quite a deep story and not one you can just watch on a casual Friday night while having a takeaway, and particularly if you're not an avid film watcher because its not lighthearted. You really put yourselves in Lucas's shoes as to what its like having everyone treat you like nothing for something you didn't even do. As I'm pretty sure we've all got the blame for something at one point and felt wrongly accused. Its also a frustration with the children aswell, because as soon as one girl said something all the kids were like dominoes and said yes which is frustrating because we all know the truth. 
I love Lucas who is played by Mads Mikkelsen he is such a unique actor I've seen him on IMDB and he's basically the Dutch equivalent to Harrison Ford or something like that, he has a Dutch version of an OBE I think, he received an awful lot of awards for this film which he totally deserved because he is brilliant. Everyone else is amazing in this film but Mads really stands out for me he's also branched out into some mainstream films like Doctor Strange and Casino Royale which I did reviews on. The girl who played Klara is something, I reckon she's gonna get better or I hope I don't want her to turn into Lindsay Lohan. 
The scenery of this film is just gorgeous I like films that are set outside the city, don't get me wrong I love the city but especially when its a foreign film like this its nice that its not set in Copenhagen. Also it gets rid of the stereotype of it being all there is in Denmark are Vikings and they all drink, although there is some drinking in this film but in England we drink aswell. Its such a unique story but let me tell you after this film you'll need a drink because its so hard hitting. I hope you enjoyed this review and I'll speak to you all later have a nice day/week! 

Sunday, 26 March 2017

Review: Maleficent

I've been meaning to do a review of this for a while as its such an interesting story and concept of a Villain who has a complicated past, and a reason as to why she's is who she is in the Original classic. I've also never spoken about Angelina Jolie before, so that needs to change. 
I'm sure many of you will know the story if not, here's a brief synopsis. Its set from the point of view of Maleficent, and her story as to what happen to her leading up to Princess Aurora and what we see in Sleeping Beauty.  Maleficent actually was in love with King Stefan growing up, but as they got older and were from different backgrounds, they couldn't be together as it was inevitable. As Stefan wanted to be king, and Maleficent was ruler of the Moors, Stefan wanted to rule and injured Maleficent leaving her wingless. So she gets revenge at Stefan partly from a broken heart but also completely destroying her.
I love Angelina Jolie already but she played this part with such gusto and gave the character so much more depth. I love Diavial her friend who was a Raven but in human form, he is brilliant as he gives her a humanity side to her. She is this very alienistic and has feelings like all humans, but sometimes she can be too proud. Little fact about this film, when they were casting toddler Aurora, they could only choose Angelina Jolie's daughter as most toddlers were too scared of her in her costume! 
The costumes in this film are the best, I love Maleficent's costume I thought they gave it a modern makeover but still remaining true to the Original Animation. Aurora, Prince Phillip and the fairies all have amazing costumes all so fitting with the period but remaining true to character. The three fairies, Knotgrass, Thistlewit and Fittle (played by Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville) were all so brilliant and funny, loved the dynamic between them all. The chemistry between Prince Phillip and Aurora (played by Elle Fanning and Brenton Thwaites) is just adorable, as Aurora is a teenager and very sweet. 
Elle Fanning was just brilliant, as she is so young it was perfect that she played a teenager princess. If she was played by a 30 year old actress who does and could pull of being a 16 year old perfectly yeah it would've worked, but not as well. Sam Riley and Sharito Copley who played Diaval and King Stefan, were just brilliant I liked that you got to know the characters much more than in the Original one. I'm not even a big fan of Sleeping Beauty but this has made me love it loads, I think the Original is still amazing as it has the music in, and I think if Disney changed the music for this film, you'd have a riot on your hands. Although I think everyone liked Lana Del Rey's version of 'Once Upon A Dream'.
This film is just beautiful, whether you're a fan of Sleeping Beauty or not, its a beautiful story with an amazing character development. The costumes are beautiful, as well as the script and characters, regardless of the amount of remakes/reboots/prequels are happening this is one that is worth watching. 
© .
Maira Gall