Peppermint Friday Review #33: The Piano

I've been wanting to talk about this film for ages, because its a big film for me, as its the first film I ever watched that had sex scenes in. I remember watching it on the flight to New Zealand when I was 10 and I watched all the kids films, the family films, adventure films, sci-fi bascially everything I loved and I just thought 'I'll watch that'. Completely naive and it still remains one of the best period dramas I've ever seen in my opinion.

Its such an interesting story, its about a woman called Ada (played by Holly Hunter) and she hasn't spoken since she was 6 years old. She and her daughter Flora (played by Anna Paquin) are shipped of to New Zealand so Ada can marry a frontiersman called Alisdair (played by Sam Neill). As they arrive to New Zealand, Ada spends hours on her piano and that's the only thing she cares about. Alisdair has a friend Baines (played by Harvey Keitel) and he wants to learn how to play piano, at first Ada refuses and is disgusted by Baines, but Alisdair demands that she does. As time goes on Ada plays for him and Baines wants to 'do things to her' as she plays in exchange for keys on the piano, she agrees, and over time they fall in love.

One of the reasons as to why I love this film so much isn't to do with the fact that it has amazing costumes but its the story that's so unique and completely different from what I've seen before. Its one of those films I wish there was more of, I love that its set in New Zealand in the Victorian/Edwardian era because there's alot of Victorian and Edwardian films that are set in America and England, and its nice that it's set in New Zealand. I love anything to do with New Zealand because my mum's from New Zealand so this film holds such a special place for me. I love how the characters are unlike anyone I've ever seen before, Baines wasn't the typical handsome hero and neither was Alisdair they were very average looking. I love that Baines had tattoos on his face, like all the rest of the Maoris and Ada didn't speak both of them were the perfect couple. 

I love that with this film, it doesn't need to shout it and make it so blindingly obvious as to what's happening, what I mean by that is, it doesn't feel to the need to treat their audience like idiots sometimes films do that, they make things so loud and 'here it is wooo look they get together yay!!!' with the music. With this film they use music and the storyline very naturally and like a highlighter and not so in your face, especially with the romance of it all. Its great that with Ada she communicates by the piano and the piano is the main character in a way. Flora is fantastic, she was just so good, I love that they wrote her not being this good girl Victorian doll like child. She was written and played by a girl you would see now, and its no surprise to me that Anna Paquin won an Oscar for her part that year, because she was just incredible. 

The music of this film is just beautiful, it just geled so wonderfully with this film. This film is how to do music right and it made me want to learn the piano and play it. This film was written and directed by Jane Campion and she is so wonderful, and I need to watch more of her, because her way of storytelling is just so gorgeous. With the sex scenes they did it brilliantly again because it wasn't cheaply done in any way which is in my opinion how sex scenes in film should be done, by how the relationship is and the characters are, not just 'oh let's just do it!'. This film is one of my favourite period dramas and its such an underrated film, and Jane Campion is such an underrated director. I feel people only talk about her because she's a female director I've said this before, she's not a good female director,  she s a good director, don't put the female in front. 

This film is well worth watching as its so wonderful and unique with its story and characters and music, costume just everything its so good. I haven't found another film like this yet, even if you arn't a fan of period drama romances, you'll still love this as its not too lovey dovey. But still remaining the truth of the story and the characters, definitely give it a watch!

Review: Taxi Driver

Whenever I think of top directors and they're films, its usually Martin Scorsese for Taxi Driver. Its a very I feel an adult film not in that way, just with the violence, swearing and minor flirty sex scenes with Jodie Foster in her first proper role playing a prostitute, Robert DeNiro playing this lonely almost insane Taxi Driver, you can tell this film is not a happy go lucky type of film. 

I think everyone knows this film, but I just wanna talk about it as I love it so much and I think its my favorite Martin Scorsese film. The film is about this man called Travis Bickle played by Robert DeNiro who is discharged marine, he is lonely lives in New York and takes up a job as a Taxi Driver to help him cope with his insomnia. He meets various people during his job, like Betsy who he ends up going on a date with, Iris or 'Easy' the child prostitute played by Jodie Foster, who is trying to escape her pimp Matthew 'Sport' played by Harvey Keitel. 

This film is a hard film to watch, I say that as I actually watched it twice, once when I was about 15 and again a few months ago. The first time I watched it I thought 'yeah okay whatever' and I don't know why I watched it again but I'm glad I did, as I probably watched it wrong the first time, and I know that sounds so bad and I hate it when people say 'oh you didn't watch it right' because how can you watch something wrong? But I guess I was 15 so I didn't understand it as such but now I like it. Which proves that if you don't like something the first time, doesn't mean you'll still feel that way the second time. 

 Jodie Foster was fantastic in this film, I heard many rumours that she had to see a Shrink before she was aloud to be in this film, but regardless if they're true or not. She is such a stand out in this role, she carries it like an actress, a true actress not a child actress and it's fairly obvious from this performance she was gonna be a big star. Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel are both brilliant in this film, I mean they can do no wrong its an iconic film with iconic actors who say the dialogue how it should be said. 

One thing that I love about this film is the costumes, I adore the New York Fashion from the 70's its so casual and yet so dressy and its even trying to hard to look good. The 70's in terms of films were I feel anyway, quite a difficult year to watch, as you will hardly get a silly fun comedy to watch, It was all about the anti-heros and really hard hitting storylines and dialogue that wasn't used that much, like swearing I don't think many writers would put swearing in they're scripts until the 70s and this film does make me think of the 70's in fashion and filmmaking. 

Robert De Niro portrayed a man on what I believe to be an emotional breakdown. He does it so effortlessly its natural, as an audience you get worried for this man's health and well being which is great. I like that with this film its a main character who is internally good but can be a bit crazy especially in the end, its good I feel to have the main being good and also bad, as that can be relatable I guess. Its also nice to watch a character who is unlike anyone and you can't relate at all and you're away from the world and sucked into another world, a world you can't relate to. 

Overall this is such a fantastic film, its 70s I feel through and through. Its Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro and young Jodie Foster. I mean you can't go wrong its just an iconic classic film, that every needs to watch. I will talk to you all on Wednesday for a special post largely focusing on directors and they're classic films. 

Review: Phone Booth

So last week not alot happened as there was no Wednesday post, but it was all about women who were either tortured or sociopathic women, and interestingly they were both by Stephen King. This week we're gonna try to do films that show a character in isolation like this film and disaster films aswell, which funnily enough was the first film that I watched that had violence and swearing, like they were using words I never even heard my mum and dad say. 

The film stars Colin Farrell as the main character Stu, he is a publicist who has been cheating on his wife Kelly who is played by Radha Mitchell, he makes promises he can't always keep to his clients and those in his personal life. He then uses the phonebooth to call his bit on the side Pam who is played by Katie Holmes, when he tries to call her it isn't her, its instead this stranger on the other end. Who knows everything about Stu, and every wrong thing he ever did in his life. 

As the plot thickens, and escalates it then turns into this police stand off, and its to the point where Stu's entire life is at risk, and he has to do everything the caller tells him to do, because he's so scared, he's forced into telling the truth and being honest. I love Colin Farrell anyway, I think he's a fantastically versatile actor who can do nearly anything. His character in this film was extremely unlikeable which you need as he was a horrible person, you needed a character with a abit of depth in order for them to change in a way. 

But even so in the end you assume his character changes, and you're on the edge as you're thinking does he? I personally don't think he did, I mean he's a good guy underneath and he's been through such an ordeal but you get the feeling no he won't change although that might be just me. The caller is never revealed in the film, its anonymous trait to this film which is great as it makes it more mysterious, as Stu must have had alot of enemies. Although it might be the pizza delivery guy, as he is the least likely you'd think would pull something like that.

Despite the lack of on screen presence both Katie Holmes, and Radha Mitchell had they were both very good, and I would've like to have seen a little more character development into both of them. But I understand that it would have taken away from the spotlight on Stu. Kiefer Sutherland plays the caller which is possibly the best performance of the film, not to say Colin Farrell wasn't good as he was, but Kiefer was so terrifying and you never got to even see him, just hear his voice. It was incredibly mesmerising and unforgettable to watch.

                                                                
This film is very good, and delivers its brief of being a psychological thriller, but however I personally feel there are better psychological thrillers out there. The reason I did this as a review was 1. It feels strangely nostalgic to me, as it was the first film I watched that had swearing, and violence in and that's always memorable to any film fan. 2. I wanted to write a review that wasn't 100% positive, and I like watching films and reviewing films I like, but its also nice to write abit of criticism aswell.

Peppermint Friday Review #22: Misery

I have been watching quite alot of TV shows this week, hence the absence from Wednesday, but we're gonna talk about a story that has stuck with me for years and is so so good. The character is also one of the few characters that really made my blood boil. 

The story is about a writer called Paul Sheldon who writes a very successful crime series of books around a character called Misery Chastain. He is at the end of the series and goes for a drive and gets into a car crash because of the snowstorm. Annie Wilkes who lives nearby helps him to her home, it turns out she is his number one fan. The series of the books is at an end, this makes Annie Wilkes very unhappy, and she then keeps him there until he fixes it in her eyes.

I love how the plot goes from one extreme to the next, Misery was one of the first Stephen King books I ever read, and Annie Wilkes is one of the few villains who I truly hate, as with Villains you hate them like you're ideally supposed to but at the end you still love them, brilliant example the Joker you hate him, but love the excitement he brings to the story. I love that its a story that has the potential to happen in real life, with TV shows, Films, Books, Video Games, and even the internet, making a bigger impact on us all it can really nail you with the idea of Obsession. 

I've read the book, and they are pretty much identical which is very rare considering that doesn't happen very often. The language of Annie thats used is brilliant, both book and film she is a total sociopath but has that childish mentality that's so common in serial killers in fiction and in real life. Paul Sheldon is brilliant, as you're on his side in the whole story from start to finish and I actually jumped out of my seat in the end. 

Kathy Bates stars as Annie Wilkes and she does a brilliant job with portraying a domineering female, as she played a similar character in American Horror Story: Coven. James Caan is fantastic aswell being the writer Paul Sheldon, I liked that he fought back throughout the film, and in the end and its a great feeling watching a film and finally the villain gets what they deserved.

Its great that this story has been adapted to be a play, as there aren't many female villains that I've seen and have made me really angry or terrified or both even. So to have a character that other actresses can play and interpret is amazing, as its always nice to watch a domineering evil woman for a change. I've seen Shawshank Redemption as a stage play and it was brilliant, so it can work. Its an insight for Obsession and what it can do to you, for Paul Sheldon he didn't really have a clue for his audience in terms of his books, but it just shows you have no idea of people and who they are.

                                                           
You should definitely watch this film, if you are of age to watch of course. If you love Stephen King's writing, and need to see an evil, domineering villain. Then this is the film you need to watch, or read the book as they are identical. I'll see you all next week, with a lighter film hopefully and have a lovely weekend!

Review: Carrie

I'm aware on this blog each week, its sort of related to the last Film I did a review on, but you all know how varied I am with my Film taste and that I like to shake it up, and I haven't done a review on a Stephen King film on this blog I don't think, so why not. I'm gonna be talking about the 2013 version of the film, as its totally new to me and I've championed alot of the originals of films, so I thought why not.

 I have watched the 1976 version of the story, but have not yet read the book, its about a teenager called Carrie (played by Chloe Grace Moretz) who is very shy, reclusive and has telekinesis powers her mother (played by Julianne Moore) is very religious and really disturbed. Carrie has her period for the for first time, she doesn't what it is, and is bullied and made fun for it. Then the bullies at her school are banned from attending the prom.

I've heard some pretty bad stuff about this version of the film, that it was crap and it wasn't as good as the original film, or that it didn't go by the book word for word or whatever. But I liked it, and I maybe it didn't go by the book, but I don't think I've seen a film that has actually done that, used the book as a script rather drawing inspiration from it and using it as an obvious for the story and characters. Chloe Grace Moretz was just amazing, I already love her but she completely reinvented Carrie but still keeping the original character of who she was alive.

Julianne Moore was again just fantastic, she was so psychotic and in a Stephen King antagonist thats a very important and notable quality to have. Characters of the high school bullies and students are all brilliant, Tommy played by Ansel Elgort was charming and a really sweet guy. His girlfriend Sue Snell played Gabriella Wilde is again brilliant, but the character was a little too nice, as it was prom she could've been a little more selfish about it. She gave up her boyfriend so he can take Carrie to prom instead which is nice, as she felt guilty about it also she was banned as she did pick on Carrie but I don't know any teenager who was willing to do that.

The character of Chris was allow me to put it bluntly was a bitch. Then again she was the ringleader of bullying Carrie which you need in a teen film. So she did the part fantastically, and as Carrie is a nice girl just with a crazy mum and telekinetic powers, which noone knows about in the school, pouring pigs blood on her because she didn't know it was her period was a horrific way to go about it, again she missed her prom which is the most important time for a teenager but thats good character as it made me feel something.

One thing that I loved about this film and it sets it apart from the original is the technology development, with its time. Like the video the bullies made of Carrie crying over her period that was posted over the internet, as something like that would happen in the modern world. It also made the bullies even meaner and gave more of a reason for the teachers to punish them. The effects of the film were unbelievable, the killings in the film all happen in a matter of 5 minutes or so. For me I love that as it even the balance out instead of some horrors where its just 'blood, killing, and death' everywhere. 

I mean I loved this film, did I like it more than the original? For the reasons of the actors, the effects and the modern age of technology I'd say yes, and I had much more stronger feelings for the characters. Whereas in the original film I related to them and liked them, but I guess I just hated the bullies in this one for some reason. Definitely give this film a go as, I loved it and its not as scary as some people think the real villain is the teenage girls, as Carrie's mother is so broken she snap. Even if you didn't watch the original or read the book like I did you will still like it. 

Peppermint Friday Review #17: Persepolis

In my last post I said that this film was going to be not for kids, as its an Animation but believe me it is not by far.

Persepolis was originally a graphic novel written by Marjane Satrapi, and it tells the story of her life through adolescence and her life growing up in the Iranian Revolution. I loved it so much, its so harrowing to watch, and get into. Now before I didn't know that much about the Iranian Revolution, but watching this film from a first person narrative, and to do it in such a beautiful way is wonderful. 

The artwork is so unique and unlike anything I've seen before, like I said this film is not for kids when I mean kids I mean 12 and younger. As some people might not be affected by the themes and the language of the film, as it is a true story and from what Marji goes through its something no kids should watch. From wonderful free country Marji use to live in she's is then striped from her home Iran and moved to Austria where again she's moved from house to house. 

You see Marji experiencing different views, and being political and seeing the beautiful country with lots of political and strong views on certain things. One of my favorite bits was where Marji was waking around with her head scarf on and she's got a 'Punk Is Not Ded' T-Shirt on, and it makes me smile where despite the War that's gone on, and how much everything in her life has changed, she still remains punk rock.

This film is amazingly done, and I loved every bit of it. Its so beautiful the artwork, the dialogue is perfect it fits in so well. To see Marji grow up and her change overtime, and what she believes and everyone in her family to be affected by everything that goes on in Politics, the War, Iranian Revolution. 

                                                       
I strongly urge everyone to watch this film as its so funny, sweet, heartbreaking and serious everything I love. Next week will be so much fun, as I'm going back to watching some gorgeous film noir. I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxed weekend.

Peppermint Friday Review #16: The Lady In The Van

Its been a week, sorry about that Christmas happen. Hope you all had a good one, I'm gonna talk about this film which is one of my favorites. 

I don't know why I didn't see this film up til now, because its really good. Its about Allen Bennett (who wrote this story) who lives in Camden with an old lady who lives in a van on that road, well I mean the title speaks for itself. Its the question of who is this woman? Why does she live in a van? What has she done? Its so personal and bonkers at the same time. Maggie Smith is brilliant, well she always is really a big inspiration of mine, she captures Mary Shepard (real name Margaret Fairchild) fantastically to the point where I can't see anyone playing her except her. 

What I loved the most about this film is the distinguish between writer Allen and everyday Allen, because in a way it does capture being a writer or just someone alone and creative that doesn't have that much human interaction. Where he just talked to himself, and had arguments with himself. I knew who Allen Bennett was a little, I mean I watched The History Boys and that was good, but I wasn't obsessed with him, and he has a very particular writing style as it sets him apart from any writer. After this film, I think I can say he's gonna become a fast favorite. 

I loved Alex Jennings he was so good at being the tolerant neighbour of Mary. When I saw searching for who directed it, and in it I notice allot of them did allot of work in theatre. Which was really good, as it showed for me a different side to a director's vision. Nicholas Hytner who directed it did alot of theatre and opera work plus he directed the theatre plays of The History Boys and The Lady In The Van. It was refreshing to watch a film with a director who mainly did theatre work, to do a film. 

All the cameos of The History Boys were brilliant, especially as we all know James Corden is this big star now. This film really is brilliant, the story of the lady is so intriguing and wonderful. Its a beautifully written story that I love very much. I'll do a post tomorrow on the last day of 2016! and I shall speak to you all very soon!

Review: Its A Wonderful Life

Merry Christmas everyone! so as promised I watched Its a Wonderful Life as its a beautiful film and one of my favorites. 

We all know the film, and story but it is so relevant to today with everything's thats happen in the year 2016. It centres around George and we go on a journey with him, and we see him as a little boy and when he's got his first girlfriend. Everything that happens to his life that is relevant and significant to him, up to him as an adult. George owes $8000 for a loan, and is rock bottom little did he know he had an angel, but a 2nd class angel with no wings. George then tells him that he wishes he was never born, the angel Clarence tries to show him that life is worth living. 

George and Mary are both beautifully cast, they're both different from each other because they both evolve and change overtime, sometimes in a good way but also in a ba way, George has been through some real crappy things, whereas with Mary she's not a hardboiled as George is, if that makes sens. I do love that though as its yin and yang, for there relationship and when George wishes, he never existed Mary becomes a liberian and is totally opposite to what we see before, Donna Reed and James Stewart have such amazing chemistry. 

The story is so relatable to any time period as we all know a George we've all been a George at one point in our lives, and I had to do a review one this film as its relevant to 2016 and its one of my favorite films, and a film that I think everyone loves. Henry Potter who is the films antagonist and George's rival is casted perfectly and is opposite in terms of looks, and demeanor to George. George is this kind, honest man and Henry is this evil, tyrant of a man and doesn't have that much care for people. The fact that George is this good looking tall and slim man, and Henry is this overweight pipesmoking boss.

We all love it in the end where Henry gets his just desserts, lets face it and we all wanted George to win in the end, and he did and it makes me so happy. What I love about this film is that in some ways its not just a 'Christmas Film' I mean yes its set during Christmas time, but its also about friends, family and being a good person, and remembering who will always be there for you. LIke in the 'Bishop's Wife' post yesterday, its the message of the story which I love so much. Its a message that we all should learn and know throughout different times of the year, and its a classic for a reason. 

The fact that it was made during World War II, and its a character which I think everyone can relate to during that time of it being pretty hard, as it is now in a way. Its easy to forget about the simple things of life, and that the bad guy will always be a bad guy, only if he changes his ways. In the end with George rushing home to his family and its beautiful to watch. 

I shall leave you all with this gif from the film, and I will speak to you all after Christmas! Have a good Christmas everyone! 💙💜🎄🎅✨

Peppermint Friday Review #15: The Bishop's Wife

Before I begin talking about this gem of a film, I will be doing a special Christmas Eve film review (which is tomorrow!) as it is Christmas and the time of giving I thought why not, and they are both gorgeous films.

Anyway, this film is just beautiful not because it has Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young but it has a such a beautiful sentimental element to it. Its about a bishop called Henry who is played by David Niven, and he is finding hard to get the funding for the new cathedral being built. He prays for some guidance, and an angel appears called Dudley, played by Cary Grant everyone is wooed by Dudley especially the Bishop's wife Julia.

I loved this film, as well its set in the 1940's and that to me just oozes with brilliance. It has David Niven playing a character entirely different from 'A Matter of Life and Death' he is not charming, and dashingly poetic in this film, he's the opposite which I love because he is just incredible. Cary Grant is as charming and handsome as always, the chemistry and the scenes with Henry and Dudley were so much fun to watch as they are just opposites from each other. During Dudley's visit Henry gets very focused on the cathedral, and forgets momentarily about his wife and daughter. 

The message of this film is very important, and wonderful it tells a tale of a man who wants to good by his wife and daughter, and the whole church community. He gets an angel who wants to give him guidance, he then becomes so obsessed with finishing this cathedral, he realises he's abandoned his wife for this angel and thinks he'll never get her back and loses the true meaning of Christmas that it doesn't really matter how amazing a job is family and the people you love is very important and remember where they are. 

The witt aswell is just perfect to this film, David Niven stuck in a chair is the funniest and best thing you'll ever see, and Cary Grant getting the little girl to play with the boys in the park is one of the sweetest things you'll ever see, I mean I don't condom to cheating but in fiction and when its Cary Grant a girl can't resist. I also love the fact that Cary Grant's character is this suave, sophisticated angel and his name is Dudley.

The fact that this film was made 2 years into World War II and its such a heartwarming story, is so beautiful I mean I've noticed alot of films during this time have a gorgeous sentimental message and output to them all. Loretta Young is an actress whom I'm not familiar with yet, and I'm certain I will be watching much more of her very soon! She is just fantastic in this film, the bit where they're ice skating will just melt your heart she is elegant and a pleasure to watch.

This film is a beautiful film to watch and a perfect story, If you love Cary Grant or David Niven, or like me both! Then you need to watch it, it's so pretty and I'd like to say one of my favorite films of all time. Tomorrow the review will be very similar to this film, but not the same I won't tell you just yet you'll have to watch but it is one of my favorite films ever. 

Peppermint Friday Review #13: Gummo

This is a weird one, as I had to watch this again because and I know this is gonna sound abit stupid to say but I didn't get it the first time, as if I didn't watch it properly but it was so weird I didn't know what it was about. The film is about....I'm not sure the outline plot on IMDB is 'Lonely residents of a tornado stricken Ohio town wander the deserted landscape trying to fulfill their boring, nihilistic lives.' But this story has a hundred different plots and it doesn't necessarily consist if that makes sense. 

Its like short films, improv scenes and home movies collided into one, there were bits of the film I thought 'thats interesting' not that I liked them but found interesting, but also there were bits that I hated and they were the constant images and scenes of dead cats or cats being shot and chase. That kinda stuff makes me abit uncomfortable because I love cats and animals, and I cannot stand to see animals particularly. I can kinda understand and see how the Director/Writer wanted it to be portrayed as the boys were just bored and wanted something wild to do, or because they were very poor and had bad families, could be anything for the reason, I don't know but that creeped me out. 

The Director/Writer of the film is Harmony Korine who made the recent film Spring Breakers, but other than that I'm not that familiar with his work. But that doesn't mean anything, one thing that I found fascinating was the bunny boy throughout the film, he provided an air of mystery throughout the film, particularly when the boys are shooting him with pretend guns, bunny boy doesn't say anything and thats one of the reasons why he's a mystery of course and the character sets out to be a mystery.

One thing that made me cringed so badly, and just makes me cringe in general was the girl in the end who shaved off her eyebrows and that makes me cringe, and I don't know what it does but I hate it. Anyway I thought she was quite nice, because it felt that she didn't realise herself if that makes sense. She was just really genuine, throughout the film I mean the majority of the characters for me anyway didn't really feel real, they might for you and thats great. I loved the soundtrack of the film, as it was added like lighting is makes the scene.

Put it this way I will never forget this film, as it dented itself into my memory. Not for good reasons not for bad, I mean it did feel like an Indie film, and in some ways it was and it did feel like allot of improv was in the film, and apparently it was. Its very organic this film, and its different and incredibly unique and that is always a good thing, but I didn't like the amount of dead cats there were in the film, but also they were lacking in the wardrobe department for guys, as most of the men in this film were shirtless. Not that thats, bad or good, merely an observation. The cast in the film didn't go on to other things, and it felt that they were real people not actors, apart from Chloe Sevigny, and she was married to Harmony Korine. Anyway this film is weird one, but I included it as the main character is a teenager. But I can reassure you all that next week, will be lighter.