'Pan's Labyrinth'
He also talks about how much he loves it. The prologue provides a window into the type of film "Pan's Labyrinth" is a film that evokes a multitude of emotions as contrasting as those associated with something that destroys you and something that you love.
Set in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, del Toro weaves a fairy tale of sorts about Ofelia (Baquero), whose mother brings her to a military outpost in the forest to live with her new stepfather, an exacting fascist taskmaster, Captain Vidal (Lopez). While there, Ofelia encounters a faun who tells her she is the lost Timberland Shop Online princess of the underworld. In order to reclaim her throne, she must accomplish three death defying tasks.
The commentary, as well as numerous special features, illuminate the viewing experience and make evident how Del Toro's approach to making this film proved to be as meticulous as the tortuous Vidal. The most interesting featurettes include del Toro's explication of creatures who appeared in the film who were also in notebooks in which he had been sketching since 1993, as well as the "Color and the Shape," which gives insight into the Oscar winning cinematography and art direction.
This film is subtitled and you probably have never heard of any of the actors in it, but do not let that discourage you. The fantastical story, paired with imagery that only becomes more surreal as it plays off the mundane details of reality, are the stars of this engrossing tale.
David Oakes, Reno Gazette Journal
The Painted Veil
Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Toby Jones
3 stars out of 4
Let me get this straight: actor/producer Edward Norton and director John Curran work for seven years to get a movie made and then, when they put it out on DVD, they have absolutely nothing to say for it? Such a shame, because "The Painted Veil" is one of my favorite movies of 2006. It's beautiful such lovely shadows and light, and amazing, unimaginable scenery that turn every other scene into a living postcard. Unfortunately, the small screen doesn't really do it justice. I don't know why I continue to be surprised that well made films can fall under the wheels of films made without any care, but with Ralph Lauren Polo Australia Online boatloads of money.
"The Painted Veil' is a fascinating story of a young married couple in the middle of a medical crisis in China while dealing with the crisis of their own failed marriage. In 1925, Walter quickly settles on a bride, Kittie, a London socialite, and takes her back to Shanghai, where he works as a civil servant studying diseases in a lab. Soon enough, Kittie becomes disenchanted when her staid Replica Mont Blanc Fountain Pens husband and her dull life and seeks excitement in the arms of a married British diplomat.
When Walter discovers her infidelity, he moves himself and Kittie into the middle of a cholera epidemic in rural China, stranding her physically and emotionally. It's a smart and heartfelt story that allows all the characters to be real people with light and dark sides. Much of this, I'm sure, is due to the outstanding performances by Norton and Watts. Also, Toby Jones turns a small part as perceptive Waddington, a British officer, into another scene stealing turn.
If only there had been some extras, I would have bumped "Veil" to four stars. Okay, so maybe films about a genius mathematician slipping into madness ("Pi") and how heroin ruins the lives of four addicts ("Requiem For a Dream") aren't whimsical or uplifting at all. But keeping those films which are the only two he has helmed in mind, it is all the more surprising that Aronofsky found a way to make a relatively uplifting movie about death.
Aronofsky employs three narratives that take place in three different time periods (the late 1400s, the present and the distant future) Ray Ban Folding Aviator Australia to tell the story of Izzi (Weisz), a woman dying of cancer, and how her research scientist and Michael Kors Handbag Australia husband, Tommy (Jackman), tries to save her. The central narrative, though, is about how Izzi Buy Mont Blanc Pens Online Australia and Tommy come to grips Beats Pill Price with Izzi's impending death. The use of the three different narratives allows Aronofsky to drench the film with symbolism, of both the obvious and the obscure variety.
Another surprise on this DVD is the absence of a commentary Timberland Earthkeepers track. There are, however, six featurettes that cover everything from set design and cinematography to the fact that the film was rewritten and recast after being started and then shelved in 2002.
Though there are some heartbreaking moments, it is not a depressing movie. The storytelling is not carried out in a linear manner, but it only augments the film and prevents it from becoming a run of the mill "My wife is dying and it's not fair because we love each other so much" Hollywood schlockfest.
Oakes
Army of Shadows4 stars
We follow a mastermind of the French resistance during World War II as he escapes Nazis, parachutes into hostile territory, dispatches traitors and is told to run for the amusement of machine gunners at his (possible) execution. Just don't expect a Hollywood ending.
The two DVD Criterion edition is loaded with extras: an informative film history commentary track, new interviews with crew members, an old TV show on the film, a 1944 documentary filmed on the front lines of the final days of German occupied France and even a discussion amongst real resistance leaders.
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