A troubling movie that doesn't quite live up to its promise.
I have a theory about this movie. As many have been saying, it's not an homage to the grind house films -- it is a grind house film. And without the makers of cultural difference that characterize those films -- the poorly translated subtitles, the otherness of the people and locales -- the viewer is forced to directly confront the world view from which these movies spring. I found myself yearning for more backstory, but I think if I truly grokked the cultural underpinnings of kung-fu action movies I wouldn't need backstory -- the honor/revenge arc would in and of itself be enough.
But it wasn't enough for me. And the action set pieces were underwhelming -- Tarantino is not an action director.
| Comments (2)This is a beautiful film about three little girls who are taken from their families and are trying to go home -- a true story that actually taught me something.
The girls are half Aboriginal and half English. For most of the 20th century, the Australian government removed such children from their homes and placed them in schools where they could learn the skills necessary to becoming domestic servants. This policy was meant to prevent the creation of a "middle class" of mixed race, but ignored the reality of colonial life. The girls escaped and trekked over 1,500 miles home.
| Comments (0)A down-on-his-luck Shaolin student decides to popularize kung-fu by combining traditional Shaolin practice with soccer. The results are hilarious!
Directed by and starring Stephen Chow, this is more than a simple spoof of martial arts movies. It's funny and moving all on its own. The special effects are not particularly spectacular -- but they are effective and believable. The story revolves around a former soccer legend called Golden Leg who helps Chow and his brothers form a unique team which must then battle the Evil Team to prove their (and kung-fu's) worth.
This movie will be released in the U.S. next year. But the imported, region-free, uncut DVD is available here in the states, if you know where to look.
| Comments (0)A fun, light-weight bit of fluff about asserting your identity and pursuing your dreams.
| Comments (0)