A Film A Day: November 2014

American History X (1998)

Genre

Director

Country

Cast
Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Stacey Keach, William Russ, Guy Torry, Joe Cortese, Antonio David Lyons, David Basulto

Plot
Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a skinhead belonging to a sect financed by Cameron Alexander (Stacy Keach), is released from prison after serving three years for voluntary manslaughter of two black guys. The same day, his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), submits to his history teacher Murray (Elliott Gould) - which is Jewish - a paper on Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, believing to follow his brother Derek's belief; what Danny is still not aware of is that in prison Derek totally changed his mind, due to sexual violence coming by a component of his neo-Nazi group, and also because the only people that were close to him were both black: a young inmate, Lamont (Guy Torry), and his old school teacher, Sweeney (Avery Brooks).

Sweeney, which is also the principal of Danny's school, will give to the young boy a new assignment: he has to prepare a paper on his brother called "American History X".

Opinion
Marvelous film, perhaps my favorite. American History X is moving and definitely remains in the viewer's memory. Despite what tons of people think, this film is not about racism or anti-semitism, but about hate. The film ends with the last words of Danny's essay and lets hope.

Well directed by a debutante Tony Kaye, this film is embellished by the incredible performance of Edward Norton, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Quotes
Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it.

Rating
9.5/10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Genre

Adventure | Sci-Fi

Director

Francis Lawrence

Country

United States

Cast
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen, Jena Malone, Amanda Plummer, Paula Malcomson

Storyline
After winning the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return home. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) visits Katniss and explains that her actions in the Games have inspired rebellions across the districts. He orders her to use the upcoming victory tour to convince everyone her actions were out of genuine love for Peeta, not defiance against the Capitol.

As the tour begins, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) warns them that the show of their relationship must continue for the rest of their lives, so Katniss suggests a public engagement, which is carried out and congratulated by Snow at his mansion in the Capitol.

Due to rebellions in several districts, inspired by Katniss and Peeta, President Snow announces a special Hunger Games, the Third Quarter Quell, where all tributes will be selected from the previous victors: only one is supposed to survive.

Opinion
Sometimes sequels are not up to the previous film, but this is not the case. I've surprisingly enjoyed it very much. Hunger Games: Catching Fire flows smooth like water; its 146 minutes are more like 146 seconds. In this second film of the saga, feelings have more space, but fighting scenes and suspense remain unchanged. Jennifer Lawrence shows off, once again, her incredible skills, and the director, Francis Lawrence (they are not related) dwells on the eyes of the young woman, on the tears coming down her eyes, and on the anger shown through her actions and her words.

Quotes
Fear does not work as long as there is hope.

Rating
8.0/10

Winter's Bone (2010)

Genre

Drama

Director

Debra Granik

Country

United States

Cast
Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Lauren Sweetser, Tate Taylor, Garret Dillahunt, Sheryl Lee, Shelley Waggener, William White, Ron Hall, Ashlee Thompson, Cody Shiloh Brown, Isaiah Stone, Casey MacLaren, Ray Vaughan Jr

Plot
In the highlands of Missouri, seventeen-year-old Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) looks after her mentally ill mother (Valerie Richards), her twelve-year-old brother Sonny (Isaiah Stone) and her six-year-old sister Ashlee (Ashlee Thompson). Every day Ree makes sure her siblings eat, while teaching them basic survival skills like hunting and cooking.

Her father, Jessup, arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine is out on bail. Sheriff Baskin (Garret Dillahunt) tells Ree that if her father doesn't show up for his court date, they will lose the house because it was put up as part of his bond.

Ree, driven from despair of being unable to take care of her family, will face the mistrust and violence of the entire community, up to a dramatic - but only partially revealed - truth.

Opinion
The climate is cold and the atmosphere recalls a post-apocalyptic winter. The cold and detached cinematography conveys perfectly the sense of unease. The colors' choice is excellent, recalling, once again, the feelings convey by the film using drab colors, deprived of their light.

The direction of Debra Granik is terrific; the cast is outstanding, where stands the talented Jennifer Lawrence, receiving the Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, won by Natalie Portman.

Quotes
Never ask for what oughta be offered.

Rating
8.0/10

American Psycho (2000)

Genre

Crime | Horror

Director

Mary Harron

Country

United States

Cast
Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto, Bill Sage, Josh Lucas, Chloë Sevigny, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Matt Ross, Cara Seymour, Guinevere Turner, Stephen Bogaert, Monika Meier, Reg E. Cathey

Plot
Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy investment banker living in Manhattan in the late 1980s.
In his private life, Patrick is a meticulous person who devotes much time to daily exercises and beautification.
By day, his life is based on business lunches, cool clubs and meetings with friends. At night, along with drug use, his frustrations explode, bringing out the envy towards colleagues, the affective dryness towards women and his insanity, turning him into a serial killer, killing whoever bothers him and keeping parts or entire bodies hidden in his apartment.

Opinion
Handsome and sick are the proper words for Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman. This film describes in detail emotional and cognitive processes of a psychopath, with a good attempt at psychological introspection of the character, highlighting the characteristics of this disease: envy, omnipotence and affective dryness. I disagree with those who think American Psycho is vulgar and almost pornographic (Ed. moralists). Christian Bale's acting skills are sublime.

Quotes
I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust.

Rating
8.0/10

Hunger (2008)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director
Steve McQueen

Country
Ireland | United Kingdom

Cast
Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon, Helen Madden, Des McAleer, Helena Bereen, Laine Megaw, Karen Hassan, Frank McCusker, Lalor Roddy, Geoff Gatt, Rory Mullen, Ben Peel, Paddy Jenkins

Plot
Northern Ireland, 1981.

The film opens with prison officer Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham) preparing to leave for work: he checks under his car for bombs, puts his uniform on and ignores the camaraderie of his colleagues.

Davey Gillian (Brian Milligan), a new IRA prisoner, arrives. Due to his refusal to wear the prison uniform, he is labeled as "non-cooperative". His roommate, Gerry (Liam McMahon), has smeared the cell with faeces from floor to ceiling for resistance to the prison regime.

The final focus of the film is Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), Irish Republican activist who deeply believes in the cause for which he was imprisoned and in the righteousness of dying for political prisoner status.

Opinion
With his first film, Steve McQueen gave birth to a masterpiece, in terms of cinematography (memorable is the dialogue between Father Dominic Moran and Bobby Sands) and in terms of emotions (some scenes are so raw to result unbearable).

Hunger is a magnificent picture of an important moment in history. Needless to be mentioned is the majesty of Michael Fassbender as IRA prisoner Bobby Sands.

If you are easily impressed I highly recommend you to not watch this film.

Quotes
I have my belief, and in all its simplicity that is the most powerful thing.

Rating
8.5/10

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Genre

Drama

Director

Peter Weir

Country

United States

Cast
Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith, Carla Belver, Alexandra Powers, Colin Irving, Leon Pownall, George Martin, Joe Aufiery, Matt Carey, Melora Walters, Welker White

Plot
Vermont, 1959. Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) begins his senior year of high school at Welton Academy, an elite prep school. He is assigned to Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), one of the most promising students at Welton Academy, as his roommate and is quickly accepted by Neil's friends: Knox Overstreet (Josh Charles), Richard Cameron (Dylan Kussman), Steven Meeks (Allelon Ruggiero), Gerard Pitts (James Waterston) and Charlie Dalton (Gale Hansen).

On the first day of classes, they are surprised by the unorthodox teaching methods of their new English teacher, John Keating (Robin William), who encourages his students to make their lives extraordinary.

Opinion
Able to review one of the most important Latin authors, Horace, this film is perfect, truthful, fascinating, emotional and sublime and it's a must-see. An extraordinary Robin Williams is a perfectly oiled narrative machine that doesn't miss a beat until the end, that warms the heart and moistens the eyes of the viewer. Brilliant performances also from Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard.

Quotes
I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.

No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.

Rating
9.0/10

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Genre

Drama

Director

Frank Darabont

Country

United States

Cast
Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, James Whitmore, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, Bill Bolender, Brian Libby, Joseph Ragno, David Proval, Frank Medrano, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jude Ciccolella, Brian Brophy

Plot
In 1947 banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), though he proclaims his innocence, is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences at the Shawshank State Penitentiary, where guards and corrupt director Samuel Norton (Bob Gunton) impose their law made of violence and unpunished murders.

His friendship with Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), an inmate serving a life sentence, and his tax knowledge will help him survive.

Opinion
Never a film had given such a direct meaning to freedom, not a physical freedom but the one that dwells in the human soul. With this masterpiece seems the director, Frank Darabont, wants to prove Seneca's thesis. Seneca, infact, argued that a man can be free on the throne or in chains.

Though the role was firstly offered to other actors (Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt), Tim Robbins's Dufresne is extraordinarily expressive. The script is well adapted from the Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and though Red was supposed to be Irish I forgive Darabont because he gave to the whole world the opportunity to see an amazing Morgan Freeman. I'm actually disappointed this film didn't won any of the seven Academy Awards nomination received (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing).

Quotes
Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.

Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

Rating
10/10

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Cast

Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, Pete Postlethwaite, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio del Toro, Peter Greene, Suzy Amis, Clark Gregg, Dan Hedaya, Giancarlo Esposito, Michelle Clunie, Paul Bartel

Plot

A deadly firefight and a fire aboard a ship docked in the San Pedro Bay leaves two survivors: a Hungarian criminal named Arkos Kovaz (Morgan Hunter) hospitalized from severe burns, and Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey) with cerebral palsy.

Separately, FBI agent Baer (Giancarlo Esposito) and Customs agent Kujan (Chazz Palminteri) arrive in San Pedro, lured by reports that the Turkish criminal Keyser Söze was involved with the incident. As Verbal later explains, Söze has a near mythical and vengeful reputation, having killed his own family when they were held hostage by a Hungarian gang to show his resolve, and then killing off all but one of the gang members before disappearing underground, keeping his true identity secret by insulating himself from his agents that may not even know who they are working for.

Opinion

The Usual Suspects is one of the best thrillers of 90's, along with Seven (David Fincher) and The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme). The script is excellent, the story does keep the viewer in suspense until the last minute. The final twist is simply unforgettable. The outstanding Kevin Spacey overshadows the other actors. The two Academy Awards won, for Best Supporting Actor (Kevin Spacey) and Best Original Script (Christopher McQuarrie), are totally deserved.

Quotes

Roger "Verbal" Kint: A man can convince anyone he's somebody else, but never himself.

Rating

9.5/10

The Hunger Games (2012)

Genre

Adventure | Sci-Fi

Director

Gary Ross

Country

United States

Cast
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley, Toby Jones, Alexander Ludwig, Isabelle Fuhrman, Amandla Stenberg, Willow Shields

Storyline
The nation of Panem consists of a wealthy Capital, ruled by President Snow (Donald Sutherland), ruling twelve poorer districts. As punishment for a past rebellion and to demoralize future uprisings, each district must provide two "tributes" - one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 selected by lottery - every year to complete in the televised Hunger Games: they must fight to the death in a vast arena, with the sole survivor rewarded with fame and wealth.
In District 12, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to be the female tribute when her younger sister Primrose (Willow Shields) is drawn.

Opinion
If you read the book, though the book is better, you won't be disappointed. The story is smooth and adheres to the paper version, without big differences. The increasing drama in the story gives to a 21-years-old Jennifer Lawrence the opportunity to show off her amazing acting skills. Also the supporting cast deserves a mention, in particular a mawkish and hypnotic Donald Sutherland.
Big credits to the cinematography and the music choice is spot on.

Quotes
Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.

Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained.

Rating
8.0/10

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Genre

Comedy

Director

Martin McDonagh

Country

United States

Cast
Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson, Abbie Cornish, Olga Kurylenko, Tom Waits, Zeljko Ivanek, Helena Mattsson, Kevin Corrigan, Gabourey Sidibe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Pitt, Brendan Sexton III

Plot
Marty (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay, Seven Psychopaths.

Marty's friend Billy (Sam Rockwell) is an employed actor who makes a living by kidnapping dogs and collecting the owners' cash rewards for their safe return. His partner-in-crime is Hans (Christopher Walken), a religious man with a criminal past.

Charlie (Woody Harrelson) is the mobster to whom Billy has stolen the beloved dog, and he will use any means to get back the dog alive and to kill the two thieves.

After a sequence of events, Marty finally finds the inspiration for his film.

Opinion
Martin McDonagh's second film after "In Bruges", this is one of the best black comedies of recent years. The plot is a bit complex but never trivial. The music's choice is great and the actors are excellent, in particular Christopher Walken.

Quotes
You can't let the animals die in a movie... only the women.

Rating
7.5/10

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Genre

Drama | Romance

Director

Stephen Chbosky

Country

United States

Cast
Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Melanie Lynskey, Julia Garner, Nina Dobrev, Johnny Simmons, Paul Rudd, Tom Savini, Joan Cusack, Nicholas Braun, Reece Thompson

Plot
Charlie Kelmeckis (Logan Lerman) is uneasy about beginning his freshman year of high school: he's shy and finds difficulty in making friends.

Charlie is befriended by two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and her step-brother Patrick (Ezra Miller) and he begins to share social activities with them.

At a house party Charlie unwittingly eats a cannabis brownie, gets high and discloses to Sam that the year before his best friend committed suicide. Sam realizes that Charlie hasn't other friends so she makes effort to bring him into her group of friends.

Opinion
This film is brilliantly crafted and reflects the fast-paced world we live in. Stephen Chbosky, writer and director, pander his cast, giving more space for the editing.

Logan Lerman perfectly represents Charlie; sensational are the performances of Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.

Quotes
I walk around the school hallways and look at the people. I look at the teachers and wonder why they're here. If they like their jobs. Or us. And I wonder how smart they were when they were fifteen. Not in a mean way. In a curious way. It's like looking at all the students and wondering who's had their heart broken that day, and how they are able to cope with having three quizzes and a book report due on top of that. Or wondering who did the heart breaking. And wondering why.

Rating
8.3/10

Maleficent (2014)

Genre

Fantasy

Director

Robert Stromberg

Country

United States

Cast
Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Sam Riley, Brenton Thwaites, Kenneth Cranham, Hannah New, Isobelle Molloy, Michael Higgins, Ella Purnell, Jackson Bews, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt

Plot
An elderly narrator tells the story of Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), a powerful fairy living in the Moors, a magical realm bordering a human kingdom. As a young girl, Maleficent (Isobelle Molloy) meets a young human boy, Stefan (Michael Higgins).

Their friendship, as they grow up, blooms in what Stefan calls "true love".

When Stefan (Sharlto Copley) has the opportunity to become king, he doesn't hesitate to betray his beloved, unleashing her anger and plant for revenge. After baby Aurora, daughter of King Stefan and Queen, was born, Maleficent hurls the prophecy: on her sixteenth birthday, Aurora (Elle Fanning) will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, which will cause her to fall into a deathlike sleep.

Opinion
First of all it must be said that this is not the tale of the Sleeping Beauty, but that of Maleficent, though the narrator is Aurora. Cinematography is visionary and breathtaking. The director Robert Stromberg did an impressive job, reflecting the scenery with characters' emotions. Music is spot on special effects are wisely used.

Quotes
I will not ask you for forgiveness. What I have done is unforgivable. I was so lost in hatred and revenge. I never dreamed that I could love you so much. You stole what was left of my heart. And now I've lost you forever.

Rating
7.2/10

Supercondriaque (2014)

Genre

Comedy

Director

Dany Boon

Country

France

Cast

Dany Boon, Alice Pol, Kad Mérad, Jean-Yves Berteloot, Judith El Zein, Marthe Villalonga, Valérie Bonneton, Bruno Lochet

Plot
Romain Faubert is a forty year old hypochondriac. His best and only friend is Zvenka Dimitri (Kad Mérad), who is also his doctor for eighteen years.

Dimitri believes that Romain could improve from his hypochondria seeing people who are really suffering, so he takes Romain with him to volunteer in the center for refugees of Tcherkistan (fictional Eastern European country).

There, for several reasons, he is mistaken for Anton Miroslav (Jean-Yves Berteloot), leader of the resistance, and Dimitri's sister, Anna (Alice Pol), helps him to escape. Anna, though she's married, falls in love with Anton/Romain, and Romain reciprocates. When the false identity of the false revolutionary falls apart, the French police repatriates him in Tcherkistan, country that sentenced him to death.

Opinion
This comedy passes from romance to action without losing its comic effect. The comic duo Boon-Mérad (Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis) returns in one of the most hilarious comedies in recent years. Guaranteed to make you laugh.

Quotes

No quotes

Rating

7.0/10

Seven (1995)

Genre

Neo-noir | Thriller

Director

David Fincher

Country

United States

Cast
Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, John C. McGinley, Richard Roundtree, Richard Schiff, Martin Serene, Michael Massee, Richard Portnow, Leland Orser, Pamala Tyson, Richmond Arquette, Tudor Sherrard

Plot
Soon-to-be-retiring Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) is partnered with short-tempered-but-idealistic Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt), who recently transferred to the department.

They discover an obese man who was forced to feed himself to death, and the next day investigate a fatal bloodletting of a rich attorney. The detectives find clues that lead them to believe they are chasing a serial killer relating to the seven deadly sins. Two day later the fingerprints found on the second crime scene lead them to an apartment where they find an emaciated man strapped to a bed. Using library records, Somerset and Mills track down a man named John Doe (Kevin Spacey), who opens fire on the detectives when he finds them approaching his apartment. On Sunday they investigate the death of a young model whose face had been mutilated. After that, at the police station, John Doe offers himself for arrest, with the blood of the model and of an unidentified victim on his hands. Through his lawyer, Doe claims he will lead the two detectives to the last two bodies and confess to the crimes, or otherwise will plead insanity. Despite Somerset's concern, Mills agrees to the demand. Doe directs the two detectives to a remote desert area and...

Opinion
A masterpiece! The film is poetic and spectacular. The direction of David Fincher is not far behind: it's amazing. Good credits to Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. Kevin Spacey is brilliant (as usual); his performance is comparable to Anthony Hopkins in The Silent of the Lambs and so the film. I'm surprised that this film did not win any Academy Award.

Quotes
People don't want a hero, they want to eat cheeseburgers, play the lotto and watch television.

Nothing wrong with a man taking pleasure in his work. I won't deny my own personal desire to turn each sin against the sinner.

Wanting people to listen, you can't just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer, and then you'll notice you've got their strict attention.

Rating
9.5/10

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Genre

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Director

James Gunn

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Lee Pace, Benicio del Toro, Karen Gillan, Josh Brolin, Michael Rooker, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Ophelia Lovibond

Plot

In 1988, following his mother's death, a young Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is abducted by the Ravagers, a group of space pirates led by Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker).

Twenty-six years later on the planet Morag, Quill steals an orb, and discovers that Ronan (Lee Pace) is determined to have it to destroy the planet Xandar.

To foil Ronan's plan, Peter joins forces with a team of wanted: the assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) sent by Ronan in the first place, Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), his friend Groot (Vin Diesel) and Drax (Dave Bautista).