Apprentice

USA 2016

Details IMDB

Seen 21 December 2016

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rottentomatoes 7.5/10

My impressions

A man’s inner turmoils leads him to work with the man who hanged his father. The reality of the hangman’s job gives him food for thought. On the surface each crime justifies its punishment. But when it comes to capital punishment, would that be a solution?

A must watch. 

The 5th Wave

USA 2015

Details IMDB

Seen 15 January 2016

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.0/10

Rotten Tomatoes 4.0/10

My impressions

A loving family but events changed the dynamics. Losing one by one the closest to you and suddenly your last link to that family unit is also taken away. You vow to rescue him no matter what happens.

The whole story has its fair share of nerve wrecking moments but we have seen iy all before. This time with the additional out of this world nemesis. The pyrotechnics are there but seems a bit lame compared to the big budget blockbusters.

Here the emphasis is on the family unit and the main characters try as best they could to potray that side of the story.

Dissapointing.

The Hateful Eight

USA 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 12 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB  8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes  7.4/10







My impressions

Eight characters stranded together during a snow storm. Each with his own thoughts and intentions. Who can be trusted? Ideals, friendship, family and loyalty play a role.

Prejudice, greed and remembrance of things past are revealed during those times together. Would the power balance remain until the end or a surprise occur.

Not a the usual western. Fun to watch, waiting in anticipation for the next scene. What does the director have in mind.

Absorbing.

The Boy and The Beast

Japan 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 11 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB  7.6/10










My impressions

Both misfits and their first encounter did not start on a smooth footing. They grudglingly settled into a routine of learning from each other, knowing each had his own strength.

When it comes to the crunch, fighting the bad guy, sacrifices are made. This is also the moment to show that the good is worthy of support. The good despite having a valid reason to exert revenge rise above that basic instinct.

In the end we have to listen to our conscience.

Phanthai Norasing

Thailand 2015

Details
Seen 9 January 2016

My impressions

This historical drama shows how much loyalty plays a part in an ordinary person's life. Even though the king is not as bad as what the people assumed, Norasing 's sacrifice to the king goes beyond the normal step one would take in a similar situation.

That dedication or some might say blind devotion to a leader does not occur only in the past. That same streak can still be seen now nfluenced perhaps by the dictum that the leader can do no wrong.

The Dressmaker

Australia 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 8 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes 5.9/10






My impressions

I always look forward to anything that Kate Winslet does. She might be over the top in some instances but overall she conveys the turmoil that the character has endured throughout the years.

Pair that with Judy Davis as the mother and we get a delightful look on a mother daughter relationship. The small town has its own secrets and the daughter who is back will definitely upset the status quo.

Savour the dialogue. Funny, sad.

The Big Short

USA 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 7 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes 7.8/10










My impressions

A few men try to take advantage of the impending financial crisis in the 2000s. The magnitude of the losses that will be incurred in future was beyond their initial estimates.

The story explains the whole setup in an easily understood jargon for the layman. Cameo roles by some guests who are not usually associated with the financial industry makes the topic closer to the public. Meanwhile, the use of visual aids when explaining certain subject matters makes it more palatable. All of these nevertheless does not make one an expert on the whole mechanism.

The bottom line is the general public will usually be the ones who get burnt.

Iris

USA 2014

Details IMDB
Seen 6 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes   7.4/10










My impressions

She defies a category. Her knack in putting together objects that seem so ordinary into a work of art comes from the heart. As she said, she does not have a method. It is inborn. Some might not take to her fashion style. Too loud, colourful, extravagant even in some cases.

It is not mere throwing of random items into a heap. There is an uncanny beautiful attractive twist to the whole combination. Her travels had brought wonders to her home and others.

The documentary shows the geriatric starlet in her element. We get a glimpse of her devotion to her calling and the love of her life, her husband. It would be difficult to find another Iris.