Aftershock (“Tangshan da dizhen”)
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Plot
In 1976 in Tangshan has been an earthquake. The film tells about the fate of one family devastated from natural disaster.
I could even describe in detail the plot of the picture, but before watching the film, I knew only the first sentence of my synopsis. Only later I’ve learned how ambitious it was, that this earthquake is the third in the number of victims in history, and it has taken up to 242,419 people.
Like other epics, and great films, earthquake in the movie is just the push for the further developments, which will make itself felt for 32 years. The movie story tells about one family: husband, wife, and twins, a boy and a girl of five years. Initially the plot has promised to be stingy on the action and I thought that it would be interesting if, in such an epic movie, the story will tell about more families. But as became clear later, the story of this family needed to be separated.
What surprised me in the movie there are no negative characters, if someone's actions and cause some resentment, they are explained by a simple desire to do everything as best as possible (contrary to this may only guy, whose begging his girlfriend to an abortion and subsequently left her, no doubt, then he's a scoundrel and scum here, but what about the same guy, I really liked the scene when he has been talking with the girl father, then he behaved very correctly).
Those who want to watch the movie itself because of the very scenes of the earthquake will be upset, as creators have tried to show only consequences but not the whole moment of disaster. It only lasts a couple of minutes, probably as much lasted and the real one. To honor of creators they didn’t make an accent on bloody details but shown very realistic scenes of destruction of buildings.
New Cleopatra from Paul Greengrass
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Producer Scott Rudin said that he is close to signing a contract with the director of one of the biggest projects of the last year. "Cleopatra", where the role of the famous queen will play Angelina Jolie, was intended for James Cameron, however, the director's chair will take Paul Greengrass.
The basis of the film is a book "Cleopatra: Life", written by Pulitzer Prize laureate Stacy Schiff.
Recently, Paul Greengrass observed the remake of "Fantastic Voyage", where producer is James Cameron. However, in May last year, the director left the project and became interested in the new version of "Treasure Island". Given that Greengrass has not yet been assigned to any one painting, "Cleopatra" may become his next job.
According to Scott Rudin, the new "Cleopatra" is completely different from its eponymous version with Elizabeth Taylor. "This is a more mature and serious version - says producer. - Cleopatra - not a playful kitten, and politician, strategist and warrior. In Mankiewicz film, Elizabeth Taylor has played the temptress, but the story of Cleopatra's always been written by men. Our story will be the first written by a woman. A lot of directors want to film Cleopatra, but only a few really can do it. "
Sony hopes to run the tape in the production this year and is well aware that the project will have to fork out.
"Cleopatra" by Joseph Mankiewicz in 1963 was one of the most expensive films in Hollywood history. The initial budget of $2 million ballooned to 44 million (equivalent to today's 300 million). Taylor became ill and almost died on the set - it was one of the reasons for appreciation of the painting. Nevertheless, "Cleopatra" was one of the highest-grossing films of its time. At home, tape has collected $ 48 million.
The history of war, hypocrisy, pride and heroism
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The earth has not cooled enough after the massacre of William the Conqueror, as there appeared a new war, a war which has split Britain like a crystal glass. New TV series "The Pillars of the Earth" will immerse you in the real world of the Middle Ages, in its hypocrisy, pride of the masters and grandeur of the of ordinary people who made history.
Time of action - England, XII century. Heavy, troubled times, brutal manners ... The line between good and evil is so conditional, it is easy to make a wrong step in deciding on the scale of the whole country. The eternal struggle for the throne, the constant wars, the betrayal of the church. Excellent film adaptation of the novel by Ken Follet.
"The Pillars of the Earth" - spectacular and exciting mini-series, filmed by BBC and at the same time put in a big way in Hollywood. Beautiful scenery and costumes, good battle scenes, the palace intrigue, difficult human relationships ... and the history of the Cathedral, which incorporates the faith, hope and aspirations of people and which symbolizes eternity in the face of a mere mortal.
The heroism of some of the characters intertwined with the stupidity and arrogance of others, those who have to answer for his folly and vices of those who paid with his life for his mistakes ... Later, you begin to understand that all these are small fragments of a story titled History...
During the whole store, the characters more deeply penetrate into each other's lives, usually destroying them. King, maverick came to power, and legitimate heir, who has started the war; prior of the monastery, which seeks to build a temple, and an ambitious bishop who wants to get rich; family for many years waiting for title in which the mother nurtures an unhealthy love for his son, and he, in turn, an ordinary villain...with no doubt all heroes are interesting and lively. And in this a great credit of fine actors - Macfeyden, Sutherland and Sewell, and others.
"The Pillars of the earth" - one of the best historical series (and movies) of the last time. However, not much to find fault with history itself - just enjoy.
Everything that is written today, may be erased tomorrow.
“The Tudors” TV series review
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One more biography of one of the most popular British monarchs - Henry VIII, this is about TV series "The Tudors". According to books, portraits and the last movie tapes we remember this solid man, well-fed and mustached, in "Tudors" it is a young and full of life versions of our favorite historical character.
The creators decided the problem almost to Freud: the interpretation of dreams, secret fears and the desire to outdo his father. The whole plot is built around personal relationships of Henry: wives, lovers, friends and children.
For the ruler of all times was very important to leave an heir. And Henry had dreamed about his son. But, Catherine of Aragon, "inherited" from his death brother, could not bear a healthy son, and cooling to his wife, Henry gradually began to blame the "sinful" nature of their marriage and finally disappeared from the chambers of the wife.
The first son is born out of wedlock, which finally grieves our king (and, apparently, to escape, he decides a little war with France). And here appeared - Anne Boleyn. Their eyes meet, sparks fly in all directions. The instinct of the hunter and collector coupled with the oppressive nature against the calculating and cunning seduction - and so we get an explosive mixture that everything starts to go shake. In parallel, of course, trailing conspiracies, intrigue, and other debauchery of that era.
Actors:
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Henry VIII) in recent years has played all possible kings: from King Philip of France to David Bowie, Elvis Presley and, finally, the King of England. For his career and professional growth it is terribly interesting to watch. Very peculiar temperament, body language and expression with age are just "polished", modified and deepened, into something more curbed, but really angry. His Henry - a furious and tyrannical in its pure form: "Pope can do in Rome what he wants, and I'll do what I want here." Desire to get hold of anything that moves, sweeping away all obstacles. And at the same time, the total helplessness before his own demons and fears.
Maria Doyle Kennedy (Catherine of Aragon) - the embodiment of female grief. An abandoned as unnecessary and is not suitable beloved man, but still try to somehow preserve the remnants of dignity.
Sam Neill (Cardinal Wolsey) - the most mysterious and pure Shakespearean character.
Henry Cavill (Charles Brandon) - handsome.
And Natalie Dormer (Anne Boleyn) is revealed only at the end of the first season, entering into its role. And throughout the display causes the whole gamut of emotions from contempt to the interest.
"Tudors" shows a life, the most vital life with all black and white situations, fears and ambitions, love and suffering, sadness and joy ... And you know, we're not far removed from that life!
Sam Riley will be a Royal spy
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The mysterious death of the poet Christopher "Keith" Marlow has generated a lot of rumors. Some scientists believe that he is hiding behind the works of William Shakespeare. The creators of the film "Dead Man in Deptford" recalled another version and make Marlowe a queen spy. The main role will play Sam Riley, star of the film "Control".
The project will be based on a novel by Anthony Burgess "Deptford". Its adaptation for the film has done Michael Elias, and in the director's chair will be Nick Copus. For the British director, this project will be the second work in the field of a large cinema, because for the most part he worked on television.
Sam Riley will be in a good company. The film also involved James Purefoy, and Ray Winstone. In the story Marlow will become not only a poet and rowdy, but also a spy in the service of Elizabeth I, and his mysterious death at age of 29 will try to give as the murder committed by order of British intelligence.
Christopher Marlowe is considered one of the most distinguished predecessors of Shakespeare. He was born in 1564, studied at Cambridge, where he became a master, and under the protection of the head of the Secret Service, Francis Walsingham. Perhaps familiarity with such an influential man was the reason that Marlowe said goodbye many liberties in the behavior during the study. It's unknown where the future poet was from February to June 1587, but some argue that Christopher Marlowe served on a secret mission in Europe. The aim was to gather detailed information about the activities of the English Catholic underground in France, trying to challenge the Protestant regime of Queen Elizabeth I.
Then, Marlowe moved to London, where he engaged in literary work. On May 30, 1593 the poet has been killed at the tavern of the city Deptford. Murder investigation was carried out carelessly, with the impression that the authorities want as quickly as possible to finesse the issue. According to other rumors, Walsingham staged the death of his ward, to preserve him for future work.
Last Monday at the Toronto Film Festival has been shown a new film with the participation of Sam Riley "Brighton Rock".
Venice 2010: critics view
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The 67th Venice Film Festival has passed for the middle. It is time to see what ratings are issued by foreign juries for the films of the main competition program.
On Monday morning, the journalists took place in the Darsen hall, to learn that the movie a surprise prepared by Marco Muller. "What should be the film to lift you out of bed so early?" - German TV reporter inquired. "At least a thriller!" - Answered a lot of, to watch drama at 8am is rather hard.
But the miracle has never taken place. The film-surprise was a drama by Chinese director Wang Bin "The Ditch" about the history of secret Chinese labor camps in the middle of the last century.
The mad crush has been caused by Vincent Gallo movie "Promises Written in Water". The director didn't share the content of his project, so thus, it was necessary to see. Gallo himself wrote the script and music, moreover, he has played a major role. After his hero within eight minutes repeating the phrase: "Yes, I called her" we were able to hear a nervous laugh in the hall.
But the most important test awaited the press on Tuesday morning. Italian historical drama "Noi Credevamo" lasts for 201 minutes, that is almost three and a half hours. Viewing starts at 8:15, so those who come to the Lido from Venice had to get up around six in the morning.
"I hope it's worth of it" - heard in the queue, but judging by the frequency departure from the hall, the second morning in a row did not meet expectations.
Of those shown so far 17 films the marks have gotten only 14. Last place belongs to a French drama about sexual life of swingers, generously seasoned with naked bodies of heroes. "Happy Few" has only 4.3 points and 10th place.
At the 9th "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami novel - 5,7 points.
On the eighth "Miral" Julian Schnabel - (5,9).
Seventh place is shared by two films: by 6 points - "Black sheep" (movies about crazy willy-nilly) and "Meek Cutoff" (pseudovestern with Michelle Williams).
On the sixth place is "Essential killing" by Jerzy Skolimowski (6,7). Vincent Gallo plays Arab Mohammed, taken prisoner by U.S. forces. Hero has been transported to a secret prison in Europe, where he manages to escape. To survive in the snow, Mohammed forced to kill. Director took on the lead role an American actor, because, as he said at a press conference, no Arab agrees to play a representative of the Taliban.
Fifth place has taken "Black Swan" by Darren Aronofsky - 7.1 points.
Fourth - 7,2 points "Potiche" by Fransisco Ozon and "Somewhere" by Sofia Coppola.
We turn to the leaders. The third place has Chinese movie-surprise "The Ditch" (7,4).
The second (7,5) divide Italian comedy "The Passion" and the Chilean drama "Post Mortem". Pablo Lerreyna movie talks about the revolution in Santiago in 1973 with the eyes of morgue employees.
But in the first place is most untypical for Venice film "Detective Dee" (Di Renjie) directed by Hark Tsuya. The action is taking place in 690 year, when on the imperial throne is preparing to sit the first and the only woman Tszetyan. Andy Lau plays a detective who investigates the mysterious autoignition of people involved in the construction of a huge statue of Buddha.
The choice of critic is strange for at least. The movie with a budget of 13 million dollars looks like a Hollywood blockbuster, so that it leadership at the Venice Film Festival looks a little bit wildly. However, ahead of are 10 other films and, most likely, there will be great changes.
Sean Penn and Hemingway
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The history of one of the most famous literary editor will receive film version. Max Perkins worked with Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Wolfe, and now he can be played by one of the best actors of our time, Sean Penn. The director of the film "Genius" will William Polad.
After working as a journalist for the newspaper New York Times, Maxwell Perkins in 1910 was appointed editor in a respectable publishing house Charles Scribner's Sons. Publishing has made a name for publication respectable writers like Henry James, John Galsworthy, and Edith Wharton. But despite the respect for existing customers, Perkins wanted to publish beginner writers.
Unlike the rest of their colleagues, Max Perkins is actively searching for promising young authors. The search failed in 1919, when the editor has signed a contract with Scott Fitzgerald. The work of 22-year-old author did not like the heads of publishing houses, but this did not stop Perkins, who lobbied for his charge to victory. All copies of the novel "The Other Side of Paradise" sold for the first three days of sales.
In 1926, Perkins has published the first novel by Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises". In those days it was a very brave book, for which the editor also had to fight with the leadership of the publishing house.
Hollywood has long been interested in the history of Max Perkins life. Some time ago the movie was going to shoot Lawrence Kezdan, but the project did not experience problems with financing.
Now the project is attributed to Sean Penn and director William Polad, who never took anything from 1990. His first and last film had been on the drama "The old scholars. After that Polad went into producing. Among his film project with Sean Penn's "Fair Game" and "Tree of Life", as well as his directorial opus "Into the Wild".
The basis of the script by John Logan's biography "Max Perkins: Editor of geniuses," written by Scott Berg. The book won National Book Award. The film will focus on the relationship with the young Perkins, Thomas Wolfe. Working with him was a daunting task editor. While many writers have suffered from a creative crisis, Wolfe freely splashed tens of thousands of words on paper. With great difficulty, Perkins managed to persuade the writer to reduce his debut novel, "Look at your house, angel" 90 000 words. The next Wolfe novel was the result of a two-year struggle with Perkins, during which the author wrote more and more.
Participation of Sean Penn has not yet been finally approved. This month, the actor will begin filming in the movie "This Must Be the Place". It will be a thriller about an aging rock musician who is looking for Nazis, who has put to death his father.
Russell Brand will play a historic personality
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English actor Russell Brand departs from the comedy line and gets a chance to feel the real hero on the screen. Brand will play John Hawkwood, English mercenary Italian origin who lived in the 14th century.
Despite the fact that in a real-life Hawkwood was quite a serious figure, studio 20th Century Fox is going to make history of his life thriller with comedic twists. The script writes Jared Stern, among the works which "V" and "The Princess and the Frog".
John Hawkwood worked a tailor in London, when enlisted for military service to the English king Edward III. In 1360, he led a squad of mercenaries famous "White Company", gained fame as a warrior and nicknamed L'acuto (cool), which became his name. He fought against Florence, against the Pope, against the Emperor Charles IV. Directly responsible for the carnage in Cesena in February 1377, where, according to some estimates, killed 5,000 people. A few weeks after these sad events Hawkwood, or, as he was called in Italy, Giovanni Acuto, moved to the side of Florence.
Russell Brand learned the story of a mercenary and mentioned it in conversation with the head of the comedy department of the company Chernin Entertainment Nikki Wanstock. Previously, Wanstock worked with Jude Apatow, so familiar with the Brand through the films "Forgetting Sarah Marshal" and "Get him to the greed".
Also there were carried out the necessary researches and invited screenwriter Stern, also familiar with the Brand, because rewriting the script to the comedy "Arthur" remake, in which Russell is now shooting.
When Russell Brand will leave the Renaissance, is still unknown. In September this year, the actor can be seen in the drama "The Tempest" by Shakespeare. The film will close the 67th Venice Film Festival.
Alive history in Rome series
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"Rome" is the TV series, but only from a formal point of view. Indeed, it consists of 22 series, but in fact it is a historical film, and film of amazing scope and thoughtfulness.
One of the main advantages of "Rome", in my opinion, it's lack of politicization. It is known that it suffers from the overwhelming majority of movies about antiquity, shot in the U.S. I'm talking about movies such as "Julius Caesar" with Jeremy Sisto, or "August" with Charlotte Rampling, which praises the dignity of democracy, struggle with the aristocrats of the Senate, and the history - so looms somewhere in the background.
"Rome" - the exact opposite of such films. There the emphasis is still on the history and the people doing it. And the Roman legionary troops, and the dictator, and conspirators - all the images have turned out surprisingly prominent. You can guess what the characters more sympathetic to the filmmakers, and what - at least (Octavian, for example). But the narrative is constructed in such a way that anyone can draw conclusions for themselves.
In general, drawing each image in detail what, together with enchanting (more neutral epithets here are no good) performance of the actors create an unforgettable impression on the series. I watched "Rome" twice, and during each viewing my preference varied, could not determine who is most like me - so good all the heroes. List of characters I would divide into two groups - 1) those whom I like 2) those whom I don't like. Moreover, not necessarily that the first - white and fluffy, and the second group was only villains. In "Rome" there is no clear division into good and clearly bad. For example, Atia is good or bad? She is always different. Atia conspires, attempts to poison her opponents, she is a bad mother. But the same Atia can sincerely love, and because of her and Mark Antony flirt she is forgiving everything.
Marc Anthony performed by James Pyurfoy - perhaps the most convincing film-livers of recent years. In my opinion, the culmination of the series were the last two series, and the suicide of Mark Antony and Cleopatra did not make cry unless Tin Woodman.
Another one of my favorite character - Lucius Warren (Kevin Mackid). This is again an ambiguous character, brilliantly played a warrior. It seems that the actor from birth acts in historical dramas.
I would point out is not the main, but very colorful news reader (Ian McNeice). It was he who helped to create on-screen image of a convex Rome, the city where the "sponsor of news were made by the guild of bakers". He and many other minute details paint a vivid picture absolutely the Eternal City.
In my opinion, "Rome" on a par with "Gladiator" - the best movies that have been filmed about antiquity in the last ten years.
Pacific theater from producers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks
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When, in 2001 Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced "Band of Brothers", it seemed that the theme of the Second World War on the small screen is closed forever: it was almost impossible to imagine that anyone will be able to beat the miniseries as the artistic and technical terms. After nine years, Spielberg and Hanks returned to the military theme, making even bigger spectacle.
Although the authors themselves, almost in every interview claimed that the "The Pacific" and "Band of Brothers" are rather different projects, both movies can't escape from numerous comparisons.
Broadly speaking, this series is something between "Saving Private Ryan" and "Thin red line". "The Pacific" contains and anti-war motives, and perfectly set battle scenes. What episode is only the landing marines on Peliliy or subsequent battle for Iwozima (although what else could be expected from Spielberg and Hanks?). Camera work is great. The last time this level of special effects has seen in the "38th parallel". Attention to detail is also worthy of respect. And the stories of veterans and documentary video before each series - another small plus. I'm glad almost complete absence of pathos and jingoistic patriotism. There are several strong scenes where the audience involuntarily begins to empathize with the Japanese. Jarhead did not build himself as a savior of the world, not philosophize about the higher things - they go to the bathroom, cursing, joking, trying to somehow brighten the soldiers' everyday lives.
To be honest, this mini-series is impressive.
First of all its dimensions: it's clear on what spent their money Spielberg and Hanks. Scenery, visual effects, costumes, etc. - all are very realistic. About the special effects in general stands alone to say - a head taller than any other series (see immediately that each frame in at least 2 times more processed than other projects). Also camera work is more "cine" than serial one.
I like the fact that each series leaves a strange feeling after watching. It feels like you are living most of the life with the Marines, who, incidentally, were very realistic. I guess the whole secret of the fact that the script was written on war veterans' memoirs.
What about actors play, so here are no complaints. All at great too! Of course, there are a couple of pompous purely American scenes, but it does not spoil the impression from the series as a whole, but only makes the drama and tragedy to the history of the three Marines. Love and sentimentality are just as much as needed for quality military drama, in order not to slide to the level of "Pearl Harbor".
The entire series - a solid contrast: a peaceful life in the United States alternates with bloody battles in the Pacific, beautiful scenery from the deck of a ship moving at beaches littered with mutilated bodies, jazz in the restaurant replaces the roar of exploding shells. That is, in my view, should look like an epic war canvas!