'Foreign language' films
KR Campbell
Ranch Hand
Posts: 124
posted 13 years ago
Read an article in the newspapers today which made me realise that I hadn't seen a film on TV in recent years in any language other than English. This seems rather sad as I can remember the days when there was a fairly regular supply of them. One of the best films I saw in the cinema last year was 'Brotherhood of the Wolf' which was in French and none the worse for it. What happened?
Shashank Tanksali
Ranch Hand
Posts: 122
posted 13 years ago
Viewing foreign language movies is a great way to learn about other cultures and customs.
You probably should see an Indian movie. There are tons of them out there.
Just for the record, India makes more movies every year than the rest of the world put together !!!
You probably should see an Indian movie. There are tons of them out there.
Just for the record, India makes more movies every year than the rest of the world put together !!!
Jeroen Wenting
Ranch Hand
Posts: 5093
posted 13 years ago
I'm seeing much the same here and English isn't even the native language here...
Some of the best movies and TV series are German, yet they're almost gone and replaced by cheap Australian soap operas.
TV is ever more about cheap entertainment, and the English language programs have a global audience making them cheap for distribution.
In the English language world there's also a constant reduction in the number of people who actually can speak anything else (Spanish in the southern US excluded which is driven mainly by immigrants from Cuba and Mexico) so the popularity of foreign language programs is declining because the number of people that actually understand what's being said is going down as well.
Some of the best movies and TV series are German, yet they're almost gone and replaced by cheap Australian soap operas.
TV is ever more about cheap entertainment, and the English language programs have a global audience making them cheap for distribution.
In the English language world there's also a constant reduction in the number of people who actually can speak anything else (Spanish in the southern US excluded which is driven mainly by immigrants from Cuba and Mexico) so the popularity of foreign language programs is declining because the number of people that actually understand what's being said is going down as well.
42
KR Campbell
Ranch Hand
Posts: 124
posted 13 years ago
Well, I'm in complete agreement there. I see quite a lot of Indian movies as my wife is Hindu. Saw one good one recently about a family wedding (I suppose that doesn't narrow it down much!) where the bride was still having an affair with no good TV presenter then realizes that she really likes her fiance. Sub plot with (comic)wedding planner falling for servant girl was good fun. No idea what it was called.
All time favourite line from Indian movie: "Ham hay Chotay Pathaan!"(excuse spelling). No idea why I like it so much, it just cracks me up every time I say it ( in the style of actor of course!).
Originally posted by Shashank Tanksali:
Viewing foreign language movies is a great way to learn about other cultures and customs.
You probably should see an Indian movie. There are tons of them out there.
Just for the record, India makes more movies every year than the rest of the world put together !!!
Well, I'm in complete agreement there. I see quite a lot of Indian movies as my wife is Hindu. Saw one good one recently about a family wedding (I suppose that doesn't narrow it down much!) where the bride was still having an affair with no good TV presenter then realizes that she really likes her fiance. Sub plot with (comic)wedding planner falling for servant girl was good fun. No idea what it was called.
All time favourite line from Indian movie: "Ham hay Chotay Pathaan!"(excuse spelling). No idea why I like it so much, it just cracks me up every time I say it ( in the style of actor of course!).
KR Campbell
Ranch Hand
Posts: 124
posted 13 years ago
Jeroen,
I think you are probably right about the economic reasoning by TV planners, but all the same there are so many films still being made in other languages that you would have thought that given low demand there would also be low prices to get the broadcast rights that it would make good, cheap TV.
I don't know if I can stand another 'reality' show! They are like low grade infections that make you feel lousy but are not bad enough to keep you off work. I think the TV people should try making a minority of viewers very happy by providing good quality 'foreign language' films rather than making everybody bored and listless.
Mind you, the recent upside is that I've started practicing guitar again after leaving it alone for a few years of being a couch potato. Well, okay I guess that's still being a couch potato..
I think you are probably right about the economic reasoning by TV planners, but all the same there are so many films still being made in other languages that you would have thought that given low demand there would also be low prices to get the broadcast rights that it would make good, cheap TV.
I don't know if I can stand another 'reality' show! They are like low grade infections that make you feel lousy but are not bad enough to keep you off work. I think the TV people should try making a minority of viewers very happy by providing good quality 'foreign language' films rather than making everybody bored and listless.
Mind you, the recent upside is that I've started practicing guitar again after leaving it alone for a few years of being a couch potato. Well, okay I guess that's still being a couch potato..
Helen Thomas
Ranch Hand
Posts: 1759
posted 13 years ago
Monsoon Wedding. The rich characters seemed selfish, self-centred to the core but the film leaves the impression it's the poor kitchen maid and her beau (pug ugly) who have discovered something rare and beautiful in each other. Saw it on Cable TV last year.
Originally posted by KR Campbell:
Well, I'm in complete agreement there. I see quite a lot of Indian movies as my wife is Hindu. Saw one good one recently about a family wedding (I suppose that doesn't narrow it down much!) where the bride was still having an affair with no good TV presenter then realizes that she really likes her fiance. Sub plot with (comic)wedding planner falling for servant girl was good fun. No idea what it was called.
Monsoon Wedding. The rich characters seemed selfish, self-centred to the core but the film leaves the impression it's the poor kitchen maid and her beau (pug ugly) who have discovered something rare and beautiful in each other. Saw it on Cable TV last year.
Le Cafe Mouse - Helen's musings on the web - Java Skills and Thrills
"God who creates and is nature is very difficult to understand, but he is not arbitrary or malicious." OR "God does not play dice." - Einstein
KR Campbell
Ranch Hand
Posts: 124
Helen Thomas
Ranch Hand
Posts: 1759
posted 13 years ago
I guess "Bend it like Beckham" doesn't count as a foreign language film.
No wonder England lost to Portugal last night. It's all these furriners
messing around with the game.
I am looking forward to seeing what they do with "Bride and Prejudice" as I was a keen Austen fan. I think there will be more of an Indian theme in it. It could even give some more insight to what Austen meant.
East meets West was hilarious.
A few of the actors are now stars recognised in their own right.
[ June 25, 2004: Message edited by: Helen Thomas ]
No wonder England lost to Portugal last night. It's all these furriners
messing around with the game.
I am looking forward to seeing what they do with "Bride and Prejudice" as I was a keen Austen fan. I think there will be more of an Indian theme in it. It could even give some more insight to what Austen meant.
East meets West was hilarious.
A few of the actors are now stars recognised in their own right.
[ June 25, 2004: Message edited by: Helen Thomas ]
Le Cafe Mouse - Helen's musings on the web - Java Skills and Thrills
"God who creates and is nature is very difficult to understand, but he is not arbitrary or malicious." OR "God does not play dice." - Einstein
Jason Menard
Sheriff
Posts: 6450
posted 13 years ago
Some of my favorite non-english films:
Brotherhood of the Wolf Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Seven Samurai The City of Lost Children Funny Games Run Lola Run
Steve Wink
Ranch Hand
Posts: 225
posted 13 years ago
Have to agree with City of the Lost Children - Delicattessan (sp?) is another brilliant film by the same directors. I love the quirkiness and stylishness of a lot of French films.
Seven Samurai is also good. Other Kurosawa films I liked were Ran and Kagemusha.
Originally posted by Jason Menard:
Some of my favorite non-english films:
Brotherhood of the Wolf Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Seven Samurai The City of Lost Children Funny Games Run Lola Run
Have to agree with City of the Lost Children - Delicattessan (sp?) is another brilliant film by the same directors. I love the quirkiness and stylishness of a lot of French films.
Seven Samurai is also good. Other Kurosawa films I liked were Ran and Kagemusha.
Jason Menard
Sheriff
Posts: 6450
posted 13 years ago
Don't know how I could have forgotten this one:
The Devil's Backbone
It's by the same director who directed the latest Harry Potter movie.
The Devil's Backbone
It's by the same director who directed the latest Harry Potter movie.
Ashok Mash
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Posts: 1936
Jeroen Wenting
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Posts: 5093
Chris Mathews
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Posts: 2712
posted 13 years ago
I am a huge Hong Kong cinema fan and if you liked Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon then you have to see Hero. It blows CTHD away, both in terms of quality of martial arts (Jet Li is da man) and in terms of cinematic vision.
Dan Chisholm
Ranch Hand
Posts: 1865
posted 13 years ago
I like foreign films, because the plots tend to be very creative. During the mid-1980's, I saw an Iranian film where an assassin came to the United States to kill a counter-revolutionary. While stalking his victim in the subway, the assassin unintentionally saved the victim from a robbery. The victim thanked the assassin by inviting him to his home for dinner. The assassin came to the victim's house with the intention of completing the assignment there, but instead the assassin found that he really liked his victim's family. You can imagine where the plot went from there.
Dan Chisholm<br />SCJP 1.4<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.danchisholm.net/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Try my mock exam.</a>
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Sheriff
Sheriff
Posts: 10065
posted 13 years ago
You can imagine where the plot went from there.
Uncontrolled vocabularies
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Kathy Sierra
Cowgirl and Author
Rancher
Rancher
Posts: 1589
5
posted 13 years ago
I want to add Amelie (France) and City of God (Brazil).
(and yay to Monsoon Wedding and Brotherhood of the Wolf)
I wouldn't mind if some folks here would recommend some fun Indian musicals that I might find on DVD with English subtitles...
Bert and I just read a novel, "Transmission", that involves an Indian programmer who makes his way to the US, and a subplot involving an Indian movie... kind of a fun strange book. But it reminded me that I've been wanting to see some of the musicals, especially, but I'd like to know what the big favorites are.
cheers,
Kathy
(and yay to Monsoon Wedding and Brotherhood of the Wolf)
I wouldn't mind if some folks here would recommend some fun Indian musicals that I might find on DVD with English subtitles...
Bert and I just read a novel, "Transmission", that involves an Indian programmer who makes his way to the US, and a subplot involving an Indian movie... kind of a fun strange book. But it reminded me that I've been wanting to see some of the musicals, especially, but I'd like to know what the big favorites are.
cheers,
Kathy
Paul McKenna
Ugly Redneck
Ranch Hand
Ranch Hand
Posts: 1006
posted 13 years ago
Go to your local Indian Grocery store and ask for "Dil Chahta Hai" DVD. All DVDs have english subtitles. But seriously.. I dont watch many Indian movies because of the "musical" component. I hate it!
Originally posted by Kathy Sierra:
I wouldn't mind if some folks here would recommend some fun Indian musicals that I might find on DVD with English subtitles...
Go to your local Indian Grocery store and ask for "Dil Chahta Hai" DVD. All DVDs have english subtitles. But seriously.. I dont watch many Indian movies because of the "musical" component. I hate it!
Commentary From the Sidelines of history
Bhau Mhatre
Ranch Hand
Posts: 199
posted 13 years ago
Shashank Tanksali: Just for the record, India makes more movies every year than the rest of the world put together !!!
What do they say.. Quality is inversely proportional to Quantity, eh?
Kathy Sierra I wouldn't mind if some folks here would recommend some fun Indian musicals
I don't like musicals much so can't help there, but I can suggest some of the BEST movies ever made in the Bollywood history (in my view, ofcourse). They are a bit heavy topics though.
1. Sardar - Based on true story about how Sardar Patel helped create the Indian Union as we have it today during the last few weeks just before the Independence.
2. Mein Azad Hoon. Translation- I am free. Azad means Free. But it can also be a name of a person. It is about how the media tries to play with politics.
3. Satya - It is the name of the leading character. About gang fights in Bombay. Can't get more real view about Bombay in the late 80's and early 90's than that.
Foreign movies that I saw and liked are:
1. "No man's land." (Bosnian/Serbian)
2. I forgot the name of this Chinese movie about a kid whose parents stayed separate and how the kid coped with it. It was translated soemthing like "Why was I born?"
What do they say.. Quality is inversely proportional to Quantity, eh?
Kathy Sierra I wouldn't mind if some folks here would recommend some fun Indian musicals
I don't like musicals much so can't help there, but I can suggest some of the BEST movies ever made in the Bollywood history (in my view, ofcourse). They are a bit heavy topics though.
1. Sardar - Based on true story about how Sardar Patel helped create the Indian Union as we have it today during the last few weeks just before the Independence.
2. Mein Azad Hoon. Translation- I am free. Azad means Free. But it can also be a name of a person. It is about how the media tries to play with politics.
3. Satya - It is the name of the leading character. About gang fights in Bombay. Can't get more real view about Bombay in the late 80's and early 90's than that.
Foreign movies that I saw and liked are:
1. "No man's land." (Bosnian/Serbian)
2. I forgot the name of this Chinese movie about a kid whose parents stayed separate and how the kid coped with it. It was translated soemthing like "Why was I born?"
-Mumbai cha Bhau
Ellen Zhao
Ranch Hand
Posts: 581
posted 13 years ago
I'm a movie watcher, seeing this thread I'm excited. I wanted to follow up this thread after my finals in the beginning of next month, but it's likely MD is going to be closed soon 
. So I'm following up now. If it really is I'll miss it. I've learnt quite a bit interesting knowledges from the MD board, made some friends here, shared the pictures I made during my trips (Just photoed an album of water lilies in a pond near my house two weeks ago but haven't reduced the image size for posting here, I don't think there will be the chance...)Visiting MD has been an enjoyable experience for me I really thank Mr. Paul very much for having let us have a place of fun.
Okay now the movie. As a Chinese I've watched several dozens of martial art movies(be it made by Hong Kong people or mainlanders) and there are really some great ones by any standard. Jet Li is a hero of mine, I always enjoyed watching his martial art and cannot think of any substitution of him for now. But I don't like the movie hero. If one has a strong background of Chinese history and literature, the story in "hero" is a big non-sense and in China, its dialogs in original Mandarin( that's some tasteless ancient Chinese mixed with error-ful modern Chinese) has been widely considered an insult to people's IQ and EQ. I think the English translation must be a lot better than the original. And foreingers won't feel funny if the movie makers know zero about Chinese history and philosophy. Anyway pretty good photography and great casting ( Jet Li and Maggie Cheung ) except for the completely unnecessary maid in the movie played by an actress who I think is too ugly. I was so greatly disgusted by her face when she was fighting against Maggie Cheung in the movie. If not for Jet Li and Maggie Cheung, I wouldn't have watched the movie. My favourite martial art movie is Dragon Inn made in 1992, starring Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin. This movie not only has a superb quality in martial art, spectacular and delicate photography, wonderful story line but also the director of the Dragon Inn is waaaaaaaay better cultured than the director of Hero. He didn't simply put some superficial Chinese symbols into his movies but he can think and he's so adroit at using the language of movie. My strongest recommend for Dragon Inn here. If you are a martial art movie watcher you cannot miss it, if you are indifferent of martial art movie then there are still beautiful Maggie and Brigitte to see. Green Snake is another beautiful martial art movie I really like. The main characters in both Dragon Inn and Green Snake are females, so the actions in them are highly artistic sometimes just like dancing( In hero, Maggie's actions are very dancing-like too). In another very new Chinese martial art movie which is absolutely worth mentioning Warriors of Heaven and Earth is dominated by male. Its director He Pin is one of the best Chinese directors. In China Warriors of Heaven and Earth is considered better than Hero. Its release date in U.S. is in August 2004, in NYC and LA.
If one is interested in the Chinese culture and pictures of real mutual understanding of Chinese and western cultures, I strongly recommend Ang Lee's movies. CTHD is directed by him but not his best. Eat Drink Man Woman, The Wedding Banquet are rare gems by any standard, there are less eye-catching photography though. Ang Lee's movies have depth but the stories are always interesting, never dull. Movie like those made me like watching movies. Lee is also the director of Sense and Sensibility .
Years ago the young actress Vicki Zhao played a really silly role in a TV play called "My Fairy Princess", at that time I thought she was too superficial and empty. But she made progress so rapidly. Now she's remarkably mature/cultured as an actress and still look as cute as before. I'm starting liking her, just cannot help. Her movies and performances haven't been in the first class in my opinion, but there are some ones worth watching:
So Close. A good action movie. Vicki played a professional computer hacker and simultaneously a professional killer. It's said better than Charlie's Angels. You can also find it in affd.org. I haven't watched it but ordered a DVD from amazon, which hasn't reached me.
She's starring in Shaolin Soccer. I don't like this movie but it's popular in Germany. My German fellows like Vicki very much.
She's the only female in the Warriors of Heaven and Earth, a princess of Tang Dynasty. Here's Vicki in Warriors of Heaven and Earth:
Her latest movie "Jade Goddess of Mercy" is currently in the competition unit of the movie festival in Moscaw. MF in Moscaw is one of the 9 Class-A movie festivals in the world and this time Jade Goddess of Mercy is the only Chinese movie entered the competition unit. And this movie is going to be the opening movie in a movie festival in U.S. soon. In Russia she has quite a few fans and here's a link about this movie in Russian.
Here some more pictures of Vicki:
I'm looking forward to Vicki's new movies and really hope she would become a world-class actress.
Vicki in Greece, April 2004:
Vicki's silly role in the silly TV play "My Fairy Princess":
[ June 25, 2004: Message edited by: Ellen Zhao ]
. So I'm following up now. If it really is I'll miss it. I've learnt quite a bit interesting knowledges from the MD board, made some friends here, shared the pictures I made during my trips (Just photoed an album of water lilies in a pond near my house two weeks ago but haven't reduced the image size for posting here, I don't think there will be the chance...)Visiting MD has been an enjoyable experience for me I really thank Mr. Paul very much for having let us have a place of fun. Okay now the movie. As a Chinese I've watched several dozens of martial art movies(be it made by Hong Kong people or mainlanders) and there are really some great ones by any standard. Jet Li is a hero of mine, I always enjoyed watching his martial art and cannot think of any substitution of him for now. But I don't like the movie hero. If one has a strong background of Chinese history and literature, the story in "hero" is a big non-sense and in China, its dialogs in original Mandarin( that's some tasteless ancient Chinese mixed with error-ful modern Chinese) has been widely considered an insult to people's IQ and EQ. I think the English translation must be a lot better than the original. And foreingers won't feel funny if the movie makers know zero about Chinese history and philosophy. Anyway pretty good photography and great casting ( Jet Li and Maggie Cheung ) except for the completely unnecessary maid in the movie played by an actress who I think is too ugly. I was so greatly disgusted by her face when she was fighting against Maggie Cheung in the movie. If not for Jet Li and Maggie Cheung, I wouldn't have watched the movie. My favourite martial art movie is Dragon Inn made in 1992, starring Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin. This movie not only has a superb quality in martial art, spectacular and delicate photography, wonderful story line but also the director of the Dragon Inn is waaaaaaaay better cultured than the director of Hero. He didn't simply put some superficial Chinese symbols into his movies but he can think and he's so adroit at using the language of movie. My strongest recommend for Dragon Inn here. If you are a martial art movie watcher you cannot miss it, if you are indifferent of martial art movie then there are still beautiful Maggie and Brigitte to see. Green Snake is another beautiful martial art movie I really like. The main characters in both Dragon Inn and Green Snake are females, so the actions in them are highly artistic sometimes just like dancing( In hero, Maggie's actions are very dancing-like too). In another very new Chinese martial art movie which is absolutely worth mentioning Warriors of Heaven and Earth is dominated by male. Its director He Pin is one of the best Chinese directors. In China Warriors of Heaven and Earth is considered better than Hero. Its release date in U.S. is in August 2004, in NYC and LA.
If one is interested in the Chinese culture and pictures of real mutual understanding of Chinese and western cultures, I strongly recommend Ang Lee's movies. CTHD is directed by him but not his best. Eat Drink Man Woman, The Wedding Banquet are rare gems by any standard, there are less eye-catching photography though. Ang Lee's movies have depth but the stories are always interesting, never dull. Movie like those made me like watching movies. Lee is also the director of Sense and Sensibility .
Years ago the young actress Vicki Zhao played a really silly role in a TV play called "My Fairy Princess", at that time I thought she was too superficial and empty. But she made progress so rapidly. Now she's remarkably mature/cultured as an actress and still look as cute as before. I'm starting liking her, just cannot help. Her movies and performances haven't been in the first class in my opinion, but there are some ones worth watching:
So Close. A good action movie. Vicki played a professional computer hacker and simultaneously a professional killer. It's said better than Charlie's Angels. You can also find it in affd.org. I haven't watched it but ordered a DVD from amazon, which hasn't reached me.
She's starring in Shaolin Soccer. I don't like this movie but it's popular in Germany. My German fellows like Vicki very much.
She's the only female in the Warriors of Heaven and Earth, a princess of Tang Dynasty. Here's Vicki in Warriors of Heaven and Earth:
Her latest movie "Jade Goddess of Mercy" is currently in the competition unit of the movie festival in Moscaw. MF in Moscaw is one of the 9 Class-A movie festivals in the world and this time Jade Goddess of Mercy is the only Chinese movie entered the competition unit. And this movie is going to be the opening movie in a movie festival in U.S. soon. In Russia she has quite a few fans and here's a link about this movie in Russian.
Here some more pictures of Vicki:
I'm looking forward to Vicki's new movies and really hope she would become a world-class actress.
Vicki in Greece, April 2004:
Vicki's silly role in the silly TV play "My Fairy Princess":
[ June 25, 2004: Message edited by: Ellen Zhao ]
Dushy Inguva
Ranch Hand
Posts: 264
Helen Thomas
Ranch Hand
Posts: 1759
posted 13 years ago
I don't know about fun ,Devdas is like the classic Romeo and Juliet story.
A friend is getting it from a friend in the US so I'll be watching it soon.
Devdas Click on band annonce.
It got lots of acclaim.
"Paro et Devdas s'aiment depuis l'enfance, mais ce dernier a �t� envoy� � Londres pour �tudier. Lorsqu'ils se retrouvent, ils pensent que toutes ces ann�es de s�paration n'ont �t� qu'une parenth�se. Mais dans l'Inde du d�but du XXi�me si�cle, l'emprise des castes est plus puissante que la passion authentique de deux �tres..."
photos
Monons des Sources and Jean de Florette are memorable foreign films.
[ June 26, 2004: Message edited by: Helen Thomas ]
Originally posted by Kathy Sierra:
I wouldn't mind if some folks here would recommend some fun Indian musicals that I might find on DVD with English subtitles...
I don't know about fun ,Devdas is like the classic Romeo and Juliet story.
A friend is getting it from a friend in the US so I'll be watching it soon.
Devdas Click on band annonce.
It got lots of acclaim.
"Paro et Devdas s'aiment depuis l'enfance, mais ce dernier a �t� envoy� � Londres pour �tudier. Lorsqu'ils se retrouvent, ils pensent que toutes ces ann�es de s�paration n'ont �t� qu'une parenth�se. Mais dans l'Inde du d�but du XXi�me si�cle, l'emprise des castes est plus puissante que la passion authentique de deux �tres..."
photos
Monons des Sources and Jean de Florette are memorable foreign films.
[ June 26, 2004: Message edited by: Helen Thomas ]
Le Cafe Mouse - Helen's musings on the web - Java Skills and Thrills
"God who creates and is nature is very difficult to understand, but he is not arbitrary or malicious." OR "God does not play dice." - Einstein
Ellen Zhao
Ranch Hand
Posts: 581
posted 13 years ago
Well, I guess the dialogues could be half charm of some good movies. In movies like "My Fair Lady", "Casablanca", "Much Ado about Nothing", "Scent of A Women"...if the dialogues are not so well composed then they became less great I guess? In movies like "8 femmes"(French), "8 Mile" without the intensive dialogues they are not understandable. Sure movie has its own language: photography, music...but I think literature is an important part, even though it doesn't always appear in the form of dialogues.
My most expected Chinese movie in 2005 is called "To Endless Shakespeare", it hasn't finished yet now. I guess it's another movie in which dialogues are heavily involved.
[ June 26, 2004: Message edited by: Ellen Zhao ]
My most expected Chinese movie in 2005 is called "To Endless Shakespeare", it hasn't finished yet now. I guess it's another movie in which dialogues are heavily involved.
[ June 26, 2004: Message edited by: Ellen Zhao ]
Chris Mathews
Ranch Hand
Posts: 2712
posted 13 years ago
Okay Ellen... I'll bite. While I did like Dragon Inn, I didn't find it nearly as compelling as you did. Like much of what Tsui Hark touches, it has a whole lot of style and very little substance. I think this is partially due to the fact that it falls into the Wuxia genre... which I am not a real big fan of overall. In most cases I like my Kung Fu as realistic as possible and without very noticeable wire work (I do make exceptions).
That said here is my list of favorite Martial Arts films...
The Shaolin Temple
This is Jet Li's first and most famous film and also features some of the biggest Wushu stars of the late 70s/early 80s. This movie is the one that launched Jet's career and brought a resurgance of interest in Shao Lin (both in China and abroad). The Shao Lin Temple today is sort of like the DisneyWorld of China... thousands of people travel every year to visit, buy T-shirts, and be a part of the magic. I love this movie, it is a timeless classic.
Drunken Master 2
This is probably Jackie Chan's best overall film. The pace is fast, the fighting is realistic with very little wires, and the Kung Fu is very authentic. If you are a fan of martial arts and/or Hong Kong films and you haven't seen this movie then drop everything and go now!
Fist of Legend
This is a remake of the Bruce Lee classic Fist of Fury and is my favorite modern Jet Li film. The fight scenes in this movie are absolutely incredible in their scope and depth. Even with a bum knee (and a good stunt double )... Jet can move!
Once Upon a Time in China
Even though I am not a big fan of Wuxia (or all things Tsui Hark), this movie is the exception. When it comes to Wong Fei Hong films this and Drunken Master are as good as they get.
A Better Tomorrow
Okay, so this is not a martial arts movie but when talking about Hong Kong films I just couldn't leave out Chow Yun Fat and John Woo. This is probably Woo's best movie and is what put Chow Yun Fat on the map.
BTW, I liked Shaolin Soccer... we all need our guilty pleasures.
[ June 26, 2004: Message edited by: Chris Mathews ]
That said here is my list of favorite Martial Arts films...
The Shaolin Temple
This is Jet Li's first and most famous film and also features some of the biggest Wushu stars of the late 70s/early 80s. This movie is the one that launched Jet's career and brought a resurgance of interest in Shao Lin (both in China and abroad). The Shao Lin Temple today is sort of like the DisneyWorld of China... thousands of people travel every year to visit, buy T-shirts, and be a part of the magic. I love this movie, it is a timeless classic.
Drunken Master 2
This is probably Jackie Chan's best overall film. The pace is fast, the fighting is realistic with very little wires, and the Kung Fu is very authentic. If you are a fan of martial arts and/or Hong Kong films and you haven't seen this movie then drop everything and go now!
Fist of Legend
This is a remake of the Bruce Lee classic Fist of Fury and is my favorite modern Jet Li film. The fight scenes in this movie are absolutely incredible in their scope and depth. Even with a bum knee (and a good stunt double
)... Jet can move!Once Upon a Time in China
Even though I am not a big fan of Wuxia (or all things Tsui Hark), this movie is the exception. When it comes to Wong Fei Hong films this and Drunken Master are as good as they get.
A Better Tomorrow
Okay, so this is not a martial arts movie but when talking about Hong Kong films I just couldn't leave out Chow Yun Fat and John Woo. This is probably Woo's best movie and is what put Chow Yun Fat on the map.
BTW, I liked Shaolin Soccer... we all need our guilty pleasures.
[ June 26, 2004: Message edited by: Chris Mathews ]
Ellen Zhao
Ranch Hand
Posts: 581
posted 13 years ago
Hi Christ, I'm amazed you've watched so many of Hong Kong Films. "While I did like Dragon Inn, I didn't find it nearly as compelling as you did." I understand. 
I'll come back to this thread in two weeks(if the MD still exists then. My summer vacation will start in two weeks), now I have to head for my school work, enough relax at MD these two days, a bit guilty for now....
Here I just want to say I felt dissapointed about the Shaolin Soccer only because it is not as hilarious as I expected. It was so much fun watching Stephen Chow's other comedies like "Royal Tramp", "God of Cookery", "King of Comedy"...that I had a really high expectation when the Shaolin Soccer was released. In the other comedies Stephen made great fun of the Chinese language, laughed at the Chinese culture and morality which was difficult to be highly appreciated by both Chinese native "puritans"( One of my old Chinese teachers hated him, called all his movies trash) and foreigners( who are not likely to know what he is really making fun of). Then the targeted market of Shaolin Soccer is foreign countries. You can still see his unique humour for sure but he removed all elements that are only funny to native Chinese people. That's why I felt a bit disappointed. It's not that I don't like "guilty pleasures". Stephen's really a good entertainer I appreciate him for that.
"While I did like Dragon Inn, I didn't find it nearly as compelling as you did." I understand. I'll come back to this thread in two weeks(if the MD still exists then. My summer vacation will start in two weeks), now I have to head for my school work, enough relax at MD these two days, a bit guilty for now....Here I just want to say I felt dissapointed about the Shaolin Soccer only because it is not as hilarious as I expected. It was so much fun watching Stephen Chow's other comedies like "Royal Tramp", "God of Cookery", "King of Comedy"...that I had a really high expectation when the Shaolin Soccer was released. In the other comedies Stephen made great fun of the Chinese language, laughed at the Chinese culture and morality which was difficult to be highly appreciated by both Chinese native "puritans"( One of my old Chinese teachers hated him, called all his movies trash) and foreigners( who are not likely to know what he is really making fun of). Then the targeted market of Shaolin Soccer is foreign countries. You can still see his unique humour for sure but he removed all elements that are only funny to native Chinese people. That's why I felt a bit disappointed. It's not that I don't like "guilty pleasures".
Stephen's really a good entertainer I appreciate him for that.
Stan James
(instanceof Sidekick)
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posted 13 years ago
Foreign Language - nobody mentioned Das Boot? HBO ran it in German with subtitles. Loved it. Been meaning to see if I can rent to see it again.
A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of the idea. John Ciardi
Richard Hawkes
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Posts: 1340
posted 13 years ago
Three Korean films I really enjoyed and recommend:
Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002, thriller/drama)
Pretty hardboiled and probably not for everyone. Its quite intense but filmed with a relaxed pace (long, wide angle shots, minimal music). Its really well acted and with a few curveball scenes that leave you wondering where you're going next (eg. a 'supernatural' scene which really gets those neck hairs on end). And even at its most gruesome you can't help feeling for all the characters. In my personal top ten.
Old Boy (2004, thriller/action)
By the same director as the above, a little more mainstream but still very gritty and with one hell of a mind-screwing plot. Totally different directional style and never lets up. The male lead here (Choi Min-Sik) is standout excellent I thought. I've seen a few of his performances and they were all impressive.
Failan (2002, drama, romance)
Stars the same guy as in Old Boy. He is superb again. A tear-jerker I suppose, with some social commentary and features a seedier view of Korea. Its done so well you don't feel like your being manipulated to the point where your only reaction is to cry. Not my usual cup of tea, but this one really moved me.
[ June 27, 2004: Message edited by: Richard Hawkes ]
Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002, thriller/drama)
Pretty hardboiled and probably not for everyone. Its quite intense but filmed with a relaxed pace (long, wide angle shots, minimal music). Its really well acted and with a few curveball scenes that leave you wondering where you're going next (eg. a 'supernatural' scene which really gets those neck hairs on end). And even at its most gruesome you can't help feeling for all the characters. In my personal top ten.
Old Boy (2004, thriller/action)
By the same director as the above, a little more mainstream but still very gritty and with one hell of a mind-screwing plot. Totally different directional style and never lets up. The male lead here (Choi Min-Sik) is standout excellent I thought. I've seen a few of his performances and they were all impressive.
Failan (2002, drama, romance)
Stars the same guy as in Old Boy. He is superb again. A tear-jerker I suppose, with some social commentary and features a seedier view of Korea. Its done so well you don't feel like your being manipulated to the point where your only reaction is to cry. Not my usual cup of tea, but this one really moved me.
[ June 27, 2004: Message edited by: Richard Hawkes ]
Jeroen Wenting
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Posts: 5093
posted 13 years ago
Excellent movie, excellent book. Best enjoyed in the original (good reason to learn German if you don't know it yet, as are German police series).
Never try Dutch movies, they suck... Even here hardly anyone likes them, except the "culture" freaks who will embrace anything Dutch as high culture, the more vulgar the better.
Originally posted by Stan James:
Foreign Language - nobody mentioned Das Boot? HBO ran it in German with subtitles. Loved it. Been meaning to see if I can rent to see it again.
Excellent movie, excellent book. Best enjoyed in the original (good reason to learn German if you don't know it yet, as are German police series).
Never try Dutch movies, they suck... Even here hardly anyone likes them, except the "culture" freaks who will embrace anything Dutch as high culture, the more vulgar the better.
42
Axel Janssen
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Posts: 2166
posted 13 years ago
Flodder family
I don't like it.
Recently I saw a dutch police film about a frogman contaminated by radiation who got mad and killed people. Was good.
I also saw swedish movie about inspector Walander and I bought a book (they sell here a lot). Good police stuff, too.
[ June 28, 2004: Message edited by: Axel Janssen ]
Originally posted by Jeroen Wenting:
Even here hardly anyone likes them, except the "culture" freaks who will embrace anything Dutch as high culture, the more vulgar the better.
Flodder family
I don't like it.
Recently I saw a dutch police film about a frogman contaminated by radiation who got mad and killed people. Was good.
I also saw swedish movie about inspector Walander and I bought a book (they sell here a lot). Good police stuff, too.
[ June 28, 2004: Message edited by: Axel Janssen ]
Jeroen Wenting
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Posts: 5093
posted 13 years ago
I liked the Hongkong movie "The Killer", if I am not wrong its from the same director who later directed Broken Arrow and other hollywood movies.[my memory abt names is really poor]
And still The Killer is best movie in my list when it comes to put emotions and actions together.
And still The Killer is best movie in my list when it comes to put emotions and actions together.
"Thanks to Indian media who has over the period of time swiped out intellectual taste from mass Indian population." - Chetan Parekh
Chris Mathews
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Posts: 2712
posted 13 years ago
The Killer is definitely a good movie. It was yet another sucessful pairing of actor Chow Yun Fat and Director John Woo. Even though it is a bit over the top at times, The Killer certainly ranks as one of my favorite CYF films. And if you liked The Killer than I suggest you rent A Better Tomorrow... it is possibly the best Chow Yun Fat/John Woo film.
My other favorite Chow Yun-Fat movies...
Hard Boiled
John Woo's last Hong Kong film... and he went with a bang! Stars Chow Yun Fat in his traditional two-gun warrior role. This film has the most explosions, bullets, and slow-motion baby throwing that I have ever seen.
City of Fire
Classic Chow Yun Fat movie. Most people have already seen this one since Quentin Tarantino "remade" in the form of Reservoir Dogs .
God of Gamblers
Excellent movie driven almost entirely by the charisma of CYF. Pretty much started an entire genre of gambling movies in Hong Kong Cinema. Directed by Wong Jing so you know the movie isn't going to touch on any serious topics but it is fun nonetheless.
[ June 28, 2004: Message edited by: Chris Mathews ]
My other favorite Chow Yun-Fat movies...
Hard Boiled
John Woo's last Hong Kong film... and he went with a bang! Stars Chow Yun Fat in his traditional two-gun warrior role. This film has the most explosions, bullets, and slow-motion baby throwing that I have ever seen.
City of Fire
Classic Chow Yun Fat movie. Most people have already seen this one since Quentin Tarantino "remade" in the form of Reservoir Dogs
.God of Gamblers
Excellent movie driven almost entirely by the charisma of CYF. Pretty much started an entire genre of gambling movies in Hong Kong Cinema. Directed by Wong Jing so you know the movie isn't going to touch on any serious topics but it is fun nonetheless.
[ June 28, 2004: Message edited by: Chris Mathews ]
Mark Fletcher
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Posts: 897
posted 13 years ago
Kurosawa is an amazing director. Its interesting to note how much western directors (such as George Lucas) were influenced by his style.
Kurosawa films that I would recommend - Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress (reminds me a bit of the rescue the princess plot in Star Wars), Yojimbo, Sanjuro and Rashomon.
IMDB Filmography
Mark
Originally posted by Steve Wink:
Have to agree with City of the Lost Children - Delicattessan (sp?) is another brilliant film by the same directors. I love the quirkiness and stylishness of a lot of French films.
Seven Samurai is also good. Other Kurosawa films I liked were Ran and Kagemusha.
Kurosawa is an amazing director. Its interesting to note how much western directors (such as George Lucas) were influenced by his style.
Kurosawa films that I would recommend - Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress (reminds me a bit of the rescue the princess plot in Star Wars), Yojimbo, Sanjuro and Rashomon.
IMDB Filmography
Mark
Mark Fletcher - http://www.markfletcher.org/blog
I had some Java certs, but they're too old now...
posted 13 years ago
Currently I am totally dependant on HBO/Z MGM/Star Movies/AXN channels for foreign movies [yes, MGM/star movies play other than hollywood movies too ]... planning to by one VCD/DVD player but I dont think I would be able to buy it before 3-4 months.
I will surely try to find all these movies here [if only I get :-|]
AW thanks for the movie list and details
[I think I put myself into the list of fan of CYF. I saw his one hollywood movie also.. movie name had 'killer' word in that but that did not has what 'The Killer' had.]
Originally posted by Chris Mathews:
The Killer is definitely a good movie. It was yet another sucessful pairing of actor Chow Yun Fat and Director John Woo. Even though it is a bit over the top at times, The Killer certainly ranks as one of my favorite CYF films. And if you liked The Killer than I suggest you rent A Better Tomorrow... it is possibly the best Chow Yun Fat/John Woo film.
Currently I am totally dependant on HBO/Z MGM/Star Movies/AXN channels for foreign movies
[yes, MGM/star movies play other than hollywood movies too ]... planning to by one VCD/DVD player but I dont think I would be able to buy it before 3-4 months. I will surely try to find all these movies here [if only I get :-|]
AW thanks for the movie list and details
[I think I put myself into the list of fan of CYF. I saw his one hollywood movie also.. movie name had 'killer' word in that but that did not has what 'The Killer' had.]
"Thanks to Indian media who has over the period of time swiped out intellectual taste from mass Indian population." - Chetan Parekh
Axel Janssen
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Posts: 2166
posted 13 years ago
<very_offtopic>
as poor german football fan one gets the impression that the only reason for dutch football fans to learn german is to "sing" "Doitsland, Doitsland allet is vorb�i"*, whenever they see something which might be a camera from german TV.
Its getting insane, if this won't calm down a bit in semi-final.
Hey. We were kicked out in first round. We allready know that. Its history
</very_offtopic>
* Germany, Germany everything is over
Originally posted by Jeroen Wenting:
good reason to learn German if you don't know it yet, as are German police series).
<very_offtopic>
as poor german football fan one gets the impression that the only reason for dutch football fans to learn german is to "sing" "Doitsland, Doitsland allet is vorb�i"*, whenever they see something which might be a camera from german TV.
Its getting insane, if this won't calm down a bit in semi-final.
Hey. We were kicked out in first round. We allready know that. Its history
</very_offtopic>
* Germany, Germany everything is over
Mark Fletcher
Ranch Hand
Posts: 897
posted 13 years ago
**ASIDE**
Axel,
I was rooting for Sweden in the Holland vs Sweden game (big Henrik Larsson fan), so Im sad to see Holland through (dont like Van Nistelrooy, or Dik Advocaat)... Im rooting for the Czech Republic now!
Mark
**ENDASIDE**
[ June 29, 2004: Message edited by: Mark Fletcher ]
Originally posted by Axel Janssen:
<very_offtopic>
as poor german football fan one gets the impression that the only reason for dutch football fans to learn german is to "sing" "Doitsland, Doitsland allet is vorb�i"*, whenever they see something which might be a camera from german TV.
Its getting insane, if this won't calm down a bit in semi-final.
Hey. We were kicked out in first round. We allready know that. Its history
</very_offtopic>
* Germany, Germany everything is over
**ASIDE**
Axel,
I was rooting for Sweden in the Holland vs Sweden game (big Henrik Larsson fan), so Im sad to see Holland through (dont like Van Nistelrooy, or Dik Advocaat)... Im rooting for the Czech Republic now!
Mark
**ENDASIDE**
[ June 29, 2004: Message edited by: Mark Fletcher ]
Mark Fletcher - http://www.markfletcher.org/blog
I had some Java certs, but they're too old now...
Axel Janssen
Ranch Hand
Posts: 2166
posted 13 years ago
Originally posted by Mark Fletcher:
**ASIDE**
Axel,
I was rooting for Sweden in the Holland vs Sweden game (big Henrik Larsson fan), so Im sad to see Holland through (dont like Van Nistelrooy, or Dik Advocaat)... Im rooting for the Czech Republic now!
Mark
**ENDASIDE**
** more aside **
The schizophrenic thing is that I like Holland.
The way they play.
And I was big Johan Cruif fan in 74 WM (being 6).
I supported them life in the stadium in their only dark moment in the 88 Euro (when they lost their group match against Russia).
** end more aside **
[ June 29, 2004: Message edited by: Mark Fletcher ]
Jeroen Wenting
Ranch Hand
Posts: 5093
posted 13 years ago
It all stems from the German occupation 1940-'45. We still haven't forgiven you bombing the heart out of Rotterdam after the capitulation was signed just to show you could do it.
When German troops sang "Wir fahren gegen England" while marching Dutch youths used to shout "blub blub blub", that spirit has never gone away
When German troops sang "Wir fahren gegen England" while marching Dutch youths used to shout "blub blub blub", that spirit has never gone away
42
frank davis
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Posts: 1479
posted 13 years ago
Mad Max 2 (released in US as Road Warriors) - Explores the forces that hold civilization together and those that tend to pull it apart. Deep, elemental, and with the best action seqeunces ever created on film.
For those who don't like Road Warriors I know you will love Ponette (French) which expresses the dimensions of human suffering and sadness. Also, the same type people will love Andrei Rublev (Russian) which tells of the struggles of a famous Russian iconograhic artist. (Actually these 2 prior films are on my list of the worst films ever made on Earth bar none)
In general, everyone should like the Widow of St Marie (French) which although it has the typical French attitude towards justice, never the less somehow maintains firm contact with reality.
Girl on a Bridge (French) is a great film with very understated, low key comedy.
Rosseta (French) is a gritty movie of a girl in the underclass stuggling to get a job.
[ June 17, 2005: Message edited by: Max Habibi ]
For those who don't like Road Warriors I know you will love Ponette (French) which expresses the dimensions of human suffering and sadness. Also, the same type people will love Andrei Rublev (Russian) which tells of the struggles of a famous Russian iconograhic artist. (Actually these 2 prior films are on my list of the worst films ever made on Earth bar none)
In general, everyone should like the Widow of St Marie (French) which although it has the typical French attitude towards justice, never the less somehow maintains firm contact with reality.
Girl on a Bridge (French) is a great film with very understated, low key comedy.
Rosseta (French) is a gritty movie of a girl in the underclass stuggling to get a job.
[ June 17, 2005: Message edited by: Max Habibi ]
posted 13 years ago
Here's a list of some Indian movies that I would recommend -
(1) Saath Saath (Farooq Shaikh & Dipti Naval) - Beautiful movie with excellent soundtrack. It's about an indealistic student/man, the way he faces reality, his relationship, ideals etc. Simple, slow but life enriching experience.
(2) Pinjar (Manoj Bajpeyee, Urmila Matondkar) - This is one of the latest ones. About atrocity, revenge and partition. A very insightful film about Punjab during partition. Beautifully captured Punjab as well.(3) Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (Rahul Bose & Konkana Sen) - This one is English. Probably the only nice film Rahul Bose has done! It's about a typcal iyer woman and Muslim photographer trapped in a strange situation during riots. Very well handled by actress's mom and well-known director, Aparna Sen.
(4) Daddy (Anupam Kher & Pooja Bhat) - About an alcoholic singer and his relationship with his daughter.
(5) Kabhi haan, kabhi na (Shahrukh Khan, Suchitra K) - This one is commercial, lighter movie. I hate Shahrush, because (I think) he's too loud and irritating, but I loved him in this movie. It's funny; it has unusual but very sensible storyline. Songs not too bad either�
(6) 1947, Earth (Aamir Khan, Nadita Das, Rahul Khanna) - I think, this one is available in English as well. Based on real life story - "Ice-candy Man" by Bapsi Sidhwa. This one is about a small girl, her hero "ice-candy man", and partition.
(7) Ijaazat (Naseerudin Shah, Rekha and Anuradha Patel) - More than a film, this one is a poetry on screen. Amazing and awesome, very sentimental stuff but beautiful! This one has got national award winning soundtrack and each song deserves an article on its own.
More later..
- Manish
(1) Saath Saath (Farooq Shaikh & Dipti Naval) - Beautiful movie with excellent soundtrack. It's about an indealistic student/man, the way he faces reality, his relationship, ideals etc. Simple, slow but life enriching experience.
(2) Pinjar (Manoj Bajpeyee, Urmila Matondkar) - This is one of the latest ones. About atrocity, revenge and partition. A very insightful film about Punjab during partition. Beautifully captured Punjab as well.(3) Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (Rahul Bose & Konkana Sen) - This one is English. Probably the only nice film Rahul Bose has done!
It's about a typcal iyer woman and Muslim photographer trapped in a strange situation during riots. Very well handled by actress's mom and well-known director, Aparna Sen.(4) Daddy (Anupam Kher & Pooja Bhat) - About an alcoholic singer and his relationship with his daughter.
(5) Kabhi haan, kabhi na (Shahrukh Khan, Suchitra K) - This one is commercial, lighter movie. I hate Shahrush, because (I think) he's too loud and irritating, but I loved him in this movie. It's funny; it has unusual but very sensible storyline. Songs not too bad either�
(6) 1947, Earth (Aamir Khan, Nadita Das, Rahul Khanna) - I think, this one is available in English as well. Based on real life story - "Ice-candy Man" by Bapsi Sidhwa. This one is about a small girl, her hero "ice-candy man", and partition.
(7) Ijaazat (Naseerudin Shah, Rekha and Anuradha Patel) - More than a film, this one is a poetry on screen. Amazing and awesome, very sentimental stuff but beautiful! This one has got national award winning soundtrack and each song deserves an article on its own.
More later..
- Manish
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