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Saturday Evening Movie Thread - 4/9/2022 [TheJamesMadison]
Akira Kurosawa
There are few names in cinema more intimately associated with the medium than that of Akira Kurosawa. A painter by trade, he rose through the Japanese film industry to the rank of director in the middle of the Second World War where he had to balance between commercial, artistic, and imperial interests. He learned his trade as an associate director, getting his first directorial assignment in 1943 with Sanshira Sugata, a film about judo and based on a Japanese novel of the same name.
He went on to direct a total of thirty feature films including some of the most influential films ever made like Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and The Hidden Fortress. Outside of these are a host of great films that go beyond influence and just exist as great art that will stand the test of time like Ikiru (my personal favorite), Throne of Blood, Rashomon, and Ran.
He was one of the absolute titans of cinema. In another hundred years his films will still be remembered, and deservedly so. He was one of the most intelligent and visual filmmakers, able to transpose works from all over the world to a Japanese idiom that never felt out of place, using everything from contemporary Japanese mores to ancient Japanese forms like Noh to tell the stories of Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Hammett, and Gogol, adapted to another culture's filmic medium.
Commerce vs. Art
Like almost anyone who works in the movies, Kurosawa had to balance the major concerns of art and commerce throughout his career (he also had to deal with a couple of different types of censorship in his first decade or so). The way this usually manifests with filmmakers is the attitude of making "one for them" and then "one for me". The "them" movies tend to be broader in appeal, working within popular genres with popular actors that help get butts into seats. The "me" movies tend to be smaller, outside of genre, and can skip over the use of popular actors. John Ford's Wagon Master is a good example of the latter while the Cavalry Trilogy is a good example of the former.
With Kurosawa, his interests were actually quite varied, and he encountered enough success early, even from his very first film, the judo-themed Sanshiro Sugata, that he was able to more easily choose his projects as he wanted. If he wanted to make a three-and-a-half-hour samurai epic that ends with most of the titular characters dead in Seven Samurai, he can do it. If he wants to make a five-hour adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Idiot, then, well, he can at least get the funding (the studio forced him to cut the length in half when it came time to release it).
The starkest movement from "me" to "them" pictures was between The Lower Depths and The Hidden Fortress. Most people know the latter to be one of the largest influences on George Lucas when he wrote Star Wars, and it's easy to see why. It's pure entertainment about an aged general who must protect an endangered princess as they pass through enemy territory, and yet, it was a purely reactive piece of storytelling from Kurosawa. His previous film, The Lower Depths, an adaptation of a Maxim Gorky play of the same name that starred the Japanese star Toshiro Mifune, was a commercial disappointment. The look at poverty in the Tokyo slums was partially an experiment on Kurosawa's part to bring the theatrical experience to cinemas by using multiple cameras at once to create the loose in feel, yet incredibly precise in execution, performances of his actors across the entirety of the play. Kurosawa was trying to expand the cinematic artform in the direction of the theatrical play, and it works from an artistic point of view. It is by no means an artistic failure, and yet, not nearly enough people cared at the time. He had to come back with something that would sell tickets, so he threw together a script about a fighting princess.
Art
For at least two decades, it feels like Kurosawa was finding a very comfortable combination of commerce and art, and the height of that is probably Throne of Blood, his adaptation of Macbeth starring (of course) Toshiro Mifune. This wasn't just an adaptation of a great piece of English literature adapted into a Japanese form, it was also Kurosawa very consciously using the Japanese theatrical form of Noh in cinema. Noh and Kabuki had been present in Japanese cinema since the inception of the country's entry into the medium in the early silent period, but audiences had, much like in most other markets, grown accustomed to the more straightforward storytelling mechanics of a realistic approach. Classical and formalistic approaches are things that filmmakers often try to revive (think Francis Ford Coppola's One From the Heart), but very few meet any kind of sustained success while doing it (Federico Fellini did). And that's exactly what Kurosawa was striving for in Throne of Blood.
There isn't a realistic thing in the whole movie. Mostly filmed on sets, the costumes are all exaggerated, the makeup is all highly pronounced, and the performances are all elevated almost to the point of parody. And yet, not only does it work on an artistic level, but it was also a large financial success, bringing in more money for Toho Studios than any other movie it released that year. Why? Why would the unrealistic portrayal in Throne of Blood meet great success while The Lower Depths did not?
If I were to hazard a guess, it has to do with audience expectations. The movement across time, like transporting audiences back to the medieval period of Japan's past, is the kind of jump in the suspension of disbelief that more naturally allows for other jumps. So, adopting the stylings of Noh to the medieval setting feels natural. On the other hand, The Lower Depths is more outright an experiment with less to offer broader audiences. It's not that audiences cared about the bringing of Noh to cinema but that the experiment there helped to enhance an experience audiences were already interested in. When it came to The Lower Depths, they simply didn't want to see a movie about poor people dying in slums, no matter the experiment.
I also think it points to Kurosawa's curious lack of business sense.
Post-Red Beard Commerce
By 1960, Kurosawa was powerful in the Japanese film industry, and to gain more power he started co-financing his own films along with Toho Studios. That ended with the two-year production of Red Beard, a protracted process brought on by Kurosawa's insistence on perfectionism in the physical production where an entire 19th century village was built with era-appropriate materials, the outside of which you see on screen for less than a tenth of the runtime. The movie could have been filmed on studio sets at Toho and it wouldn't have made a visual difference to the audience. The production turned so many people against him, including his star Toshiro Mifune who never worked for him again, and after an ill-fated stint in Hollywood where he was supposed to direct the Japanese segments of Tora! Tora! Tora!, he returned to Japan and formed his own production company along with three other Japanese directors: Masaki Kobayashi, Keisuke Kinoshita, and Kon Ichikawa.
The idea of The Committee of the Four Knights was to raise money so that each could make their own movie under the committee's banner. Kurosawa came first, and they never made another movie again. The movie they produced was Dodes'ka-den, a colorful, surrealist, and depressing little tale of poverty in the slums of Tokyo. The financial failure of the film really shouldn't have been that hard to predict. It was purely an art house film, completely lacking plot or even much of a main character, that ends with the death of a child out of neglect from his father. The only audience this could have been a success with was critics, and even they didn't really like it. The depression Kurosawa sank into led to his suicide attempt.
Kurosawa had completely abandoned any effort to appeal to a broad audience, and he was only saved by first the Soviet Union throwing money at him to make a film based on a Russian literary source (Dersu Uzala), followed by George Lucas who used his newfound clout at Twentieth Century Fox to secure the international rights to Kurosawa's return to jidaigeki films, Kagemusha. The story of a warlord's double suddenly finding himself playing the part of warlord all the time upon the warlord's death was a partial return to the similar jidaigeki films he had made in the 50s like Seven Samurai and The Hidden Fortress. His next film, Ran, was a return to Throne of Blood, adapting Shakespeare into medieval Japanese clothes with heavily stylized visuals, giving him his largest late career financial success.
He crawled his way back to some semblance of power, and he used his final three movies to go purely introspective. Dreams is quite literally just that, half a dozen recreations of dreams Kurosawa had had throughout his life. Rhapsody in August is about the psychological effects of the atomic bomb on the Japanese psyche. Madadayo, which translates to "Not Yet", is about an old man not quite ready to stop living after he retires.
Commerce or Art?
Most successful directors have things they want to pursue that don't align with what audiences want to pay $9 a ticket to see on a Friday night or what they're generally known for. John Ford can make The Fugitive after establishing himself with broader fare and get rejected by audiences. Martin Scorsese can make Shutter Island after a career of more art-house fare and get accepted by audiences. It kind of depends on the niche one establishes and what they've been doing for so long.
Kurosawa made all sorts of populist fare in his earlier decades. Crime films, buddy cop movies, samurai epics, and even comedic action films dotted his body of work from the fifties through the sixties. It seems, though, that he simply lost interest in telling those kinds of stories, pouring a year or two at a time into them as he went. By the late 60s, he wanted to branch out and do new things, and that meant trying to bring his paintings to life through a story about the slums of Tokyo. It was certainly different. Even when he started making his comeback with Kagemusha and Ran he made more introspective medieval epics that outright entertainments like Seven Samurai or Yojimbo. His earlier examples weren't dumb action movies or anything. He treated the characters seriously and there were ideas at play, but they were more freewheeling. Kagemusha and Ran are the works of an obviously older man, more inclined to take time to consider small things and let scenes play out a bit slower. He was still making art films to a certain extent, but they were couched in more broadly accepted genre tropes that helped sell them to larger audiences.
Who was Kurosawa
I think Kurosawa was an artist of the highest order who could as easily entertain as he could push the medium in new directions. Audiences weren't always on board with him when he tried to move beyond his more entertaining films, but time has been much kinder to his extra efforts than some other directors like Ford.
That being said, I've waxed on about how he's a born entertainer, and yet the circumstances of his birth, the country he worked in and the time he was born, is a big obstacle for some people. Old, foreign, black and white movies that aren't widescreen can get dismissed as "art house". People want colors. They want stars they know. They don't want to read a movie. They want their widescreen TVs filled to the edges with image. It's just a lot of little things that add up to, "that's too different from what I'm used to, I don't want to put in the effort. Just entertain me."
And yet, Kurosawa made some of the most effortlessly entertaining action films of all time. I don't imagine that this audience of well-informed and erudite film watchers are put off by such things as subtitles, but for those who do find such things to a hinderance to enjoying a film, I would really still encourage you to discover Kurosawa. Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, High and Low, The Bad Sleep Well, Scandal, Drunken Angel, and my personal favorite Ikiru are the exact kinds of movies that people say that they want. Smart, with great characters, and well-filmed action, Kurosawa, for decades, made entertainment for everyone.
Movies of Today
Opening in Theaters:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Ambulance
Movies I Saw This Fortnight:
Throne of Blood (Rating 4/4) Full Review "This feels like Kurosawa stretching his muscles both artistically and within the power structures of the Japanese film industry to make a large, esoteric adaptation of a piece of major Western literature." [Personal Collection]
The Bad Sleep Well (Rating 4/4) Full Review "It's also pure noir with a jazzy and almost threatening score by Masaru Sato, a certain nihilism, and a constant sense of unease. All it's really missing is a femme fatale and voiceover." [Criterion Channel]
Yojimbo (Rating 4/4) Full Review "Yojimbo is primo entertainment, up with Seven Samurai in Kurosawa's body of work. It's also an hour and a half shorter, which makes for easier watching." [Criterion Channel]
High and Low (Rating 4/4) Full Review "This is another example of primo entertainment from Kurosawa. Penetrating deeply into the minds of characters while telling an intricate story at the same time, High and Low is one of Kurosawa's best films." [Criterion Channel]
Red Beard (Rating 4/4) Full Review "I took several classes with Stephen Prince, the film scholar, when I was at Virginia Tech, and I asked him what his favorite Kurosawa film was. He said it was Red Beard, and it's easy to see why." [Criterion Channel]
Dodes'ka-den (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "It may not be top-tier Kurosawa, but it's a complex, involving work that deserves attention." [Criterion Channel]
Kagemusha (Rating 4/4) Full Review "This is a wonderful vision of an elder filmmaker finding the kind of access to production he hadn't seen in decades." [Library]
Ran (Rating 4/4) Full Review "This is literally every cinematic lesson Kurosawa ever learned and put up on screen in one concentrated dose. This is the work of an old master in full control over the production, made all the more impressive considering he was essentially blind by this point." [Library]
Contact
Email any suggestions or questions to thejamesmadison.aos at symbol gmail dot com.
I've also archived all the old posts here, by request. I'll add new posts a week after they originally post at the HQ.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)Sonic 2 is an innocuous movie for your kids. So, if they are begging to see it b/c they are video gamers, and you can stomach seeing Jim Carey on screen (who, to be fair, is at his best "Jim Carey of his prime overacting body contortions and faces" in this movie), take them to a cheap Tuesday or 1st matinee. It's worth the discount price of admission to see your kids have a good time.
Posted by: Nova local at April 09, 2022 07:45 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 09, 2022 07:46 PM (fsetr)
Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 09, 2022 07:49 PM (fsetr)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 07:49 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: N.L. Urker, oops, I commented again. Sorry, eh. at April 09, 2022 07:50 PM (eGTCV)
Thus, why I seem to still go to a lot of movies in theaters - well that, and I have an absolute movie fanatic for a youngest kid...
Posted by: Nova local at April 09, 2022 07:50 PM (exHjb)
The Narrow Bridge on YouTube with subtitles
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 09, 2022 07:51 PM (2JoB8)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 07:51 PM (Dc2NZ)
. It's a simple tale of a Cajun boy and his pet raccoon and their adventures in the bayou, hunting (and being hunted by) gators, fishing, and having fun. Then an oil company puts a derrick right in his family's neck of the swamp. They have friendly relations with the crew and the movie also shows the rough life of oil workers.
What really sets this apart is the lovely, laid back photography that captures the tranquil beauty of the bayou.
It's available on Amazon Prime and YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlyz5XvqjW8
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 07:54 PM (Dc2NZ)
g'early evenin', 'rons
Posted by: AltonJackson at April 09, 2022 07:54 PM (DUIap)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 07:55 PM (Dc2NZ)
Hail, Eris
Posted by: AltonJackson at April 09, 2022 07:56 PM (DUIap)
Posted by: Oso at April 09, 2022 07:56 PM (xLDhs)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 07:57 PM (ISz30)
need to see a lot more to really be sure.
g'night everyone !
Posted by: sock_rat_eez -gaslighted?, more like napalmed at April 09, 2022 07:57 PM (enSii)
Q: Which movie is this?
A: That's no movie. It's my tax return.
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 07:58 PM (4I/2K)
It's always surprising to see through the eyes of another culture, and one thing that stood out to me was just how European the Russians were, compared to this Siberian native man. But there is so much in this film than that.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 07:59 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 09, 2022 08:01 PM (2JoB8)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 08:01 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 09, 2022 08:01 PM (2JoB
I think it was based on some moderately well known stage play, I forget which one. ;-)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:03 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:03 PM (towrt)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 08:03 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 09, 2022 08:01 PM (2JoB
I think it was based on some moderately well known stage play, I forget which one. ;-)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:03 PM (q3gwH)
====
Some Scottish play.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:04 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 08:04 PM (Dc2NZ)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mmLmFq6wsk
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 08:04 PM
I care, and I'm watching...
Posted by: Zettai at April 09, 2022 08:06 PM (Rt7gZ)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:06 PM (towrt)
Roger Moore was in Cannonball Run with Burt Reynolds, who was in Starting Over with Kevin Bacon.
He was in The Man with the Golden Gun with Christopher Lee.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:07 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:07 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:08 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Braenyard at April 09, 2022 08:08 PM (iam1O)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:07 PM (towrt)
====
New one is WB. Old one was De Laurentiis.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:08 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:08 PM
*snort
Posted by: Zettai at April 09, 2022 08:09 PM (Rt7gZ)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:10 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:08 PM (ISz30)
Good because I'm looking forward to the next movie. I didn't know they were only going to do 1/2 at a time.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:10 PM (towrt)
Here's the link to the official trailer: https://is.gd/fEuaN4
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (IJES/) - at April 09, 2022 08:10 PM (UgAdJ)
I mean, Sean Penn is Galactic Douche Lord-level awful, but I can still laugh at Spicoli and dig his Robert-Smith-on-ludes character in "This Must Be The Place".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 08:10 PM (Dc2NZ)
He's like Robin Williams was. They just turn him loose and let him do his thing.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:10 PM (ybIRR)
Exactly-a right, bubba!
Posted by: Petruchio at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (4I/2K)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:08 PM
---
He's more a Michael Bay guy.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Braenyard at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (iam1O)
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (2JoB8)
Posted by: Doug at April 09, 2022 08:13 PM (53VZQ)
Yeah he's in some of my favorite or at least most watched movies. I do think he's a terrible actor though. I've probably watched Jeremiah Johnson and The Natural more than any other movie except Casablanca.
Brubaker and This Property is Condemned are also very good.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:14 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Skip
Even that one with Tom Cruise, or was that Keanu Reeves? Civil War vet brings cannons to feudal Japan movie?
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (IJES/) - at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (UgAdJ)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (IJES/) - at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (UgAdJ)
Those, and Samurai Jack, too!
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (q3gwH)
https://youtu.be/RUDwi9RtlvE
Scottish accents are either soothing or harsh, I don't think there is an in-between.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (2JoB
-----
Red Letter Media on "Samurai Cop":
https://youtu.be/TYND5fkqhT0?t=635
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (q3gwH)
====
Ikiru makes me feel all the feels.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:16 PM (ISz30)
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:16 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (ybIRR)
Best Scottish accent movie is I Married an Ax Murderer.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:17 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Braenyard at April 09, 2022 08:17 PM (iam1O)
Posted by: Infidel at April 09, 2022 08:20 PM (AhBAQ)
Roger Moore was in Cannonball Run with Burt Reynolds, who was in Starting Over with Kevin Bacon.
He was in The Man with the Golden Gun with Christopher Lee.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:07 PM (ybIRR)
Fun Fact: although that was the only movie they did together, Roger Moore and Christopher Lee had been good friends since they were roommates in their 20's, before either of them had broken into the movie business. They remained close personal friends till the end of their lives.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:21 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:21 PM (towrt)
I have tried to get several people I know watch "Ran", but they all think it's some artsy-fartsy Japanese "foreign" film.
It was a tremendous piece of cinema.
And "The Seven Samurai" was a truly great movie.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 09, 2022 08:21 PM (tjZg/)
The story is the thing. From Shakespeare to Star Trek you gotta tell a good story. It doesn't even have to be that complicated.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:22 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 08:22 PM (lCui1)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:22 PM (vrz2I)
Yes and except for a very few people, the actors are interchangeable.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:24 PM (towrt)
currently culling my DVD collection- some movies I enjoyed previously are of no interest to me now
Posted by: DB at April 09, 2022 08:24 PM (geLO8)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
If you like Chris Pratt ("Star Lord" in Guardians), you should see "The Tomorrow War" which I watched on Amazon. He stars in it.
It was really pretty good.
It kept me glued to the story until the end.
But....it's no "Seven Samurai". And Toshiro Mifune is NOT in it.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 09, 2022 08:24 PM (tjZg/)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:25 PM (vrz2I)
They want their widescreen TVs filled to the edges with image.
And yet they'll watch a movie on a smartphone.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 09, 2022 08:25 PM (63Dwl)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:22 PM (vrz2I)
----
Indeed. I've been watching the Film Courage channel on YouTube. Excellent advice on how to tell great stories. It's just a shame no one in Hollywood wants to listen anymore.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 09, 2022 08:26 PM (K5n5d)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:11 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 08:27 PM (KItfg)
The story is tainted with the message.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:27 PM (vrz2I)
It was a tremendous piece of cinema."
It is one of the most gorgeous pieces of cinematography I can think of - the war scenes, especially, are stunningly beautiful. And they might be surprised that this artsy-fartsy "foreign" film is loosely based on King Lear.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:27 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:25 PM (vrz2I)
---
He's hilarious. I think he's also one of the few people who can fight Samurai Jack to a draw. True Scottish badass.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 09, 2022 08:28 PM (K5n5d)
I'm partial to The Magnificent Seven over Seven Samurai, but that's all on Steve McQueen.
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:29 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:25 PM (vrz2I)
LOL! I loved that guy!!!
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:29 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: DB at April 09, 2022 08:24 PM (geLO
besides, you're too old for Little Mermaid now.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:32 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 08:32 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:32 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2022 08:32 PM (2JoB8)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:32 PM (q3gw
I can't laugh because I occasionally watch Bolt .
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:33 PM (towrt)
When Jack punctured his bagpipe I laughed and laughed. That may have been the first episode I saw.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:33 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 08:33 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:27 PM (q3gwH)
====
Ugh...Shakespeare?
And that's supposed to make it better?!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:34 PM (ISz30)
Last Man Standing is a fine Bruce Willis movie. I've watched it quite a bit over the years. Have it on DVD. Forgot Walter Hill directed it. 'Hard Times' is one of my favorites.
Posted by: Puddleglum at April 09, 2022 08:35 PM (sAmhv)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:36 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:36 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 08:33 PM (KItfg)
The Last Samurai
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 08:36 PM (4I/2K)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:36 PM (vrz2I)
---
Agreed. His works are universally loved because they transcend cultures. He understood the human condition as few people ever have or ever will.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 09, 2022 08:37 PM (K5n5d)
Posted by: Dr. Varno at April 09, 2022 08:37 PM (vuisn)
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2022 08:38 PM (2JoB8)
I have never been able to get into Kurosawa, but your efforts here convince me that perhaps I should give him another shot, and soon.
Thank you.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 09, 2022 08:38 PM (RgPae)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard
I saw the western "Magnificent Seven" before seeing "Seven Samurai", and although "Magnificent Seven" is based on "Seven Samurai", they are really different movies.
I like them both, for different reasons. "Seven Samurai" is an education of the Japanese notions of chivalry and samurai honor, while "Magnificent Seven" is an American movie with ideals of American manhood and courage and principle.
It's like "True Grit". The first one with John Wayne I liked a lot, but the second one with Jeff Bridges I also liked a lot, for different reasons, and they are really different movies.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 09, 2022 08:39 PM (tjZg/)
Thank you.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 09, 2022 08:38 PM (RgPae
====
Thank you. Just don't start with Dodes'ka-den.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:39 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 08:33 PM (KItfg)
No, Richard Chamberlain was the lead. And Toshiro Mifune played an excellent and believable Lord Toronaga. IMHO, probably the best American made mini-series ever done.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:39 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:40 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots
No, that was Richard Chamberlain, but Toshiro Mifune (!!!) starred as the warlord and finally became the Shogun, Toronaga.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 09, 2022 08:41 PM (tjZg/)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 09, 2022 08:41 PM (x8Wzq)
Links in thread
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=558268
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2022 08:41 PM (2JoB8)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:42 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:42 PM (q3gwH)
-
Macbeth is my favorite Shakespeare.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 08:42 PM (FVME7)
Posted by: Joey at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (Xrfse)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Dr. Varno at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (vuisn)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist
Have you ever read it in the original Klingon? - General Chang
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 09, 2022 08:44 PM (tjZg/)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:42 PM (V13WU)
The hard thing about Ran is that it has a very cruel, unsatisfying ending. But then so does King Lear.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:45 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: normal at April 09, 2022 08:45 PM (obo9H)
Posted by: Joey
squeeeee! gladiator movies!
- shep, don LeMon, & kurt
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (UgAdJ) - at April 09, 2022 08:45 PM (UgAdJ)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:45 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:45 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:46 PM (snpvX)
Ben Kingsley plays Eichmann. Since he played Itzak Stern in "Schindler's List" it's the biggest about-face for an actor since Olivier played the Jewish Nazi hunter in "Boys from Brazil" and the Mengele character in "Marathon Man."
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&V at April 09, 2022 08:46 PM (HabA/)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:42 PM (q3gwH)
====
The way I simplify his body of work's ideas is: "the dreams of stay dogs." It's about those living outside of the centers of humanity ( both literally and figuratively working to achieve what they want or need, oftentimes seemingly simple things like survival or just finding a way to actually live.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:47 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (vrz2I)
It's not an exact parallel - but you'll see C3PO and R2D2 right off.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:47 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Tom Servo
I will not argue.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:47 PM (snpvX)
Isn't one of the things about a good story is to leave the listener wanting more?
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:47 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
And "Noble House".
Did you know that he was also one of the screenwriters for the movie "The Great Escape"?
I saw the movie "King Rat" before I read the book, and came away with a different view of that than I got from the book, which I read years later. I watched the movie again after I read the book, and re-thought about my original impression of the movie.
Tom Courtenay played a real Marxist (in the movie, and he also played Strelnikov in "Dr. Zhivago"), and that became very evident in re-watching it.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (tjZg/)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:43 PM (vrz2I)
====
Mostly basic scenario stuff and the use of side characters as drivers into the story (like the droids). If you squint, you can see more.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&V
binging rick & morty here. nothing but the high brow shit here for me & smash
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (UgAdJ) - at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (UgAdJ)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 08:42 PM (FVME7)
1) MacBeth
B) Hamlet
iii) Richard III
Honorable mention King Lear.
Let us not talk of the Comedies...
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (FVME7)
Have a great evening everyone
Posted by: Skip at April 09, 2022 08:49 PM (2JoB8)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:49 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: Tom Servo
I will not argue.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:47 PM (snpvX)
***coughLonesomeDovecough***
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:50 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:45 PM (towrt)
====
I'm going to be doing the works of Masaki Kobayashi soon, and he often rails against that rigidity. Harakiri and Samurai Rebellion, in particular.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:50 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:50 PM (vrz2I)
B) Hamlet
iii) Richard III
Honorable mention King Lear.
Let us not talk of the Comedies...
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard
Henry V is kind of an Elizabethan Die Hard, too.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 08:50 PM (FVME7)
Similarly I want to watch F for Fake, but I prefer having a little bit of Orson Welles that I haven't seen yet. There is so little of him, compared to what I wish there was.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:51 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:49 PM (V13WU)
One can never be to thin, too rich, or depict too much gore...
Posted by: zombie Wallis Simpson at April 09, 2022 08:51 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
Up until just a few years ago, I held everything Japanese in very high regard. Then, I read history about the Pacific War. Not so much anymore.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:51 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (UgAdJ) - at April 09, 2022 08:51 PM (UgAdJ)
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (UgAdJ) - at April 09, 2022 08:48 PM (UgAdJ)
Season five was such a disappointment. It was just all perversion. Nothing thought provoking. Maybe the clone episode was an exception.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 08:52 PM (towrt)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:52 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:52 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 08:54 PM (yQpMk)
In the Real world, *That* is the situation we run into every day, not the easy binary one. In it's fantasy way, Rashomon describes the real world better than almost any other attempt.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:54 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 08:54 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: Dr. Varno at April 09, 2022 08:37 PM (vuisn)
I recently, finally saw Prometheus. It was no Prometheus.
Posted by: flounder, wrecker, hoarder, saboteur at April 09, 2022 08:54 PM (SH2Zi)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:55 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 08:50 PM (FVME7)
Everything up to the Battle of Agincourt is primo. Once he goes to woo Katherine...woof.
The St. Crispin Days speech is one of my favorites. Olivier over Branagh on all cards...
Posted by: zombie Wallis Simpson at April 09, 2022 08:55 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 08:54 PM (yQpMk)
Well I know who's got the lifetime roll of Annoying Old Japanese Gay Man.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:55 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Infidel at April 09, 2022 08:55 PM (AhBAQ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:56 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 08:57 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 08:52 PM (vrz2I)
Ha ha! No. But there is a princess that has to be rescued from an evil warlord.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 08:57 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 08:57 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Infidel at April 09, 2022 08:55 PM (AhBAQ)
Pappy Eromero asked me one time back in the 70's 'What the hell are you doing driving a Volkswagen?'.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ)
If you were to be a character in any Shakespeare play, who are you, and why?
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ
====
Rosencrantz, so the play can be about me. I could settle for Gildenstern, I suppose.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 08:59 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: Infidel
The Japanese in WWII were like the Nazi, the Commies, Islam, and our own progs. They're creating utopia and can't be bothered by mere morality.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 08:59 PM (FVME7)
I guess my elders just ingrained me with some things.
Posted by: Infidel at April 09, 2022 09:00 PM (AhBAQ)
If you were to be a character in any Shakespeare play, who are you, and why?
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ)
(Jump to top of page)
I am the jackass in Midsummer Nights Dream. Obviously.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:00 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:00 PM (BgMrQ)
Shogun
Tai-Pan
Gai-Jin
King Rat
Noble House
Whirlwind
And of course King Rat was based on Clavell's own 3 year stint as a captive of the Japanese including at Changi POW camp in Singapore.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 09, 2022 09:00 PM (RgPae)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ
Demetrius in A Midsummer's Night Dream.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 09:00 PM (towrt)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:01 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:02 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 09, 2022 09:02 PM (K5n5d)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:02 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:02 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard
I might be Polonius from Hamlet, well meaning and perhaps even having some wisdom but quite capable of error.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (FVME7)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 08:15 PM (ybIRR)
The soft burr of the lowland Scots is considered the most trust inducing accent in the English speaking world. That is why a lot of customer support, particularly financial companies, is based in Edinburgh.
Highland Scots sounds like they mean to cut your throat.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (yQpMk)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ
----
Yorrick
*wind-up chattering teeth skull*
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (vrz2I)
If you were to be a character in any Shakespeare play, who are you, and why?
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ
I was gonna say Oberon, cuz he's powerful, but then I thought King of the Fairy's? naaaahhhhh.
and Prospero is one of my favorites, but he hangs it all up at the end.
so I'd go with Petrucio, from Taming of the Shrew. Now there's a man who ends up Large and In Charge.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard
Lonesome Dove wins, of course, because it has Robert Duvall in it rather than the horrifically talentless Richard Chamberlain in it.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 09, 2022 09:04 PM (RgPae)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:02 PM (snpvX)
===
If that era interests you, you could also check out One Wonderful Sunday about two young people trying to make a date of a day on 30 yen between them in (presumably) postwar Tokyo. It's presumably because there is no explicit mention of the American occupation. I think that was a requirement of the Occupying Forces.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 09:04 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:04 PM (BgMrQ)
And it occurs to me that you can put any old confusing bullshit into oscar-bait and call it art. People will pretend right along. But they just put a ton of context and meaning into this silly popcorn movie.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 09:04 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (yQpMk)
Is Groundskeeper Willie a highlander?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 09:05 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:06 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:06 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: runner at April 09, 2022 09:06 PM (V13WU)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard
I'd be Dumbledore.
Posted by: Vice President Kamala Harris at April 09, 2022 09:07 PM (FVME7)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 09:05 PM (Dc2NZ)
Aye. Montgomery Scot is a lowlander.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 09:07 PM (yQpMk)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:08 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:08 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:02 PM (snpvX)
Throughout Rashoman, the main characters are seated in a once magnificent, but now burned out and ruined, temple building. (the story is told through flashbacks) This is quite obviously a metaphor for post-war Japan. (Just one of the many levels in that film)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:08 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (vrz2I)
If you were to be a character in any Shakespeare play, who are you, and why?
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 08:58 PM (BgMrQ
I was gonna say Oberon, cuz he's powerful, but then I thought King of the Fairy's? naaaahhhhh.
and Prospero is one of my favorites, but he hangs it all up at the end.
so I'd go with Petrucio, from Taming of the Shrew. Now there's a man who ends up Large and In Charge.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:03 PM (q3gwH)
Drinks, carouses, and marries into money. What's not to like? Petruchio for me as well.
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (4I/2K)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Infidel at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (AhBAQ)
The why - I easily fit into groups that are at odds with each other. I think I'm witty, usually, but can be vulgar or profane. (You're seen my comments, right?)
I have been known to have outbursts of temper now and then when sufficiently provoked.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (Msys3)
No, 'tis not so deep as a well nor so wide as a church-door, but 'tis enough, 'twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (yQpMk)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:09 PM (vrz2I)
The gas mileage.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:10 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: Jmel at April 09, 2022 09:11 PM (eGq17)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Eromero "
He was a big guy. It was not the car for him. He looked like a bear driving a circus car.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: Jmel
Nothing by Otter from "Animal House"?
Posted by: Tonypete at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (Msys3)
Posted by: Jmel
No Blutarski after the Germans bombed Pearl?
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Dr. Bone at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (Wnd0C)
Posted by: Tonypete at April 09, 2022 09:13 PM (Msys3)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:13 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 09, 2022 09:14 PM (x8Wzq)
Posted by: Eromero "
He was a big guy. It was not the car for him. He looked like a bear driving a circus car.
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (vrz2I)
I'm 6-2 and the VW was tight for me too.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:14 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: G'rump928(c)
When Muldoon's time comes, he'll probably exit with a pun.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 09:14 PM (FVME7)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:14 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 09:15 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 09, 2022 09:14 PM (FVME7)
Rosebud...
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 09, 2022 09:16 PM (yQpMk)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:16 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:16 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 09:16 PM (towrt)
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:17 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (vrz2I)
"You may find yourself behind the wheel of a woefully undersized automobile."
Posted by: David Byrne Reaching for the Eraser at April 09, 2022 09:17 PM (x8Wzq)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:17 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard
Tomorrow you will find me a grave man.
He knew he was mortally wounded but no one else did.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:18 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (vrz2I)
"You may find yourself behind the wheel of a woefully undersized automobile."
Posted by: David Byrne Reaching for the Eraser at April 09, 2022 09:17 PM (x8Wzq)
You may say how did I get here.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:20 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:20 PM (BgMrQ)
>Just sing the one that Gilligan sang. Gotta go with the classics.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at April 09, 2022 09:21 PM (Wnd0C)
Posted by: Eromero
This is not my woefully undersized automobile!
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:21 PM (snpvX)
I bet she married well and had a passel of bouncing bambinos
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:22 PM (lCui1)
At least I'm not an Iago.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:22 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: David Byrne Reaching for the Eraser at April 09, 2022 09:23 PM (x8Wzq)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 09, 2022 09:24 PM (towrt)
At least I'm not an Iago.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:22 PM (q3gwH)
====
I'd be one of those servant characters that has a great play on words that only makes sense when you pronounce the English right and is never seen again.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 09:24 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:12 PM (vrz2I)
"You may find yourself behind the wheel of a woefully undersized automobile."
Posted by: David Byrne Reaching for the Eraser at April 09, 2022 09:17 PM (x8Wzq)
'My God, what have I done?'
'You got divorced and lost all your shit. Get that VW outta my driveway'
-God
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:24 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:24 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:26 PM (vrz2I)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 09:26 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:26 PM (lCui1)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:26 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 09:24 PM (ISz30)
Maybe we're all just some of Falstaff's drunken friends. I guess that makes Ace Falstaff.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:27 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:27 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:27 PM (q3gwH)
===
Who is Hal?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 09:28 PM (ISz30)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:29 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison's Phone, read some movie thoughts at April 09, 2022 09:28 PM (ISz30)
Not Garrett. He's King of the Fairies.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:30 PM (q3gwH)
"Half-part, mates, half-part.
Come, let's have her aboard suddenly"
Posted by: fd at April 09, 2022 09:30 PM (vrz2I)
It centers around judo, as did Kurosawa first film.
It's really just a delightful movie. And snuck it's way into my Top 20.
The plot concerns 3 people in the lower strata of society, a burned out drunk judo champion, a young up and coming judo fighter, who will fight anyone anywhere, and a youngish woman trying to become a star. They meet come together, clash, and come together and in unexpected ways get a chance to make their dreams come true.
It may still be on the Criterion Channel but you can also stream it on Prime.
Highest recommendation.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 09, 2022 09:31 PM (5NkmN)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:32 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:32 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (UgAdJ) - at April 09, 2022 09:32 PM (UgAdJ)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:33 PM (snpvX)
*looks at pathetic list of movies I watched this week, too lowbrow and embarrassing to name*
*sulks away, waiting for the ONT*
Posted by: mindful webworker - new short video webwork, Lonely Man, linked in nic at April 09, 2022 09:35 PM (ukvlZ)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:29 PM (BgMrQ)
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:36 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:36 PM (lCui1)
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:37 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: mindful webworker
y'all welcome to watch rick & morty with me & smash.
Posted by: BifBewalski @ (UgAdJ) - at April 09, 2022 09:37 PM (UgAdJ)
*looks at pathetic list of movies I watched this week, too lowbrow and embarrassing to name*
*sulks away, waiting for the ONT*
Posted by: mindful webworker - new short video webwork, Lonely Man, linked in nic at April 09, 2022 09:35 PM (ukvlZ)
Now, now...there's nothing hoidy-toidy about Kurosawa.
Bergman, Fellini...yeah acquired tastes. Kurosawa's just good fun.
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:38 PM (BgMrQ)
By glaad
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:38 PM (lCui1)
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:36 PM (q3gwH)
Is that not the Horde writ large??? I ask you...
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:39 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Puddleglum at April 09, 2022 09:40 PM (sAmhv)
Puck is too tricksie...
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:41 PM (BgMrQ)
By glaad
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:38 PM (lCui1)
I mute all ads when Mrs. E makes we watch tv but I have to admit if I don't know who not to do business with the commercials will tell me.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:41 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (nxdel)
Joseph Fiennes needs to be in more movies. and Tom Felton was excellent. Moving away from his Draco Malfoy thing.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (x8Wzq)
Reminds me of The Robe
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:44 PM (lCui1)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well
It's available on Roku. I intend to watch it this week.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:44 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (nxdel)
Agree. Who prepped, lit, and is tending the fire?
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 09:44 PM (4I/2K)
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 09, 2022 09:45 PM (II3Gr)
Are the majority of the hoard saving food and other items for a for a rainy day?
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:45 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at April 09, 2022 09:45 PM (fv27Y)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well
A documentary about bread dough? How exciting could that possibly be?
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 09, 2022 09:46 PM (II3Gr)
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (nxdel)
I'm amazed I'm still here after wanting to put a 230gr .45acp in some bastard's radio 30 years ago.
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:46 PM (0OP+5)
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
Just one more reason to think he's the coolest Mofo ever.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:46 PM (snpvX)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob
They were talking about it at the end of the Hobby thread
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 09, 2022 09:47 PM (lCui1)
The boyfriend. They are all out there now. And I sleep with my window open. I'm sure I'll get to hear many more wonderful enlightening songs tonight.
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 09, 2022 09:47 PM (nxdel)
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (nxdel)
Charming.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 09, 2022 09:47 PM (II3Gr)
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 09:44 PM (4I/2K)
I did a bad thing today - I was with my 10 year old grandson, who is starting to listen to rap (can't keep the kids away from it) so I let him hear the only rap song I really like - from Ludacris. (Steve Inman loves it too) I think of it every day when I'm driving.
I'll bet most of you know it well.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:46 PM (0OP+5)
It's worse in todays world. Everybody seems to feel their life needs a soundtrack 24/7/365...
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM (BgMrQ)
It's a slow burn thriller/horror movie.
Have you ever seen a movie where the acting is great, the writing is crisp, directing on point, your interest is high and the movie completely goes flat in the last three minutes.
Yep, that's this one. The writer, director, whoever couldn't stick the landing because of their, I don't know, desire to make some kind of philosophical point, that makes zero sense within the context of the movie or anywhere for that matter.
Works out to be a waste of time because of that.
Avoid.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM (5NkmN)
Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM (fsetr)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:45 PM (KItfg)
Yes. Or another late summer hurricane power outage. Or another Texas winter icestorm where we are without power AND slowly freezing in the dark. And as a small hedge against food outages and price increases.
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM (4I/2K)
Harry is correct when he kicks Falstaff to the curb. That is the reason it hurts so much. Had someone given him an undeserved turn, he would have just continued on his way.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 09:49 PM (ybIRR)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob
I doubt a majority of any population is just yet. Even here.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 09, 2022 09:49 PM (Msys3)
I wish they'd remake it and not leave out a whole buncha stuff AND NOT CHANGE THE BLOODY ENDING like hollywood seems to always want to do. At the beginning you can see the shadow of the helicopter filming the ship.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at April 09, 2022 09:49 PM (fv27Y)
Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM
Never name your cattle.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 09, 2022 09:50 PM (II3Gr)
Posted by: klaftern at April 09, 2022 09:50 PM (taPSh)
Joseph Fiennes needs to be in more movies. and Tom Felton was excellent. Moving away from his Draco Malfoy thing.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 09, 2022 09:42 PM (x8Wzq)
Must run in the family. His bother is Ralph Fiennes, quite the actor himself. He. Ralph, made one of my all time favorite movies, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Posted by: Javems at April 09, 2022 09:50 PM (AmoqO)
Posted by: Heidi at April 09, 2022 09:51 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: Eromero at April 09, 2022 09:51 PM (0OP+5)
Harry is correct when he kicks Falstaff to the curb. That is the reason it hurts so much. Had someone given him an undeserved turn, he would have just continued on his way.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 09, 2022 09:49 PM (ybIRR)
ace is the hail fellow, well met...much like when we are introduced to Falstaff.
ace is not the Falstaff who was kicked to the curb.
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at April 09, 2022 09:52 PM (BgMrQ)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob
I doubt a majority of any population is just yet. Even here.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 09, 2022 09:49 PM (Msys3)
We are working on it. the thing is, we have a lot of stuff in freezers. We are now looking or a good generator. Kinda hate these interesting times.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 09, 2022 09:52 PM (x8Wzq)
Posted by: Tonypete at April 09, 2022 09:49 PM (Msys3)
Thanks. I keep saying, 'well, I'll have plenty of food even if it doesn't SMOD.
And definitely about Shogun. Ready to read it agai.
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:52 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at April 09, 2022 09:53 PM (snpvX)
the 9th gate.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
The entire Battlestar Galactica Reboot.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 09, 2022 09:53 PM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:45 PM (KItfg)
--
I am as a "just in case" cache to tide me over if there's a rough period of adjustment between Disco Caligula World and Colander Facemask World.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 09:54 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 09, 2022 09:47 PM (nxdel)
One of his many talents, no doubt.
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 09, 2022 09:54 PM (4I/2K)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 09, 2022 09:55 PM (x8Wzq)
Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 09, 2022 09:48 PM (fsetr).
Duke! Out on good behavior.
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:55 PM (KItfg)
Posted by: Puddleglum at April 09, 2022 09:55 PM (sAmhv)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 09, 2022 09:54 PM (Dc2NZ)
Hilarious.
Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'the whole kittenkaboodle are in cahoots' at April 09, 2022 09:56 PM (KItfg)
I hooked up my stereo speakers to the computer and blasted video game noise. Mostly gunfire.
They quieted down. But the next day the neighbor's wife was a little pissy with me. I casually mentioned I could make the sounds from authentic weapons if she preferred.
Interestingly, they moved out a couple months later.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 09, 2022 10:15 PM (BFigT)
Posted by: Stringer Davis at April 09, 2022 10:24 PM (videA)
Years ago, I was all set to see Windtalkers, about the Navajo code talkers. But, no, it really wasn't about the code talkers themselves but the white guy with orders to kill them if it looked like they were going to be captured by the Japanese. If you dug down deep enough, Shotgun was based on true events. And there was actually an English pilot who got stranded in Japan, but he certainly wasn't even vaguely as important as Anjin-san.
The events these and other such movies are based on are interesting and important enough to stand on their own without injecting a totally unnecessary white guy to save the day.
I've always thought of Kagemusha as Shotgun from the other side.
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- bitterly clinging to the deplorable life '70s style! at April 09, 2022 11:04 PM (HVZDN)
He would later blame Trump for the Ukraine war because Trump invented fake news and Putin learned from this and used it in his favor to...blah, blah blah....
I couldn't believe that someone could be so wrong and so confident at the same time.
*real hate crime to them, hoax to everyone else
Posted by: Lemmiwinks at April 09, 2022 11:32 PM (h1jJh)
---
That made me laugh. I know who Colander Facemask dude is but who is Disco Caligula?
Posted by: Lemmiwinks at April 09, 2022 11:35 PM (h1jJh)
Most excellent review, TJM, and engrossing read. I really appreciate your passion for film and efforts to help enlighten the rest of us.
Love Kurosawa, but have only seen a handful of his movies; I shall endeavor to "be better."
Posted by: ShainS -- They are Child Predators, not Groomers at April 10, 2022 07:51 AM (P69fT)
I enjoyed watching along and commenting on your webzone, too.
And yes, Rashomon for #1 for me.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards (Logan Tiberius 2012-2021) at April 10, 2022 10:35 AM (eeRB6)
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Real Clear Politics
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Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Democratic Forays into Erotica
New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network
Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes
Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse
Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party"
Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad
Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up
Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)