Bruh

I think there are some films that basically transcend personal tastes and what you usually favour in a film. For example, Brief Encounter, Seven and Mad Max: Fury Road. For me this is one of them. I went in not sure as I'd heard a couple of the songs and actually liked them but I wasn't sure how well implemented they'd be. The constant breaks into song that musicals always have usually pull me out of the experience and break the immersion. Worse than that a lot of the time I dislike the songs entirely. For example, in Wicked there was only one song I liked and even then it was just decent to me and for other musicals I've heard some of the songs that just put me off it before I've even tried it. With this however the songs were actually great and I didn't need to 'suspend my disbelief' or push through them to get to the plot, when they came I didn't even think of it. They felt so natural. I was immediately surprised at how good the film was visually. I knew the countryside scenes were going to look amazing but I didn't the interior shots to be so interesting. The use of colour and shadows is so well done and you can see this instantly within the first few minutes. The colourful landscape contrasted with the darkness of the Abbey, just after the credits, yet keeping that impressive style. There's a shot near the end when the two leads are shown in silhouette and it's one of my favourite shots now. The emotional storytelling is just as good. Maria is a standout character as she could so easily be annoying with her relentless romanticism and idealism but it's handled so well. With all the characters there's such a charm to them. Seeing the family open up from the strict family dynamics the Captain set up was great to see. Then there's the nearing Anschluss that constantly looms over the film until the climax. It's so well done to me as there's such a focus on the evolving romance that you forget how near this conflict is then it's right in your face. The literal final scene feels a bit rushed but everything before is so good that it doesn't really matter. While not being a top tier favourite of mine it's easily one of the best I've seen. It's made me more interested in some other musicals too that i was also hesitant to watch.

This was unsurprisingly great. It's cliche to say but it really does feel like one of those films where you can tell how much thought went into each shot. The cinematography was definitely my favourite part, I loved how meaningful every little movement felt. The blocking in the group scenes was especially memorable as it's so simple yet so intentional and it really helps the film breathe, giving each character their own space. I really liked the characters as well. Noriko has such a well meaning presence to her that I can't really think of any other character doing the same. This stands out more with the other children, in particular Shige, who feel distant throughout it all. I also enjoyed how each relationship in the family felt unique to them which shows how well written it is. Their dynamics never feel blurred together. For me the film does get too on the nose towards the end. It's obvious what the film's about from the start with the themes explored really well but they specifically drill them into your head near the end which feels too much. It's hard not to compare this to Still Walking and while this makes good use of its themes I can't help but think the latter does it with a bit more subtlety. Overall, I loved watching the influence this and his other films have over some of my favourite directors like Edward Yang and Kore-eda. Even if it didn't hit as much emotionally as some of their films, it's still a very memorable film on its own.

Chills, literal chills. Genuinely this was awful. Even if I know I'm probably going to hate something I like to give it a chance at least. With this I thought there's a 1% chance that it isn't that bad but it's just horrific. I love seeing people defend this as "it's just a kids movie" like that makes it any better cause it'll be getting banned in my house.   😐 Apart from the obvious complaints the only other thing I can add is that it really has nothing going for it at all. I've never properly been into the game and I'm really happy I haven't because if this is the best they could come up with I'd be in tears. I was also expecting there to be some funny parts or one interesting scene but its just so boring.

Thought I'd seen this before but when watching I realised it was only a couple of scenes and I'm really happy this was the case as I didn't expect it to have such a strong emotional angle towards the end. The first half is decent but held back a bit by the romance which feels rushed. The acting was surprisingly good though with Jeff Goldblum's style fitting well with the eccentric scientist and Geena Davis also adds alot, I just wish the writing was more engaging. Once Seth starts transforming though the film really started to grip me. The execution of his downfall is so well done and the body horror that Cronenberg is famous for fits the overall themes perfectly here and the makeup for that is amazing. The acting also felt better in the second half too as they convey the tragedy of the situation really well. Seth's decay is easily the highlight as we see his condition get worse and worse with no cure. I loved the conflict with the way he was desperate to be human again but also accepting his transformation at the same time. The last section is great too as he tries desperately to save his humanity but when that doesn't work he completely accepts his fate and it's actually pretty sad. With a more engaging first half I could've really loved this but because of how strong and memorable the second half is, I'm hoping that on rewatch the earlier scenes can land better.