Oro Plata Mata

Nitty, gritty film about the lives of the bourgeois in the midst of war. The sparkling linen to the bloodstained bandages, the innocent flirting to the perverse sex, the smiles and laughter to the quiet remembrance. Interesting look at man's character when driven to desperation. I love the symbolism of the diwata, and the steely doctor. I also love how the film begins and how it ends. Great film.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Mar. 9, 2013)

Wreck-It Ralph

A feel good movie that even non-gamers can appreciate (though gamers can think of it as a salute to their happy childhood). It deals with the realm of make believe, but has that homey moral vibe too. Inconsistencies here and there, but what the heck - it's a fun animated movie anyway.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Nov. 11, 2012)

Mary and Max

Dark, depressing, but what a lovely, hopeful note at the ending. Shows that real life can have its ugly and beautiful moments, too.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Nov. 17, 2012)

Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è Bella)

A painfully sweet, poignant look into the lives of Jewish in a time of war. The right perspective is all you need to see that life is, indeed, beautiful.

 Rating: 5 / 5 (a favorite!)

(Watched Dec. 15, 2012)

Life of Pi

Beautiful cinematography, lovely movie of a person who lived to dwell on religion, survivalist tactics, tragedy, love and a tiger. Fantastical to a degree, but interesting. I guess you gotta see it to believe.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Jan 20, 2013)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Young adult in nature, but poignant tale. The acting was great. (I loved Patrick.) Very real, and quite deep. Lots of issues to chew on. I think I could watch this over & over again, and still end up crying.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Oct 6, 2012)

The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog

Breath-taking, amazing, simply made with all its beautiful crudeness. The plot's simple, but the direction, the cinematography, the acting... Amazing. I was creeped out, I happily laughed, I nearly shed a tear. I didn't even notice that the hour was up until I looked at the time! Great movie.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched  Aug 11, 2012)

Lust, Caution

Interesting angle on China during the Pacific War. No black and white, all in grey areas. Very poignant, and the acting is superb! There are some steamy sex scenes here too. Heartwrenching ending.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Jan. 11, 2013)

Les Miserables: The Musical Phenomenon (2012)

Wonderful adaptation, though I get surprised by the singing every so often. I shed many a tear. Great cast, great film.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched 15 Feb 2013)