angel74

Based on true events, The Wave tells the story of a family trying to escape from the grip of a massive tsunami created by the landslide of a large mountain range into the Geirangerfjord. Firstly, I enjoyed the breathtaking Norwegian nature, to which I have an emotional connection. I spent some time in Geiranger a few years ago, so I literally devoured the screenplay about a catastrophe set in this environment. The film's slower pace perfectly supported the carefully constructed oppressive atmosphere, which escalated perfectly as the population fled the raging elements. The ensuing fight for survival was so tense that at times I wasn't even breathing. It's just a pity the ending was overly happy because if it had ended five minutes earlier, I would have thought about giving it five stars. (80%)

Guillaume Canet made a rather wacky comedy about a mid-life crisis, in which he also starred. Some passages are great, others are horrible. I was happy to watch it, also because of the fine music, but I don't need to see it again. (55%)

I can't help it, but I'm feeling a little soft today. I adored this romantic comedy when I was in school, and even now, I'm happy to watch it again anytime. The plot is absolutely predictable, but thanks to the likable cast in the main roles and the great music, I don't think I'll ever stop enjoying She's All That.

This Is Us is a personal favorite of mine. From the very first episode, I fell in love not only with the amazing family but also with the unique style of storytelling and the very catchy music. I'm moved by almost every episode and I'm certainly not ashamed of it, because who among us wouldn't want to experience the kind of family togetherness that is on display here? And I really don't give a damn if the Pearsons are the prototype of the happy American family or if it's all just far-fetched. One needs something to dream about, especially in today's hectic times when traditional family values are somewhat sidelined. I'll just keep dreaming my dream with this artisanal delicacy.

The incredibly beautiful nature of all three islands was captured perfectly by the camera. Probably the one I liked the most was Borneo, which I didn't expect because I have always liked Madagascar, but the documentary about the Hawaiian archipelago was also amazing. In every episode, I enjoyed breathtaking images, learned a lot of interesting information, and at the same time, I couldn't help tearing up when I realized how badly we are destroying our planet... (100%)

Starting a men's synchronized swimming club as a remedy for all kinds of depression isn't a bad idea at all. And if not in life, at least in the movies. There were quite a few opportunities for more or less funny situations, which this comedy didn't make the most of. The start was a bit weaker, but in the second half, I was having fun. The cast was also quite good and I really liked the underwater shots. All in all, I stop just short of four stars with my rating. One final note: The graceful legs above the water in the Team France line-up were definitely not those of the guys fighting for gold medals, which I had to laugh at.

I see The Match Factory Girl as a straightforward and succinctly presented story about an ugly duckling languishing in impoverished conditions, whose luck changes one gloomy day. This is probably the most depressing film I've had the chance to watch from Aki Kaurismäki so far, yet several blackly humorous situations make you at least smile, and Kati Outinen in the title role is simply unbeatable. (85%)

The story is a graphic illustration of how a seemingly trouble-free marriage can find itself on the verge of collapse years later when a partner gives up his or her dreams for the sake of the family. With just a little push, life's trajectory can collapse - one beautiful young girl, kissed by the muse of music just like him, ignites not only romantic feelings but also a desire for long-lost freedom. Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones make an age-disparate duo that sparks convincingly, so much so that the audience might believe they genuinely have something between them while watching the film. The film is also imbued with beautiful music and pulsating suspense as to whether the two will be able to escape the grip of everyday reality... (75%)

I finally saw Old-Timers in the movie theater. It took them almost as long to get there as their determined quest for revenge did. I have to say that I was happy to wait because it was really worth it. Directorially and script-wise, this is a very successful production, thanks in no small part to the interplay between Martin Dušek and Ondřej Provazník. Moreover, the creators had a damn good hand in choosing the main protagonists. Jiří Schmitzer and Ladislav Mrkvička play the central roles in such a way that it literally takes your breath away, and I dare say that both gentlemen give the performances of their lives here. The first one in particular blew me away with his naturalistic expression. The strong theme of coming to terms with the past and the communist strongmen who were not punished deservedly is not entirely unique in Czech cinema, but this film is exceptional in many ways, not least because of its uncompromising ending. (85%)

I really enjoyed the beautiful romantic story of a young couple's untainted love so wonderfully soaked in the seventies. Loving glances, faces lit up with embarrassed smiles, and a beautiful musical accompaniment. But then came the cold shower! The overall atmospheric love story reaches a sharp contrast with the world of a generation older adults at the peculiar celebration somewhere in the Swedish countryside. The viewer can only hope that the children will not repeat the mistakes of their disappointed parents in the future. The rather melancholic last image of the film, however, does not feel very promising. (85%)