Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on October 29, 2007 at 18:25:22

I've gone Russki for the past several weeks.
I am Cuba: not a terribly good film it's so heavy-handed but the opening shot is worth two admissions. Really, seeing it is a must for ANY film fan. Hilarious and brilliant.
Assassin of the Czar: Malcolm McDowell stars and acts up a storm, demonstrating every trick in a second-tier actor's arsenal: tics, darting eyes, double-takes, triple-takes. The film is entertaining and thought-provoking but not especially memorable. It does bring home the horror of the murder of the Russian royals.
The Rider Named Death: same director as A of the C, Karen Shakhnazarov and what a difference 16 years makes--- not to mention an immensely talented leading man. Andrei Panin brilliantly underplays the cold-blooded assassin intent on fomenting a revolution. 4 out of 5 stars; I'm going to see it again because I can't stop thinking of several scenes.
Destiny of a Man: a haunting tale of a man who loses his entire family during WWII, played by the star and director of the brilliant War and Peace. Far below that ridiculously high standard and not especially well-acted. I don't think Bondarchuk served this film well by directing himself. Okay effort.
Zhmurki: a Russian take on Pulp Fiction and Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels. The two killers are well-played, though the humor inherent in killing and torturing people may make some viewers feel a bit odd. Worth your time if you've ever wanted to visit Moscow: as the "heroes" go about their bloody business, they repeatedly criss-cross the capital, showing off some fine architecture and historic places.