Tag Archives: War

Last Days in Vietnam (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The last chapter of the Vietnam War

Looking closer into the last chapter of the Vietnam War, Oscar-nominated documentary “Last Days in Vietnam”, which was broadcast on PBS in last week, gives us a riveting tale which tells and shows more of what happened during those chaotic … Continue reading →

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The Green Prince (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A most wanted informer

The real-life story told in documentary “The Green Prince” is as dramatic as any thrilling spy movies. Here is a man working against almost everything which had defined his social/political background, and it is interesting to hear his remarkable story … Continue reading →

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Sunshine on Lieth (2013) ☆☆☆ (3/4) : Love, music, and Edinburgh

Although it has usual weaknesses as a musical film mainly depending on individual moments of music and choreography more than plot and characters, “Sunshine on Lieth” is not without charm and energy to entertain us. Its plot revolving around several … Continue reading →

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The Well-Digger’s Daughter (2011) ☆☆☆ (3/4) : A relaxed rural tale in Provence

French film “The Well-Digger’s Daughter” gives us a likable case of how good storytelling can engage, surprise, and touch us. While its main characters may be broad and simple, they are presented as people filled with life and personality, and … Continue reading →

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The Good Lie (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : From Sudan to America

“The Good Lie” approaches to its simple story with not only good intention but also honest attitude, and that is a good thing. While it is partially about the kindness of strangers, it is mainly about how its outsider characters … Continue reading →

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The Water Diviner (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : A father’s search for his fallen sons

  As a seasoned moviegoer, I usually ignore “Inspired by a true story/true stories” at the beginning of movies supposedly based on real-life incidents, and I am always ready to enjoy any fictional elements in them, but “The Water Diviners” … Continue reading →

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American Sniper (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A Sniper’s Story

  As a war film, “American Sniper” is gritty and thought-provoking as steadily maintaining its unadorned and respectful attitude to its subject. While it is uncomfortable to watch at times due to its hero’s narrow viewpoint, the story feels direct … Continue reading →

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Unbroken (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : An old-fashioned biopic for Oscar season

  It goes without saying that Louis Zamperini, the hero of “Unbroken”, had an interesting life worthwhile to be told. While he initially drew lots of attention as a young promising Olympic distant runner through his athletic talent, he served … Continue reading →

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): It’s still gathering fire yet

 While enjoying its good moments, I sometimes became impatient during my viewing of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I”, but that problem is something expected from the very beginning. Based on the first half of its original novel, the movie … Continue reading →

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Fury (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : A gritty, violent World War II movie we’ve seen it before

 “Fury” is full of grimes and guts to show us that war is indeed hell, and it surely has gritty, violent, and bloody moments to make us cringe. During one scene in the film, one of its main characters comes … Continue reading →

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