Change Your Image
mmunier
I always enjoyed movies, perhaps escapism. My favourite films are films with interesting characters and interesting stories which is not very descriptive since what I find interesting may not be to others. None the less I also derived a lot of pleasure with some action or comedy movies.
For a few years now my hearing has increasingly declined in quality so I'm more likely to see foreign films with subtitles.
I usually only worry about actors and am oblivious of other people who made a film.
Some of my favourite actors would be Burton,Newman, Redford, De Niro, Eastwood, Hackman, Caine, hoffman, Al pacino, o'toole, Poitier, Connery, Cruise, Crowe, Dicaprio, Douglas x2, Duval, Freeman, Guinness, Hank, E harris...I give up there are too many and I hardly started on the ladies.
I'll just end with my distaste to give rating / stars but I seem to feel this is a request now from IMDB so I'll give 5/10 indiscriminately so everyone and I first will be happy.
...Reading this during the Pandemic Sept. 2021 I can see a few things have changed.
The rating is not compulsory amongst them. I also notice that I did not mention any female actress and this is not deliberate at all, I guess I had already quoted too many name and realise it was pointless to continue. I would like to add that in Australia we're catching with the rest with many way to obtain so many movies to watch on TV. We also have a broadcasting station called SBS (I think Special Broadcasting Services) due to the influx of people from other countries and culture background. One of his divisions is SBS Movies World and we do get some international gems from this. Unfortunately for my wife and I they are not all with captions.
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Une année difficile (2023)
Jaques Brel Crucified!
This film is mildly amusing, it allowed me to snooze part of it without getting the feeling I missed much. Without knowing anything about it, when the main actress showed up at the start, I knew she was some kind of activist...But what I loved very much was soon to follow... Brel was singing "La Valse a Mille Temps" (1000 beats waltz, is my best translation for it!) But its words are powerful, as usual, and quite appropriate for the moment.
Then, comes the end. And Jaques restarts his song.
Next, some guy sing one of his songs, known in English as "If you go away" . And why oh why; He sings it in French and He can't even sing it properly in French.
"Ne me quittté pas, Ne me quitté pas."! Only French speaking people would understand it anyway. I think only a small percentage of them would attend a session in a foreign country, as for the rest of the audience, they would not have a clue what the song is about or how it was supposed to sound; So why couldn't they use J Brel again to sing it?
Here in Sydney, a few years back John Water did a very good job singing his songs as a tribute to him. It then was relevant not to be perfect but the best he could do. But in this mediocre movie it was a 'tragedy'!
Yes, a Very difficult movie Ha ha ha!
El maestro que prometió el mar (2023)
Restores faith on human...
Too difficult for me to add anything else to emit1717 entry who did an excellent job of it. His are also exactly my own thoughts. Seen this movie today in Sydney new Palace complex with a crowd of less than10!
It was hard to keep my eyes dry due to the sadness but also the joy of witnessing such work.
Oh I need double the number of characters!
As a French kid I was pretty good at spanish, as such I also enjoyed the language that was not too fast and clear enough for me to comprehend a little of it without reading the subtitles!
So if 'you' too are learning Spanish it may be one added reason to see this beautiful story wich I understand is also a real story.
Un silence (2023)
Like Titanic exploration dark and murky
I guess I was a little tired from a late night but this did not help to keep awake. I do agree with the review that gives only 2 stars. And I'm sorry I press the wrong rating by accident as it was exactly how I felt.
I'm agreat fan of D Autheuill and also Emanuelle Devos. But this was not a movie I enjoyed.
The screen opens wider after the preamble, but you get a very small writing on its center, quite hard to read... Then many of the shots are similar too! Then you get a simple but sad story told in a rather confusing maner and in an obscure and somber out of focus ambiance... there is little or nothing to spoil about it.
La boda de Rosa (2020)
Hetero sexual, bi-sexual, tri-sexual (try everything!), mono asexual!
I had a lot of fun watching this movie. And it was interesting, as the night before I watch a French movie called 'Petite Maman' , Both very interesting in their respective emotional way. Here we have a person that as finally realised she's been a 'doormat' most of her life, and enough is enough, she needs to have a life of her own. Others will have to learn to live without her. It is presented in an unusual way and that is what is fun. It's original and partly funny but with many elements we encounter in our lives.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment of what the movie could have otherwise been. I simply enjoyed it as it was with some thought provoking moment.
Perfect Days (2023)
Le plus-que-parfait (French grammar) might have been a good tittle alternative
As, almost an Australian, I have seen and enjoy Kenny which is also all about toilets... But 'Perfect day' is a little different, and not a comedy.
For a start, if you want to give this movie a fair assessment and also enjoy it; do not watch it when you tired, preoccupied and want to re live Kevin Costner "A Perfect World" experience. But rather go as you would go to visit an art gallery or a museum.
I was a little tired and fell asleep the first 10 minutes. (I was told I did not miss much!) Then I went with the flow. I have been to Tokio and think I have seen the 'Sky Tree' a land mark a little like the Eifel tower in Paris. (They have also a similar tower, painted in red and almost drown in their other buildings).
I have also participated in a 'On Seng' session which was very similar than the one depicted in that movie. The rest was not so familiar to my memories. But what was; were three songs that are among my favourites! And it was a real bonus for me to finish with one.
I would not say the 'The Tokio Toilet' was, for me, the best choice of occupation to make such a movie, but I understand; there is in this an attempt to create a contrast, and show that regardless of your occupation, dedication to do a good job can be a great source of happiness.
Yes it is quite slow and repetitive ( a kind of 'Ground Hog Day' thing!). Yet aren't our lives so much like this, but we tend not to notice it so much with our daily plans taking over our mind.
I'm glad I have seen it, even if I found it a little long and I hope it'll be even better for you, if you take notice of my early warnings.
Griff Off the Rails: Down Under (2020)
For a laugh but can't be trusted!
I watched the episode Alice Spring to Adelaid including Coober Pedi.
It was all great fun especially having been in the Gang and all the town mentioned there.
He's certainly an entertainer and very pleasant.
But I won't forgive him for telling us that the Muray river is the 5th longuest river in the world... And I won't forgive myself for being so naive, stupid and in such hurry to repeat it to my friends.
This river is long but only 2,500 km with no competition to a few others double or more that length!
So as much as I enjoyed watching it I don't know what else to believe in all the info he mentions.
Such a shame as it could be a coud and fun educational tool.
Le otto montagne (2022)
What did you expect?
What did you expect?
The eight Mountains 2022 movie was the plan for our Palace theater session, and part of an Italian film festival in Sydney.
We were 3 couples to attend it, and 5 people did enjoy it immensely.
It explores two youngster's friendship evolution into adulthood. And what it will become of it...
One of them is introduced to the other's family; how will this go down. He is bright, brave but not very well educated and this family is going to help him.
Will the relationship continue, will it become an intimate relationship? Will it tempt the 'guest' to usurp his place in that family to dethrone their own son? The audience is wondering where it'll all go whilst bathing in a magnificent mountainous scenery of the Italian's Alpes.
So we follow this story, a slow story but with interesting developments.
For me it was a return to being sixteen again, as I was working on a small village dairy farm; so many visual components of this kind of life was very familiar to me. It was such a nice feeling.
It was very beautiful but also harsh like the mountains as nothing was very modern and demanded a lot of manual work.
Now and then they were English haunting choruses and songs adding to the beauty described. It seems to be all from Daniel Norgren, a Swedish song writer and composer.
I often wonder why foreign movies incorporate English songs in their films; when I would guess so few would be able to understand the words. Is it to make such movies more attractive to an international audience? (perhaps predominantly familiar with English)? But on second thought, it may be that a song's sound may be just as attractive as a piece of music. And here, I have to admit that I just recognized some English words but did not understand the song's meaning, I simply enjoyed its sound.
Again, it was a rather long movie but so it was and I don't regret the time spent even if I wish it had been a little shorter.
Sorry about the rating I prefer not to.
The Call of the Wild (2020)
Did I miss something?
We started to watch T C O T W and It was fun and funny, I refused to believe it was a CGI rendition... I refused because Jack London wrote the best book of my entire life (81 years) "Croc Blanc" And years later I read 'White Fang' with the same passion and enjoyment. So I really wanted to believe I was going to re- live this atmosphere.
But soon, soon I had to come to term with the sad reality I was watching a terrible remake of my favourite book's 'brother'. And I did lose interest from then on.
Instead I browsed IMDB's users comments. There I was astonished with the number of people who saw so much good about it. One comment said 'it gets better as it goes', another, 'Harrison Ford saved this movie. Yes I was quite disheartened to see some of my best actors like Sy and Ford in such what I'd called a sad and regrettable parody.
My browsing was focused on those who seemed to have the same sorry experience I had. So my first encounter was with a 1 rating (IMDB we need to have minus and zero for the rating, I'm sure it would have been used in that entry) It's author said exactly what I would have like to be able to write. I found it intelligent, educated, comprehensive and well-articulated.
It may be entertaining for youngsters who have not read the book and have no idea what it supposes to be about. Perhaps it should have a warning "not recommended for those with a mental age greater than 12 years old."
I also read a comment directed at all those, like me, who 'had a gut full', to put it mildly, of the CGI. OK, some people do know better and like recognition for it. So I'll restrain myself and won't respond to the comment.
I will watch it again with my grand kids, and pretend that it has nothing to do with Jack London stories.
Actually, I had a look at White Fang 2018 film and was somehow relieved to see it was a cartoon, it was in French and the trailer was kind of OK...
PS regarding the score, I usually omit to give one as I feel that it's ludicrous. I think I gave one once on my mobile at it seemed that I was forced to, to have it published....
Alle hater Johan (2022)
An extraordinary story from an ordinary background
Written on my phone ...
I taped this from my tv and since enjoyed it twice.
It's slow paced, It's different, It sends messages about what is important.
It won't please everyone, but only a few I believe.
Don't worry too much about facts; I checked about horses longevity and the record was 65 years. But in average it was 25 to 30. However cinema is entitled some liberty.
I found the characters very interesting with their variety of behaviours. I have never had anything to do with Norway and so have no much insight in their custom. But I have lived in rural France in a fairly small community. As such I can associate with some comportement depicted in this movie.
The Postman (1997)
Just to annoy some
...I turned my tv on and there was "The postman" already started. I do love K Costner and the last 'gem's I saw with him was "A perfect world"
Where it started for me was this guy about to be shot when he found a letter...that somehow saved his life... next he became very popular, including an offer (difficult to refuse) to lend his manhood for a young infertile couple...
Next a comercial came on and I realised this movie would take me on the other side of midnight...
I already liked what I saw but somehow had to skip it. Instead I looked at the story and reviews on imdb.
I was pleased that many went against the flow and I also feel sorry for those who weren't able to appreciate it.
I made a note to watched the whole epic when it's on again.
L'incroyable histoire du facteur Cheval (2018)
Was he also "Un homme veritable"?
Just watched this story on TV with little to tell me what it was about.
It is quite amazing but also a little slow and rather sombre. In my youth I spend a holiday camp in the 'departement' de la Drome, however I did not recognise anything and further more the epoch is really way before my time!
Yes somehow I found it rather depressing but was rather mesmerised by this character resillience who however had mostly burried is feelings and emotions deep inside himself.
What saved the story for me was the fact it is a true story.
I left the country I think the year Andre Malraux made an official recognition of this extraordinary work.
I think he got it right when he stated that he was not for this world. Yet he was loved by some as he was and he really deserved it.
Well worth watching.
Donne-moi des ailes (2019)
Come Flying with me!
Beautiful story. And yes "C'est du cinema" So it's not entirely true but it's very entertaining.
It's interesting to see how some people call it a remake. But from what I read it is not; this is inspired from Christian Moullec a metherologis who has some concerns about birds migration's dangers in our human forever changing the world's features... I read somewhere also that the actual 'adventure' was with Flamingo...But can't retrace where my reading was from! And now what I read about Christian Moullec seems to be about wild geese...So one should be aware of what one may read.
But back to 'Cinema'; French use that term as "make believe for fun". If one needs to disect everything before being able to enjoy the main course...So be it. Else this movie may give you some happy hours. At least for me it did. I don't understand French any more (than English) simply because I can hear well anymore and rely on CC. But this was good enough for me as the shots were so beautiful and I think young people would enjoy it very much as well. The main story is simply uplifting and its result is well worth it.
The last comment I read here made me feel so sorry for its author. I felt he completely derailed and missed how much is good about this film.
As usual, no star for me (it's against my belief!)
Koko: A Red Dog Story (2019)
Woof, Woof, Woof Hurrah!
I can't believe someone bothered to come here just to say
"A documentary with good camera work but not interesting at all.."
It's a shame when we come here we suddenly become expert and like to tell others 'what's what' instead to express a personal opinion.
As for me who always loved dogs I had a terrific time watching this doco...And I must add that I enjoyed it a lot more than the actual movie. Once again, to each its own.
PS: Oh I don't understand this guy managed to have the above statement accepted as enough characters ....but not for me I was under 600??? And it seems I still need more, I thought I wraped this quite well ...let's see if it is enough now...
Close (2022)
Too "Close" to discomfort.
These days I try to see only movies with subtitles on the account of my failing hearing. And as a 'has been French', Francophone films are a greater part of them.
So 'we' went to see "Close". I would say that in the first 5 minutes I could guess what was to come; youth friendship is put to the test.
Homophobia and discrimination are part of our lot and it's been proven that those who fight these tendencies, fight for themselves or for others, often fail. However 'matured' people who can and will adhere to the philosophy of doing the right thing in all circumstances and not necessarily by repression, will succeed and live their live more positively...
So I felt this film is exploring one of these situations. It goes to great length to make you feel part of this situation. It uses excruciating long pauses as silent explanation for what is often quite obvious. It also jumps from a variety of scenes, to my feeling, for little benefit to the message it supposes to send...
I read quite a few comments in this forum and can see how expert reviewers with good linguistic command and a desire to look a little further can see this work as having great artistic appeal...
So I have to admit eventually I saw something worthwhile to watch. But as one of my friends said; if this could have been transposed into a book many readers would not have finish reading it.
Once again I refrain to give a score and so will not affect the average rating with my rather negative 'review'. But I don't regret to have 'wasted' an unfair amount of time watching it, 44 minutes out of 1hour 44! It was an interesting movie and so was 'moved' enough as it was...
A Perfect World (1993)
Perfection for me.
What could I add that has not been said here already?
Yes unfortunately this is the perfection of the world we live in; and even this great story, for me, unfortunately will not change anything in the future.
I felt compelled to come here and add my ten cents, this because I was so impressed to see Eastwood and Costner engaged in such a wonderful story.
I have been a little tired of C E doing his routine so many time as he grew older, even "Unforgiven" did not work for me, but who am I! But he got his overdue Oscar. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed C Eastwood many times through the years and keep re-watching many of his films.
But here as he takes a step backward and have K Costner give us a wonderful time where we can examine or thoughts and feelings.
I'm sure you'd all read about the story line and much better than I could write it here again.
Yes, it's very much underrated in the scoring and as I always do I will not help this score since I don't believe in giving scores. I'd rather use words and say: Please do yourselves a favour and try to visit or revisit this film.
Paris pieds nus (2016)
It may grow on you?
It did for me...I'm a sucker for weird stuff but this was too much for . Yet when it was over I read comments about it and was quite impressed with what some saw about this movie.
Being recorded on my TV, I cut the comercials out and kept it just in case.
My wife has no tiime for this kind of corny material and had a long face watching it till she quit as it was too much for her.
But that evening we had friends over and I show them a little of it; just to give them an idea of what it was...
They were in stiches as they found it so funny.
Well that's it. Only some people will appreciate it as indeed in the second watching for me I realised how clever some parts actually were.
I'm not great with bad caricatures and was rather turned off with Fiona's look But I got over it and really enjoy the "take two" viewing
It's interesting how Dom and Fiona are also actually the real name of this two characteres.
As for "New York" and the statue of Liberty. It was a new thing for me. I left Paris (well France) 53 years ago and I don't remember it near the Eifel Tower. But It seems there are 8 such statues in Paris, one given by the USA, one that went back there and the others all over the place!
If I go back to Paris I'll sure look for the secrete entrance to Paris tallest lady!
Margrete den første (2021)
I feel sorry for those who did not like it.
Yes I do!
From the world 'go' I was in awe! On such a large screen emerged a magnificent scenery with a haunting and beautiful music that introduced this wonderful story.
Wonderful not because everything was rosy, but because real roses do have thorns... So beauty, sorrow and pain creates wonders.
I'm not a historian or a politician but I enjoyed every minutes of this tale.
I'm not a truth's diciple either and what unfolded in front of my eyes was so good nontheless. And it certainly kept me interested its whole time.
For me it was also refreshing to see something so good with actors / actresses I never came across before.
It was too good for me, to try to see if I could criticise it in any way; as again, for me, its weight of quality did sufocate any negative aspect that may have been present.
I never give a score but I'm surprised Margrete Queen of the North did not get a higher score ; although I understand at time of my visit here, there were only 15 reviews...
I have seen movies that I hold in very high esteem for specific reasons. But this one will be also at the top of my "likes" for no specific reasons, simply because it was so enjoyable.
The Larkins (2021)
Chauvinism and Prejudice all in one.
When this arrived on our little screen in Sydney, it came as a joyful revelation. Both my wife and I are fond of the English 'Chase' So seeing Bradley Walsh in the main role was a real treat as we find him very entertaining and so witty. I also was a young dairy farmer in a small village in France so enjoyed the environment.
We did enjoyed The Larkins a lot, not that it is terrific but it's funny and for us already belonging to the 'third age' it brought back many happy memories.
"Ma and Pa" are good fun, at time a little over the top or rather corny just like the whole show but all in all them and their supporting team are good value.
As we taped the episodes we share them with some of our friends and one of them (from England) told us it was just like the 'Darling Buds of May" ... The what? I asked him ... Google put me up to speed on this subject and I ended buying a set of DVD of it for a birthday present. I later borrowed the set to watch it and compare.
For my Oz dollars I do prefer Bradley W than David J in 'Pop's role.
With the DBoM it's no more "Black and White" No more Bradley but we get Inspector Jack Frost whom we are very devoted to this character. Then who could not love Catherine Zeta Jones!
The Larkins introduced a coloured character as the dazzled Tax man. I must admit that I was surprised as my memories of the 50/60s in rural France could not recall such eventuality. But we warmed up to this character quickly. Else 'Ma' and Mariette are just as good in the Larkins
I read quite a few negative reviews of 'The Larkins' here. And I am somehow saddened to see people who don't seem to be able to enjoy two versions of a lovely and funny story with both having worthy entertaining content.
Well for me as I used to be French I do remember a valuable motto. "Vive la difference"!
Frankie (2019)
To each its own !
I can see many negative reviews and can easily understand why. It is not a fun movie. However It interested me quite a lot because it explores many obscure corners in one's life. This is somehow balanced with a beautiful site. I have not been to Portugal but did enjoy 'being there' for the duration on this story.
It was nice to see Brendan Gleeson whom I did not expect to see in a semi French story... Perhaps you'll appreciate this movie as well.
Ye Ying - Le promeneur d'oiseau (2013)
Simply Beautiful!
I have no idea what that "inter gernerationalnaught " had in mind when he dissected this wonderful movie. Perhaps he touched a nerve in my French origin. But I'm glad many other did enjoy this wonderful story. It's a bout love, life and contrast with its choices. Not for a second I could sense a French influence in it I just glided with the story till the end and did not feel it was too long. Not everything has to be or ends in a negative mood. If no miracle, good things happen too. I do appreciate reality where reality is appropriate else to see a better world is not such a bad thing.
Please do yourself a favour put this movie in your list. There is no promise you will like it but it's way better than not giving it a chance.
Microbe et Gasoil (2015)
Malcom's disciples
Just watched M&B and was looking forward to, having read the synopsis.
For me it was ok and no more.
Youth discovering life had some interesting and funny moments. My advanced age may have had some struggle with certain revelation. (or was it denial and memory fading?)
As an ex Frenchman I tried to link with those days for me, but it did not really work.
Perhaps I was wanting a little more about their creation...
I have to confess that I have never heard of Gondry and somehow feel I may not have missed much about it. Yes I said "May" simply to try to be fair.
As for T Audrey... just a pinch of salt added to an ordinary 'repas"
It made me think a little of the Australian film "Malcom" for which I seem to remember I derived more enjoyment.
Just the same I'm glad to see some did enjoy it very much.
Gräns (2018)
Close to the bone...the tail bone!
This usually is absolutely not my type of movie. But I staid with it and thought it to be worthwhile.
The central character is so engaging it compels you to keep watching.
Where is this leading to? What will come next it this ordinary day at the Swedish border check?. People come and go but they don't have any idea what they are passing through. For most it's not a problem even if the official is not the best looking of the lot. So who should be worried?
The viewer will be, but will be entertain too and may be get more than could be bargained for...
Deadpool (2016)
Yaaaack!
I can tell by the rating of this movie I'm amongst the odd ones here. And I guess if you like strong language punctuating action ++ you would be for a good time like the majority of the reviewers here.
1.5 k giving an average of 8/10 is high.
I watched perhaps 15 mins of it and erased it. Absolutely not "my cup of tea" (Anyway I'm a coffee drinker, and you'd probably guess, with milk in it). My next recording was "Extraordinary journey of a Fakir" which was such a relief!
I guess there is no need for me to say anymore about it apart from the fact I though I let Ryan Reynolds be one of my preferred actors. I'll have to review this. Although that what "actors" are they can act...So I may get better luck with other movies he'll deliver.
The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2018)
Just like life ....
Yes, it is happening you live it , you try to enjoy it and if you succeed it's good and you may forget all about it but it gave you joy for a while like a good meal, a nice adventure and many other pleasures in life you don't even remember anymore....
I'm wondering why some are so serious about movies. I too fall in the trap sometimes.
The idea or reviewing at our level is (or should be ) to share what we got out of it.
For me this story was very entertaining without pretention just to give joy. I did not analyse it too much. And like everything it had to end, so it did. Personally it ended well for me and I probably will for get about it. But I don't think it was time wasted.
Gold (2016)
Not everything turned gold
Had it taped on my recorder. I'm a 'huge' fan of (What his name again....for the life of me I never can get his name right) But what an actor...
The first half actually bored me quite a bit but i enjoyed the second half. And even realised I had seen it a long time ago! Hmm 2016, it seems longer than this.
But what an interesting story based and reportedly quite loyal to a true event. (Bre-X)
I hardly could recognise M Mc C he is so versatile. I'm a simple guy and prefer him in Mr nice guy!
As for the film it can certainly be entertaining if you're on the mood.
Living in Australia I thought he could have use a little of Paul Hogan skill to tame a wild beast....
To improve your English vocabulary check "salting" if it's missing on yours... Go Get Gold!