Life Itself (2014)

I had just started blogging when I first read about Life Itself. A fellow blogger described it as one of the finest films he had seen and a must-see for movie lovers, so I added to my watch-list. It's only later that I learnt it was a documentary and I kept putting it off ever since. I'm really into documentaries now, and before this phase wears off, I checked it out.

The documentary tells the story of renowned, Pulitzer winning film critic and television personality Roger Ebert, summing up both his publish and private life and documenting the end of it as he is dying of cancer.

It isn't your typical biography though. In fact, instead of starting from childhood and touching the most important moments and aspects of Ebert's life, the film is structured in a non-linear way as it presents different aspects of Ebert's life in a random order which makes the documentary somewhat rambling.

Despite that, Life Itself still effectively captures the wonderfully skilled writer and intellectual, and the quirky and unique man Roger Ebert was.

This biographical documentary has a lot to teach, especially to someone who, like me, is not that familiar with Roger Ebert. We learn about the early stages of his career, when he was a kid writing a local newspaper; when he arrived at the Chicago Sun-Times and became the youngest film critic. We learn about his love-hate relationship with fellow film critic Gene Siskel, which is probably the most interesting, fascinating aspect of the film and deserves a documentary of its own. We learn about the incredible legacy he left behind, and it's truly amazing to see how much influence one man had over an entire industry.

Magnolia Pictures

As I mentioned above, Life Itself gives us an insight into Ebert's personal life as well. We learn about his struggle with alcoholism, how he would spend his nights in a bar with his colleagues, telling stories and drinking, and how he would walk home wishing he was dead. We learn about his wonderful relationship with his wife, Chaz, a woman who assisted him in any way she could and stood by his side until the end. And it's heartbreaking to watch him battle with cancer but it's also inspiring how brave he was during the final act of his life.

What I liked the most about Life Itself is that it was made by Steve James (Hoop Dreams), a friend of Ebert, but it does not shy away from Ebert's flaws. It's not only the alcoholism but the fact that he was quite a cocky, arrogant young man and that he could be pretty egotistic.

However, I don't know if it's because I wasn't familiar with him, but I didn't find it emotional nor moving.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

I'm still on the insane quest to watch every single movie Sam Rockwell has made and, among all those I haven't seen yet (I'm planning on watching some I've already seen, The Green Mile to made one, that I haven't reviewed), I picked Confessions of a Dangerous Mind because this is George Clooney's directorial debut and Charlie Kaufman wrote it. Most important though, I liked the title.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind depicts the life of popular game show host and producer Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell) who, at the height of his career, was recruited by the CIA as a contract killer. Well, at least that's what he said.

Anyhow, I had never heard of Chuck Barris nor his story before and I found the story interesting, engaging and entertaining. Only at first though. A little after the CIA subplot makes its entrance, the plot loses its grip and focus, and it feels incredibly dragged. It still takes some interesting turns and twists, but it's quite tedious and barely watchable.

The characters aren't that better. While the flawed and quirky characters of Chuck Barris and Jim Bryd, the CIA agent who recruited Barris, are well developed --that's what Kaufman does best, after all--, the others have no substance, and it kinda feels like Kaufman didn't even want them in the movie. Also, it's hard to care about these people. I just can't believe the man behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. wrote this.

Miramax

That said, there's something about Confessions of a Dangerous Mind that makes it worth watching. It's the acting. Sam Rockwell gives another of his underrated performances as Chuck Barris. He brings so much energy, charisma and humour to the role and captures the paranoia and fulfilment of the character very well. Also good is George Clooney's performance as mysterious CIA agent Jim Bryd. He doesn't have a lot of screen time but definitely gets the best out of it. Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts, on the other hand, are just watchable. It's not their fault though, not completely. They were just given poorly written and underused characters, that's all.

Another solid-ish aspect of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is Clooney's direction. The film is kinda stylish and has a surrealist and comedic tone that works well with Barris's supposedly true story. 

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)

Patty Jenkins's Wonder Woman isn't the only movie about the famous superheroine that made it to the big screen last year. There was also Angela Robinson's Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, a biopic about American psychologist William Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman. 

It's 1928. William Marston (Luke Evans) and his wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall) teach and work on their research at Harvard and Radcliffe College. Williams hires one of his students, Olive Bryne (Bella Heathcote), the daughter of Ethel Bryne and niece of Margaret Sanger, as a new teaching assistant. The three of them fall in love, which was forbidden at the time, and these two women will be his inspiration for the Wonder Woman comics.

Just like Jenkins's film, this is a work of fiction. It is Angela Robinson's interpretation of Marston's life since the account of their intimate life was never made public. That being said, whether it's accurate or not --it's probably the latter since Marston's granddaughter didn't approve of this--, the story Robinson brought to the screen is interesting and provides a nice background to the character of Wonder Woman. 

And it's surprisingly erotic as the film mainly focuses on the sexual part of the relationship between Marston, his wife and their lover. That, however, doesn't do the film any favour. If anything it makes it looks kinda cheap, and I would have liked Robinson to focus a little bit more on the publishing process and legal issues they faced. Also, there's a subplot about a neighbour that isn't developed at all.

Also quite surprising is that there's very little explicit sex considering the film's topic, and Robinson handled the soft-core sex scenes quite well.

Annapurna Pictures

A weird thing about Professor Marston and the Wonder Women is that it is supposed to be about Marston but it ends up being more about his wife as Robinson's script puts a lot of focus on the inner struggle of Elizabeth. This is both a good and a bad thing. Bad because the film isn't supposed to be about her; good because Rebecca Hall gives another great performance, delivering both Elizabeth's intellect and sensitivity.

In addition, Luke Evans gives a good performance as Marston, charming as usual, and Bella Heathcote does very good as Olive, portraying both her determination and vulnerability quite well.

Leopardi (2014)

Original Title

Il giovane favoloso

Genre

Biography | Drama | History

Director

Mario Martone

Country

Italy

Cast

Elio Germano, Isabella Ragonese, Anna Mouglalis, Michele Riondino, Massimo Popolizio, Valerio Binasco, Paolo Graziosi, Iaia Forte, Sandro Lombardi, Raffaella Giordano, Edoardo Natoli, Federica De Cola

Storyline

The film tells the short but fruitful life of the great Italian poet and philosopher Giacomo Leopardi (Elio Germano).

Opinion

I won't waste time saying how much I love Giacomo Leopardi's work. Just shame on me for catching "Leopardi" up only now because it truly is a stunning, emotional film that wonderfully portrays the life of one of the greatest Italian poets ever lived.

The problem with biopics is that they tend to be quite tedious if not handled properly, especially if you already are familiar with the biography of the portrayed figure, but this film is quite the opposite to that. Rather it is a surprisingly smooth film, without a single dull moment, that tells the tormented life of a man. And I'd like to point out that the writers - Mario Martone and Ippolita Di Majo - decided to tell the story of Leopardi's life chronologically.

In addition, staying true to the poet - or at least it was for me -, director Mario Martone didn't make use of the melancholy of the poet, and the way he saw the world, but he decided to focus on the poetry, and let it speak by itself. And it is through those beautiful poems that we see the real Leopardi: a restless mind, a tormented man, a wandering child.

The screenplay and the direction are not the only great things about the film. In fact, the scenery plays a very important role, as it manages to capture the essence of Leopardi. The costumes are also beautiful, so are the cinematography and the musical score.

At last but not least, the acting, or should I say the leading actor, Elio Germano. He was given a character that is definitely not easy to work with, but he nailed it. Basically he became Leopardi and his portrayal was so astonishing it almost felt like he was Leopardi. Easily one of the best performances of recent years.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Genre

Biography | Comedy | Drama | War

Directors

Glenn Ficarra | John Requa

Country

USA

Cast

Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Christopher Abbott, Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina, Sheila Vand, Nicholas Braun, Steve Peacocke, Evan Jonigkeit, Scott Takeda, Josh Charles, Cherry Jones, Sterling K. Brown, Thomas Kretschmann

Storyline

News copywriter Kim Baker (Tina Fey) decides to leave the comfort of a New York desk job to accept the assignment to work as on-camera war reporter in Afghanistan. 

Opinion

I am not a huge fan of war films but since this one is was supposed to be more of a comedy rather than a drama and it's directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the two guys who directed "Crazy, Stupid, Love." some years ago, I decided to give it a try. Was it worth it? It's complicated.

As for the black comedy part, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" is a decent and overall watchable film, as for the issue addreses, it is a pretty well done picture.

I don't know the real story so I am not able to make comparisons and I won't even look it up on the internet and pretend like I did know it. Instead I'm going to say that the story of this brave woman is quite interesting and that the storytelling flows quite well.

At some point though it got me worried because it felt like a drama pretending to be a comedy that was also asking us to sympathize with the main character who wasn't sympathetic at all. Just like happened in the dreadful "Eat Pray Love". But eventually the film showed off its well written character and mostly important, it addressed a serious issue that many don't even think about: that non-return point when a reporter gets used to the danger and that life on the razor's edge that ends up considering it normality, and that would do anything for an exclusive, even endanger their and the others lives. The filmmakers really did a good job at portraying the kind of addiction war can be for a reporter.

On the other hand there is the comedy. The film doesn't really work as such, but the good thing is that the drama is there and does work. And Tiny Fey gives a pretty solid performance in her dramatic role.

Concussion (2015)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Peter Landesman

Country

USA

Cast

Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morse, Arliss Howard, Mike O'Malley, Eddie Marsan, Hill Harper, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Stephen Moyer, Richard T. Jones, Paul Reiser, Luke Wilson, Sara Lindsay, Matthew Willig, Bitsie Tulloch, Eme Ikwuakor

Storyline

In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.

Opinion

Last night I finally watched the film with a lot of interest because of its sensitive subject and because of Will Smith's performance that according to everybody was Oscar worthy. I was disappointed.

"Concussion" would have been a compelling drama, and an excellent biopic if it wasn't so long and so unfocused.

So the film tells the story of Nigerian pathologist Bennet Omalu who discovered that football players, just like boxers, can suffer from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), and the NFL knowing it and did not say anything about it, more or less accurately. The problem is the way it tells it, so awful it made the film barely watchable.

It is a sport related story, but the film doesn't really establish a relation between the doctor and the sport. American football gets mentioned only to attract fans of the sport, it doesn't really have another purpose. 

Then the filmmakers thrown in a romantic sub-plot in order to give Smith something to do other than cut brains of dead footballers. A romance that is pointless, flat and whose only purpose is to lengthen the film. 

It also seems like the filmmakers tried very hard to make a mess out of the film. In addition to a non-linear narration that doesn't make any sense, and an awful editing, the focus shifts from the legal battle to the inner struggle of Bennet Omalu to be considered a doctor in America.

At least Will Smith's performances is excellent. I actually was afraid that his attempt on Nigerian accent would have made him into a caricature, but thank god that didn't happen. Instead, he brings a lot of intensity in each line spoken, and his portrayal of the character is amazing. The supporting cast is average, nobody really stands out. 

What can I say? Maybe it just needed to be a documentary.

Mention-Worthy Quotes

Bennet Omalu: Need is not weak. Need is need... You have to be the best version of yourself. If you don't know what that is you pick something and fake it

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Genre

Biography | Comedy | Drama

Director

John Lee Hancock

Country

UK | Australia | USA

Cast

Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, B. J. Novak, Jason Schwartzman, Kathy Baker, Melanie Paxson, Rachel Griffiths, Ronan Vibert, Kristopher Kyer, Victoria Summer

Storyline

After 20 years, when she's financially strapped, author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) finally considers Walt Disney's (Tom Hanks) offer to make a film of her book, Mary Poppins, but won't approve unless Disney does it as she wants. So she goes to California, and while working on bringing the character of Mary Poppins to life, she starts reflecting on her childhood, upon which the book is based.

Opinion

Although this film has been on my watch-list for a while, I was reluctant because of some negative reviews I've heard and read. People complaining about Walt Disney being nothing like the man portrayed by Tom Hanks, others complaining about this being not a biopic worthy of such a man. Well, I'm not sure those people have quite understood what the film is really about.

Saving Mr. Banks actually tells the story of the making of the Mary Poppins film, and if it has to be considered a biography, it is surely not Walt Disney's but P.L. Travers's. Now, the fact that the story is more or less accurate, and that maybe there is a spoonful of sugar too much to make the film suitable for families is another thing.

Having said that, Saving Mr. Banks is a feel-good dramatic comedy, both witty and sentimental, that draws you in.

The film praises imagination and its power to help some grow, by lighting up childhood and its natural path towards adulthood. It also praises those people that, even though they have grown, are still capable of dreaming, like P.L. Travers or Walt Disney.

There are some outstanding performances too. Emma Thompson play P.L. Travers beautifully. Cold and definitely not likable in the first part (as required), she brings out all the emotions, and the serious aspects of her character. Tom Hanks does a nice job as Walt Disney and seems to be enjoying himself but this is not one of his best achievements. The supporting cast offers strong performances, especially Colin Farrell, who brings vitality and interest in the parallel story about Travers's childhood. 

Don’t you ever stop dreaming. You can be anyone you want to be. - Travers Goff

Walt Before Mickey (2015)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Khoa Le

Country

USA

Cast

Thomas Ian Nicholas, Jon Heder, David Henrie, Taylor Gray, Jodie Sweetin, Sheena Colette, Hunter Gomez, Ayla Kell, Armando Gutierrez, Arthur L. Bernstein, Kate Katzman, Timothy Neil Williams, Conor Dubin, Flora Bonfanti, Briana Colman, Beatrice Taveras, Maralee Thompson, Natasha Sherritt, Frank Licari, Randy Molnar, Donn Lamkin, Nancy J. Barber, Owen Teague, Demitri Vardoulias, Noah Forgione

Storyline

Walt before Mickey takes viewers on a journey through the passion, ambition, and dreams of a man who would go on to capture millions of hearts across the world, and inspire dreams for generations to come.

Opinion

Walt Disney is the icon that has given birth to many icons, and that has entertained entire generations. But what's the story - and struggles - behind this great man? This film, based on Timothy Susanin's book, answered that question. In unflattering way.

Uninspired and unable to hold the attention of the viewer, Walt Before Mickey is the proof that dreams don't always come true.

The story is pretty solid, but the screenplay is a real mess. I did not read the book by Timothy Susanin - also approved by Diane Disney Miller, Walt's daughter, very misleading considering the quality of the film - so I cannot comment how closely the film sticks to the book, but I can say that it seems more like an adaptation of a student's paper rather than anything else.

Some parts don't make much sense either. For instance Walt Disney hiring Friz Freleng because he has been told Friz is great at voices - later demonstrated - years before the advent of sound. I have been wondering why hiring him when you can't even afford to pay the animators salaries, and what was he even doing in the studio. Also Freleng has not a single voice credit on IMDb.

The way Walt Disney's character is conceived is no better. Besides the accurate portrayal of a chain smoker, it's hard to believe that he is an actual person. 

The acting isn't better than some I've seen in junior high plays. Thomas Ian Nicholas - American Pie's Kevin - really makes you cringe in those moments when he seems to be rehearsing instead of acting, and does not bring neither personality nor soul into the role. Jon Heder looks completely lost as Roy Disney, but at least he looks a bit like his character. The supporting cast goes from decent - Armando Gutierrez as Ub Iwerks and Timothy Neil Williams as Fred Harman - to uninspired and overacting.

If there's something I know for sure is that Walt Disney never would have approved anything like this.

Foxcatcher (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Sport

Director

Bennett Miller

Country

United States

Cast

Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Redgrave, Sienna Miller, Anthony Michael Hall, Guy Boyd, Brett Rice, Samara Lee, Jackson Frazer, Jane Mowder, Daniel Hilt, Lee Perkins, David Bennett

Plot

The film tells the dark and fascinating story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between an eccentric multi-millionaire and two champion wrestlers.

Opinion

Finally released in Italy last Thursday, I went to see it last night. I don't like wrestling and I wasn't expecting much from this film, but it disappointed me in a good way. Foxcatcher is a story about defeat, that goes beyond the sport, and delves into the complexities of the protagonists' psychologies.

The acting is excellent. Channing Tatum proves that he is not just a pretty face, but he act and he is quite good. The way his character punished himself reminded me of "Of Mice and Men"'s Lennie. Forget about the sex comedies guy, because this Steve Carell is different and unrecognizable - great job on the make up - and he delivers an excellent performance, definitely his best so far. Mark Ruffalo gives a superb performance.

Quotes

John du Pont: You're going to do great things, Mark.

Mark Schultz: I'm gonna give you everything I have.

Rating

8.5/10

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Ron Howard

County

United States

Cast

Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, Josh Lucas, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Vivien Cardone, Christopher Plummer, Judd Hirsch, Jason Gray-Stanford

Plot

The film tells the story of John Forbes Nash Jr. (Russell Crowe), a mathematical genius, who made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim.

But soon Nash finds himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery once he is diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Opinion

I tried to watch this film about a year ago, but I didn't like it and I quit. I gave it another try and it was worth it. A Beautiful Mind is a fantastic film, and a great tribute to the life of John Nash. Although mathematics is a pillar of the plot, the film is never boring.

Ron Howard does an amazing job engaging the audience, and making them experience mental illness. Akira Goldman's screenplay, based on Sylvia Nasar's A Beautiful Mind, is brilliant. 

Russell Crowe is excellent. He does not act as Nash, he is Nash. The way he conveys mental illness is amazing. The elaborate makeup partially age Nash, Crowe does the rest. And most important, Crowe does not overshadow Nash. Jennifer Connelly is amazing as well as supporting actress. The chemistry between them is amazing.

Quotes

Dr. Rosen: Imagine if you suddenly learned that the people, the places, the moments most important to you were not gone, not dead, but worse, had never been. What kind of hell would that be?

Nash: What truly is logic? Who decides reason? My quest has taken me to the physical, the metaphysical, the delusional, and back. I have made the most important discovery of my career - the most important discovery of my life. It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logic or reasons can be found. I am only here tonight because of you. [looking at his wife] You are the only reason I am. You are all my reasons. Thank you.

Rating

8.8/10

Unbroken (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | War

Director

Angelina Jolie

Country

United States

Cast

Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Miyavi, Finn Wittrock, Jai Courtney, Luke Treadaway, Travis Jeffery, Jordan Patrick Smith, John Magaro, Alex Russell, John D'Leo, Vincenzo Amato, Ross Anderson, Maddalena Ischiale, Morgan Griffin, Savannah Lamble, Sophie Dalah

Plot

Louis Zamperini (Jack O'Connell), an Olympic athlete, joins the armed forces during World War II.
Captured by the Japanese navy after a plane crash in the Pacific, and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp, Zamperini must continue his fight by surviving through the war.

Opinion

This film got so much hate and I sincerely don't understand the reason. Based on Laura Hillenbrand's "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" Unbroken is a brilliant film about friendship, inner strength and love.
A great and bright cinematography is provided by Roger Deakins. Coldplay's "Miracles" - ending credits - perfectly fits in the story and I couldn't imagine of a better song.
Jack O'Connell - I recently mentioned him in Eden Lake's review - is the real deal, and puts his efforts to portray such a man. Miyavi as The Bird does a great job.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Pete: A moment of pain, is worth a lifetime of glory.

Rating

8.5/10

The Iceman (2012)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Ariel Vromen

Country

United States

Cast

Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, James Franco, David Schwimmer, Stephen Dorff, Erin Cummings, Robert Davi, Weronika Rosati, John Ventimiglia, Christa Campbell, Jay Giannone, Vincent Fuentes, Ashlynn Ross

Plot

Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father in reality Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon) is a ruthless contract killer. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters have any clue about his real profession.

Opinion

I had to wait almost 2 years - it was released last Thursday in Italy - to watch this film and was it worth it? Hard to say. Based on Philip Carlo's biography of Richard Kuklinski "The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer", The Iceman is an average mob film. It is dark and bold but there is not enough excitement or tension. Ariel Vromen wasted the potential of the book and gave birth to a shallow film.
Michael Shannon , who plays Kuklinski, does such a good job, delivering a performance filled with emotions, and uplifts the film a bit. 

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy/Rent on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Mr. Freezy: I only feel alone around other people. Couldn't be truer.

Rating

7.5/10

The Iron Lady (2011)

Genre

Biography | Drama | History

Director

Phyllida Lloyd

Country

France | United Kingdom

Cast

Meryl Streep, Alexandra Roach, Jim Broadbent, Iain Glen, Olivia Colman, Anthony Head, Nicholas Farrell, Richard E. Grant, Susan Brown, Martin Wimbush, Paul Bentley, Robin Kermode, John Sessions, Roger Allam, David Westhead, Michael Pennington, Angus Wright, Julian Wadham, Nick Dunning, Pip Torrens, Ronald Reagan, Reginald Green

Plot

An elderly and prisoner in her own home Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep), Britain's first woman Prime Minister, talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband (Jim Broadbent) as she struggles to come to terms with his death while scenes from her past life, from girlhood to British Prime Minister, intervene.

Opinion

The Iron Lady is not as good as I thought. The storytelling is a huge misfire. Boring at first, enhances a bit, and it gets boring again. This film is mostly about an elder and mentally unbalanced Margaret Thatcher, which remember her life through flashbacks. I would have liked a deeper insight into how she run the country.
Meryl Streep is outstanding and mesmerising as always, but she slightly uplifts the film.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy/Rent on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Margaret Thatcher: Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that. And I think I am fine.

Airey Neave: If you want to change this party, lead it. If you want to change the country, lead it.

Rating

6.0/10

American Sniper (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | War

Director

Clint Eastwood

Country

United States

Cast

Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Max Charles, Luke Grimes, Kyle Gallner, Sam Jaeger, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Navid Negahban, Eric Close, Eric Ladin, Joel Lambert, Rey Gallegos, Kevin Lacz, Brian Hallisay, Jonathan Groff, Ben Reed, Billy Miller, Elise Robertson, Keir O'Donnell, Marnette Patterson, Jason Hall, Leonard Roberts, Sammy Sheik

Plot

Growing up in Texas, Chris Kyle's father (Ben Reed) teaches him how to hunt deer and shoot a rifle. Years later, Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) is nothing more than a rodeo cowboy, when he sees news coverage of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and enlists in the U.S. Navy, where he is eventually accepted for SEAL training, becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper.

After marrying, Kyle and the other members of the team are called for their first tour of Iraq. Kyle's struggle isn't with his missions, but about his relationship with the reality of the war and, once returned at home, how he manages to handle it with his urban life, his wife and kids.

Opinion

American Sniper is a story about war, death, violence, fear, hope and love; and it well describes the moral dilemma that undergoes a sniper in war, and how it does affect a man spending 3 years of his life so. 

While Clint Eastwood, once again, proved to be a major director - the reason why he wasn't nominated as best director is a mystery -, the real story of Chris Kyle is far more complex than shown in the film; because Chris Kyle didn't solve all his problems in a session with a psychiatrist; and he wasn't only scared of sudden noises: while sleeping one night, Kyle almost broke his wife's arm; not to mention his alcohol problems and his several arrests - full story at The New Yorker.

Kyle killing Mustafa is the best scene, photography talking: I loved the way the scene was edited.
Multiple Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper wonderfully portraits Chris Kyle. 

Quotes

Taya: You're my husband, you're the father of my children. Even when you're here, you're not here. I see you, I feel you, but you're not here.

Taya: I need you... to be human again. I need you here.

Rating

9.0/10

The Imitation Game (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | History | Thriller | War

Director

Morten Tyldum

Country

United Kingdom | United States

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Rory Kinnear, Alex Lawther, Jack Bannon, Victoria Wicks, David Charkham, Tuppence Middleton, James Northcote, Steven Waddington

Plot

The film shows Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his team of code-breakers in Hut 8 racing against time as they attempt to break Nazi Germany's Enigma code at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. 

Opinion

Alan Turing, not a man, a genius. If I am able to write this and you are able to read it, it is because of him. But let's return to the film, shall we? The Imitation Game is a wonderful film, and, if you haven't already, I highly recommend you to watch it. It gets emotional at some point, and I will not deny that I cried.

Don't be fooled by the plot, because the essence of this movie is not breaking the Enigma's code, but the diversity: the protagonist's behavioural diversities and homosexuality; but also being a woman in a man's world.

I read somewhere on the Internet that Benedict Cumberbatch's performance was not that good after all. Well, may I dissent? Benedict Cumberbatch was almost perfect. I don't think there are many actors that could have portrayed with such sensitivity this forgotten genius.

Quotes

Alan Turing: Are you paying attention? Good. If you are not listening carefully, you will miss things. Important things. I will not pause, I will not repeat myself, and you will not interrupt me. You think that because you're sitting where you are, and I am sitting where I am, that you are in control of what is about to happen. You're mistaken. I am in control, because I know things that you do not know.[pause] What I will need from you now is a commitment. You will listen closely, and you will not judge me until I am finished. If you cannot commit to this, then please leave the room. But if you choose to stay, remember you chose to be here. What happens from this moment forward is not my responsibility. It's yours. Pay attention.

Alan Turing: Do you know why people like violence? It is because it feels good. Humans find violence deeply satisfying. But remove the satisfaction, and the act becomes... hollow.

Joan Clarke: Do you know, this morning I was on a train that went through a city that wouldn't exist if it wasn't for you. I bought a ticket from a man who would likely be dead if it wasn't for you. I read up, on my work, a whole field of scientific inquiry that only exists because of you. Now, if you wish you could have been normal... I can promise you I do not. The world is an infinitely better place precisely because you weren't.

Joan Clarke: Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.

Rating

9.5/10

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Romance

Director

James Marsh

Country

United Kingdom

Cast

Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Maxine Peake, Charlie Cox, Harry Lloyd, Emily Watson, Guy Oliver-Watts, Simon McBurney, Abigail Cruttenden, Charlotte Hope, Lucy Chappell, David Thewlis, Christian McKay, Enzo Cilenti, Georg Nikoloff, Alice Orr-Ewing, Stephen Hawking

Plot

The film tells the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of - time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed.

Opinion

The Theory of Everything is a heartbreaking masterpiece by James Marsh. Do not expect a mostly scientific film since the human side takes over, through the delicate, difficult and extraordinary love story of Stephen Hawking and his wife Jane.

The score (Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee), by Jóhann Jóhannsson, in particular in the last scenes, gave me goose bumps. 

I would have never expected such a performance by Eddie Redmayne: he is extraordinary in portraying a clear mind, brave and hilarious Stephen Hawking. 

After the stunning work in Like Crazy, Felicity Jones delivers an emotional performance as Jane Hawking.

Quotes

Stephen Hawking: There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there's life, there is hope.

Rating

9.0/10

Philomena (2013)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Stephen Frears

Country

United Kingdom | United States | France

Cast

Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Anna Maxwell Martin, Mare Winningham, Michelle Fairley, Ruth McCabe, Barbara Jefford, Peter Hermann, Simone Lahbib, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Amy McAllister, Cathy Belton, Sean Mahon

Plot

1952. Teenage Philomena (Sophie Kennedy Clark) became pregnant and her father sent her to Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea. Ireland.

After giving birth, she was forced to work in the convent laundry, seven days a week, for four years to pay off the cost of her stay.  One day she discovered that the nuns had given her son to a couple for adoption.

2002. Philomena (Judi Dench) hasn't given up on finding her son (Sean Mahon) and she wants to find out what kind of person he is now. 

Journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) helps her in the search.

Opinion

Philomena is a high emotional content film. The real story is told with great accuracy by a talented director, Stephen Frears. He deserves special mention because a lesser filmmaker could have turned this project into junk. Judi Dench is brilliant as the adult Philomena. 

Quotes

Philomena: Just because you're in first class doesn't make you a first class person.

Rating

8.0/10

The Intouchables (2011)

Original Title

Intouchables

Genre

Biography | Comedy | Drama

Directors

Olivier Nakache | Éric Toledano

Country

France

Cast
François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot, Clotilde Mollet, Alba Gaïa Bellugi, Cyril Mendy, Christian Ameri, Grégoire Oestermann, Thomas Solivéres

Plot
Inspired by the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo (author of Le Second Souffle) and his caretaker, Yasmin Abdel Sellou, the film tells of the encounter between two seemingly distant worlds.

After Philippe (François Cluzet) becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, the aristocrat hires a young man (Omar Sy) - called Driss in the film - from the projects to be his caretaker.

Opinion
A must watch. I gotta say I particularly like French comedies because they are usually good (e.g. Le dîner de cons, Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis).

The Intouchables is able to arise the two most genuine reactions of each human being: laughter and tears. The directors and screenplay writers Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano are able to balance both.

This film is also a wonderful example of goodness without being banal, and shows the great value of friendship.

Quotes
My true disability is not having to be in a wheelchair. It's having to be without her.

Rating
9.0/10

Rush (2013)

Genre

Action | Biography | Drama

Director
Ron Howard

Country
Germany | United Kingdom | United States

Cast
Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Pierfrancesco Favino, David Calder, Natalie Dormer, Stephen Mangan, Christian McKay, Alistair Petrie, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Colin Stinton, Jamie de Courcey, Ilario Calvo, Sean Edwards, Martin J Smith, Rob Austin, Tom Wlaschiha

Plot
James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) are two highly skilled race car drivers who first develop a fierce rivalry in 1970 at a Formula 3 race at the Crystal Palace circuit in England. 

Hunt is a brash, young Englishman with a tendency to drink and vomit before every race, while Lauda is a cool, calculating Austrian technical genius who relies on precision.

After a falling out with his father, Lauda take a large bank loan and buys his way into the BRM - British Racing Motors - Formula 1 team, meeting teammate Clay Regazzoni (Pierfrancesco Favino) for the first time. Meanwhile, Hesketh Racing, the racing team Hunt drives for, enters Formula 1 as well. Lauda then joins Scuderia Ferrari with Regazzoni and wins his first championship in 1975.

In 1976, the fierce rivalry between Hunt and Lauda will reach the peak.

Opinion
As a Formula 1 fan, I already knew about the rivalry between the two of them, and, though I've only read about it, I was afraid the film could have been a disappointment: so it wasn't. Rush is a brilliant film that deserves to be watched at least once. 

Peter Morgan's screenplay is good, but it wouldn't be the same without the two stars of this film, Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, which portrayed Hunt and Lauda almost perfectly.

Quotes
A wise man can learn more from his enemies than a fool from his friends.

The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel. It's a wonderful way to live. It's the only way to drive.
Happiness is your biggest enemy. It weakens you. Puts doubts in your mind. Suddenly you have something to lose.

Rating
8.0/10

Hunger (2008)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director
Steve McQueen

Country
Ireland | United Kingdom

Cast
Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon, Helen Madden, Des McAleer, Helena Bereen, Laine Megaw, Karen Hassan, Frank McCusker, Lalor Roddy, Geoff Gatt, Rory Mullen, Ben Peel, Paddy Jenkins

Plot
Northern Ireland, 1981. 

The film opens with prison officer Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham) preparing to leave for work: he checks under his car for bombs, puts his uniform on and ignores the camaraderie of his colleagues. 

Davey Gillian (Brian Milligan), a new IRA prisoner, arrives. Due to his refusal to wear the prison uniform, he is labeled as "non-cooperative". His roommate, Gerry (Liam McMahon), has smeared the cell with faeces from floor to ceiling for resistance to the prison regime. 

The final focus of the film is Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), Irish Republican activist who deeply believes in the cause for which he was imprisoned and in the righteousness of dying for political prisoner status. 

Opinion
With his first film, Steve McQueen gave birth to a masterpiece, in terms of cinematography (memorable is the dialogue between Father Dominic Moran and Bobby Sands) and in terms of emotions (some scenes are so raw to result unbearable).

Hunger is a magnificent picture of an important moment in history. Needless to be mentioned is the majesty of Michael Fassbender as IRA prisoner Bobby Sands. 

If you are easily impressed I highly recommend you to not watch this film.

Quotes
I have my belief, and in all its simplicity that is the most powerful thing.

Rating
8.5/10