There are films. And then there are films.

[FirstAscent]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

Although I enjoy good films, I don't have the intellect on this subject matter to contribute wisely to this thread. (I hope this post doesn't come back and haunt me on some other topic)

When you say "good films", which do you mean:
- Films which are deemed to be good by some higher standard
- Films which the public really liked

Yasujiro Ozu's Late Spring might fall into the former. The Avengers falls into the latter. I liked both films. Some people might avoid the former for a number of reasons, such as the fact that its black and white, subtitled, older, and lacking any eye popping visuals. Some people might avoid the latter for a number of reasons, such as the fact that its another summer blockbuster that puts action and visuals over a higher intellectual and emotional experience.

As I said, I liked both films. But I'd be curious to hear your idea of what a good film is.

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[FirstAscent]

I just watched Farewell My Concubine. Good movie. Nearly three hours long. Outstanding performance by Leslie Cheung. Gong Li stars in it as well.

[FirstAscent]

I have recently watched:

- When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
- No Regrets for our Youth
- One Wonderful Sunday
- Early Summer
- An Autumn Afternoon
- Tokyo Story
- Twenty-four Eyes

All wonderful movies.

Three of them starred Setsuko Hara. That's a big plus. For the first time, I saw Hideko Takamine. Now I want to see all films that she's in.

Please share recent movies you have seen. No spoilers please.

[FirstAscent]

First, this is how the conversation went with myrkul in another thread:

As an aside, here's a beautiful and famous film for you that is anti-war, anti-nationalist, and anti-fascist. Don't miss out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWNl2IbVJMs

Dude, what is it with you and Japanese movies? You're like a fucking hipster or something.

Not to derail the thread, but this needs to be answered, here and now. It has nothing to do with hipsterism. You are completely missing the point. We're all aware of Hollywood films. No need to recommend films which people are aware of. As for Japanese films, most are aware of the Samurai films, the monster films, and likely the gangster films. That's how a lot of the public visualize Japanese cinama. But there's another class of Japanese films that most, such as yourself, are unaware of, and yet are not just considered great Japanese films, but are ranked as some of the greatest films ever made worldwide. Yet so many are unaware of them. Do yourself a big favor, and stop resisting because the messenger is me. As an example, the above recommended film (Twenty-four Eyes) is very powerful. You should experience films by the following Japanese directors: Yasujiro Ozu (Late Spring, Early Summer), Mikio Naruse (When a Woman Ascends the Stairs, Floating Clouds), Kenji Mizoguchi (Ugetso, Street of Shame), Masahiro Shinoda (Pale Flower), Hiroshi Teshigahara (Woman of the Dunes, The Face of Another) and Keisuke Kinoshita (Twenty-four Eyes). And from Tawain: Edward Yang (Yi Yi, A Brighter Summer Day). And from Hong Kong: Wong Kar-Wai (In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express, Days of Being Wild, 2046). And many others.

Ignore them at the risk of never discovering something wonderful. You don't know until you try. Post in the film thread, and continue this discussion. You're invited to debate me, argue with me, post your opinions, post your reviews, or learn more about these films. Give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose, and possibly something to gain.

As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.

I used to be averse to older films (they're grainy black and white, often have static camera shots, over acting, etc.). But I was wrong. I missed so much. I was also averse to subtitles. But I was wrong. You will get used to subtitles. I promise that. And as for older film stocks, story trumps all.

Regarding the director Mikio Naruse, the actress he uses most is Hideko Takamine. You are missing something wonderful until you see her performances. Same goes for the director Yasujiro Ozu and his favorite actress, Setsuko Hara. These two actresses are considered to be most loved and revered actresses in the history of Japanese cinema, and for good reason. But you'll never know until you start watching films they've appeared in. Why cheat yourself? Here's a fan made video which is a tribute to Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine. I admit, you just won't be able to appreciate these two women until you actually watch the stories they appear in, but it's a start.

Here's the tribute to Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O6tdZucyVc

One movie I recently watched was Akira Kurosawa's No Regrets for our Youth, starring Setsuko Hara. It's an anti-war film which takes place during World War II.

Here's a fan made tribute to Setsuko Hara from No Regrets for our Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUGhS7t903c

Masahiro Shinoda likes to put Mariko Kaga in his films. To say she is cute is about the biggest understatement ever made.

And then, in modern times, we have the stars Wong Kar-Wai likes. They are Tony Leung, Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, Faye Wong, Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li. Zhang Ziyi's performance in 2046 was absolutely stunning. Maggie Cheung is one of China's biggest stars. All are wonderful.

Mikio Naruse: Naruse generally explores the plight of women with the society they find themselves in.
- When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooW3aSKfsVA

Wong Kar-Wai: Wong's films are all about unrequited love. He has completely changed the way films are made, and is one of the most controversial directors making films today.
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfZbh4cteqI
- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4
- Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8
- Chungking Express: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjd7PFf_TFw
- Fallen Angels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZda7nWftQI

Masahiro Shinoda:
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

Edward Yang:
- Yi Yi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw
- A Brighter Summer Day

Keisuke Kinoshita:
- Twenty-four Eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWNl2IbVJMs

Yasujiro Ozu: (two clips, not trailers)
- Early Summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF3Gz66P2zQ
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyY02NdkINw

[kakobrekla]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

[myrkul]

As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and while I won't reject them out of hand simply due to the source, I may or may not watch them. I'll be judging them on their merits, not yours.

Which brings me to the next point. You may not be out to annoy me with film suggestions (regardless of the fact that that is what you are accomplishing), but you are out to (re)educate me. And we know how well reeducation works out for the pupil. When I want culture, I'll go get it. You can stop bringing it to me.
Thanks!

[FirstAscent]

As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and while I won't reject them out of hand simply due to the source, I may or may not watch them. I'll be judging them on their merits, not yours.

Which brings me to the next point. You may not be out to annoy me with film suggestions (regardless of the fact that that is what you are accomplishing), but you are out to (re)educate me. And we know how well reeducation works out for the pupil. When I want culture, I'll go get it. You can stop bringing it to me.
Thanks!

Sharing movies to watch is not reeducation. It's sharing movies to watch. Please share your own suggestions.

And I am waiting for those suggestions. I am indeed curious. Are they tied strictly to your political beliefs? Is V is for Vendetta high on your list? Why would you prefer Bollywood recommendations over Japanese recommendations? Do you prefer intellectually stimulating films? Films with beautiful cinematography? Are you averse to subtitles? Do black and white films turn you off? Do you like films with certain actors or actresses?

Will I disrespect your choices? No, I won't. I'll just try and point you to additional films to watch.

[myrkul]

Sharing movies to watch is not reeducation. It's sharing movies to watch. Please share your own suggestions.

Stalking me with movie recommendations in completely unrelated threads may or may not be an attempt at reeducation, but it sure as hell is annoying. As I said, if and when I want culture, I am more than capable of seeking it out myself. I get that you have discovered Japanese Cinema. I'm glad for you. Contrary to what your Aspergers tells you, however, not everyone is necessarily as interested in it as you are, and definitely not necessarily right this moment. So lay off. At least keep it to this thread. I'm subscribed now (just as I am to that other thread) so if you feel the need to spout off about either subject, feel free. Just don't do so when we're speaking about unrelated topics, capisce?

[FirstAscent]

Sharing movies to watch is not reeducation. It's sharing movies to watch. Please share your own suggestions.

Stalking me with movie recommendations in completely unrelated threads may or may not be an attempt at reeducation, but it sure as hell is annoying. As I said, if and when I want culture, I am more than capable of seeking it out myself. I get that you have discovered Japanese Cinema. I'm glad for you. Contrary to what your Aspergers tells you, however, not everyone is necessarily as interested in it as you are, and definitely not necessarily right this moment. So lay off. At least keep it to this thread. I'm subscribed now (just as I am to that other thread) so if you feel the need to spout off about either subject, feel free. Just don't do so when we're speaking about unrelated topics, capisce?

You're taking it too seriously because of our constant agitation with each other. You are the only one who has been on the receiving end of a film suggestion in any other thread (as far as I can remember). The film recommendations are ways of taking a heated argument and flipping it on its side. No need to be quite so offended by it any more than what would have otherwise transpired in said thread. Once an argument gets to that point, a random reply (that actually might have more value than a continued flame war) is just that.

However, my random film recommendations to you were also, in fact, as you probably sensed, precisely a showing of disrespect to you, in more ways than one. But you knew that, because we're both aware of our intense disrespect for each other, at various times. So the purpose was to achieve two simultaneous goals:

1. Show disrespect in turn, as it goes both ways.
2. Find a neutral topic, where amends can be made.

As for stalking, let's not go there. Rather than point out hypocrisy, instead, I'm offering you constructive discourse on the subject of film.

Furthermore, you're accusing me of being fixated on Japanese cinema. Actually, it's an exploration of all of film, in stages, as per what currently strikes my fancy. My abilities to recommend Eastern European and Russian films at this point are limited (all I can do is mention Andrei Tarkovsky). Better that I share what I know, rather than pontificate on what I am not familiar with. But it goes further than that, as there is a special place within the film library for Japanese cinema. Consider that the most recent high level poll places Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Story (starring Setsuko Hara) as the greatest film ever made. All directors mentioned appear on the short lists (from perhaps 50,000 to 100,000 total films that have seen theatrical release).

Anyone who likes film (isn't that most everyone?) deserves to be exposed to some of the greatest films, many of which are Japanese.

So feel free to take offense at the disrespect I have shown you, but don't be so critical of the fact that you have learned of some of the potential in viewing Japanese cinema now, as opposed to when you desire it, as the two are unlikely to coincide unless you learn of it to begin with due to some random exposure, which is happening right now.

[FirstAscent]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

[kakobrekla]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

[Ragnar17]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

It seems to me you like to hear yourself talk/type

[FirstAscent]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

Who do you think directed the movie you mention that you continue to watch?

[FirstAscent]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

It seems to me you like to hear yourself talk/type

Not my choice, but yours. I'm here to listen too. You're apparently not here to listen, and you're obviously not here to contribute.

[kakobrekla]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

Who do you think directed the movie you mention that you continue to watch?

Well, his movies vary a lot. For example, I enjoyed his somewhat meta physical art film The Limits of Control (2009) as well, on the other hand, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) seemed barley average to me.

[FirstAscent]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

Who do you think directed the movie you mention that you continue to watch?

Well, his movies vary a lot. For example, I enjoyed his somewhat meta physical art film The Limits of Control (2009) as well, on the other hand, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) seemed barley average to me.

You don't know until you try. There's also Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law and Night on Earth. Those three and Mystery Train are Criterion films. That right there says something. I've only seen Mystery Train.

[Ragnar17]

Jim Jarmusch seems interesting. Ive seen Broken Flowers and am still not sure what I should think because of the ending, but I definitely laughed out loud a couple times. I will have to check out his other stuff. I consider this next suggestion the best movie I have ever seen so of course I think others will like it. I would love to hear what others think. And I know its free online. And see it subbed not dubbed.

Paprika ~ Satoshi Kan

Mind blowing and was the movie that completely inspired inception. You can do so much more with animation especially relating to the dream topic. Besides the whole dream idea, it can be pretty deep philosophically if you think about it that way. Very fast paced and you have to be on your game to be able to even understand it let alone catch all the amazing little things.

[FirstAscent]

And see it subbed not dubbed.

That's the proper way to watch any non-animated film which requires translation. Dubs are a poor surrogate for original acting.

Paprika ~ Satoshi Kan

I never heard of it, but now I'm interested. Especially since Satoshi Kon also directed Millennium Actress, which is on my list to watch. So I'm curious, have you watched Millennium Actress? There's a particular reason I ask, and it relates to a post I made about a week ago, not to mention the fact that it relates heavily to most of my posts.

[myrkul]

And see it subbed not dubbed.

That's the proper way to watch any non-animated film which requires translation. Dubs are a poor surrogate for original acting.

FTFY. Original voice acting is always better.

[FirstAscent]

And see it subbed not dubbed.

That's the proper way to watch any non-animated film which requires translation. Dubs are a poor surrogate for original acting.

FTFY. Original voice acting is always better.

I am not necessarily in disagreement with you. But in certain animated films, an English voice actor and the original voice actor may both voice act equally well to an animation, since they're both coming at the work from the same position. But in live action, there is a huge difference between the person doing the acting, and someone trying to match that actor's internal emotions and external appearance.