Here's something different for tonight: me reviewing two different films that I've watched as of late, both foreign and both on Instant. After some words and the plot description, the rest is from Letterboxd.
Big Bad Wolves (2013)
Runtime: 110 minutes
Directed by: Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado
Starring: Tzahi Grad, Lior Ashkenzai, Rotem Keinan, Doval'e Glickman
From: United Channel Movies
Here's a foreign film that has gotten a lot of buzz over the past year or so; none other than Tarantino said that it was his favorite movie of 2013. There is a certain element or two that made it clear to me QT would love this. And, this happens to be a film from Israel, a recent hotbed of activity in terms of world news but that's the last time I will talk about that controversial topic. The directors had previously done a film called Rabies and that also got some hype but not like this.
The plot from the IMDb: “A series of brutal murders puts the lives of three men on a collision course: The father of the latest victim now out for revenge, a vigilante police detective operating outside the boundaries of law, and the main suspect in the killings - a religious studies teacher arrested and released due to a police blunder.” To clarify, the crimes being committed were the murder of little girls and it's gruesome stuff.
Well, I know this isn't the most popular opinion but the movie turned me off. It's about how three people come together after a young girl is violated and killed in a rather gross way and it's the latest in a series of similar crimes. The latest girl's father, a loose cannon cop who sort of looks like Frank Stallone (the fact that he wears blue jeans and a black leather jacket helps me with thinking he's Frank Stallone) and the meek guy accused of the horrific crimes all come together.
Really, this is just a dour unpleasant joyless movie. There are attempts at jet-black humor and I have no issue with dark comedy as a general principle but in a story like this? I thought it ended up being kind of gross, you know.
While there were memorable moments and a few times I was amused, I thought it got pretty ridiculous and with the ending they went with... it was less than satisfying and made me wonder why I put myself through what I thought was basically a torture porn movie (I know some hate that term but it's the easiest one to use here), just done prettier and fancier than most, and you don't even really know the characters all that well by the end either.
If you happen to love this movie that is OK, but to me watching it ended up not being that fun or enjoyable of an experience.
Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe (Zhauzhurek Myng Bala) (2012)
Runtime: 110 minutes
Directed by: Akan Satayev
Starring: Asylkhan Tolypov, Tlektes Meiramov, Toleubek Aralbai, Eduard Ondar
From: Kazakhfilm Studios
Here's a movie that I have had in my Instant queue for awhile. I stumbled upon it and I was interested because it was from the country of Kazakhstan and it's a historical tale about events in the country's past; let's be honest here, when most people think of the country they think of Borat, which to me is unfortunate as it's an atrocious character...
The plot description from the IMDb: "A universal story about the freedom of the human spirit and the struggle against slavery and despotism, about love, loss and betrayal. It is seen through the eyes of simple Kazakh kids and teenagers." I know, it's generic but let me explain.
Anyhow, this is a tale set in the 18th century where the native Kazakh people were invaded by the Dzungarian people and how the Kazakh people tried to fight back to get back their homeland and the focus is on several teenagers. Really, it's standard all around.
It's not a film I hated by any means. The costumes were cool, the sets were nice to look at and so was the natural scenery of the country. It's just that like I said, it's a standard tale and yes, it's filled with cliches and it's the cliches you won't be surprised at in the least bit. There are battles, in-fighting, drama, and all the rest. I am sure that for the people of the country it's all inspiring and moving; for me, it's average overall and a 2 ½ star rating is perfect for it.
At least I gave it a chance; from looking at this site and IMDb, not too many people who frequent those sites have checked it out despite it being on Instant for awhile.
I'll return tomorrow night.
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