The Criterion Collection

[Scottie]

I only got through the first half of the film because I don't feel like watching anymore. From what I saw, I was not impressed.

We are introduced to this dysfunctional family in the first twenty minutes. They do not have a typical relationship with one another, and in fact, they all seem very immature and juvenile (I guess that's where the humor plays in). It appears to me that the mother and father are going through some sort of midlife crisis. The father wants to start his own little diner via a rusty old trailer and the mother is offering to work as a waitress at a family friend's restaurant.

Each member of the family struggles with something, such as weight, relationships, etc.

From what I've seen thus far, I would advise not blind buying this but rather giving this a rent first.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I think so. But then again my favorite Godard film is 2 or 3 Things I Know about her. So I'm a bit left of center.

That's my 2nd favorite Godard. Vivre Sa Vie is just slightly ahead of it.

Actually, I personally don't think it gets much more accessible than Breathless. For me, Breathless is as entry-level as new wave gets (at least it was for me).

[Hawkguy]

Thanks iScottie. I'm really leaning towards a 'no' on that one.

[billzfan]

Just finished Wild Strawberries. Never saw it before. That was one of the most moving films I've ever seen

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Thanks iScottie. I'm really leaning towards a 'no' on that one.

I felt like they were trying too hard to be funny. Plus, a lot of the insults they used were British, which I'm not very familiar with.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I felt like they were trying too hard to be funny. Plus, a lot of the insults they used were British, which I'm not very familiar with.

I just can't come to love any of Leigh's work outside of Naked.

[monorail91]

Originally Posted by MitchA17

While we're on Godard, Weekend is perhaps the most notable case of me absolutely loving the first 2/3 of a film, than watching in stunned disappointment as it crashed and burned in its 3rd act.

[Show spoiler]I think ending after the couple flees the village would've been a troubling yet perfectly absurd conclusion to show the indifference of the couple, and the sight of the dead dog resulted in shocked laughter for me.

Then the cult kidnaps them.

Not being well-versed in French political history, I was nevertheless thrilled by the style of the film's previous political rants. Perhaps this was Godard's intent, but I felt increasingly restless and irritated the longer the leader's manifesto and the soundtrack's incessant drumming went on.

Perhaps I'll revisit it on Hulu soon, but I don't know. I may pick up the Blu-ray someday, and just turn it off at "my" ending.

I don't know. Perhaps I'm just more comfortable with the idea of the humanity in urban survival than I am with the idea of rural cult brainwashing.

I thought the very end of the film was where the film reached its most biting and cynical representation of humanity, and probably the most interesting (disturbing) elements. Still, the violence was so much (particularly towards the animals, which did not look simulated to me..) to the point where I don't think I'd watch it again, I was so disturbed by it.

But I love Salo and can't get enough of that, so take that with a grain of salt. "Mangia!"

[MrZappa]

Went ahead and bought Naked Lunch for the 19.99 price. Figured it's the cheapest it's gonna be for a while.

[Daigoro]

Originally Posted by monorail91

I thought the very end of the film was where the film reached its most biting and cynical representation of humanity, and probably the most interesting (disturbing) elements. Still, the violence was so much (particularly towards the animals, which did not look simulated to me..) to the point where I don't think I'd watch it again, I was so disturbed by it.

hm, I recently got this movie as a gift, but now im not sure I want to watch it if that's the case.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I felt like they were trying too hard to be funny. Plus, a lot of the insults they used were British, which I'm not very familiar with.

I'm not clear from your review why you didn't like it. Was it just the humour?

Have you seen any of his other films?

[DeadEyesSmiling]

Amazon order I made on April 3rd for Last Year at Marienbad just finalized with a shipping date They say it'll arrive on the 11th!!!

I've still got a pending order for Le Cercle Rouge, so hopefully that one goes through as well!

-DES

[Mansinthe]

Criterion needs new Kurosawa Blurays... throne of Blood , please ^^

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I just can't come to love any of Leigh's work outside of Naked.

I am not surprised since Naked is in vast contrast to most of his other (popular) work. Closest would be Vera Drake but that, even with its subject matter, seems like sweet-bread compared to Naked.

I love his films with comedic elements to them because they still pack punches, IMO. I saw Another Year in the theater and while I laughed out loud at parts - there's so much human drama that I sat stunned, in awe for a good five minutes when the film ended.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I felt like they were trying too hard to be funny. Plus, a lot of the insults they used were British, which I'm not very familiar with.

Eh, I blind bought it anyway. Mike Leigh hasn't done me wrong yet.

[lastemp3ror]

Of all of these Samurai films that Criterion released, are there any that are closer to Harakiri than Seven Samurai? Meaning, something a little darker and suspenseful? I really liked Harakiri, and I would love to see more films along that vain. Thanks

[JoeBuck]

Originally Posted by lastemp3ror

Of all of these Samurai films that Criterion released, are there any that are closer to Harakiri than Seven Samurai? Meaning, something a little darker and suspenseful? I really liked Harakiri, and I would love to see more films along that vain. Thanks

Try Kobayashi's other film Samurai Rebellion. Not quite as suspenseful but its also very tense and powerful with a great ending.
Also has one of Mifunes best performances!

[JHas]

Originally Posted by lastemp3ror

Of all of these Samurai films that Criterion released, are there any that are closer to Harakiri than Seven Samurai? Meaning, something a little darker and suspenseful? I really liked Harakiri, and I would love to see more films along that vain. Thanks

Samurai Rebellion, which is also directed by Kobyashi has the same intensity to it that Harakiri does. It's also got one of the most bad ass endings in all of cinema. Unfortunately it's not on blu-ray, but if you have Hulu Plus, you can watch it on there.

http://www.criterion.com/films/753-samurai-rebellion

Looks like JoeBuck beat me to the punch! I agree, just as powerful as Harakiri.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by DeadEyesSmiling

Amazon order I made on April 3rd for Last Year at Marienbad just finalized with a shipping date They say it'll arrive on the 11th!!!

I've still got a pending order for Le Cercle Rouge, so hopefully that one goes through as well!

-DES

Congrats! That had to be a pleasant surprise.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by UNCMT9

On a side note, has anyone watched Band of Outsiders? I've heard mixed things about it but it looks pretty easy and fun.

The Criterion Blu-ray of Band of Outsiders has my highest recommendation.

I have a write-up on the movie in my User Reviews. It's a fast-paced and fun Godard film that looks perfect in this presentation.

[lastemp3ror]

Originally Posted by JHas

Samurai Rebellion, which is also directed by Kobyashi has the same intensity to it that Harakiri does. It's also got one of the most bad ass endings in all of cinema. Unfortunately it's not on blu-ray, but if you have Hulu Plus, you can watch it on there.

http://www.criterion.com/films/753-samurai-rebellion

Looks like JoeBuck beat me to the punch! I agree, just as powerful as Harakiri.

Awesome thanks to you both. I will watch it and then possibly buy it. Are none of these other blu ray releases similar to Harakiri? Specifically Rashomon, Samurai Trilogy, Three Outlaw Samurai, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, and Sansho the Baliff?