OWFilm World Cup Round 1: Argentina vs. Japan
Voting has now ended on the New Zealand vs. India match, and it was a comfortable victory for the Ringers, but not as one-sided a contest as I predicted. New Zealand (LOTR: The Return of the King) 81% beat India (Gandhi) 19%. First Round of OWFilm World Cup
A modern classic vs. a classic classic! Vote now for which film you prefer... Tale of the reel is after the jump....
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB (7.9) ROTTEN TOMATOES (83%) EMPIRE TOP 500 (Not listed)
Won Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2005 ceremony. Two friends during the midst of their medical studies decide to go on a motorcycling journey in order to see the world and take a break from the rigours of lectures and practice. What begins as a journey of freedom however actually turns into something far more serious as the friends discover the true state of the close world around them. The Motorcycle Diaries is a near perfect foreign language film, presenting a fine mixture of solid dramatic moments and turning points alongside some very humorous scenes which provide light relief in between the more intense and emotional sections. The lead actors have tremendous chemistry and Ernerstos journey of self-discovery as he witnesses the harsh, capitalist world around him is very convincingly portrayed. The film is full of symbolism and rich, poetic language which all help to support the life changing importance of the epic trip and the jaw dropping cinematography also paints a great picture of how each new location helps to alter and develop the thoughtful mindset of the honest and brave protagonist. An inspirational and fantastic biopic of one of the most iconic figures of the twentieth century. INTERESTING FACT: The films Oscar winning singer was unable to perform at the Academy Awards due to the fact that he wasnt a big enough name and suffered the indignation of having to watch his song performed by the commercial pairing of Antonio Banderas and Carlos Santana. He got his own back however by taking to the stage to pick up his gong and singing his way through his acceptance speech.
Seven Samurai (1954)
OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB (8.8, #14) ROTTEN TOMATOES (100%) EMPIRE TOP 500 (#50th)
Had this film been an hour shorter with a less clunky set-up then I would have no problems hailing it as a bona fide masterpiece. I have no problem with an extended opening if it is thematically necessary i.e. The Deer Hunter, but Seven Samurai is a film where I personally find myself growing impatient in the build-up to the action. Once Kurosawas masterpiece picks up steam however it transforms into a rewarding, frantic and inspirational study of bravery and companionship. The battle scenes are immensely choreographed and well paced and you find yourself fully immersed in the back and forth action. A good film but be prepared to have your patience tested from time to time INTERESTING FACT: Seven Samurai is director John Boormans all time favourite film WRITERS VERDICT: I first watched Motorcyle Diaries upon its release and watching it again recently I had actually forgotten how good it was. The film highlights the perfect example of how to take the protagonist on a meaningful and substantial emotional journey without resorting to pretentiousness or overblown sentimentality. Seven Samurai may have more credibility but I feel that it is time to heap more praise on a certain selection of modern films which deserve just as much credit as the classics from the old guard.