Ed's Review Dot Com

IDG China Media,

Bingbing Li, Gianna Jun, Vivian Wu, Hugh Jackman, Archie Kao, Wu Jiang

Two stories intertwined about the lifelong friendship of two girls from 19th Century China, and two girls who are descendants of these girls in modern China. According to the prologue, marriage carried all benefits for the men, wealth, power, and gain, but through a custom of laotong, two women would become sisters for life and be devoted to each other and to protect and nurture each other. We join the two modern day girls as they are taught the custom and told the reason why they should watch out for each other. But one of the girls writes the story of their ancestors, Snow Flower (Gianna Jun) and Lily (Bingbing Li) who were matched when they were seven years old hundreds of years ago. The wrote between the folds of a white silk fan, in a secret language. In modern times, Nina (Bingbing Li) and Sophia (Gianna Jun) struggle to maintain their connection in the face of their lives, careers, and the troubles of the modern world. They become separated due to problems and secrets until a horrible tragedy brings them back together in a way that neither would wish.

This is a very beautiful film, and a wonderful story, though not perfect. First and foremost, this is not the book. I have not read the book, but from what I hear it’s a wonderful story. The story of ancestral girls is from the book, and of course it goes far deeper into the relationship and hardships of these two girls. The movie, on the other hand, invents a whole new modern day story which really angered the lovers of the book. For purists, the intertwining of the two stories is very confusing. I didn’t find that to be the case at all, as although the same two girls play both roles, it is very easy to tell which time period you are looking at as the background, dress, and scenery is very different.

The other complaint I hear is that it is slow. Movies of this genre usually are, and this is no exception. It’s a deep and somewhat dark look at how the lives of women in China it rough. Like Joy Luck Club (which is from the same people) it’s not a fast paced action adventure. So some of the critics were vicious on this film, and I don’t think it’s warranted. I thought it was very touching, very poignant, and very beautiful. The lessons that the girls learned (the two stories are surprisingly similar) are valuable. Friendships should be loyal and long lasting, and having a friend for life is a stellar accomplishment. Too often we get twisted away on the turns and obstacles in our life, and lose our focus. It’s nice to have someone who can ground us to our roots. Especially in Asian cultures where family relationships are so important, this is a good lesson.

The stories are very strong, and very touching. Bring a Kleenex with you when you watch it. Find a nice warm mug of hot chocolate and a snuggie and put this film on. It should be done in one sitting, so’s to get the entire impact, and I think you’ll find it enjoyable, at least if you’ve got a soft spot in there somewhere. Hugh Jackman makes an appearance (and sings in Chinese of all things) but don’t blink you’re eyes or you’ll miss him. Well, maybe not, as he really stands out in a film mostly in Chinese (with English Subtitles) with mostly Chinese characters. 🙂

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

TriStar Pictures, Stage 6 Films, Our Stories Films,

Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, Julie Bowen, DeRay Davis, Valarie Pettiford

It’s culture war when Jason Taylor (Laz Alonso) invites his mom (Loretta Devine) who are down home poor southern family from very humble settings to his wedding to Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) at her rich family’s Martha’s Vineyard mansion. Things start off badly when they don’t arrive to meet Mama, but send someone to pick her up. From there it goes bad to worse, as Jason’s mother is offended by the French speaking mixed racial and uppity Watson family, so she does her best to break them up before they start. At first the Watson’s are appalled at Mama’s behavior, but as it turns out, they have a few secrets and problems of their own. In the end, it’s too much for them to take and Jason and Sabrina figure it’s time to call off the wedding.

This is a very funny movie. The characters are well developed. It’s a black movie that isn’t really. As a white person, I can completely understand the problems and issues of these families. It’s easy enough for this old Caucasian to understand, because the same problems face us all. The details may be different, but at some time or another we feel like we’re out of our element, trying to fit in with someone who feel is above us or below us. Either way, it’s comfortable. I didn’t understand the meaning of “Jumping the Broom” and I didn’t know this custom existed. It was nicely explained by Mrs. Taylor, and was a defining moment in the film. We have problems and challenges no matter how high on the horse we think we are.

The whole rest of the characters too are very interesting, and there’s enough meat and potatoes to the storyline to make it interesting all the way through the film, but the bottom line is that it’s very funny. It’s also very PG-13, so there is no nasty stuff in this film. It’s good for all but the very young ones who will probably be bored. Otherwise it’s a really fine film. Very well done, and well worth putting this in your queue!

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Movie Rentals Releasing Tuesday February 7, 2012

• The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
• A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas [Click Here for Eds Review]
• Anonymous
• Filth to Ashes, Flesh to Dust
• Project Nim

BBC Scotland, Creative Scotland, Head Gear Films,

Simona Mauriello, Claire Greaney, Suzanne Coyle, Brogan McKay, Julia O’Rourke, John Whitehurst, Joe Bitter, John Carey, Sandun Verschoor

Jig is a documentary looking at the preparation for, and performance at the 40th Irish Dancing World Championships. From small kids just starting out, to near professional older teens, these kids work day and night to perfect their skills in the precise footwork it takes to compete in the World Championships. Irish dance is a unique performance art, depending all on the footwork, and it is a grueling sport. We look closely at the people who are fierce competitors. We see the extreme love they have for the sport as well as the sacrifice, pain, and suffering they go through to perfect their game. Each of the characters has his or her own story, and their situations are different. This is a look at the championships start to finish.

This is a well shot story, and very good if you’re interested in Irish dancing. However, if you’re not, there’s not much else here. There is a fair amount of suspense over who will win. It’s especially interesting watching the little girls compete. But they don’t ever explain the scoring system in the least, and it’s very weird. There is a whole page of numbers, and the scores are like, 27, 6, 1215, 82. I watched the tense contestants waiting as the scores were read, and they would suddenly erupt like they knew they won, while I had no clue what was going on. In other sports like gymnastics, figure skating, and the like, the announcers tell us the basics of the scoring system and it’s fairly simple. “Sally needs at least a 127 to take first place” In this sport, it could have used a little bit of explanation. Otherwise, there’s no real suspense or excitement. The dancing is very good, and the people are interesting, for sure, but it’s just no captivating unless you’re into the dancing. So beware if you’re not interested in a dancing documentary, as you could be bored to tears if you’re not. But if you are, this is a great way to learn the basic requirements of Irish dancing.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

The Strike Productions,

Taylor Schilling, Grant Bowler, Edi Gathegi, Michael O’Keefe, Paul Johansson, Patrick Fischler, Matthew Marsden, Geoff Pierson, Jsu Garcia, Armin Shimerman

The time is the future. The world is coming apart. Factories have shut down, food is scarce, and one by one the prime business people who ran the businesses were disappearing all over the country. Life was pretty miserable. But Dagny Taggert (Taylor Schilling) is the operating executive of a once mighty transcontinental railroad. She thinks the answer may rest with a remarkable invention and the man who created it. Teaming up with Henry Rearden (Grant Bowler) owner of the factory that makes a new kind of steel, much stronger and lighter, they rebuilt the aging railroad and set out for the guy whose invention may save the economy. Everything now depends on finding him and discovering the answer to the question on the lips of everyone as they whisper it in fear: Who *is* John Galt?

Based on Anne Rand’s 1957 novel, this is a futuristic film. It’s a dire look, much like Orwell’s 1984, at the future of mankind with an over powerful government, and corporate greed. This movie appears to have had a hard time being born. Many celebrities were associated and the dis-associated to the project. It has been talked about and planned for years, and even had a potential of a big multi night mini-series back in the 80’s when those were so popular. Now it’s out, and it appeared with a very small plop. But it’s not a bad movie. With the right star power, it might have been a really big hit. But it’s nice that we have it on DVD now that we can view in our own homes. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the running of the high speed train through the hills and mountains, rivers and lakes of Colorado.

The acting isn’t bad. The prime leads do their best. This could have used some star power to make it more likely to be successful, but surprising to me that I have never heard of this story. The term Atlas Shrugged comes from the idea that Atlas is the god who held the world on his shoulders. It’s a good metaphor. The story is a little bit dated, but so are 1984, Animal Farm, and many of the other stories of old. But it’s a thoughtful story, and is very worthwhile watching if you’re not familiar with the tale.

From what I understand, the book is much longer and has a lot more stuff about how the world got into the state it’s in. I suppose that would have been used in a longer mini-series version of the book, but for a feature film, I think they were very wise to just accept the premise that the economy is a mess, and not explain it. I think the story is still very strong told in 90 minutes or so.

I recommend this film for anyone who like the cerebral movies that make you think. That’s what this is for. But the story is strong enough to be interesting even if you’re not interested in the literary qualities. It’s still a good mystery story, and a drama of tycoons and business. Well worth the time spent watching it.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog