Category: 5 Stars
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Netflix’ The Queen’s Gambit (*****) Taylor-Joy spans the distance between excellence and heart
Give this one a try, if you’re desiring to feel an experience, free of routine and common gimmicks. This is my vote for more work for Frank and Taylor-Joy. And someone start digging up more stories by Walter Tevis.
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Forgotten Gem: About A Boy (*****) He’s Expressing You
The list of movies I have been putting off is shrinking by the day. Add another classic to the list.
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The Lives of Others (*****) …for a good man
This is one of the better films of the last 20 years. It only took me 14 years to see it.
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Forgotten Gem: Hud (*****) Horseman, pass by
Hud may take liberties with the original material, but the greatness of the story shines through. It’s a remarkable story that feels timeless. If you want to understand humans a bit more, you should give it a try.
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Forgotten Gem: Slap Shot (*****) is as good as it gets
The real surprise and the definite treat of the film are the Hansons. They have such an innocence and exuberance for the game of hockey, they carry whatever portion of the film that is not being driven by Newman.
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Criterion: Throne of Blood (*****) is a tragic beauty
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It’s hard to list Kurosawa’s films in terms of greatness. Ranking is almost impossible.
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Criterion: Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple – is giant
Musashi’s presence is undeniable as the burgeoning samurai. His is one of the giant characters in episodic history, every bit worth the value of the legend he represents.
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Criterion: I Live In Fear (*****) has reason on all sides
Kurosawa, Shimura and Mifune by this point are in full swing. There is nothing in the world that matches their ability to relay a story.
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Criterion: Seven Samurai (*****) stands the test of time
Seven Samurai should be Movies 101 for any serious lover of film. If you haven’t seen it, you should.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 