La Chimera (2023)
My Rating: 10/10
La Chimera is a poetic, beautiful, and nihilistic masterpiece that skillfully blends the theme of class divide with a detached, timeless emotion, creating a stark contrast between human struggle and transcendence. The film evokes the spirit of the best European cinema from the 1960s. With its characters occasionally displaying absurd and bizarre traits and its frequent depictions of dreams and the subconscious, the film is reminiscent of Fellini's later classic works. Director Alice adeptly employs changes in aspect ratio and frame rate, even incorporating direct interactions between characters and the audience, reminiscent of Godard's playful style.
The film's two main characters are vividly portrayed: the female protagonist is kind yet clumsy, consistently infusing the film with vibrant and sweet feelings. In sharp contrast, the male protagonist embarks on a long journey of self-imposed exile from the very beginning, constantly haunted by ghostly memories of his past.
Like her previous works, Happy as Lazzaro (2018) and The Wonders (2014), Alice once again focuses her lens on the southern Italian countryside. Under the azure sky, elements of mysticism, realism, emotion, time, memory, the afterlife, and redemption intertwine to create a richly layered world that is both real and dreamlike. In this magical land, anything is possible.
Girl (2018)
My Rating: 8/10
A meticulously crafted and well-produced example of contemporary European art cinema, Girl stands out for its striking cinematography and evocative music. The director's choice to utilize handheld cameras for the dance sequences injects these scenes with dynamic energy. The protagonist, often rendered speechless, seldom articulates her inner emotions through words. This astute narrative decision compels viewers to immerse themselves in the protagonist's experiences, intuiting her feelings and following her journey closely. By breaking down the barrier between the audience and protagonist, the film transforms the traditional role of the viewer from mere observer to active participant. This shift enhances the film's emotional impact, creating an immersive viewing experience that resonates deeply with its audience.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
My Rating: 8/10
Compared to the roughly produced Shaw Brothers films of the same era, this Hollywood production excels in almost every aspect, from cinematography to editing, scriptwriting, set design, and performance. This marked a turning point for kung fu cinema, leading to three distinct categories of outstanding kung fu films. Firstly, there are the all-around well-made Hollywood productions that garnered global mainstream attention. Then, there are the rough yet masterfully choreographed Hong Kong kung fu films, exemplified by filmmakers like Lau Kar-leung and Sammo Hung. Finally, there are the King Hu-style kung fu films, which aim to revive ancient Chinese aesthetics through ambitious artistic endeavors. The closest successors to this category are Zhang Yimou’s Hero (2002) and Lee Ang’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).
Extra Information: First watched this movie in the early 2000s. Revisited it in June 2024.