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Too Close (2021)
Phenomenal acting by Denise Gough
The other night I watched The Joker for which Joaquin Phoenix was rightfully awarded several prizes. After having seen all three episodes of Too Close, I am of the opinion that Denise deservers similar awards. The way she plays her role as a disturbed person really is phenomenal. In this way the series sheds a light on what it must feel like if one suffers from such disturbances. Uncomfortable to watch but very worthwhile.
Oberst Redl (1985)
Wonderful
I find this to be one of the most rewarding movies that I know. The setting in time, beginning of 20th century, is a defining moment in history and this is interestingly depicted here. Maybe over dramatized in some case, but one can really feel the tension in the air of the great Habsburg empire during the final stage of its disintegration. This - serving the greater good of the empire - is set off against the personal ambitions of Colonel Redl, whose role is magnificently played by Klaus Maria Brandauer. What will this bring him? That'ss the haunting part of the very last scenes where you can genuinely feel the conflict he needs to resolve. As always this is a core theme of Szabo's movies and this is wonderfully brought to life here.
Identity (2003)
Far fetched ending
Initially a 7.3 average rating did sound bad so we decided to watch this movie, especially since the ending would have a twist. It started ok (although the succession of events was not really plausible but hey, it's a movie). However, towards the end, it becomes too much and the final plot twist really is too far fetched. Given this outcome, I do not recommend to watch it.
Behind Her Eyes (2021)
Disappointment at the end
Initially I was impressed with the acting (and this continued right through the entire series) as well as the story (couldn't wait to see how it would end). Unfortunately, the last episode was a total disappointment. Namely, there suddenly is some far fetched, supernatural explanation for everything what had happened. That ending was incongruent with the rest of the story and frankly disappointed completely.
Chernobyl (2019)
Best series I have ever seen but very depressing
Watching this series while realizing that it actually happened enhances the experience. The attention for detail and the brilliant actors really are phenomenal. It is like watching a horror movie, filled with anxiety, loss, love, politics and bravery. Ultimately is also reveals how the political regime is inseparably linked to the disaster which took place, any issue which is also addressed.
Don't be surprised if you feel depressed after seeing it though....
MotherFatherSon (2019)
Billy Howle deserves an Oscar
I started watching this series with some scepsis (I am not a huge Richard Gere fan) but was very pleasantly surprised - filmed with much attention for detail, interesting plot (sometimes a bit over the top, especially where Richard Gere's father gets involved) and one thing which stands out above all the rest is the acting performance of Billy Howle. Really "world class" especially after his suffering (spiler) from a stroke). Wow!
Hamilton (2020)
Good camerawork, exiting but does anyone understand the story?
In itself, this is not a bad series: the acting was good, locations interesting and good camerawork. However - and this may be me - the last episode was a disappointment in that I cannot make any sense of the actual storyline.
La French (2014)
More than your average crime movie
I watched this movie and was impressed by a solid story line (it is not your average crime movie), the good actors and the attention for detail. As another reviewer wrote, you should really see especially if you want an impression of what a good French movie consists of.
Cold Pursuit (2019)
Utterly predictible, standard plot
I watched this movie during a long-haul flight. Although it was entertaining to some degree, the plot was really very predictable and nothing special. It's just ok, nothing more. Characters are the archtype good and bad guy, tender loving scenes with the bad guy's child, action you can see a mile coming etc.
El embarcadero (2019)
It drags on forever
I wacthed the first two episodes and although the story itself has some potential, it really is strechted beyond the limit. The first six episodes migth as well have been condensed in one which in turn would have added to the quality. There is no "punch line" until the very end and this in turn is predicatable / could have been interwoven from the very beginning.
I fast forwarded the episodes and in the meantime read a book.
After Life (2019)
A little gem
This is one of these fine examples of how (in my view only) the British can make a series which is both funny, entertaining. moving and dealing with a sensitive matter. As it happened, we were just discussing the topic during dinner and subsequently tumbled upon this series. It contained the same philosophy and managed to add humor to it. Highly recommended.
A sequel is apparently planned - just hope it does not ruin the first by adding a worse sequel.
Cold in July (2014)
Disappointing
Disappointing movie: it starts off ok, with lots of attention for detail, i.e. the time in which this played. However, as the movie unfolds, the story becomes illogical (what happened with the mafia?) and predictably ends in a shoot-out. I am afraid it is not worth watching.
Il miracolo (2018)
Kafka
If Kafka had been a director, he would certainly have liked this series. Both magical and realistic, wonderful actors and well shot. Can't wait for the sequel.
Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter (2013)
Beste series I have seen
I finished watching the last episode yesterday evening and couldn't help being moved by it. So much attention has been given to details, the story line and the casting - it really is outstanding. I can imagine how it has contributed an insight into the "parents's generation" who were involved in the German side of WW II. It also shows that you cannot predict an outome of who will, in the end, do what. Very highly recommendable but bear in mind that this is not something casual.
Sausage Party (2016)
Funny & original but probably not to everyone's taste
If you are thinking of taking your children to this movie, then don't; it is by no means a "Disney-like" movie. If you want to see something which is rude (I cannot think of any other animation movie in which the f-word has been used so frequently), original and very funny then you should certainly go. The guys who wrote the plot must either have been drugged or drunk (or both at the same time). I very much enjoyed it although some might find it too offensive.
Elle (2016)
Not worth watching
Maybe my expectations were too high but this movie is not worth watching. Apart from being crude, the story is really unbelievable: being raped a number of times and not calling the police? Through a second story-line they invented a reason why the police wasn't involved, but that is equally far-fetched. I nevertheless decided to see the end, hoping that there as some magical outcome which I hadn't foreseen but that does not happen either. Very disappointing.
River (2015)
Some of the best acting you can see
This mini-series actually consists of two interwoven story-lines: that of the detective storyline and that of the main character's mental disorder. It is therefore not your average thriller / detective; instead it has depth and is sometimes even philosophical. How Stefan plays the main character is simply outstanding - only in very few other movies / series will you see an actor performing so well. In addition, all of the other actors - none of whom are the traditional "Hollywood stars" - are similarly way above average. Finally, and you may not notice this straightaway, the series is well put together, something which for this series will have been a true challenge.
It is really highly recommendable to watch. Do not expect something "light / easy"; it will grasp you and the last episode is quite moving.
Bloodline (2015)
Almost uncomfortable
Another hit from Netflix. The gradual build-up of psychological tension between a family makes this series compelling to watch, even to the extent of feeling uncomfortable as you witness how things unwind. All actors are good, with Kyle's role being simply outstanding. Only look at the expressions on his face when he shifts from being in control to being out of control (especially when his wife starts to find out what is going on).
Highly recommendable.