ShaunV1990

In Hayao Miyazaki's potential cinematic farewell, a departure from conventional reviews is warranted. Despite initial reservations fueled by IMDB critiques, critics' lyrical appraisals offered reassurance. Miyazaki's final masterpiece unfolds abruptly, sparing no time for a gradual introduction. Each frame is pregnant with meaning, a poignant contrast to the extended production duration. The film, rich in raw emotions and adorned with exquisite visuals, navigates seamlessly between ugliness and well-timed comedy, a hallmark of Miyazaki's universe.

This cinematic journey delves deep into Miyazaki's psyche, revealing a narrative where tragedy and pain harmonize. A meditation on grief and release, the film serves as Miyazaki's testament to progeny, legacy, and the world. It implores viewers not to take the world for granted, urging them to craft their own destinies. The dichotomy of cherishing true connections and relinquishing past loves echoes throughout, with an emphasis on embracing all facets of oneself.

In unequivocal terms, this is Miyazaki's Opus Magnum, a cinematic zenith. It crystallizes a lifetime of storytelling, amalgamating all prior works into a perfect tapestry. As a swan song, it stands as a testament to Miyazaki's unparalleled mastery, encapsulating the essence of his cinematic legacy.

Is it a good, fun and visual stunning movie? YES, without doubt. This is by any means a slow burning sci-fi opera with one of the most beautiful cinematography in history. Is it a masterpiece? NO, absolutely not. I'm a huge Villeneuve fan. Blade Runner 2049 is one of the most underrated movies in years in my opinion. The atmosphere he created there almost was perfection in it's finest form. Somehow he tried to do something similar in this movie, and it just didn't work out for the best. Visuals are important and are decisive factor for the atmosphere in the movie. Villeneuve does this as none other. You will be flabbergasted at many occasions. This in combination with the sound mixing and music by Zimmer really works out well. I love how he captured the somewhat religious vibe in the costumes and decor. Not many movie directors are able to let you believe this world could very well exist. The architectural minimalist approach of the decors really help to get you into the story. And here is where Villeneuve gets it wrong. Somehow the story never really gets launched. Mainly to do with too many bleak characters who are not able to carry the story. This results in a visual stunning sci fi opera with not too many story. And the little story you get is just too little. If you have not read the book you will leave the theaters with the feeling still not knowing what it was all about after 1 1/2 hours. The main problem was that Villeneuve couldn't decide where to end part one, resulting in a messy plot that wasn't a plot.

Still I absolutely adored this movie. Because of the excellent atmospheric style in the movie you could not, not be mesmerised with what was happening on the screen. I have big hopes for part 2 where the story will actually really start. Perhaps splitting this movie in only two parts wasn't the best decision. Many people claim it was to slow. I think it was not slow enough and should really have focused more on an audience that doesn't know the full story.

This story has it all. A gruesome crime on a loveable person. A narcissistic suspect. And beautiful rural scenery. These are almost the subjects which you would like in a book. Sadly enough this happened to Sophie. It has been quite some time since Netflix produced another great true crime series in the lines of; "Making a murderer", "The Staircase", "The Keepers",... There has been much garbage in their catalogus in the meanwhile. But not this one. A gripping, horrific story of a poor woman who found her dead on the place she loved most. An extremely narcissistic suspect, who does what narcissist do best. Making whole this story about them. Even if he has not done it, he is still a very disturbed character. Someone pointed correctly out that this case had gone from the Sophie case to the Bailey case. When you conclude this series you will indeed feel that you on the way kind of lost Sophie. That is why it's so good. It does exactly what Bailey did to the case.