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raphael_lim
Reviews
The Visual Bible: Matthew (1993)
Under-rated film
I've seen many of the movies made about the life of Jesus from the "Greatest Story Ever Told" to "Jesus Christ Superstar". I would have to say that Bruce Marchiano's portrayal makes Jesus as being very humane and compassionate about the suffering of the community. The Jesus he plays steers away from the stoic Shakespearean-type portrayals by Max Van Sydow and Robert Powell, making the character very accessible and someone you care about. In addition to Bruce Marchiano's pretty watchable performance, it was good to hear the late Richard Kiley's narrative of the Gospel, his rich unique voice (we'll miss it) enhancing the treatment of the story. Overall, I liked this film which is underrated and less-watched in comparison to the other more famous depictions of Jesus' life.
Having watched this film recently has encouraged me to want to watch Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" when it comes to Singapore next month. It would be interesting to make comparisons between the two films. I speculate that the films probably would complement each other, providing different perspectives to Jesus' character and life.
The Keys of the Kingdom (1944)
What a wonderful story!
What a wonderful story of a man, despite much adversity, contributes himself to the Chinese community he loves so much. It is amazing how Peck makes it so effortless (even in his only second film)in portraying a young man to one in his twilight years. He personifies morality and quiet integrity in this film, reminiscent to the role that he would play nearly twenty years later in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.
The supporting cast which performs more than ably is led by Cedric Hardwicke playing a monsignor who was initially critical of the Peck character but emerges having respect for him after reading his memoirs (which form the narration for the film. Others include Thomas Mitchell as the irreverent self-proclaimed atheist who does much to provide the witty humour for the film, Edmund Gwenn as Peck's plucky mentor at the seminary who uses the term "ecclesiastical mechanic" to describe priests who are inflexible and bureaucratic, and Rose Stradner as the Mother Superior who falls in love with Peck (you only get a hint of this).
One of the highlights is the film's efforts in portraying the Chinese in a sensitive manner in terms of the customs shown and dialects used. This is very unlike films of its era which tended to portray Asians in a more stereotypical fashion.
Without a Clue (1988)
Laughed Till I Ached
When I first saw the film 14 years ago, I laughed till I ached. The film still gives me the same vibes! To me, it's probably one of the best send-ups of the Sherlock Holmes films (another one being THE ADVENTURE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' SMARTER BROTHER). The on-screen chemistry between Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley represents one that is extremely enjoyable to watch. With Caine being animated in an overtly comedic role and Kingsley playing a more straight character, one looks expectantly every scene that they appear together. Supported by a good cast including Lysette Anthony and Jeffrey Jones (he does a great job with the British accent), this film is recommended for all Holmes fans as well as those who enjoy a good laugh!