Change Your Image
waxyjo
Reviews
Boy A (2007)
An important message
I'm not entirely sure why some have said this film has stayed with them in a depressing way. Perhaps it is easier for some to have cut and dried, black and white views about certain things.
Life of course never fits into those type of parameters; which have been paved by a non-thinking 'justice' system and continued by a pack mentality.
This film challenges generalisations; keeps you on the edge of your seat with no clue of what will unfold next. It stays away from clichés and works only on allowing us into the depths of this main character's psyche.
It is a rare treat to watch a film which neither lies to us, nor makes judgments. We simply see a snapshot of a young man's life, interlaced with his history.
There are plenty of disturbing scenes and I did cry a lot watching this film. Mostly the bits which show such severe neglect of the young boys. Unfortunately this kind of neglect IS a reality in our society and that's one of the reasons this film is important. There are very very few human beings who randomly decide to be violent (psychopaths - humans who are unable to experience empathy, being probably the only example of such). Almost ALL violent behaviour stems from abuse and is a learned/copied response.
The only antidote is love. I have seen a webpost which may or may not be accurate but it states that there is a tribe in Africa who respond to negative behaviour with love only. This is the only response which could work. Forgiveness IS the only way and I feel this film really conveys that message. It leads us to have compassion for a man who was severely abused as a child and who may or may not have contributed to the murder of another child. We're never actually told if he did hurt the girl but the point isn't whether or not he did the point is that we can see that he never would NOW, that it's not in his nature to inflict pain. Like his social worker says; this young man deserves happiness and anybody watching the film will be compelled to agree.
There is no shame in feeling love for a vulnerable, abused human being. We should never be concerned to feel compassion or care for another. An abused dog which bites will be forgiven by most and a human should be given the same chance.
A wonderful film. Oh and exemplary acting throughout from all. I particularly loved the social worker and his story also. He was a beautiful, rich character.
Bravo to the film makers for championing the underdog and taking on such a sensitive and controversial subject.
{from a thinker who loathes the media for the needless negativity it propagates}
5 to 7 (2014)
Infeasible from every angle
The first rule of a romance film is that lead actors need to have on-screen chemistry. The second rule is that you empathise with them enough to become involved and care about them.
I'm afraid neither of these two factors existed. There is no way a beautiful, classy, sophisticated woman would show an interest in an average looking, unimaginative, wide eyed boy. Not that age matters, or even looks but the script simply didn't bring any depth or personality to the male lead, so there is nothing more than the superficial to consider.
The acting is wooden, the script is infeasible, stilted and unnatural. Also, as another reviewer commented, there is a French stereotype that is observable in many films which is inappropriate and inaccurate and confining.
Woody Allen could have used the remit of this film to make a gem.
Violent Nation (2005)
Captivating
What a wonderful 3-part series! I am shocked it has been rated so negatively by previous people.
Perhaps it is that I am genuinely interested in history and human nature that this topic fascinates me so much. However, I would have thought that the marvellous charisma, humour and wittiness of the ever-sparkling Rik Mayall would add enough to this series for it appeal to anyone and everybody!
I recommend it to anybody who has the opportunity, yes I'm a big Rik fan but it's also a fascinating subject presented by somebody who also has a genuine enthusiasm and interest.
{For other fans of Rik ~ you'll love the part where he is being taught fencing by an instructor} :-)
The Village (2013)
Reality check!!
Yes I agree it's mournful, depressing, grim and harsh but that was the reality of life then. If your harvest failed your family could die, there was no public money, or other jobs to be had if you lived in a small remote community.
In fact watching a drama which is so well executed, scripted (and stunningly filmed) reminds me of how fortunate we are today. It's also poignant to see the excitement of those enlisting to World War one, a very real honour at the time and what subsequently twisted into an unimaginable horror. How much has changed in 100 years, how well the BBC has done in creating another masterpiece series.
A little perspective is a wonderful thing and I certainly recommend this series to those who have a penchant for social drama, as I do.