The Film Reviewer

[Dynamo Dan]

I think there are better French films than Amalie - as charming as that film is. La Haine or La Vie en Rose anyone?

[CL]

I also avoid most films that are based on 'true stories' because they are hardly ever as good as the imagination. There are exceptions though and one was the German docu-film 'Downfall.' It was both brilliant and chilling in the account of Hitler's final days in the bunker and Bruno Ganz who played Hitler gave a masterly performance. Not very inspiring romatically speaking but great as a record of events.

[Stolly]

I also avoid most films that are based on 'true stories' because they are hardly ever as good as the imagination. There are exceptions though and one was the German docu-film 'Downfall.' It was both brilliant and chilling in the account of Hitler's final days in the bunker and Bruno Ganz who played Hitler gave a masterly performance. Not very inspiring romatically speaking but great as a record of events.

Downfall was superb. Ditto Das Boot

[Hes]

Of course there are better French films...that wasn't the point I was making. The point was that Amelie is a great romantic film without the schmaltz and it is stylish, quirky and funny too. La Haine is brilliant. I also liked I've Loved You So Long with Kristen Scott Thomas. Not seen La Vie en Rose but imagine I will at some point.

I think there are better French films than Amalie - as charming as that film is. La Haine or La Vie en Rose anyone?

[Hes]

Going back to actors, what about Ulriche Muher in 'The Lives of Others'? He was fantastic, so expressive. I really like that film, it makes you think.

[CL]

Going back to actors, what about Ulriche Muher in 'The Lives of Others'? He was fantastic, so expressive. I really like that film, it makes you think.

That film was or was almost, great. It was one of the best films I've seen in a long time. He started off with strong socialist principles and then gradually realised how corrupt they were.

I think Hollywood could learn a lesson or two in creating good films from those abroad.

[Hes]

I agree with you there CL!

That film was or was almost, great. It was one of the best films I've seen in a long time. He started off with strong socialist principles and then gradually realised how corrupt they were.

I think Hollywood could learn a lesson or two in creating good films from those abroad.

[DazTheSlug]

...I think Hollywood could learn a lesson or two in creating good films from those abroad.

to add insult to injury, the only notice Hollywood seems to pay to foreign films is to churn out sh!te/unnecessary re-makes (Ring, The Vanishing, El Mariachi, Solaris)

[Hes]

I agree with you too Daz, although I rather enjoyed Solaris (if enjoyed is the word) but I haven't seen the original so I'm definitely going to look that one up.

to add insult to injury, the only notice Hollywood seems to pay to foreign films is to churn out sh!te/unnecessary re-makes (Ring, The Vanishing, El Mariachi, Solaris)