Reviews
Space Battleship Yamato (2010)
Contains a very compelling IT character
Many reviews of computer and robot characters in movies seem to overlook this one. In this movie, there is a non-humaniform character called (simply) Analyzer. Not much special about that, right? Analyzer starts as a working companion of the protagonist without any special evocative features (other than a voice). But if you watch this movie evenhandedly, you will see the relationship deepen, largely based upon the protagonist's weakness at opening up to others (other than to his 'IT companion'). Additionally, Analyzer become a pseudo-brother to him. At a final battle scene, you will likely cry at the loss of an IT character who has become a true friend.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Excellent presentation, but rewritten by orcs. Garh!
We must be very happy that such a monumental effort was put into a (fairly) faithful presentation of the written version. However, there are some aspects which cause discontent. First, the "rewriting" of a classic, especially this one which was so masterfully told in the first place by J.R.R.Tolkien, is the work of orcs. Related to this is a diminishing of the character of Aragorn. He is presented as somebody who rises to leadership more by accident than by anything else. His faithfulness, and the dominance of his character, are dragged in the dirt by the limpness of his presentation in the movie. It isn't because of Viggo Mortensen's acting - that is first-rate. Rather, those who prepared the script for the movie caused awkward damage to a masterpiece of creation. Did they not believe that a character like Aragorn could be believed by innocent moviegoers? Halbarad of the Dunedain has also become the captain of a troop of elvan archers (and an Elf himself), which doesn't arise from the conditions of Middle Earth presented by Tolkien - the Elves all had work enough to defend their own homes! In short, many of the scenes of the movie have been "written down" to a limper, less-interesting and less-inspiring story which contains inconsistencies that the book does not. However, in spite of that, I enjoy the chance to SEE Middle-Earth and some of its stories.
Lezioni private (1975)
Fantasies, curiosities, and fears
This is a movie that plays to teenage fantasies, curiosities, and fears. Because of this, you will probably be most attracted to the movie if you are a teenage boy. For others, it will appear contrived and cause discomfort, rather than wholehearted entertainment.
The Bridal Path (1959)
A hidden gem
This is a hidden gem, because hardly anyone seems to know of this funny story of the search for a kindred spirit through marriage. Perhaps we don't all live in a situation corresponding to the offshore Scottish islands, but the hilarious exaggeration of this setting is extremely effective. I just hope that those who live in the Hebrides and Shetland don't mind it too much.