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AngelofMusic1998
Reviews
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Very beautiful sci - fi movie
Very good movie about evolution(the part with the monkeys especially) , the use of technology and the nature of human life. This is a movie that very much that ushered the sci-fi genre. The advance of technology here is portrayed as making humans cold and acting more like robots and the actual robot having more human emotions. It is very lovely movie with its music and how the special effects were used. We humans will never rich an omnipotence of a deity, but we are beings who evolve and grow. Overall, very beautiful. I can definitely reccomend it to everyone who is interested in science fiction.
The BBC Television Shakespeare: Measure for Measure (1979)
Truly great TV movie of one of lesser known Shakespeare
Measure for Measure is.not one of my favorite Shakespeare and is one of his lesser known plays,but this TV movie based on the play is very good. Sets and costumes ,despite not having a big budget ,look good and are not cheap. The scenes in prison do give a confining and scary atmosphere ,as they should,comparing to the humour of Pompey Bumm. The acting of the cast truly does bring the story to life. Out of all the characters,Isabella and Angelo have the most to do and their actors do very well,so does the actor of the duke of Vienna and the rest of the cast. Overall,very good TV movie and definetely worth watching .9/10.
Great Performances at the Met: Il Trovatore (2011)
One of my favorite Il Trovatore
Il Trovatore is not one of my favorite Verdi. I would pick Rigoletto,La Traviata, Aida or Othello over it, but this production was truly very good! Sets and costumes look good and fit the story of the opera. Pavarotti may not be what many will think of when you mention Manrico, but his singing and acting were very good(it is true that harder Verdi roles like Radames, Manrico or Ernani are not his forte). Sherill Milnes is not vocally at his best, but his acting is truly amazing. Eva Marton is a touching, yet fierce Leonora. Dolora Zajick as Azucena was a bit awkward and age wise a bit too young for Azucena (later Azucena will become one of her signature roles), but here she did not impress me as Marton and Millnes did. Overall,very good and one of my favorite Il Trovatore. 10/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Verdi: Il Trovatore (2015)
Truly amazing Il Trovatore
Il Trovatore may not be one of my favorite Verdi operas(prefer Rigoletto, La Traviata, Aida and Othello) , but this production was truly amazing! Sets and costumes are very good and fit the story of the opera. All 4 main characters had amazing interpretations. The director is truly commited to flash out the relationships too. Dolora Zajick I previously knew as Amneris and Azucena and here you can see why Azucena is one of her most signature roles. Her acting is amazing as well. Dmitry Hvorostovsky(Count Di Luna) was battling a serious illness at the time and he sang so well and made Count Di Luna a human. Anna Netrebko sings and acts up a storm as Leonora. Her voice really fits the role. Yonghoon Lee as Manrico has a truly great voice and acting (one of the best Di Quella Pira recently heard and he still sounds strong after it). Overall, truly amazing Il Trovatore. 10/10.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Good adaptation of the book
The Great Gatsby is a very good book in American literature and you can definetely see why. It has a good plot and characters you can relate to. Sets and costumes if this movie were good and bring 1920s to life. The first 20 minutes though can be a bit boring to sit through. The actor playing Nick faired the worst and lacked Nick from the book. Leonardo DiCaprio brought charm, sensitivity and also arrogance Gatsby has. His mannerisms truly fit the character. Kerry Mulligan brought charm and sweetness to Daisy, Gatsby's lost love, and never failing to show us that she is spoiled and selfish. The final part of the story hits you. Overall, good adaptation of The Great Gatsby, though I do advise to read the book. 6,5/10.
The Bolshoi Ballet: Live From Moscow - La belle au bois dormant, Ballet en deux actes (2011)
Very sweet and charming Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty is one of the best ballet by Tchaikovsky and I really love it. Sets and costumes are very good and suck you right into the world of the fairytale. Some performances though weren't the best. The evil fairy (here danced by a man, Alexey Loparevitch) has some moments, but comes across as too pantomimic. The king is very limp in his dancing and Maria Allash, while she danced nice as the good fairy, comes across as too cold and stern. Other performances did very well. David Hallberg, who played the prince, brought the charm and charisma. Svetlana Zakharova as Aurora brought all charm, innonece and loveliness of the princess and this production is definitely worth watching for her. Overall, very good production of Sleeping Beauty. 8/10.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
How about a shave?
Sweeney Todd definetely is not a movie that I would pick due to it being a very dark musical. The plot is way darker than a musical normally is, but the music hits you with the comedy in The Worst Pies of London and God, that's good and a very chilling Epiphany (Epiphany being one of the darkest solos ever, the music and the lyrics are chills) Sets and costumes are very dark and fitting for the story. Johnny Depp did well as Sweeney Todd(Benjamin Barker) a barber who lost his family. Helena Bonham Carter matches him well as Mrs Lovett. Others do a decent job as well, especially Alan Rickman as Judge Thurpin. The final scene hits you. Overall, very good Sweeney Todd. 8/10.
Andrea Chénier (1981)
Very good and touching Andrea Chenier
Andrea Chenier is not one of the most popular operas(the most popular arias being Nemico Della Patria and La Mamma Morta) , but its plot is very interesting and the French Revolution setting makes it dynamic and exciting. This 1981 Vienna production is truly great. Sets and costumes are very good and fit with the plot. Placido Domingo I previously knew as Riccardo, The Duke of Mantua. Othello, Don Jose and Samson. Here as Chenier, he sings and acts up a storm. Pierro Capouccilli as Gerard was truly good and Gerard is in a league of his Renato or Iago (definitely a compliment from me). Gabriela Benackova as Maddalena is very touching in La Mamma Morta and also in the final scene of the opera. Overall, very good Andrea Chenier. 9/10.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Wonderland lacking in wonder
Alice in Wonderland has never been one of my favorite books, not even much during childhood, since I found its overall plot a bit nonsensical . Sets and costumes do look nice here and do bring Wonderland to mind. Plot is in my opinion, decent, but some of the dialogue can come across as a bit wooden(Mia Wasikowska as Alice). Speaking of Mia Wasikowska as Alice, she was the most dissapointing element of the movie in her dialogue and acting. Johnny Depp as The Mad Hater was a bit way over the top, even for the role like this. Rest of the cast does a decent job, especially the queens. Overall, a decent movie overall, but lacking in wonder. 6/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Dvorák: Rusalka (2017)
Rusalka a bit lacking in charm
Rusalka has a fairytale like plot and a lot of its inspiration is from Slavic folklore and The Little Mermaid. One aria that stays long in mind is Song to the Moon. Kristine Opolais I previously heard as Mimi and Cio Cio san and while she doesn't exactly have that same energy as Rusalka, she sings lovely and manages to bring despair and passion to Rusalka, especially in Song to the Moon and the final scene of Rusalka. Brandon Jovanovich is great as the prince. Things that bugged me the most in this Rusalka were the sets and costumes(Vodnik especially gets a very unflattering costume). It is like there were a mishmash of ideas. Overall, decent Rusalka, but lacking in charm, especially the production values. 6/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Puccini: Turandot (2022)
Nessun Dorma
Turandot as an opera has a very dramatic, fairytale like plot and it is close to my heart. I definitely think Turandot has one of the most beautiful productions at The Metropolitan Opera and I am still in awe when I see it. Liudmyla Monastyrska starts a bit subdued during In Questa Reggia, but during the riddle scene and the final act she is a storm and there is a touching chemistry. Yonghoon Lee is a truly heroic and great Calaf, with one of the loveliest renditions of Nessun Dorma heard recently. Ermonela Jaho as Liu was truly emotional and heartbreaking (just see her in Liu's big scene in Act 3,she truly made me tearful ). Overall, good Turandot. 7/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Puccini: Turandot (2019)
In Questa Reggia
Turandot as an opera has a very dramatic, fairytale like plot and it is close to my heart. This production was good overall. Sets and costumes are truly beautiful and I would definitely say Turandot (along with La Boheme) has one of the most beautiful Met sets and costumes. Yusif Eyvazov as Calaf was able to bring out the intensity, heroism and ardour of Calaf. I did wish a bit more of chemistry during the riddle scene. Christine Goerke truly makes you feel Turandot's merciless nature (In Questa Reggia) and the chemistry between Turandot and Calaf really shines in the final scene. Eleonora Buratto as Liu (the character you often feel the most in Turandot (truly impressed me in both Signore Ascolta and especially Liu's big scene in Act 3(Tu Che Di Gel Sei Cinta made me especially emotional). Overall, good Turandot. 7/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Puccini: Madama Butterfly (2019)
Mostly fine production of Madama Butterfly
Madama Butterfly is a Puccini opera that definitely has elements that come off as racist(Orientalist) , misogynist and sexist to the modern audience(especially in the portrayal of the title role) . Its music is beautiful. This production I remember first seeing the broadcast of 2009 cast, which was very good. Sets and costumes are lovely and fitting. Hui He as Cio Cio san starts off a bit shaky, but later finds her ground and impresses you as Cio Cio san. Bryce Sledge as Pinkerton was a bit basic and weak dramatically. Sharpless and Suzuki did a good job as well. The final scene hits you in the guts(Hui He was especially good there) . Overall, solid and very good Madama Butterfly. 8/10.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Charming, but full of faults
Mamma Mia is not one of my favorite musicals (prefer The Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables), but it has lovely songs of ABBA. Sets and costumes look nice. Singing and acting wise,Amanda Seyfried as Sophie has a sweet and charming soprano voice in I have a Dream. Meryl Steeep as Donna acts up a storm and sings nicely (a bit weaker in Money Money Money, The Winner Takes It All is where she shined). Pierce Brosnan was a dissapointment in SOS. I would say that the plot is the weakest element of Mamma Mia and doesn't grip you like Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story or other musicals. Overall, charming , but full of faults. 6/10.
Simon Boccanegra (2002)
Delightful Simon Boccanegra
Simon Boccanegra is a Verdi operw that is not as performed as La Traviata, Rigoletto, Aida or Othello. The title character of the opera, like in Rigoletto, I consider the most interesting. This 2002 Vienna production is very good. Sets and costumes look a bit minimalistic, but Simon Boccanegra doesn't exactly require grandoir like for example Aida does in its setting in Ancient Egypt. Thomas Hampson has both sterness and gentleness in the title role. Ferrucio Furlanetto as Fiesco gives a great performance. Christina Gallardo Domas is sweet and kind Amelia, Boccanegra's daughter. I found her even better as Cio Cio san (Madama Butterfly) and Mimi later on. Miroslav Dvorsky is Gabriele, Amelia's lover and one of the rare tenors who manage to make Gabriele interesting. The final scene of Simon Boccanegra hits. Overall, very nice and good production of a more rarely performed and a bit underrated Verdi 9/10.
Carmen (1980)
Truly amazing Carmen
Carmen is one of my favorite operas and this production from 1980 in Paris is very good and touching. Teresa Berganza is seductive, charismatic and very good as the title character of this opera. Placido Domingo as Don José brings out all the intensity of Don José as a character and you can see why Don José is to many one of his best roles. Katia Ricciarelli, whom I know as Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera and Liu in Turandot is heartbreaking as Micaela and Ruggiero Raimondi is truly great as Escamilo (one of the rare feats, since many who play him sorta stop being energetic when his aria ends and sorta drag through Act 3 and Act 4,but here it was not the case). The final scene hits. Overall, one of the best Carmen in my opinion. 9/10.
Great Performances at the Met: Aida (2019)
Amazing Aida
Aida is one of my favorite Verdi operas and wow, this performance was absolutely amazing! This was the final performance of Leontyne Price in an opera and here as Aida, she was amazing, both on acting and singing. She definetely was the highlight of the performance(both O Patria Mia and Ritorna Vincitor). She literally became Aida and made Aida feel human. James McCracken as Radames was very good and had chemistry with Leontyne Price. Fiorenza Cossotto I knew previously as Azucena in Il Trovatore and here as Amneris she gives an amazing performance. Overall, with 1989 Met Aida, one of my favorite Aida and one of my most favorite opera performances ever. 10/10.
Il trovatore (1985)
Very good Il Trovatore
Il Trovatore may not have the best plots in Verdi, but this 1985 Verona production is truly thrilling experience. Sets and costumes do look very good and fitting. Franco Bonisolli is a very good Manrico. His singing is very good (especially in Di Quella Pira) and he shows credible chemistry with Rosalind Plowright and also tenderness with Fiorenza Cossotto. Giorgio Zancanaro as Di Luna gives us menacing, yet human Di Luna (not an easy fit, since baritones can often fall into caricatures with him). Rosalind Plowright as Leonora has a lovely voice, though in the acting she moved me more. Fiorenza Cossotto as Azucena is the highlight of the production. Azucena is the most interesting character in the opera and with both her and Amneris, Cossotto gives amazing performances, in both singing and acting .Overall, very good Il Trovatore 8,5/10.
Aida (1985)
Very good Aida, though with some imperfections
Aida is one of my favorite Verdi operas and this 1985 La Scala production was good, though with some imperfections. Some costumes looked a bit unfitting for the Ancient Egypt setting of Aida,especially the costumes of Amneris and Radames. The Triumphal Scene (grand march) was badly choreographed. Luciano Pavarotti makes a really noble hero as Radames, more so in the voice than the acting. Ghena Dimitrova, a soprano, here sings the mezzo soprano role of Amneris. She was the best actor of the trio. Maria Chiara as Aida has a lovely voice and acts well. Overall, very good Aida, with the imperfections in the costumes and The Triumphal Scene 8/10.
Il trovatore (1978)
Truly amazing Il Trovatore
Il Trovatore isn't among my favorite Verdi ,due to its plot not exactly being among my favorites ,but this 1978 Vienna production truly managed to elavate the opera. Young Placido Domingo sings and acts gorgeously as Manrico. He definetely manages to make Manrico more interesting than he is. Raina Kabaivanska is noble,kind and sweet Leonora. Piero Capuccili I know previously as Renato,Don Carlo and Iago and he does manage to make Don Luna both devious in his pursuit of Manrico and yet someone we sympthatize with. Fiorenza Cosotto is truly fiery and determined Azucena. Azucena is definetely the most interesting character in the opera and Cosotto portrayed her very well. Overall,truly a gem of Il Trovatore 10/10.
Aida (2006)
Generally very good Aida
Aida is one of my favorite Verdi operas and while this 2006 La Scala production is not among my favorite (prefer 1989 Metropolitan opera and 2009 Metropolitan opera to this one ) , it is very good. Sets and costumes look very good. Violeta Urmana is generally very good Aida, her singing and acting is good, but she was better and more confident in 2009 Met Aida. Roberto Alagna is younger here and he does start a bit strained, but later recovers and he acts and sing very nicely. The greatest highlight of the production was Ildiko Komlosi as Amneris, whose singing and acting were very good and she became Amneris in a way. Overall, very good Aida. 8/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Verdi: Aida (2018)
Near triumphant Aida
Aida is one of the best Verdi operas and this production is very decent and lovely. Sets and costumes look very good and for the story of Aida, they are quite fitting. Since Aida herself is a quite hard role, I was a bit apprehensive of Anna Netrebko singing her,since Aida is not the easiest soprano roles. Her singing though is very rich, lovely and nice. Her acting as well is good. Anita Rachvelishvili as Amneris has a very dark, velvety, rich and powerful voice, with a good stage presence. Unfortunately, the weakest link of the cast is definetely Aleksandrs Antonenko as Radames, whose singing is not good. There is also not much chemistry between him and Netrebko, except maybe a tiny bit in the tomb scene. Overall, very good Aida, a bit brought down by its Radames 8/10.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Massenet: Thaïs (2008)
Truly intense, fiery and beautiful Thais
Thais may not be one of my favorite opera(from the French operas, that goes to Carmen) , but this production is one of the most beautiful Metropolitan Opera productions I have ever seen. Renee Fleming sings and acts very beautifully as the title character, a courtesan Thais (Thais is also the most interesting character in the opera). Thomas Hampson sings and acts very good as Athanael and you can see the chemistry between him and Thais. Sets and costumes in Thais look truly amazing and beautiful, fitting the story. The fimal scene of Thais is emotional and it really hit me. Overall, an amazing production of Thais and one of the best Metropolitan opera production. 10/10.
Rurôni Kenshin: Meiji kenkaku romantan (2012)
Well done movie
This movie is based on the manga by the same name and tells about Kenshin, a former assassin who decided to atone for the people he killed during the revolution and now helps people. This movie mostly depicts the story of Megumi and what happened to her. How Kenshin met Yahiko and Sanosuke is not in the movie and their roles are much smaller than in the manga. Acting was decently done. The duel with Jin E was intense, with Jin E being suitably creepy. I do wish though we had Kenshin witness Kaoru's kidnapping like in the manga instead of being told of it by Megumi. I do wish the soundtrack were a bit more memorable Overall, decently done movie. 6/10.
Le bal masqué (1981)
Very good production
Un Ballon in Maschera is not my favorite Verdi,but this 1981 Paris production was very good. Sets and costumes look lovely and are very fitting for this story. Picture quality could have been a bit better, but since it is the early 80s,I can forgive that. Katia Ricciarelli I previously heard as Amelia in 1975 London and 1980 Met Ballo and here she was very good. I liked her as Micaela and Liu as well. Leo Nucci was very good as Renato. Jose Carreras as Riccardo I would consider the highlight of the production. His singing and acting were very good. Overall, quite a good production of this opera. 9/10.