Sayonara (1957)
“I find myself becoming intrigued by everything in Japan.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“I find myself becoming intrigued by everything in Japan.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“If you follow Bob long enough, I think maybe you can translate these things.”
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I could go on and on, but won’t. Just — be forewarned. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“The greatest ambition that burns and swells in the soul of every creative animator is to illustrate music, to give visual form and color to its notes.”
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Response to Peary’s Review: — are a mixed bag, but ultimately an indelible part of the film’s unique style; it’s easy to see how this film has been “a nice change of pace from typical repertory-theater fare” (though as Peary notes, “you have to be in the right mood to enjoy it”). Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Categories
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“Every man has to fight with the weapon for which he’s best fitted — and your weapon is music.”
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Review: … and a pianist (Lederer) who seems to have no memory. Once we’re finally given a glimpse back into their life together (yes, they were a couple), we see that Lederer was banished from Europe for daring to a play a Czech nationalist song during a broadcast concert: … and is now stranded on an island by the captain of a “murder boat” (i.e., a boat intended to take refugees partway to America and no further). Given that this film was made and released during the midst of WWII, it makes sense that audience members might be shocked to hear about this type of atrocity, and grateful for a chance to hiss at venal Nazis — but these days it simply comes across as poorly acted and overly melodramatic. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“They always hold up something more than they’re prepared to give.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Categories
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“What kind of town is this, anyway?”
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Response to Peary’s Review: Naturally, this retelling of the infamous “gunfight at the O.K. Corral” — as with nearly every other adaptation — falls far short of the truth of the story; those interested in learning more can read any of TCM’s articles about the film, Wikipedia, or Peary’s lengthy article in his Cult Movies 2 book. As Peary writes in GFTFF, “The real Wyatt Earp was a cad (also he was no marshal), but Fonda plays him as a brave, virtuous, dignified man” who is “so steadfast in his moral beliefs that he’s too predictable”, thus leading to “the morally ambiguous Holliday” being “brought into play”. Peary describes Holliday as a “tragic figure who, unlike Wyatt, cannot accept the advent of civilization because he will be rejected by society when, by all rights, he should fit in — he’s more intellectual, educated, cultured, better dressed than Wyatt”, and “also blessed with the power to cure the sick — but makes no [apparent] attempt to rid himself of consumption”. In Cult Movies 2, Peary elaborates on “the way people relate to each other in Ford’s west” — that is, “the director’s own version of ‘realism’.” As Peary writes:
Indeed, as fictionalized as all the proceedings are (and boy, they certainly are), My Darling Clementine nonetheless represents an iconic vision of the West — complete with racism (Mexicans and Indians are lower-class citizens) and rampant corruption (a massive set of crimes are committed by the Clantons within the first five minutes). Visually the film is stunning, and the performances are noteworthy as well — but the story-line itself also offers plenty to chew and reflect on as we consider how we have constructed our problematic, deeply complex history of the West. Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
Must See? Categories
(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die) Links: |
“Is it not crazy to wake up statues?”
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Response to Peary’s Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“There was this enormous feeling of wanting to come to grips, and not being able to.”
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Review: This is all highly complex — made even more so given that the American militia members (men and women, black and white) were overtly joining forces with the USSR and the Mexican Communist Party, an association which led to ostracization and blackballing once they returned back to an increasingly anti-Communist mid-century America. As the film clearly shows, their experiences in Spain were harrowing: they were underfunded, underfed, under-armed, and unexperienced, yet stayed with their cause at any cost, demonstrating the power of convictions and a desire to make a difference in the world. Listening to this feisty group of marginalized Americans discuss their willingness to sacrifice their lives to fight global fascism makes for fascinating viewing. Note: This film was originally much more ambitious in scope, at ~6 hours long. It ended up focusing exclusively on the American militia in its ultimate 98 minute running time, but it is made clear that this truly was an international effort of militias from many nations joining the cause. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Categories
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“Won’t anything stop that train?”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
Must See? Links: |
“Ain’t likely any posse will look for us in a Mormon wagon train, now is it?”
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Apparently the film’s production was an enjoyable family affair, with Ford’s brother, daughter, and son all involved in some way. Ultimately, this western is a must-see for Ford fans or for those, as DVD Savant writes, “who like ‘pure’ westerns that showcase good horse riding and other cowboy skills”. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |