Reviews of popular movies

Call Me By Your Name

Call Me By Your Name" is a beautiful and emotionally powerful film that tells the story of a summer romance between two young men in Italy. The film is set in the 1980s, and it captures the feeling of time and places perfectly. The performances by Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer are both outstanding, and they have real chemistry together on screen. The film is directed by Luca Guadagnino, and he does an excellent job of creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity in the film.

The story of "Call Me By Your Name" centers around 17-year-old Elio, who is spending the summer with his family in their villa in Italy. Elio is an intelligent and precocious young man, who is beginning to explore his sexuality. His father is a professor, and he invites a graduate student, Oliver, to stay with them for the summer to help him with his research. Elio and Oliver are initially wary of each other, but as the summer progresses, they develop a close friendship, and eventually, a romantic relationship.

One of the things that make "Call Me By Your Name" so special is the way it portrays the relationship between Elio and Oliver. It is a delicate and nuanced portrayal of young love, and it is clear that the two men have a deep connection. The film is also very sexually explicit, but it is never gratuitous, and it always serves the story. The sex scenes are shot in a way that is both intimate and tasteful.

The film also has a great sense of place, and it does an excellent job of evoking the feeling of summer in Italy. The cinematography is beautiful, and the film is filled with stunning landscapes and sun-drenched vistas. The film also has a great soundtrack, which features music from Sufjan Stevens.

Overall, "Call Me By Your Name" is a powerful and moving film that tells a beautiful story of young love. It is a film that will resonate with audiences of all ages, and it is a must-see for anyone who appreciates great filmmaking. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Whispers of the Heart

Whispers of the Heart is a 1995 Japanese animated film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and written by Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of Shizuku Tsukishima, a 14-year-old girl who is struggling to find her place in the world. Through a series of interconnected events, she discovers her passion for writing and falls in love with a boy named Seiji Amasawa.

The film is a coming-of-age story that is both heartwarming and relatable. Shizuku's journey towards self-discovery is portrayed in a realistic and authentic way, making the audience care about her character and her struggles. The animation is beautiful and detailed, with lush landscapes and vibrant colors that bring the story to life. The film's soundtrack, which is composed by Yuji Nomi, is also a standout feature, adding to the emotional depth of the film.

One of the strongest aspects of Whispers of the Heart is its attention to detail. The film's setting is based on the city of Koganei in Japan, and the animation team went to great lengths to accurately depict the city and its surroundings. This gives the film a sense of realism and immersion that is not often found in animated films.

Another standout feature of the film is its strong characters. Shizuku is a well-written and relatable protagonist, and her interactions with the other characters are both touching and believable. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Shizuku's friends, family, and the mysterious boy Seiji. Each character is unique and has their own story, adding to the richness of the film's world.

The film also has a strong message about the importance of following one's dreams and passions. Shizuku's journey towards self-discovery is a reminder that we all have something special to offer the world, and that we should strive to find our own path in life. This message is presented in a subtle and nuanced way, making it easy to relate to and understand.

One of the few criticisms of the film is that the pacing can be slow at times, and that some of the subplots feel unnecessary. However, these issues are minor and do not detract from the overall experience of the film.

In conclusion, Whispers of the Heart is a beautifully animated, heartwarming and relatable coming-of-age story that is both emotional and inspiring. With its attention to detail, strong characters, and powerful message, the film is a standout in the genre and is a must-see for any anime fan. The film is a perfect blend of great storytelling, relatable characters, and an emotional soundtrack. It is a film that will be enjoyed by both children and adults, and will leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

Singin' in the Rain

Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 American musical comedy film directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, and starring Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest musicals ever made, and is often cited as one of the greatest films in the history of cinema.

The film is set in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and tells the story of Hollywood's transition from silent films to "talkies". The plot centers around a successful silent film star named Don Lockwood (played by Kelly), who is struggling to adapt to the new era of sound films. He meets and falls in love with an aspiring actress named Kathy Selden (played by Reynolds), and together they navigate the challenges of the changing film industry.

One of the most striking things about Singin' in the Rain is its choreography and musical numbers. The film features some of the most iconic dance sequences in movie history, including the title number, which sees Kelly singing and dancing in the rain. The choreography is inventive and full of energy, and Kelly's performances are nothing short of spectacular. The film's musical numbers are catchy and memorable, and they are seamlessly integrated into the story, further enhancing the film's overall impact.

The acting in the film is also noteworthy. Kelly, O'Connor, and Reynolds all give charming and charismatic performances, and their chemistry is palpable. Kelly's portrayal of Don Lockwood is particularly notable, as he conveys both the character's charm and vulnerability in equal measure. Jean Hagen also delivers a standout performance as Lina Lamont, a silent film star who struggles to adapt to the era of sound films.

The film's screenplay is also noteworthy. It is clever, witty, and packed with memorable lines and scenes. It cleverly satirizes the Hollywood of the time and the transition from silent films to talkies, while still maintaining a sense of warmth and heart.

The film's production design is also noteworthy. The film's sets, costumes, and makeup are all period-accurate and are a feast for the eyes. The film’s color palette is also noteworthy, with the film's hues are bold and vibrant, which gives the film an added sense of energy and vitality.

Singin' in the Rain is widely considered to be a cinematic masterpiece, and it is easy to see why. The film's choreography, musical numbers, acting, screenplay, and production design are all top-notch, and the film is a joy to watch from start to finish. It is a film that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among audiences of all ages. The film is a perfect blend of great storytelling, relatable characters, and an emotional soundtrack. It is a film that will be enjoyed by both children and adults and will leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

In conclusion, Singin' in the Rain is a cinematic masterpiece that is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. Its choreography, musical numbers, acting, screenplay, and production design are all top-notch, and the film is a joy to watch from start to finish. It is a film that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among audiences of all ages. It is a perfect blend of great storytelling, relatable characters, and an emotional soundtrack that will be enjoyed by both children and adults, and will leave a lasting impression on the viewers.