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ClareR (5551 KP) rated Slaughterhouse-Five in Books
Jun 22, 2019
This was not an easy read, and was odd in places (but that's the point of it, right?). If I'm right, it's about the pointlessness of war, and of living and dying. Anti-religion, anti-government, anti-war, basically. The act of the main character being able to move seamlessly through time gave the impression that everything had already happened, will happen again, and is yet to happen.
Confused yet? I was. Well, I was until I read some passages several times, and flicked back to certain parts. Honestly, I'm glad it wasn't any longer. This was hard work, and decidedly harrowing in places. I'm glad I've read it at last and I do like a book that's a challenge!
Confused yet? I was. Well, I was until I read some passages several times, and flicked back to certain parts. Honestly, I'm glad it wasn't any longer. This was hard work, and decidedly harrowing in places. I'm glad I've read it at last and I do like a book that's a challenge!
ClareR (5551 KP) rated Slaughterhouse 5: The Children's Crusade - A Duty-dance with Death in Books
Apr 29, 2019
This was not an easy read, and was odd in places (but that's the point of it, right?). If I'm right, it's about the pointlessness of war, and of living and dying. Anti-religion, anti-government, anti-war, basically. The act of the main character being able to move seamlessly through time gave the impression that everything had already happened, will happen again, and is yet to happen.
Confused yet? I was. Well, I was until I read some passages several times, and flicked back to certain parts. Honestly, I'm glad it wasn't any longer. This was hard work, and decidedly harrowing in places. I'm glad I've read it at last though.
I think I must have some masochistic tendencies when it comes to reading material (and not in the erotica sense, necessarily!!). I do like a book that's a challenge!
Confused yet? I was. Well, I was until I read some passages several times, and flicked back to certain parts. Honestly, I'm glad it wasn't any longer. This was hard work, and decidedly harrowing in places. I'm glad I've read it at last though.
I think I must have some masochistic tendencies when it comes to reading material (and not in the erotica sense, necessarily!!). I do like a book that's a challenge!
Peter G. (247 KP) rated Fury (2014) in Movies
Aug 1, 2019
Often compared to Saving Private Ryan for its gritty and unforgiving story of brotherhood and loss.
This time we are shown what it's like to fight from the confines of a dark and cramped tank, and we are shown how each man has to work not only very closely with each other but as one fighting tool.
Brad Pit is quite the actor and is the father figure here and the glue that binds his men together.
One to watch if you love war movies although at times it does feel like an anti war war movie.
This time we are shown what it's like to fight from the confines of a dark and cramped tank, and we are shown how each man has to work not only very closely with each other but as one fighting tool.
Brad Pit is quite the actor and is the father figure here and the glue that binds his men together.
One to watch if you love war movies although at times it does feel like an anti war war movie.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) in Movies
Aug 9, 2017
The end of an epic saga
I don't think this was the best Lord of the Rings by far. It became completely anti-climactic after dragging on for four hours (extended version). The slow motion ending became frustrating and many people got up and left from the cinema thinking it has finished. That rant being said, the final war scenes were brilliantly shot, it truly is on an epic scale of filming.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) in Movies
Feb 2, 2023
Shows The Futility and Bleakness of War
War is hell. And if you don’t think it is check out the 2022 German film version of the classic novel ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT about a young German’s experience towards the end of World War I. It is a bleak, grim view of war told unflinchingly and drives home the point of the pointlessness of war (especially the trench warfare of WWI). It is bravura filmmaking that deserves to be mentioned with the great war films of all time.
And the book is even bleaker.
Directed by Edward Berger, ALL QUIET follows young Felix Kammerer (Paul Baumer) as he joyfully joins the German army to fight the French. Quickly, Felix learns of the cost of war and the grim reality of trench warfare.
Berger has a strong view of all of this and his Direction and Camerawork are squarely focused on young Felix and his continued attempts to stay alive amidst the fighting. Berger handles the action - and the acting - strongly and the Cinematography of this film by James Friend aides in the bleakness and futility of the conflict, showering the combatants in muted blues and grays and covering them all in mud. Berger does not hold back on the horrors of war (without going to “gorey”) and delivers a moody, bleak and important film.
Baumer plays Felix with an innocent sincerity that gives way to resolute abandonment of hope as the bleakness of the affair drags on. His futility is, then, juxtaposed against German envoy Matthias Erzberger (Daniel Bruhl) who is trying to negotiate a surrender with the French. The building frustration of both men are clearly shown growing as the film elapses.
And that is another strong suit about this film - it shows the situations, the hopelessness and negativity of war without having to “tell” or comment about it. The pictures are all one needs to know.
An anti-war film of the highest order, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT is a must see - the best adaptation of this classic novel ever.
Letter Grade: A
9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And the book is even bleaker.
Directed by Edward Berger, ALL QUIET follows young Felix Kammerer (Paul Baumer) as he joyfully joins the German army to fight the French. Quickly, Felix learns of the cost of war and the grim reality of trench warfare.
Berger has a strong view of all of this and his Direction and Camerawork are squarely focused on young Felix and his continued attempts to stay alive amidst the fighting. Berger handles the action - and the acting - strongly and the Cinematography of this film by James Friend aides in the bleakness and futility of the conflict, showering the combatants in muted blues and grays and covering them all in mud. Berger does not hold back on the horrors of war (without going to “gorey”) and delivers a moody, bleak and important film.
Baumer plays Felix with an innocent sincerity that gives way to resolute abandonment of hope as the bleakness of the affair drags on. His futility is, then, juxtaposed against German envoy Matthias Erzberger (Daniel Bruhl) who is trying to negotiate a surrender with the French. The building frustration of both men are clearly shown growing as the film elapses.
And that is another strong suit about this film - it shows the situations, the hopelessness and negativity of war without having to “tell” or comment about it. The pictures are all one needs to know.
An anti-war film of the highest order, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT is a must see - the best adaptation of this classic novel ever.
Letter Grade: A
9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
David McK (3180 KP) rated The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) in Movies
Jan 27, 2023
2008 re-make/re-imagining of the 1951 original, with Keanu Reeves - who I felt would be perfect for this role - playing the alien Kla'atu.
Unfortunately, the majority of the film is slow and plodding, with no real connection between Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, with a (very young) Jaden Smith playing a kid who just deserves a good slapping, and with the anti-war stance of the original replaced with an environmental message instead (that's neither good nor bad, just an observation).
One that I may watch on TV if nothing else on, but not one I would be going out of my way to look for or even make time to sit down and view.
Unfortunately, the majority of the film is slow and plodding, with no real connection between Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, with a (very young) Jaden Smith playing a kid who just deserves a good slapping, and with the anti-war stance of the original replaced with an environmental message instead (that's neither good nor bad, just an observation).
One that I may watch on TV if nothing else on, but not one I would be going out of my way to look for or even make time to sit down and view.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Autumn in Books
Jan 10, 2018
Unusual story yet beautiful prose
Ali Smith has a wonderful way with words, describing a relationship between a young girl and her eccentric older neighbour, which seems to mirror the title of this book. Autumn shows the blossoming and withering of a man, Daniel Gluck, describing his younger years as a respected art critic of sorts, and the beauty he was constantly surrounded by. When he meets the younger Elisabeth Demand, he is already in the process of change, but she continues to help him feel alive, while he has a mentor-like relationship with her.
In between, Smith describes all of the major events plaguing Britain. From protesting the Iraq war, to Brexit doom, the perpetual markers that appear in the background of this constant, unwaning friendship. Can love and art really triumph over war? Smith believes it can.
The main issue with this novel is the fact that it is completely disjointed, and ends on a quite anti-climactic note. Read for the tone and not the story.
In between, Smith describes all of the major events plaguing Britain. From protesting the Iraq war, to Brexit doom, the perpetual markers that appear in the background of this constant, unwaning friendship. Can love and art really triumph over war? Smith believes it can.
The main issue with this novel is the fact that it is completely disjointed, and ends on a quite anti-climactic note. Read for the tone and not the story.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated A Clash of Kings (Reissue) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Wow! This book was much darker than the first. It seemed like nothing good happened. Don't take that wrong...the book itself was wonderful! There was just a great deal of death & destruction in this one. Of course, when all the castles in the realm head to war & there are now 4 kings instead of 1, what else should 1 expect?
I must say that I have decided on 3 favorites in all the characters I've met so far: Tyrion, Bran, & Areya. They are all so well written! Tyrion the Imp is so twisted. I never quite know what is going to happen to him. 1 minute he's tenderhearted, the next he's riding to battle with an axe in hand. Bran is so brave but he just doesn't know it. Areya is just such a stong, anti-female character. She is a little warrior, but also very cunning too.
I can't wait to see what the next book in the series has in store for me!
I must say that I have decided on 3 favorites in all the characters I've met so far: Tyrion, Bran, & Areya. They are all so well written! Tyrion the Imp is so twisted. I never quite know what is going to happen to him. 1 minute he's tenderhearted, the next he's riding to battle with an axe in hand. Bran is so brave but he just doesn't know it. Areya is just such a stong, anti-female character. She is a little warrior, but also very cunning too.
I can't wait to see what the next book in the series has in store for me!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated My Sister's Bones in Books
Sep 7, 2017
Predictable, what an anti-climax!
If I ever hear that another book is the "next Gone Girl" or the "next Girl On A Train", I'm going to rate it 0.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
David McK (3180 KP) rated Batman: The Dark Knight Returns in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Commonly cited as one of the best Batman graphic novels, this is the one that turned Batman from the Camp Crusader of the Adam West years into the growling anti-hero of the Tim Burton and (later) Christopher Nolan films (leaving aside the Schumacher mis-steps in the middle).
Written in the 80s but set in the near-future, this sees Bruce Wayne return to his role as the vigilante 10 years after unspecified events that saw him hang up his cape. His return, however, also sees the return of some old foes, alongside that of some new.
While - as it was written in the 80s - some of the subject matter is now out of date (most noticeably, the Cold War between America and the USSR), this still holds up surprisingly well. I also have to say that, with some crowded art panels, language and the violence throughout, this is also not one for the kiddies!
Written in the 80s but set in the near-future, this sees Bruce Wayne return to his role as the vigilante 10 years after unspecified events that saw him hang up his cape. His return, however, also sees the return of some old foes, alongside that of some new.
While - as it was written in the 80s - some of the subject matter is now out of date (most noticeably, the Cold War between America and the USSR), this still holds up surprisingly well. I also have to say that, with some crowded art panels, language and the violence throughout, this is also not one for the kiddies!