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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Titanic (1997) in Movies
Feb 5, 2021
Shame about the romance
Film #13 on the 100 Movies Bucket List: Titanic
Titanic is a rather divisive film. There are many that absolutely love it, the creators of this list among them I don’t doubt. And then there are those that can’t stand it, despite it’s 11 Oscar wins. When it was first released, Titanic’s popularity was immense and it was all the rage at my high school. At that time I loved it like everyone else, but over the years I’ve grown to notice its flaws as well.
Titanic is another epic from the mind of James Cameron and unsurprisingly tells the real life story behind the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. As the true story wasn’t enough, the sinking is shown from the point of view of a love story between Rose Dewitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio). In 1996, treasure hunter Brock Lovett (Bill Paxton) and his team are searching the wreckage of the Titanic for a rare diamond and instead come across a preserved drawing of Rose, who meets with Brock and tells the story of her experiences onboard. These experiences involve a class divide, a fiancé with anger management issues (Billy Zane) and some nice (Kathy Bates) and not very nice (Frances Fisher) female aristocrats.
While I can understand why Cameron has intertwined a romance into this real life tragedy, for me it’s this story that lessens the impact of such a horrific tale and makes this into not quite the masterpiece he wanted it to be. There are the obvious plot holes and irrational actions – the hugely memorable water door scene that could blatantly fit more than one person, and the motives for keeping a invaluable diamond hidden for 80+ years only to throw it away in the ocean – are just two of the laughably bad scenes in this. Paired with a sometimes dodgy script (there’s a scene where Rose says “Jack” over half a dozen times in less than a minute) and some cheesy exposition and narration from the older Rose, do not make for an endearing story.
However if you can ignore the romance and poor fictional story, the rest of Titanic is an impressive bit of filmmaking. From the opening shots featuring real life footage of the actual wreckage of the Titanic to the effects used to bring the ship to life, they are truly stunning. You can really appreciate the love and care that has gone in to making this film, and the cinematography is faultless. Water is not an easy element to film yet James Cameron has mastered it with ease and including shots of the real wreckage only adds to the emotions that this evokes, especially as there are a lot of facts interlaced within the romance – the band continuing to play despite impending death is particularly moving. The cast too are strong despite the sometimes questionable material they have to work with. This is undoubtedly the film that made both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet megastars in their own rights, although for me I much preferred the more low key performances from the likes of Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill (as Captain Smith) and Victor Garber (as ship builder Thomas Andrews).
Titanic is not perfect. It is a drawn out and overly long romance set aboard a disaster movie and it can’t justify being longer than 3 hours. However despite it’s flaws, it is still a masterpiece in filmmaking and truly an epic film.
Titanic is a rather divisive film. There are many that absolutely love it, the creators of this list among them I don’t doubt. And then there are those that can’t stand it, despite it’s 11 Oscar wins. When it was first released, Titanic’s popularity was immense and it was all the rage at my high school. At that time I loved it like everyone else, but over the years I’ve grown to notice its flaws as well.
Titanic is another epic from the mind of James Cameron and unsurprisingly tells the real life story behind the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. As the true story wasn’t enough, the sinking is shown from the point of view of a love story between Rose Dewitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio). In 1996, treasure hunter Brock Lovett (Bill Paxton) and his team are searching the wreckage of the Titanic for a rare diamond and instead come across a preserved drawing of Rose, who meets with Brock and tells the story of her experiences onboard. These experiences involve a class divide, a fiancé with anger management issues (Billy Zane) and some nice (Kathy Bates) and not very nice (Frances Fisher) female aristocrats.
While I can understand why Cameron has intertwined a romance into this real life tragedy, for me it’s this story that lessens the impact of such a horrific tale and makes this into not quite the masterpiece he wanted it to be. There are the obvious plot holes and irrational actions – the hugely memorable water door scene that could blatantly fit more than one person, and the motives for keeping a invaluable diamond hidden for 80+ years only to throw it away in the ocean – are just two of the laughably bad scenes in this. Paired with a sometimes dodgy script (there’s a scene where Rose says “Jack” over half a dozen times in less than a minute) and some cheesy exposition and narration from the older Rose, do not make for an endearing story.
However if you can ignore the romance and poor fictional story, the rest of Titanic is an impressive bit of filmmaking. From the opening shots featuring real life footage of the actual wreckage of the Titanic to the effects used to bring the ship to life, they are truly stunning. You can really appreciate the love and care that has gone in to making this film, and the cinematography is faultless. Water is not an easy element to film yet James Cameron has mastered it with ease and including shots of the real wreckage only adds to the emotions that this evokes, especially as there are a lot of facts interlaced within the romance – the band continuing to play despite impending death is particularly moving. The cast too are strong despite the sometimes questionable material they have to work with. This is undoubtedly the film that made both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet megastars in their own rights, although for me I much preferred the more low key performances from the likes of Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill (as Captain Smith) and Victor Garber (as ship builder Thomas Andrews).
Titanic is not perfect. It is a drawn out and overly long romance set aboard a disaster movie and it can’t justify being longer than 3 hours. However despite it’s flaws, it is still a masterpiece in filmmaking and truly an epic film.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words in Books
Jan 12, 2021
This starts with Heidi trying to find a job and her mum and aunt going through a list of schools they think she should work at and Heidi listening miserably, knowing education isn't something she enjoyed. Instead she's applied to be in a receptionist type role at a local small business, not knowing at the time that they record erotic romances in audiobook form. Heidi is equally embarrassed and curious about what goes on at her place of work and with the help of her colleagues begins a podcast where she talks about her hot neighbour who she'd love to date and becoming more confident in saying those tricky four letter words.
I wasn't sure with this to start with. I found Heidi's almost prudishness too much at the start. I can't quite believe that she doesn't even allow herself to think swear words let alone say them. I don't know if it was her religious upbringing or her parents - who I found really annoying at times. It was nice to see her grow more confident in herself with every podcast she broadcasts and book scene she reads.
This one does have some comedy elements in it but, for me, the speech to text thing was hilarious and the funniest part. I couldn't stop laughing for quite a while with that one.
The romance in this didn't seem to take up as much of the book as I'd have liked. I think it got to around the 35% mark before the romance even started to kick in. They had talked briefly and acknowledged each other in the street but it was only after she'd done a few of her podcasts that she even had the guts to approach him for a date and then it was a slow burn into a cute romance. It was a really nice relationship they'd built up and then "the thing" that split them apart for a little while was blown out of proportion - as they do in romance books - before they sorted it out and were cuter than ever.
One thing I didn't understand was the "uff da" thing. I even had to look it up to figure out what that bit was all about. It still seemed a rather odd exclamation to me so I read it as oomph/oof noise.
If you like romantic comedies then you should give this a go.
I wasn't sure with this to start with. I found Heidi's almost prudishness too much at the start. I can't quite believe that she doesn't even allow herself to think swear words let alone say them. I don't know if it was her religious upbringing or her parents - who I found really annoying at times. It was nice to see her grow more confident in herself with every podcast she broadcasts and book scene she reads.
This one does have some comedy elements in it but, for me, the speech to text thing was hilarious and the funniest part. I couldn't stop laughing for quite a while with that one.
The romance in this didn't seem to take up as much of the book as I'd have liked. I think it got to around the 35% mark before the romance even started to kick in. They had talked briefly and acknowledged each other in the street but it was only after she'd done a few of her podcasts that she even had the guts to approach him for a date and then it was a slow burn into a cute romance. It was a really nice relationship they'd built up and then "the thing" that split them apart for a little while was blown out of proportion - as they do in romance books - before they sorted it out and were cuter than ever.
One thing I didn't understand was the "uff da" thing. I even had to look it up to figure out what that bit was all about. It still seemed a rather odd exclamation to me so I read it as oomph/oof noise.
If you like romantic comedies then you should give this a go.
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Book Divas (227 KP) rated Her Sweetest Downfall in Books
Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)
I received an eARC when I signed up to host the book tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.
Before you sit down to read this historical romance I highly suggest you gather some tissues as this gut wrenching and heart breaking story will have you crying just as it made me cry. This read will hold you in its captivating story line from beginning to end. The story and characters are simply amazing and you will ride an overwhelming roller coaster full of love and heartache.
I have many favorite quotes from this book but I must say that this one is truly my favorite of all: "I guess we're both birds with broken wings, unable to fly away."
I highly recommend this emotional read and I give it 5 Stars.
Before you sit down to read this historical romance I highly suggest you gather some tissues as this gut wrenching and heart breaking story will have you crying just as it made me cry. This read will hold you in its captivating story line from beginning to end. The story and characters are simply amazing and you will ride an overwhelming roller coaster full of love and heartache.
I have many favorite quotes from this book but I must say that this one is truly my favorite of all: "I guess we're both birds with broken wings, unable to fly away."
I highly recommend this emotional read and I give it 5 Stars.
Niten. NR (75 KP) rated The Hidden Blade (2004) in Movies
Jul 27, 2017
Masatoshi Nagase (3 more)
Takako Matsu
Cinematography
The Hidden blade/Demons Claw technique.
Subtle but brilliant
A brilliant samurai drama/romance that has some quality katana (sword) action.
We follow the path of Munezo, a samurai of a rural clan set in the early 1860's. Whilst Japan is changing with the times, Munezo show us how crucial his qualities of loyalty, respect, courage and self control and really are. Although not all of the Samurai are as moral as himself, Munezo has the fortitude to carry out his duties by his own standards. The relationship between Munezo and his once house keeper Kei is a beautiful and subtle thing, showing the world of film that kissing and sex scenes are unnecessary. The action scenes are intense and emotionally complex. And then there's the Demons Claw but, I'll let you find out about that yourself..... Enjoy.
We follow the path of Munezo, a samurai of a rural clan set in the early 1860's. Whilst Japan is changing with the times, Munezo show us how crucial his qualities of loyalty, respect, courage and self control and really are. Although not all of the Samurai are as moral as himself, Munezo has the fortitude to carry out his duties by his own standards. The relationship between Munezo and his once house keeper Kei is a beautiful and subtle thing, showing the world of film that kissing and sex scenes are unnecessary. The action scenes are intense and emotionally complex. And then there's the Demons Claw but, I'll let you find out about that yourself..... Enjoy.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Passengers (2016) in Movies
Jul 31, 2017
Casting (1 more)
Effects
A space Titanic
This is basically Titanic set in space, albeit a much better film than Titanic will ever be.
Let's get it straight, this is not a full blown sci-fi epic. This is a romantic love story set in space, with some sci-fi elements thrown in. As long as you can accept that, then this is a really good film. Yes the romance part of the story is pretty predictable, but for me this didn't matter due to the sheer likeability and chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. They did get a great job of holding a film virtually all on their own, although Michael Sheen was a delight in all of his scenes too. The special effects too were very impressive and this is definitely one of the better films I saw in the new year.
Let's get it straight, this is not a full blown sci-fi epic. This is a romantic love story set in space, with some sci-fi elements thrown in. As long as you can accept that, then this is a really good film. Yes the romance part of the story is pretty predictable, but for me this didn't matter due to the sheer likeability and chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. They did get a great job of holding a film virtually all on their own, although Michael Sheen was a delight in all of his scenes too. The special effects too were very impressive and this is definitely one of the better films I saw in the new year.
BookwormLea (3034 KP) rated Men in Black International (2019) in Movies
Jun 23, 2019
Will Smith would be proud?
Contains spoilers, click to show
Not going to lie. I only watched this to see Chris Hemsworth. He didn't disappoint. However, it is not even slightly on par with the first 3 Men in Black movies. Will Smith made those films what they are and it was upsetting to not see him there or even see the same quality of film. Some of the characters where great though. Penny? Absolutely adorable and by far the best thing about this movie. The action fight scenes were alright and the ending was adequate but what I hated the most, and what I hate about a lot of movies now is the forced romance. Why did they feel the need to add so much tension between Agent H and Agent M? They were a great team but they don't need to be together to show that...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Shattered Promises in Books
Nov 18, 2019
This is now the earliest bought book on my Kindle, coming from March 2014 and since that's nearly 6 years ago, I think it's high time I read it, so here goes.
I struggled with this from the start. I just wasn't connecting with the story at all. My interest heightened a little at the introduction of Alex but then it started to wane again at their antagonistic behaviour. But i realised they had some sort of history that she couldn't remember.
It seemed to take forever for her to piece it all together (view spoiler) I even figured out who the bad guy was going to turn out to be after that vision she fell into.
I also wasn't interested in the thing she had going on with Alex and that's the stuff i read book for, the romance.
I won't be continuing the series.
I struggled with this from the start. I just wasn't connecting with the story at all. My interest heightened a little at the introduction of Alex but then it started to wane again at their antagonistic behaviour. But i realised they had some sort of history that she couldn't remember.
It seemed to take forever for her to piece it all together (view spoiler) I even figured out who the bad guy was going to turn out to be after that vision she fell into.
I also wasn't interested in the thing she had going on with Alex and that's the stuff i read book for, the romance.
I won't be continuing the series.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Twilight Saga (Twilight, #1-4) in Books
Nov 18, 2019
A Guilty Pleasure
Reading these in my (very) late teens, I could not help but be gripped by the romance, the forbidden nature, the utter devotion of the characters, and the tween take on some occult characters.
The way the world is explained is pretty good, and allows the story to realy flow. All the characters are interesting, often flawed and draw you in. The general themes as well as the juxtaposition of totally normal teenage crap, like meeting the boyfriend's family, and the danger faced by the characters is sometimes farcical, but no less compelling because of it.
The story feels complete, the characters develop, and Bella becomes less of an ass.
It was a lovely read, and I am looking forward to diving back in, a decade later, to see if I still feel the same.
The way the world is explained is pretty good, and allows the story to realy flow. All the characters are interesting, often flawed and draw you in. The general themes as well as the juxtaposition of totally normal teenage crap, like meeting the boyfriend's family, and the danger faced by the characters is sometimes farcical, but no less compelling because of it.
The story feels complete, the characters develop, and Bella becomes less of an ass.
It was a lovely read, and I am looking forward to diving back in, a decade later, to see if I still feel the same.