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Awix (3310 KP) rated Zama (2017) in Movies
Jun 5, 2018
Very art-housey Argentinian movie which has managed to acquire some kind of profile due to the involvement as producers of Pedro Almodavar and Danny Glover. Mildly stressed functionary Zama finds himself posted to a backwater South American outpost of the Spanish empire, some time in the 17th century, desperately tries to get himself transferred elsewhere, has very little success with this. In the end it all goes a little bit Apocalypse Now/Aguirre the Wrath of God.
Beautiful to look at, but one of those films where the fact that not very much happens is kind of the point. Implicitly highly critical of colonialism and slavery, of course - the Spanish overlords and the trappings of their civilisation are shabby and squalid compared to the local people - but more a character study of someone who finds himself becalmed in life (nice central performance). As I say, not very much happens until quite near the end, but it doesn't happen very beautifully.
Beautiful to look at, but one of those films where the fact that not very much happens is kind of the point. Implicitly highly critical of colonialism and slavery, of course - the Spanish overlords and the trappings of their civilisation are shabby and squalid compared to the local people - but more a character study of someone who finds himself becalmed in life (nice central performance). As I say, not very much happens until quite near the end, but it doesn't happen very beautifully.
David McK (3194 KP) rated Sharpe's Honour in TV
Nov 14, 2021 (Updated Nov 14, 2021)
The fifth episode in the TV adaptations of the novels by Bernard Cornwell (which are well worth a read), based on the book of the same name.
I say 'based on' as, because while the main thrust of the storyline is the same, the TV movie of necessity abbreviates the novel somewhat: most noticeably (I felt) watering down quite substantially the role of El Matarife in the proceedings.
As this starts, Sharpe is still mourning the death of his wife Teresa, while Napoleon - in his first appearance in the series - is in retreat from Russia, and with Major Pierre Ducos hatching a plan to drive a wedge between the Spanish and British allies while also getting his revenge on Sharpe by provoking a duel between Sharpe and a Spanish nobleman who he (Ducos) later murders, with Sharpe then taking the rap for said murder (until he is later able to prove his innocence).
I say 'based on' as, because while the main thrust of the storyline is the same, the TV movie of necessity abbreviates the novel somewhat: most noticeably (I felt) watering down quite substantially the role of El Matarife in the proceedings.
As this starts, Sharpe is still mourning the death of his wife Teresa, while Napoleon - in his first appearance in the series - is in retreat from Russia, and with Major Pierre Ducos hatching a plan to drive a wedge between the Spanish and British allies while also getting his revenge on Sharpe by provoking a duel between Sharpe and a Spanish nobleman who he (Ducos) later murders, with Sharpe then taking the rap for said murder (until he is later able to prove his innocence).
Gloria Yasmin (4 KP) rated Instructions Not Included (2013) in Movies
Mar 19, 2019
Must See, Just Bring Your Tissues
Solid performances. Great father and daughter chemistry. A movie packed with comedy, and emotions. Illustrates raw truths and how to face your fears no matter how small or big. The title is fitting. It's funnier in Spanish, but the actors do a great job not to recuperate lost meanings in translation. Must see. Just be warned, it is a tear jerker. Bring your tissues.
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Learned more here than I did in my High School Spanish class
As someone that has always had a difficulty with learning languages, it is nice to find a way that challenges me and keeps me involved. Duolingo is a game that helps you learn - a learning tool that feels like a game.
Give it a shot if you have not already.
Give it a shot if you have not already.
Good for beginners
I use the app daily to practice Spanish. There’s lots of repetition, and even when you level up on a skill, the difficulty does not increase. Yes, “my turtle is young,” but how will I ever converse in depth about the needs and wants of my turtle?!
The speech recognition does not always work, even when I speak clearly.
I’ve only dabbled in the other languages. Apparently I could learn Klingon or High Valyrian on Duolingo.
The speech recognition does not always work, even when I speak clearly.
I’ve only dabbled in the other languages. Apparently I could learn Klingon or High Valyrian on Duolingo.
Andy Walker (4868 KP) rated The Nun (2005) in Movies
Mar 28, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
A good bit of horror with some good effects. This Spanish film is about the spirit of a murdered Nun taking revenge on the people that killed her. As she was drowned and then dumped in a lake, she manifests through water which is a bit different. It's not a bad film, although not the greatest but we'll worth a watch.
You can see more information and a full plot summery here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nun_(2005_film)
You can see more information and a full plot summery here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nun_(2005_film)
Ross (3282 KP) rated London Calling by The Clash in Music
Jul 8, 2020
Rolling Stone's 8th greatest album of all time
Superb album. It is a bit of a shame that it is labelled as punk as that would put a lot of people off and make them miss out on such a wonderful masterpiece. This isn't "spit and middle finger" punk, it's political, thought-provoking and intelligent punk. For every London Calling, there is a Jimmy Jazz, for every Spanish Bombs there is a Train in Vain. Simply an awesome album.
Jeremy King (346 KP) rated Casa de mi padre (2012) in Movies
Jun 5, 2019
So bad it is so good
This movie is so bad it is funny and it was made that way. They went out of their way to do it that way. It is more of a spoof.
Turn the cheese level up on this one. Also it is all in spanish with subtitles. If you want a movie to mock while watching this is it. Saying that this movie is the type you only watch once to say you did it.
Turn the cheese level up on this one. Also it is all in spanish with subtitles. If you want a movie to mock while watching this is it. Saying that this movie is the type you only watch once to say you did it.
Sarah (82 KP) rated Overboard (2018) in Movies
Jan 12, 2019
Role reversal!
A good adaption on the original. The role reversal made me originally think it would just be a story on a gold digger. But it honestly wasn't. Lovely bit of romance, along with a strong female lead. The only downside for me was the amount of Spanish as I'm not a speaker so was a fair bit of reading with the subtitles. All in all a good film, although I much prefer the original.
