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rakau’s Film Reviews

About me: whipping boy & general factotem

35 Films have been rated or reviewed by rakau.

How Far is HeavenHow Far is Heaven (2012)Recommended
This is a very sour, sad film bereft of any appreciation of the Compassion Order's vocations and their immersion in the reality of Christ as they follow His mission.
Captain PhillipsCaptain Phillips (2013)Recommended
4 stars (Very Good) Worth watching for the Somali actors who seem to actually be wasted waifs. Tom Hanks expends extraordinary energy to depict the factual horror.
Beyond the EdgeBeyond the Edge (2013)Recommended
No New Zealander should watch this film. It is an insult to Hilary with stupid, faked (read Hilary's account) nonsense about the "Hilary Step" . Casting of Tenzing bad too.
UtopiaUtopia (2014)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, SpyTinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1980)Recommended
This is a superb and faultless rendition of Le Carre's novel based, in actual life, on the hunt for traitor Kim Philby. It is Guinness's only TV performance and as the director claims "Once we had him we could empty the National Theatre". .
Imitation Game, TheImitation Game, The (2014)Recommended
This is an appallingly dreadful film that demeans, discredits and abuses the memory of one of the most important minds of the C20th. The entire film is total trash!
Big Bang Theory, The (TV Series) Big Bang Theory, The (TV Series) (2007)
There are three nerds! Is forgetting Gupta racism?
Bicycle ThievesBicycle Thieves (The Bicycle Thief, Ladri di biciclette) (1948)Aro Favourite
Hardly sentimental this is a devastating expose of post–war hardship and Lear–tragedy. Its realism makes it hard to believe it was acted and the hopelessness of man\'s inhumanity to man is crushing. De Sica\'s direction is magnificent.
Closely Observed TrainsClosely Observed Trains (1966)
5 stars (Exceptional) Definitely both funny and profound, the slow, understated pace of the film can initially detract from the subtlety of the story but this makes the closing shock stunning and concussive. Watch more than once to pick up on all the cleverness.
Picnic at Hanging RockPicnic at Hanging Rock (1975)Aro Favourite
5 stars (Exceptional) Extraordinarily beautiful and haunting, somehow using lace–light to swathe everything. Delicate and charming Victorian beauty and manners pervade everything, including pain and the rocks and grasses of the fateful picnic.

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