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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 12, 2012 17:20:05 GMT -5
Clint Eastwood; a racist, angry veteran of Korea, head of a repugnant family, foul mouthed macho man and a fearless upholder of the white American way of life.
That is, until his Asian neighbours enter his life; showing him a life ethic and meaning which he had hitherto ignored.
This film is, in my opinion, one of Clint's best. It is incredibly moving, and takes you to highs and lows in a way most films cannot possibly entertain managing let alone pulling it off.
I could talk for hours about how good it is, and the ins and outs of the film - in fact, I would love to hear other opinions of the film.
However, right now, all I want to say is.....is that Clint singing at the end?
Because that really ruined the poignant ending for me.
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Post by tailbest on Apr 12, 2012 17:25:19 GMT -5
At the time, it was my favorite film of the year. As the years have gone by, the film itself is not as great as when I first saw it... but, Clint's performance is ace. I feel the acting by the Hmong characters, especially the boy, was very grating and took away from the film. My biggest bane of contention is *spoilers* when Clint locks the boy in his basement before the final confrontation. His screams and wails made me laugh instead of feel for him. *end spoilers*
Clint was, I still feel to this day, robbed of an Oscar nomination. He is a racist, makes you believe it, but you also care about him and never hate the guy. He hates everyone: white, black, Asian. Everyone. The fact I enjoyed this character and wanted more from him shows, to me at least, that this character was well done.
And yes, that is him singing over the credits. He does all of his own scores.
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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 12, 2012 17:36:20 GMT -5
First of all, I agree with you about its aging, and particularly you make an excellent point regarding the reaction of young Tao(?).
What made this film something else for me, and this sounds macabre, was the acting of the girl, Sue, after her attack. Rape isn't a rare subject in film by any means, but the way they showed that scene, and the simplicity imbued in it made it utterly harrowing, and it is the one thing that stood out to me on my first viewing as much as when I saw it again this week.
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Post by tailbest on Apr 12, 2012 17:39:50 GMT -5
I will agree with the girl, she held her own in the movie and made a nice contrast to the hate-filled Walt. I liked her and Clint. I think the boy was Thao(?) could be wrong, but he was distracting, especially in the third act where the film got darker. I know he was a first time actor, so I can't fault him too much, but he really did take away from a film that was building towards a tension-filled climax.
I'm not knocking the film by any means, just there were some good performances, just the rest of the film was not as solid. Definitely a film that should be seen though. Especially if Clint has given up acting to take on directing full time.
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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 12, 2012 17:44:50 GMT -5
The acting of the lad was an interesting contrast to that of Clint - cold, controlled, charismatic versus new, insecure, manic...and my optimism leads me to suggest that this was part of Clint's aim. To have a character that was a little bit underwhelming, but at the same time who you could see as having potential. Like Clint said, he was getting there. Perhaps his melt down was all part of Clint's masterplan of making his own character seem more, um, hardcore, as the world around him struggles to hang on and make sense of everything, his is the character that cleans up and gets the job done. Maybe, or maybe you picked holes in the film I am complimenting and I am fighting to hang on to my good opinion in spite of the flaws
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Post by tailbest on Apr 12, 2012 17:51:29 GMT -5
Hey, I enjoy the film. I am just saying, Thao screaming and pounding on the door in the basement is laughable. There are ways that scene could have been done, where you feel the character's pain and want him to go out and help Clint, but also make you want him to stay there and not see what is about to happen. Beyond that scene and scenes that require emotional acting, the kid was alright. He was certainly a weak link in the film. Beyond him, the script is very formulaic, but entertaining enough. I'm glad you like it. I do too, just saying that no film is perfect
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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 12, 2012 17:53:36 GMT -5
There was meant to be humour in my post; I hope that came across.
I couldn't help but laugh when Clint started singing to be honest.
What did you think about No country for old men?
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Post by tailbest on Apr 12, 2012 17:55:44 GMT -5
It did, if it didn't I would have logged off and cowered underneath my bed in hopes of not feeling the wrath of Flashes.
I really like No Country For Old Men. It's a very-Coen Brothers film. I still haven't seen There Will Be Blood, so I still rate No Country as the best film that year. You not a fan?
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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 13, 2012 12:06:32 GMT -5
Actually I really liked it; I had a bit of a movie night and we watched gran torino and no cfom among others.
I wanted to make a post called 'Tommy Lee Jones' but didn't know whether Viper would judge me badly for it.
I am a big fan of old Tommy, his grizzly appeal is substantial, yet I don't think his career always reflects his skill. This film shows him at his best, and he was awesome in it. Josh Brolin is also really brilliant, and Bardem, in this film, pulls off what I think Johnny Depp desperately tries to do in all his 'alternative' films.
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Post by tailbest on Apr 13, 2012 15:53:13 GMT -5
Well Blonde will judge you... Angry people do. I say create the thread. Hes a very good actor, plus this site knows no bounds... Except that only a few people come here. TLJ is deserving a tbread for himself. Regarding his role in NCFOM, he had a difficult role. He really us the main character, but played his part so subtly, you almost feel like he shouldnt be in the movie. Its a great choice by him and the Coens.
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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 13, 2012 17:03:05 GMT -5
Regarding his role in NCFOM, he had a difficult role. He really us the main character, but played his part so subtly, you almost feel like he shouldnt be in the movie. Its a great choice by him and the Coens. Perfect summary!
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Post by Mr. Blonde on Apr 13, 2012 17:11:48 GMT -5
Why would I judge good ol' Flashes for a Tommy Lee Jones thread? He's good times and as Tailbest says, he always plays himself.
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Post by onamirrorsedge on Apr 13, 2012 17:33:32 GMT -5
These things have to be considered, since you and tb set the bar pretty high with your standards! Not many people understand Tommy.
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Post by Mr. Blonde on Apr 13, 2012 17:37:10 GMT -5
He was nominated for a single line in 'The Fugitive': "I don't care!"
It takes real talent to pull something like that off.
And, 'twas good ol' Tailbest who set a high standard. He's gotta be all... I don't know the word. I just know I have lower standards because I use 'I got mail'. (OLD joke...)
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Post by tailbest on Apr 13, 2012 18:26:12 GMT -5
TLJ wasnt just nominated... He won! Are you saying I have lower standards?
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