Kaguyahime: The Moon Princess

Ballet

1994

69 Minutes

5 Stars

The language of dance. Absolutely stunning. It is the telling of the classic Japanese folk tale of the Moon Princess, who comes to Earth hoping to bring peace, but whose beauty instead feeds jealousy and war. I wasn't so interested in the story, but the dancing and the music were superb. The music is a mixture of traditional Japanese flute and drum combined with modern; minimal costumes and sets; maximal beauty of dancing, and great lighting. If you like ballet, you will enjoy this.

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Shaolin Warriors, Disc 1

Chinese (subtitles)  

2009

First 7 episodes

3 Stars

Almost 4 stars until I realized how new it is. The subtitles are okay, but the irritating thing to me was when they showed a close-up of writing, with no translation/subtitle. I knew it was important, why else make such an issue of it, with such ominous music, but didn't have a clue what it said. This is a 5 disc/34 episode TV drama, actually filmed at the Shaolin Temple. Lots of great martial arts fights and stars one of my favorites—Sammo Hung. He's the chubby one, and is a martial artist. The story takes place during the Ming Dynasty and the monks are helping to keep the pirates, and an invasion, at bay. If you like martial arts, this will not disappoint. Only the subtitles, or lack thereof, earned it a 3 star.

My Neighbor Totoro

Japanese or English   

1988

86 minutes

5 Stars

This is another marvelous story from Studio Ghibli, and you have the choice of language and subtitles. I chose Japanese language with English subtitles. This fun story is about two sisters whose mother is in the hospital, and their father has moved them, for the summer, to a home in the country. Because they are children, and innocent, they find themselves in a marvelous wonderland, peopled by delightful creatures only they can see and hear. I have yet to see a Studio Ghibli movie I didn't find entertaining, delightful, and suitable for children of all ages. The music is marvelous! Listen to the soundtrack.

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Stormy Weather

English  

1943

78 minutes

5 Stars

The last time I saw this movie, start to finish, I was in high school and babysitting and it came on the late, late, late movie show. I'm not even sure why I ordered it, but am so glad I did. This movie has an all-star cast, marvelous singing, and terrific dancing. All that entertainment is thinly held together by the story (what there is of it) but worth the investment in time (and money) to watch. Personally, I think this is one of the best musicals to come out of Hollywood. Lena Horne is, as always, marvelous. If you haven't seen this movie, you need to. If you have seen it, you need to see it again. And don't be surprised if, when it ends, you stand and clap in the privacy of your own home! Yes. It's that good.

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Hi Yo Silver....and Awaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!

The Lone Ranger  

English

149 minutes

2013

5 Stars

This movie stars Johnny Depp (Tonto), a horse, and a bunch of other people. It was Depp's movie (except when the horse stole a scene or two) from the get-go. I grew up with The Lone Ranger—radio, tv, movies—and was quite willing to not like this version. I laughed so hard the dog started howling. It is pure, unadulterated escapism. Never mind the story was Texas but the film was shot in Utah. Ah, quibble. It's all here, told in a slightly different manner. The mask, the horse, the sidekick, and the silver bullet—and Johnny Depp. For what more can one ask in a movie? My only real complaint was I could not read the credits. What idiot put white credits on a light background?

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