Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged

2012

94 minutes

English

Documentary

4 Stars

This was an interesting documentary. I've read Atlas Shrugged several times (7, actually) when I was considerably younger. As I aged, my philosophy changed and now look at the book differently than when I was a teen and twenty-something. While I no longer agree with her philosophy, I found this documentary interesting in explaining a great deal of where she was coming from. Sadly, I learned little (I was a huge Rand fan back in the day and read about everything she wrote), but found it a good refresher. Keep in mind, this is heavily pro-Rand, there are no dissenting viewpoints.

Finding Vivian Maier

2013 

83 minutes

English

Documentary

5 Stars

I remember reading about Maloof's discovery of Maier's works when it happened, then heard nothing more. I was delighted to see this documentary made about his discover, and his search to find who this woman was. Yes, it seemed to become almost an obsession for him, but I'm so glad it did. Vivian Maier was a bit of an eccentric, to word it mildly, who didn't want to work in a sweat shop, so she became a Nanny so she would have access to the outdoors – parks, streets, people. Her young charges got quite the workout keeping up with her. If they didn't, she more than once didn't seem to notice and walked off without them. Her photography of street scenes, almost all in black & white, are what Ansel Adams was to nature.

trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o2nBhQ67Zc

Turandot: At the Forbidden City of Beijing

1998

90 minutes

Subtitles

Opera

5 Stars

Even if you don't like opera, watch this one. The sets and photography are some of the lushest ever. Filmed at the Forbidden City, photos of the countryside are also used. Zubin Mehta conducts Italy's Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in this lavish production of Puccini's final opera. It is the story of an Ice Princess and her many suitors, all of whom have been executed. It is what we watch to hear Nessun Dorma. It is Beauty.

Pavarotti sings Nessun Dorma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VATmgtmR5o4

Lyrics and translation of Nessun Dorma: http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/opera/qt/nessundormatext.htm

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry

2012 

91 minutes

Chinese/English subtitles

Documentary

5 Stars

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist and activist. This documentary is poignant, and at times hilariously funny. Ai Weiwei is an artist who, after the earthquake in Sichuan, became quite the activist to get the people needed help. He has suffered persecution at the hands of the Chinese government, and has even been 'disappeared' for a time. Part of the movie is in Chinese with subtitles, much of it is in English. This movie is compelling, and the more so because it is Ai Weiwei telling his own story, not the story of a propagandist.

Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MYFOzP6Xns

Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon

2013

124 minutes

Mandarin, English Subtitles

5 stars

Be sure to fasten your seat belt before watching—this is a heckuva ride! And, oh, what a ride it is. I hope more are coming. You may have to watch it twice. Once to read all the subtitles, and the second time to watch all the action. You may have to suspend a bit more of your disbelief than usual what with all the visuals, gravity defying martial arts, and story line. Sea Dragons are not the only evil things in the capital city of Luoyang.  And our intrepid Young Detective Dee must solve the mystery and save the country, or die in the process. This movie is pure fun and entertainment. It's what movies should be, in my opinion.

Trailer http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi21669913/

The Warrior

2001

87 minutes

Hindi, good subtitles

5 Stars

I expected lots of fight scenes, instead, I got lots of gorgeous scenery. The story takes place during feudal India, and the war lord's chief enforcer 'awakens' just before his sword takes the life of a young girl and he allows her and her mother to escape. He tosses his sword onto the ground, and walks away to try to become a man of peace. His road is not easy, but it is beautiful. There is little dialog, lots of scenics, and is reminiscent of Kurosawa. Visually, it is one of the most stunning movies I've seen. Shot on location in the deserts of Rajasthan and the Himalayas. The casting, directing, music, photography are all wonderful. The choreography during opening credits is stunning.

Trailer