1960s, 4/4, Drama, John Boorman, Review, War

Hell in the Pacific

I love these sorts of tiny little films from accomplished filmmakers. This is two actors (literally no more than two at any point in the film) in a battle of wills and wits on a beach. It's the sort of thing that, just at the sound of it without any mention of names, comes off… Continue reading Hell in the Pacific

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1950s, 4/4, Best Picture Winner, David Lean, Drama, Review, War

The Bridge on the River Kwai: A Second Look

I'm still in amazement at how well The Bridge on the River Kwai comes together in the end. David Lean had been working up his way through the British film industry through a series of smaller films, and he entered the epic game with a serious bang. Taking Pierre Boulle's novel and pushing it into… Continue reading The Bridge on the River Kwai: A Second Look

1950s, 4/4, Best Picture Winner, Elia Kazan, Review

On the Waterfront: A Second Look

It's interesting to watch this after my negative reaction to Gentleman's Agreement. I had large problems with Elia Kazan's earlier film, mostly about how the different pieces never connected dramatically. And then I revisit On the Waterfront, and it's damn near perfect. It makes me wonder if Kazan was one of those filmmakers who didn't… Continue reading On the Waterfront: A Second Look