Pal Paladin

A beautiful film that at face value isn't all that unlike any other great love story. At face value.. This incredible film has much about it that is both haunting and provocative, for those able to let go and just go a long on the journey and absorb. The entire casts completely believable dramatic performances is perhaps the films greatest strong point! At it's core, 'The Sorceser and the White Snake' is a whimsical love story with a deep emotional vibe. Those familiar with Hayao Miyazaki's animated features, should easily recognise what they are in for. -- Masterfully rendered in live action with some well chosen CGI sequences that themselves provide visual narrative for it's mythic setting, with a heavy dose of implication besides. -- For example: what if the lotus is a representation of power, not the manifestation of it? This is implied in one of the films crescendo sequences. As said, 'The Sorcerer and the White Snake' is a mythological story. Unlike many films of this type. The story here is told by it's actors, not purely by direction. All of whom deeply immerse themselves in their roles to tell you that story. This is a tale told by it's players, backed by a very well sequenced score to really draw the viewers emotions. With some moments that are as chilling as they fill you with palpable warmth. To talk specifically of Jet Li, his performance is unlike any other you have seen from him before. If you were tp believe this film was a passion project of his; you would not be the only one. Every body, from supporting cast to extras, are amazing in their roles. The lead cast, at once evocative and possessed. Masterfully weaving an elemental tale together. It makes for a very profound viewing experience. This is a film you will watch at least once a year. It just has that about it.

Just finished watching it. Easily the most Uncanny Xmen movie yet (of them all!), despite the rather cliche original story it's based on, having been abridged for this film. The essence is still there in Klinbergs, now familiar, style of centering narratives on the people on the screen. Something I personally prefer where film is concerned, and yet I'm quite sure the consequences of that decision will urk comic fans of the Xmen series, to no end. I'm such a fan myself. I also love film. What I tend to look for in film adaptation of comic series; isn't a facsimile of that work (afterall, I'm already quite familiar with that work). For good reason. A detailed and faithful facsimile would result in a film that would be far too long and never really spend enough time on any character to do them, or subsequently the entire story, justice. Needless to say, although more is sometimes better, it doesn't make for great viewing where film is concerned. Comics series release over a long time, their writers evolve the narratives to a completely different set of viewer conditions (and expectations), and their own wants and needs. As they often tend to work knowing they have plenty of time and therefore scope, to seed narrative layers that often result in stories themselves; sometimes even spunoff mini-series, new characters and future direction. Films don't have that luxury, even when released in a series. I feel like some fans miss that point in their appraisals.. Personally, I enjoyed the film immensely. Upon those times I actually do get around to sit down and watch a film adapted from comics. There are some things I just know to expect (such as how long it takes to get to the "good stuff"). I also tend to look for screen representations adapted from the comic panels and covers (art) themselves. Dark Phoenix has oodles, even in the "talky bits". From where individuals sit in the frame, to the intricate action sequences. Nicely lifted and slightly altered to shape it's visual narrative. In this film, we see all of the Xmen represented, jump out as if directly from the comic panels and use their various powers to great effect during the major action sequence. Storms iconic posture juxtaposed behind Beast, on top of a train, as a particular favourite scene of mine. How many times have we seen a similar scene? But never in actual motion! Until now. -- In Apocalypse, we saw Jean form her namesake. "Phoenix" is an expression born from her, using her naturally gifted psionic abilities. In Dark Phoenix we see where the power added to the name comes from that shapes future Xmen narratives. It's not unlike the comics in actual fact. Jean is subject to having been chosen to embody a cosmic force, while the Xmen are involved in a near-orbital emergency. Exchanged from blocking her Telepathic abilities (already touched upon in the previous film "Apocalypse"). We discover Xavier has instead chosen to block her traumatic childhood memories. This actually plays out well in terms of a film story, although being different to the comics. In fact, in my opinion, it makes more sense; when one considers 'what the character" Jean "Phoenix' Grey is.. Being that whats yuk about any film is utterly subjective, I'll abstain here. I enjoyed the film overall and thats my only reason for taking the time to write this up. Great film, awesome cast, sound, visuals and lighting superb! If you've been following this trilogy a great final outing by Fox. -- My mark 8.8/10