Tony Gerard

I am a movie fan, and a Critic ( albeit an amateur). Once in a long while, maybe every decade, there is a movie that is so good that the best review is just to write : WOW. This is one of those.

This is a film best watched in a film class (eg. somewhat erudite) but you don't have to know Ingmar Bergman to understand or appreciate it. This is a story within a story, since the main characters are filmakers who visit his home on Fårö Island, off the Swedish coast. They are go there for tourism, but also to work on the storyline for films they are making. Although you don't have to understand Ingmar Bergman, or even have to have seen a Bergman movie, to appreciate this film, his fans will probably like it best. It's multilayered and complex. Marriage, sex and love are the themes. It's evocative.

This is an epic historical drama by the director of Gladiator ( Ridley Scott). Emotionally and physically brutal, it tells of the last "duel to the death" in 13th century France. Matt Damon and Ben Afflick co-wrote much of the film, but a female perspective is essential since a rape is the catalyst for the conflict. The heroine's refusal to stay silent after a viscous sexual assault is the real theme of this bloody medieval battle. Like Gladiator, this movie shows extreme savagery, but is more centered on the female protagonist, and her defiant stand against sexual abuse.

Unless your sensibilities about films are to the level of a movie critic, you will be puzzled and annoyed by this film. Nicolas Cage’s acting is truly amazing, and there are some really important themes going on in this movie. But don’t expect to understand them without a lot of contemplation. (I think it’s mostly about grief, but I’m not really sure) It’s beautifully shot, and lovingly depicts a off the grid survivalist who leaves solitude to interact again with the culture of Portland Oregon. He was once a famous chef, and still deeply cares about food, his pig, and sometimes about other people. The plot line is slow and there’s very little dialogue. Words are sparse and poignant You keep expecting something exciting or frightening to happen, but Nicolas Cage’s suppressed anger never boils over.

Quiet but emotionally intense.