Raging Bull

I thought Robert De Niro's acting was incredible in this film. He was able to capture the psychological downfall of the boxer, Jake LaMotta, as he lets the violent, confrontational nature of his game slip outside of the boxing ring and into his daily life. Vengeful, envious, and ill tempered, he loses many of his relationships. Despite how upsetting the tragic demise of Lamotta's character is, I cannot help but appreciate how engrossed he was with his career. As depicted in the film, he took his passion to an extreme intangible to most.

13 Assassins

I've never been a huge fan of violence and bloodshed. Consequently, the second half of the movie, which mostly consisted of consecutive, gruesome battle scenes, was repetitive and unenjoyable. I do appreciate the build up to the climatic point of the film, that was the breakout of violence. The development of characters and various themes reinforced and foreshadowed what was eventually going to take place.

Black Hawk Down

Exceptional cinematography, use of sound, and color palette..One of the most powerful depictions of war!

Kungfu Hustle

As one of my favorite films thus far, Kung Fu hustle covers a wide range of film tactics and emotions. In combination with its consecutive action-packed scenes, there is an inclusion of comical characters  and witty dialogues. In modern times, special effects seem to rob the film industry's concept of reality. Yet, in Kung Fu Hustle, both appear to thrive off each another, for many of the characters in this film are relatable despite their supernatural characteristics.

I walked with a Zombie

Thought this quote captured the essence of this film. On the way to the Island,  Mr. Holland describes his melancholic, dark view of the world around him to Betsy, the new nurse. His words not only reflect the film's underlying, pessimistic tone, but the conflict between reality and ambiguity.

It’s easy enough to read the thoughts of a newcomer.  Everything seems beautiful because you don’t understand.  Those flying fish…they’re not leaping for joy…they’re jumping in terror…bigger fish want to eat them.  That luminous water…It takes its gleam from millions of dead bodies. (plankton) There’s only death and decay here….

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The Black Narcissus

      First and foremost, the location of this film plays a crucial role. The Black Narcissus, which was filmed back in 1947, took place in a new Anglican institution located in the Himalayas. Sister Clodagh's task to supervise this institution was precarious to say the least, for she, a long with the other nuns, are unfamiliar with the institution's people and surroundings. As expected by most viewers, the institution has its fair share of abnormalities. 

        The nuns' isolation in such a remote area leads to their psychological downfall, that is the conflict between their passion and moral obligation. For example, while the nuns feel obligated to follow their duties from the Dean, his appealing looks and masculine personalty prove too distracting. This movie  essentially captures an issue that many disciplined occupations struggle with to this day. Other conflicts and factors caused them to stray away from their duties as well. 

Raging Bull

Raging Bull was definitely a drama. The acting was spectacular and I found myself getting very absorbed in the story. I can't truly say I enjoyed this movie, but I absolutely loved it at the same time. It was like watching something that you so desperately wanted to look away from, but just couldn't! De Niro and Moriarty worked so spectacularly together. A lot of the scenes between De Niro and Pesci were very powerful and it was hard to believe that a lot of those scenes were improv. Overall, very glad I can say I've seen this movie and I'll definitely be suggesting the title to friends, but with a warning.