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Post by fzen1988 on Jun 25, 2011 23:07:37 GMT
Oooh no. Never worry about your writing being way too long (this is coming from a person who, when set loose, can write something as long as --if not longer than-- the Domesday Book. Just ask Fzen!  ) Yep,I am very happy to verify that! ;D Meg,just imagine if we still had to send letters to each other!  Rufy wouldn't be that tired reading them!   |
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Post by tipou on Jun 26, 2011 1:24:52 GMT
and also - we like movies, this is why we are here.
and writing about movies (and books) is fun.
they are about emotions, about reflexion, about worlds we are familiar with, or not at all. we react with passion, and such feelings sometimes need to be expressed, sometimes it helps you sort things out, discover new aspects of a movie you had not discerned before.
add to that views of others who have seen the same movie... and said movie takes new proportions altogether.
i remember having, here, discussions about In a Savage Land, Dark City, or Taming of the Shrew that made me discover whole layers of the movies i had not even understood - english not being my first language.
and, let's face it, we LOVE writing long, loving essays about OUR GUY... so, why deny ourselves the pleasure?
damn, i believe i will give Uncorked another chance and watch it again some day soon....
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Post by rueful on Jun 26, 2011 7:11:00 GMT
I don't know whose post to quote! Tipou's sincere explanation of her  feelings about this movie, or Chocolate's stirring defense, not necessarily of the movie, but our affection for it. Please consider yourselves both quoted, and admired, for your articulate discussion! I have a lifelong love of gentle films. They don't make many of those anymore; since Brando, everything's got to be so "real" all the time, so intense.* The premise and some of the details of Uncorked are not totally realistic, but the movie watches quietly as (entirely realistic) good people try to be good to people they love, and it watches them with a sweet and humorous perspective. *I don't mean you were saying that, Tipou. It's just what filmmakers seem to value. And I do think Uncorked is very funny. Ross's and Kendall's sarcastic comments are great, and Mr Tang's song made me laugh so hard I was almost sick. I agree with Chocolate that Rufus's acting here was very good. Here is where I will quote: I think it is quite an achievement for an actor with such strong screen presence, charm and the gift to act and lead , to become "so much of a wuss" Exactly. I don't think that Ross was a wuss, but I do think he is entirely different from any other character Rufus has played, with the possible exception of Ali Baba, who had a similar ineffectual nature to Ross (but more self-confidence). Tipou, I hope if you do get around to watching it again you will enjoy it more--just so you can have another Rufus film in your rotation! ;D |
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Post by chocolate on Jun 26, 2011 9:08:33 GMT
tipou, I remember the discussion between you and rueful re "In A Savage Land"... ;D . I do love you both for that. It gave me an exceptional pleasure to read. (and gave me an idea to have some radishes near me when the writing becomes too intense!) ;D ;D.
And here I say- (from what I can sense) tipou and I, we have much in common. We have similar feelings and interpretations of the movies of The Man of The Board. Our differences come when we express what we feel. I tend to be very careful and rethink my lines several times, which is not very admirable (at least for me) because it kills the pure emotion of the feeling, but gives me time and space to find new sides and perspectives, while tipou says exactly what she feels with some very nice and expressive words and phrases.
For me, my impressions regarding films, books, art or life in general are always very personal and I tend to keep them inside (another not so good habit) because I usually sense sides and qualities I find difficult to express fast and simple and tend to become lazy and just shut up about them. But here I take the opportunity to share some of what I think and this makes my mind more at ease; it really, like tipou said, puts things in a new order and perspective.
rueful, when I was (sort of) defending the movie in one side of my mind was the thought that it actually did not need my defence, but couldn't help it! ( i know, some more radishes...)
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Post by GreenEyesToo on Jun 26, 2011 10:54:06 GMT
I think the best I could do here would be to quote the entirety of Rueful's post and just add  ;D |
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Post by annachibi on Jun 27, 2011 5:40:53 GMT
Aw, I love what wonderful, in-depth discussions you guys have on this board! I wish I could participate more often, but I have trouble articulating things like that with as much clarity as the rest of you. I think Rufus just makes me tongue-tied. I appreciate your point of view, tipou! Sometimes we do tend to overlook a lot of flaws in movies simply because Rufus is in them (I know I have on occasion). And it's these differences of opinion and our acceptance of them that keeps us from becoming that really annoying type of fangirl that gets angry at people who don't agree. I'm sure you've all met people like that, who can't believe you don't enjoy the same thing(s) they do. Maybe it's because we're so used to him being overlooked and misunderstood, but I think most of Rufus's fans are quite nice, gracious people with open minds. And that's my little rant there, don't mind me. |
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Post by kissmekate on Jun 27, 2011 7:16:15 GMT
and i love the happy accident quotes (choc's and roof's both) , i like the way this expressions allows for surprises to enter our lives and sometimes prove us wrong. Thanks for picking up the "happy accident", chocolate & tipou. This has been my favourite Rufus quote since I first read it because it made me feel less odd about taking things in my stride instead of planning everything as most other people around me seem to do. Surely you can't always rely on a happy accident to come along, but most turning points in my life were actually based on one of those. So I've become a great believer in happy accidents, and my most hated question is where I see myself in ten years' time. tipou, although I like this movie very much because it's just the kind of feel-good fun I love once in a while (and yes, I do adore the music ;D ), I can see its weaknesses too. Actually that's why I hesitate to watch it with people unaffected by Rufusitis And finally: if everyone here agreed on everything all the time, this would be a pretty boring board ;D Love the way we can have discussions like this without getting at each other's throats as it often happens in fan forums. A big thank you and hats off to all you lovely ladies for that! |
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Post by chocolate on Jul 10, 2011 15:10:27 GMT
I am adding here some more to my previous comments. Now, I hope they will be better articulated, and less emotional. I watched the film yesterday evening again, for no particular reason, just happened to stumble upon it on utube while hunting for some more music ideas for our album. It really depends if one would find this movie in the right mood. I happened to like it a lot more yesterday than several weeks before, and agreed with most comments that it is a "pick me up to feel good movie". But that was yesterday. If you ask me again in a few weeks or months time, and if the devils inside me are fighting again for dominance, I probably will say some harsh words! No matter of my emotional (un-)stability and status, the movie does appeal to me. I usually start with the story, but this time will jump to the visual style. - the visual aspect of the film i would describe as "juicy"- enhanced colors with warm undertones, beautiful landscapes, interiors with the typical "craftsman" feel, very relaxing and moody. Just in general I detect an obvious goal each shot to be perfectly composed, which is not really a good point, because shows the intention of the director to be more of a painter than a story-teller. Nevertheless, I love it the way it was- colorful feast for the eyes. A little retro, with a reverence to the cozy country side, and some European influences.I couldn't detect the american location, but as I am not neither Brit nor American, my vision was not disturbed by the inconsistency between the spoken words or the accents and the place being in the US. Must I add, while still on the visual side of the show, also the pleasure of watching Rufus all young, art-y neglige, innocent and snugly, with those nice looking glasses and the curly ruffled hair...? <purrrrrrrrrr> I think we all do agree on that point, so I'll skip to the Story! - Now the way the story was told is something we could debate (I am joining forces here with tipou, if she will take me). My teeth started to ache before the story reached its mid point. Thinking about all that sweetness, and the caramel topping, and those stuffy cream-y, chocolate-y thing-ys makes me go look for something to drink. Nothing bad if you are really having a sweet tooth i.e. your emotional side is so starved that this fulfills some of your empty places, BUT! Why, for goodness' sake, the director had to bring all those important and not-so-little pieces and intellectual messages into one film??? We are thought, when learning art of any type, that it is not advisable to put almost everything you want to say about whatever's occupying your vision span, in one piece of work. And here I had the feeling that the director did just that. Don't understand me the wrong way, I DO appreciate all the effort and the love-and-peace messages, but somehow it was a little bit too much and somehow scattered, symbolic string in every scene and that needed to be followed. The broken ankle, which turned into a life suffering, the forgotten passion for the music (Rufus  ), the love miss-matching, the The Pillar!!! with all its eastern-philosophy-observing-and-thinking-about-what-is-really- important-in-life stuff, the Tree-talking and nature-loving, the wine from the tap and all of the rest combined! just was a little bit more than the 1.5 h movie could bear. I honestly could do with a little less symbolism and a little more subtle and straight story line, that would go so well with the scenery and the music. <My perception was detecting throughout some weed (ganja!!!) smoke in the air of the story.> Needless to say, the film as a story was entertaining and contributing to the overall peace and love in the world, but with a lot more to be desired, at least IMHO. Here I will divide my post into two, not to leave it to chance and internet connections to loose my genius sentences... |
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Post by chocolate on Jul 10, 2011 15:42:56 GMT
The Acting! - Now this will have my whole love and appreciation. This movie was lucky, well may be not lucky, but smart enough, to have all those amazing actors enjoying themselves, to fill the white spots left from the not so perfectly compiled story. Rufus shines like a new/young / coin in a bag of other well-kept ones. Together with Sir Nigel they both were complimenting each other perfectly. Minnie Driver was playing her part also very convincing. I did love them together, Minnie and Rufus, with their apparent odd love relationship, with those small gestures, kisses and touches. She did look like the self confident and mature part of the couple, while Ross was this tender, artistic kid with soft loving and longing heart, that needed to be protected from the harshness of the reality. The whole scene in front of the manganese mine was simply superb. "No, No, NO!, Darling...Ross, your loosing string has just hit an old time bloody high..." ;D ;D ;D and the baseball bath in Rufus' hand ... my words now escape me. Laurie, Paul, Mr. Tang!, Tom, I liked very much all of them as well. I want to add my appreciation to the posts of everyone who wrote before me, so I'm just going to say, I double your words and add mine after them. Especially regarding the brilliance of that young actor with the dark curly hair, the most amazing dreamy eyes and the sweetest smile...purrr, and those hug-able arms and body! Oh, god ... I need a cold drink or something. <off for some lemonade...> Where were I... Now about the music and the rest. - Well, the music is one of my all-time favorites. It sounded a little Irish? or may be celtic to me, I don't know why was chosen to be such, but it went very well with the scenery (I imagined all the time that the story was going on in Ireland or another part of the UK, with this superimposed green color of the nature), and in any respect it was one of the other gems of the film. Ross playing the guitar is a favorite moment, but it was also a turning point in the film, so I am not surprised this scene was very emotionally charged and moving. I found a lot of humour in the film, which added for me to its relaxing and feel-good atmosphere. It also made all those ideas easier to swallow. Rufus, again was brilliant, with his funny lines and sentences, gestures and emotions, while keeping serious face and composure. I don't know how he is able to immerse himself into the role so deeply, with this enormous self control and concentration, that the viewer does not feel any tension watching him play, but it is also not important. What was important to me was that he gave a generous amount of lightness and beauty to the show. Emotional and visual beauty  . <another gulp of lemonade> I am a devoted fan now of this film. Even love it more for its imperfections. Not only it leaves my heart full with love and pastel light, but uplifts me emotionally and somehow brightens up my thinking, with all those raging emotions inside of it . If I could imply some of my visual approach, I would compare the film to an early evening diner after a sunny day in the open air, in a small french restaurant. Without much pretence, but with a good amount of delicious food, wine and in a good company. Nothing too special, just enjoying life. <and now my lemonade is over, I need a refill!> |
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Post by megagem on Jul 10, 2011 17:03:10 GMT
Great review, Choc! It made me want to watch the film again...which is exactly what I'm going to do! <skips away merrily> ;D
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Post by kissmekate on Jul 11, 2011 9:09:50 GMT
Lovely review, choc!  - Well, the music is one of my all-time favorites. It sounded a little Irish? or may be celtic to me, I don't know why was chosen to be such, but it went very well with the scenery (I imagined all the time that the story was going on in Ireland or another part of the UK, with this superimposed green color of the nature), and in any respect it was one of the other gems of the film. Ross playing the guitar is a favorite moment, but it was also a turning point in the film, so I am not surprised this scene was very emotionally charged and moving. The little youtube video of "Ross' Concert" was the reason why this was one of the first Rufus movies I bought. I fell in love with this beautiful piece from the first note on. You're right about the Irish/Celtic touch, Jeff Danna, the composer of the Uncorked soundtrack, is Canadian but has done quite a lot of Celtic-inspired music (mostly with his brother Mychael). Like you, I didn't realize instantly that the film was indeed set in the USA ;D Absolutely. This is why it works for me after all. The humour (and the music) saves the film from becoming one of those corny and pretentious lessons about life. Yup! Isn't that exactly what we love him for, this ability to turn himself fully into the character he's playing without ever looking strained or artificial. I have seen him in so many different roles now and never found him unconvincing. Beautifully said! |
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Post by annachibi on Jul 11, 2011 23:34:51 GMT
YES!! I'd quote you on the points I agree with, but I'd be quoting most of it. XD The main thing is, even with its obvious (and perhaps slightly annoying to some people) spouting of philosophy, the movie just has a way of lifting up your spirits at the end.
And actually, I didn't realize was set in the US when I first watched it. The mix of accents confused me a little but then I forgot about it.
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Post by thegodmother on Jan 3, 2012 14:51:07 GMT
i'm just watching it (thanks to good old youtube:) and i love it. Rufus is...Rufus as always, i.e. perfect. So far I am sure i like the characters, the acting, the scenery as well.
BTW- Loved Chocolate's review- I've never had the skill to explain, in writing, so much, and yet to avoid being boring. But your style rocks, Choc! (btw, could you please tell me where's that picture taken from? What movie?)
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Post by judypatooty on Jan 3, 2012 14:56:59 GMT
(btw, could you please tell me where's that picture taken from? What movie?) If you're talking about her avatar, that gorgeous curly-headed shot is from the play "Arcadia" in which Rufus played Septimus Hodge. Here's the whole picture ...  Sigh. |
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Post by kissmekate on Jan 3, 2012 15:16:37 GMT
Make that a double ... triple ... BIG sigh  This one keeps giving me fantasies about grabbing those curls with both my hands More swoon-worthy Arcadia pics can be found here. |
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Rufy wouldn't be that tired reading them! 
), the love miss-matching, the The Pillar!!! with all its eastern-philosophy-observing-and-thinking-about-what-is-really- important-in-life stuff, the Tree-talking and nature-loving, the wine from the tap and all of the rest combined! just was a little bit more than the 1.5 h movie could bear. I honestly could do with a little less symbolism and a little more subtle and straight story line, that would go so well with the scenery and the music. 
.
This one keeps giving me fantasies about grabbing those curls with both my hands