Movie Guide
These are some of my favorite movies. Most of them received good reviews from highly respected movie reviewers such A.O. Scott (New York Times) and Roger Ebert (Chicago Tribune). You can check out their reviews at www.rottentomatoes.com.
The list is organized by genre.
Movies marked with an asterisk (*) are modern day classics. Most are quite easy to find at Blockbuster or Asia First.
ACTION ADVENTURE
FACE OFF - John Travolta and Nicholas Cage star in this great action movie. 1997
Cast: Sean Archer - John Travolta
Castor Troy - Nicolas Cage
NATURAL BORN KILLERS - If you love violence you’ll love this movie starring Woody Harrelson about the effect of the media on society. 1994
Cast: Mickey Knox - Woody Harrelson
Mallory Knox - Juliette Lewis
Wayne Gale - Robert Downey, Jr.
McClusky - Tommy Lee Jones
Mallory's Dad - Rodney Dangerfield
Directed By Oliver Stone. Running Time: 123 Minutes. Classified R (For Extreme Violence, Profanity and Sexuality)
SPIDERMAN* - Two great action adventure movies. 2002/4
Cast: Peter Parker/Spider-Man - Tobey Maguire
Norman Osborn/Green Goblin - Willem Dafoe
Mary Jane Watson - Kirsten Dunst
Harry Osborn - James Franco
Uncle Ben - Cliff Robertson
Aunt May - Rosemary Harris
J. Jonah Jameson: J.K. Simmons
MPAA rating: PG-13
Running time 120 minutes
POINT BREAK - Surfers will like this one. 1991
Cast: Bodhi - Patrick Swayze
Johnny Utah - Keanu Reeves
Pappas - Gary Busey
ANIMATION
FINDING NEMO* - One of my all time favorites. It’s about a fish and his dad. 2003
Cast: Nemo - Alexander Gould
Nemo’s dad, Marlin - Albert Brooks
Dory - Ellen Degeneress
Produced by Pixar
SHREK - Good animated fun, but I forget what it’s about actually. 2001
Cast: Shrek - Mike Myers
Donkey - Eddie Murphy
Princess Fiona - Cameron Diaz
TOY STORY 1&2 - More good, animated fun. 1995/9
Cast: Woody: Tom Hanks
Produced by Pixar
THE INCREDIBLES - Somewhat over rated in my opinion but still fantastic animation no question about it. 2004
Cast: Bob:
Helen - Holly Hunter
Produced by Pixar
COMEDY
ABOUT SCHMIDT* - Jack Nicholson plays a wealthy older man going through a crisis of identity and values. 2002
"Nicholson’s understated performance is wonderful. As Warren he stumbles in search of all the emotions and life experiences he’s neglected over the years." rottentomatoes
Cast: Warren Schmidt - Jack Nicholson
Roberta Hertzel - Kathy Bates
Jeannie - Hope Davis
Randall Hertzel - Dermot Mulroney
Larry - Howard Hesseman
Ray - Len Cariou
Helen Schmidt - June Squibb.
Running time -- 125 minutes
No MPAA rating
DVD version available in Taiwan does not have English subtitle unfortunately. Still, highly recommended.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS* - Jack Nicholson plays a neurotic writer who, with the help of his gay neighbor played by Greg Kinnear, has a romance with the character played by Helen Hunt. 1997
Cast: Melvin – Jack Nicholson
Simon – Greg Kinnear
Carol – Helen Hunt
BEING JOHN MALKOVICH - This Charlie Kaufman classic shows you what it’s like to be inside John MalKovich’s head. Starring John Malkovich, of course. 1999
Cast: John Malkovich - John Malkovich
Craig Schwartz - John Cussack
Lotte - Cameron Diaz
BIG SHOT’S FUNERAL - This American/Chinese co-production is set and shot in Beijing’s Forbidden City. It only received 21% at rottentomatoes but I don’t care. I like it. 2003
Cast: Don Tyler (the big shot) - Donald Sutherland
Yoyo - Ge You
Director: Feng Xiao Gang
CHASING AMY - Two friends confront their bi-sexuality in this romantic comedy. 1997 (see “Clerks” and “Jay and Silent Bob strike Back”)
Cast: Holden: Ben Affleck
Banky - Jason Lee
Alysa:
Silent Bob - Kevin Smith
jay – Jayson Mewes
CLERKS - In 1993 three film students decided to quit film school and use the money they saved to make their own film. “Clerks” is that film. It was shot in the grocery store where they worked part time. If you look really close you may notice that many of the scenes were shot at night. This is because the owner of the store would only let them use the store at night when it was closed. Kevin Smith (Silent Bob) produced “Clerks” when he was 24 for USD27,000 dollars and then went on to produce “Chasing Amy” starring Ben Affleck. In 2001 he produced “Jay and Silent Bob Strike back” for USD20,000,000 dollars. Chasing Amy is probably a better movie than Clerks but both are better than “Jay and Silent Bob strike back. (clip 65:00) 1994
Cast: Dante Hicks - Brian O'Halloran
Randal - Jeff Anderson
Veronica - Marilyn Ghigliotti
Caitlin - Lisa Spoonauer
Directed By Kevin Smith. Running Time: 92 Minutes. Classified R (For Extensive Use Of Extremely Explicit Sex-Related Dialogue).
DADDY & THEM - Billy Bob Thornton and Laura Dern star in this film about red neck love. 2001
Cast: Claude - Billy Bob Thornton
Ruby - Laura Dern
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRALS* - Steve Martin and Michel Cain play competing gigolos in this classic comedy. 1998
Cast: Freddy Benson: Steve Martin
Lawrence Jamieson: Michael Caine
ED TV - The story of a man who decides to have his life broadcast live over an American television channel. Nice, light, romantic comedy. 1999
Ed Pekurny: Matthew McConaughey
Shari: Jenna Elfman
Ray Pekurny: Woody Harrelson
Jeanette: Sally Kirkland
Al: Martin Landau
Cynthia Topping: Ellen Degeneres
Whitaker: Rob Reiner
GET SHORTY - John Travolta, Gene Hackman and Danny Devito star in this funny movie about making a movie. 1995
Cast: Chili Palmer: John Travolta
Harry Zimm: Gene Hackman
Karen Flores: Rene Russo
Martin Weir: Danny Devito Rated R (For Language, Some Sexual Situations And Comedic Violence).
HENRY FOOL - Perhaps somewhat difficult comedy/drama about a hedonistic young writer with delusions of grandeur who befriends and encourages a shy young man. (clip - from beginning) 1998
Henry Fool: Jay Ryan Simon
Simon Grim: James Urbaniak
Fay: Parker Posey
Mary: Maria Porter
JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK - The Clerks/Chasing Amy gang get together on this counter-culture wanna be classic comedy. 2001 (clip – from beginning) Cast: Jason Mewes: Jay
Kevin Smith: Silent Bob
MAN ON THE MOON* - The true story of the comedian Andy Kauffman. Starring Jim Carrey. 1999 (clip - from beginning)
Andy Kauffman: Jim Carey
George Shapiro: Danny Devito
ME, MYSELF, AND IRENE - Jim Carrey stars as a policeman who has a psychological breakdown after his wife gets pregnant by another man. Good acting from Jim Carrey and a funny script but there is some crass humor that might irritate some people. 2000
Cast: Charles/Hank - Jim Carrey
Irene - Renne Zellweger
OFFICE SPACE - If you have ever felt frustrated with working life you’ll love this comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and produced by Mike Judge creator of “Bevis and Butthead”. 1999
Cast: Peter - Ron Livingston
Joanna - Jennifer Aniston
Milton - Stephen Root
Bill Lumbergh - Gary Cole
Michael Bolton - David Herman
Samir - Ajay Naidu
PRIVATE PARTS - Howard Stern is probably the most DJ in American radio history. This movie tells the story of his early career with Howard Stern himself in the starring role as himself.
Cast: Himself: Howard Stern
Herself: Robin Quivers
Alison Stern: Mary McCormack
Pig Vomit: Paul Giamatti
Himself: Fred Norris
Himself: Jackie Martling
Himself: Gary Dell'Abate
Directed By Betty Thomas . Produced By Ivan Reitman . Written By Len Blum . Running Time: 111 Minutes. Rated R (For Strong Language, Nudity And Crude Sexual Humor).
SCHOOL OF ROCK* - A wanna be rock star discovers his gift for teaching kids to play music. 2003
Cast: Dewey Finn - Jack Black
Mike White - John Cussack
SUPERSTAR* - A goofy young woman tries to survive high school. Very funny movie. 1999
Cast: Mary Katherine Gallagher - Molly Shannon
Sky Corrigan - Will Ferrel
THE MASK - Delightful comedy with lots of cool special effects. Starring Jim Carrey.
TOOTSIE - Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange star in this classic comedy. 1982
Cast: Michael Dustin Hoffman
Julie Jessica Lange
Les Nichols Charles Durning
Sandy Teri Garr
Roommate Bill Murphy
DOCUMENTARY
WOODSTOCK - Abbie Hoffman: "I live in Woodstock Nation."
Defense attorney: "Will you tell the court and the jury where it is?"
Hoffman: ""Yes, it is a nation of alienated young people. We carry it around with us as a state of mind, in the same way the Sioux Indians carry the Sioux Nation with them...."
That's how I began my review of "Woodstock" when it opened in 1970. Twenty-five years later, when it was revived in a director's cut, here is how I closed: "And look what happened to the Sioux."
After another 10 years, I wonder how many people even remember who Abbie Hoffman was? Those who were 20 at Woodstock are 55, and many of those who performed are dead, not least Jimi Hendrix, whose electric guitar solo of "The Star-Spangled Banner" folded protest and patriotism within its anguish.
It is perhaps necessary to note that for three days in the summer of 1969, a rock concert was given on an upstate New York farm, and 400,000 people attended -- far more than were anticipated, far more than paid, far more than could be fed or sheltered or cared for after injuries or drug overdoses. It rained, there was mud, all traffic in and out was gridlocked, and the music continued, night and day. It was filmed by a director named Michael Wadleigh and a team that included a young Martin Scorsese and the editor Thelma Schoonmaker, who would later edit all of Scorsese's movies. They exposed 120 miles of film, shot with 16 cameras.
Had it not been for this movie, Woodstock would be vaguely remembered as a rock concert that produced some recordings. Wadleigh's "Woodstock" created the idea of "Woodstock Nation," which existed for three days and was absorbed into American myth. Few documentaries have captured a time and place more completely, poignantly, and for that matter, entertainingly – Roger Ebert
DRAMA
ADAPTATION* - Some people argue that the script for this movie written by Charlie Kauffman is the best ever written. I agree. Stars Nicholas Cage. (clip at 66 minutes) 2002
Cast: Charlie/Donald Kaufman: Nicolas Cage
Susan Orlean: Meryl Streep
John Laroche: Chris Cooper
Valerie: Tilda Swinton
Robert McKee: Brian Cox
Amelia: Cara Seymour
Caroline: Maggie Gyllenhaal
What a bewilderingly brilliant and entertaining movie this is--a confounding story about orchid thieves and screenwriters, elegant New Yorkers and scruffy swamp rats, truth and fiction. "Adaptation" is a movie that leaves you breathless with curiosity, as it teases itself with the directions it might take. To watch the film is to be actively involved in the challenge of its creation – Roger Ebert
AMERICAN BEAUTY* - Kevin Spacey stars in this comedy drama about a man going through a mid-life crisis. 1999
Cast: Lester Burnham: Kevin Spacey
Carolyn Burnham: Annette Bening
Jane Burnham: Thora Birch
Ricky Fitts: Wes Bentley
Angela Hayes: Mena Suvari
Colonel Fitts: Chris Cooper
The movie is about a man who fears growing older, losing the hope of true love and not being respected by those who know him best. If you never experience those feelings, take out a classified ad. People want to take lessons from you. - Roger Ebert
AND YOUR MOTHER TOO – Fun, sexy film about two young men and an older woman. In Spanish. 2002
Cast: Luisa: Maribel Verdu
Julio: Gael Garcia
Bernal Tenoch: Diego Luna
The surface is described in a flash: Two Mexican teenagers named Tenoch and Julio, one from a rich family, one middle class, are free for the summer when their girlfriends go to Europe. At a wedding they meet Luisa, 10 years older, the wife of a distant cousin; she's sexy and playful. They suggest a weekend trip to the legendary beach named Heaven's Mouth. When her husband cheats on her, she unexpectedly agrees, and they set out together on a lark.
This level could have been conventional but is anything but, as directed by Alfonso Cuaron, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Carlos. Luisa kids them about their sex lives in a lighthearted but tenacious way, until they have few secrets left, and at the same time she teases them with erotic possibilities. The movie is realistic about sex, which is to say, franker and healthier than the smutty evasions forced on American movies by the R rating. We feel a shock of recognition: This is what real people do and how they do it, sexually, and the MPAA has perverted a generation of American movies into puerile masturbatory snickering.
ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE - Realistic view of life as a drug addict. 1998
Cast: Mel: James Woods
Sid: Melanie Griffith
ANOTHER WOMAN* - A brilliant drama from the comedian Woody Allen. 1988
Cast: Marion: Gena Rowlands
Sam: Philip Bosco
Kathy: Betty Buckley
Laura: Martha Plimpton
Hope: Mia Farrow
Larry: Gene Hackman
Marion's Father: John Houseman
Ken: Ian Holm
Marion is writing a book, and to find a place free of distractions, she rents an office in a downtown building. She tells us some of these details on the soundtrack, describing her life with a dry detachment that sometimes seems to hide an edge of concern.
The office is in one of those older buildings with a tricky ventilation system. Sitting at her desk one day, Marion discovers she can hear every word of a therapy session taking place in the office of the psychiatrist who has his office next door. At first she blocks out the sound by placing pillows against the ventilation outlet. Then, frankly, she begins to listen.
While he is establishing this device of the overheard conversations, Allen does an interesting thing. Not only can Marion (and the rest of us) easily eavesdrop on the conversations, but when the pillows are placed against the air shaft, they completely block out every word. The choice - to listen, or not to listen - is presented so clearly that it is unreal. It's too neat, comprehensive, final.
Although most of the scenes in "Another Woman" are clearly realistic, I think the treatment of sound in the office is a signal from Allen that the office is intended to be read in another way - as the orderly interior of Marion's mind, perhaps. And the cries coming in through the grillwork on the wall are the sounds of real emotions that she has put out of her mind for years. They are her nightmares.
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY - Awesome football movie. 1999
Cast: Tony D'Amato: Al Pacino
Christina: Cameron Diaz
Jack 'Cap' Rooney: Dennis Quaid
Willie: Jamie Foxx
Julian: Ll Cool J
Dr. Mandrake: James Woods
Dr. Powers: Matthew Modine
Margaret: Ann-Margret
Directed By Oliver Stone. Written By Oliver Stone. Running Time: 170 Minutes. Rated R (For Strong Language And Some Nudity/Sexuality
AUTO FOCUS - True story about a television star’s sexual addiction. Starring Greg Kinear. 2002
Cast: Bob Crane: Greg Kinnear
John Carpenter: Willem Dafoe
BABETTE’S FEAST* - This movie about a talented young woman’s devotion to the community that adopted her is in Dutch unfortunately. I recommend it anyway, perhaps you can watch it with the English subtitle. Received a rating of 100% at rottentomatoes. 1987.
Made out of humility and love, the feast is Babette's supreme artistic expression, and her hedonistic present encourages the feasters to look a little more closely at their own lives, as the magical and voluptuous feast dramatically counterpoints their puritanical existence. Babette's offering is a ritual sacrifice, intended to encourage the austere characters with the possibility that their material nourishment may provide spiritual sustenance as well.
BOOGIE NIGHTS* - This is a classic movie based on the life of the famous porn star John Holmes. Starring Marky Mark, Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore. 1997
Cast: Eddie/Dirk: Mark Wahlberg
Jack Horner: Burt Reynolds
Amber Waves: Julianne Moore
Reed Rothchild : John C. Reilly
Rollergirl: Heather Graham
Buck Swope: Don Cheadle
Maurice T. Rodriguez: Luis Guzman
CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD - William Hurt plays a teacher who uses sign language and lip reading to teach deaf people. He falls in love with one of his proud young students and begins a complicated romance. 1986 (clip at 5:42) 1986
Cast: James: William Hurt
Sarah: Marlee Matlin
The movie is a love story, a romance between a young woman who is deaf and a rebellious teacher who believes she should learn to read lips and speak phonetically. She doesn't think so. She's been using sign language all of her life, and her argument is simple: If he loves her, he will enter her world of silence.
COLLATERAL - Tom Cruise and Jamie Fox star in this drama about men who are very good at, and very serious about, their jobs. Tom Cruise plays a hit man and Jamie Fox plays a taxi driver. 2004
Cast: Vincent - Tom Cruise
Max - Jamie Foxx
Annie - Jada Pinkett Smith
Fanning - Mark Ruffalo
CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND - Sam Rockwell, George Clooney and Julia Roberts star in this true story about a famous television producer who was also a hit man for the CIA. 2002
Cast: Chuck Barris - Sam Rockwell
Penny - Drew Barrymore
Jim Bird (CIA guy) - George Cloney
Patricia Watson - Julia Roberts
Directed by George Clooney
Is truth stranger than fiction? In [screenwriter] Charlie Kaufman's world, truth and fiction are equally strange, and his for the taking."
CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS* - Woody Allen is famous as a comedian but his best movies are comedy/dramas. Starring Alan Alda and Woddy Allen.
1989
Cast:Barbara: Caroline Aaron
Lester: Alan Alda
Cliff Stern: Woody Allen
Miriam Rosenthal: Claire Bloom
Halley Reed: Mia Farrow
Wendy Stern: Joanna Gleason
Dolores Paley: Anjelica Huston
Judah Rosenthal: Martin Landau
Jenny: Jenny Nichols
Jack Rosenthal: Jerry Orbach
Ben: Sam Waterston
"The movie generates the best kind of suspense, because it's not about what will happen to people -- it's about what decisions they will reach." Roger Ebert
DOGVILLE - A Dogma 95 production starring Nichole Kidman about human nature, evil and the desire for revenge. 2004
Grace - Nicole Kidman
Ma Ginger - Lauren Bacall
Tom Edison - Paul Bettany
Chuck - Stellan Skarsgaard
Vera - Patricia Clarkson
The Big Man - James Caan
Jack McKay - Ben Gazzara
DOUBLE HAPPINESS - A Chinese Canadian girl struggles with the demands of her traditional father and her desire for an independent life.
1994
Cast: Jade Li: Sandra Oh
Mom Li: Alannah Ong
Dad Li: Stephen Chang
Pearl Li: Frances You
Written And Directed By Mina Shum. Running Time: 87 Minutes. Rated PG-13 (For One Scene Of Sexuality And Brief Strong Language).
EIGHT MILE - Eminem stars in this story about a young white man’s struggle to become a star in the world of rap. Based partially on Eminem’s actual life story. 2002
Cast: Jimmy Smith Jr. - Eminem
Stephanie - Kim Basinger
Alex - Brittany Murphy
Future - Mekhi Phifer
Cheddar Bob - Evan Jones
Sol George - Omar Benson Miller
Wink - Eugene Byrd
DJ Iz - De'Angelo Wilson
Papa Doc - Anthony Mackie
Janeane - Taryn Manning
Greg Buehl - Michael Shannon
Lily - Chloe Greenfield
Paul - Craig Chandler
Manny - Paul Bates
ERIN BROKOVICH* - True story about single mother who gets a job with a law firm and eventually sues a large chemical company for polluting the local water supply. Starring Julia Roberts and Albert Finney. For sale and rent at Blockbuster. 2000
Cast:Erin Brockovich: Julia Roberts
Ed Masry: Albert Finney
George: Aaron Eckhart
FAR FROM HEAVEN - Astounding realism in this film set in the fifties about a gay man and his frustrated wife. Starring Dennis Quaid and Julianne Moore. 2002
Cast: Cathy Whitaker: Julianne Moore
Frank Whitaker: Dennis Quaid
Raymond Deagan: Dennis Haysbert
Eleanor Fine: Patricia Clarkson
Sybil: Viola Davis
The movie accurately reflects the values of the 1950s, and you can see that in a scene where Frank says his homosexuality makes him feel "despicable" but he's "going to lick this problem." The key to the power of "Far from Heaven" is that it's never ironic; there is never a wink or a hint that the filmmakers have more enlightened ideas than their characters. This is not a movie that knows more than was known in 1957, but a movie that knows exactly what mainstream values were in 1957--and traps us in them, along with its characters. - Roger Ebert
FIGHT CLUB* - Brad Pitt and Edward Norton star in this strange film about being a man or something. Good fun to watch, frequently very funny and extremely violent. 1999
Cast:Tyler Durden: Brad Pitt
Narrator: Edward Norton
Marla Singer: Helena Bonham Carter
Robert Paulsen: Meat Loaf Aday
Angel Face: Jared Leto
Directed By David Fincher. Written By Jim Uhls. Based On The Novel By Chuck Palahniuk. Running Time: 139 Minutes. Rated R (For Extreme Violence, Sex).
FLAWLESS - Robert Deniro and Philip Seymour Hoffman star in this movie about a tough cop who has a stroke and winds up taking singing lessons from a homosexual who he at first despises. 1999
Cast:Walt Koontz: Robert De Niro
Rusty: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Leonard Wilcox: Barry Miller
Karen: Wanda De Jesus
Tommy: Skipp Sudduth
Tia: Daphne Rubin-Vega
Directed By Joel Schumacher. Running Time: 111 Minutes. Rated R (For Pervasive Language And Strong Violence).
GOOD WILL HUNTING - Matt Damon and Ben Afleck wrote this story about a rough but brilliant teenager who receives the help of a psychologist played by Robin Williams. 1997
Cast:Will: Matt Damon
Sean McGuire: Robin Williams
Chuckie: Ben Affleck
Skylar: Minnie Driver
Lambeau: Stellan Skarsgard
Directed By Gus Van Sant . Written By Matt Damon And Ben Affleck . Running Time: 125 Minutes. Classified R (For Strong Language, Including Some Sex-Related Dialogue).
GUMMO - Disturbing look at white trash directed by the writer of “Kids” Harmony Korine. Directed by Gus Van Sant. 1997
Not everybody likes this movie. Here is what one reviewer said…
The respirator is turned off. ''She'll be dead now,'' Solomon says. Tummler strokes the grandmother's hair gently. ''She's always been dead,'' says he. Too bad for Granny, but look on the bright side: she does get to miss the rest of the movie.
HURLY BURLY - This disturbing look at the degenerate lives of movie producers was probably only made possible by the use of large amounts of cocaine. The title was taken from a bit of dialogue written by Shakespeare.
Starring Kevin Spacey and Sean Penn.
No review available
IDIOTS - The less said about this Dogme95 production the better but I will include the following review 1998 (clip from beginning)
It is a testament to Lars Von Trier's technical virtuosity that a film shot with crude video equipment in amateurish conditions could be so gorgeous. Von Trier's cinematography occasionally suggests the lustrous, burnished tones of Sven Nykvist's work for Ingmar Bergman. The natural light is rarely harsh, and the handheld camera is fluid rather than disconcerting. For all the Dogma rhetoric of abnegation, this is a film of rare beauty. The Idiots is without question the most challenging, difficult film released thus far this year. It's also the best. - Gary Mairs
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK - Three separate stories about three different lesbian relationships in three different generations. 2000
Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Chloë Sevigny, Sharon Stone, Ellen DeGeneres, Michelle Williams directed by Jane Anderson, Anne Heche, Martha Coolidge
IN THE CUT - Seriously sexy crime drama with a stupid plot. Starring Meg Ryan. 2003
Cast: Meg Ryan (Frannie), Mark Ruffalo (Detective Malloy), Jennifer Jason Leigh (Pauline), Kevin Bacon (John Graham), Nick Damici (Detective Rodriguez) and Sharrieff Pugh (Cornelius Webb).
I SHOT ANDY WARHOL - True story of the brilliant but disturbed young woman who shot Andy Warhol in 1968. 1996 Quote at 16:00
Valerie Solanas: Lili Taylor
Andy Warhol: Jared Harris
Candy Darling: Stephen Dorff
Stevie: Martha Plimpton
IRONWEED - Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep star in this sad film about guilt and alcoholism. 1987
Cast: Francis Phelan: Jack Nicholson
Helen: Meryl Streep
Annie Phelan: Carroll Baker
Billy: Michael O'Keefe
Peg: Diane Venora
Oscar Reo: Fred Gwynne
Katrina: Margaret Whitton
Tri-Star Pictures Presents A Film Directed By Hector Babenco, And Produced By Keith Barish And Marcia Nasatir. Screenplay By William Kennedy, Based On His Novel. Music By John Morris. Running Time: 143 Minutes. Classified R.
Nicholson and Streep play drunks in "Ironweed," and actors are said to like to play drunks, because it gives them an excuse for overacting. But there is not much visible "acting" in this movie; the actors are too good for that. Nicholson plays a man haunted by guilt from his past. - Roger Ebert
ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS* - Love, friendship, family are the themes of this Dogma 95 production. One of my all time favorite movies but unfortunately it is not in English. 2002 (clip at 17:50 – Italian class)
A Miramax Films release in Danish with English subtitles. Director: Lone Scherfig. Director of Photography: Jorgen Johansson. Cast: Anders W. Berthelsen, Anette Stovelbaek, Peter Gantzler, Ann Eleonora Jorgensen, Lars Kaalund, Sara Indrio Jensen. Running time: 1 hr., 33 mins.
KIDS - Shocking look at the sometimes incredibly stupid sexuality of young people. Be warned. This film is almost pornographic. Written by the director og GUMMO, Harmony Korine. Directed by Larry Clark. 1995
LEAVING LOS VEGAS* - Nicholas Cage stars in this drama about a man who loses his job and decides to drink himself to death. 1995
Cast: Ben Sanderson: Nicolas Cage
Sera: Elisabeth Shue
Yuri: Julian Sands
Peter: Richard Lewis
Terri: Valeria Golino
Written And Directed By Mike Figgis. Running Time: 112 Minutes. Rated R (For Strong Sexuality And Language, Violence And Pervasive Alcohol Abuse).
LOST IN TRANSLATION* - Bill Murray plays an aging actor who takes a job in Japan making a whiskey commercial. Really warm look at the way older men and younger sometimes have emotionally satisfying relationships with each other. 2003
Cast: Bob Harris: Bill Murray
Charlotte: Scarlett Johansson
John: Giovanni Ribisi
Kelly: Anna Faris
Charlie: Fumihiro Hayashi
Running time -- 102 minutes
MPAA rating: R
Screenwriter-director: Sofia Coppola
Executive producers: Francis Ford Coppola, Fred Roos
MAGNOLIA* - Another great film from the writer director of Boogie Nights.
1999
Cast: Earl Partridge - Jason Robards
Linda Partridge - Julianne Moore
Frank Mackey - Tom Cruise
Phil Parma - Philip Seymour Hoffman
Officer Jim Kurring - John C. Reilly
Claudia Gator - Melora Walters
Stanley Spector - Jeremy Blackman
Rick Spector - Michael Bowen
Donnie Smith - William H. Macy
Jimmy Gator - Philip Baker Hall
Rose Gator - Melinda Dillon
Dixon - Emmanuel Johnson
In its ambitious scope and grand operatic style, "Magnolia," Paul Thomas Anderson's eagerly awaited followup to "Boogie Nights," confirms his status as one of the most audacious filmmakers in Hollywood today. This imposing tapestry about the mysterious workings of fate and coincidence and the need for interconnection and love interweaves the stories of a dozen characters as they embark on a moral odyssey during one intense day in their tumultuous lives. A superlative ensemble headed by Tom Cruise (in his best dramatic turn to date), Jason Robards, Melora Walters and Julianne Moore gives this meditation on urban alienation the aura of a major work highly in tune with the zeitgeist. But a running time of more than three hours, the largely downbeat tone and other demands on viewers will curtail pic's commercial appeal, resulting in moderate B.O. - EMANUEL LEVY
MATCHSTICKMEN* - Nicholas Cage and Sam Rockwell play two con-men in this insightful drama about overcoming neurosis by connecting with other people and trying to be a good person. 2003
Cast: Roy: Nicolas Cage
Frank Mercer: Sam Rockwell
Angela: Alison Lohman
Frechette: Bruce McGill
Dr. Klein: Bruce Altman
Running Time: 120 Minutes. Rated PG-13 (For Thematic Elements, Violence, Some Sexual Content And Language).
MIDNIGHT COWBOY* A young cowboy heads for the big city to work as a gigolo. 1969
Cast: Joe Buck - Jon Voight
Ratso Rizzo - Dustin Hoffman
MISERY* - This is kind of a slowly developing horror movie. Starring Kathy Bates. 1990
Cast: Paul Sheldon: James Caan
Annie Wilkes: Kathy Bates
Directed By Rob Reiner. Screenplay By William Goldman, Based On The Novel By Stephen King. Running Time: 104 Minutes. Classified R.
MONSTERS BALL - Billy Bob Thorton and Halle Barry star in this film about a prison guard/executioner. 2001
Cast - Billy Bob Thornton, Halle Berry, Peter Boyle, Heath Ledger, Sean "Puffy" Combs
ON LINE - Love and sex on the internet is the theme of this movie directed by Harold Perrineau. 2002
OUT OF AFRICA* - This is a big sprawling epic that follows the difficult life of an European aristocrat farmer in Africa. Set in the 1920’s or so. Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. 1985
Cast: Karen Meryl Streep
Denys Robert Redford
Bror Klaus Maria Brandauer
Running time: 153 minutes.
PAY IT FORWARD* - Kevin Spacey plays a teacher who has an unexpected effect on one of his students played by Haley Joel Ossmet. 2000
Cast: Kevin Spacey (Eugene Simonet), Helen Hunt (Arlene McKinney), Haley Joel Osment (Trevor McKinney), Jay Mohr (Chris Chandler), James Caviezel (Jerry), Jon Bon Jovi (Ricki) and Angie Dickinson (Grace).
PRIMARY COLORS - This is the story of Bill Clinton’s early carreer as a politician. Written by one of his assistants. Starring John Travolta and Emma Thompson. 1998
Cast: John Travolta as Gov. Jack Stanton. Emma Thompson as Susan Stanton. Billy Bob Thornton as Richard Jemmons. Kathy Bates as Libby Holden. Adrien Lester as Henry Burton. Maura Tierney as Daisy. Larry Hagman as Gov. Fred Picker.
PULP FICTION* - Drugs, sex, violence, comdey, quote from the Bible? Heck this movie has everything. 1994
Vincent Vega: John Travolta
Butch Coolidge: Bruce Willis
Jules: Samuel L. Jackson
Mia: Uma Thurman
Directed By Quentin Tarantino. Running Time: 154 Minutes. Classified R (For Strong Graphic Violence And Drug Use, Pervasive Strong Language And Some Sexuality).
PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE - Film lovers will sometimes say that comedians are best when they do drama and this sad story starring Adam Sandler will perhaps help you understand why. 2002
Cast:Barry Egan: Adam Sandler
Lena Leonard: Emily Watson
Dean Trumbell: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Lance: Luis Guzman
Elizabeth: Mary Lynn Rajskub
ROUNDERS - Matt Damon plays a young gambler who has to decide what to do with his life. Also starring Edward Norton. 1998
Cast: Mike McDermott: Matt Damon
Worm: Edward Norton
Teddy Kgb: John Malkovich
Jo: Gretchen Mol
Joey Knish: John Turturro
Petrovsky: Martin Landau
SEX, LIES and VIDEOTAPE* - Sad, tender movie about a man addicted to sex but afraid to become emotionally close with anyone. Starring James Spader, Andie McDowel and Peter Gallager. 1989
Cast: Graham: James Spader
Ann: Andie MacDowell
John: Peter Gallagher
Cynthia: Laura San Giacomo
Therapist: Ron Vawter
Barfly: Steven Brill
Girl On Tape: Alexandra Root
I have a friend who says golf is not only better than sex, but lasts longer. The argument in "sex, lies and videotape" is that conversation is also better than sex - more intimate, more voluptuous - and that with our minds we can do things to each other that make sex, that swapping of sweat and sentiment, seem merely troublesome. Of course, this argument is all a mind game, and sex itself, sweat and all, is the prize for the winner. That's what makes the conversation so erotic. – Roger Ebert
SIDEWAYS - Modern day male angst is explored in this surprisingly funny road trip film about two men headed for a wedding. 2004
Cast: Miles: Paul Giamatti
Jack: Thomas Haden Church
Maya: Virginia Madsen
Stephanie: Sandra Oh
SLINGBLADE* - Billy Bob Thorton wrote, directed and stars in this film about a mentally handicapped man recently released from prison after serving a sentence for murder. 1996
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton as Karl Childers. Dwight Yoakam as Doyle Hargraves. Lucas Black as Frank Wheatley. Natalie Canerday as Linda Wheatley. John Ritter as Vaughan Cunningham. Writer-director Billy Bob Thornton.
SUBWAY STORIES - Ten true stories about life on the New York Subway system. Some of the stories are fascinating and some are completely meaningless. (Clip: Disc1 After previews, concept explanation 6:36 - Red Shoes 11:38 - The 5:24 Disc 2: begin - titties/ 6:00 - gospel song/ 11:45 The A train/ ) 1997
Cast: Christine Lahti, Bonnie Hunt, Lili Taylor, Dennis Leary, Mercedes Ruehl directed by Bob Balaban, Jonathan Demme, Ted Demme, Abel Ferrara, Lucas Platt, Alison Maclean, Julie Dash, Craig McKay
Synopsis: This offbeat HBO production features a series of 10 short films representing the unpredictable true experiences of those varied, brave souls who dared to test the waters of the New York City subways.
TERMS OF ENDEARMENT* - Jack Nicholson plays an aging ex-astronaut who shows a little more maturity than anybody expects when his neighbor, played by Shirley MacLean, faces some serious losses in life. 1983
Cast: Emma Debra Winger
Aurora Greenway Shirley MacLaine
Breedlove Jack Nicholson
Flap Horton Jeff Daniels
Vernon Danny Devito
Sam Burns John Lithgow
THE APOSTLE* - Robert Duvall stars as a preacher guilty of murder. 1997
Cast: Apostle: Robert Duvall
Jessie Dewey: Farrah Fawcett
Toosie: Miranda Richardson
Horace: Todd Allen
Brother Blackwell: John Beasley
Mrs. Dewey Sr.: June Carter Cash
Written And Directed By Robert Duvall
THE BUDDY FACTOR - Kevin Spacey and Frank Whaley star in this film about sado-masochism in Hollywood. No review available.
THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE - The story of a successful young lawyer who discovers that the devil is his father! Surprisingly subtle production. Starring Keaneau Reaves and Al Pacino. For sale and rent at Blockbuster. 1997
Cast: Kevin Lomax - Keanu Reeves
Milton - Al Pacino
Mary Ann – Charlize Theron
THE GRADUATE - Perhaps a bit old fashioned now but once considered a great older woman/younger man romance. Gorgeous soundtrack from Simon and Garfunkel make the whole thing feel a little corny. 1967
Cast: Mrs. Robinson Anne Bancroft
Benjamin Braddock Dustin Hoffman
Elaine Robinson Katharine Ross
Mr. Braddock William Daniels
Mrs. Braddock Murray Hamilton
Room Clerk Buck Henry
THE INSIDER - True story of the tobacco company being sued for billions of dollars for deliberately making their product as addictive as possible. 1999
Cast: Lowel Bergman: Al Pacino
Mike Wallace: Christopher Plummer
Jeffery Wigand: Russell Crowe
THE OPERATOR - A telephone operator teaches an abusive lawyer an
important life lesson. 2001
Cast: The Operator: Jacqueline Kim
Gary Wheeler: Micheal Laurence
THE STATION AGENT - Slow paced film about being different
and making friends anyway. Satisfying drama. 2003
Finbar McBride: Peter Dinklage
Olivia Harris: Patricia Clarkson
Joe Oramas: Bobby Cannavale
Emily: Michelle Williams
Cleo: Raven Goodwin
Henry Styles: Paul Benjamin
Danny: Joe Lo Truglio
TRAINSPOTTING* - Ewan McGregor stars in this funny, sad, wise, frightening, disgusting movie about young heroin addicts in Glasgow Scottland. 1995
Renton: Ewan McGregor
Spud: Ewen Bremner
Sick Boy: Jonny Lee Miller
Tommy: Kevin McKidd
Begbie: Robert Carlyle
Directed By Danny Boyle . Based On The Novel By Irvine Welsh . Running Time: 95 Minutes. Rated R (For Graphic Heroin Use And Resulting Depravity, Strong Language, Sex, Nudity And Some Violence).
TOO MUCH FLESH - This beautiful honest look at human sexuality is ruined only by the central conceit which is too stupid to mention so I won’t. No review available.
ULEE’S GOLD - Starring Peter Fonda. Serious drama with a good heart. 1997
Cast: Ulee Jackson: Peter Fonda
Connie Hope: Patricia Richardson
Casey Jackson: Jessica Biel
Penny Jackson: Vanessa Zima
Helen Jackson: Christine Dunford
VERA DRAKE - Tender, sad, wise story of an abortionist. Set in England in the 1940s or so. 2004
Cast: Vera Drake - Imelda Staunton
Stan Drake - Phil Davis
Det. Inspector Webster - Peter Wight
Frank Drake - Adrian Scarborough
Joyce Drake - Heather Craney
Sid Drake - Daniel Mays
Ethel Drake - Alex Kelly
Lily - Ruth Sheen
WIT* - Emma Thompson plays a university professor dying of cancer in this sad, funny, wise film. 2001
Cast: Vivian Bearing: Emma Thompson
YOUNG ADAM - Drama about a selfish young man and his sexual adventures.
2004
Cast: Joe: Ewan Mcgregor
OLDIES
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE* - No man with friends is a failure. That’s the message of this old time favorite starring James Stewart. 1946
Cast: George Bailey: James Stewart
Mary Hatch: Donna Reed
Mr. Potter: Lionel Barrymore
Uncle Billy: Thomas Mitchell
Clarence: Henry Travers
Mrs. Bailey: Beulah Bondi
Ernie: Frank Faylen
Bert: Ward Bond
Violet Bick: Gloria Grahame
Mr. Gower: H.B. Warner
What is remarkable about "It's a Wonderful Life" is how well it holds up over the years; it's one of those ageless movies, like "Casablanca" or "The Third Man," that improves with age. Some movies, even good ones, should only be seen once. When we know how they turn out, they've surrendered their mystery and appeal. Other movies can be viewed an indefinite number of times. Like great music, they improve with familiarity. "It's a Wonderful Life" falls in the second category. – Roger Ebert
PYGMALION - The story of an English pronunciation teacher who teaches proper English to a poor girl and ends up falling in love with her. 1938
THE AFRICAN QUEEN* - Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn are forced to cooperate on a long journey down a river in Africa. This story is available in simplified form at Caves bookstore. 1951
Cast: Charlie: Humphrey Bogart
Rose: Katherine Hepburn
THE JAZZ SINGER - The first movie ever to be made with a soundtrack. (clip at 02/14:30) 1927
Cast: Jackie: Al Jolson
ORGANIZED CRIME
People in Hollywood know a lot about organized crime so they sometimes make very good movies about it. These films are realistic and frequently extremely violent. They are also very well produced and feature probably some of the best acting ever captured on film.
CASINO* - Follows the growth of organized crime in Las Vegas. Starring Robert Deniro and Sharon Stone. For sale and rent at blockbuster. 1995
Cast: Sam Rothstein: Robert De Niro
Ginger McKenna: Sharon Stone
Nicky Santoro: Joe Pesci
Lester Diamond: James Woods
Billy Sherbert: Don Rickles
Andy Stone: Alan King
Directed By Martin Scorsese. Written By Nicholas Pileggi And Scorsese. Based On The Book By Nicholas Pileggi. Running Time: 175 Minutes. Classified R (Strong Brutal Violence, Pervasive Strong Language, Drug Use And Some Sexuality).
Martin Scorsese's fascinating new film "Casino" knows a lot about the Mafia's relationship with Las Vegas. It's based on a book by Nicholas Pileggi, who had full access to a man who once ran four casinos for the mob, and whose true story inspires the movie's plot.
Rothstein, based on the real-life figure of Frank (Lefty) Rosenthal, starts life as a sports oddsmaker in Chicago, attracts the attention of the mob because of his genius with numbers and is assigned to run casinos because he looks like an efficient businessman who will encourage the Vegas goose to continue laying its golden eggs. He is a man who detests unnecessary trouble. One day, however, trouble finds him, in the person of Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a high-priced call girl.
GOODFELLAS* - Perhaps the most realistic crime movie ever made. Also based on the book by Nicholas Pileggi. 1990
Cast: Henry: Ray Liotta
Jimmy: Robert Deniro
Tommy: Joe Pesci
LA CONFIDENTIAL - Crime, Drugs, Movies and the newspaper business in 1950’s Hollywood. Starring Kevin Spacey, Kim Bassinger, Russell Crowe. For sale and rent at Blockbuster. 1997
Cast: Bud White: Russel Crowe
Ed Exley: Guy Pearce
JackVincennes: Kevin Spacey
SCARFACE* - The story of a Cuban refugee who becomes rich in the American cocaine business. Starring Al Pacino. For sale and rent at Blockbuster. 1983
Tony - Al Pacino
Elvira - Michelle Pfeiffer
THE GODFATHER parts 1, 2 & 3 - Follows a crime family through several generations. Long and slow, but very good movies. The first Godfather was produced in 1972.
Vito Corleone: Marlon Brando
Michael Corleone: Al Pacino
Sonny Corleone: James Caan
Clemenza: Richard S. Castellano
Tom Hagen: Robert Duvall
McCluskey: Sterling Hayden
Jack Woltz : John Marley
Barzini: Richard Conte
Sollozzo: Al Lettieri
Kay Adams: Diane Keaton
Tessio: Abe Vigoda
Connie: Talia Shire
Carlo Rizzi: Gianni Russo
Fredo Corleone: John Cazale
Cuneo: Rudy Bond
Johnny Fontane: Al Martino
Mamma Corleone: Morgana King
Luca Brasi: Lenny Montana
Paulie Gatto: John Martino
Moe Greene: Alex Rocco
Bruno Tattaglia: Tony Giorgio
Etc.
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Sceenplay Coppola and Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's novel.
ROMANCE
BEFORE SUNRISE - Two attractive young people meet on a train in Europe and have a romance that lasts one night. 1995
Cast: Jesse: Ethan Hawke
Celine: Julie Delpy
They Meet Cute on a train in Austria. They start talking. There is a meeting of the minds (our most erotic organs) and they like each other. They're in their early 20s. He's an American with an Eurail pass, on his way to Vienna to catch a cheap flight home. She's French, a student at the Sorbonne, on her way back to Paris. They go to the buffet car, drink some coffee, keep talking, and he has this crazy idea: Why doesn't she get off the train with him in Vienna, and they can be together until he catches his plane? This sort of scenario has happened, I imagine, millions of times. It has rarely happened in a nicer, sweeter, more gentle way than in Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise," which I could call a "Love Affair" for Generation X, except that Jesse and Celine stand outside their generation, and especially outside its boring insistence on being bored.
BEFORE SUNSET* - The same couple meets ten years later and have a lot of conversation. 2004
Cast: Jesse:Ethan Hawke
Celine: Julie Delpy
Bookstore manager: Vernon Dobtcheff
Journalist: Louise Lemoine Torres
Journalist: Rodolphe Pauly
Written by Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. Running time: 80 minutes. Rated R (for offensive language and sexual references).
"Before Sunset" continues the conversation that began in "Before Sunrise" (1995), but at a riskier level. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) are over 30 now, have made commitments in life, no longer feel as they did in 1995 that everything was possible. One thing they have learned, although they are slow to reveal it, is how rare it is to meet someone you feel an instinctive connection with. They walk out of the bookstore and around the corner and walk, and talk, and the director Richard Linklater films them in long, uninterrupted takes, so that the film feels like it exists in real time. - Roger Ebert
NOTTINGHILL - Lovely light romantic comedy with Julia Roberts. 1999
Cast:William Thacker Grant: Hugh Grant
Anna Scott: Julia Roberts
PRETTY WOMAN - Another lovely light romantic comedy with Julia Roberts and Richard Geer. 1990
Cast: Edward Lewis: Richard Gere
Vivian Ward: Julia Roberts
James Morse: Ralph Bellamy
Philip Stuckey: Jason Alexander
WESTERNS
UNFORGIVEN - Clint Eastwood wrote, directed and stars in this classic western about an aging gunfighter who accepts a job killing three young men.
Brilliant performances from both Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. 1992
Cast: William Munny: Clint Eastwood
Ned Logan: Morgan Freeman
Sherriff Bill Dagget: Gene Hackman
Richard Harris: English Bob
TELEVISION PROGRAMS
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES - Only on Star World, the English only channel (no subtitle) from the United States. Interesting plotline and compelling characters however. You can get Star World by special order from your cable operator.
FRIENDS - This is the television program most students like to study. Each episode is short and there are a lot of programs to watch. Available on DVD.
Cast: Jennifer Aniston: Rachel
Matt LaBlanc: Joey
Courteney Cox: Monica
David Schwimmer: Ross
Lisa Kudrow: Phoebe
Mathew Perry: Chandler
LONELY PLANET/ GLOBE TRECKER - Great travel program with a variety of hosts who travel to locations all over the world. These programs are
shown many times a day.
SEX IN THE CITY - This one is another favorite with women especially and is probably quite good especially if you want to learn how to talk about sex.
Available on DVD.
GLOSSARY
BASIC TELEVISION VOCAB
Channel - pin2dao4
Please turn on the television - Qing3 da3 kai1 dian4shi4.
Please turn off the television - Qing guan1diao4 dian4shi4.
Please turn it up - Qing3 (zhuan3) da4 shang1 yi5dian3.
Please turn it down - Qing3 (guan1) xiao3 shang1 yi5dian3.
Qing zhuan xiao shang yidian.
BASIC DVD VOCAB
Change the subtitle - huan4 zi4mu4
Chinese subtitle - zhong1wen2 zi4mu4
Cue - tiao2dao4 ni3 yao4 de di4fung1
English subtitle - ying1wen2 zi4mu4
Fast forward - kuai4zhuan3
Pause - Zhan4ting2
Play - buo1fang4
Plug in the T.V. - cha1jing4 dian4shi4 cha1tou2
Push "a" - an4 a
Push "b" - an4 b
Remote Control - yao2kong4qi4
Repeat function - chong2fu4 gong1neng2
Rewind - hui2zhuan3
Stop - ting2zhi3
Subtitle - zi4mu4
Unplug the television - ba2diao4 lu4yin3ji1 cha1tou2
Miscellaneous Vocab
About (what's the movie/story...) - guan1yu2
Actor - yan3yuan2
Acting - yan3ji4
Action movie – dong4zou4 pian
Advanced - gao1ji2de
Aesthetic sensibility – shen3mei3guan1
Ambient sound –
Animation -
Atmosphere (mood) - qi4fen4
Audience – guan1zhong4
Based on -
Basic Expression - ji1ben3 de biao3da2fa
Beginner - chuji2de
Big Screen -
Body language – zhi1ti3 yu3yan2
Chaotic – hun4luan4 de
Character - jiao3se4
Cartoon -
Choice – xuan3ze2
Cinematography -
Collect – shou1ji2
Comedy - xi3ju4
Commited -
Common Expression - pu3pian4 de biao3da2fa3
Conflict -
Connotation -
Context - sheng4xia4wen2
Continue - ji4xu4
Contrast – dui4zhao4
Convincing performance -
Critical judgment – guan1jian4xing4 de ping2lun4
Dialogue - dui4hua4
Director - dao3yan3
Documentary - ji4lu4pian4
Drama - xi4ju4
Edit - jian3ji2
Establishing shot -
Fantasy – huan4xiang3
Flashback -
Facial Expression - lien3bu4biao3qin2
Focus on - zhuan1zhu4
Formal - zheng4shi4
Genre – lei4xing2
Goal -
Hero - ying1xiong2
Homonym - tong2yin1yi4yi4ci2
Horror movie – kong3bu4pian4
Idiom - cheng2yu3
Impact -
Independent film – du2li4zhi4zuo4 de pian4
Influence – ying3xiang3
Informal - fei1 zheng4shi4
Inspired by -
Intermediate - zhong1ji2de
Interpret -
Investment – tou2zi1
Literal - an4zhao4 zi4mian4 de yi4si
Look up (this word in the dictionary) - (zhe4ge ci2) cha3 zi4dian3
Main character - zhu2jiao3
Metaphor - bi3yu4 de shou1fa
Mimic - mo2fang3
Mood – gan3jue2
Movie - dian4ying3
Movie Critic - dian4ying3 pi1ping3jia1
Movie Theatre - dian4ying3yuan4
Narrative (speech accompanying a documentary) - miao2shu4
Narrative Structure - gu4shi4 jie2gou4
Negative influence -
Negative Moral Message – Fu4mian4 de han2yi4
Nuanced -
Nude – luo3ti4 de
Nudity – luo3ti4
Obstacle -
Organized – tiaolifenmin de
Pace - su4du4
Parody -
Play (a role/part) - ban4yan3
Plot - qing2jie2
Positive influence -
Positive Moral Message – Zheng4mian4 de han2yi4
Pretend - jia3zhuang1
Producer – zhi4zuo4ren2
Psychology - xin1li3xue2
Rating - fenji
Read aloud - nian4qu1lai2
Record this - lu4xia4lai3 zhege
Reference –
Reflect -
Resolution -
Review – ping2lun4
Romance – ai4qing2 pian4
Sentimental – gan3qing2you3guan1 de
Sarcasm - feng3ci4
Set (n.) – bu4jing3
Set (v.) -
Setting -
Scene - mu4
Science fiction – ke1huan4 pian4
Screenwriter - dian4ying3ju4ben3zuo4zhe3
Script - dian4ying3ju4ben3
Shocking -
Shot - pian4duan4
Slow motion –
Society -
Soundtrack – dian4ying3jiao1 pian4sheng1ji1
Situation - qing2kuang4
Star – ming2xing1
Starring – zhu3yuen3
Story - gu4shi
Style - feng1ge2
Subtle – wei1miao4
Summarize - zong3jie2
Suspense – xuan2yi2 pian4
Swearing – shuo1zhang1hua4
Symbolism -
Synopsis – zhu4qing2gai4yao4
Television - dian4shi4
The End - jie2ju2
Theme (topic) - zhu3ti
Theme (moral/message) - zhu3ti han2yi4
Thriller – jing1song3 pian4
Tone of Voice - sheng1yin1yin1diao4
Translate - fan1yi4
Values – jia4zhi2guan1
Voice Over - pang2bai2
Write it down - xie3xia4lai3 zhe4ge
Useful Sentences
(film study)
What is this movie about? – Zhe4bu dian4ying3 guan1yu2 shen2me gu4shi?
It’s about a guy who falls in love with a girl.
Who is in it?
This movie was adapted from a novel. – Zhe4bu dian4ying3 cong2 xiao3shou1 gai3bian4 er lai2 de.
Useful Sentences
(pronunciation)
Nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs usually have at least one stressed syllable. – Ming2ci2, dong4ci2, xing2rong2ci2, fu4ci2 zhong3shi4 zhi4shao3 you3 yi2ge4 zhong4yin1 de yin1jie2.
1)The other parts of speech usually have no stressed syllables. –
Qi2ta1 de ge4zhong3ci2lei4 tong2cun2 mei2 you3 zhong4yin1 de yin1jie2.
3) If a word or syllable is unstressed, we pronounce it quickly, quietly,
with a vowel sound of / / or / / and often with one or two silent
letters. – Ru2guo3 yi2ge zi4 huo2 yi2ge yin1jie2 shi4 fei1
zhong4yin1 de, wo3men fa1yin1 shi4 kuai4shu4, xiao3sheng1 de, wo3men yong4 / / hai2shi / / de mu3yin1 fa1yin1, chang2chang2 hai2you3 gen1 yi1 liang3 bu2 yong4 fa1yin1 de zi4mu3.
- Dante –
Establishing scene begins at elevator doors at Taipei 101. Doors open. Camera moves into the elevator and zooms in on floor indicator. Super-imposed credits begin to roll. Ambient sound. Mandarin/Taiwanese. Doors open. Camera moves over to the window and down to the city scene below. Opening credits still rolling by. Slow zoom in on to one city street. Cut to view from on the back of a motorcycle making its way through crowded streets and narrow alleys. Pull up at blockbuster. Camera follows characters into the store. They are two young men in their early twenties, dressed in hip hop fashion. They wander around Blockbusters, walk past the drama (xi4ju4), comedy (xi3ju4), action (dong4zou4 pian), new release, horror and previously viewed movie sections. As they walk they sometimes pause to pick up a DVD package before putting it back on the shelf and continuing to walk. Final credits roll past. Finally Bob pauses and says….
Bob – Have you seen that new movie? You know the one with the guy and the girl in it?
Fred – Huh?
Bob - They met on a train in Europe nine years ago and had a night together in Paris. Then they made another movie with the same characters nine years later.
Fed - Before Sunrise?
Bob – No Before Sunrise was the first one and Before Sunset was the second one. Anyway, have you seen it?
Fred – No. What is it about?
Bob – I just told you. It’s about a guy named Jesse who meets a girl named Celine on a train in Paris. They flirt and then decide to get off the train together in Paris. They walk around and have wonderful conversation and sex in the park. Later they agree to meet again, after six months or a year, I forget. They don’t exchange phone numbers.
Fred – Yeah I saw that one. It’s called Before Sunrise. Why don’t you tell me about the one they made nine years later, Before Sunset?
Bob – Because I haven’t seen it.
Fred – You dickhead.
Bob – Fuck you.
Fred – Yeah whatever. Anyway, what movie should we see tonight?
Bob – I wanna see the one with the cowboy homos. Directed by Ang Lee. I heard it is set in the United States but was shot in Canada. I’d like to see Canada on the big screen.
Fred – Brokeback Mountain. I saw that one already. It was pretty good. I think Ang Lee won an Oscar or something.
Bob – The Oscars are bullshit. The Golden Palm is a better award.
Fred – Yeah.
Bob – Yeah, but I heard the script for Brokeback Mountain was great. It was based on a book, by some chick. I forget her name…… Annie Proulx. Annie Proulx. That’s it. It was a short story I think.
Fred – Yup. That’s her. Great movie but I’ve seen it already.
Bob – Lets watch Natural Born Killers again. I love that movie. Awesome cinematography. Awesome soundtrack. I could watch it a hundred times.
Fred – Who is in that again?
Bob – Woody Harrelson and Juliet Lewis. In the movie their characters names are Micky and Mallory.
Fred – Yeah I remember. But it’s too violent for me. I wanna watch something more relaxing.
Bob – How bout American Beauty?
Fred – Too weird. Too depressing.
Bob – Confessions of a Dangerous Mind?
Fred – I haven’t seen that. What’s it about?
Bob – It’s about a guy who produces television shows in the 70s. Later the CIA hire him to murder communists. Here we go….
Bob looks at a piece of paper he is holding.
Bob - Sam Rockwell, George Clooney and Julia Roberts star in this true story about a famous television producer who was also a hit man for the CIA. 2002
Fred – You sound like you’re reading aloud from a movie review.
Bob – I am.
Fred – What else does it say?
Bob – Nothing.
Fred – Oh. Who directed that?
Bob – I dunno. But it is supposed to be a true story.
Fred – You said that already.
Bob – Did I?
Fred – Yeah. What’s wrong with you?
Bob – I dunno. I think I’m getting old.
Fred – Butt munch.
Just then they see Dante, their friend who teaches EFL with movies walk into the store. He looks tired and pretends not to see his friends Bob and Fred. He has a headache and rubs his head.
Bob sees Dante though.
Bob – Hey, there’s Dante. Lets ask him what movie to watch.
Fred – All right.
They approach Dante and say hello, how ya doin etc.
Fred - Hi Dante. How ya doin?
Dante – I have a headache.
Fred – How come?
Dante – I am trying to develop a system for teaching EFL through film studies. Its difficult. People in movies speak naturally and most EFL students are used to listening to dumbed down, slowly pronounced English with all the swearing and slang taken out. If I could get them to do their listening practice and vocab study it would be a lot easier and interesting for everybody. They would learn more. Most EFL students don’t or won’t believe that so they improve really slowly. Its frustrating.
Fred – Sounds frustrating.
Dante – I just said that.
Just then Dante realizes that one of his students, Dinki, was standing close by with her back to him. She turns around and smiles at him.
Dinki – So you think we are lazy eh?
Dante is a little embarrassed.
Dante – Well no, I didn’t say that….
Dinki pouts and bats her eyes.
Dinki – What did you say then?
Dante – I forget, anyway, whatever, look, you know I love my students but……
Dante scratches his head and appears to be thinking.
Dante – OK imagine that you are a corn farmer and your neighbour is a corn farmer too but his corn isn’t growing and yours and he comes to you for advice. You tell him that corn grows better if you water it a lot and put some fertilizer in the ground. You know that is true because you have been watching corn grow for the last fifteeen years. It doesn’t grow very fast, and sometimes it doesn’t seem to be growing at all, but if you keep watering it and putting fertilizer in the ground then after a few months you have big, fat, juicy ears of corn. If you don’t water it and put fertilizer in the ground then after a few months you get nuthin. Am I getting throught to you at all? It’s a metaphor.
Dinki – Maybe.
Dante – A metaphor is an implied analogy. An analogy shows how two different situations might be alike in some ways. It helps people understand. In my metaphor you are the farmer, corn is your English and water and fertilizer are listening practice and vocabulary study/review.
Fred – What’s the tractor, bum boy?
Dante appears surprised to hear Fred speak and is puzzled for a moment.
Dante – The tractor isn’t anything. If you try to stretch a metaphor too far it will break…… Oh, Dinki, excuse me this is my “friend” from Canada. He was in the herb business back in Canada but now he is an English teacher in Taipei.
Dante makes introduction gestures.
Dante - Fred, Dinki. Dinki, Fred. Dinki Bob, Bob Dinki.
Fred – It’s nice to meet you Dinki. You are a very pretty girl.
Dinki – Oh, thank you Fred. It’s nice to meet you too. So, are you an English teacher as well?
Bob – Yeah, but not a very good one.
Fred – Don’t listen to him. I’m a great teacher. I teach, uh, English, using the, er, natural method. Yeah, that’s it. The natural method. Mostly I speak really slowly all the time and use weird grammar like I hear my students use and when people don’t understand what I’m saying I repeat it again but louder. It’s a great method. You should try it.
Dinki – Thanks but I study with Dante. Maybe some other time. So, anyway, what movie do you want to see tonight?
Fred – I dunno. We were just talking about that.
GREAT QUOTES
GAME
What did you ever do to change the world?
And that was where I fit, between those two sweating tits, that hung enormous, the way you think of God’s as big.
Fic-tion-al, char-ac-ters. Am I getting through to you at all?
