~ZIONNE~ {it's all or nothing}

Movie review: Swallowtail Butterfly

Fascinating, tought-provoking and visual stunning, Swallowtail Butterfly is an instant classic. Full of slow yet very good character development, stunning and haunting images and movie twists. The movie has a very fresh plot, you can't find any films similar like this. Swallowtail's characters are all lovable. This movie shows different kinds of people, which anyone can relate in one of them.

The director carefully illustrates the beautiful yet dangerous side of Japan's immigrant slum. Shunji Iwai created another world; it's not Japan, he created another place, called yentown. The director did a great job in this movie.

The acting was also great, specially the lead Hiroshi Mikami. His performance as Fei-Hong is the best performance by a Japanese actor in a Japanese movie. Those haunting facial expressions and the way he spoke his dialogues ("The God of Yen has not forsaken us" really haunts me everytime I remember it) was just perfect. His performance was flawless, and if you don't know him, you'll completely believe that he is a Chinese Immigrant. Chara was good too as the aspring singer Glico.

Shunji Iwai created a beautiful yet dangerous world in this movie. The stunning cinematography will keep you frozen as you see this film. Swallowtail isn't just an ordinary movie experience, it is an experience that will left you blown away. Shunji Iwai strikes the ceilings again.

* * * * */* * * * *

~Salve REGINA~

Movie review: A Guide to Recognizing your Saints

Oh my God, what a terrific movie. It's a bit draggy, but nevertheless it was beautiful. The sceneries are just so awesome, and the setting was very, well, scary.

Shia Labaoeuf was a terrific actor. His facial expressions and the way he delivers his dialogues was just so awesome. He has a presence in every single scene he's in, and that's what I love in every performance I watch.

What really surprised me is Channing Tatum's performance. I can't believe he delivered such a great performance in this movie. He was a flat-out excellent in performing the role. He was scary and believable as Antonio. What a great performance.

The director, because this is his own story, i\was good and manages every scene very well. The only problem I got is it's pacing and sometimes lack of lighting in some scenes. But story-wise, acting-wise and directing, the film was outstanding.

****1/2/*****

~Salve REGINA~

Movie Review: All About Lily Chou-Chou

Flawlessly created, All About Lily Chou-Chou slowly unfolds the story of Alienation and adolescence. Set in rural Japan, Lily starts in a haunting opening sequence; keyboard typings, BBS messages and a scene of Yuichi (played fantastically by Hayato Ichihara) listening to his CD of Lily Chou-Chou.

The film's dark, sad and "etherial" camera works added the charm to this movie. The movie was a vogue, surreal, flawless and brilliant. The cinematography was just so fantastic, as if you feel the sadness that sorrounds the whole place. The acting was outstanding, specially Shougo Oshinari as the troubled teenage-bully Hoshino. He steals the screen everythime he is in; what a great acting.

One of the best assets of Lily was it's super excellent soundtrack. The Debussy pieces are just great, but the Lily Chou-chou originals are just brilliant. It simply adds a tone, mood in every scenes of the movie.

All About Lily Chou-chou is, maybe, a waste of time for Popcorn flick viewers, but still, it's one of tge most brilliant films ever. I mean, ever.

*****/*****

~Salve REGINA~