Day 106: The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt
Directors: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner & Simon Wells
Starring: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin & Martin Short
Rated: PG
Length: 99 min.
Released: December 18, 1998
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Egypt, eons of years ago: Pharao Seti commands all male hebrew babies to be drowned. A desperate mother places her son in a basket and lets the Hebrew god guide it along its way on the river. The basket is found by the Queen, and Moses is brought up as a brother to the heir of the throne, Ramses. Years later, the brothers, who grew up happily and wealthy, are split by Moses’ recognition of his true heritage and the suppressing system his brother is about to inherit, willing to carry it on. Fleeing from the city in despair, Moses finds himself being called by God. He is given the task of being the messenger in order to free the Hebrews and to lead them into a country where milk and honey flow.

My Thoughts:
One of the first animated films to come out of Dreamworks Pictures, The Prince of Egypt is absolutely brilliant!  An animated masterpiece by all accounts. Emotionally griping, powerful and perfect in every way.

Most who know me know that I’m not one for musicals and/or song in movies…but when the songs are as powerful and well integrated as these I make an exception. This is how it should be done. The song itself becomes an enhanced tool to tell the story in a more emotional way. The songs really are powerful…and they add to the strength of the movie so much.

The animation is 100% perfect. It blends traditional animation with CG animation so seamlessly! It’s such a grand scale movie, and yet grounded in such a personal story. My favorite part of the story is the dynamic of the brotherly relationship between Moses and Rameses. It’s a great foundation for the film and a perfect for the audience to connect and relate to these powerful and historical figures. These two men have such a history and are so easily put on pedestals. Making them so relatable keeps them grounded. That makes you get really invested in the story, the characters and the outcome of their relationship because you care about them so much.

The all-star celebrity cast that jumped on board is awesome and they fit their characters perfectly. I’ve seen the Exodus story told several different times…this is hands down my favorite. If you have not seen this film I don’t just highly recommend it…I implore you to watch this movie. It is animated perfection and the best representation of the story of Moses I have ever seen.

You guessed it…5 stars out of 5.

Day 74: Gladiator: Extended Edition

Gladiator: Extended Edition
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen & Richard Harris
Rated: NR (Theatrical rated R)
Length: 171 min.
Theatrical Release: May 5, 2000
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
In Gladiator, victorious general Maximus Decimus Meridias has been named keeper of Rome and its empire by dying emperor Marcus Aurelius, so that rule might pass from the Caesars back to the people and Senate. Marcus’ neglected and power-hungry son, Commodus, has other ideas, however. Escaping an ordered execution, Maximus hurries back to his home in Spain, too late to save his wife and son from the same order. Taken into slavery and trained as a gladiator by Proximo, Maximus lives only that he might someday take his revenge and fulfill the dying wish of his emperor. The time soon comes when Proximo’s troupe is called to Rome to participate in a marathon of gladiator games held at the behest of the new emperor, Commodus. Once in Rome, Maximus wastes no time in making his presence known, and is soon involved in a plot to overthrow the emperor with his former-love Lucilla, Commodus’ sister, after whom he lusts, and also the widowed mother of Lucius, heir to the empire after his uncle, and democratic-minded senator, Gracchus.

My Thoughts:
One of the most epic films…ever. I loved this movie! The extended version is excellent. There are so many good character developing scenes that were added. It’s awesome.

You can clearly see why it was such a huge Oscar winning movie. Crowe is perfect as is Phoenix as the villainous Cesar. There really isn’t a whole lot els I can say…it’s just amazing! It’s in the league of Braveheart and 300…and better than both (in my humble opinion). You may disagree, and that’s fine…but it is undoubtedly one of the best “epic” films ever made.

By far one of my all time favorite movies. 5 stars out of 5!!!

Day 55: The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ
Directed by: Mel Gibson
Starring: James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern & Monica Bellucci
Rated: R
Length: 127 min.
Released: February 25, 2004
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A depiction of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem. The story opens in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, the controversial Jesus–who has performed ‘miracles’ and has publicly announced that he is ‘the Son of God’–is arrested and taken back within the city walls of Jerusalem. There, the leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy; subsequently, his trial results with the leaders condemning him to his death. Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Palestine, for his sentencing. Pilate listens to the accusations leveled at Jesus by the Pharisees. Realizing that his own decision will cause him to become embroiled in a political conflict, Pilate defers to King Herod in deciding the matter of how to persecute Jesus. However, Herod returns Jesus to Pilate who, in turn, gives the crowd a choice between which prisoner they would rather to see set free–Jesus, or Barrabas. The crowd chooses to have Barrabas set free. Thus, Jesus is handed over to the Roman soldiers and is brutally flagellated. Bloody and unrecognizable, he is brought back before Pilate who, once again, presents him to the thirsty crowd–assuming they will see that Jesus has been punished enough. The crowd, however, is not satisfied. Thus, Pilate washes his hands of the entire dilemma, ordering his men to do as the crowd wishes. Whipped and weakened, Jesus is presented with the cross and is ordered to carry it through the streets of Jerusalem, all the way up to Golgotha. There, more corporal cruelty takes place as Jesus is nailed to the cross–suffering, he hangs there, left to die. Initially, in his dazed suffering, Jesus is alarmed that he has been abandoned by God his father. He then beseeches God. At the moment of his death, nature itself over-turns.

My Thoughts:

HAPPY EASTER!!!

So, seeing as how it’s Easter I figured it was only appropriate to watch The Passion of the Christ. This is a tough movie for anyone to watch. It’s not really the type of movie that you say you “enjoyed” watching. You aren’t suppose to enjoy it…it’s suppose to make you think, and put things into perspective. And if you do “enjoy” it…well then you’re just some sick sadist with a vehement hatred for Jesus or something. A note, for those that are a bit queezy by the show of graphic violence in movies, there is an edited version available on DVD.

I have made a habit of trying to watch this movie once a year and only once a year. That usually ends up being around Easter. Any more than once a year seems a bit excessive, and the “shock” value that is intended is easily lost. Christian or not, this film is an amazing story about the pain, sacrifice and suffering that Jesus was willing to endure…all powered by love. This is a kind of sacrificial love that needs to be seen by most Christians today. The sacrifice and devotion Jesus had to willingly push on through all of this is inspiring…it really is.

Then, as a Christian, I know that he did all that for me…that just blows my mind. Anyone who doubts their worth as a person need only look at what Jesus chose to endure and suffer on their behalf to see they are truly valued by God.

All religious significance aside…

Even if you aren’t a Christian this movie is just done so well. It really is an epic film and totally worth watching at least once. Jim Caviezel pulls of an amazing performance. Had there not been so much pointless “anti-religion” controversy surrounding this film he would have at least been nominated for an Oscar. To pull of such a strong performance, and in a dead language no less…just an amazing performance. But let’s be real, anyone taking on the role of Jesus isn’t going to get nominated for an Oscar…no matter how good it is.

Then there is one of my favorite aspects of any truly good & epic film…the musical score. This one is incredible! It adds so much to the mood, flow and dynamic of the film. It’s one of my favorite sound tracks (Pity, I still don’t have a copy of it. I’ve been looking but it’s hard to find). If you are a dork like me and love motion picture scores…this one is a must have. I know…I don’t have it, but I still stand by my opinion (and the score did get nominated for an Oscar if I remember right, as did cinematography).

All in all this movie is totally worth the watch. If you don’t know much about the story of Jesus or if it’s been a while. It might be worth reading about before you watch it. That helps to put this portion of the “Gospel Story” into perspective. I know there are a lot of people out there that may know about the story. You may “have a pretty good idea,” but there are some things about this movie that really click (if even from just a literary perspective for the “non-religious” out there) if you take the time to just read it yourself. I think they based the movie on the accounts written in the Gospel of John. It’s a rather quick read, and really helps set up the film.

I’ve said all of that to say this. 5 Stars out of 5. It’s a real unique, epic and inspiring film.

Day 17: Braveheart

Braveheart
Director: Mel Gibson
Starring: Mel Gibson, James Robinson, Sean Lawlor & Sandy Nelson
Rated: R
Length: 177 min.
Released: May 24, 1995
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
William Wallace is a Scottish rebel who leads an uprising against the cruel English ruler Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the crown of Scotland for himself. When he was a young boy, William Wallace’s father and brother, along with many others, lost their lives trying to free Scotland. Once he loses another of his loved ones, William Wallace begins his long quest to make Scotland free once and for all, along with the assistance of Robert the Bruce.

My Thoughts:
There are so many things about this movie that I love…I really don’t know where to start. It’s been a LONG time since I had seen it and it was GREAT to re-discover the things about Braveheart that I loved. It goes well beyond just some testosterone driven love of battle scenes and violence. This movie really resonates with me on a deeper level as a guy. I know I’m not the only one either. This film has become the standard of all male driven epic movies.

For those puzzled by why this movie has become such a grand standard among men, I would encourage you to read the book Wild @ Heart by John Eldredge. You may not agree with everything in the book…but there is a lot of truth to the core of what it’s about. Guys really resonate with movies like this for a reason. That book does a good job explaining why.

This film got 5 Oscars!…5!!! Watching it you can see why. Everything about it just works. Perfectly cast, perfect score, excellent acting and great special effects. The main criticism most people have with it is that it’s VERY inaccurate historically. My response to that is WHO CARES!!! It’s not a documentary…it’s a Hollywood movie! The Last Samurai…not accurate…Gladiator…not accurate…300….not accurate. These are Films made for entertainment to convey a set of ideas and principles…not history. If people are actually looking to Hollywood to get there history lessons then I hope the never see Inglorious Bastards.

It should almost go without saying that I’m giving this one 5 out of 5 stars. I mean…it’s in my top 10 favorite movies of all time. So yeah, if you haven’t seen this movie yet…I highly encourage you to  see it soon.

Day 9: The Last Samurai

The Last Samurai
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Starring: Ken Watanabe & Tom Cruise
Rated: R
Length: 154 min.
Released: December 5, 2003
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis
Set in Japan during the 1870s, The Last Samurai tells the story of Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), a respected American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country’s first army in the art of modern warfare. As the Emperor attempts to eradicate the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly government policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him.

My Thoughts
For me this film runs in the same pack as Braveheart and Gladiator. I had really forgotten how much I loved this movie. If you can get over the fact that the “last” samurai is a white American played by Tom Cruise then this movie will be worth the watch. There are a lot of great themes addressed in it. Issues like honor, courage, to never give up but rather to keep fighting for what you believe in knowing that your life is about something greater than just you. It also deals heavily with the idea that modernization doesn’t necessarily mean improvement if it comes at the cost of forgetting where we came from. As a bit of a traditionalist I think that’s a message I’d like to see coming out of Hollywood more often.

These types of movies often resonate with me on deeper levels than just sheer action/entertainment value. I find myself, at times, leaving the film challenged on a variety of things…but most often I find myself wishing I had something in my life that made me feel like I was advancing and fighting for some greater cause. While I feel I do (at times) in my head…it’s been a long time since I felt like my life was truly a great adventure. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. At any rate, The Last Samurai really hit me square between the eyes considering some of the stuff I’m going through right now. I could use a piece of the adventurous and wild life right now.

Cruise does a great jog portraying a man of war who’s world is changed by facing his mistakes and overcoming them by taking on a new perspective on life. One with greater purpose and a higher sense of honor.While Ken Watanabe does a superb job as the great Samurai leader who admires above all else honor and courage. This is another movie that brings in a little slice of history to life in a semi accurate way and I like that. It’s not a documentary so if you get to anal about the little details it will ruin the movie. Get hung up on that stuff and you’ll miss the main theme and point of the entire film. Over all I thin the message of the movie is far more important than if they used the right types of guns, swords, armor, bla bla bla. Who cares about that stuff. I’m giving this one 4 out of 5 stars.