5 comments about Sunrise Tai Chi (YMAA) DVD.

1. Have spent the past month evaluating the "Sunrise Tai Chi" DVD by Ramel Rones, and am much impressed with everything from production values to the quality of instruction.
   
   DVD is split into 3 main sections: Demonstration, Instruction, and Workout. "Demonstration" shows Rones going through each of the exercises with a flute & harp playing in the background (with the notable exception of some cool Asian trip-hop beats during a few of the more aerobic exercises -- sadly, I was unable to find the musical credits). "Instruction" has Rones describe the proper execution of each exercise in a highly detailed and specific manner -- he discusses and demonstrates a variety of subtleties that could not be adequately described on the printed page, and this information will be of great value to instructors who wish to teach these movements to others. "Workout" is divided into 20, 40, or 60 minute workouts, with your choice of either traditional flute & harp or piano music in the background.
   
   Ramel Rones is a Master instructor, and this is quite possibly the finest instructional DVD I've hat the privilege to view and practice. Best implemented with a widescreen or projection television (which I do not have) . . . somewhat frustrating on a laptop screen (but fortunately there is a large screen TV with DVD deck at work).
   
   Highly recommended!



2. Ramel Rones is great in this DVD. He's obviously expert. He's thorough. He also addresses the senior population (I'm not in that target population yet, but will be I hope!). He passes on some of the tradition and gives a good morning workout that leads up to a relatively simple T'ai Chi solo form. and there are three levels of workout, with two selections of music to accompany through the guided workout, I like the choice of music.
   
   The training segment is thorough and you should be prepared to spend a while going through this part before really attempting the full workout.
   
   The camerawork is good. The video editing is a bit confusing at times (for example: during the shorter workouts, the hip stretch section focuses mainly on the right side, so you have to figure out for yourself how much time to balance it out between the sides, if you want to stay with the agenda of exercises chosen).
   
   The menu navigation tool is quite good, not perfect, but much better than most DVDs of this type.
   
   I'm looking forward to trying other DVD releases from Mr. Rones and the YMAA.



3. I've done other Tai Chi videos in the past and this is compares well to others. There are lots of facets to the video, and I recommend you take an initial look at all the areas on teh DVD before trying any of them. There are parts for instruction and others for meditation, tai chi, etc. My husband enjoys doing this very much as well.



4. The author has an excellent imagination, which helped me visualize the benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. I especially liked and found extremely helpful the four-points breathing, the bubble, and the baton theories. Anyone who practices on a regular basis will see results.



5. I admit I had high hopes for this Sunrise Tai Chi DVD with Ramel Rones after seeing these stellar reviews. I decided to watch the video first before I began learning by participation.
   
   The DVD is done poorly. The two female participants look so sad as if they lost someone dear to them in recent days. This is not inspiring or motivating at all.
   
   It was painful to scroll through the instructions: while some shots are done in what seems like Central Park, the majority of the DVD is done on a cheap set made to look like a very modest bedroom, with a chair the instructor must have borrowed from his grandma, and a set of grandpa slippers next to him!
   
   Perhaps this video (and certainly the instructions) are geared towards older demographic, but I doubt the seniors want to bummed out with a set as such.
   
   Moreover, the instructor's accent and monotone speech pattern is annoying. Perhaps it would not have been so annoying if his speech were not rushed and he didn't have such frequent misspoken words and corrections. In contrast to his fast speech, things (physical instructions, scenes) move so sloooow and there are so many silent pauses, it was a torture trying to get through the DVD in a chronological order.
   
   Finally, I found it somewhat comical how he repeats certain things over and over, and how naive everything sounds coming from him.
   
   I completely understand the mind and body connection since I am a fan of yoga, but he does not gave an ounce of ability to convey it in spiritual and inspirational way.

5 comments about Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

1. having it on the psp was nice, got to watch it on the plane. i love this movie, and i am not particularly into the whole kung fu thing in general, but this is great!



2. I'm very pleased with this product! Very high quality and well worth purchasing! Thanks, Amazon!



3. I had the opportunity to see this film when it first came out in the movie theater in 2000 and it immediately became my favorite movie since I love martial arts, philosophy and visual arts.. and this movie combines them all. It had the best choreography I had ever seen back then, reflected on eastern martial arts philosopy, nature, buddism wisdom as well as western metaphysical thoughts..



4. Crouching Tiger is not really a Kung Fu movie. The fight sequences are so stylized and interjected with such gravity defying feats such flying and fantastical jumping, and flips; the fight scenes become almost a 3D ballet. I liked it, but don't come into this movie expecting Bruce Lee action sequences. The fight scenes are more of a dance. The fights are mainly sword fights, although there are a few hand-to-hand battles as well. The acting is superb. The story line is more of a fairy tale than straight fiction, but the movie works superbly well. Michelle Yeoh's physical acting are displayed well as well as her emotional range. Chow is great as the swordsman and Zhang Ziyi is very good as well.
   
   The movie tells the story of several stories of love, of revenge, of loyalties, and of duty. It concerns duty to one's family, to society and to one's self. A fairy tale is used to tie the plot lines together. The movie has a great medieval setting. The scenery switches from deserts, to Peking, to bamboo forests and mountains. In every case, the views are breathtaking. The bamboo forest fight is very strange, but it works.
   
   My wife didn't like the movie because if its fantastical elements, but it is one of the best movies I have seen for a long time. Most kung fu movie have their fantastical elements.
   
   I don't know much about the superbit technology, but my DVD looks great and the sound is good too.



5. How do you sum up Crouching?
   Brilliant, touching, amazing!!!
   Incredible acrobatics, incredible scenery, an awesome script and great actors and martial artists.
   What's not to like about this movie?
   Not my favorite, I liked Hero and Curse of the Golden Flower better but for different reasons.
   Still, a must see if your new to the recent wave of martial arts flicks.
   A word of advice, watch it with the subtitles on and not the English voiceovers as they are terribly done.

5 comments about The Forbidden Kingdom (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy).

1. This was no instigating Cold War film, the political sequences were hundreds of years before Khrushev and his shoe-pounding at the U. N. It did feature an American in China, a time traveler, and beautiful scenery. It did include a Devil's Tower in the desert which resembled the Ice Queen's castle, but that is from another recent release under the guise of a children's entertainment (more like nightmares). The poet paints pictures with words as we dedicated reviewers strive to do which touches a nerve on those less educated or experienced.
   
   The war lord met his match in Jason from Boston, a victim of bullies. As his enchantment begain in the antique shop, he learned firsthand kung fu fighting for survival. The villianess was the "bride" with long white hair who strives for immortality and she has more at stake making her horrid with that ship when she unleashs her claws. She became as much of a monster as the ancient war lord. She rode a black horse like the 2nd place in Belmont races and, though she was a winner, she died shortlly after her triumph. The "bride" was a fierce commpetitor who fell to her "destiny" after her white hair was cut off.
   
   To fulfill an ancient prophecy, Jason is transported from the alley in Boston to a beautiful field of Cherry blooossoms, similar to our dogwoods which are spread out for miles. You must taste the bitter before the sweet. Chinese philosophy condones using mind control and hatred to get others to do dangerous things. Mark would fit right in there except for his height (his little thing is worthless, what the Bible called an eunick). He was a lonely hermit who used opium, overdosed on Claratin, and chose beer and wine for a backbone3. They are all misfits. He was no master at chess or sensitivity. This production had a lot of bloodshed and an eruption of massive proportions. Jason receives his just reward in a satisfying ending.



2. Sometimes you just wanna watch a movie that's fun. This is that movie. The moralizing is done in reasonable doses, the heroes are actual heroes. The kid is capable of learning (on many levels) and does so.
   Li and Chan are amazing as they always are. If you're looking for a flick that stimulates you intellectually you should look for something else. However, if you've got a Saturday night to spend at home, get out the popcorn and the soda pop, and sit back and watch this movie and just have fun.



3. Jet Li and Jackie Chan: two of Hong Kong's most renowned superstars. Who would win in a fight? Who's faster and more agile? This question has been in every Martial Arts fans' mind and this project has been a long time in the making, Asian film fans have all but given up on the idea after the little melee in 1995 called "High Risk" wherein Li would play a bodyguard to Chan. It was said that Chan turned down the project because of his character's lack of creative depth, while someone I know who worked with him said it was Li who didn't want to work with Chan. Chan attempted to break into the Hollywood fold via "The Big Brawl" but it wasn`t really until "Rumble in the Bronx" and "Rush Hour" did he really get noticed. Jet Li stole the show in "Lethal Weapon 4" and enjoyed "Kiss of the Dragon`s" box-office success. Those projects were about ten years ago. "FORBIDDEN KINGDOM" may not be the best film to have them show their stuff and the two may have their best roles behind them, but hey, they can still duke it out like no one else.
   
   Jason is a young man who is very obsessed with Asian Martial arts films. Most of the time, he spends his time in a pawnshop owned by a kindly old man in the hunt for rare Asian Films. One day, he crosses paths with a gang of bullies who intend to rob the old man. The old man asks Jason to take the staff away from all the chaos and as if by some stroke of fate, Jason find himself in another world, another time. A mystical world ruled by the evil Jade warlord (Collin Chou) who wants the very staff given him by the old man in the pawnshop. Supposedly the staff is the key to power in the kingdom and must be returned to its rightful owner; the Monkey King. He meets up with a drunken man named Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a pretty young woman bent on vengeance named "Golden Sparrow" (Crystal Liu Yifei) and a stoic monk (Jet Li). Together they challenge the forces of the warlord led by a lovely silver-mane woman named Ni Chang ( Li Bing Bing, Dragon Heat) or perish in the attempt--
   
   The film may be America's tribute to Asian cinema and surprisingly, the film is directed by Rob Minkoff; yes, the same director who gave us Disney's "Haunted Mansion". No big-shot Hong Kong director takes the helm but an American director. Don't worry, at least the filmmakers were smart enough to get the services of a legendary Martial Arts director; Yuen Woo-Ping. The film has a lot of references to Asian cinema, quite a lot that would put even Tarantino to shame. Ni Chang is lovely and looks like a tribute to the Wuxia epic; "Bride with White Hair". While Golden Sparrow is a tribute to Cheng Pei Pei's "Golden Swallow"; she even quotes "Come Drink with me", a Cheng Pei Pei film. The bamboo forest looks reminiscent to "A Touch of Zen" and "House of flying Daggers". Scenes of "A Monkey goes West" is even seen in Jason's Television screen. I was ready to bash this film until I saw it for what it was; an American-kid's tribute to Hong Kong cinema. Someone who loves Chan and Li, who would give Asian cinema the respect it deserves. The filmmakers had good intentions and as an Asian film fan, I applaud them for their ambition.
   
   The film's showstopper lies in its hyper-kinetic action sequences. Yuen Woo-Ping (also responsible for Kill Bill, Kung Fu Hustle) knows his stuff and it is no surprise that he is Asia's premier fight choreographer. The fight between Chan and Li was fairly long and the film's main draw. Sure, the intensity isn't as hard-hitting as the climactic battles in "Legend of Drunken Master" and "Fist of Legend" but nonetheless, it was still masterfully done. Use of "wire fu" is obvious and the fight was well-executed and cleverly choreographed. It was very "family-friendly" as was its intention. The battles with Collin Chou (Donnie Yen's opponent in FlashPoint) was more bloody than the other fights but it still maintained its limits. There are quite a decent number of fight sequences that die-hard fans of Martial Arts films will be at home.
   
   The performances are good for the most part; Li's performance isn't on his "The Warlords" caliber but it'll do as the quiet(?) monk. Chan's character is more witty and sharp-tongued. Chan's humorous appeal helps the film's pace and assists the scenes without any exciting action. Collin Chou's Jade warlord seemed a bit too underwhelming as the villain (the mascara has to go). However, his aid, Ni Chang (Played by Li Bing Bing) is so lovely that she eats up the screen with her whip-wielding, white-haired charisma that will undoubtedly strike a familiar image to Asian cinema fan boys. Sparrow may be the epitome of the ultimate Asian-woman; she has that intensity but maintains a girl next door look. Michael Angarano plays Jason; he may look very awkward at first but his character grew on me after awhile.
   
   "Forbidden Kingdom" does have its share of problems but somehow, it overshadows them. The Yuen Woo-Ping directed fight sequences is the film's main strength, along with Jackie Chan's humorous appeal and it doesn't hurt to have Jet Li around either. The film is a bit too family-friendly for my tastes but thankfully, the filmmakers made it work. The plot is a bit too simple but it knew exactly what it wanted to do. Its execution may be lacking at times but the appearance of the classic "Golden Sparrow" and "Ni Chang" characters with Chan's character reminiscent of his "Drunken Master" days and Jet Li as a monk, reminiscent of Shaolin Temple; the film is an enjoyable affair. I give the American filmmakers credit where its due; they managed to get these two superstars together--something HK cinema wasn't really able to do.
   
   RECOMMENDED! [3 ½ - Stars]
   Stallone and Schwarzenegger together?
   
   I own the 2-disc HK release from JoySales. (same transfer should be utilized)
   VIDEO/AUDIO: 2.40 anamorphic widescreen. The picture is amazing. Sharp, very detailed and clean with radiant colors. If the U.S. release sports the same transfer, it would look very impressive. I also hope that it would include the 6.1 DTS-ES audio as well as the 5.1 Dolby Digital track.
   Features: Trailers--Cast/Crew interviews--Premier--Behind the scenes--Photo Gallery
   The U.S. release should have a Digital copy.



4. The fighting scenes are not exciting as other movies starring Jet Li or Jackie Chan. It's not as funny as other films by Jackie either.
   
   It's worth watching once.



5. This movie is not one of these numerous, lack of consistence and, some times, really low level "Dungeons" stories. Not at all to confound with "In the name of the King", a good example how such movies, even with big actors can be worthless. This story brings us into ancestral Chinese/Asian Culture and Legend. The Monkey King, one of the most popular figures in Asian believing and myths and his brief description in this movie correspond roughly to the venerated Idol. Jacky Chan and Jet Li making an astonishing duo and with these guys you really get "martial art" at top level. The movie is a tale, the tale is well told and the actors are great. Conclusion: should have more like this!

5 comments about Rush Hour 3 (Widescreen and Full-Screen).

1. Of the 3 Rush Hours, this was quite a dissapointment. 75 percent of it was extremly slow. Just didnt care about any of the characters after the first 15 minutes. Didnt even care about Lee or Carter after awhile. Rush Hour 1 and 2 were much more enjoyable. They had laughs and fun. This one didnt. the last 15 min were probably the best part. Especially because it was ending! Pass on this one everyone



2. That's about all I have to say about this piece of garbage. Oh, one more thing: Chris Tucker is awful; he is so lucky that the Rush Hour movies exist, since he does nothing else.



3. ...tedious and not fun. I liked the first 2. This one was just seriously boring. It seems they lost their chemistry. The novelty wore off pretty much in the second one. Chris Tucker's character is just as annoying as before, although, he was bearable in the first two. This one was a whole new level of annoyance. Jackie Chan seemed tired. He really should quit making these movies. Don't get me wrong, I like Jackie Chan. I think he is extremely talented and really brings alot to action movies. But, when paired with someone who doesn't support him on screen, he loses that appeal.
   
   My suggestion is to pass on this one and remember the Rush Hours for what they were. New, entertaining.



4. I love this movie. It is the best Rush Hour movie made. It is so funny. My husband and I could not wait for it to be released on DVD. The ending is suprising also. You could find it cheaper somewhere else, but worth it.



5. This is a far cry from the first successful opus, and further the previous success of Eddy Murphy. The story is bland, ultra-conventional and impossible to believe. The sub-zero degree of culture is achieved by the laudatory comments of the French popular papers "Journal du Dimanche" and "Parisien" that qualify this disaster, the back of the jacket of the DVD, "hilarious" and very funny".
   
   Furthermore, if this kind of American cinema had some finesse, he would have been able to make fun of French with intelligence. The criticism of France through the Atlanticist recurring themes of cowardice - our banned sacrifice in Iraq is still difficult to be understood the hawks bushists is vulgar and stupid.
   
   No-sense screenplay, actors alongside the game, total lack of humour, caricature of the American subculture: 0

5 comments about Hero.

1. Complex storyline, engaging characters, beautiful cinematography, action galore, this is perhaps the best action movie ever made. LOVE the way color is used in this film to set the mood and establish points of view.



2. Crouching Tiger was awesome, this one is even better.
   A superb story line, great acting, and excellent directing make Hero one of the best foreign films I have seen.
   Beautiful to watch, the special effects are jaw dropping good.
   Do yourself a favor and rent this, just make sure you watch it with the subtitles on as the English voiceovers are horrid.
   Recommended!!!!!!



3. This one of the most truly beautiful movies I have laid my eyes on. And not just from a visual feast, but the musical score by Tan Dun and epic storyline all together makes for a remarkable, unique combination. The clever use of different colours with the martial arts in different moods of the movie was breathtaking. Its one of those rare gems that can be watched many times and gives a cleansing effect to the soul.



4. Zhang Yimou's "Hero" is probably one of the most visually beautiful and exquisitely filmed movies I have seen in many a year. Set in the third century BC during the unification of the seven kingdoms under the first Chinese emperor, the film stars Jet Li as a literally Nameless warrior who has supposedly vanquished the emperor's most fearsome enemies: Sky, played by Donnie Yen, Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk), and the previously undefeatable Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu-wai).
   
   Nameless is escorted into the divine presence as a hero, but after hearing his account of how he defeated these three foes, the emperor isn't buying any of it; he suspects Nameless fabricated the whole thing only to get within striking distance (ten paces) of the emperor himself in order to carry out an assassination plot. The story then divides itself into a Rashomon-like re-telling from various POVs, each one photographed with strikingly vivid color shifts -- a vibrant red, a pale blue, a pristine white, and a delicate, pale green. And then we see Reality, photographed against a background of lifeless desert mesas which seems to emphasize the futility of it all.
   
   The most compelling characters in the film are Snow and Broken Sword -- she's a single-minded woman warrior with a take-no-prisoners mentality, and Broken Sword, her lover, is a warrior who has fought one fight too many and no longer believes that the sword is the only option to resolving conflicts. But Snow, like the true believer she is, loves her principles more than him, and the resulting confrontation between them is as inevitable as it is tragic.
   
   The acting is excellent all around. Jet Li is an appealing and likeable hero (or is he an anti-hero?), and Tony Leung gives a totally convincing performance as Broken Sword. The cast is rounded out by the exquisitely beautiful Zhang Ziyi as Broken Sword's servant Moon, in love with her master and faithful to the end, and Chen Dao Ming as the emperor of Chin.
   
   There are going to be endless comparisons between "Hero" and "Crouching Tiger", Ang Lee's masterpiece. Visually, "Hero" can hold its own against "Crouching Tiger" any day in the week. And yet, somehow, it doesn't grab you emotionally in the way "Crouching Tiger" does. "Hero" is gorgeous to look at and maybe that's its problem, it's so eye-popping to watch that the story doesn't measure up to its pure visual impact. Zhang doesn't do a "Rashomon" tale as brilliantly as the late, great Akira Kurosawa, and in this film he doesn't grip us as totally as Ang Lee, but he's delivered a movie that, at least to watch, is eminently satisfying.
   
   Judy Lind



5. This is a very artistically creative film. There is a great number of archetypal characterization and a soupcon of historical connection to the joining of the various Chinese states under a centralized Emperor. Jet Li, of course, brings a strong sense of emotional enactment into his role as the hero to put the Emperor on to his destiny. I highly recommend this. There are a few special features with this DVD, but it is worth it simply for the film.

5 comments about The Last Dragon.

1. I'll let you fill in the rest of the statement. I bought with my son in mind because he like martial art films. He even picked out William H. Macy (Wild Hogs (Widescreen Edition)) which blew my mind. Plus, Sho'nuff was funny, he reminds me of Busta RhymesTurn It Up!: The Very Best of Busta Rhymes.
   
   It was good to see Vanity (in the 80's) she is a beauty!
   
   Some will say the movie is corny. I like it, you can tell that it is a movie from the 80's but maybe that's what makes it good. Like I've said before, movies are for entertaiment - my kids & I were entertained so we give it multiple "thumbs-up". Sho'nuff!



2. I'm glad this movie was released on DVD...finally! Picture quality could have been better, but I'm not complaining as its better than my old worn out VHS copy. This will always remain one of my favorite movies of all time!



3. I love this movie! It's innocent, sweet & funny. The movie is the typical cheesy 80's but that is why it's a cult classic! It still gives the warm fuzzy's at the end of the movie with a smile and that's what entertainment is about.



4. THIS IS CHEESY & A BIT OVER THE TOP, BUT I STILL LIKED IT. BRUCE LEROY IS FINE - SHO-NUFF. THIS IS A CLASSIC AND SOMETHING YOU CAN LOOK AT OVER AND OVER.



5. Just a great 80's movie and really shows why we had so much fun during the period!!

5 comments about Kill Bill - Volume Two.

1. 
   
   Kill Bill Number 2 DVD
   
   Kill Bill Number 2 is a continuation of Kill Bill Number 1, of course, this time Uma Thurman finishes her revenge. Nothing like a woman scorned.
   
   Somewhat recommended for fans of Uma Thurman and Quentin Tarantino's highly stylized revenge sagas.
   
   Warning somewhat bloody.
   
   Gunner March 2008



2. The Good Things
   *Some good action and fighting.
   *Some good visuals. Still a smooth and clear picture.
   *Still a good story, with a very good conclusion. Also fills in lots of gaps from the first film.
   *Still an excellent group of characters that you can relate to. It is especially interesting to see Bill for the first time.
   *Dialogue is strong and interesting.
   *More interesting music.
   *Lots of homage to westerns, kung fu, and anime. These elements are blended together to make a very unique picture.
   
   The Bad Things
   *It's longer and there's much less action.
   *Still has some absurd, unrealistic parts (but this can be a good thing, because it makes the film stylish and fun).
   
   This is a definate must-see for anybody who has seen the first film. All of the missing story elements are present, and brings everything into clarity. The conclusion is excellent (even if there is no fighting). I don't think this is as stylish or exciting as the first film, but it is definately worthwhile to see the complete story.



3. This is a really good sequel. It has lots of action and answers questions not answered in part I.



4. And I just feel like laughing at it. KILL BILL. Short simple amusing little title for such a long drawn out oddly serious film. So long in fact that it had to be chopped in two, as we all know. Looking at separate pieces I see nothing to gripe about whatsoever. Most every scene seems perfect. Taken as a whole, I find an overly self-serious, bloated, pretentious film. IMHO, KILL BILL would have benefitted greatly as one film under 2 hours and done more as a comedy rather than a revenge drama.
   
   I guess I wanted a revenge comedy. Or a revenge dramadey. And maybe a little bit more focus on just telling this story instead of on what the project was really about, which was a grand tribute to various genres the director grew on. I like trash, and I like art, but I like my trash best when there is no confusing it with anything other than what it is. I don't have as much love for the cr*p as Tarantino. But who really does? That guy is a mutant, a real life "Cable Guy" that spent his entire youth in a movie theater. So maybe that's why I lack a little bit of appreciation for this homage to cr*p. Don't mean to offend the faithful here. Tarantino is still the man, although I wish he'd quit talking so damn much and work more --I mean, have you ever seen someone as brilliant at self promotion? KILL BILL was six long years after what was that film? And what's he up to now? (I'll look online in a minute.) I still think it's great though, but not as fun (for lack of a better term) as I personally would have preferred. Your maybe thinking, what the hell are you talking about? I mean, I wanted to laugh my a-- off with this one. I wanted BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA sillyness. But that's just my 2 cents.
   Some highlights from Volume 2:
   Pai Mei is my favorite character. Michael Madsen gave an Oscar worthy performance as Bud, Bill's brother. Great performances all around. Great soundtrack as always. Visually just a gorgeous picture.
   From Volume 1:
   The anime and watching hundreds of Japanese chodes having their limbs removed.



5. I love this movie and I was very happy to find it with this seller. I am very pleased.

5 comments about Kill Bill - Volume One.

1. From the moment when the b/w Bride swam into view, drawing desperate gasps of breath, black blood splattering her face and neck, I knew that Kill Bill would be a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. This homage to kung-fu and spaghetti-western movies is more than just a two-hour smash-fest, however. It's a prime example of artistic cinematography and story build-up, taking what seems like a linear and predictable revenge-plot and constantly surprising the viewer. In fact, I don't think there are many movies out there that centre on revenge and violence and still manage to hold such an artistic quality.
   
   Kill Bill started out as a premise shared by Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman on the set of Pulp Fiction. An ex-assassin (Thurman), on her wedding day, is brutally beaten by her ex-coworkers and shot to death by her ex-boss... or so it seems. She survives by the smallest of margins, falling into a four-year coma. When she wakes up - and discovers that she's no longer pregnant - she intends to make them all very sorry. Thurman deserves all the credit she gets for her performance; she is heartwringingly convincing as the heartbroken but unwavering warrior. Her dialogue often takes the backseat to her sheer emotional acting. Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox and Daryl Hannah are also inspiring in their characteristic, while diverse, roles.
   
   When watching the movie, I'm constantly torn over whether I should feel bad or fascinated. The theme is a ruthless, brutal one, yet presented in such an aesthetic manner that I can't help but appreciate its beauty. Indeed, the flick is quite a cunning piece of art. I'll leave others to interpret the various connections to old marial arts/spaghetti western movies found in Kill Bill, but I think it very much succeeds as a modern-day version of such a film, enhancing the beauty and brutality of both. Volume One of the Kill Bill saga mostly pays homage to the old kung fu movies. The big fight scene goes from colour to black-and-white in a really satisfying manner, adding to the film's ambience as both old-school and modern. And the climax of the movie, of course - the confrontation with O-Ren Ishii - has to be one of the most beautiful fight sequences I've seen. The soundtrack compliments the entire movie perfectly; whether its the bouncy rock-funk of the 5-6-7-8s, the beautiful piece of hymnic Japanese music as the Bride looks at swords, or the classic "Urami-bushi", not a song in the movie feels out of place. This is not to say that Tarantino doesn't keep his humour up - indeed the fight scenes (the last excluded) are not always so serious. Blood gushes to an insane amount (anatomy is to no importance here) and chuckling slapstick moments frequently pop up.
   
   The choreography of almost every scene is spot-on, as well; and I don't just mean the downright dance the Bride makes as she cuts her way through the Crazy 88. A particularly clever piece of camerawork is an almost two-minute long uncut shot at the House of Blue Leaves, transitioning from the Bride to the proprietor to Sofie Fatale to the Bride again. This sequence is so seamless and spotless, it's downright hard to believe it.
   
   The character introduction is flawless, too. The prime example, of course, is the Japanese animation (not really anime, though) chapter dedicated to O-Ren's past. Her backstory adds to the sympathy of her character, and as such to the power of the confrontation between her and the Bride. O-Ren's isn't the only example, though. The hospital scene where the one-eyed Elle Driver 'visits' the comatose Bride is one of my favourite scenes in the whole movie, if not my absolute favourite. It is a very important, profound scene as it introduces what will be a key character in vol. 2, and the significance of her character. From the tune "Twisted Nerve" to the very cinematography of the scene, it couldn't be more obvious that Elle is one of the most significant characters in the story. As soon as the scene was over, I wanted to see her again, and knew she had a large role in what was to come.
   
   My only real beef with the movie is that I have a hard time connecting to the Bride's motives. Is she getting back at her ex-coworkers (and all who stand in her way to them) for the wrong they did her? Is she avenging her daughter? Or the people who died at the chapel? All of these, perhaps? I feel it could have been presented better. On the other hand, perhaps Tarantino wishes the Bride to develop as a character as well, maybe even show just how ugly revenge can make you. Who knows?
   
   Kill Bill is, on all accounts, a terrific film. It succeeds and exceeds at everything it attempts to be. Tarantino has a real talent in showing us beauty in even the most ugly things. And in my opinion, Elle Driver emerging from the ladies restroom in her nurse's outfit with her white, red cross eyepatch is one of those iconic female moments in cinema, like Ursula Andress rising from the sea in Dr No. A brutal film it may be, but you'd be hard put to find one with a more artistic edge.



2. Much to violent. This is a sick glorification of both untrammeled and pointless killing and maiming. The picture ought to be banned. Even I myself felt gloomy and irritable the next day.



3. Kill Bill Vol. 1 sets the bar for the genre of violent, action films. Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, David Carradine and others did a spectacular job in their roles. And a special appearance by 1960's J-Pop band the 5678's was really part of the films best moments. Quentin Tarantino should have won an Oscar for best director for Kill Bill Vol 1. I love it and I am look forward to buying Vol. 2.



4. This movie is a must see and a must have for all you Tarantino fan. This movie to overly violent and bloody. Normally I don't like movies like that. However, it ranks among one of my favorite movies.



5. -The greatest pure action flick ever made-
   
   This is the cinematic weapon of mass destruction, the dream girl orgie of film ecstasy, the Tiger Woods of action-driven movie mania. Kill Bill is in a class all its own, an experience like you've never witnessed before. Tarantino pays homage to many of his favorite films, directors, and genres while incorporating his own distinct style. I'll use my W.U.S.S.training (Whiteboys Understanding Samurai Sensibilities) to write my first novel.
   
   The story is simple--a lady samurai seeks to avenge the murders of her husband and unborn child. her name is Beatrix Kiddo, aka Black Mamba. She's also referred to as The Bride, which was a character from Q & U. The plot was also inspired by the movie Lady Snowblood, an outstanding female samurai flick.
   
   Other obvious influences:
   
   SAMURAI FICTION--The silhouetted warriors duel with a bright colore background. QT extends this scene drastically, and the results are amazing. This contrast of colors and swift, elegant swordplay make for an awesome visual implosion that will blow your senses away.
   
   HARAKIRI--An undeniable gem of Asian cinema, QT draws heavily from the astounding bloody climax. The Bride fights valiantly against nearly insurmountable odds. She also scales walls and railings with impressive acrobatic agility. The choreography is utterly brilliant as the blood sprays in excess. You will not see a more exciting, dramatic melee in samurai cinema ever. Bold statement, but oh so true.
   
   SHADOW WARRIORS--A T.V.show from the 80's starring the great samurai Hattori Hanzo. In this movie, Hanzo(played by the legendary Sonny Chiba) breaks a blood oath and crafts another deadly blade of steel.
   
   JAPANESE ANIME--This animated sequence totally rules!!! There is some top notch artwork with unique, clever angles. Plus a plethora of blood, murder, and mayhem. Awesome.
   
   GIALLO/DEPALMA--There is a sweet split screen sequence, ala Brian DePalma, that completely kicks butt. There are some closeup shots of the murderer approaching the comatose Bride. With the powerful sound effects blaring the tension is elevated and a dark, desperate atmosphere takes over. A nice touch.
   
   YAKUZA--There are some Japanese mobsters sitting at a table having a meeting. I'll admit, mixing samurai and yakuza seems odd. With the gangstas packin' heat, a samurai chick might not last too long. But hey, this is an action flick, so you can't think too deep into it.
   
   SPAGHETTI WESTERN--There's a brief scene shot in Texas. It involves tumbleweeds, a sheriff, and a bloody shootout. No Clint Eastwood though.
   
   Now, this movie does have some questionable components. Like all the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Quite a ragtag group. None of them are overly convincing as deadly samurais, but still the story somehow works. QT also overdoes it with the American pop culture references (silly rabbit, Trix are for kids). They sometimes seem out of place. But still this doesn't hamper the entertainment value. All in all, it's a wonderfully shot, incredibly action packed motion picture. The 5,6,7,8's provide some perfect songs, and Wu Tang Clan does some spectacular sound effects. There's also humor, wit, great character development and dialogue, shots of womens feet--all of QT's trademark stuff. And the action sets the bar sky high.
   
   Tarantino shows he's more than just some film geek. He's an expert at his craft.
   
   Now, I encourage any of you, always in a respectful manner, to question my logic. I assure you, no topic will ever be taboo. Unless of course you bring up this movie as a negative. The price you pay for such an action is--I collect your freakin head!!!!!!!! Now if any of you have anything to say, now's the freakin' time.

5 comments about Equilibrium.

1. Being a sci-fi movie fan, I recently rented Kurt Wimmer's EQUILIBRIUM. Not expecting much I sat down to watch the picture and less than 10 minutes into the film I was convinced that this was going to be a GREAT MOVIE. By the time the movie ended I couldn't have been more right. EQUILIBRIUM, while not Academy Award material, is, nonetheless, an excellent science fiction film with a wonderful "classic sci-fi B-movie" feel. Set in a futuristic, post-World War III era, a new "war-less and peaceful" society has gradually risen from the ashes of a nuclear-decimated early 21st century world. Things, however, are not as peaceful as they may appear. The brave new world is not without its flaws. In an effort to prevent WW IV and to maintain "peace" at any cost, the entire population is under the control of Big-Brother Government through a zombifying, emotion-killing drug known as "prozium". The film chronicles the journey of one man - a high-ranking, highly trained, government enforcer known as John Preston - who comes to realize the serious errors (and crimes) of the supposedly "utopian society" which he's sworn to protect. In the vein of classic science fiction films like, METROPOLIS, 1984 and FAHRENHEIT 451, EQUILIBRIUM delivers the goods in terms of excellent film production, set and costume design, special effects and acting. A must-see film for any sci-fi fan that stands on it's own and apart from comparative films like MATRIX and MINORITY REPORT ( a much, much better film than Minority Report! ). A+ Highly Recommended!



2. Like all good sci fi, Equilibrium is about the world of today, not tomorrow. How much of our souls are we willing to trade for physical security? As our government continues to strip us of our freedoms in order to "protect" us, like the Cleric we need to seriously consider what we have lost.
   
   When I first saw this film at its first release, I confess that I would have given it only maybe 3 stars. But it has haunted me over the years and when I watched it again just recently I saw so much more in it.
   
   And the action sequences, especially the famous Gun Kata, have a terrible beauty.



3. At the dawn of the 21st century, society was faced with a great Third World War, and knowing that something had to be done to prevent further problems, humanity was faced with the dilemma of solving all of man's troublels. As a result, they created a new enforcer of the law, the Grammaton Clerics, a collection of warriors who practice gun kata to improve their lethality while executing their sole task of eradicating any instance of feeling within humanity.
   
   To control the general public, daily dosage of Prozium are self-administered, similar to the daily dosages of Soma in Brave New World, except this opiate of the masses elimites melancholy, rage, hate, and jealousy, as well as the suppressing positive feelings of pathos, joy, and love. Similarly, destruction of all that creates feeling, literature, art, all that gives us emotion, just like the firemen in Fahrenheit 451. Large-scale indoctrination is accomplished through the visualized, Apple commerical-esque, Big Brother screens of 1984 (used later in V for Vendetta). The combination of the three classic dystopian tales is flawless, each blending into the other, and the collective producing realism and fear for what could easily be a not-so-distant future.
   
   Two Grammaton Clerics, John Preston (Christian Bale) and Errol Partridge (Sean Bean), have worked together to "protect" society. However, Errol has been confiscating sense offender material. Eventually, John catches Errol because he had been sneaking outside of the city to commit sense crimes. When he is eventually uncovered face-to-face, John must bring his partner in for justice. His partner would rather die than be captured or give up feeling, and in a final act of defiance he quotes a passage from his book and raises his book to cover his eyes.
   
   Partridge's final words would later haunt John in a dream, as they serve as the catalyst for his finaly memory of his wife, the moment of her sense crime incarceration and eventual incineration, and he remembers with horror his still, emotionless inaction.
   
   The following morning John drops his dosage of Prozium. His sone recommends a trip to Equilibrium for a replacement dosage. Only, John doesn't go, and he begins to feel, to sense and perceive all the wonderful feelings previously unknown. Soon, he enjoys the touch of an intricately designed vase, cries at the sound of Beethoven, and risks everything by protecting a puppy from extermination.
   
   The gun battles are equisitely designed and choreographed, a little Matrix crossed with a little Jet Li action. Christian Bale delivers an impressive performance as a man who is initially wooden, and later severely troubled by his actions.
   
   Eventually John must face the battle between his logic and his emotions, his allegiance and his freedom, as he comes to terms with what he has done, what he has become, and what he wishes for the future.



4. This masterpiece by Kurt Wimmer is a visual treat - a dance macabre, a vicious delight, and a critique of antidepressants. Never has violence been so graceful. Totally original, yet with homage to Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" and Lang's "Metropolis." Christian Bale is subtle in portraying both control and loss of control, each emotion a careful part of the narrative, he grows in depth as each painful experience of emotion is peeled back from the drug-induced onion-skin. There is nothing over the top with this layering, this cleric/assassin grows in character and depth. The song "What Have They Done to Me" by Visage (The Anvil) could be the soundtrack here, or just about anything by "Sisters of Mercy." Sean Bean is always excellent, as is Emily Watson. As an aside, never has a puppy looked so lovable. This movie haunts the past and suggests a possible future. Wake up. Take off your gloves. Feel life. As with true Sci-Fi, moral questions are framed within new technologies, our choices as human beings are further stretched by each innovation, perhaps to breaking point. Is this the future, is it the past? In an almost recognizable, unfamiliar environment, the elements that consist of a soul, of a society, are confronted, making "Equilibrium" both futuristic and ancient in its concerns. You also might enjoy the "Riddick" and "Underworld/Evolution" films.



5. It's been a couple of months since I saw this. My wife and I thought it was pretty good. The premise is good, the concept doesn't fall down anywhere. It was kind of like The Matrix meets Terry Gillam kind of thing if you know what I mean. Actually, the film was of a more intelligent nature than The Matrix. suggestion: rent it before you buy it.

5 comments about The Matrix.

1. I remember the hype surrounding this movie, how it was the best sci fi movie since the Star Wars saga.
   I wasn't really prepared for just how bad this movie is.
   Keanu is, well.............KEANU!!!!!!!
   The guy just CAN'T act!!!
   He ruins what could have been a decent movie.
   The story itself is brilliant, the entire human race exterminated and being used as fuel for the robots.
   And all of our lives is a huge collective dream.
   I'm giving the movie four stars just for the idea.
   I'm taking a star away for Keanu. UUGH!!!!!!!!
   Still, I recommend The Matrix for its innovative visuals and its interesting story line.



2. So let's take the Man vs Society theme, set it in a sci-fi plot, and use the latest special effects.
   
   Slo mo bullets and super-slo-mo blood splattering. How many bullets and corpses can we get in a scene? What can we do to out special/effect all the other movies that have come out?
   
   It ends up being a pandering effort at those who love a gore-fest.
   
   Not even worth one sequal, much less two.



3. I liked this movie, I mean its worth watching, but its all the while a question of "suspend your disbelif", because this is just so unlikely. i dont know if the problem is the genre that its science fiction or what, buyt its hardly credible. pure fantasy. but fun



4. The Matrix
   This movie should be in everyone's collection. The Matrix one of those movies that just has something special about it. I personally don't think it's perfect, but I agree that you need this in your collection. This is probably one of my favorite series of movies.
   
   You follow a character named Neo. Neo has lived a fairly normal life as a hacker. He has been tracking down a man named Morpheous, and the strange aura that attracts Neo to Morpheous. Neo eventually meets Morpheous and a group of people. Morpheous asks Neo is he wants to know what The Matrix is. The story is kind of weird because Neo seems to know everything without being told about it. He knows about the Matrix already, but has no idea what it is. I don't know if that makes sense, but I'm just trying to say he's heard of everything already. Anyway, Neo says yes. He is than asks to take a pill if he wants to know the truth. Neo takes the pill and appears in world he's never seen before.
   
   He turns out to be in the Real World, and the world he used to be in was the computer program called The Matrix. Neo learns that machines rule humans. The machines now grow humans to produce electricity for themselves. The survivors are now struggling to fight off these machines. Morpheous believes that Neo is what a prophecy called The One. The One was supposed to end the war bring peace to everyone.
   
   The movie has a real Alice in Wonderland feel to it. He is sucked out of his world and put in a mysterious new world. The story takes awhile to get going, but once it gets going it is great. You will see heart-pounding action, great story telling, and insane camera work.
   
   Extras include your basic behind the scenes and commentary along with a few other things. These are all good to watch. I don't think they are enough to up this movie to a 5 star though.
   
   Like I said at the beginning of the review, you need this in your collection. If your collection consists of only a few movies, this should be one of them.



5. I love keanu Reeves as an actor. The matrix movies are just another great acting of Mr. Reeves.
   Full of excitment.I have all three movies. Like them all.They won't lst you down.