Avengers: Endgame

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avengers:_Endgame#/media/File:Avengers_Endgame_poster.jpg

The newest film I went to see in the cinemas was Avengers: Endgame

First off, we have the story which has the universe in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe. I thought the story was very entertaining as well as fulfilling with everything over the past MCU films coming together and how important the consequences ended up being and effecting everyone. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fantastic in terms of the acting each getting a moment to shine with Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Chris Hemsworth as Thor being some of the standouts. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was great  from the visual effects to the fight choreography capturing all the important moments making it thrilling to watch. Now we have the action which was very entertaining and the way they all worked together was fun to see and the camerawork made it visually pleasing. Moving onto the tone of the film which had the classic MCU comedy and hitting drama which was especially the case throughout this story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good with a nice mix of tracks. 

Overall, I thought this film as a conclusion to all the MCU films so far as well as the sequel to Infinity War tied everything together satisfyingly and I was left in awe and now  I look forward to the future of the MCU. 

I give Avengers: Endgame a score of 9/10

Rush Hour 3

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_Hour_3#/media/File:Rushhour3poster.jpg

For the fortieth film of the month we have Rush Hour 3

First off, we have the story which has an attempted assassination on Ambassador Han, Lee and Carter head to Paris to protect a French woman with knowledge of the Triads' secret leaders. I thought the story was somewhat enjoyable albeit predictable and some of the jokes not landing.  

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were mixed however the two main leads played by Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker had enough chemistry together to carry the film. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was passable for this type of film and some of the action was filmed well enough. Now we have the action which for some of the sequences was fun to see. Moving onto the tone of the film which tried to hit both the comedy and drama although it worked sometimes. I thought the soundtrack of the film was mixed but suited the type of film it was going for. 

Overall, I thought this film was a bit of disappointment as the third film of the Rush Hour trilogy but that is to be expected when they repeat the same aspects and do them over again when it was better doing one good film. 

I give Rush Hour 3 a score of 6/10

Polar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_(film)#/media/File:Polar_(2019)_poster.jpeg

For the thirty-ninth film of the month we have Polar

First off, we have the story which has the world's top assassin, Duncan Vizla, is settling into retirement when his former employer marks him as a liability to the firm. Against his will, he finds himself back in the game going head to head with an army of younger killers. I thought the story was very entertaining because of how crazy and over the top it went. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were for the most part decently acted with Mads Mikkelsen who stole the show with his portrayal of the retired assassin Duncan. The rest of the cast was mixed to bad. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was consistent and I liked the location footage for the setting. Now we have the action which was over the top but very very thrilling to see with the right amount of gore and surprisingly well shot for this type of film. Moving onto the tone of the film which didn't hold back with the over the top nature and that made it better to watch. I thought the soundtrack of the film suited the style that the film was going for. 

Overall, I thought this film was exactly what I wanted: an over the top and silly action film that kept me entertained from start to finish and obviously could become a guilty pleasure film since in the grand scheme of films it is far from great. 

I give Polar a score of 6/10

Night Of The Living Dead

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Living_Dead#/media/File:Night_of_the_Living_Dead_pub.jpg

For the thirty-eighth film of the month we have Night Of The Living Dead

First off, we have the story which has a ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a bloodthirsty, flesh-eating breed of monsters who are ravaging the East Coast of the United States. I thought the story was very entertaining getting to see one of the classics of the horror genre.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were ok for this type of story however some of the acting was very clunky in places. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was very good especially during the attacks. Moving onto the tone of the film which built up the drama over the course of the story until everything started to go wrong. I thought the soundtrack of the film when used added to the suspenseful scenes and the tension building.

Overall, I thought this film was an entertaining watch and I am glad to have finally seen one of the films that influenced the horror genre and I was interested with some of the aspects you can see in future films. 

I give Night Of The Living Dead a score of 8/10

Leaving Las Vegas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaving_Las_Vegas#/media/File:Leaving_las_vegas_ver1.jpg

For the thirty-seventh film of the month we have Leaving Las Vegas

First off, we have the story which has Ben Sanderson, a Hollywood screenwriter who lost everything because of his alcoholism, arrives in Las Vegas to drink himself to death. There, he meets and forms an uneasy friendship and non-interference pact with prostitute Sera. I thought the story was compelling and engrossing with Ben's destruction.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were great especially Nicholas Cage who gave his all into the character of Ben to make him compelling through his destructive natures. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was great in terms of the camerawork and lighting. Moving onto the tone of the film which didn't shy away with it's themes and drama to make it heartbreaking. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and I liked the styles of music they picked to suit the story and setting.

Overall, I thought this film was a great watch from start to finish because of the way the story was told as well as the two main leads and the chemistry together brought it together and the tone helped the darker elements of the film. 

I give Leaving Las Vegas a score of 8/10

Kagemusha

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagemusha#/media/File:KAGEMUSHA_2.JPG

For the thirty-sixth film of the month we have Kagemusha 

First off, we have the story which has a petty thief with an utter resemblance to a samurai warlord is hired as the lord's double. When the warlord later dies the thief is forced to take up arms in his place. I thought the story was very entertaining and thrilling from start to finish and was paced well. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all well acted and all added to the story very well especially the double as he attempts to act like the warlord he resembles. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was masterfully executed in terms of the camerawork and lighting to create the stylised look of the film. Now we have the action which I thought was very well choreographed and the scale of the battles were a sight to see. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did well at building up the tension and suspense throughout the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was fantastic and worked very well during the battle scenes to ramp up the entertainment. 

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining and an interesting film by Kurosawa which hooked me in from the very start all the way to the end because of the story telling and the characters. 

I give Kagemusha a score of 8/10

Juliet, Naked

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliet,_Naked_(film)#/media/File:Juliet,_Naked.png

For the thirty-fifth film of the month we have Juliet, Naked

First off, we have the story which has the story of Annie (the long-suffering girlfriend of Duncan) and her unlikely transatlantic romance with once revered, now faded, singer-songwriter, Tucker Crowe, who also happens to be the subject of Duncan's musical obsession. I thought the story was very enjoyable as well as funny and heartfelt in moments. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of acting were good with Ethan Hawk as Tucker Crowe and Chris O' Dowd as Duncan were the highlights in terms of the characters. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was good and consistent over the course of the film and I liked the location footage for where the story is set. Moving onto the tone of the film which mixed the drama and some of the comedy very well to make it enjoyable. I thought the soundtrack of the film was also very good and had tracks that suited the style of the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was very good and provided some interesting storytelling with some heartfelt drama as well as some enjoyable comedy to get the right balance and after first hearing about this film I was looking forward to seeing it which ended up being a decent watch. 

I give Juliet, Naked a score of 8/10

Infernal Affairs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infernal_Affairs#/media/File:Infernal_Affairs_(2002_film)_poster.jpg

For the thirty-fourth film of the month we have Infernal Affairs

First off, we have the story which has a story between a mole in the police department and an undercover cop. Their objectives are the same: to find out who is the mole, and who is the cop. I thought the story was very entertaining and thrilling to watch unfold. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very well acted and the way they were able to portray their characters and use what they have been taught for their operations.

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was very good and the use of the camera in certain scenes made them memorable. Moving onto the tone of the film which kept the story going with it's high tension from start to finish. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great at adding to the tension and suspense felt throughout the story as it progressed. 

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining after hearing it inspired The Departed which I also enjoyed and I was interested in how the two films would differ but also how it would present the story which was what I liked the most. 

I give Infernal Affairs a score of 10/10

Heathers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathers#/media/File:Heathers_(1989).png

For the thirty-third film of the month we have Heathers 

First off, we have the story which in order to get out of the snobby clique that is destroying her good-girl reputation, an intelligent teen teams up with a dark sociopath in a plot to kill the cool kids. I thought the story was very interesting not knowing what to expect when starting the film. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted and were compelling to see on screen and the two main leads had some good chemistry together.  

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was very good and consistent with their being some decent camera and lighting set-ups. Moving onto the tone of the film which surprised me but it worked well and suited the style the film was going for. I thought the soundtrack of the film had some decent tracks and suited the time and setting of the story. 

Overall, I thought this film was very enjoyable and it managed to pull me in through it's compelling story and interesting characters that worked for the time the film was released with how well known it is. 

I give Heathers a score of 7/10

Godzilla

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla_(1954_film)#/media/File:Gojira_1954_Japanese_poster.jpg

For the thirty-second film of the month we have Godzilla 

First off, we have the story which has american nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast. I thought the story was very entertaining and thrilling with this being my first look into Godzilla films. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted and each played their part well but I enjoyed focus on Godzilla with what it is and how to stop it with the characters reacting and finding out ways to stop it. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was great and some of the sequences with Godzilla's attacks were entertaining and thrilling because of the destruction as well as normal means unable to stop it. Moving onto the tone of the film which built up the tension and suspense very well especially until the reveal of Godzilla to the characters. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and built up some of the sequences well. 

Overall, I thought this film was very enjoyable and being my first Godzilla film I was very impressed with what they were able to come up with and I am looking forward to future entries. 

I give Godzilla a score of 8/10

Frances Ha

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Ha#/media/File:Frances_Ha_poster.png

For the thirty-first film of the month we have Frances Ha 

First off, we have the story which has a New York woman (who doesn't really have an apartment) apprentices for a dance company (though she's not really a dancer) and throws herself headlong into her dreams, even as the possibility of realizing them dwindles. I thought the story was very enjoyable and funny with how relatable it feels. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted especially Greta Gerwig as Frances as she goes through life trying to make a living and having a place to live. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was standout and the black and white visuals worked well with the story and the world the characters inhabited suited the style of the film. Moving onto the tone of the film which managed to balance the realistic drama and quirky comedy together to give the film some life. I thought the soundtrack of the film worked very well with the style and characters to give them a soundtrack. 

Overall, I thought this film which I was looking forward to seeing after so long was very entertaining because of the way it presents the world and characters in a realistic and likeable way that people can relate to. 

I give Frances Ha a score of 10/10

Eyes Wide Shut

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For the thirtieth film of the month we have Eyes Wide Shut

First off, we have the story which has a New York City doctor embarks on a harrowing, night-long odyssey of sexual and moral discovery after his wife reveals a painful secret to him. I thought the story was captivating because of the themes it chose to focus on. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted and interesting to see on screen and I thought Tom Cruise gave a good performance throughout. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was great with the choices in camerawork and lighting to create it's striking visual style that draws you in. Moving onto the tone of the film which kept the tension and suspense over the course of the story consistent. I thought the soundtrack of the film suited the film and I liked some of the track choices.

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining and as Stanley Kubrick's last film I thought it was daring and risque but managed to pull it off with the way it draws you in with it's story and themes choices.

I give Eyes Wide Shut a score of 9/10

Drunken Angel

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For the twenty-ninth film of the month we have Drunken Angel

First off, we have the story which has a drunken doctor with a hot temper and a violence-prone gangster with tuberculosis form a quicksilver bond. I thought the story was very enjoyable with a nice focus into the characters. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very well acted and being Toshiro Mifune's first work with Akira Kurosawa he gave a great performance and the chemistry with the doctor was interesting.

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was very good and consistent throughout and the setting helped build the location of the film. Moving onto the tone of the film which built the drama throughout and kept things going. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good with the choices of tracks to certain scenes. 

Overall, I thought this film was an enjoyable watch with it's story and compelling characters . This is one of the different films that Akira Kurosawa has done from the ones I have seen previously and shows how good of a director he is.  

I give Drunken Angel a score of 8/10

Cold War

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War_(2018_film)#/media/File:Cold_War_(2018_film).jpg

For the twenty-eighth film of the month we have Cold War 

First off, we have the story which in the 1950s, a music director falls in love with a singer and tries to persuade her to flee communist Poland for France. I thought the story was heartbreaking and tragic with it's structure being an important part of how they story was told. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very well acted and the chemistry together brought you into the film with how they interacted over the course of the story and what paths they went on and how they changed because of it and what that does to their relationship.

As for the film's visuals I thought it was one of the best aspects of the film with how the shots are composed to the lighting and how it creates breathtaking black and white cinematography. Moving onto the tone of the film which keeps the drama simple but effective and builds their mismatched relationship. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and compliments to the story well.

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining watch being one of the recent films to come out that I had been looking forward to seeing and it managed to be an effective piece that leaves you in silence by the end

I give Cold War a score of 9/10

Blue Velvet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Velvet_(film)#/media/File:Blue_Velvet_(1986).png

For the twenty-seventh film of the month we have Blue Velvet

First off, we have the story which has the discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child. I thought the story was very entertaining with mysterious and compelling it became.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of acting were great and the chemistry between some of the characters was interesting to see because of how they were portrayed. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was excellent and mesmerising in certain scenes with the use of colour and lighting to create the neo-noir style of the film. Moving onto the tone of the film which built up the mystery of the story as well as the tension and suspense. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and I liked the choices of tracks used. 

Overall, I thought this film was an entertaining film that captivated me from the start with it's mystery and neo-noir style that went well together and as another film by David Lynch who's work I am becoming more interested in it turned out very well.

I give Blue Velvet a score of 9/10

A Star Is Born

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Star_Is_Born_(2018_film)#/media/File:A_Star_is_Born.png

For the twenty-sixth film of the month we have A Star Is Born

First off, we have the story which has a musician who helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral. I thought the story was very enjoyable since I went into it blind. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very well acted from the two main leads and their chemistry carried the film from start to finish. The supporting cast also did a good job to fill out the other roles especially Sam Elliott as Jack's brother/manager. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was very good and consistent and the live music scenes were done really well in terms of the camerawork and lighting. Moving onto the tone of the film which managed to keep the drama real as well as built up relationship moments. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good considering it had to be one of the important aspects about the film.  

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining having heard how good it was beforehand and after checking it out I can see why it gets it's praise from it's story and characters with the acting giving it life to the direction and musical score to make it memorable 

I give A Star Is Born a score of 9/10

Zodiac

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_(film)#/media/File:Zodiac2007Poster.jpg

For the twenty-fifth film of the month we have Zodiac

First off, we have the story which has a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree. I thought the story was very entertaining and suspenseful as the story went on. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of acting was fantastic and all of the main actors brought there all into their roles especially Jake Gyllenhaal as Robert, the cartoonist with his development and the chemistry between the cast was great. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was great with the use of the camerawork and the lighting to build the tension and mystery. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was great as the drama kept rising with the pacing to keep it steady. I thought the soundtrack of the film when used was good and added some decent backing to the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was an great watch from start to finish and I was hooked as the story went by and as more pieces and clues were revealed and it is shocking to believe this is based off real events.

I give Zodiac a score of 10/10

Young Sherlock Holmes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Sherlock_Holmes#/media/File:Ysh_poster.jpg

For the twenty--fourth film of the month we have Young Sherlock Holmes 

First off, we have the story which has assorted people start having inexplicable delusions that lead to their deaths, a teenage Sherlock Holmes decides to investigate. I thought the story was very enjoyable and it had some nice ideas throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were good in terms of acting and the chemistry between the three main leads was great with these interpretations of Sherlock and Watson.

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was good and I liked the production design of London and some of the sets looked cool. Moving onto the tone of the film which had a nice mix of intrigue and mystery mixed with some comedy to give life to the mystery. I thought the soundtrack of the film worked well to give it the adventurous feel it needed. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting film from start to finish and I didn't know what to expect about this iteration of Sherlock Holmes and I was pleasantly surprised and had a good time. 

I give Young Sherlock Holmes a score of 7/10

X-Men

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men_(film)#/media/File:X-MenfilmPoster.jpg

For the twenty-third film of the month we have X-Men

First off, we have the story which has a world where mutants (evolved super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, two groups form for an inevitable clash: the supremacist Brotherhood, and the pacifist X-Men. I thought the story was ok and it had some decent ideas throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought for the most part were good but there were some clunky performances from some of the actors which made some the characters awkward. 

As for the film's visuals I thought in terms of the camerawork and lighting was good however some the visual effects haven't aged well since this film's release. Now we have the action which had some decent choreography but could have been better. Moving onto the tone of the film which had a interesting direction for the superhero genre when it came out. I thought the soundtrack of the film was passable but none of the tracks stood out that much. 

Overall, I thought this film was enjoyable in parts and as my long awaited look into the X-Men films I can say it will be an interesting look back and this one tried something different to launch franchise when it was released. 

I give X-Men a score of 7/10

Withnail And I

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withnail_and_I#/media/File:Withnail_and_i_poster.jpg

For the twenty-second film of the month we have Withnail And I 

First off, we have the story which has two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous. I thought the story was very entertaining and was funnier than I expected. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all well acted and were compelling  and funny to see on screen and their chemistry together was one one of the best aspects about the film. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was consistent and there were some nice shots throughout. Moving onto the tone of the film which had a good mixture of comedy and drama to make the story enjoyable. I thought the soundtrack of the film suited the time the film was set. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting film that was looking forward to seeing and it ended up exceeding my expectations with a great cast behind it who gave life to the script and humour to make it enjoyable. 

I give Withnail And I a score of 9/10

Vanilla Sky

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_Sky#/media/File:Vanilla_sky_post.jpg

For the twenty-first film of the month we have Vanilla Sky

First off, we have the story which has a self-indulgent and vain publishing magnate finds his privileged life upended after a vehicular accident with a resentful lover. I thought the story was very enjoyable and unique with it's themes and structure of how it was told. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were good in terms of acting with the main standout being Tom Cruise who gives a decent performance which makes you care for his character by the end.

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was consistent and because of the story structure they were aloud to be creative with some of the choices in camera and lighting. Moving onto the tone of the film which had a nice mix of drama and bits of comedy to pace the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great with some of the choices in tracks suiting the style of the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was very interesting since going in blind, it managed to surprise me with some of it's story choices, cinematography aspects and a soundtrack that works very well with how everything came together. 

I give Vanilla Sky a score of 7/10

Unbreakable

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unbreakable_(film)#/media/File:Unbreakableposterwillis.jpg

For the twentieth film of the month we have Unbreakable 

First off, we have the story which has a man who learns something extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident. I thought the story was very entertaining and I was interested how it would play out since hearing good things about this film.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very well acted and the chemistry between David played by Bruce Willis and Elijah played by Samuel L. Jackson was interesting and compelling. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography and direction throughout was great and some of the camerawork and lighting gave the film a unique and dark style that suits this story and tone. Moving onto the tone of the film which kept building the drama and intrigue over the course of the story very well. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and I enjoyed the backing it gave the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable watch from start to end and it managed to keep me hooked with the way it became an unconventional superhero story way before it's time when it came out. 

I give Unbreakable a score of 8/10

The Grand Budapest Hotel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grand_Budapest_Hotel#/media/File:The_Grand_Budapest_Hotel.png

For the nineteenth film of the month we have The Grand Budapest Hotel

First off, we have the story which has the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. I thought the story was very enjoyable with this being the main work by Wes Anderson I was looking forward to. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all well acted and compelling with some of the characters in this film being some of Wes Anderson's best that he has created. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography is one of the highlights just like another work done by Anderson with his use of the colour pallet, camera and lighting to give his films a unique style. Moving onto the tone of the film which has drama, comedy, action, intrigue and adventure which make it a very entertaining watch from start to finish. I thought the soundtrack of the film

Overall, I thought this film was a jam packed tale from start to finish with incredible direction, immaculate cinematography and characters that are unique, charming and memorable which makes this one of Anderson's best. 

I give The Grand Budapest Hotel a score of 9/10

Shame

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shame_(2011_film)#/media/File:Shame2011Poster.jpg

For the eighteenth film of the month we have Shame 

First off, we have the story which has a man's carefully cultivated private life is disrupted when his sister arrives for an indefinite stay. I thought the story was very intriguing with a compelling script and dialogue that bring you into the story from start to finish. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fantastic and compelling with both of it's main stars Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan giving engaging performances so you care for them with them dealing with their issues and their chemistry was a highlight. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was carefully constructed and simple with the use of the camerawork allowing you to focus on to the performances and become invested with every shot mattering. I also loved the colour pallet that was used as well. Moving onto the tone of the film which didn't hold back with the subject matter used which I can applaud the filmmaker for. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great and I loved the use of slower tracks to give the film a backing and emotional weight. 

Overall, I thought this film was roller-coaster of intrigue and emotion with it's subject matter and what that can do to someone and how they affect the people around them and with the script giving actors something to work with they can make the characters deep and broken. 

I give Shame a score of 10/10

Ran

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ran_(film)#/media/File:Kuroran.jpg

For the seventeenth film of the month we have Ran

First off, we have the story which has an elderly warlord retires, handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly underestimates how the new-found power will corrupt them and cause them to turn on each other...and him. I thought the story was very entertaining and the slow build up of the story built up each conflict and by the end everything was left in chaos and tragedy. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were mostly well acted as well as being compelling and interesting to see because of the relationships and how everyone interacted. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was masterfully put together with some great camera movement and positioning creating some striking images as well as the use of colour to give the film a vibrant and distinct look. Now we have the action which I thought was thrilling and entertaining to watch the battles unfold. Moving onto the tone of the film which did a good job at building up the tension through the story until everything came to head. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great and it amplified some of the action scenes as well as being chilling and haunting in moments. 

Overall, I thought this film was entertaining from start to finish and lived up the expectations I had I heard about this Kurosawa epic and they way the story was put together and the characters were interesting as well as Kurosawa's direction make this a must see film. 

I give Ran a score of 10/10

Prisoners

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoners_(2013_film)#/media/File:Prisoners2013Poster.jpg

For the sixteenth film of the month we have Prisoners 

First off, we have the story which has Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. I thought the story was very thrilling and entertaining and I had no idea where it was going to go. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fantastically well acted with some great performances all around especially Hugh Jackman and his portrayal of a desperate father and Jake Gyllenhaal as the detective as they attempt to find the children. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was masterfully put together and the camerawork and lighting to build the tension and the mystery throughout the story. Moving onto the tone of the film which built the tension very well and kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought the soundtrack of the film when used worked massively to build the tension. 

Overall, I thought this film was a fantastic and brilliantly put together to create a thrilling mystery that takes you on an entertaining ride lead by a cast who put their best efforts to make the film the best it could be. 

I give Prisoners a score of 10/10

Only God Forgives

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_God_Forgives#/media/File:Only_God_Forgives_poster.jpg

For the fifteenth film of the month we have Only God Forgives

First off, we have the story which has Julian, a drug-smuggler thriving in Bangkok's criminal underworld, sees his life get even more complicated when his mother compels him to find and kill whoever is responsible for his brother's recent death. I thought the story was intriguing throughout with it's content.  

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted and gave some good performances and were compelling to see on screen and interact with one another. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography throughout was stunning and the colour palette gave the film an interesting style. Moving onto the tone of the film which didn't hold back with some of the sequences which made it hard to watch in points. I thought the soundtrack of the film suited the setting and style of the film.  

Overall, I thought this film was very interesting and as the other Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Winding Refn film I thought it was very good in terms of the story and characters with some captivating visuals and soundtrack. 

I give Only God Forgives a score of 8/10