Review of All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) by Torsten D — 20 Dec 2004

[b][size=2]IL POSTINO (Michael Radford, 1994) - 6.0 / mixed (+).

[/b]The message "Everybody can be a poet" is evident, but the story of the ordinary, slightly dumb postman-turned-poet, is presented in a way too simple manner.

The film ultimately turned out to be more like a fairy tale than a realistic story. Yet there a few nice moments. The part where the postman collects sounds like a poet collects impressions is very nice and it would take a heart of stone not to be touched by the final sequence. It's obvious that this scene will be there, but it's nicely held back for a couple of minutes.

[b]ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (Lewis Milestone, 1930) - 10.0 / PRO (+).

[/b]I wouldn't go as far and say that this film is without minor flaws, but no movie is. On the other hand, the film offers great things in all aspects that great films have to offer. The message is clear and the story is well-told. Although there is a main character, it's the situation that makes the story and not so much what happens to the main character. The characters are pawns pushed forward through a storyline by the situations. The cinematorgraphy is also pretty great. The attack, when the German soldiers hide in the ditches, in the middle of the film is amazingly thrilling. The last scene of the film, where the story of the soldier ends in act of innocence, is unforgettable.

The most amazing aspect of the film, however, how watchable the film 75 years after its release still is. A few tweaks here and there and someone could immediately do a remake.

This film already says what all its precedessors tried to say. I'd say, if you only see one war movie in your life, make sure it's this one. Wars come and go, but the impact on the people involved in them remains the same and there are very few things that would have to be added to the statement this film makes.

[b]DOWN BY LAW (Jim Jarmusch, 1986) - 8.0 / pro (+).

[/b]I guess, whether you'll like this film or not, depends on whether you like the part Roberto Benigni plays. Tom Waits and John Lurie are pale, when confronted with Benigni.

I'm not that much of a fan of Jim Jarmusch, but this might be the most entertaining films of his, that I have seen. This one is much funnier than his later works and not as slow. On the other hand, this film really gives a good impression of Jarmusch's style. The film is leisurely paced, told in a laconic manner, funny here and there in unexpected ways and also strikes a poetic note based on the poems Jarmusch likes to quote in all of his films.

However, "Down by Law" is light as a summer breeze. I liked it while it lasted, but it when it was gone, nothing was left. This film is like a shallow pond, but, at least, the water has the right temparature.

P.S.: Is Tom Waits really like he appears to be in this film or was he on drugs all the time? I mention this, because to me this felt a little akward at times.

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