Friday, February 22, 2013
And the Oscar goes to...
In this class we have watched several World War II movies, with very different stories. "Casablanca" was filmed and released during the war, while "Schindler's List" and "Defiance" were filmed much more recently. What do you think of the stories they tell? Which is told most effectively? How did it achieve that? Which actors and actresses were you most moved by? If you have seen other WWII stories, please feel free to add reflections that are relevant. Finally, in the spirit of the Oscars this weekend, which of the three (or more) movies would you give the Oscar to? You can respond to this as if you are a movie reviewer or an Oscar presenter, if you'd like.
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I personally think that all three movies did a great job telling their stories. I missed an hour or so of Shindler's List due to having to miss school for a collage visit so I would say that one would not be my favorite of the three. Between the other two I would say Defiance did a better job of telling its story. I think that it did a great job of making it tell a very compelling story, especially when one of the brothers leaves the camp for the army and also when the sickness ravages the camp. However, I would say that it felt almost unreal because of some of the events that happened. I would say of the three movies, Casablanca told the most 'real' story. Overall, I would probably give Defiance the Oscar out of the three.
ReplyDeleteI have loved every movie we have seen this year. WWII movies are some of my favorite stories to see on screen. My all time favorite was Schindler's List. You just can't find a movie about Nazi Germany that is as moving as that. As someone who's family went through those dark years in Europe, I was glad to be able to see an accurate account of what happened. The story moves viewers like few others. Defiance was another favorite. I really enjoyed watching them narrowly escape those tight situations in the forest. Of course, you can't beat the cast of that movie. The story it tells is often overlooked. It was a joy to watch. Casablanca is a classic. Period. Any self respecting film watcher needs to see it. I will admit that it was a bit dull at times, but that was the pace of movies back then. I really enjoyed the slower pace, as it forced me to think critically during the film. That is how movies should be made. If I had to give one an Oscar, I would give it to Schindler's List. Of course, the film already has a dozen awards, so it was an easy choice. That film moved me like no other. It's gripping scenes and somewhat lighter moments help bring the film together. It is a must see for anyone who appreciates a good WWII movie, or anyone who enjoys history. Two thumbs up.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite movie by far that we watched this term is "Shinlder's List". I thought that it was very interesting as it was a true story, I thought that the acting and production was great, and the movie had a very powerful emotional impact on the audience. The movie seemed to provide a very accurate glimpse into the lives of many Jews during WWII, as well as their German combatants. There were many layers to the story, and I particularly liked the fact that Shindler went from a charlatan businessmen, solely focused on making as much money no matter who he hurt, to a savior of over one thousand Jews, to whom he was permanently indebted. The story also showed what life was like for many Germans during the war, from the lavish dinner parties, to the sadistic treatment of the Jewish prisoners. It was not surprise to me that "Shindler's List" gained such public acclaim, and I would certainly cast my vote for the film as the best picture of the three. I also liked "Defiance", but I did not think that the acting of it was especially great, nor did I think that the story was particularly exceptional, given the many others from that time. Although "Casa Blanca" was evidently a classic, I thought that the story was more focused on the Love triangle between the protagonist, the woman, and the concentration camp survivor, than the conflict of WWII.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the stories that the two movies that I saw told (I didn't end up watching Casablanca). I think that Shindler's List and Defiance both told their stories very effectively and I do not know how they could improve upon them. I felt that all the actors in both movies were very compelling. I would give the Oscar to Shindler's List.
ReplyDeleteFrom the three movies we have watched during this term, (four if you include the movie on Art from WWII), I would present the Oscar to "Shindler's List". Although based on a true story, before I watched it, I knew nothing about Oskar Schindler and his heroic acts. Personally I've seen a lot of current movies that star Liam Neeson. From "Taken", "Unknown", "The Next Three Days", and "Chloe", it seems like he has been in everything. However, those movies I just mentioned don't go back further than 2008, so seeing Liam Neeson in a movie that was made 20 years or so ago was kind of like watching a complete different actor. Compared to "Casablanca", which was black and white because there was no such thing as color movies back then, Steven Spielberg's use of black and white in 'Shindler's List" gave the overall product a organic, authentic appearance. Only coloring in small details that have a big meaning, (like the little girl's red jacket during the beginning of the movie) make for an interesting perception of the movie. As I stated before, since I had practically no pre-requisite on Schindler, or even how the Nazi officers controlled the Jews in the concentration camps, watching "Schindler's List" was extremely informative. The themes of heroism, dehumanization, and relationships that are convincingly portrayed because of the actors. They gave emotional, realistic performances that heightened the overall movie.
ReplyDeleteI quite like the selection of movies we watched because they represent such a large cross section of World War Two; additionally all three to great effect derive their strength from focusing on the human condition that emerges from such seemingly removed, historical topics with beautiful results. As a result a number of moments and corresponding emotions stood out to me such as the personality of the "intellectual" in 'Defiance' and the scene when Oscar is speaking with the German officer about what it means to be strong on the balcony at night in 'Schindler's List'. Yet, while I love these two movies, my favorite is definitely 'Casablanca'! I thought the movie was beautifully done, powerful because it was produced during World War II and quite interesting in its focused on romance--an aspect that otherwise might seem entirely divorced from the topic of war. For me, the story was conveyed so effectively because we did not learn about the characters all at once but rather they are reveled in slowly in greater and greater depth (akin to 'The Samurai's Garden'). Most of all though I absolutely loved the ending ("round up the regulars") and Sam playing "As Time Goes By" (I download it from iTunes :)
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the movies: "Shindler's List" and "Defiance" told their story more effectively. They achieved this because they were the most dramatic, in a good way. Because the story that was at the point of view of the Jewish people and they endured a lot. They were being treated terribly for no reason. Also because normally you read about what happened to them during the war and it's so hard to even picture this happening. Due to the fact that it's completely inhumane and just morally wrong. But seeing it in a movie and their reactions to everything made it more surreal. Making me able to picture everything I’ve ever read about concentration camps and the treatment of Jews in WWII. I was very moved by the actor who played Schindler because he stood up to the Nazi party and tried his best to save every family and keep them together. He knew what was happening was wrong and he dedicated his time, money and life to protect and save the Jews. Another character that moved me was the character that Daniel Craig played. Because he was motivated by saving as many jewish people as he could and his will to survive by not only saving himself but the other people around him was very inspiring. I would give the Oscar to Schindler’s list.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to put the three movies we watched on a like-line, I would rate them thusly: (in order of favorite to least favorite) “Defiance”, “Casablanca”, then “Schindler’s List”. Now let me tell you why. The reason I didn’t like Schindler’s List was mainly because it was so wildly lengthy. (It was on TV last night so I clicked “info”, and it said the movie was 195 minutes long). If an artist’s job is to capture my attention for however long they ask for it, Liam Neeson and Steven Spielberg failed in that respect. In addition, it was in black and white; unnecessarily, seeing as how it was made relatively recently (which I can put up with if I like the movie to begin with, but instantly detracts points otherwise for me). And Lastly, I was expecting it to be really moving and artsy and powerful -- for, surely a movie would have to be if I was to put up with these other things. But aside from the scene where the group of jews though they were about to be gassed (which was incredibly intense), the film was never really had any of the aforementioned qualities for me. They even had Stanley Tucci, but sadly not even he was able to save this sinking ship of a movie -- I’d give it a D.
ReplyDeleteNext, we have Casablanca. Now, this movie was also pretty long and in black-and-white, but I found that I liked it a little more. I became slightly interested in the characters, it had a mildly entertaining plot, and some famous one-liners. In addition, it featured the song: As Time Goes By, which is a good one. I also didn’t bring with me the preconceived notion that this movie was supposed to be harrowing--I knew it was just trying to be a good love story. All-in-all, I’d give it a C, maybe a C+ if I were being generous.
And then there was one: Defiance. I actually thought this movie was pretty good. Lord knows I love me some Daniel Craig, and I also recognized one of the characters as Hank from the TV show Royal Pains, which was kinda fun. This movie started off strong, and remained both suspenseful and captivating throughout. I would give it a B/B+.
A couple things: One -- I guess if I had to give an Oscar to someone, I’d give it to Daniel Craig for his role in Defiance, but I don’t really think anyone in these movies deserves one. Two -- you may be thinking: “Jesus, this kid is just not having any of it. Is there any WWII movie he does like? The answer is yes. I’ve seen Cabaret (both the movie and the play) and Captain America, and loved both of them. Ok, granted, Captain America doesn’t really count, but nonetheless, it’s about WWII and I’d give it an A ;). Cabaret, however, is a respected and realistic story about Nazi Germany. I liked the movie a lot, but only because Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey stole the show. (I’d give them oscars in a second). I will say though that it was also unnecessarily long, but I’d give it a solid B+. The play, however, was one of the greatest spectacles I’ve ever seen. I saw it at the ART in cambridge, starring the incomparable Amanda Palmer (the former lead singer of the Dreseden Dolls and “kickstarter” music pioneer) as the MC. It was hands down one of the most moving performances ever given and it will stick with me forever. A+.