Sunday, June 24, 2007

movie: Angel-a


Just got back (well a little while ago) from a really interesting movie... Angel-a. I don't know if the average person will get to see this in the theaters... I think it's making a limited release in only the "artsy" theaters. I'm thankful that my local theater is still showing some "artsy" films in spite of being bought out by National Amusements. There were only 3 other people in the theater besides my friend and I, so maybe if the crowds don't start showing up to the artsy shows they'll get rid of them... I HOPE not!
Anyway... a very interesting movie by Luc Besson. I suppose I should mention that my friend was not impressed with this movie at all, so take my recommendation for what it's worth. Anyone know who Luc Besson is? I do, I usually like his movies. The two that most people will know of his are "The fifth Element" and "the professional" (I think it's also called "Leon" depending on what country you are in. I saw the professional in the theater and was "blown away" Instantly it became one of my favorite movies. The Fifth Element kinda grew on me... It's one of those movies that when it comes on TV I have to stop and watch part or all of it.
Well, Luc scored another hit for me. Angel-a is a foreign film (Yes, that means subtitles! Get over it :) It's all filmed in Paris and all in Black and White. I have to say the cinematography was excellent... I'd recommend this movie on that alone. Some of the black and white imagery was beautiful! The other reason I really liked this movie was that it was very creative in the story. I admit some of it got a little hoaky, but all in all, I was transfixed in watching these two actors Rie Rasmussen (the beautiful TALL blond) and Jamel Debbouze (the Short, one-armed, down-on-his-luck guy). I suppose I should warn anyone who is afraid of having their religious ideas challenged because (and I'm not giving anything away here) Angel-a is an angel like character, yet she does things that I would not imagine any angel ever doing! But that was part of the fun for me to have my ideas challenged. I also loved some of the lines in the movie that were in relation to the character "andre" and how we get to see him be psychoanalyzed.
If you're looking for a summer blockbuster, this movie is NOT it. If you are looking for something off the beaten trail, this movie is it. Try to see it in the theater due to the cinematography.
(PS> I just learned via imdb that the film was released in France 2 years ago! I wonder why it took so long to make it to USA?)
imdb movie site here.
Official movie website here.

2 comments:

me said...

i LOVE luc besson films... fifth element is one of my favorite movies to watch on a saturday when nothing's on t.v.

can't wait to check this movie out.

if i'm not mistaken the short guy plays a role in "amelie" as well... i liked his character in that movie.

anywho- thanks for the review.

:)

cyen said...

Very good V! I had not realized that Jamel was also in Amelie. That's one of my flaws when it comes to movies... I don't remember a lot of things, especially when it comes to naming what other characters the actors or actresses have played.
If I had a prize or contest for the week, you'd definitely win for this bit of trivia :)