Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Director: Sam Taylor- Johnson

It has finally happened - one of the most anticipated and discussed films of 2015 is released. No more teasing with short trailers, no more questions about how this or that toy, scene might look like in the real life. Yes, the unconventional love story between the innocent college student Anastasia and the domineering millionaire Christian is being show on the big screen, and the fact that its premiere was a day before the Valentine's day has already been the source of numerous negative reviews.

It's interesting that according to IMDB statistics, women on average have given higher score than men, though it seemed that the stronger sex should be much more satisfied with quite an amount of erotic scenes. However, the results showed the opposite, and men were the main critics. The main reason for evaluating the newly-released film extremely low was due to the fact that many viewers consider that women degradation is the main idea promoted in "Fifty Shades of Grey", and it also encourages sadomasochistic relationships. I would totally disagree with these claims. Yes, the film does show gender inequality, unhealthy relationships with Christian's predominance and willingness to control everything and everyone, and it does not focus on romance which is the crucial point of any Valentine's day's film. But let's face it, that's all because of the book and E L James's imagination, not because the director or the screen-writer would be out of their minds. If they had made Grey more romantic and less commanding, it wouldn't have been "Fifty Shades of Grey", it would've been a whole different story. Honestly speaking, the film is a much softer version of the novel; the bedroom scenes are dealt with rather delicately and they are not as many as in the book. The cinematographic adaption is likewise much lighter and funnier than the original, and the soundtrack, from my point of you, is superb; the selected songs create the right atmosphere, and I still can't stop listening to some of them. That's about the good things, but now let's turn to the flaws.

The Imitation Game (2014)

Director: Mortem Tyldum

Did you know that the course of our lives was pretty much shaped by one man during the WWII? Yes, don't be surprised, nowadays we can barely imagine ourselves without computers, and the man, the brilliant mathematician whose name was Alan Turing not only was one of the if not the most important figure behind Britain's victory in the war, but he was also the pioneer in computer science.

"The Imitation Game" is a war-time drama that focuses on the little-discussed part of the WWII, namely, the solving of the Nazi Enigma code. As it turns out, the real battles were won at Bletchley Park, but not on the front, since with the help of few bright minds, the war was shortened by two or even four years and its outcome might have been completely different as well. It had not been more than a couple of days after Britain had declared war on Germany than the government formed a cryptography team lead by Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) to solve the Enigma and outsmart the rival as soon as possible.

Wild (2014)

 

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée

An inspirational film about a woman's solo hike in the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to heal from the loss of a close relative and retrieve the former strength.  Determination to regain control of her thoughts, behaviour and life, as it once was, is what drives Cheryl Strayed, and though she is willing to give up after the first couple of miles and initial struggles, Cheryl keeps moving forward using her past memories and experiences she would never want to relive again.

"Wild" is a biographical story the basis of which is a 2012 memoir written by the same Cheryl Strayed. The main idea of the film is to show that no matter where you stand at some point in your life, you can always change its direction and start a new beginning. For some people, it takes a number of in-depth conversations and some time-off to forget the past; for others - a completely new world has to be created. That's what happened to Cheryl. Considering all the catastrophes she had gone through, Cheryl could not deal with her anymore and she could not accept her weak, apathetic self. That is why taking on the Pacific Crest Trail seemed like a great idea to escape from the reality and build a new Cheryl that is a responsible, strong and independent woman.

Boyhood (2014)

Director: Richard Linklater

12 years of filming have resulted in a unique project, an astonishing film that the screen has never experienced before. We have just witnessed the birth of a genie called Richard Linklater. What the Oscar-nominated director did was create a story that is so sincere and honest as if it was a documentary of your neighbour's, cousin's or friend's life from childhood to adolescence. Yes, after watching the film the actors will have grown so close to you that you will want to find out what will happen next, 10 years ahead.

Many films have showed the main characters in various stages of their life cycles, but none of their directors have been so patient to wait and film how the transition occurs naturally. In other words, they have always used different actors, but this time they are the same throughout the whole film. The story begins with Mason being 5 years old and centering his world around games and fun. As time goes by, the boy learns various life lessons when his family moves from one place to another after his mother's unfortunate marriages and puberty kicks in. First love, the first glass of alcohol, the first cigarette, bullying at school, crazy parties - Mason experiences everything a typical teenager does and from a troublesome boy he grows into a man who can take full responsibility of himself and has found his passion and aspiration in life.

Fifty Shades of Grey (2011)

 

Author: Erika Leonard James

Two years. Two years I had stood firm against the world sensation called "Fifty Shades of Grey", I had not read the Twilight sage, nor been the participant of Hunger Games or Games of Thrones. I've always been quite skeptical of works which are their author's first attempt in writing and have received incredible popularity among readers within a short period of time. This time it was different. I saw the trailer of the upcoming film, and I simply had to read the book.

 The story as such is quite predictable though rather unrealistic. How often do you see situations in real life where handsome, sexy millionaire goes crazy for innocent, middle-class girl with no sex appeal and previous experience whatsoever? It's like the modern version of the classic love stories, a mix of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, just with more sex, pain and less love and modesty. Without doubt, James has created an interesting story that makes you want to read the next chapter and the one after that as fast as possible, but that's it. From the point of view of emotions and thoughts triggered by the story, most of the things are spread out before you and there's not much to think and left for imagination. Though the author tries to evoke sympathy in the reader by the mysterious and seemingly painful past/ childhood of Grey, it lacks deeper emotions. In places where additional details and a more thorough explanation would be necessary, James crosses them very fast, but then again the bedroom scenes are sometimes more explicit than preferable. Some traits of the other main character, Anastasia Steele, are quite annoying too, for instance, the constant complaining (girl, you chose your fate yourself, nobody forced you, so stop groaning). Her ability to master the art of sex so fast given she had no previous experience is quite unbelievable as well.

On the Road (1957)

 

Author: Jack Kerouac

Few months ago, I decided to create a list of about 30 books I definitely must read. From such literature giants as Joyce's "Ulysses" to modern bestsellers as Stockett's "The Help", I thought I had covered everything, but then, I watched "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and that's where I heard about the novel "On the Road" for the first time. Most probably, I would've never stumbled upon this book if not the film and my unquenchable thirst for getting acquainted with new genres of literature.

"On the Road" is a classic Beat generation novel that focuses on Sal Paradise and his friends' travels across America. If you don't know what "Beat generation" is ('cause I didn't), then, in short, it's a group of American post-World War II writers (including Jack Kerouac himself) who lived a bohemian lifestyle, rejected the established standards, had an interest in religion though experimented with drugs, and that's all on the backdrop of jazz (bebop, specifically) and poetry. This movement was also called 'Beatniks'. I'd have to be crazy to say that I live a somewhat similar lifestyle to the beat generation's one. Well, I do like to travel, but in a whole different fashion. 

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Director: David O. Russell

There are usually two types of films: ones that are widely advertised and actually exceed the expectations, and then there are those that are overrated and have got the popularity only due to the misleading advertising campaigns (because otherwise these films would hardly make it to the top). "Silver Linings Playbook" can be fairly added to the first category. It's been two years since the film was released. All this time, I kept remembering the trailer I saw on MTV and thinking that I must watch the film (not only because Jenny got the Oscar for this role). I don't know why I waited so long. It's probably because I thought that "Silver Linings Playbook" is a typical American drama without a decent plot and food for thought (I've seen a lot of bad films and I regret wasting time on them), just this time there are also some psychos involved. In other words, I considered this film not be an appropriate choice for a quiet and restful evening. But I gave it a shot, and it paid off.

"Silver Linings Playbook" is indeed a story about a man who's just come out of a mental institution and tries to get back the life that he had before. Former teacher Pat (Bradley Cooper) believes that his wife will want to live together with him again if he acts cool, doesn't make any trouble and improves his intellectual and physical abilities by taking up some sport activities. Pat's plans change when he meats Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a wannabe dancer who has her own issues and eventually forces Pat to take back control of his life, forgetting about the past.

Little Women (1868)

 

Author: Louisa May Alcott

When I first heard about this American classic in one of the "Friends" episodes about a year ago, I immediately searched the Internet to find out why "Little Women" was and still is so popular. I was a bit disappointed when I read that this novel follows events in the lives of four teenage girls because I thought that I was too mature to read it now and I'd missed my chance. Since then, I'd thought about the book several times when I went to the library to get another reading material, but I somehow always hesitated to borrow Alcott's novel. Last time, I finally came home with "Little Women". Even the fact that the book was placed on the children's literature bookshelf did not hold me back.

"Little Women" is indeed a story about the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth, how they grow up, realize the true values, find love and their place in the world. This is sort of a handbook for young girls, though I find some things that Mrs March teaches her daughters relevant to me as well even though I live in a completely different world. The story is interesting, but the characters are too innocent and naive from time to time. Honestly, I think that Jo is the only logically-thinking personage who seems like a real human being; other girls are just too good to be true, it looks like these sisters have no considerable flaws, are basically perfect, and every one of them have a different talent. I can guarantee that it's not possible that all family members are gifted, there's got be at least one who struggles and somehow lags behind.

The Book Thief (2013)

Director: Bryan Percival

When I heard about the film "The Book Thief" for the first time, I immediately knew I would have to watch it someday simply because the title contained one important word - book.  I started searching for more information, and it turned out there was a novel by the same name written few years ago. Of course, I had to read that before I could watch the adaptation. That's just who I am. Because reading the book after you've seen the film doesn't make any sense, at least for me, since all the characters have already been visualized and you don't have to imagine anything by yourself. I guess this time I made a mistake.

"The Book Thief" is a story about a young girl Liesel Meminger and her life in the WW II Germany after her little brother dies and she is adopted by a middle-aged couple from a provincial town. Liesel quickly finds two good friends - her neighbour/ soulmate Rudy Steiner and books. During the time she spends in her new hometown, Liesel learns that sometimes telling the truth and doing good to people can destroy you. But that doesn't stops her from doing the things that Liesel's heart tells her to do, and eventually, courage, persistence and kindheartedness save the girl from the death that has already taken far too much souls (and is the narrator, don't be surprised).

About Time (2013)

 

 
Director: Richard Curtis

If you're looking for another chick flick or sikly-sweet film, About Time is not the one you should waist your time on. Why? Well... because it's much more than that.

The story is simple. After a crazy New Year's Eve, a young British boy finds out that he, just like his father, has the ability to travel in time. From now on, Tim tries to fix all the things he does wrong, so that he would finally be contented with his life. But not everything that has been broken once can be repaired again. Being happily married and having become a solicitous father, Tim understands that life can sometimes give you a hard time and surprise you in a negative way, but you have to accept it and learn from the past.