Thread: NonRussian films (work in progress)

Originally Posted by rockzmom

So, what would YOU bid on??? The spaceship from "Twilight Zone" and "Men in Black 2"?? OR the giant champagne glass??
Hollywood slump puts famous props on the block

Hi, Rockzmom! Do they sell the Wonka vision equipment? We would cooperate with you to try to set it up working! I am still dreaming about the cream puffs.

In the thread about the music what we hear somebody mentioned the track "Belmondo rulez" which is a tribute to the famous French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo. The track is based on the sample from the soundtrack to the movie "Le Professionel" featuring Jean-Paul Belmondo. For many Russians Jean-Paul Belmondo is as lovely actor as the super best Russian actors are. He is adored by Russians as if he were Russian himself. Everything he does on the silver screen is believed to be magic. One more French actor of the same popularity in Russia is Pierre Richard.
Are these actors known in US, and if they are, how big their popularity is?

Originally Posted by CoffeeCup

Originally Posted by rockzmom

So, what would YOU bid on??? The spaceship from "Twilight Zone" and "Men in Black 2"?? OR the giant champagne glass??
Hollywood slump puts famous props on the block

Hi, Rockzmom! Do they sell the Wonka vision equipment? We would cooperate with you to try to set it up working! I am still dreaming about the cream puffs.

What a fantastic idea! Then I could try some of your foods as well! Or you could just send me boxes and boxes of chocolates and they would never melt

I've read "P.S., I love you" by Ahern Cecelia. It is very wonderful book. The book's subject is grievous, but it was described very witty and funny. I would say that this book about a hope and a life.
I like this quotation "Целься в луну! Даже если промахнешься - попадешь в звезды"/"Aim at the moon! Even if you miss, you will hit into the stars."

Originally Posted by ekaterinak

I've read "P.S., I love you" by Ahern Cecelia. It is very wonderful book. The book's subject is grievous, but it was described very witty and funny. I would say that this book about a hope and a life.
I like this quotation "Целься в луну! Даже если промахнешься - попадешь в звезды"/"Aim at the moon! Even if you miss, you will hit into the stars."

I don't read this book, but I saw that film. And I think it's no funny, but it's a stupid. Sorry.

Originally Posted by Fish without pantie

Originally Posted by ekaterinak

I've read "P.S. I love you" by Ahern, Cecelia. It is very wonderful book. The book's subject is [s:1ttkehto]grievous[/s:1ttkehto] about grief and losing someone; but, it was described as very witty and funny. I would say that this book is about [s:1ttkehto]a[/s:1ttkehto] hope and [s:1ttkehto]a[/s:1ttkehto] life.
I like this quotation "Целься в луну! Даже если промахнешься - попадешь в звезды"/"Aim at the moon! Even if you miss, you will hit into the stars."

I [s:1ttkehto]don't[/s:1ttkehto] didn't read this book[s:1ttkehto],[/s:1ttkehto]; but, I saw [s:1ttkehto]that[/s:1ttkehto] the film. And I think it[s:1ttkehto]'s no[/s:1ttkehto] wasn't funny[s:1ttkehto],[/s:1ttkehto]; but, it[s:1ttkehto]'s a[/s:1ttkehto] was actually stupid. Sorry.

Fish without pantie, welcome to MasterRussian and the thread!

We have had a number of "chats" about books and how well or not so well they do as movies. It is always difficult to turn a book into a film.

I have not had the opportunity to read "P.S. I Love You" or see the film. I see from IMDb that the "Plot line" for the movie is "A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life." Additionally, the film won an Audience award for Best International Actress at the 2008 Irish Film and Television Awards and was nominated for the 2008 Teen Choice Award for "Chick Flick." This might give people a better idea about the film and the target audience of the film!

As for the book, it has recieved a number of good reviews for Ms. Ahern's debut novel. She has now written seven books.

BTW, for those of you who watch American TV, Ms. Ahern is the co-creator and producer for the comedy "Samantha Who?" which stars the very grown up Christina Applegate, who was Kelly Bundy on "Married... with Children."

Originally Posted by Fish without pantie

I don't read this book, but I saw that film. And I think it's no funny, but it's a stupid. Sorry.

First of all, do you know that film can show only director’s opinion and the books are very often better than movie? Second, read the book. Third, you should learn to read between lines. Fourth, if that book was stupid it would not be translated into 40 languages.
Sorry.

Да... и не забывай одевать pantie в людном месте, рыбка!!!

I know. I have been neglecting the Russian movies again. Bad me. I have several of them downloaded and just crying out to me to watch them and yet, like step children locked in a closet they go unattended yet not unnoticed. I will unlock them soon and set them free, I promise.

I will however let you all know what I have been watching lately and tell you all, that if you want to really learn and hear how American’s speak and get a quick lesson in American culture, this is the TV show for you… Gilmore Girls. I never watched this series while it was on the air for 7, yes 7, years. older daughter found it this summer while “we” were in the hospital as it was on twice a day and now she has three of the four women in this household hooked on it (the man in the household claimed it was too much talking). And as it is on every day, twice a day (the one at 11 a.m. is a repeat from the 5 p.m. of the day before. So, if you happen to miss one day, you can just watch it the next and be caught up), it makes it easy to watch and the series goes very quickly. We are already into season 3!

For those of you who have not heard of the series, it is about a single mom and her daughter (yet there are plenty of men folk as well). The two main characters along with their friends and family talk endlessly during the one hour show in run-on sentences with references to popular culture, specifically about music, literature, movies and TV (my favorite topics). The relationships between all of the characters are actually REAL. The fighting that goes on between the single mom and her parents is not watered down. The teenage girl and her troubles fitting in at the preppy school and the difficulties she has with her boyfriend who is not up to the standards of other people. The townsfolk and all their well-meaning comments that really aren’t well-meaning. The show is real life and real language, not the usual stupid scripts that you see on sitcoms. Yet, it has a great deal of warmth and humor. As I said, it is real life.

So, while it may be difficult to keep up with the fast paced 90 miles per hour dialogue in this series, I do highly recommend it if you want to practice your English listening skills, add to your English vocabulary and pick up on “real life” Americana.

Also, Time Magazine rated the series as one of the top 100 television shows of all time.

Here are some links where you can find episodes online:
http://www.yidio.com/show/gilmore-girls
http://www.thewb.com/shows/gilmore-girl ... 7d1ba1a922

Here is a link to scripts
http://www.twiztv.com/scripts/gilmoregirls/

I love Gilmore Girls! It's back on here in Belgium (rerun of season 4). I love the talking, the references (and the fact I seem to grasp most of those references) and, indeed, the real relationships between the characters. I see myself in Rory and would love to be a bit more like Lorelai. Are small towns really like that in the US? I mean the mentality, the town meetings, ...


Now back to Russian movies and books. Has anyone here seen the series Небо и земля (Sky and earth)? I got it from a friend because it's about flight attendants and pilots (I'm a flight attendant so he thought I'd like it) but I was wondering if this is a known or even popular series in Russia. I actually quite enjoy watching it.

And I mentioned books so: Anyone read anything by Liudmila Ulitskaya? I'm reading Казус Кукотского now. Just reached part 2. I like her style.

Originally Posted by devochka

I love Gilmore Girls! It's back on here in Belgium (rerun of season 4). I love the talking, the references (and the fact I seem to grasp most of those references) and, indeed, the real relationships between the characters. I see myself in Rory and would love to be a bit more like Lorelai. Are small towns really like that in the US? I mean the mentality, the town meetings, ...

I will tell you that older daughter and I also get a cheap thrill when we get the references too!
Small town meetings, well you don't even have to go small town to see meetings like that.. try ANY "PTA" (Parent Teacher Association) those meetings are vicious. Meow! Claws out! Picture a grown up version of Paris being the President of a parent run meeting for Chilton and trying to get anything you want done or suggesting anything else that she does not like! It is all backstabbing, who knows who and likes who! They all gang up on you like they did with Luke about Jess. They will change the time, the rules, anything to get their way!

Originally Posted by devochka

Now back to Russian movies and books. Has anyone here seen the series Небо и земля (Sky and earth)? I got it from a friend because it's about flight attendants and pilots (I'm a flight attendant so he thought I'd like it) but I was wondering if this is a known or even popular series in Russia. I actually quite enjoy watching it.

And I mentioned books so: Anyone read anything by Liudmila Ulitskaya? I'm reading Казус Кукотского now. Just reached part 2. I like her style

Wow! You're a flight attendant!!! How cool!! You should start a thread and post photos and maps of where you travel (make us all jealous hehehe). But seriously, I would love to see photos of places you get to go, so think about it! Being a flight attendant was on my list of things I wanted to be in life and got crossed off because back in the stone age when I was younger, they had those height restrictions and I was too tall! I think they have raised them or changed them now.

I don't know how many of you are old enough to remember, or might have seen the original 1980 movie "Fame." This September, a remake of that movie is coming out. I have very mixed feelings about the remake as I do remember seeing the original in the movie theater with my then best friend. While I know it can be easily remade, my fear is that they will have too much glitz and not enough talent in this version. The 1980 version, Irene Cara was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

I rewatched the 1980 version last weekend with my girls I had forgotten how much off color language and the topless scenes were in there! The film showed the REAL life of acting and performing arts school. The school was run down (just like my daughter's school is today - the girls got a kick out of that) yet had the passion of teachers to make it the "golden ticket" of schools. From the trailer of the new movie, there are over the top production numbers that just don't happen at these schools due to lack of money and the fact that it is not what the schools are about. Maybe they are just showing "those" scenes in the trailer to draw in the crowds and the overall movie will be more realistic.

With that said, I am certain the movie will do well in the box office because this type of movie is "in" right now and some of the kids are from Disney.

If you want to watch the 1980 version, here are the links to the one I watched:
http://www.zshare.net/video/637954323c1a6f50/ part 1
http://www.zshare.net/video/6379546125955a43/ part 2
http://www.zshare.net/video/6379546125955a43/ part 3

Below are the trailers from the 1980 movie and the new 2009 version:
[video:18hb7676]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51g-cS7nYUY[/video:18hb7676]

[video:18hb7676]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRPca0Lvp1w[/video:18hb7676]

Wow this thread is FANTASTIC for Russian film tips!
--------------
Haha, rockzmom -- I remember the Fame series!
It run for many years and I probably missed the first few years. All the episodes had a little "moral story" in true American style... Can't remember any of it at all though, apart from the cool black dancer who was always in trouble. "You want fame?? But fame costs..."

(I really don't think a lot of people in Russia have seen it though! )

The other great American series of the same time that I remember is "The Little House on the Praire."

Originally Posted by Johanna

Wow this thread is FANTASTIC for Russian film tips!

As I mentioned, this started as one thing and then turned into a fantastic resource and mix mash sort of free-for- all about movies/TV and books.

Originally Posted by Johanna

The other great American series of the same time that I remember is "The Little House on the Praire."

Little House on the Prairie, another series I did not watch . I know it was VERY good and I am now trying to remember why it was I never watched it. It ran from 1974 to 1983, so I am guessing that when it first came on that since my parents did not watch it, I did not as we only had the one main TV set in the house when I was a kid.

Question.... Are there IMAX movie theaters in Russia (or wherever you happen to live) and if so how many of them are there? What about regular 3D movie theaters? I am asking because overall I think there are only about 400 IMAX total in the world; however, near me because of being close to Washington/Baltimore, there are seven of them.

This article about the future of film points out that in 15 years, 3D may be the format of most if not all films, yet the problem is that most theaters today can't handle the format.

The film that they are talking about, "Avatar" sounds amazing! (not to be confused with M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender" coming out in 2010)

Here is a trailer for "Avatar" http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2804482585/

Originally Posted by [url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/21/avatar.day.james.cameron/index.html

CNN[/url]]

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Director James Cameron is today unveiling a 15-minute taster of his hotly-anticipated 3D sci-fi blockbuster "Avatar" to sold-out audiences in selected cinemas across the world.

Those who snapped up a ticket to the event that has been dubbed "Avatar Day" will be privy to footage of the much-hyped, technically-advanced 3D science fiction epic that some are saying will revolutionize the way we watch movies.

The Oscar-winning director is famous for pushing the boundaries of technology in film and has long been an enthusiastic proponent of 3D technology. "Avatar" is the fruition of his long-held ambition to combine digital 3D with epic big screen storytelling.

"The 3D is going to be mind-boggling," David Cohen of film industry trade magazine Variety told CNN. "He may indeed be pushing 3D to another level."

Fueling the hype is the fact that "Avatar" is Cameron's first film since "Titanic" in 1997 -- the most successful film of modern times -- and a return to sci-fi for the "Aliens" and "Terminator" series director.

Set on the lush and magical jungle planet of Pandora, the story takes place against the backdrop of a war between invading humans and Pandora's native species, the Na'vi.

Sam Worthington stars as a former Marine paralyzed from the waist down offered the chance to have a healthy body again by becoming an "avatar" -- a 10ft tall, blue-skinned creature genetically engineered to resemble the planet's humanoid life forms. The cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez and Zoe Saldana.

"Avatar" is a combination of live action and photo-realistic CGI and is being touted as a huge leap forward in film technology -- likened to the first movie in sound or with Technicolor.

The famously perfectionist director first came up with the concept for "Avatar" 14 years ago but decided not to make the film until technology was advanced enough to cope with his vision.

In fact, the ex-trucker who dismantled his first 35mm movie camera to see how it worked took tech matters into his own hands, teaming up with longtime collaborator Vincent Pace to develop the most advanced camera rig using stereoscopic (3D) cameras yet for the film.

It has lenses that mimic the human eye -- positioned close together that can move a little to capture objects that are near or far away. This allows the cinematographer to capture two images simultaneously to give the illusion of depth.

In July, Cameron showed a 25-minute preview to fans at Comic-Con in San Diego and since then frothing commentators have described "Avatar" as everything from mind-expanding to the future of cinema.

His peers are impressed too: Ridley Scott says he is filming upcoming sci-fi adaptation "Forever War" in 3D after seeing some footage of "Avatar." While "Iron Man" director John Favreau described the film as "a game-changer" and says he thinks it is "the future."

It helps that Hollywood is also squarely behind 3D, a medium that is gaining momentum and popularity fueled by the success of films like "Coraline" and DreamWorks' "Monsters vs. Aliens."

Earlier this year Pixar's 3D animation "Up" opening the Cannes Film Festival supplying the medium with yet another stamp of approval from those who matter. Would you pay more money to watch a film in 3D?

"In a couple of years, all kids movies will be made in 3D and when they get older they will expect all films to be made in 3D," says Cohen. "It will probably happen in about 15 years."

But right now, one issue that many including Cameron are stepping around very carefully is that not all movie theaters are digitally equipped to project films in 3D.

In the UK, the UK Film Council reports that around 320 out of 3,600 screens are digitally equipped, while in the U.S. the ratio is even worse. These figures are predicted to improve rapidly over the next few years.

Cameron argues vociferously that movies have to play well in both 2D and 3D; that a narrative should work whether it's shot as a black and white silent or as a 3D color epic.

But, says Cohen, there's more to the issue than Cameron is letting on. Films are made differently for 3D -- different lenses, different depth of field, different pace of editing.

For example, action sequences which traditionally have fast cutting are edited more slowly because the eye and the brain cannot process stereoscopic cinema as fast as 2D.

"If you make a movie to work in both formats, it doesn't work fully in either format," points out Cohen. "You can't fully exploit either format."

This could have implications for the popularity of "Avatar" with the large numbers of people who will have to watch it in 2D when it comes out on December 18 -- with a potential knock on effect on box office takings.

But, whatever happens with "Avatar," it is unlikely to halt the steady march of 3D towards domination of our movie theaters.

"This is a revolution that's here to stay," said Cohen. "We are headed for a future in which 3D screens are ubiquitous and where we simply get used to using the stereo sense again.

Fame!!! I want to live forever! I want to learn how to fly! High!
I love that movie. It always made me dream about leading an "artistic" life myself. Although I doubt my parents would have let me. I'm curious about the remake, sceptic too. I will probably go see it just to see if they butchered the original or did it justice.

Rockzmom: There's not much to be jealous about my job. I mostly fly short and medium haul (Europe and Northern Africa) so we always make a round-trip. Which makes for very long days and horrible schedules. But not everything is so negative. Sometimes I do fly long haul and get to stay for a few days. We have 4 such destinations: Cape Verde, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Cancun. I'm leaving for Cancun on Friday .

Height restrictions? We only have restrictions for being too short. You have to be taller than 160 cm (about 5'3 or 5'4 I think?). So what was the restriction in your days?

Originally Posted by devochka

Fame!!! I want to live forever! I want to learn how to fly! High!
I love that movie. It always made me dream about leading an "artistic" life myself. Although I doubt my parents would have let me. I'm curious about the remake, sceptic too. I will probably go see it just to see if they butchered the original or did it justice.

Rockzmom: There's not much to be jealous about my job. I mostly fly short and medium haul (Europe and Northern Africa) so we always make a round-trip. Which makes for very long days and horrible schedules. But not everything is so negative. Sometimes I do fly long haul and get to stay for a few days. We have 4 such destinations: Cape Verde, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Cancun. I'm leaving for Cancun on Friday .

Height restrictions? We only have restrictions for being too short. You have to be taller than 160 cm (about 5'3 or 5'4 I think?). So what was the restriction in your days?

If I remember correctly it was around 5'8 and I am 5'10. It was about being too tall because of the low cabin and overhead bin height. I did a quick search and while it might not be true...

Originally Posted by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_attendant#Height_and_weight

Most airlines have height requirements for safety reasons, making sure that all flight attendants can reach overhead safety equipment. Typically, the acceptable height for this is 160 to 185 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 1 in) tall.[6] Some airlines, such as EVA Air, have height requirements for purely aesthetic purposes. Regional carriers using small aircraft with low ceilings can have height restrictions.

Okay, I am still jealous as i have never been to any of the places you get to go! So, if you have the time, please try to take some photos on some of your trips, even if they are nighttime ones, and post them for us! Also, let us know about the food and other impressions you have of the places.

I've just watched "Pulp Fiction". It's rating on IMDB is 8.9 and I'm agree.

Originally Posted by studyr

[s:1kmyrn0h]It's[/s:1kmyrn0h] Its rating on IMDB is 8.9 and [s:1kmyrn0h]I'm[/s:1kmyrn0h] I agree.

I've seen this movie, but I don't remember it well... 8.9 - это по какой шкале? Десятибальной?

Originally Posted by Оля

Originally Posted by studyr

[s:qaa94rg8]It's[/s:qaa94rg8] Its rating on IMDB is 8.9 and [s:qaa94rg8]I'm[/s:qaa94rg8] I agree.

I've seen this movie, but I don't remember it well... 8.9 - это по какой шкале? Десятибальной?

George, somehow I just knew that you would like this movie!!!

Quentin Tarantino's new movie Inglourious Basterds did very well at the box office this past weekend. It was number 1 at the box office over the weekend in a BIG way ($38,054,676 vs. $18,213,546 for 2nd place Distric 9, and the theater count was almost the same).

So far I just have not been able to get "into" any of his films. I did see him "live" at a taping of the Tonight Show when Grindhouse was coming out, and he seems to be very funny and the kind of person I would like; yet, his movies, I just don't get.

Originally Posted by Оля

Originally Posted by studyr

[s:1bb2wtiy]It's[/s:1bb2wtiy] Its rating on IMDB is 8.9 and [s:1bb2wtiy]I'm[/s:1bb2wtiy] I agree.

I've seen this movie, but I don't remember it well... 8.9 - это по какой шкале? Десятибальной?

I can't remember the plot either: Lots of killing, that's all I remember.
But Uma Thurman is a cool and very talented actress, I think.
The music in Pulp Fiction was very good too.
I read that it inspired lots of crazy murders by teenagers etc.