Dreams Review 1990

To start off "Dreams" is a very different style of international film. The story and subject matter is very different compared to the other films we've seen so far. I understand that "Dreams" is a compilation of several different stories; however, one can't help but feel neglected. The stories that some of these dreams dealt with were confusing at time. The explanation for each dream is not very clear, or at least not to me. Here's the trailer for "Dreams":

Maybe this isn't my kind of movie, but I felt cheated by the stories because they didn't go far enough into telling a stories effectively. The points are very confusing! The only two stories that I somewhat liked were the following: The nuclear Power Plant exploding and the one with the giant flower and the deformed man who claimed to be a demon! Even the demon one was not as good because it spent to much time dwelling on something that was of little interest. The demon explains how he was a farmer and what happened to the land and him and other people once the nuclear explosion took place. If anyone is interested in a really good Nuclear suspense movie I highly recommend "The China Syndrome" from 1979 starring Jack Lemmon. Although nothing like "Dreams" it is a movie that speaks volumes about the nuclear business and the people involved in it. There was a tragic event back in the late 70's which was Three Mile Island. "China Syndrome" is based on that. There is one thing that this movie does share with "Dreams" and that is the message of you shouldn't screw with mother nature!

A lot of material from these two stories account for the past and I do appreciate that. WW2 is not to be forgotten and it's obvious theat the films director has not forgotten the events of radiation either. We can see this with these two stories dealing with radiation and nuclear trauma! Here is a clip from "The Weeping Demon" story segment:

There is another thing though that I do find good about "Dreams" and that is the musical score. The score was very eerie especially for the nuclear segment and the "Weeping Demon". The dark brooding mood of the music creates a world that enters into the realm darkness reaxhing far beyond man's mortal fear of a nuclear accident, and the dramatic effects that it causes upon the human race. Despite all modern advances in techonolgy there is a fate that sometimes you can't avoid. Too much trust in power and resources can backfire and the two story segments that show this example are very affective in their portrayal of a nuclear tragedy. Here is a clip from Mount Fuji in Red:

The more one watches a certain movie the more that person may like a movie. I think "Dreams" might just fall into that category. Along with the other stories although I personally don't think the highest regard of them they are still good. The first two stories are the weakest of the "Dreams". The second story could be considered somewhat confusing especially since the same child actor is used. At first I thought the second story was a continuation of the first one with the Foxes wedding in the forest that the young boy witnessed. It is not the same story however, there is a link between them in their settings and basic principles of responsibilty.

The Orchard story obviously shows mother nature in contrast against human nature and what human nature has done to mother nature. The destruction of the orchard is symbolic to today's constant battle with the rain forest and various other nature elements, which are constantly at risk from mankind. The moral of the Orchard story is that taking away what doesn't seem like much is actually a greater hurt than anyone can imagine because eventually one thing affects another. Although mother nature is taken for granted this piece does make you take notice of the vital effect through the trees and the eyes of a child witnessing it! Here's Part 1 of the Orchard story:

As a visual element "Dreams" is very breathtaking. The shots are so scenic and really do tell the story, but the elements are lingered on too long and therefore makes the movie seem longer than it is. In comparison there are other dream movies that are much more interesting. The old fashioned style of putting 4 or more stories in one movie always makes for good entertainment because you have so much going on and many different styles to choose from. The anthology film was movie effectively used in the 1960's and 1970's; for example, "Tales from the Crypt" from 1972, is a fine anthology film that keeps you entertained with suspense and horror! Here the trailer to give you a small taste of quality:

The british anthology films that Hammer Studios and Amicus put out were among the best, which included Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965), Asylum (1972) and "House That Dripped Blood" (1971), just to name a few. Here the trailer for Asylum:

These movies and "Dreams" both share certain cinematic similarities in the way that they are shot and even story structure in some of the stories. Every story has a purpose and "Dreams" purpose is to show how human nature affects society and health. The director has achieved his goal with "Dreams".

Not One Less Movie Review

Yimou Zhang's film serves as a centerpiece of life in a small rural village outside of the big city. This film also reflects just how careless the big city can be towards people especially those with very little or no money. The message that I took away from this film is that each person has to deal with life in their own way. Life is not fair and the way that some people are forced to live shows just how bad life can be for some. The only bright spot is that dedication to education has not been lost, which is greatly seen in the character of Wei Minzhi. Her dedication to not leaving one student behind gives hope and a sense of fulfillment to those who have little hope or none at all. As the viewer "Not One Less" is a heart wrenching story about poverty, human dignity, city life and education. Here's the trailer for "Not One Less":

China has always been a center for controversy. Throughout hundreds of years China has been through a lot of political and personal changes; for example, the Opium Wars of the 1840's had serious effects on China and their trading. China has also changed reigns more times than a reindeer. Imperialism was what China was before 1911, until the Qing Dynasty was overthrown by Dr. Sun Yat Sen. He was the founder of the Republic of China. After 1911 many things would still go wrong; for example, Chiang Kai Shek's corrupt government rule in the 1940's, which led to the Chinese Civil War in 1949 (Communist vs. Nationalist). WW2 was another huge event that shaped China the way it is today because of Japan's colony rule on certain parts of China. Here's a clip of an original history presentation that aired in several parts on US networks many years ago using compiled clips about the history of RED CHINA as it was back in the 1960's and 1970's. Nixon was first US president to visit communist china. I hope you enjoy this piece of historic video:

"Not One Less" is critical of the Chinese Government in a way and rightfully so. The conditions in which Chinese Village people have to deal with is sad and especially those in the crowded cities. That is no way to live crowded, poor and careless toward human life. Because there is so much human life (population) in China, this does prompt why people and the government do not care and that is because there are so many people. The gap between the rich and poor is seen throughout the world, but I believe that between America and China, they are the kings of rich and poor because the gaps are so vast! There is a cruel side to every government is what "Not One Less" also represents. It doesn't show this is a very obvious and violent way, but it is there to be seen. Here is a clip of the Tiananmen Square incident from 1989, in which many people were wounded, killed and arrested. Protesters in the streets and tanks being called in as well. This show cases the violence that China has at their finger tips to unleash anytime they wish:

Any society has its problems. All over the globe the issues that are seen in this movie are seen in everyday life especially in places that are lower income and live under dictatorship. America is even not what it used to be. Education is one thing that gives insight to those who need it and to those that live for it. Understanding is a tool that some governments try to surpress. Giving education to people makes them form their own opinions on what is what and what is wrong. Society is based upon information to create and build, but there are those who try not to build however, they try to destroy and keep everything for themselves and their elite families. America, China, Africa, etc all have their own selective power to control everything from food to modern inventions. Zhang's film shows the difference between elite people and poor people. There are those who have too much wealth and don't deserve it. Here's a clip of some wealth holders:

Chinese cinema is very intriguing. Although I have not seen to many chinese film except for mostly kung fu movies a lot of Chinese films are very different from that of America. The stories and style of filming are in their own category. Too talk about more modern choices of cinema here's an example of Chinese entertainment, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon":

Also the movies of Bruce Lee are probably the finest example of Chinese Kung Fu Cinema.

Lee's unfortunate death ended what was a most promising career. Here's a clip from a Kung Fu

classic, "Enter the Dragon", which also co-stars John Saxon. This is probably the most americanized

kung fu film ever made:

The music in "Not One Less" also gives a taste of the styles for that region musically. The score complements

the movie perfectly. In creating the atmosphere of the village and then the atmosphere of the

big city when the teacher goes looking for her lost student.

Overall this film is an effective drama that tells an honest story about survival and caring. Life has its problems, but those who are smart

enough will overcome those problems to hopefully come to find an honest understanding of the way life is. Some things need change and others

need to be changed.