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10 Things I Hate About You

Main Cast:

Heath Ledger – as Patrick Verona
Julia Stiles – as Kat Stratford
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – as Cameron James
Larisa Oleynik – as Bianca Stratford

Direct0r: Gil Junger

********** 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU *********

An ordinary looking boy named Cameron fell in love with Bianca Stratford at their first encounter at his new school. But Bianca, one of the prettiest and most popular chicks in their campus, was not allowed to date by her strict father. It is her father’s rule that her older sister, Kate, known for her unfriendly and rebellious image, should have a date first before Bianca could be asked out by a guy. Too desperate, Cameron sought help from the only boy who could stomach dating Kat in exchange of money. It’s the notorious Patrick. But the Patrick and Kat fell into a pit called love despite of unpleasant situations and their differences.

I have watched this film when I was in my teenage years. I wasn’t familiar with Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger during that time. But even though they were not that popular, I still loved the movie as well as their performances.

The plot is simple, ordinary, and kinda predictable. But it is so appealing in the sense that the actors have excellently done their parts. I loved the scene wherein Heath rendered a song for Julia in front of many students in the field/quadrangle. Haaay… that scene is so unforgettable!

10 Things I Hate About You might not captured the hearts of many. But it indeed captured mine because it reminds me of my youth.

********** till next review **********

Casanova

Main Cast:

Heath Ledger – as Casanova
Sienna Miller – as Francesca
Jeremy Irons – as Pucci
Oliver Platt – as Paprizzio
Lena Olin – as Andrea
Stephen Greif – as Donato
Phil Davies – as Bernardo Guardi
Natalie Dormer – as Victoria
Tim McInnerny- The Doge
Charlie Cox – as Giovanni Bruni

Direct0r: Lasse Halstrom

********** CASANOVA **********

World’s famous womanizer, Casanova / Giovanni Giacomo, has finally found his match in the person of Francesca. This very witty, principle-driven and independent woman is an activist and a gifted writer, hiding under a certain pseudonym.

Casanova was a favorite in court and a headache to the leading Prosecutor Pucci, because the former was always involved in scandalous acts such as being caught leaving a novice nun’s bedroom. But since the Venice’s political point man, The Doge, is Casanova's friend, Casanova has always been freed from charges… and is allowed to stay in the city in one condition, he must be married to a descent woman and remained faithful to her. Casanova eyed the city’s known virgin, Victoria, who madly adores him. Incidentally, Francesca’s younger brother, Giovanni Bruni is very much in love with Victoria and to be able to ditch him, Casanova challenges him to a duel. Casanova defeated him in swords but he discovered later on that it was not Giovanni Bruni he's actually been fighting with. Instead, it was Francesca. Casanova’s curiosity on Francesca’s personality led him to liking her and also to unveiling her secret as an activist. However, Francesca is set to marry the rich and chubby Papprizzio. Casanova did his best to block Papprizzio and Francesca’s first meeting, and victoriously stopped their wedding. In the end, Papprizzio was attracted by the beauty of Francesca’s mother, Victoria ended up with Giovanni Bruni, while Casanova lived happily with Francesca.

I have watched this movie years ago, but the story is still fresh in my mind. Of course, who among us do know this Italian adventurer Casanova, who has been part of our history. This film is certainly funny, entertaining and exciting. I remember that I never left my seat in theater to go to the toilet nor to buy popcorn outside because I don’t want to miss a single scene. *wink*

However, Casanova was a movie not intended for children because of its theme –sexual and mild violence.

********* till next review **********

Brokeback Mountain

One of the most intriguing movies in 2005 was the Brokeback Mountain. It shook the world of the conservatives and at the same time, awaken the blood of liberal-minded and liberated. I classify myself in the pit of liberal-minded. Twenty-five years old during that time, I was old enough to be mesmerized on how Ang Lee smoothly combined the arts and reality.

As promised, I tell to you my insight about this another Heath's movie - Brokeback Mountain.

Main Cast:

Heath Ledger - as Ennis del Mar
Jake Gyllenhaal - as Jack Twist
Randy Quaid - as Joe Aguirre
Michelle Williams - as Alma
Anne Hathaway - as Lureen Newsome

Direct0r: Ang Lee

********** BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN **********

In the summer of 1963, two young cowboys (Ennis and Jack) met when they where hired by a local rancher Aguirre. Always together at work, the two men bonded very closely wherein companionship and camaraderie elevated into deeper intimacy. But eventually, Ennis and Jack parted their ways when their jobs came to an end. Both of them built their own families - got married and obtained stable jobs. Years after, they had a reunion. And meeting again proved that their hunger for each other was never flown away by years, instead, their love and lust were just kept within themselves... and they can hardly stop these feelings to burst out. Jack died in the story, but his love for Ennis is undying, and vice versa.

Brokeback Mountain is a timeless movie which was excellently narrated by Ang Lee. Ledger and Gyllenhaal have once again made their mark as great actors in this film. All the actors were glued to their characters and not overacting. Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams played their role, though quite short, just enough to support the story.

I love this movie. There are many films depicting same sex relationships, but Brokeback Mountain is not just one of them... It has quality and taste, showing that it is a product of hardwork and brilliant minds.

********** till next review **********

The Dark Knight

The death of Heath Ledger was one of the saddest news in Holywood this year. And it was more devastating to the people in the land down under, particularly in WA, for they have lost their state's most favorite son. Heath was indeed a quality performer. And to show how much I admire him, I allot the premier spaces of this blog for his movies.

To begin with, I present to you The Dark Knight.

The Main Cast:

Christian Bale - as Batman/Bruce Wayne
Heath Ledger - as The Joker
Aaron Eckhart - as Harvey Dent/Two-Face
Michael Caine - as Alfred Pennyworth
Gary Oldman - as Lt. James Gordon
Maggie Gyllenhaal - as Rachel Dawes
Morgan Freeman - as Lucius Fox

Direct0r: Christopher Nolan

********** THE DARK KNIGHT **********

Batman once again pursued his goal to beat the unlawfuls. This time, he worked hand and hand with Lt. Gordon and District Atty. Dent to hammer criminal organizations in Gotham City. Their efforts seemed to be successful during the first phases of their fight against crimes, but they soon realized that they were becoming the victims of the man who's messing and causing dilemma to their city - The Joker.

Bale's always good at playing Batman. His prominent chin, which I think to be always first in the list in considering who to cast in the lead role, truly fits in the character. However, I can't say that Bale is more convincing as Bruce Wayne than the other actors who portrayed the same role.

Ledger's Joker portrayal, on the other hand, was truly amazing. I can never forget how he brought chills into my spine. I watched Jack Nicholson's Joker in the previous Batman movie, though the latter was also at his best, Ledger's performance was far better than Nicholson.

The other actors such as Freeman, Caine, Eckhart, and Oldman also deserve commendation for their excellent performances. While I'm still wondering why Gyllenhaal was chosen to play the role of Rachel. I honestly didn't find her to be smart... nor attractive enough to own the heart of Wayne and Atty. Dent.

The Dark Knight is really a dark movie, literally and figuratively. Batman chose to save the good reputation of Atty. Dent and cover his misdeeds, making Batman a villain in the eyes of his city's denizens. Also, the setting and lightings were dark. Lastly, Joker's devious acts were too dark.

In conclusion, The Dark Knight is an excellent film. Outstanding cinematography, screenplay, and acting rolled in one. But I think, this movie is not suitable for young children from ages 10 and under, as it may bring them sleepless nights and nightmares after watching it.

********** till next review **********