Just watcheed this and wow what a great movie. I wasn't particularly interested in seeing it, but thought I'd rent it anyway, and then put off watching it for ages, but I have to say, it's one of the best films I've seen in ages.

The performances from Bale, Jackman and Caine are excellent, but the real star is writer-director Nolan, who really pulls this one out of the hat, if you'll excuse the pun. The way the plot unfolds and the reveals are handled is nothing short of amazing.

Can't wait to check out Dark Knight now..

Kris

Yes, I'd agree with that, too, an excellent film. Good, strong plot and great acting. I don't remember it getting much in the way of reviews when it first came out - or, if it did, I missed them - so it came as a nice surprise when I finally got round to watch it.


- NaomiM

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

JB

Haven't watched this, either. It wasn't one of the recent series of Caine films given away with a newspaper, but they were quite old. I'll put it on my sofacinema list.

Sheila

I haven't seen the film, but this thread has just reminded me - I'm sure I bought the book recently, but I've no idea where I put it.

I quite liked this too. But I see so many films that it didn't stick in my mind as being one of the best of that year - whichever year it was.

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Ah! That's because it came out the same year as Volver, Pan's Labyrinth, Little Miss Sunshine,The Departed, Half nelson, The Lives of Others and The Queen. Quite a year!

I didn't realise is was an adaptation, I may have to seek out the book now...

Ooh, The Departed was a cracking film!

JB

Brilliant, wasn't it!

Yes, I saw all the others, but not Half Nelson. Who was in that? Was it boxing film? I hate those, so that might have been the reason

Sheila

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Doh! I see it wasn't even a wrestling film. No, I din't like films about teachers. That one with Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett was good, though.

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Juat looked at The Prestige and remember I did see it and agree it was excellent - very atmospheric and mysterious but I think I didn't quite understand how they did the 'trick', when I saw it.

Just come from seeing a Korean film at the cultural centre, right next to Charing Cross Station. Viewing conditions were not of the best, on low benches with thin leather cushions but I made allowances as it was free. It was enjoyable, called Barking Dogs Never Bite, a comedy instead of a horror, for a change. I've never seen a bad Korean film. There's another free film there on December 11th and there's a couple being screened at the British Musem but you have to pay there - £3 concessions so I might go.

Here's the trailer for Half Nelson, Sheila. I have a feeling you'd love it and NO it's definitely not a boxing film! It's about a young teacher's relationship with drugs and a young black girl, who, ironically, tries to put him on track, reversing the stereotypes. Ryan Gosling is amazing, apart from being amazingly fit too!



http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BNdg2Ds3Fpw


Oh, and did you see Take Care of My Cat? I think that's the only Korean film I've seen and I loved it.

Looked at a bit of this, but no, I'd hate it. I remembered the other 'charimatic teacher' one I really disliked - it had irritating Robin Willams jumping on a desk and shouting 'Carpe Diem'.

The clip reminded me more of the one with Sidney Poitier To Sir with Love - not The Blackboard Jungle, which had Glenn Ford, I think, and there was another with Lauwrence Olivier and Sarah Miles. I'd read To Sir with Love and I think it illustrated what in my opinion is wrong with most films about teachers. The book was about a young black man's coming to terms with living and working in the East End at a time when London was overtly racist - I remember the first scene was his impressions as he crossed the playground to be interviewed. I felt ashamed he had to undergo the humilation of even being that environment (that state school environments were/are relentlessly depressing is mostly glossed over in films) The book's title refers to the teacher's eventual acceptance by his pupils; the whole slant of the film seemed to be about his relationship with a teenage girl. That's what seems to drive these films and what to my mind really undermines teachers. Most aren't charismatic and most aren't attracted to their spotty charges, which they mainly have to teach in crowd-like conditions (The History Boys - another distorted view of classroom reality)

I all the representation flaws notice because I was too close to it. I expect doctors don't think much of the reality quotient of, say, Holby City.

Beside, Half Nelson is American. I had a laugh last week at High School Musical 3, where the cast aged 17-18 seemed recently made from some plastic material, as was the school. There certainly wasn't a zit to be seen on the shining faces. Plus the only equally unpleasant character was an English girl eager to be the 'poodle' for the overly-spoilt American one. Chew on that, I thought, mindful of the underage audience cavorting around me (memo: don't go to films on half-term afternoons)As for the teacher, well, just ridiculous,

Phew! Glad I got that off my chest. No, I'd like to see the Hold My Cat one.

Sheila

No, it's not remotely like one of those Dead Poets' Society films which I also hated. The classroom scenes are minimal and it's more about him falling apart. It's really very good.

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Well, here are some reviews that might make you change your ind.

http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/halfnelson

Talked to my partner about this, too, on the way back from the supermarket (rain- so traffic queues) and he said it was excellent. He's not very critical, so I take that with a pinch of salt, but he knows abad film. I see the reviews are mixed but for the most part enthusiastic. I think the American audience might relate to it better than I could, but I'll put it on my sofacinema list and thanks for the tip-off.

We're going to see 'Body of Lies' this afternoon, about which I know nothing except it's a 'men squaring up' type film which is his favourite genre. I see it has Mark Strong.'He always takes a good part', as my mother would say. I like him better than Russell Crowe and Di Caprio, the stars.

Back in time for 'Corrie', though. Might get to write blog blog about the Korean film in between episodes - or maybe there's only one on Friday?

Sheila

I love Mark Strong. All those actors that "Our Friends from the North" brought on. A certain Mr J Bond, for instance. Plus Chris Eccleston and Gina McKee. Don't fancy that film, though. Looks too noisy!

I'm taking my twins to see the Israeli cartoon one tomorrow - sorry, can't remember name!!