Tag: History

Spoiler-Free Review: “Sinners” (2025)

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From Ryan Coogler-director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”-and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.” Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. -Synopsis (Warner Bros.)

I think it’s his greatest acting challenge yet. I say that having been there to see him level up each time. Fruitvale (Station) was his first time in a movie. -Ryan Coogler re: Michael B. Jordan

I got a free pass to a pre-screening of Sinners at my (local/Regal IMAX) theater in April 2025. The theater was packed; it reminded me of the excitement during the “Barbenheimer” era! As I guessed, this was a must-see/mulit-layered movie. Check it out soon (Netflix)!

The writer/director, Ryan Coogler, said that his biggest influences were  Salem’s Lot (1979), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and The Faculty (1998). Another inspo was an ep of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone (1959). The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank (in S3) centers on a young man from a small Midwestern town who returns to life at his own funeral. This shocks his loved ones and pastor. Despite their trepidation, the townspeople call it a miracle, until rumors swirl re: minor (yet noticeable) shifts in Jeff’s behavior.

The newcomer (breakout star) of the film, Miles Caton (Sammie), learned to play the resonator blues guitar to prep for his role. He recently turned 21, started out as singer, yet is a natural at acting. Just a breath of fresh air (in this time of nepo babies)! Jack O’Connell (Remmick) sings and dances; he is Irish and always wanted to jig in a movie. The large scoring orchestra has a number of talented musicians.

He was just in the dark–like he didn’t turn his lights on. Something about that was, like, so intriguing. This kid looked like he was in his basement, like in between homework assignments. But he had this voice–a once-in-a-lifetime voice. -Ryan Coogler on Miles Caton

Documentary filmmaker, Dolly Li, noted that Coogler’s father-in-law had Chinese Delta ancestors, like the Chows: Grace (Li Jun Li- recently seen in Babylon) and Bo (Yao- a Chinese-Singaporean actor). Sinners was set in Clarksdale during the Jim Crow era (the height of Chinese grocery stores’ popularity in the region). Li is listed in the end credits as a consultant.

[1] The acting across the board is full of nuance, expression, and authenticity.

[2] There’s a dark humour running beneath it all, and the music is incredible – bluesy, moody, full of soul. It’s a film that takes risks with tone and style, but it all comes together. Vicious, vibey, and unlike anything else in the genre.

[3] What separates (and elevates) this film from your standard supernatural horror flick is the fact that the director chose to spend more time in the first act developing our and exploring our characters.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “Nuremberg” (2025) starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, & Leo Woodall

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JUDGEMENT IS COMING. -Tagline

Hermann Göring: Just because someone is your ally, does not mean they are on your side.

In mid-1945, France, the Soviet Union, the UK, and the US convened a joint tribunal in Nuremberg (occupied Germany) w/ the Nuremberg Charter as its legal instrument. The charter upended the traditional view of international law by holding individuals, rather than states, responsible for breaches. Btwn November 20, 1945 and October 1,1946, the International Military Tribunal (IMT) tried 22 of the most important surviving Nazis leaders (in political, military, and economic spheres), as well as 6 German orgs. The charges were crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The purpose of the trial was NOT just to convict the defendants, but also to assemble irrefutable evidence of Nazi crimes, offer a history lesson to the Germans, and delegitimize their elite.

Dr. Douglas Kelley: I’m curious what the attraction was. There’s a failed painter, not a very good soldier, yet he was worshipped and revered.

Hermann Göring: He made us feel German again.

Dr. Kelley: How?

Göring: First of all, I had seen Germany crushed. And along comes a man who says “We can reclaim our former glory.” Would you not follow a man like this?

Dr. Kelley: Depends what else you were willing to do.

On THURS (last NOV 7th), I was among the early viewers of this historical drama written/directed by James Vanderbilt. I’d never hear of this filmmaker before; he was one of the screenwriters of Scream (2022) and Zodiac (2007). After seeing several promos and teaser trailers (on IG), I was V curious. FYI: I was a History minor in undergrad. There are several films/series re: the Nuremberg trials, BUT I haven’t watched them yet. I’d assumed that this story would be focused on the law, BUT it is told from a psychological (mental health) perspective. Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) wrote the book 22 Cells in Nuremberg which detailed his personal accounts of interactions w/ Nuremberg trial persons. The final chapter details how he could see the events of pre-WWII Germany occurring in (modern day) U.S.

Justice Robert H. Jackson: We are able to do away with domestic tyranny only when we make all men answerable to the law, so that it can never happen again.

As one critic wrote on Letterboxd: “This movie couldn’t be more timely!” I suggest that ppl check it out (at least on streaming, IF unable to see in theaters). As I was at a matinee on a weekday, there were only a handful of ppl in my audience. I was moved and learned some things also! Justice Jackson (Michael Shannon) took leave from his day job (SCOTUS) to be lead prosecutor in the trials. After WWII, popular opinion (among Allies) was that captured Nazis should be hanged w/o trial. Russell Crowe is in his villain era, and it works for him!

[1] The “cat and mouse” relationship between Malek and Crowe is ever changing and complex. Very timeless story of the ascent of evil rings very true today. 

[2] This really worked for me. It felt electric, which seems crazy for the subject matter. It had a palpable energy, and so stylish.

[3] Overall a great cast, but for me the other standout was Woodall, the translator for the doctor. I wish younger people would see it including in high school, but I doubt they ever will in the US.

Parallels with 2025 events in the USA are very real plus now anti-semitism is worldwide.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The History of Sound” (2025) starring Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor

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Lionel Worthing (Irish actor Paul Mescal) is a music prodigy from a humble Kentucky farming family who is able to visualize sound. Orphaned in adolescence, David White (British actor Josh O’Connor) is from a privileged background under his uncle’s guardianship in Newport, RI. Both become students at a music conservatory in Boston and meet at a bar in 1917. Their shared love of folk music brings them together; that bond soon becomes romantic. While the Great War (WWI) separates them, they’re brought back post-war when David (a researcher at an Augusta, Maine college) asks Lionel to accompany him on a trip to collect folk songs. Chris Cooper (the older version of Lionel) narrates the audiobook version of the short story on which the film is based.

Lionel: What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?

The film was announced in October 2021, but due to challenges in aligning schedules of director Oliver Hermanus (who hails from South Africa and is a queer man of color), Mescal, and O’Connor, filming didn’t begin until FEB 2024. Mescal is one of the EPs, which marks the 1st time he has received a producing credit on a film. Mescal and O’Connor became close friends during the pandemic; both young actors shared the experience of becoming famous at the same time. Mescal co-starred in Normal People; O’Connor played Prince Charles in The Crown (S3 & S4). I was excited for this movie (being a fan of its leads), BUT was also somewhat hesitant. I was NOT a fan of the 2024 miniseries (Mary and George) that Hermanus directed. Though the story is centered around Lionel, David is the more interesting character. O’Connor’s gazes, micro-expressions, and (variety) of smiles draw the audience in. No wonder Lionel was under his spell and wanted to follow him wherever he went! The American accents are flawless and the singing was quite good, too.

[1] My favorite scenes were when Paul and Josh were together. They’re both great actors in my opinion, had amazing chemistry. I just wish we had gotten more! Having these two as your lead actors, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps my expectations were too high. That said, I loved the beginning and the last 30 minutes. Another positive is that it’s a beautiful film, with gorgeous shots!

[2] A love story is at the core of director Oliver Hermanus’ slow-moving 2025 period drama, but his introspective approach doesn’t generate enough heat to make it palpable beyond what is portrayed onscreen.

[3] The movie looks gorgeous. The American scenes in particular are reminiscent of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Art decoration and cinematography are beautifully detailed. The music is all based on American folk songs wonderfully augmented by evocative music composed by cellist Oliver Coates. […]

This movie is probably not for everybody, but those interested in folk music and American history will find it rewarding. I was tempted to add “gay studies,” but I think that would be somewhat misleading. That is, however, the central issue, even though it never takes center stage. I think that’s what makes the film so haunting.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Border Incident” (1949) starring Ricardo Montalban & George Murphy

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The Bracero Program (1942-1964) was a series of agreements btwn Mexico and the US that allowed millions of Mexican men to work (legally) in the U.S. on short-term agricultural/railroad contracts. It was created to address labor shortages during WWII; it was the largest guest worker program in U.S. history. However, braceros often faced exploitation (promised wages, housing, and working conditions NOT met by growers). This movie (available on Amazon Prime video) centers on federal agents trying to protect Mexican braceros (someone who works w/ their arms/hands) from being robbed/killed along the U.S.-Mexico border. Pablo Rodriguez (Ricardo Montalban; aged 29 and looking FAB in 1st MGM lead role) teams up w/ FBI agent, Jack Bearnes (George Murphy) to tackle illegal immigrant smuggling. This is one of the few roles where Montalban played a Mexican (his real ancestry)! Pablo goes undercover as a bracero; Jack poses as a criminal (who smuggles work permits). There is a documentary feel in the framing (beginning and end) scenes. This movie (filmed mostly on location: Mexicali, Mexico; Calexico and El Centro, CA) is a blend of noir and Western.

Border Incident (a courageous movie for its day) was directed by Anthony Mann (before his iconic Westerns starring James Stewart). The budget needed ($650K) would’ve been TOO high for the “Poverty Row” studios he’d toiled in for 7 yrs. Mann was invited to MGM studios, which was headed by Dore Schary, a liberal/Democrat committed to making meaningful movies. Schary had been a playwright, director, and producer (for the stage), before transitioning to screenwriter and producer of moving pictures. Mann was apolitical; his main focus was making quality films. The director insisted that his frequent collaborator, John Alton, be hired on as DP/cinematographer. Fans of noir consider Alton to be a master of B&W photography; as Eddie Muller (TCM) noted, he somehow made the (wide open) spaces of the desert look claustrophobic!

There is no femme fatale (as this is a world populated by men); instead, we meet a bevy of baddies of different looks and (unhinged) personalities! Rancher Howard Plakson is played by Howard Da Silva; noir-istas may recognize him from The Blue Dahlia (1944) and They Live by Night (1948). Alfonso Bedoya plays “Cuchillo” (knife); he was the Mexican bandit “Gold Hat” in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948). He famously told Bogie: “We don’t need no stinking badges!” Zopilote is played by Howard Moss, a Shakespearean stage actor who had played many “ethnic” roles (due to his ambiguous looks). Mann creates tension and does NOT shy away from depicting racism and violence (based on real cases from the INS).

[1] If you’ve only known Mr. Montalban as Mr. Roarke on “Fantasy Island” or as Khan on the “Star Trek” episode “Space Seed” not to mention “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” you’ll probably be wonderfully surprised by his heroic role here.

[2] The pic is often vicious, sadistic even, landing violent scenes in the conscious that refuse to move until it’s all over and the screen goes blank. Suspense is never far away in Border Incident, with a mostly on form cast… bringing the material to life as the dream team cloak it all in pictorial assertiveness.

[3] John Alton’s photography is worth seeing alone, even without the sound it’s so good, not that you would want to avoid the fantastic score by Andre Previn. And the direction by Anthony Mann at the peak of his intensity is sharp and beautifully controlled.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Close-Up on Civil Wars: “Ride with the Devil” (1999) & “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” (2006)

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Ride with the Devil (1999) starring Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire, Jewel, & Jeffrey Wright

On the Western frontier of Missouri, the American Civil War was fought not by armies, but by neighbors. Informal gangs of local Southern Bushwhackers fought a bloody and desperate guerrilla war against the occupying Union army and pro-Union Jayhawkers. Allegiance to either side was dangerous. But it was more dangerous still to find oneself caught in the middle... -Prologue

Jake [after reading a letter to a Union soldier]: One mother’s very much like another.

Pitt Mackeson: Remember one thing, her boys will kill you if they can.

Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire) and Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) are best friends/neighbors in rural Missouri when the American Civil War starts. Jake lives w/ his German/immigrant father, who feels their ppl should have nothing to do w/ this war. After his older sister’s wedding, Jack Bull’s father is murdered by Union soldiers, who were also looking for him! Jack Bull (more the leader of the pair) and Jake (the follower) run away from home that same night. One year goes by; the young men have joined the Bushwhackers (loyal to the Confederacy); they ride w/ Black John (Jim Caviezel) and infiltrate enemy territory (disguising themselves as Union soldiers in blue uniforms). As one critic said: “This is guerrilla warfare- or terrorist tactics- depending on one’s viewpoint.”

Y’all prolly haven’t heard of this movie, unless (like me) you’re into history or fan of Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee (Sense & Sensibility; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The screenplay is by James Schamus; it is based on the novel Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell. Lee (who attended NYU film school w/ Spike Lee) is an immigrant to the US; he makes unexpected choices here (which brings depth/richness to what could’ve been a simple war story). You’ll get a kick out of seeing young/international actors (NOT yet famous): Mark Ruffalo, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Simon Baker, Jeffrey Wright, Jewel, and Jonathan Brandis.

I remember on the set you [Ang Lee] kept repeating: I don’t wanna make a white man’s movie, I don’t wanna make a white man’s movie. -Jeffery Wright, actor

Jake (called “Dutchie” as an insult) is an outsider among the men at the Bushwhacker camp; long-haired/wild-eyed Pitt Mackeson (Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers) antagonizes him whenever they meet. Jake wants to prove himself as an American; unlike most of his peers he can read/write. I learned re: the division btwn (native-born) Americans and German immigrants (who settled in the Midwest in large numbers in the mid-1800s). Perhaps the most interesting character is Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright- from DC; then known for theater work), a Black man recently freed by his master, George Clyde (Aussie actor Simon Baker). George is a quiet observer (until the 2nd half of the movie) and an expert marksman. Wright commented that the ensemble cast “all got to be pretty good w/ horses.”

[1] Lee handles the subject with aplomb, never rushing the deep introspection that the plot demands in favour of action and this lends the film a sense of the reality of war – long periods of boredom and waiting interposed with occasional flashes of intensely terrifying fighting. The action is unglamorised and admirably candid, recognizing that both sides committed a great number of atrocities.

[2]  What is beautiful about the movie, like all of Lee’s films, is that he doesn’t “side” with his characters. He creates characters, embodies them with life, problems, and ambiguity… and endows them with a reality that often hits far closer to home than with which many are comfortable.

But as an exploration of the greater human ambiguity that surely dwelt within the Civil War, it is a masterpiece.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) starring Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, & Padraig Delaney

Against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence, two brothers fight a guerrilla war against British forces. -Synopsis

In the early 1920s, rural Ireland is a battlefield of republicans fighting British security forces. Med school grad, Damien O’Donovan (Cillian Murphy), is the pride of his village; he is planning to train at a London hospital. On the day when he’s about to leave, he witnesses the brutal abuse of commoners at the railroad station. Damien pledges loyalty to the local IRA brigade, commanded by his older brother, Teddy (Padraig Delaney- in his 1st film). In the 2nd half of the movie, we learn that IRA leaders negotiated a Free State (yet still under British crown). Teddy and Damien have V different reactions!

I saw this film several yrs ago, BUT didn’t do an in-depth review; I recall being impressed, as I was on re-watch! The British director (Ken Loach) is known for Socialist realism; he often focuses on the working class/ordinary ppl. Most of the actors come from County Cork (where the story is set). Fans of Game of Thrones will get a kick out of seeing Liam Cunningham (whose character sees things from a Socialist lens). In the past yr, you may’ve noticed Cunningham speaking re: a free Palestinian state. Last month, I came across a news clip w/ screenwriter (Paul Lafferty); he’d been released from jail after protesting in London (in support of Palestinians). Yup, these filmmakers are real ones!

The young rebels are lean, proud, and V determined; they hunger for respect, freedom, and opportunity denied them on their native land. Early in the film, a teen boy is beaten to death by British soldiers after refusing to speak English (instead replying in Gaelic). You will see the (guerrilla) tactics used by the IRA, though the violence is brief (and NOT glamorized). As some viewers commented, there is NOT much blood shown; this was to protect the (fragile/period) costumes on a small budget. Damien wisely comments that Britain will never give Ireland freedom, b/c that will open the door for colonies- India and some African nations. This film (told on a small scale/intimate in nature) makes history come alive!

[1] The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a film that doesn’t shy away from the unrelenting terror and bloodshed of the revolution. The working-class accents and dialects are authentically preserved, with constant debate and war never ceasing. The film raises an important question about whether the Irish Revolution was a socialist or nationalist one.

[2] The film consists of two parts. Part 1 is about violence on the side of the English occupier, Part 2 is about Irish disunity.

The English violence in the movie did cause some discomfort at the time of release. We are accustomed to war crimes perpetrated by Germans, but the English? It should, however, not be forgotten that the English used WWI veterans in the Irish war of independence. Particularly the “Black and tans” were notorious.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews