Gravity (2013) Great sets, nice visuals, but why the ugly lightning in so many scenes? Many shots look more like a videogame or tv-series in the lightning aspect. Plotwise, how did Sandra Bullock's character get into space in the first place? Does the NASA hand over jobs to hysteric housewives now? No matter the sophisticated background they created for her, it doesn't fit her childlike dialogue, lack of knowledge and her annoying behaviour in general. For a film that depends so much on visuals and little on plot progression, one would expect that it must lean on its underlying themes... but they were rather dull too. This film isn't interesting or fun on any level. 3/10
Kagemusha (or Shadow Warrior) (1980)
Not quite up there with several other films of Kurosawa. When a warlord dies, his highest ranking army generals decide it would be a good idea to pretend he's still alive by having a nearly identical man (looks-wise) take his place. Of course this leads to several difficulties. The world is believable, the sets and costumes are great, the plot progresses slowly but surely and takes a few interesting turns. There are many good things here, but it lacks the power to impress the viewer like Kurosawa did with, for example, Seven Samurai. Enjoyable, but not very memorable. 6/10
Babettes gæstebud (or Babette's Feast) (1987)
Despite a few disturbing images of animals ready to be killed for the feast, this was a great film. (by the way, I do realize the turtle was a fake turtle, but it was still a sad sight). This is one of those films where religion plays a big part, but the viewer doesn't necessarily have to be religious him/herself to enjoy it. There's much more to it. This film is atmospheric, intelligent, immersive... simply quite wonderful. 8/10
La dolce vita (1960) It's hard to forgive director Fellini for having his actors dub their dialogue on a seperate audio recording, which results in unnatural lip movements. In some scenes it's more noticeable than in other scenes. Sometimes the timing is just a little off, which is not that big a deal. At other times however, it looks like somebody was saying something completely different on the film reel than what is actually heard! La dolce vita is so rich in fantastic scenes, that most viewers have apparently decided to forgive Fellini for his unusual ways. I tend to agree with them. La dolce vita is an unforgettable experience with images that will certainly stick with you for a few days, a few weeks... perhaps permanently. 9/10