Seven Samurai, impressive film

I thought the film was excellent. The scenes were done every so well. The waterfall and flower scenes were beautiful

Fanny and Alexander - trailer

Treasures from Moscow: Icons from the Andrey Rublev Museum

UPCOMING CLASS

I have enjoyed this class of International Cinema as much as any I've ever taught.  I would love to see many of you next term (PEL Spring II) for my class in Film Noir (listed as Film Genres).  We will be viewing many of the classics from the period of 1941 through 1958.  There will also be a few contemporary "neo-noirs."  Here are some of the titles we will be watching.  A poster is followed by a still from the film.

Chinatown

 Double Indemnity

The Maltese Falcon

Touch of Evil

Simón del desierto (final): carne radioactiva - thought this was a strange scene at the end of the movie.

Great pictures from the Seven Samaurai movie. Enjoyed the movie very much. I could not believe the way they would fight with the bandits coming at them full blast on horses and waiving the swords.

http://blog.ricecracker.net/2010/05/23/kurosawa-group/

What good was Simon's faith?

It seemed purposeless for Simon to be standing on top of the pillar. He could have prayed more discreetly on the mountains in the scenery behind him if he wanted to be up higher. He wanted Christ to come get him but it was Satan who kept showing up to tempt him instead. How ironic and disheartening for such a faithful man. I do not understand why his beard was parted the entire scene. Maybe it was a version of the red sea parting. The dancing at the end reminded me of Footloose or Dirty Dancing. Of course there would be dancing in hell! I think Simon’s life may have been more useful getting to know his mother and possibly finding a woman or a man if he so chooses, to enjoy life with. He could still pray while living life!