Yukio Mishima's Amazing Technicolor Dreamlife

I had Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) in my Instawatch queue but never managed to get to it. Then I heard GGTMC cover it and realized it was something I didn't want to wait any longer to see. Got the Criterion edition from the library and dived in. It's every thing the Gentlemen said and then some. Was really into the different vibe each chapter of Mishima's life brings all framed within his central and final story. Powerful and vastly entertaining. Paul Schrader really conveys the Japanese sensibility of Mishima's life. Ken Ogata just nails it. Already wanted to view it again after this viewing. So very good. Highly recommended. 8 / 10

Followed that with a revisit to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) in preparation for the final film. Blu-ray looks gorgeous and the film is mostly good despite the somewhat abrupt ending. 7.5 / 10

• July New: 22
• July Re-watch: 4
• July '11 M.T.D.: 26
• July '10 M.T.D.: 54
• 2011 Y.T.D.: 412
  

Herzog x Kinski

Werner Herzog's Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1972) wasn't high on my blindspot list but still a film that needed to be seen. Saw it on the library shelf so what the hell. And it's a damn fine film just to see Klaus Kinski as the ruthless and unforgiving leader in search of El Dorado. The combination of Herzog and Kinski is legend. 7 / 10

• July New: 20
• July Re-watch: 3
• July '11 MTD: 23
• July '10 MTD: 54
• 2011 YTD: 409
  

Brando, Marlon Brando

Still recouping from my birthday and Cubs outing yesterday I finished off On the Waterfront (1954) before heading to the Quad Cities for my class reunion activities. Man, Brando was such a stud in his day. This film, a blindspot, is terrific, raw and natural. A shame it took me this long to finally sit down with it but highly recommended for any film buff. 8 / 10

• July New: 19
• July Re-watch: 3
• July '11 MTD: 22
• July '10 MTD: 54
• 2011 YTD: 408