DAS

The Holy Mountain

KS Nominated, Movie Reviews / By

The Holy Mountain (1973) is a surrealist fantasy film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, who also wrote and starred in the movie. It is known for its avant-garde style, vivid imagery, and deeply symbolic narrative. The film is often considered a cult classic and has been praised for its creativity and thought-provoking themes.

The story follows a character known as the Thief, who bears a striking resemblance to Jesus Christ. He encounters an alchemist, played by Jodorowsky, who takes him under his wing and introduces him to a group of seven wealthy and powerful individuals, each representing a planet in the solar system. These individuals are seeking the secret of immortality and believe they can find it on the summit of the Holy Mountain, where nine immortal beings reside.

The group embarks on a transformative journey, confronting their own egos and desires, as well as various bizarre and surreal challenges. The film is rife with religious, spiritual, and esoteric symbolism, exploring themes such as enlightenment, the quest for immortality, and the nature of power.

The Holy Mountain is not a conventional narrative film and can be challenging to follow for some viewers. However, it offers a unique and visually stunning cinematic experience that has made it a cult favorite among fans of experimental and surreal cinema.

Moneyball

Movie Reviews, YA Nominated / By

Moneyball (2011) is an American sports drama film directed by Bennett Miller, based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Michael Lewis. The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, and Jonah Hill as Peter Brand, a Yale-educated economist. The movie is a true story that explores the innovative strategies used by Beane to build a competitive team despite having a limited budget.

In the film, Beane and Brand challenge traditional baseball scouting methods and develop a new approach based on sabermetrics, a statistical analysis of player performance. Their goal is to identify undervalued players who can contribute to the team’s success without breaking the bank. Beane and Brand face skepticism and resistance from both the team’s scouts and the media, but they are determined to prove that their unconventional methods can lead to success on the field.

As the Oakland Athletics begin to defy expectations and rack up wins, Beane’s approach gains traction and changes the way major league baseball teams evaluate players and construct their rosters. Alongside the main plot, the film also delves into Beane’s personal life and past as a once-promising baseball player.

Moneyball received critical acclaim for its engaging story, strong performances, and unique perspective on the world of professional sports. The film earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Brad Pitt, and Best Supporting Actor for Jonah Hill.

Midsommar

Movie Reviews, ZA Nominated / By

Midsommar (2019) is a psychological horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. The movie stars Florence Pugh as Dani, a young woman who is struggling with the recent loss of her family in a tragic accident. Alongside her boyfriend, Christian (played by Jack Reynor), and his friends, Dani decides to join a trip to Sweden to attend a rare midsummer festival held by a remote commune.

Upon arrival, the group is initially captivated by the idyllic setting, the welcoming community, and their unique customs. However, as the festival progresses, they soon discover that the seemingly innocent rituals and traditions have a darker and more sinister side.

Midsommar explores themes of grief, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. The film is notable for its unsettling atmosphere, striking visuals, and vivid color palette, which is unusual for the horror genre. Florence Pugh’s powerful performance as Dani received widespread acclaim, and the movie has been praised for its thought-provoking and deeply disturbing narrative.

While Midsommar is not a conventional horror film, it effectively uses psychological tension and disturbing imagery to create an unsettling experience that stays with the viewer long after the film has ended.