13 Assassins (2011)

Story, The evil Lord Naritsugu is set to ascend to the Shogun council where his only plans aim is set to bring insanity and war to its people. The opening scene brings a man committing Hara Kiri, this to me is all takes for the film to draw you into its grasp, why did this person commit such an act, an act of honour, or cowardliness?  The first hour of this film mainly focuses on character development as we need to find the 13 Assassins as well as develop an understanding to why these men would throw their lives up to go against Lord Naritsugu, with this hour we also learn the true fear and power of what Lord Naritsugu is capable off and the reason of why this man needs to be laid to rest so he will never ascend to the Shogun council.

The next forty fives minutes shows a truly remarkable fight scene of blood and honour and will leave many people who view this film breathless. This film also shows that you do not need a mass amount of CG to create such a masterpiece which is most likely my main enjoyment of this film. I am sure at certain points of this film I have not even noticed certain parts of this film had even used CG, it at times seemed that realistic. This film is not only about blood but the honour of the Samurai, one of the main commanders for Lord Naritsugu is fully aware that his Lord is set to commit such horrendous acts but by his code he shall follow him to his death, this shows true commitment of what the Samurai where like back in those days and that they where fully prepared to sacrifice themselves for others to live on.

Now the ending of this film is pure genius, with this ending we encounter success and failure, Lord Naritsugu shows his true colours at the end and we feel sadness but honour for the people who sacrificed themselves to defeat Lord Naritsugu. The acting is pure seriousness, some may say this could have been one downfall with this film but Takeshi Miike, the director of this film has my uttermost respect as I would say without seriousness, I would not imagine this film to do so well. The photography,camera lightning and direction of this film is purely brilliant with sets that show such pure detail in historical Japanese buildings as well as the effects off blood, gore and the layouts for the final fight scene which I would say shows true effort in the creation of this film

Out of the full cast I would say Koji Yakusho (Shinzaemon Shimada)  did the best performance in this film, been the leader of the thirteen assassins his acting ability to bring the true honour of the samurai to life shows good reason and helps hold other less well know actors together. The remaining twelve Samurai show their agility and skill which adds the more brutal side of the film which I'm sure most people would be looking forward to while viewing this historical action epic.

Overall a brutal,bloody and brilliant film all in one, a true set masterpiece that will leave feeling the need for more. Lets not commit Hara Kiri over such delight to express our honour for this film.
8.9/10

The Dark Knight (2008)

Story, the mob seems to be diminishing from Gotham been under threat by the power of a "White Knight" Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart)  but near its success comes a new threat, an unknown criminal called the Joker (Heath Ledger) who set with a game, a game to set Gotham into Chaos and has no fear off bringing insanity to the field.  We all know this film is great, simply by the structure of the story and this is all through the power of Christopher Nolan, I wonder if he himself will make some form of superhero status after the completion off the third film *crosses fingers* With his ability, the story of the Batman becomes even darker with his nemisis on the field, The Joker who would of know what chaos this film brings to the screen, but we all love it. the Joker knows the Batman, he knows what he is inside, what he fights for and will turn it against him at all cost just to play his game, a game with no ending. 

To me myself, what I love mainly about this film is the soundtrack, that's right with all of its greatness, from the acting of Heath Ledger or the acting Christian Bale its the soundtrack created by the infamous Hanz Zimmer. The soundtrack to The Dark Knight is riddled with suspense to where he creates its atmosphere and how we feel while watching this film. Its main song, titled "Why So Serious" the theme of the Joker brings nine minutes of terrifying music which will leave you at the edge of your seat through beginning to end. 

Now lets get to the acting and Heath Ledger of course who portrays the Joker, he brings the character to the joker so terrifyingly to life its almost to what it may have an effect on younger audiences or just people in general. Its rare occasion to that Heath Ledgers performers is probably one of the greatest I have ever seen, its all such a shame that such a talented actor is not with us today. Now Christian Bales Batman, he does a good job, I have no complaints but there isn't much new from him even though I do consider him to be one of my favourite actors of all time but it would have been more interesting to see some form of other emotion from at least the Bruce Wayne character.  The remaining actors, well there is quite an interesting remaining cast, the legendary Michael Cain, Morgan Freeman with there very meaningful one liners of dialogue witch help Batman to victory but to say the least, we love it. The critically acclaimed Gary Oldman, I would say stands alone from the rest of the actors which really shows his talent to the screen. Finally, Maggie Gyllenhaal does a great job of Rachel Dawes with big shoes to replace after the previous actor Katie Homes who Rachel Dawnes in Batman Begins.  

Now we all love a film with action but I'd say balances the film out perfectly, not to much action to make us brain-dead but satisfy's out needs of watchman batman succeed in his fights. Story and action in serenity is what this film utilizses perfectly which makes me appreciate the film very much more. I have already talked about actors and I thought you would think I was about to forget about Aaron Eckart who portrays Harvey Dent, now his acting is good, very "white knight" to how his character is portrayed but he also does a great job of his demise and the creation of Harvey's other side where the strive for justice soon takes its toll to something almost as similar to the Joker. 

Overall, simply an outstanding and unforgettable film, dark and disturbing it will inevitably satisfy us all. Its brings fear and worry to what will behold in the third film, will its success become greater or will it stumble down the rabbit hole, lets hope the Christopher Nolan does us well for Batman's future. 

"And... here... we... go!"