Mis Peliculas Favoritas Parte 3

I decided to finish my list of favorite movies with some unique choices, since these 3 movies don't really fit the genres of the previous parts of the list. Plus only putting together descriptions of 3 movies allows me to go into a little more detail (like adding my favorite scene). I hope you've enjoyed this break from serious articles on this blog. I have been putting together notes and ideas and rough drafts for more deep contemplative posts. Until then, enjoy and have an awesome day!

• It Might Get Loud

Why is it a Favorite?: I was already a fan of the music of Jimmy Page/ Led Zeppelin before watching this and I became a fan of Jack White afterwards (as well as gained respect for The Edge of U2). Each of the 3 guitarists featured have a unique style that sometimes clashes with the others, but all of them respect each other's music. It's awesome getting to see a variety of concert footage, behind-the-scenes looks at the lives of the guitarists, and hearing their own personal take about the history of rock'n'roll and the electric guitar. This movie is full of moments when the musicians just sit back and play their instruments. This movie makes me want to pick up a guitar and improve my own skills.

Downsides: There is brief graphic footage of the bombing that occurred in Ireland during the 70's. There is a scene where Jack White cut his finger while performing and the blood flows freely from his finger onto the guitar, which you might skip if you can't stand seeing other people's blood. Also, I feel like this movie could have been lot longer, or that there could have been more deleted scenes on the DVD. A lot of the songs or the discussions are cut short to fit everything in a little over a 90 minute time frame.

Notable Performances: This documentary features each guitarist about equally. All three guitarists are genuine and funny guys and it's fantastic watching them jam together, but it's especially great watching them practice their craft solo. I especially like Jack White during his scenes in a Tennessee home where he played an old, dusty, out-of-tune piano or when he crafted a simple single string guitar in the opening. 

Favorite Scene: Concert footage of Jack White blasting out a guitar solo and he ignores his bleeding finger because of how into the music he is. In the background, Jack talks about how in the Bible God cursed the ground so that man will always have to struggle and work hard no matter what profession, no matter what task one is doing.

• Fantasia 

Why is it a Favorite?: It's a beautiful combination of grand, cinematic Disney animation and classical music. The beauty and intensity of the music is intensified by the epicness of the artwork on the screen. It's a great way to just relax, watch some animation, and listen to music that balances between serene and powerful. The freestyle artwork that opens with 'Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor' is a great opening and the quiet procession of 'Ave Maria' is a gentle way to end.

Downsides: This movie was put together for a more mature audience than typical childish cartoon movies we think of today. Sometimes the animation is creepy (Cherbog in 'Night on Bald Mountain', the T-Rex in 'Rite of Spring', etc.) and there is tiniest bit of animated nudity in 'The Pastoral Symphony' and 'Night on Bald Mountain' segments. Also, the pace of the music can be slow.

Notable Performances: The segments I enjoyed most, besides the opening and the ending, include 'The Nutcracker Suite', 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice', and 'Dance of the Hours'.  Those segments contain either the gentlest  music or the most humorous moments, though 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' has a pretty epic moment after Mickey puts on the hat.

Favorite Scene: It's a tie between the majestic ending of 'Ave Maria' and the highly imaginative opening to 'Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor'.

• The Scarlet and the Black

Why is it a Favorite?: It's based on the true story of a Vatican priest who helped Allied fighters and Italian Jews hide and escape Nazi-occupied Rome. It's awesome to have a movie that shines a positive light not just on a strong Catholic figure, Monsignor O'Flaherty, but on the activities of Catholics and their Allies to help those in need during World War II. There are also a couple other priests that withstand torture and remain true to their faith and their friends. No matter how strong the villain seems or how desperate the situation seems, the good guys overcome the obstacles and Monsignor O'Flaherty maintains a kind humorous mood during the strife.

Downsides: There is not too much violence or bloodshed in this movie, but since it deals with war and torture, there are some dark moments. Other than that, this movie is pretty accessible to any audience who understands the serious of the situation.

Notable Performances: Gregory Peck as fun-loving and generous Irish Monsignor O'Flaherty. Christopher Plummer as strict, power-hungry Gestapo Colonel Kappler. Sir John Gielgud as gentle Pope Pius XII. The best supporting actor performance goes to Olga Karlatos as Francesca, an Italian mother who aids the Monsignor by hiding Allied soldiers and helping plan operations.

Favorite Scene: A priest is sentenced to death by firing squad at Regina Caeli prison. The soldiers firing on the priest are local Italian soldiers, though Colonel Kappler is present. He does not hold a grudge against them, but forgives the soldiers. When they line up and fire, the soldiers all miss their target. Colonel Kappler eventually has to take things in his own hands and shoots the priest, only after the soldier leading the firing squad argues "He is a priest!"