Black Swan (2010)#

Black Swan is an exploration into one's struggle for search of perfection. Are you willing to lose yourself completely for the sake of your art and passion? Take your body and mind to limits you never dreamed were possible? Natalie Portman gives a brilliant performance as a young aspiring ballerina given a chance of a lifetime to play the lead role in Swan Lake. Portman's portrayal of Nina the ballerina is what makes this movie so captivating. The entire movie depends on Natalie Portman's performance and Darren Aronofsky couldn't have picked a better actress for this film. Her transformation into a ballerina is one of the most compelling performance by an actor I have seen since Robert de Niro's role as Jack LaMotta in Raging Bull. You can see the physical and mental training she put herself through in order to get ready for this role.

The use of various camera techniques and well as the imagery of mirrors create a very personal atmosphere. You can literally feel her pain, fear, self-doubt, and mounting paranoia as she prepares for her role as the Black Swan. All I can say is that Natalie Portman really showed her range and maturation as one of the best young actresses around today. This is a mature film intended for an adult audience, so just keep that in mind if you do decide to watch this movie. This film was much darker than I expected it to be, and if you don't mind some graphic images, Black Swan is definitely a film worth checking out. How far are you willing to sacrifice your body and mind to achieve perfection?

#IMDB-8.8/10 (#55 on Top 250)

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 88%, Audience- 90%

Yong's Rating- 9.5/10 (Highly recommended)

Shutter Island (2010)

In Shutter Island, Martin Scorsese creates an atmosphere of going on a thrilling roller coaster ride. Set in the year 1954, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as US marshal Teddy Daniel sent to a mental hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island in order to investigate the mysterious disappearance of one of its inmates. During the investigation you get to learn the past behind its central character, and the vivid nightmares that continue to haunt him. While the story was adopted from a novel, Scorsese shows his master touch as a film maker. Leo provides another stellar performance under the direction of Scorsese and the rest of the cast is full of wonderful actors and actresses. The film starts out with a bang, and whether you love or hate this film will depend largely on how you feel about its ending. Personally, I liked the ending. This is a well made film by a great director and it's a film anyone looking for a good thriller should check out.

IMDB-8/10

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-67% Community-73%

Yong's rating- 9.3/10 (highly recommended)

Moon (2009)

If sci-fi movies are your thing, then Moon is definitely a movie you should consider adding to your must see list. It takes place in the future where the world's source of energy is harvested on a station on the moon by a single astronaut commissioned for 3 year contract. Sam Rockwell delivers a brilliant performance as the astronaut on the verge of finishing his contracted time and longing to get back to earth and his family. Basically, Sam Rockwell steals the show, because, well, he's pretty much the only person in the movie. And, that's a good thing in this case. I'm not going to get into too much details of the movie. the less you know about the movie, more you'll enjoy it. So if you are looking for an engaging, thrilling, and well-made sci-fi film, go check out Moon.

IMDB-8/10
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 89% community-95%
Yong's Rating- 8.5/10 (worth a look)

Oldboy (2003)*#

This week i'm recommending a korean movie which has quickly developed a cult following here in the states. Oldboy has a style that would make even Quentin Tarantino proud. It has a feeling of a Tarantino film with its mixture of violence and an unique, engaging storyline.
this movie is about revenge, which is a theme director Park Chan-wook uses frequently in his movies. the main character of the movie is kidnapped and prisoned in a hotel room for 15 years. when he is freed, he tries to make sense behind the reason behind his imprisonment, and to seek revenge at all cost. if violence isn't your thing, than is movie probably isn't for you. but, if you are in mood to try something different and aren't afraid of some disturbing images than i think you should give this movie a try. you'll understand why it has developed such a big cult status. also there's a rumor that this movie is going to be remade by Spielberg starring Will Smith. i don't see why you would mess with something that isn't broke, but that's just me. anyways, you can be cool in front of your friends and say you saw the original Oldboy before hollywood messed with it.


#-imdb-8.3/10 (#118 in top 250)
rotten tomatoes- critics-81% community- 93%
Yong Stars-10/10 (must see)
*One of 1001 movies to see before you die

Inception (2010)#

Inception is the new film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Just as in his other two famous movies (Memento and Dark Knight), Nolan creates a strong male lead with tortured soul trying to correct his mistakes. In a time where the box office is dominated by prequels, sequels, wizards and vampires it is refreshing to see someone with the vision and balls to deliver an intelligent original idea.
Inception is a thought-provoking film that requires its viewers to keep up with the storyline, but it does not cross that fine line of being way too smart and alienating the majority of the audience.
The film is about two guys with the technology to invade into dreams of its targets and steal valuable informations. Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt deliver very strong performances as the lead characters. When one of their missions doesn't turn out the way it was planned, they are forced to work for the man who was their target. I won't go too much into the detail of the movie, because it will be way more fun for you to find out on your own. I highly recommend Inception to everyone, especially to those who are tired of all hearing about team edward and team jacob.

#-IMDB-9.3/10 currently #3 on top 250
Rotten tomatoes- critics- 85%, community- 93%
Yong stars- 10/10 (must see)