crimeagainstcreation

One of the absolute best post apocalyptic/futurism/zombie series in many years, if not ever. Unfortunately that is only if one watches the first season. Second season is a huge let down - and that's not only due to high expectations, but basically to a far less complete plot, new characters who don't drive it forward in the same manner, and the mistake of writing one essential out. Moreover, the inspiration spirit seems to have left the creators, and they have developed it from a great post-apocalyptic drama into something of a teen soap within the same frame, a textbook example of how a strong foundament is squandered. What originally was a series marked by emotional gravity, narrative precision, and good characters has become a shallow, melodrama.

For those who only relate to director legend John Ford with his classical westerns, the Misfits is a perfect adaptation to his American dramas, also because elements from the western genre are involved in a contemporary fashion. The film is otherwise exclusive in several ways. Most of all, the cast is a rare combination of Hollywood's most prominent stars, and it was to be the last ever performance for two of the greatest, Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, who also play the main characters. Moreover, they are both outstanding, but still not overshining either Eli Wallach, Mongomery Clift or Thelma Ritter. The drama, based on a short story by Arthur Miller, and adapted for screen by the author himself, is not only about love and human relations, but there's a philosphical and symbolical dept that John Ford, together with the actors, a brilliant black and white cinematography, and a grand landscape, manages to develop into what must be one of his very best films.

No Other Land describes the situation at the occupied West Bank. The Israeli occupation and apartheid policy has been going on there ever since 1967, and the film describes the situation through the relationship between two friends, one Israeli and one Palestinian. Obviously this film is heavily criticized by those who get their true cruel portraits painted in it, but it's a documentary, and then again the Israeli settler mob has again just confirmed their real nature by violently attacking Palestinian director of the film, Hamdan Ballal. Further, the IDF does the same as Ballal has been attacked in the ambulance and detained by military personnel. This is Reality, happening Right Now.