164 - The Hurt Locker

I have to say I think I'm a bit saturated with modern warfare films, and I feel it on this one....but it's worth noting that this film is well done. It follows in the same path of adrenaline as Black Hawk Down. And does prove a point...to be a bomb tech takes mental slant...you just can't do it if you're not one crazy 'mother ;).

p.s. some very nice "Executive-Decision like-Segal" cameos...Guy Pearce and Ralph Fiennes ;)

163 - The Night Porter

Other than her bit parts, I've only really known Charlotte Rampling in Swimming Pool. Having finally seen The Night Porter, I feel sad to have missed out on a lot of her work. If by any chance you've seen Maggie and James in Secretary, I say you have to see Charlotte and Dirk Bogarde in The Night Porter.

162 - Love and Honor

As tender and elegant as Twilight Samurai, Love and Honor left me speechless. It's beautifully crafted and truly worthy of its title....which can easily be taken for granted. Again, Yoji Yamada has shed light into other sides of Samurai life that are truly worth noting, and admiring. The story of Mimura and Karo is not unusual, but the delivery and minimalism of dialogue highlights the creative precision of this great film.