Book Review: A Farewell to Arms (1929)

Hemingwayby Ernest Hemingway
Review by Brian Wright

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed a new book, so I thought I’d break the ice with an old one—by the literary icon Ernest Hemingway. I remember reading Old Man and the Sea in high school and appreciating it, but not realizing of course why Hemingway was/is one of the greats. I just remember the essence of that grueling story: that perseverance is its own reward, that just because the external trappings of success are not present doesn’t mean a man doesn’t have what it takes. Continue reading

Movie Review: The White Ribbon (2009)

Brilliant authentic historic setting w/puzzle _ 8/10

The White RibbonA word about my rating system for movies:

The scale is 1-10 and the rating is a measure of both my own enjoyment and my appreciation from an artistic perspective. In this case, my artistic appreciation exceeds my enjoyment, yet I have a fondness (enjoyment) for the film because of elements of the appreciation. For example, artistically, especially photographically and emotionally, I regard The White Ribbon as a 10. From a plot perspective, I find the movie conventionally exasperating and irresolute… but I’ve come to be more open minded about these story preferences of mine, which have come from a young prime-time arrogance and mental compulsion. The 8 ranking, thus, should be taken as an extremely high regard… reasons to follow. Continue reading