Norte, the End of History: A Criterion Collection Film Review

This is a review of the Criterion Collection’s Norte, The End of History. Directed by Lav Diaz, this film has become one of the most acclaimed films to come out of the Philippines. Set in a small fishing village in Ilocos Norte, it tells the story of two people whose lives are intertwined by fate and tragedy.

Norte, The End of History is an emotionally charged drama that will draw you in from the very beginning. Diaz’s unique blend of long takes and slow-paced narrative gives the film its intense atmosphere. Cinematography is also stunning with beautiful shots showcasing the landscape and culture of Ilocos Norte. The acting performances by Sid Lucero and Angeli Bayani are incredibly powerful as well; they bring their characters to life wonderfully.

The Criterion Collection edition comes with some great special features such as an interview with director Lav Diaz, behind-the-scenes footage, and other extras to give viewers more insight into this remarkable movie. All these features make this release a must-have for fans of independent cinema.

Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection) Review

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Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection): a powerful and unforgettable story of redemption and justice in the Philippines. This hauntingly beautiful film, directed by Lav Diaz, is one of the most critically acclaimed films in world cinema. Featuring exquisite cinematography and an intense score, Norte, The End of History follows the journey of Joaquin and Fabian, two men from different worlds whose lives become intertwined as they search for a way out of poverty and despair.

Key Features:

1. An epic tale of redemption set in the Philippine’s rural northern provinces.

2. Features beautiful cinematography and an intense score.

3. Includes a new 4K digital restoration approved by director Lav Diaz.

4. Special features include a new interview with Diaz and a conversation between him and critic Kent Jones.

5. Available on Blu-ray & DVD as part of The Criterion Collection.

For those who appreciate powerful storytelling and thought-provoking cinema, Norte, The End of History (The Criterion Collection) is a must-see! This profound film explores themes of injustice, poverty, and revenge as it follows two characters on a quest for redemption that leads to unexpected consequences. With its haunting visuals and captivating score, Norte is sure to leave viewers spellbound from beginning to end. Plus, with its new 4K digital restoration approved by director Lav Diaz, plus special features including interviews and conversations with critics, this Blu-ray & DVD release from The Criterion Collection is essential viewing!

Product Details

Product Name Format Publisher
Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection) DVD The Criterion Collection
Release Date Running Time Aspect Ratio
July 14, 2015 150 minutes “1.85:1”
Audio Format Subtitles Available Language
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo English SDH and Spanish Subtitles Filipino and Spanish Languages
Region Code Special Features
Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection) Pros and Cons

For those who are looking for an intensely evocative and beautifully filmed story, Norte, The End of History (The Criterion Collection) is the perfect choice. This film follows a man's journey through life's struggles as he attempts to come to terms with his own morality and choices. It is a thought-provoking and deeply moving exploration of justice and retribution, set against the backdrop of rural Philippines.

Pros:

1. Sumptuous cinematography that captures the beauty and harshness of Philippine life.

2. Intensely real performances from the lead actors that bring their characters to life.

3. A powerful story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

4. An emotionally gripping soundtrack that amplifies the intensity of the story.

5. Bonus features such as deleted scenes, interviews with cast and crew, and more.

Cons:

1. Some viewers may find it slow-paced and meandering in parts.

2. Not everyone will appreciate its nuanced take on justice and morality.

3. Dialogue is occasionally difficult to understand due to thick accents.

4. Not suitable for younger audiences due to mature themes.

All in all, Norte, The End of History, from The Criterion Collection, is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema. Its stunning visuals and compelling narrative make it an unforgettable experience that will leave you mulling over its messages long after the credits roll. At its core, this film is about making tough decisions when faced with immense pressure – something we can all relate to in today's world.

Who are They for

This Criterion Collection edition of Norte, the End of History is a powerful and haunting drama set in a small Philippine town. Directed by Lav Diaz and starring Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayani, and Archie Alemania, the film follows the story of an innocent man who is wrongfully accused of a crime he didn't commit. The film highlights the injustice of poverty-stricken people in the Philippines and how they are treated by those in power.

The DVD contains several special features that help to illuminate the themes of the film. There is a making-of featurette with interviews from the cast and crew, as well as a photo gallery featuring behind-the-scenes photos from production. In addition, there is an audio commentary by director Lav Diaz, which offers insight into his creative process and his thoughts on the Filipino culture. An essay by critic Chuck Stephens is also included for further exploration of this important work.

The Criterion Collection edition of Norte, The End Of History is a must-have for any fan of world cinema or anyone interested in exploring stories from different cultures. With its thought-provoking themes and stunning visuals, it's an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you've watched it.

My Experience for Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection)

Ray Cooley

I'm sure you all know the feeling of wanting to watch something that's going to leave a lasting impression. Well, I found just that with Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection).

I started watching this movie and was immediately drawn into its unique story line. The cinematography is truly amazing; each shot was carefully crafted and thoughtfully composed. The acting is also top-notch, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters. And the music! It's so hauntingly beautiful, perfectly complementing the visuals.

But what really made me appreciate Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection) was how it tackles difficult topics such as poverty, injustice, and morality without being preachy or didactic. It forces you to think critically about these issues and encourages you to form your own opinions.

If you're looking for an unforgettable cinematic experience, then I highly recommend Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection). You won't be disappointed!

 

What I don't Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. Subtitles are in Spanish only.
2. The film's black-and-white cinematography can be difficult to follow at times.
3. It is a slow-paced and dialogue-heavy movie.
4. The extended running time can make it difficult to stay engaged throughout the entire film.
5. Limited extras on the disc, such as interviews or commentaries from cast and crew members.

How to Enjoy Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection)

Norte, The End of History (The Criterion Collection) is a Filipino drama film directed by Lav Diaz. It's a four-hour long masterpiece about an impoverished law student who commits a crime of passion and the consequences of his actions on those around him. It's an emotionally powerful story that will leave you thinking for days after watching.

If you're looking for ways to get the most out of your viewing experience, here are some tips on how to enjoy Norte, The End of History (The Criterion Collection).

  • Watch in segments. Norte clocks in at nearly four hours so it can be overwhelming if watched all at once. Break it up into manageable chunks and watch one segment per day or night.
  • Take notes. As you watch, jot down any thoughts, questions or feelings that come up. This will help you keep track of what you've seen and give you something to refer back to when discussing with friends or family.
  • Focus on the details. Pay attention to the visuals and sound design which are incredibly detailed and add a lot to the overall experience. Notice how each scene is framed and how the music enhances certain moments.
  • Think about the characters. Consider why certain characters behave in certain ways and how their decisions affect the story as a whole. What do they have in common? How is their point of view different from others?
  • Discuss afterward. Since this film can generate a lot of conversation, take time to discuss with friends or family after viewing. Share your thoughts on the characters, themes and questions raised by the movie.

By following these steps, you'll be able to truly appreciate Norte, The End of History (The Criterion Collection), making for an even more rewarding viewing experience.

Questions about Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection)

 

What is Norte, the End of History?

Norte, the End of History is a critically acclaimed Filipino drama film directed by Lav Diaz. It tells the story of a man wrongly accused of a crime and his attempt to find redemption. The Criterion Collection edition includes bonus features such as an interview with Diaz, deleted scenes, and a booklet featuring an essay by scholar Bienvenido Lumbera.

What bonus features are included in Norte, the End of History (The Criterion Collection)?

The Criterion Collection edition of Norte, the End of History includes bonus features such as:

  • Interview with Director Lav Diaz
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Booklet featuring an essay by scholar Bienvenido Lumbera

Does Norte, the End of History have subtitles?

Yes, Norte, the End of History has English subtitles.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!

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