slightly disappointed

Sheila 2022-03-20 09:02:05

After reading the synopsis, plus I like Ritchie very much, I am full of expectations for this film. But when I saw the middle section, I started to feel a little disappointed.
The mutual redemption between a nympho girl and a frustrated old man, coupled with the unusual method of being imprisoned by iron chains, makes the introduction look very attractive. But the whole movie didn't keep me hooked. The strongest feeling is that the film is not strong enough. Whether it's the old black people's own redemption or the redemption given to the young girl, they always feel that the things they do and the words they say can't achieve the strength that can bring about this result. The routines of this kind of redemption film are almost always confrontation at the beginning, and then after a little thing like the spring breeze and the rain moistens the heart, the knots of both sides can be opened, and they can face the new life in the future with a positive attitude. This little thing is a step-by-step ladder to the result—that is, the success of redemption. But if the ladder isn't high enough, or doesn't lead to the destination at all, then the film's sudden arrival at a predetermined outcome can feel unbelievable and far-fetched.
When the old black person opened the girl's chains, I felt a great sense of disappointment. It's like running to a destination full of anticipation to get something, only to run and run, and suddenly the road comes to an end, and there's nothing at the end. The old black man's own pain was only manifested when he rubbed the medicine for Lei, and then he devoted himself to the rescue of Lei, and seemed to completely forget the humiliation his wife brought him. And Lei's illness was exaggerated too seriously, and there was not enough force in the middle, so she was suddenly able to control herself later, which made people feel strange. Moreover, Lei's change in the old black man's attitude was somewhat unfounded, and she always felt that she should be quiet for a while longer.
There are some comments that the film is about three redemptions. Whether Rey redeemed Ronnie, I can't be sure. Ronnie's anxiety didn't improve because he was back with Rei. When I saw the last time, when the truck pulling the thick logs and Ronnie's car were side by side, I couldn't help but think of "The God of Death", and felt that if these logs suddenly fell off, it would be like "The God of Death". Ronnie and Rae were killed in the accident, and I might have liked it better if that was the way it ended. It's not that I don't like big reunions, I just like credible reunions.
The music of the film is nice. The acting of both leads is great. I like Richie, even though she's so miserable in this movie.

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Extended Reading

Black Snake Moan quotes

  • Lazarus: God put you in my path and I aim to cure you of your wicked ways.

  • Lazarus: Cain slew Able, slew him out of envy. God put his mark on Cain for his sins, is that what you want Deke? Huh? Is that what you come here for? I'll do it for you, all you got to do is say it again... Say you love me.

    [pause]

    Lazarus: SAY YOU LOVE ME NIGGA!