Category: History

“Shōgun” (2024) starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano & Hiroyuki Sanada / Z-View

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Shōgun (2024)

Created by Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, based on Shōgun by James Clavel

Director: Jonathan van Tulleken (Eps.1-2); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 3); Frederick E.O. Toye (Eps. 4-5, 9-10); Hiromi Kamata (Ep. 6); Takeshi Fukunaga (Ep. 7); Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks (Eps. 1-2); Shannon Goss (Eps. 3, 8); Nigel Williams & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 4); Matt Lambert (Eps. 5, 7); Maegan Houang (Ep. 6); Rachel Kondo & Caillin Puente (Ep. 9); Maegan Houang & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 10)

Stars: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Yûki Kedôin, Akiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Takehiro Hira

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

17th century.  John Blackthorne (Jarvis), one of the few surviving sailors shipwrecked in Japan, finds himself a pawn in a power struggle between factions.  Literally a stranger in a strange land, Blackthorne is viewed as a savage.  Yet, using his cunning and skills he will rise to a position of respect, not realizing the depth of deception and long-range plans being formed around him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This miniseries is based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name.  Clavell based many of the characters in his book on real historical figures.  James Clavell’s daughter (Michaela Clavell) served as an executive producer of the series.

Shōgun is amazing from top to bottom.  Great writing, acting, directing and production values make this series a joy to watch.

Shōgun currently has an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb.  At Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 99% rating with reviewers and a 90% average audience score.

Shōgun (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Black Mass” (2015) starring Johnny Depp / Z-View

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Black Mass (2015)

Director:  Scott Cooper

Screenplay: Mark Mallouk, Jez Butterworth based on BLACK MASS: WHITEY BULGER, THE FBI AND A DEVIL’S DEAL by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neil

Stars: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, Joel Edgerton, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons, Rory Cochrane, David Harbour, Adam Scott, Corey Stoll, Julianne Nicholson, W. Earl Brown, Bill Camp, Mark Mahoney, Brad Carter, Scott Anderson, James Russo and Juno Temple.

Tagline: Based on the true story of one of the most notorious gangsters in U.S. history

The Plot…

When FBI agent John Connolly (Edgerton) is assigned to the Boston area where he was raised, he gets an outrageous idea.  Growing up, Connolly was friends with James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp).  Bulger now controls one of the major crime gangs in Boston.  Connolly wants to make Bulger a FBI informant.

Reluctant at first, Bulger agrees when he realizes he can use the FBI connection to his advantage.  Protected by his “FBI informant” status, Bulger uses the information he gets from Connolly to take out rival gangs.  Bulger becomes even more powerful.  Realizing he’s been used Connolly has no recourse but to protect Bulger.  Bulger’s hunger for power continues to drive him to commit worse crimes.  Soon Connolly will be unable to protect Bulger, and even more importantly himself.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

As outrageous as it sounds, Black Mass is based on real-life criminal James “Whitey” Bulger.  Bulger’s brother was a US senator.  Whitey was at one time #1 on the FBI’s Most Wanted List!  Bulger was, as the film shows pre-end credits, captured and sent to prison.  While in prison, he was repeatedly stabbed and beaten to death by prisoners.

Johnny Depp is unrecognizable as Whitey Bulger. Depp has said that this role is his favorite performance of all the roles he’s played.  For his part Depp was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.

Depp is supported by an outstanding cast.  Special mention to Joel Edgerton, Jesse Plemons and Juno Temple for their performances.

Black Mass (2015) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders” (2024) / Z-View

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American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (2024)

Director:  Zachary Treitz

Stars: Christian Hansen

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Danny Casolaro was a freelance writer obsessed with a story that he had worked on for years.  Casolaro believed he’d uncovered evidence of a powerful international cabal of eight individuals involved in everything from government spyware, manipulating Iran to hold hostages to ensure Ronald Reagan became President, the Iran-Contra scandal and more.  Casolaro referred to this cabal as The Octopus.

In 1991, Casolaro was found in the bathtub of a hotel room.  His wrists had been cut multiple times and blood covered the bathroom walls and floor.  One of the first paramedics on scene didn’t believe it to be a suicide because Casolaro’s tendons were cut in the multiple slices across his wrists and the blood everywhere.  Still, his death was ruled a suicide.

Christian Hansen gained access to all of Casolaro’s journals, notes and interviews. Hansen then re-interviewed people Casolaro had identified as having knowledge of the cabal.  This documentary explores the results of Hansen’s investigation.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

While we’re given much information, there is no “aha moment” where we get a definitive answer.  Casolaro did uncover several shady characters and dealings.  But was there enough evidence to make the leap to an international cabal?

One of the people providing evidence said she was shown a film of President Kennedy’s assassination where the driver of his limo turned and shot him.  She believes the film she saw was unedited and the word has only seen a cover-up version.

When Casolaro died he was deep in debt and his house was about to be lost in foreclosure.  Was this enough to push him over the edge to commit suicide?  But how could he cut himself so many times (and still hold the blade) if his tendons were severed?

After viewing American Conspiracy, I was left with more questions than answers.  It was an interesting ride, if you value the ride more than the destination.

American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Einstein and the Bomb” (2024) / Z-View

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Einstein and the Bomb (2024)

Director:  Anthony Philipson

Stars: Aidan McArdle

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Einstein and the Bomb is a docudrama that uses Einstein’s actual words (from his writings and speeches) to explore his life from leaving Germany as Hitler came into power to later in life and his concerns over the atomic bomb.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Einstein and the Bomb isn’t a straight up documentary and it isn’t a drama.  It’s an odd combination.  There were many opportunities had the filmmakers focused on Einstein’s new theories and how he came to discover them, or Einstein’s decision to flee Germany under Nazi power or his life after he became a celebrity.  The decision to emphasize his concerns with atomic weapons doesn’t come into play until late in the film and for me, wasn’t strong enough to warrant the movie’s title.

Still, it was interesting to hear Einstein’s words and his thoughts.

Einstein and the Bomb (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Wil” (2023) / Z-View

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Wil (2023)

Director:  Tim Mielants

Screenplay:  Carl Joos, Tim Mielants, Jeroen Olyslaegers

Stars: Stef Aerts, Annelore Crollet

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

1942.  World War rages.  Nazis occupy Belgium.  With two weeks training, Wilfried Wils (Aerts) and other young police officers in Antwerp are the buffer between Nazi occupation and citizens. Personal survival will test their morals and their willingness to follow Nazi orders in order to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Wil is an excellent drama that explores the lines that some are willing, or not to cross.

Wil (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story” (2019) / Z-View

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Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story (2019)

Director:  Riley Hanlon

Stars: Lee Kemp, William Baldwin (voice), Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Urijah Faber and Dan Gable.

Tagline: A World Champion Wrestler on the podium of life with one mission despite devastating setbacks; keep WINNING GOLD.

The Plot…

Lee Kemp was arguably the greatest amateur wrestler ever.  He was was a four-time NCAA Division I National finalist.  He was a National Champion his sophomore, junior and senior years.  His freshman year (freshman!) he came in 2nd thanks to a split decision.  He lost just three times during his entire collegiate wrestling career (and all of those losses came his freshman year).

Kemp was America’s first three time World Champion.  He was also America’s youngest World Champion at that time. Kemp was also a four-time World Cup Champion and a 7-time United States Freestyle National Champion.  Olympic Gold Medalist came out of retirement to wrestle Lee Kemp and Kemp won.  Going into the 1980 Olympics, Lee Kemp was favored to win a Gold Medal.

Then Russia invaded Afghanistan.  President Carter decreed that the U.S. would not participate in the Olympics in protest since they were to be held in Moscow.  Kemp’s dream of Olympic Gold was crushed.  Everything he had worked for was taken away with that decision.

Then life got worse.  This is Lee Kemp’s story.  One of a rise to the top and then a hard fall.  But like every true champion, Lee Kemp found a way back.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When I was in high school the two main amateur wrestlers known to the world were Dan Gable, the 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist and Lee Kemp.  Gable lost just once in his college career.  He was a legend.  Then along came Lee Kemp.  I knew that Gable had gone on to become a great college wrestling coach.  I never knew what became of Lee Kemp.  I’m glad Wrestled Away… The Lee Kemp Story tells us.

On a side note, when I was in tenth grade, I attended a Dan Gable wrestling camp.  Gable was impressive.  The highlight for me was when he picked me out of dozens in attendance to come on the mat with him for the demonstration.

Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story (2019) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Coded” (2021) / Z-View

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Coded (2021)

Director:  Ryan White

Tagline: Look Between the Lines.

The Plot…

J.C. Leyendecker was arguably the most popular artist of his time.  He worked professionally the mid-1890s until his death in 1951.  Leyendecker is most famous for his run of Saturday Evening Post covers that covered a 44 year span.  He also was known for his Arrow Shirts commercial art.

J.C. Leyendecker was gay and although closeted (due to prejudice of the time), some aspects of his lifestyle came through subliminally in his art.  Coded explores Leyendecker’s career and subliminal messages in commercial art then and now.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although I’m a fan of J.C. Leyendecker’s art, I didn’t know much about his life or career.  It was interesting that Leyendecker mentored Norman Rockwell who went on to be the next “Leyendecker”.

Coded gets my highest recommendation.

Coded (2021) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Revolution in the Ring” (2017) / Z-View

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Revolution in the Ring (2017)

Director:  Jason Sklaver

Writer: Jason Sklaver

Tagline: None

The Plot…

Teófilo Stevenson was a Cuban amateur boxer who won Gold Medals in the 1972, 1976 and 1980 Olympics.  Because Cuba outlawed professional sports in 1962, Stevenson was never allowed to turn pro.  With Stevenson’s Gold Medal wins, many wondered how he would fare against the best heavyweight boxers in the world.  Several promoters offered Stevenson one million dollars to challenge Muhammad Ali for the title.  The fight never happened.  Revolution in the Ring is that story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A couple of times it appeared that the Ali vs Stevenson fight would be made.  Fight aficionados still debate who would have won. Ali fought the best professionals in the world in battles that went 15 rounds.  Stevenson fought the world’s best amateurs in matches that lasted 3 rounds at most.  The edge would go to Ali in a professional fight.  Yet, if the fight was held in 1977, Ali was past his prime and Stevenson was still in his.  So maybe Stevenson would have the edge.  The fight never happened but the debate will never end.

Revolution in the Ring (2017) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“MLK/FBI” (2020) / Z-View

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MLK/FBI (2020)

Director:  Sam Pollard

Writers: David J. Carrow, Benjamin Hedin, Laura Tomaselli

Stars:  Martin Luther King, J. Edgar Hoover, Andrew Young, James Comey, Merv Griffin, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy  and Coretta Scott King

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

MLK/FBI chronicles the attempts made by the FBI through wiretaps and surveillance to discredit and ruin Martin Luther King, Jr..  Using newly declassified files coupled with news reports and film from the time period, we are given insight into the methods and extreme steps taken.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

MLK/FBI does an excellent job of presenting the civil unrest and movement for equal rights that brought Martin Luther King to the attention of our nation. The film’s biggest shocker is the lengths J. Edgar Hoover, the Director of the F.B.I. took to discredit Martin Luther King, Jr..

When phone wiretaps proved Martin Luther King, Jr. was having affairs with multiple women, this information was used in an attempt to blackmail MLK into committing suicide!  The film says that Martin Luther King was worried that the information would become public knowledge.  It didn’t.  But Martin Luther King’s wife, Coretta Scott King was sent copies of the tapes.  So were church and civic leaders.  At the end of the film there is brief discussion that confirmed MLK did have affairs.  I would have liked to have heard more about how these revelations were received when the tapes were delivered.  Were these folks already aware?  What was the plan if the tapes became public knowledge?

Martin Luther King was a flawed human being.  He wasn’t perfect.  But who is?  The lengths the F.B.I. went to discredit him are shameful.  And we haven’t heard the full story yet.  Perhaps we never will.  Even with the full weight of the government working to take him down, Martin Luther King continued to speak out for equal rights for all and a future that we have yet to achieve.

MLK/FBI (2020) earns 3 of 5 stars.

“The League” (2023) / Z-View

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The League (2023)

Director:  Sam Pollard

Writers:  Bob Motley, Byron Motley

Stars:  Hank Aaron, Monte Irvin, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson and Maya Angelou

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The League details the birth, rise and demise of the Professional Negro Baseball Leagues and the outstanding players who made it popular.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The League shows that black players have been playing baseball since it’s invention.  It wasn’t until the major leagues wouldn’t allow players of color to participate that the Negro leagues came to be.  Cities that had a Negro League team saw their economies improve.  Fans saw a faster paced, more exciting game.

The League does an amazing job of presenting the social issues and history that brought about the formation of Negro Professional Baseball Leagues.  In addition to learning about the stars who played the game we learn about the folks behind the scenes who made the leagues possible.

The League earns my highest recommendation.

The League (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“MLK: The Assassination Tapes” (2012) / Z-View

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MLK: The Assassination Tapes (2012)

Director:  Tom Jennings

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. is documented using primary sources, some never seen/heard from television and radio reports as well as police communications.  Director Tom Jennings does an amazing job of setting up the events that brought Dr. King to Memphis as well as his assassination and aftermath.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

MLK: The Assassination Tapes gets my highest recommendation.

MLK: The Assassination Tapes (2012) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“Lincoln’s Last Day” (2015) / Z-View

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Lincoln’s Last Day (2015)

Director:  Molly Hermann

Writer: Molly Hermann

Cast: William Frasca, Tuesday Beebe, Fritz Klein and William Mark McCullough

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Everyone knows that John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln.  What many don’t know is that Booth was in a conspiracy that as he killed Lincoln, his associates would also kill Secretary of State William H. Seward and Vice President Andrew Johnson.  Lincoln’s Last Day details the plot as well as an almost hour by hour movement of all involved.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lincoln’s Last Day is extremely well done.  Seeing actual artifacts worn by Lincoln on his last day as well as the derringer Booth used to kill the President add gravitas.

Lincoln’s Last Day (2015) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Tommy” (2017) / Z-View

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Tommy (2017)

Directors:  Gentry Kirby, Erin Leyden

Tagline: His Toughest Fight Was Outside the Ring

The Plot…

Tommy Morrison rose from poverty and a broken home to co-star in Rocky V, and become a World Champion Boxer.  Morrison was on top, but his inability to control his addiction to drugs, partying and women led to his downfall.  Morrison made repeated comebacks, but sabotaged himself every time.  Finally he received news that ended his career and ultimately his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tommy Morrison’s story is a sad one.  This is especially true since Morrison’s own behavior caused his downfall.  I give him credit for his initial press conference when he announced he had HIV.  Sadly, his behavior went south after that.  He had a doctor give him bicep implants, he claimed he no longer had HIV and he began getting in trouble with the law (DUIs, drugs and weapons convictions, etc.).  He continued to lie and cheat on the two women he truly loved him.

Tommy Morrison with better self-control could have had a career in boxing and maybe even movies or television.  I thought it was funny that Tommy’s boxing nickname was “The Duke” because John Wayne was a distant relative.  It’s funny because it wasn’t true and Morrison was surprised no one ever checked.

Tommy (2017) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Day Hitler Died” (2016) / Z-View

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The Day Hitler Died (2016)

Directors:  Craig Collinson

Writers: Craig Collinson

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

In 1948, U.S. Navy Captain and Nuremberg Judge, Michael Musmanno, filmed interviews with members of Adolph Hitler’s inner circle who were with him in his bunker in his final days.  These interviews provide a first hand look at Hitler’s spiraling mental health as he realizes all is lost.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

These interviews were only rediscovered in 2013 and had not been seen by the public.

The Day Hitler Died (2016) rates 4 of 5 stars.