Y tu mama tambien

Mexico 2001

Details imdb

Seen 11 May 2008

Two boys and a woman. The three share a road trip that reveal inner secrets that change the dynamics of the boys' friendship with each other while the woman has her own reasons for joining the boys. In the end, we see acceptance albeit reluctantly of the truths that had unfolded.

The audience would not have a dull moment watching this movie. The director's steady hand cajoles the main actors to bring out their best in their portrayal of each character. Fast paced, with scenes or rural Mexico juxtaposed against the inner circle of the ruling elite.

Enlightening.

Stray Cats

Philippines 2005

Details netflix

Seen 8 May 2008

The movie tagline is everybody needs a home. The characters in the movie also lament that the stray cats have a habit of leaving even when you shower them with love. A metaphor of their own lives.

We get to know Martha, an independent career woman who seems so weak in her love relationship with Steve. She has a neighbour, Boyet, a gay romance novel writer with an adopted son, Jojo and also a lover, Dom.

The men that Martha and Boyet love seem always to take them for granted. The story goes through the familiar expected scenes of lovers' tiffs and making up. But we have the added twist of the friendship between Marta and Boyet.

The story reaches another level of expectancy when Martha discovers that she is pregnant. Then emotional chaos engulfs the two main characters, The ending might be too pat for some, but it does give hope to the two to carry on with their lives. Into the sunset without the burden of the stray cats.

Apa Khabar Orang Kampung

Malaysia 2007

Details dahuangpictures

Seen 5 May 2008

What do we have here? A group of traitors or patriots? This group of men and women fought for the nation's independence but their contributions towards that goal will never be acknowledged publicly. Instead, they had to wage an armed struggle against the ruling government. Has it been a fight in vain?

The interviews with the remnants of the Malayan Communist Party members, who in this case are mostly Malays gives a different perspective of Malaysia's journey towards independence.

They are not a threat anymore, so why are their presence unwelcomed? Maybe some can still remember the horrors of the insurgency years. Those are facts but we must leave that emotional baggage behind.

This group of people are part and parcel of the nation's history. To deny their contributions would be a disservice not only to those concerned but for future generations who deserve to be told the whole unadulterated picture.

Udon

Japan 2006

Details cdjapan

Seen 1 May 2008

Poignant in some parts, a homecoming and a revelation. A son who returns home to find his niche in life. He, the independent type who wants to break away from the folds of tradition and the limitations of a small town. Along the way, he finds kindred spirits and at the end manages to come to terms with his father's outlook on life.

High spirited with a fair amount of slapstick, gems of dialogoue scattered here and there makes this movie watchable.

Below the light hearted treatment, there is a deeper understanding of human nature. The pull and push factor of belonging and wanting to prove yourself.

Ayat Ayat Cinta

Indonesia 2008

Details ayatayatcintathemovie

Seen 30 April 2008

Soap opera. Melodrama. Overboard in some parts. But the basis is the Islamic way of life. How the religion is synonymous with all that is good in humanity.

In this case, the choices a man has to make. Different kinds of love from different women. How he copes, how the women copes.

'Patience and sincerity: That is Islam.' - a quote from the movie. But I have this uneasy feeling that the women folk seems to have more than their fair share of sacrifices. Women are expected to have the patience and sincerity without a second doubt compared to the more flexible approach for men.

Is this nature or nurture. I'm not sure.