Friday, May 12, 2017

Babs

UK 2017

Details IMDB
Seen 10 May 2017


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10











My impressions

It is always difficult to tell the story of someone who is still alive, especially if that person is a well-known personality.

The film tries its best and succeeds in some moments.


An overall view of the early influences and the ups and downs in her career.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant

West Germany 1972

Details IMDB
Seen 19 April 2017


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.8/10












My impressions

At first glance, Petra, the main character is very cold hearted and gets her way using others. Was it her past that has shaped her present?

Falling in love seems to put her stoic character vulnerable. Indeed, it did. Petra wants everything according to her whims and fancies but others have their own minds too. That reality hurts. A lot.

Human frailty. However strong you are, matters of the heart almost always steers your plans not along the intended path.


A lot to ponder.



Wednesday, April 19, 2017

A Street Cat Named Bob


UK 2016

Details IMDB
Seen 18 April 2017


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10













My impressions

What a coincidence or has it been written? Your life saved by a cat.

It seems out of this world. How could this even happen?

But, the film is based on a true story. The bond between the man and the cat is such that there seems to be a mutual understanding, that they will face whatever comes, together.

There were moments when the bond might be broken due to unforeseen circumstances but they managed to be together again.

A real life feel good story which the film has managed to capture quite well.




Sunday, April 16, 2017

Yves Saint Laurent

France 2014

Details IMDB
Seen 15 April 2017


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.2/10














My impressions

A trailblazer. An icon to many. He has his flaws but the love and loyalty of his friends sees him through the lows whenever it occurs.

We might never know what indeed makes him the man he is, but this story gives an overview of his rise in the fashion world. No doubts about it, his ideas did change the industry.


He will remain an important figure in fashion history.

Saturday, April 15, 2017

A Single Man

USA 2009

Details IMDB
Seen 14 April 2017


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.6/10











My impressions

How do you cope with a loss? The love of your life. Someone who has been with you for a long time. In comparison with close friends who only had the privilege of a few years in bliss, you had almost a lifetime.

The moment has come to decide. Will you carry through your plans or will circumstances change?

We try to cope with changes as best as we can.


A look at those changes.

Friday, March 03, 2017

Absent without leave

Taiwan, Malaysia 2016

Details Taipeiff
Seen 3 March 2017













My impressions

A quest to find the reasons why his grandfather was a missing piece in the family’s photograph leads a man to a nation’s past.

Interviews, recollections of the past. Those who lived during those tumultuous decades. These are heroes, martyrs to some but traitors and murderers to others.

The other side of the story, the struggle for independence. Usually we get the victor’s version. In this film, we hear and ponder the lives of those who were pursued. They started young, idealistic, patriotic even.

Most of them are in their twilight years and their story must be told and aired. The other side of the coin. Might not be pleasant, as atrocities were committed in the name of the struggle. But definitely, food for thought.

Not the textbook version of those years.





Friday, January 20, 2017

Florence Foster Jenkins



UK 2016

Details IMDB
Seen 14 Jan 2017


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0






My impressions

It is quite hard to believe that there was such a person. But the story is based on a real socialite who wanted to be on stage despite her lack of talent. Her wealth helped overcome any obstacles that hindered her ambitions.

The dedication of her husband and her inner circle ensured that her dreams came true. I doubt if anyone with lesser means would have been able to carry off such a feat.


A revelation.