Call Me by Your Name

Italy 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 11 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.4/10

Rottentomatoes 8.8/10

My impressions

Love blossoms during the summer. But is it really that deep feeling and affection one has for another. Or is this a case of the age difference colouring everything in pastel hues.

In the beginning it was even unthinkable that such feelings could arise between them. But being together brought the romance to the surface and each moment is cherished.

Alas, reality comes knocking.

The Disaster Artist

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 10 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.9/10

Rrottentomatoes 7.8/10

My impressions

Mad, incomprehensible and definitely in his own world. An artist to himself but others who are used to the normal way of looking at things might not be able to appreciate his talents and insights.

His behaviour does seem ludicrous but if you follow his rhythm, you may find a gem. A bottomless source of income helps a lot in maintaining his allure and mystery.

Till the end, there will be doubts anyone could fathom his true self.

Lady Bird

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 10 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.0/10

Rottentomatoes 8.8/10

My impressions

Adolescent. Those years when hormones are raging, and you are the centre of the universe. Emotional highs and lows. Love and hate.

With a dialogue peppered with teenage angst and realities of adulthood, the film pulls the audience to experience the life of a teenage girl on the wrong side of the tracks. Friendship and love, intermingled. Family squabbles and realisations.

A wondrous ride.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 9 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.3/10

Rottentomatoes 8.6/10

My impressions

Does one forget a lost or do we keep trying to find answers? In this case, the main character decides to take matters in her own hands. Despite the misgivings others may have about her methods.

The obstacles, taunts and threats do not deter her. Determined or blinded by her conviction, that no matter what happens, she must carry on finding the truth.

Along the way, incidents happened that might have swayed her to change tactics. Nevertheless, she kept going.

Onward towards a conclusion.

Will there be a stop?

The Shape of Water

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 8 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rrottentomatoes 8.4/10

My impressions

It is such a joy seeing this film even though the story covers many of the darker sides of the human nature.

How the majority dismisses those on the periphery. Anything that is not understood is cast aside, to be destroyed if possible after extracting whatever benefit or profit that could be gained.

A love story, with the bad and good guys. In the end, who knows.

Satisfying watch.

I, Tonya

I, Tonya

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 6 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.7/10

Rottentomatoes 7.9/10

My impressions

Based on the life of Tonya Harding, the American ice skater who rose to the top but unfortunately circumstances prevented her from maintaining that position for long.

Her childhood, the growing up years, the sacrifices and determination combined to make her that person adored by many during her peak. But one incident put paid to all that.

Then it was a struggle just to enjoy her main love, ice skating.

Sad, but hopefully she has moved on and is at peace with what she has now.

Florence Foster Jenkins

UK 2016

Details IMDB

Seen 14 Jan 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0

Rotten tomatoes 7.1

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.

Like Father Like Son

Japan 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 8 September 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.6/10

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

Past events affect everyone involved whether we are a willing party or not. The efforts of the past lingers affecting the present. Do we forge ahead and forget the past and concentrate on the present and future? Those feelings that evolve through time do not disappear in an instant. Gently shall we go a step at a time.

Impressive ensemble acting backed by a well written script gave the story a believable feel. The child actors are a delight to watch.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 3 September 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.2/10

Rotten tomatoes 8.4/10

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

A roller coaster, delicious smorgasbord of characters amidst an approaching war. The old era will end soon and a new outlook is on the horizon. That would not come to the fore until a few loose ends are tied up. Layers of human foibles are highlighted. The ensemble cast gave a rip roaring performance.

Delightful.

The Congress

France 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 27 August 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.8/10

An aging, out-of-work actress accepts one last job, though the consequences of her decision affect her in ways she didn't consider..

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

What a wonderful idea. To be able to escape reality but how much do we want to immerse ourselves in that world. Reality is not always pleasant but despite its shortcomings, there is the assurance that what we encounter is for all intents and purposes the real situation. A hard choice when love comes into the equation. Or a simple decision with no guarantees of its consequences.

An engaging story.

Exotica

Canada 1994

Details IMDB

Seen 12 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten tomatoes 8.3/10

The 'Exotica' is a nightclub on the outskirts of Toronto, where Eric, DJ and MC, watches nightly as his ex-girlfriend Christina performs. A regular customer triggers mixed feelings for many.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

A place where customers spend a few hours forgetting their everyday lives. An escape from reality. As the proprietor says, it is a place for relaxation not of healing. Past entanglements plays a role in the present. Then we realise that those pent-up emotions have not disappeared but continued smouldering. A blow up triggers those feelings to the fore and we have to come to terms with the past.

The past, present and future interlinked.

Where is the Friend's Home? (Khane-ye doust kodjast?)

Iran 1987

Details IMDB

Seen 11 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.0/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.2/10

An 8 year old boy must return his friend's notebook he took by mistake, lest his friend be punished by expulsion from school.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

Action speak louder than words. The desire to help a friend in need knows no bounds in this story. The journey, effort and hardship encountered while trying to help is most admirable. The adults might never be able to come close to this level of friendship. That strong will to do what is required. The right thing to do despite the obstacles.

It seemed ordinary at the beginning but the end was worth the wait.

Last Life in the Universe

Thailand 2003

Details IMDB

Seen 10 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.4/10

A suicidal, obsessively compulsive Japanese librarian is forced to lie low in Thailand with a pot-smoking woman coping with the recent loss of her sister.

My ratings 7.5/10

My impressions:

There's a world of difference being alone and being lonely. A man and a woman find a common thread, an understanding of each other. Each has his own world. Not the normal working life but those who remain in the margins. They are driven by another force. Often times seeking solace in another who share the same journey.

Unlikely mates in another universe.

Three times (Zui hao de shi guang)

Taiwan 2005

Details IMDB

Seen 9 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.9/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.8/10

Three stories set in three times, 1911, 1966 and 2005. Two actors play the two main characters in each story

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Three stories. Three different periods. A boy and a girl. A man and a woman. Love is the common thread. An unspoken longing for the other. Each couple has to find the strength to bring the relationship to the next level. They have to decide how to make it stronger and last.

Gentle look at love.

Antares

Antares

Austria 2004

Details IMDB

Seen 8 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 4.6/10

A deadly car crash sets off three parallel stories of women at crisis points, faltering behind the doors of the same, plain Vienna apartment block

My ratings 6.0/10

My impressions:

Glimpses of ordinary lives, loves and desires. An apartment block that houses residents struggling with their inner selves. A love that has lost its spark. A love that needs constant assurance. A past love that keeps coming back to make its presence felt. All connected in unexpected ways.

Satisfying watch.

Z

Z

France 1969

Details IMDB

Seen 7 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 8.1/10

Following the murder of a prominent leftist, an investigator tries to uncover the truth while government officials attempt to cover up their roles

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The struggle between the new and the established. The conscience of one man pushed the envelope further. One by one, painstakingly trying to piece together what happened before the incident. Everyone knows there is a bigger power behind the scenes but the effort to pin them down is the main theme of the story. Whether the guilty get their just rewards, only history will tell.

A snapshot of one of the events leading to a new ruling class.

Old Boy (Oldeuboi)

South Korea 2003

Details IMDB

Seen 16 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.3/10

After being kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in 5 days.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

The old wound festers until the right time arrives when all will be revealed. The wound might heal but scars remain as a reminder of what happened in the past. Was it worth the time and effort to wait for that day. Others are involved just because of that one incident in the past. That past is entrenched in the soul and the mind works to avenge itself.

Mesmerising.

Pleasure Factory (Kuaile gongchang)

Singapore 2007

Details wikipedia

Seen 14 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.4/10

The lives of pleasure seekers and pleasure providers intertwine one night in Singapore's red light district.

My ratings 6.0/10

My impressions:

The give and take in the pleasure dome. A microcosm of the society at large. Each has their own reasons going to the area. Each wants that moment of happiness, if possible to prolong it. How often will that come true. And others affected by your decision, will they be the same.

Lost in Beijing (Ping guo)

China 2007

Details IMDB

Seen 21 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 5.5/10

A look at modern-day life in China's capital centered on a ménage-a-quatre involving a young woman, her boss, her husband and her boss's wife

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The life in a big city. The rich who has made it in life. In contrast those who are just starting, struggling trying to make a decent life. The big man who takes advantage of the weak, the wife who tolerates his wanderings.

Money in this story does not bring that happiness that everyone wants. It is ultimately just a tool, a means to a more comfortable life and a head start for the young. The young is always the priority.

Watch it for the scenes when the characters do not have to say a word but let questions linger.

The Hunt (Jagten)

Denmark 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 14 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.3/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.9/10

A teacher lives a lonely life, all the while struggling over his son's custody. His life slowly gets better as he finds love and receives good news from his son, but his new luck is about to be brutally shattered by an innocent little lie

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

Whenever a child is involved in a crime involving an adult, the sympathies will almost always be on that child's side. The accused adult has a hard time trying to prove his innocence. The incident automatically made everyone suspicious of the suspect. Even his circle of friends abandon and ostracise him.

The child actor managed to bring to the screen a believable tale. The silent moments and glances convey her inner turmoil effortlessly. A story that could happen anywhere as accusations is always easy to make. Unfortunately proving you have not done anything wrong is very difficult. The uncertainty remains for some.

A satisfying watch.