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.

Juno

USA 2007

Details foxsearchlight

Seen 29 April 2008

A serious subject, teenage pregnancy seen through the pregnant mother's eyes. In this case, the unexpected pregnancy is handled with love, affection and strong family support. The whole town seems to be tolerant of this event, which helps the months pass by without any untoward incident. The baby is to be given away to a childless couple and we would have a fairy tale ending.

Not quite everyone lives happily ever after. There are obstacles along the way. But the main character, the unwed mother is the focal point of the movie and Ellen Page who played her was made for the role.

The subject matter might not find favour in less enlightened communities and the movie might not reach them. What a pity. Unwanted teenage pregnancies are an increasing trend and a more humane approach towards the issue would help both mother and child. This movie shows one way.

The Photograph

Indonesia 2007

Details thephotographmovie

Seen 25 April 2008

Leave it to the Indonesians to lift a simple story line to a different level of expectation, emotion laden work of love. Each scene seems pregnant with the deeper feelings of each main character. An old photographer who lives in the past. A young mother who has to live in the present and thinking of the future.

The two meet and it is their slowly evolving relationship which captures the imagination. The main actors gave depth to their portrayal of the conflict within each of us. Letting go of the past does not mean we forget, living in the present and looking forward to a future does not negate the past.

The silent moments were gems.

Failan

South Korea 2001

Details imdb

Seen 8 April 2008

A different kind of love story. A Chinese girl who becomes the wife of a gangster on paper so as to legitimise her stay in South Korea. She has never seen her 'husband' except for a photograph. The story focuses on the husband's life in the early part of the film. Fail an, the girl, comes into the picture only about half way through. Then we get flashbacks, on both lives.

A girl, working hard to survive in a foreign land. A man, the ant worker for the neighbourhood gangster. How their lives intertwined in unexpected ways.

The love that develops is unique, to say the least. The girl did try to see the husband, but circumstances prevented that meeting. She, nevertheless, continues to carry the flame, the torch of love. This is pure love, born out of necessity, but over time developed into a genuine regard for the 'spouse'. The gangster himself, with his soft hearted true self, is touched by the gestures from the wife.

It has a happy ending in an unconventional way. They will meet in the end but in a different world altogether.

Mala Noche

USA 1985

Details janusfilms

Seen 6 April 2008

Walt's love for Johnny, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, brings an unexpected dimension to his humdrum ordinary life as a shopkeeper. The physical attraction for Johnny is never consummated. But Walt did sleep with Roberto, Johnny's friend, whereas Johnny is more comfortable with Walt when they are with others. In particular, Roberto becomes the missing piece in a triangle.

Even though Walt is in love with Johnny, the way he takes care of Roberto belies that feeling. But even the relationship with Roberto seems to be on unequal terms. In the end, tragedy struck the triumvirate.

Walt lives another day to face his demons in his own way.

Yours Emotionally

UK 2006

Details yoursemotionally

Seen 5 April 2008

Another movie on lost love. In this instance, Ravi goes to India with a friend to sample the pleasures of the flesh at a gathering for gay men. The event is organised by a local who welcomes everyone to the love abode. Ravi falls for Mani but as circumstances reveal later, Mani has to follow the dictates of his culture. The director takes snippets of each issue that evolved.

The cultural differences in coming to terms with same sex relationships, the limits of a friendship when jealousy rears its head, the survival of a long term relationship between two men while staying put in a conservative society such as India, the realisation that love not just requires but demands sacrifices.

Wedding Wars

USA 2006

Details amazon

Seen 16 February 2008

Light hearted take on the issue of legalisation of same sex marriages. A gay wedding planner, Shel, is helping his brother's wedding to the incumbent governor's daughter. Things come to a head when the governor issues a statement that he favours the normal man and woman union in a marriage. Shel goes on strike as he feels that marriages should also be extended to same sex couples and the rest of the film shows how he gains support throughout the country for his stand.

This is a dream sequence in a way. I doubt the whole gay community and their supporters would go on strike nationwide in support of legalising same sex marriages. That is still a long way away.

But the stronger relationship at the end between the gay brother and the rest of his family might ring true. For what it is worth, family ties are thicker than water.

Shortbus

USA 2006

Details shortbusmovie

Seen 15 February 2008

Provocative. The general public should watch the movie with lots of caution. There are lots of nudity and explicit scenes. The subject matter itself is love but the director's treatment might not be to everyone's liking. A sexual therapist who hasn't experienced orgasm is introduced to a social club by her patient, a gay couple at the crossroads of their own relationship.

The main draw of this club is its celebration of the physical aspects of love. There are rooms with specific themes on the subject of sex. The therapist, Sophia, explores the different expressions of love in her quest to find a solution to her own problems.

Her search opens up pent-up feelings that helped her in achieving her goal, an orgasm.

There might be a lot of overt depictions of the sexual act, but nevertheless, the underlying message of finding yourself and letting go of excess emotional baggage before embarking on the next stage of a relationship is well put.

Never a dull moment. The actress who played Sophia and the supporting cast held the whole project together superbly.

The Chess Players

India 1977

Details satyajitray

Seen 10 February 2008

A tragic comedy of sorts set in India during the takeover of the state of Oudh by the British East India Company in the 1850s. The main characters are two noble men who spent their entire day in their new found interest, the ancient game of chess. They are so engrossed in their game that the men forget their obligations towards the family especially the wives. One of the wives felt so left out by the husband’s new interest that she even hides the chess pieces while the other wife brazenly has an extra marital affair.

The two men even went so far as to find a secluded place out of their house so that they could concentrate on their game without any disturbances. All these happened against the backdrop of the intrigues and machinations of the British during their attempt to take over the state.

Friendship, loyalty, misplaced trust and devious plots abound in this superb production. The actors who play the lead roles rose to the occasion in their portrayal of human nature and were ably supported by the rest of the cast.

The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros

Philippines 2007

Details dvdasian

Seen 10 February 2008

Entertaining from the first scene. A 12 year old boy picking up a flower and sashaying in the back lanes of his neighbourhood. I thought it would be just another exploitative story of a boy who is on the soft side. But this version has lots of heart.

Growing up in one of the poorer districts of a big city, Maxi led an idyllic life of the typical 12 year old, albeit with more emphasis on fashion and beauty. The tell tale traits of femininity. He has a close knit family of two elder brothers who love to tease him and a father who tolerates his girlie side. But when it come to the fore, all of them protect him.

Until one day, the new policeman in the district saves Maxi from being roughed up by the neighbourhood bullies. This would be the beginning of Maxi's crush on Victor and the dilemma he faces when circumstances dictate he has to choose between family or his new found interest.

The actor who played Maxi carried his role superbly and was ably supported by the rest of the cast. The not so beautiful side of a city is depicted in all its grim reality. Poverty pervades and some are led to a life of crime, corruption and abuse of power.

A delight overall and poignant in parts.

This Girl's Life

USA 2003

Details imdb

Seen 8 February 2008

The subject matter itself is provocative. The story revolves around a famous porn star. We get to see how she started in the business, and where she is five years later. She finds herself at a cross road in her life when she meets an actor. The man seems to understand her situation and does not put any pressure on her to change.

Moon, the porn star is also taking care of her father who is afflicted with Parkinson's disease. She decides to be more independent of the industry when her father's physical and mental condition deteriorates further.

Her new part-time career as a sex investigator, someone who is hired to find out whether a partner is or will cheat on his partner, booms. But a case she took on forced her to face facts and a new reality.

The story which highlights the inner workings of the adult movie industry is an eye opener. However independent the players try to be, there is always an element of force and coercion involved. Those who want to opt out must be strong and it helps if they have support from those close and dear to them.

Engrossing.

Possible Changes

South Korea 2004

Details hancinema

Seen 7 February 2008

Two good friends' love relationships.

One, an out of work writer meets a woman through the internet. He has a wife and a daughter but the marriage seems to be going through a strain. The woman he met does help alleviate the emptiness of his marriage. But the woman herself has a fiancée and their meetings does not amount to more than a sharing of problems and physical proximity.

The other still pines for his first love. One day he succeeded in getting her to sleep with him even though she herself has a husband and children. That physical contact brought back feelings of things that might have been. He was supposed to marry her after they had finished their studies but he met with an accident which made him slightly disabled and emotionally scarred.

He carries that chip on his shoulder since that day which also affects his relationships with other women. Fortunately, his good friend is always at hand to give support. Until the very end.

Happy End

South Korea 1999

Details global.yesasia

Seen 7 February 2008

The title might be a misnomer as there is no happy ending in the conventional sense. This is a story of love and anguish. A longing for that lost feeling of affection and attraction for each other. There is even a wish that I think came true but in a macabre fashion.

The woman in the story finds love with a man who is a part of her past but still maintains a semblance of normalcy at home with her husband and child. Eventually she has to decide between these two sides of her life when the unsuspecting husband finds evidence of her dalliance. This lead to the ultimate decision involving the three.

The three main actors portray their characters to the tee. Unfortunately, happiness seems an elusive dream even to the victor.

Broken Sky

Mexico 2006

Details cduniverse

Seen 2 February 2008

What do you do when the love of your life suddenly does not feel the same towards you. In this story, he tries to win back his lover's attention to the extent he looks and behaves like a forlorn puppy. But to no avail.

Fortunately, there is someone else in the background but he does not accept that love at first. And the ex-lover? A tormented soul.

The most interesting aspect of this film for me is the filming style. There are few words spoken. There is a voice over occasionally, and the background music is a mix of opera, and modern pieces. The silent moments and body language speak volumes of the struggle within each character. The physical attraction for each other when they were in love and the revulsion when one party has lost that loving feeling was so apt in their respective scenes.

Stunning.

Mrs Henderson presents

UK 2005

Details mrshendersonthemovie

Seen 2 February 2008

A musical set just before the Second World War. The focus is on the theater owner, a recently widowed rich lady and her stage manager. Both of them are strong headed individuals and we see differences of opinions throughout. From the opening of the theater, the programme, and even the lives of the stage actors.

The only disappointment for me is the scarcity of outstanding songs that could stand out representing the story. Other than that, it is a treat seeing the machinations that go to produce a stage show. Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins hit the right notes and it was enthralling the see the sparks fly.

Showboy

USA 2003

Details imdb

Seen 1 February 2008

Filmed in a documentary format with the film crew following a screenwriter's life. He was a part of a team of a successful television series. But he decides to move to Las Vegas after being fired from the production.

He was supposedly doing research on a future project. A screenplay with characters who happen to be dancers. But in reality he is discovering himself as a person as well as a passion for dance. He feels that dance will be his vocation even though the odds are stacked against him.

The film does not end with a very big happy ending for the main character but he his wish does come true.

The subject matter is interesting but the filming could have been better. Despite big names that play themselves in the film, I can't really feel the struggle the main character goes through in achieving his dreams. Maybe I'm too used to melodramatics that a light touch does not seem adequate.

Rosetta

Belgium 1999

Details imdb

Seen 26 January 2008

A teenage girl's struggles to have a semblance of a normal life. No father in the picture. Mother going downhill on booze and sex. No permanent job.

Fortunately, she found a friend who understands her predicaments and tries to help. But even this gesture was spurned in her despeartion to get a job. Her actions do not herald a new phase of happy endings but seems like just another turning in her never ending quest to get out of her rut.

Brilliant look at life's struggles and choices that has to be made in pursuing that dream, of having a better life for oneself.

Talk to her

Spain 2002

Details sonyclassics

Seen 24 January 2008

That is the advice given to a man whose girlfriend is comatose. This is a story centred on two patients and how the those surrounding them are affected by the patients' medical condition. The director shows the background to their present state and how feelings intertwined with the facts of the day. There are presumptions and preconceived ideas on certain behaviourial patterns of the main characters.

The assumptions of the majority at the hospital might have contributed to a tragedy for one of the patients. But there was a silver lining of sorts for her. She might even rise up again to greater heights like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes. As for the guilty party, he found his own heaven in a sad way.

Favourite dialogue: Love is the saddest thing when it goes away.

The Day I Became A Woman

Iran 2000

Details thedayibecameawoman

Seen 23 January 2008

A woman seems always destined to be second class citizens in society. From the moment a child enters womanhood, she loses her status as an individual. She is now an appendix to the larger and stronger group of men within her own family and the community.

It is a sad fact, that society has two sets of rules with the fairer sex getting the raw deal. The movie manages to show a redemption of sorts when the woman reaches an advanced stage in life. Even then, it is material wealth that gives her the freedom that she sought throughout her life.

A compelling story told with quiet dignity.

Last Love

Thailand 2003

Details dvdasian

Seen 19 January 2008

The movie focuses on a divorcee with three children. She is articulate, full of life and seem to have everything in place except in the love department. Her ex-husband bad mouths her. Her new friend takes advantage of her while her heart is still with her previous boyfriend who is also much younger. A triangle.

How does one decide? A tragedy at the end helped her to make her decision. But if there was no tragedy, would she continue meandering through her love life?

Macho Undercover

Germany 2005

Details hkflix

Seen 13 January 2008

A light hearted romantic comedy. An out of work journalist Tom, finds work at a woman's magazine. He pretends to be gay in order to get the job. Tom finds his new place of employment heaven sent. A macho man in a woman's world. But as he becomes familiar with his working environment, he found that he has deeper feelings for one particular woman, Andrea in his office. Unfortunately, Andrea only has eyes for the main man in the company.

We see how Tom, discovers himself, his more caring side. He does not just appreciate woman physically but respects them as a whole person. Tom also discovers that the gay community is not as queer as he once thought. They are just men who happen to prefer other men.

There are some scenes that seem to emphasise the accepted stereotype of a gay man. Tom's portrayal of a gay man show the common perception of what a gay man should be. Thankfully, these are done tastefully. Not too over the top and there is a feel good factor at the end. A modern love story.

Enduring Love

UK 2004

Details paramountvantage

Seen 13 January 2008

A lecturer on the topic of love finds himself questioning his own beliefs after a tragedy. What is love? He had taught his class how to see love from different aspects without realising that he himself would be a subject or a victim of love.

Unfortunately, in his case that love manifests itself in its ugly incarnation. A love that defies logic, a love that is so obsessive that it endangers those close to you.

He had to make a decision in the end to ensure that the person nearest to him is saved. He is not a cloyingly sentimental man but more of the rational thinking person. But did that help him when he found himself in the throes of love's grip?

Lust Caution

China 2007

Details imdb

Seen 12 January 2008

When do we cross the line between that first physical attraction and the feelings of longing for the other. In this movie, there is the added danger that the girl is on a mission to harm the man.

No wonder the title is such and the love making is depicted in all its beastly glory. Unfortunately, my copy of the movie had very poor subtitles so I'm unable to savour the nuances of the language. But the looks of the two main characters convey so much. Emotions held back, very controlled and a contest to see who will let down his guard first. A cat and mouse game with grave consequences.

It was a bonus that the movie had Joan Chen as well in a supporting role.

Like Grains of Sand

Japan 1995

Poster japan.movieposterdb

Details imdb

Seen 10 January 2008

Our adolescent years seem to bring out latent feelings to the surface. In this case, Ito has feelings for his class mate, Yoshida.. Yoshida is a popular student, so there will be others who want to gain his attraction and he has a 'steady' girlfriend as well. But being the nice guy, Yoshida is quite close to Ito as well as another classmate who is known for his mischievous ways. So we see the three of them doing things together, a very special boys bonding.

Into this scene comes Aihara, a mysterious girl who had just been transfered to their school. She became the catalyst for Ito to spurt out his true feelings towards Yoshida. The rest of the story shows the permutations and combinations of friendships and the beginnings of love and jealousy.

Shifts in their lives mirror the shifting grains of sand that are affected by nature. External forces do have a play in man's lives.

East Palace West Palace

China 1996

Details imdb

Seen 8 January 2008

Despicable. Crazy. Two words uttered in disgust by the policeman who apprehended a man caught in a park frequented by gays. Throughout a night's interrogation, or maybe it could be termed a confession of sorts, the man tells the story of his life. The policeman listens and tries to understand but his own feelings over the whole issue seem ambivalent.

The story focuses on the two main characters and the actors do not disappoint. The sorrow and despair of being different. The strong force of love until you are willing endure whatever fate gives out to you. All in the name of love?

Nagabonar Jadi 2

Indonesia 2007

Details kapanlagi

Seen 1 January 2007

On the surface it looks like a comedy, but there are layers of events interspersed that makes the audience sit up and take notice. Political shenanigans, disappointments and misuse are highlights besides the obligatory love interest.

There is also the relationship between a father and son. This is especially appealing to me. The silent moments when the father remembers a past event or the way he looks at his son, gives the audience an opportunity to reflect on their own way of handling relationships.

The actor who plays the main character is superb and it helps that he this is his own film. He is ably supported by the others giving us a realistic picture of the generational gap and its complications.

Eternal Summer

Taiwan 2006
Poster imdb

Details lovehkfilm

Seen 31 December 2007

A menage a trois? Maybe. But this film highlights the struggle in coming to terms with your feelings. That feeling of love and friendship. Where does one start and the other ends. Do we sacrifice one for the other?

The three main characters managed to portray the inner conflict between two opposing emotions. The longing, sacrifice, guilt and in the end coming to terms with reality make this a wonderful little film to be savoured by all.

An eternal summer indeed.

Koper

Indonesia 2006

Details richardoh

Seen 1 December 2007

Surreal. A bag found by an ordinary man who lives a mundane existence as a clerk in a government department becomes the focal point of the film. The perception of others about him changes with the appearance of the bag. Everyone presumes that the bag is the same bag mentioned in a news item about a bank robbery. Even his wife feels that their life will change for the better if only he uses what is inside the bag. He is adamant that the bag should be returned to its rightful owner but his efforts were unsuccessful.

Avarice seems to be an all encompassing presence in his surroundings. He only found a kindred spirit in a lady bar owner but his efforts to live by his moral and ethical standards bring the situation at home to a crisis point when his wife falls ill and needs a lot of money to pay for an operation.

His actions seem incoherent but in the end there is a sort of an answer for the audience.

In America

USA 2002

Details imdb

Seen 21 October 2007

On first glance, the story might seem like a simple tale of an ordinary Irish family seeking their fortune in America. Underneath that normal exterior lurks emotional demons from the past.

The family is not just seeking a better life in America but simultaneously trying to come to terms with what happened in the past. The encounters with their neighbours in a seedier side of New York brings new perspective on the family's struggles. One particular neighbour especially, a man from Africa became close to the family and events that occur later became the catalyst to unburden the hold from the past on all the family members.

Satisfactory watch even though you do have that feeling it would have a happy ending. Well, it did not end in a fairy tale style of happy endings, more with a dampener in between.

Blue Gate Crossing

Taiwan 2002

Details lovehkfilm

Seen 20 October 2007

It is confirmed. I am a corny, mushy, sentimental and lump in the throat person, This film confirms that suspicion.

From the first strains of the piano tinkling in the background, I was hooked and sunk deeper as the story went along its merry way.

This is a simple story of finding love when you are a teenager, on the verge of adulthood. Friendship between two girls, and a boy who is the object of admiration of one of them. The gawkiness and shyness of confessing that emotion to the intended party takes the bulk of the first few scenes.

This progressed into uncharted territory when the middle man herself finds the boy attractive. She has doubts about her feelings since she feels she is attracted to her own gender and it would be a betrayal of sorts to her close friend.

The actors were spot on in their portrayal of teenage insecurities. The phase everyone goes through and maybe still goes through in our advancing age.

Bee Season

USA 2005

Details imdb

Seen 16 October 2007

A seemingly happy family discovers each of them has secrets. The ball starts rolling when Eliza wins the district spelling competition. This spurs the father to help her go on to the next level of the championships. This helpful act brigs forth the father's own ambitions to the chagrin of his wife and son.

The film progresses by showing each family members' secret desires and hopes. But there are no major flare-ups as we get a low key style of story telling. Instead, the power of words and images is used a lot and emphasised.

What time is it there?

Taiwan 2001

Details imdb

Seen 15 October 2007

A father's death is the beginning of events related to time and place. The son, Hsiao Kong is a street peddler dealing in watches. A customer, Shiang-chyi, a girl who is going abroad the next day is vehement that she wants the watch that Hsiao Kong wears. At first he is reluctant to sell the watch but relents after much persuasion.

Hsiao Kong and his mother still feels the presence of the departed and no amount of prayer and offerings seems to calm the spirit. Both of them are affected and Shiang-chyi herself seems to have similar experiences.

The link is the watch, but on deeper reflection the three main characters have their own demons to face. The departed father, husband is just the catalyst.

Waiting for the clouds

Turkey 2004

Details arteeast

Seen 15 October 2007

This story of a minority middle aged woman with guilt feelings over past incidents might not strike a sympathetic chord with audiences. It is told in recollections of the woman. As it is, the actress who plays the woman holds the key to the whole drama of sacrifices, tragedies as well as love lost and found.

She as a victim survived for 50 years in a place far away from her original home. The death of her sister, triggered events that eventually reconnect her with the past.

I guess her waiting for the clouds to clear was not in vain.

Quinceanera

USA 2006

Poster and details imdb

Seen 15 October 2007

The title refers to the coming of age celebrations for a girl on reaching fifteen years old. The story centres on Magdalena who is 14 but finds that she is pregnant, not through full sexual intercourse but more a result of an accident, an immaculate conception. That and plus the fact that her father is the parish priest made her find refuge at her great grand uncle's place, Tomas. This is also the safe place for her troubled cousin, Carlos who acts though but is a decent man at heart.

After a few more complications down the road, we see the scene stealer, a funeral and a eulogy that brings back the families together. A piece of the eulogy brought some sense back to the warring parties. The dead man was a man of love, accepts all without any prejudgements. A saint according to the speaker whose spirit will live on among those who knew him and generations to come.

Bitter sweet.

The Fog of War

USA 2004

Details sonyclassics

Seen 13 October 2007

A documentary on former US defence secretay, Robert S. McNamara. He had a major role in many decisions since the Second World War until the Vietnam War.

He is a fascinating subject as he was in the corridors of power for so long. He also had experience in the business world, once with the Ford Motor Company and the World Bank after he left government service.

The interviews try to show the reasons behind decisions taken during crucial moments in the history of the USA when dealing with its adversaries. There were still a few questions left unanswered completely, eg, those conrning the Vietnam War. He felt that further comments might open up a pandora's box.

One telling moment was when he acknowledged that he does not answer questions posed to him but rather those that he think should be asked.

A politician, not really. A dedicated cabinet member who believes wholeheartedly in the work he is doing, that seems more to the point.

As he says, war is such that the justification is complex and hence the fogginess of the issue. Right or wrong, ethics, morality, humanity, all these are not the prime concern in times of war.

There will always be losers and usually they are not the decision makers.

Little Miss Sunshine

USA 2006

Poster and details imdb

Seen 13 October 2007

The blurb says – a family on the verge of a breakdown. Quite true but this family shows that they are still a family after all the trials and tribulations. A road movie in a way with the main focus on the dreams of the daughter to be Little Miss Sunshine and how the rest of the family are linked to that pursuit.

This story proves my theory that a touch can play a big role in any situation. I guess human beings are emotional beings at the core. We need that physical assurance that we are on the right path. No amount of self motivation or lectures can replace that simple touch or hug to affirm that we are supported by those close and near.

Lump in the throat feeling in certain scenes.

Turtles can fly

Iraq 2005

Poster and details amazon

Seen 12 October 2007

Unforgettable as Newsweek magazine says. This film centres on the Kurds at the border of Turkey and Iraq during the last days Saddam Hussein's rule in Iraq. The story revolves on the children at a village and refugee camp who get paid looking for scrap metal especially land mines planted around the area. A refugee girl with an older armless brother and a baby brother caught the attention of the leader of the children's gang. As the story unfolds, we learn how the girl and her brothers came to the camp. The flashback itself seems like a tiny fraction of the atrocities endured by the Kurds.

This is not a story with a happy ending however much I would love to believe that fate might give a better hand to the children. I do feel guilty since I am blessed ten fold compared to the children in the story. Why do children have to bear the brunt of adults' monstrosity?

Shanghai Panic

China 2001

Poster and details amazon

Seen 10 October 2007

The panic starts when Bei thinks he has AIDS. His friends rally around to bolster his self confidence so that he has enough courage to take the test to confirm whether he is HIV positive or not. Bei and his friends can be considered a staple in the clubs of Shanghai who spend their time talking and dissecting the past, present and future besides the good times at night. We see relationships going through ebbs and flow,. while the strength of friendships also goes through myriad tests. This film is a very intimate view of a small group of friends who try to find some semblance of life in the dreary world they have to live in.

Claustrophobic at times.

Butterfly man

Thailand 2002

Seen 8 October 2007

Poster and details butterflyman

A bit disappointing. The film has all the ingredients to make a great movie – reasonable plot, direction and actors, but the x-factor is missing. This is a tale of love gone astray. One night's debauchery, and the whole world goes topsy-turvy. But I just can't root or feel two hundred percent for the the characters, either through their love stage or struggles against the enemy. What a pity, it could have been great.

Men and Woman

China 1999

Poster and details cduniverse

Seen 4 October 2007

The film begins showing a scene of a man broadcasting his own private radio show – The Toilet Times. That in itself, is a good start for me. Toilet humour, maybe.

But the next scene shows a young man arriving in the big city looking for a job. A kind hearted shopkeeper takes him and even lets him stay at her place she shares with her husband. This lady is the rare big hearted woman who tries to help the young man make something out of his life. She even tries to introduce him to a girl in the hope that friendship and romance will blossom.

Unfortunately that scheme did not work according to plan. Instead, there are even some doubts that the young man is even interested in girls. This leads to complications in the relationship between the young man and his benefactor. He moved out of the house and seeks shelter at another friend's place.

The later scenes show how the toilet humor is inter-related to the main story and there is a nice twist to the relationship combinations. The final scene itself seems to be a summary of human relationships as well as a sly commentary on the state of the nation.

Satisfying look at normal lives with an added twist. Do not expect explicit bedroom scenes.

A river made to drown in

USA 1997

Poster and details imdb

Seen 22 March 2007

A dying man's last days with two persons he had loved. He was the typical flamboyant rich gay man who had many sexual partners. His feelings for these particular two men brought him back to Los Angeles. We se how he tries to make them realise that life is more than what it seems. A particular dialogue might sum up what he was trying to convey - “If you're terrified of loving someone besides yourself then you're not going anywhere”.
The film did not resort to histrionics but maintained an even keel. I was attracted to the film because it had Richard Chamberlain in the main role with a capable supporting cast which includes Ute Lemper and Talia Shire.

Sin Destino

Mexico 2002

Poster and details amazon

Seen 13 March 2007

Disturbing. A street boy's life in the cut throat man eat man urban landscape. We see Francisco selling his body to men to eke out a living of sorts. He also uses drugs to lessen the impact and forget what he has done. The drugs are supplied by his best friend, David who also initiates Francisco to a sexual encounter with a woman. Unfortunately, Francisco's past keeps haunting him. A past that kick started his life as a hustler since he first met a photographer, Sebastian who specialises in young boys' photographs. A hesitant first encounter with a girl that he likes pushes him back to Sebastian. Unfortunately, the downward spiral for Francisco continues from this point onwards.

The actor who played Francisco managed to convey the tormented soul of a street boy who is forced to do unspeakable acts in order to survive. The supporting cast lends a hand in giving the film its overall atmosphere of gloom and doom. There is a flicker of hope somewhere but not for Francisco in this lifetime.

Heart

Indonesia 2006

Poster and details sinema-indonesia

Seen 11 March 2007

Cliché ridden love story but it works. Two girls and one guy. Rachel and Farel have been good friends since they were kids and one day Farel falls for this girl named Luna. Then and only then did Rachel realise that her feelings for Farel goes deeper than being close good friends. That is the start of her sacrifices in order to see Farel happy with his love. At the end, Rachel confesses to Farel that she has lost her love, her ideal guy to another girl. Farel does not realise that Rachel is referring to he himself. There is another twist at the end which ties up the loose ends. Some of the dialogue can be over the top but taken overall, this method does pull the right heart strings. The film concentrates on the three main characters so the audience is focused on the story line. Good editing helped a lot in putting this tale of romance and sacrifice above the run of the mill output.

Silom Soi 2

Thailand 2006

Poster and details silom-soi2

Seen 10 March 2007

Gentle love story focused on two men, Kaeng and Tum. The film goes through their ups and downs thematically according to the letters of the alphabet. Interesting method. Feels like a documentary. The director does not delve too deeply into the whys and wherefores of love but more of mere touches on the surface. Some scenes deserve a special mention. For example, the scenes where Tum takes care of the sickly Kaeng and how Kaeng tries so hard to avoid physical love making with Tum.

The Queen

United Kingdom 2006

Poster and details imdb

Seen 2 March 2007

The film revolves on how the Queen of England, Elizabeth II copes with the death of her former daughter-in-law. Most probably a lot of the scenes and dialogue are conjectures but seems believable if reports that have been published on the English royal family are true. The main thrust of the story is how human the Queen is. Of course, she has her flaws but anyone else in her situation might have buckled under the pressure of being in the public gaze throughout their lives. She has always been under this spotlight, brought up to deal with the situation in the best way possible and the pressure became more acute since she became the queen in her twenties. Helen Mirren who pot rayed the queen did a remarkable job balancing the public and private persona of a woman who has been thrust into public life at such an early age. Revealing inside information on the machinations in the palace as well as the government of the day adds to a memorable tour de force.

Babel

USA 2006

Poster and details imdb

Seen 23 February 2007

Four separate stories with a common link. Each highlights the consequences of miscommunication. Feelings of lost, unrequited love, yearnings for the human touch. Each character is laden with their own emotional baggage. Pent-up emotions explode with dire consequences to the person himself and those linked to him. Layers of the human psyche is highlighted. Ordinary people trying to make sense of the world around them but unfortunately certain actions beget an unintended reaction.
Wonderful ensemble cast and the unknowns manage to carry their role well. The director manages to coax the actors to display the emotional undercurrents seething within each person.
One of the most memorable lines "If You Want to be Understood...Listen"

Borat

Country USA 2006

Picture and details imdb

Seen 30 November 2006

A back handed treatment on the vagaries of the American society. The story follows a Kazakhtan who is on a study tour of the good old USA. We get to see how Borat is not politically correct in almost every situation – from gender, sexual, race and religious issues to the political might of America as the so-called world’s policeman. This film is made in the mold of British comedies, a homage to the traditions of Monty Python as well as the Carry On series. See it with caution as the whole film can be enjoyed at different levels. A repeated view would be helpful in discovering layers of innuendos thrown throughout the duration of the film.

The Mirror

Iran 1997

Picture and details imdb

Seen 8 November 2006

Revealing film on the social mores of the Iranian society s seen through a girl’s perspective. A girl tries to find her way home on her own after school. Her mother who usually picks her up from her primary school did not turn up on that particular day. We see how the girl tries to go home with the help of elders she encounters along the way. We are able to get a glimpse of the social make-up of the Iranian society through the girl’s eyes and ears – women’s role in society, how the elders are treated, relationships between the sexes, how people cope with living in a city like Teheran. Midway through the film, the actor who plays the girls decides to stop acting. But the camera rolls on to capture her real life situation which is almost a mirror image to the story line of the film. The child actor is a gem. A natural as the whole film depends on her.