Der Baader Meinhof Komplex

Germany 2008

Details  imdb

Seen 12 May 2009

A historical take at the notorious German revolutionary group. They started as idealists involved in one way or another in the student movement of the 1960s, when all sorts of radical ideas were brewing in campuses of the developed countries in the West. This was also the decade that saw the rise of people's power in a number of third world countries that had just emerged free from the colonial powers. A new Germany was also beginning to take shape, not just a nation of hard working people, building their nation after the ravages of war but with a sizable younger population born after the war who demanded a different approach to nationhood.

The leaders of this group believe the world needs a radical approach in order to change the existing imbalance prevalent in all spheres of society. But they seem to forget the innocent victims of their crusade. As always, does the end justify the means.

The film interspersed with footage of the 1960s and 1970s highlights the turmoil and dynamics within and without the group, influenced no doubt by other events and movements blooming everywhere. The director does not try to delve too deep into the trigger mechanism of the main players but does give an insight into their frame of mind throughout the existence of the group and how the authorities tried to contain them.

Required viewing for those who want to understand the whys and hows a group can be so popular despite the brutal and cold tactics that they utilise in pursuit of their goal.  

A Frozen Flower aka Ssang-hwa-jeom

South Korea 2008

Details  hancinema

Seen 7 May 2009

A flower, frozen? A metaphor for our prized possession, perhaps. In this tale, the king's hold over his flower ends tragically. The flower has not really seen the sun, or smelt the air outside the palace where he has been groomed since he was a small boy to be in the elite inner circle. A group of selected young boys groomed to protect the future king and in this case, he was the chosen flower for the king. Despite the innuendo and scathing remarks from his fellow guardsmen, he is steadfast in his loyalty to the king, to serve the king in all circumstances, to sacrifice his own life if need be.

But we are living in the era when vassal states are beholden to big brother and marriages of convenience are part of the scheme to expand the control over the far flung territories. So the flower has to make the ultimate sacrifice, sleep with queen as the king is not up to that task himself. So began, the flower's bloom. But of course not to everyone's liking.

Tragic.

100 Days Before The Command

Russia 1990

Details amazon

Seen 2 May 2009

Avant-garde? Surreal. I'm unsure but on the surface the film touches on the lives of a group of recruits who are preparing to go to the war front. They seem so young, child like in their innocence and eagerness to fight for the motherland. As trainings go, they endure the same hard regime to be expected of those who join the army. There may be a few sadistic leaders who are hell bent in breaking the spirit of the new men and we see casualties. But overall, there is a sense of being in solidarity, one big heart pumping in rhythm, waiting in anticipation for the big day when they will do battle.

Astounding.

Like A Virgin

South Korea 2006

Details  hancinema

Seen 29 April 2009

One of Madonna's biggest hits becomes a very apt title for this story. A story of longing, living not just existing. That is the ambitions and daydreams of a school boy, who feels that being a woman would at least hasten that reality. To become a woman needs money and fortunately for him the school wrestling coach sees a potential winner in that soft spoken, often bullied boy. There is a competition coming and the prize money is sufficient incentive for the boy to try his luck.

Before that big day however, there are challenges from all fronts; family, friends, a school crush and team mates.

The film has its fair share of slapstick but the actors kept a very straight face that we can't helped being amused. A first glance might say that this film is fluff but the story does touch on human foibles and strengths.

Enjoyable.

Revanche aka Revenge

Austria 2008

Details  imdb

Seen 25 April 2009

A small time burglar faces emotional torment when faced by the death of his girlfriend at the hands of the local village policeman. Does he seek revenge? The fact that he has to help his grandfather at the farm brings him close to his intended victim. But does he?

There are twist and turns as the policeman's wife is also involved in the tragedy. An eye for an eye, or would the revenge take another form, unwittingly.

The human psyche under duress.

Kinta 1881

Malaysia 2008

Details  cinema

Seen 21 April 2009

Full marks for photography and art direction but I felt let down in the story department. This is a story of brotherhood, revenge, exploitation, greed and betrayal as well as a love interest or two. The main thrust and selling point of the movie are the fighting scenes as the movie boasts a lineup of a few wushu exponents, world and national champions.

For those who want to drool over the ultra fit human body on display, this is the film to watch, on par with others in the same genre. But if you are looking for some deep insight into the tin mining industry during its early years, this will not satisfy that longing. Thankfully, the production has not claimed the film is a historical insight into the past but has emphasised the loyalty among brothers angle.

A commendable effort.

The Blind Sunflowers (Los girasoles ciegos)

Spain 2008

Details  cineuropa

Seen 15 April 2009

Spain in the late 1930s just before the outbreak of the Second World War sees the struggle between rival factions still continuing. Lorenzo enters the seminary with good intentions, to leave behind his worldly sins and dedicate himself to do good within the church framework. But temptation appears in the form of Elena, whose son studies under Lorenzo. And Elena is not just an ordinary housewife, her husband is a communist wanted by the authorities and her daughter had ran away with her boyfriend, another communist.

Lorenzo's inner struggles and how he justifies his actions led to devastating consequences. And this seems to reflect on how the Bible compares those who lost their way with “blind sunflowers”. Sunflowers supposedly thrive in the sun but in this case they became blinded by the brightness instead.

Forbidden Love (Defense d'aimer)

France 2003

Details  rottentomatoes

Seen 14 April 2009

What an apt title. Gestures and actions or in this case inactions that do not translate into something more meaningful haunts Bruno who has fallen for Mateo. They seem to be on a mating dance, circling each other, waiting for the first move until Bruno took the bull by its horns. But as Mateo said, the desire did not come at that time, during all those times when they were sleeping together.

But they did savour the nectar of love for one night and oh, what a night. This is one bedroom scene that has been photographed from an entirely different perspective. No oohs or aahs, no groaning moans but the background music and cinematography conveyed the deepest desires of the two lovers.

That particular night is not the beginning of a blissful journey, a life shared together. That night represents a turning point in their relationship, with tragic circumstances.

Love, obsession maybe, madness definitely.

Return to innocence

USA 2001

Details  imdb

Seen 13 April 2009

A clinical psychologist is accused of sexually abusing one of the boys at a shelter home. To compound the matter further, he is famous for his research into the relationship between adults and young boys. A very relevant subject but this is a very low budget version that it feels so much like watching a day time soap opera.

What a pity.

The moon in the gutter (La lune dans le carniveau)

France 1983

Details  imdb

Seen 12 April 2009

A metaphor of the chasm between the two lovers in the story. Well, not exactly lovers in the hunky dory tradition of fairy tales but more of a rich girl falling for that brawny animal magnetism of a he man. And all this 'love' just bubbling over the surface amidst the gritty atmosphere of the docklands. Don't forget, we also have a very jealous and possessive girlfriend, a drunkard brother who is trying to forget a past tragedy, and a father who seems to let go of his worldly affairs after the death of the daughter in tragic circumstances.

Will the moon stay forever in the gutter? Watch until the end for the answer.

Waltz with Bashir

Israel 2008

Details  waltzwithbashir

Seen 12 April 2009

This might be an animated story but what a revelation. An Israeli film maker's attempts to recollect his role during the war in Lebanon, specifically the massacre in the camps of Sabra and Shatila is the basis of the story. Step by incremental step we get a picture of those involved and the times they live in. It is not an apology for what happened but more of a cleansing ritual, trying to let go of a heavy burden that has been lodged deep inside each individual who was involved in operations leading to that fateful day.

Each man had to deal with his nightmares and dreams in his own way. A journey not alike for all of them. Each had to confront what they did on a human level against the backdrop of their historical past. Not an admirable position to be in.

A milestone, a landmark, an anti-war war film.

Time to leave (Le temps qui reste)

France 2005

Details  imdb

Seen 11 April 2009

What do you do when you find out that you do not have that much longer to live? You also have unresolved issues with your family and lover as well as your need for that loving relationship. Thus begin a journey, to try and put things right.

The film does not try to resolve all pertinent questions with a final solution that fits all. We are still left with doubts and speculations whether the main character has made the right choices but at least he has made his peace with the world he is going to leave behind.

It was wonderful to watch Jeanne Moreau, truly an added bonus.  

Beautiful Mystery

Japan 1983

Details  imdb

Seen 7 April 2009

A caricature of a group of men, pretenders of a bygone era when an army faction attempted a military coup in the 1930's Japan. This story begins with the entry of a new recruit to the cause which is led by a charismatic leader. All of them are training for the big day, when they will carry out their mission to see their country in its glory once again.

The beautiful mystery is the relationship between these men. They embody that brotherhood of man ethos, the unquestioning loyalty to your superiors that eventually blossoms into a camaraderie beyond the usual comrades-in-arms feelings.

Do watch until the end since there is an unexpected twist of sorts.

When Pigs Fly

Netherlands 1993

Details  imdb

Seen 6 April 2009

A whimsical tale of two ghosts seeking revenge over a past misdeed. Actually, one ghost in particular helped by a younger ghost from another era. But being ghosts, they need help in the form of humans, to carry out their plans. They found a perfect specimen in a young down and out man, who has lost his will to live. The young man, a miscast in the small town, is also helped by the resident barmaid cum stripper at the local drinking hole.

A must see, for all fans of Marianne Faithfull.

Crossing (Keurosing)

South Korea 2008

Details  hancinema

Seen 5 April 2009

Basically a tear jerker, but not in the copious stream of tears category. The tears do flow at certain scenes, so be forewarned.

A North Korean's struggles to help his sick wife who is expecting their second child is the main thrust of the story. Yong-soo manages to go to China and eventually to South Korea in his endeavours but the family left behind face another reality, the harsh economic conditions which has left many sick and dying. People are punished for their efforts to seek a better life amidst the ongoing mantra that they live in utopia.

This is a family torn apart by the simple facts of life, getting that plate of rice on the table everyday. That in itself is such a hard effort that being sick upsets the delicate equilibrium. That is the catalyst for the bread winner to find a better solution. Alas, the consequences.

We should thank our lucky stars.

Departures (Okuribito)

Japan 2008

Details  departures-themovie

Seen 29 March 2009

A life affirming tale in the midst of the special job of preparing the dead for their next journey. The main character, Dai, is an out of work cellist who goes back to his hometown and manages to secure a job akin to the western concept of an embalmer. That is the only similarity between the two because in the Japanese tradition, the person entrusted with preparing the dead for their onward travels does it in such a way that it becomes a celebration of life rather than a morbid and foreboding task. And this is done in front of the deceased person's family members!

Dai himself is not without his own emotional baggage, having been brought up by his mother single-handedly after the father left the family when he was still a small child. Dai was hesitant about his new job after his first disastrous assignment but discovers himself through observing his employer and mentor.

The final realisation about the past and present was beautifully captured when Dai meets his father in the end.

A lesson in acceptance, letting go of the past and opening up to new discoveries.

Buddha collapsed out of shame

Iran 2007

Details  makhmalbaf

Seen 21 March 2009

A damning look at what has happened since the Talibans blew up the statue of Buddha at Bamiyan. The story follows a young girl's struggles to go to school. From the moment she heard a neighbour reading book, she was just mesmerised by the stories in the book that it triggered her unfailing effort to be like him, someone who can read.

Her journey towards that goal is the focus of the story. The children in the story mirror what is happening in their community, the beliefs, the misconceptions and the struggles. And a little girl soldiers on to achieve her ambitions.

The story gets more heart breaking as we go from scene to scene with an almost hopeless outlook for the main character. Poignant and sad, but hopefully there will be pockets of triumphs in the midst of all the gloom.

The children in the movie are superb.

Cape No 7

Taiwan 2008

Details imdb

Seen 18 March 2009

A male lead who is sullen throughout the film paired with a female lead who sometimes screams her head off, might not be everyone's idea of a romantic story. But both leads are in character, a young man dejected by failure in the big city meets his match in the girl who feels cheated out of better opportunities in her own homeland. They seem to hate each other's guts, so how did that love bloom?

Play this against the backdrop of a small seaside town and another love story of at least two generations earlier, and we have a winner. Add some views on the role of the elderly and the respect that should be accorded to those in this group, development for small communities, diligence and hard work, and we have almost run the whole gamut of human emotions and what is to be expected in a civilised and caring society.

When the songs start playing, and you listen to the lyrics, then we realise how corny everything is, but it is a wonderful feeling, a tear or two might even make an appearance.

Los Placeres Ocultos

aka Hidden Pleasure

Spain 1977

Details  imdb

Seen 15 March 2009

Eduardo, as usual falls for a young boy, Miguel but does not treat him as he does his other tricks. Eduardo steels himself from corrupting Miguel and eventually confesses his love. Of course, at first Miguel is very upset and determined not to have anything anymore with Eduardo but made an about turn when Eduardo ran into a scrape with his previous conquests. The two of them and Miguel's girlfriend, Carmen came to an understanding and became good friends. But there is danger lurking, as Miguel's past catches up with all of them

This is reality as there are successful men who uses their money and power to buy favours irrespective of their preferences. The situation can become complicated when there are others who want that same person.

A film that looks at social mores and acceptance in Spain during the 1970s.

Kiss of the spider woman

Brazil/USA 1985

Details  imdb

Seen 14 March 2009

I am quite certain everyone involved in this movie had a good time during the film making process. A good script, cast and sure handed direction gives this story of two contrasting men forced to share a jail cell a head start in capturing the audience's attention.

This particular cell had Molina, a homosexual sharing that confined space with Valentin, a journalist who was imprisoned for helping the revolutionaries. At almost every opportunity, Molina will regale Valentin with his fantastical story of a movie he had seen when he was in the outside world. A story of love, devotion and loyalty. In truth, that is what Molina himself is going through, a dilemma, the choice between love and loyalty or freedom.

This movie will definitely stand the test of time.   

Prenom Carmen

aka First Name Carmen

France 1983

Details  imdb

Seen 12 March 2009

Carmen is the centre piece of this story. A strong woman per se but when it comes to love, the whole world crumbles. On the surface the film revolves around Carmen and her gang who rob a bank. The policeman at the bank falls for Carmen, inexplicably and we see the intricacies of love being played between the two.

Suspend your everyday perceptions if you want to enjoy this movie as the plot comes to the fore via images and scenes that might not make any sense if taken separately. The style is a homage to the film noir of the 1950s and we also get a quartet practicing in between the main story, which gives another dimension to the whole experience. The music and the story is inextricably woven together.

Mind boggling.

L'homme blesse

aka The Wanted Man

France 1983

Details  imdb

Seen 11 March 2009

A fatal attraction perhaps? The first kiss, a forced kiss from another man in the washroom near the railway station of Paris starts the ball rolling for Henri. That encounter triggers an obsession with the man, Jean. A man who seems to be an enigma, and not exactly someone that would be a role model for youths who are on the brink of their adulthood.

Add into this equation, a benefactor, someone who tries to help but knows only too well that obsessions can change a person, for better or worse. In this case, worse seems to win the day. There are twists and turns along the way, but ultimately that obsession seems all too powerful and overwhelming

Avant que j'oublie

aka Before I Foget

France 2007

Details  movies.nytimes

Seen 10 March 2009

The story focus is on a retired gigolo, who spends his ‘retirement’ reminiscing the good old days with his old friends, looking back at what could have been. As someone who uses his good looks and charms to earn his living, he continues to crave for that physical closeness with another human, exacerbated by the fact that he has no family of his own. Compared to his gang, he leads a lonely life but his character is such, that to him, it is not such a big issue. He still gets his physical satisfaction paying younger gigolos for their services. This is life in full circle, as if in a relay, each runner passing the baton to the next.

Non-judgmental look at life, but as always, food for thought, with lots of philosophy and questions, in a very French mould.

Taiikukan Baby

aka Gymnasium Baby

Japan 2008

Details yesasia

Seen 9 March 2009

Teenage love or is that infatuation is strange, wonderful, frustrating, full of hope and despair, and we see them all in this movie. Do we blurt out our feelings for the other person and even manage to plant a kiss because of that overflowing feeling building up within ourselves? Or do we keep quiet and repress the innermost emotions as a guarantee that at least our friendship with the object of desire remain?

Different choices, but apt to each person. Eventually, we do come to an understanding. It may not be a perfect arrangement, but if nothing else, those involved know the status quo.

The teenage years, everyone went through them once.

O Thiasos

aka The Travelling Players

Greece 1975

Details  imdb

Seen 9 March 2009

I was lucky to stumble onto this film. It is not everyday that I manage to see a Greek film especially done in such a way that it recalls the ancient plays at the numerous venues at the foothills of Mount Olympia.

The premise might be simple, concentrating on events during the years after the Second World War when different factions try to gain the upper hand in the governance of the state. This is told through a group of travelling actors, and I was blown away by the minutiae. The camera lovingly records each step, shadow and gust of wind. For those brought up in the era of the three minute MTV sound bite, the more than three hours long, labour of love might be a tad too long, as this is not the usual packaged action packed formulaic film produced by Hollywood. Everything is based on the dialogue and sometimes the actors will face the audience and render a soliloquy.

I was spellbound.

Incendiary

UK 2008

Details  incendiarymovie

Seen 7 March 2009

How do we come to terms with grief? How does a mother and wife cope with the loss of loved ones? Can we love someone and despise him at the same time? Questions galore and in abundance in this movie about lost loves, the slow process of trying to make sense of what happened and how to carry on with some semblance of normalcy. Just to add spice to the whole goings-on, we also have the dilemma of seeing our main suspect having someone they love too.

Besides the grief stricken main character, we also have the intrigue of the government machinery. Supposedly to protect, but sacrifices were made in the name of the better good. Sacrificial lambs, innocent people, children included are par for the course. Does it all add up?

Evocative of the present time, the world after 9/11.

Throne of Blood

Japan 1957

Details  imdb

Seen 6 March 2009

The Japanese version of Macbeth, is a testimony of our common characteristics as part of the human race irrespective of where our domicile is. Power, how intoxicating, the lengths some will go to gain it and to hold onto. In this case, a prediction comes true for an ambitious general as well as his ever scheming wife. They do get the throne, but it is of blood.

For most of us brought up in the western version of the play, this adaptation highlights the salient points of the story. The director succeeded in giving the story an eerie, ethereal feel, and the main characters are sufficiently flashed out by the actors to give an added personal dimension.

Bewitching.

 

The World Unseen

South Africa 2007

Details  imdb

Seen 5 March 2009

South Africa in the 1950s where apartheid still rules the land sees the Indian community neither white nor black but grouped under coloureds. The story is centred on Miriam, a young wife with two young children and expecting her third. A chance encounter with a young woman who runs a restaurant sees the beginning of a different life path for Miriam.

There is discrimination based on your skin colour, prejudices against women, traditional community values that are being challenged and a budding relationship between two women. Miriam, the supposedly docile wife and mother finds her inner strength to move on with her life while the feisty woman restaurateur, Amina, gains a foothold in love.

The director manages to helm the film on an even keel and there are explosive moments, but the quieter parts leave a larger imprint.

Le Concile de Pierre

aka The Stone Council in English

France 2006

Details  amazon

Seen 3 March 2009

A thriller and mystery shrouded in intrigues and human greed. This might be an ordinary story of child adoption and how a single mother copes with bringing up her adopted son in the midst of a busy lifestyle as an interpreter. But we are served with the added twist of past events that seem to signal a closer relationship between mother and adopted son than we would have at first anticipated. An unlikely event as the mother and son are worlds apart in terms of geography and background. The only common denominator is that both are orphans.

The plot thickens as the story goes along, with key persons linked to the two found dead. Eventually, the mother and son had to face their adversary. This sees the culmination of folklore, and modern science coming head to head.

Riveting.

The boy in the striped pyjamas

UK 2008

Details  boyinthestripedpajamas

Seen 1 March 2009

Two eight year old boys strike a friendship despite trying circumstances. They are on different sides of the divide in war time Germany. Bit by bit we learn how thorough the programme to eliminate an unwanted people is perceived as just an ordinary event, done in the name of justice, to right a wrong. Being in the service of your country does not guarantee anyone anything. A slight omission of fact will get a ten fold punishment even if you have shown your loyalty to the country and leader unselfishly. In the meantime the propaganda machine does its job disseminating the approved facts but those in the inner circle know.

Wonderful performances from the two young actors give the story the added pathos.

A conundrum.

 

Singapore Dreaming

Singapore 2006

Details  singaporedreaming

Seen 1 March 2009

This story should strike a chord with the ordinary folks, the middle class who struggle for a better life. They are the backbone of any society, the nut and bolts in the engine of growth of a nation. Even if they could not reap the benefits of their toil at present, they will always have high hopes that the next generation will.

In this case, the hopes are heaped on the son. But, that is not meant to be. In a patriarchal society, males are always the favoured ones to the detriment of all, family and loved ones.

Even a lucky turn of events do not seem to change the attitude of the men. The story gives the run down on the still perceived notion that the men are king, whereas women are subservient appendages for the pleasure of the men to do as they please.

The ending itself shows how selfless women are and continue to be despite the undeserved treatment they get from men.

Seems like a mundane depiction of an average family life but actually shows the pulse of the society at large.

A Year Without Love

Argentina 2005

Details  imdb

Seen 22 February 2009

A HIV positive man, Martin, looks for companionship, friendship, love and sex through the classifieds, the streets and the clubs. At the same time, he writes a diary as he says “about this search for love, the loss of love, desires and fear of death”. While under treatment for his ailment, he still seeks out that special person to love. He goes into dangerous territory as he likes the leather club sex scene. But despite that knowledge, he falls for one of the lovers of the man who organizes these parties and faces the consequences.

His recently published book also triggers a backlash from his own family and he is out on the streets again after that year without love.

Sad.

Maaf, Saya Menghamili Istri Anda

Indonesia 2007

Details  thesupermovie

Seen 21 February 2009

Dibyo, who does not seem to be able to hold a permanent job despite many efforts, is depressed about his life circumstances but an encounter with Mira, a girl he met during a night out with his friend, changed his outlook forever. Their relationship became closer until one day; Mira found out that she is pregnant. To complicate matters, even though Mira is in the process of having a divorce, she is still legally married to a neighbourhood mob leader. The rest of the story shows how Dibyo tries his best to tell the truth to Mira’s ex- husband and the scrapes that he had to go through to carry out this simple task.

I had a vcd copy of the movie and there were no subtitles, so I missed a lot of the dialogue. I could not get the nuances of the script so it is unfair to past a general judgment on the whole story.

A lot of slapstick but it does give a picture of the efforts and sacrifices one goes through in order to prove one’s love and commitment.

 

Geminis

Argentina 2004

Details  timeout

Seen 21 February 2009

The forbidden love between two siblings is the central theme of this movie, a love doomed from the start, and how the two protagonists handle the situation when they were found out by their brother and eventually the mother.

On the surface, the family seems like any normal middle class family, with an extensive network of friends and relatives waiting for the son’s homecoming with his bride. But there are strong undercurrents unbeknown to the others happening right under their noses. The explosive ending might seem too pat for some, but the prevailing question is a moral dilemma to anyone faced with the same situation. Should the happiness of two persons be circumscribed because they have transgressed the norms of society?

This will definitely strike a chord with those trying to make moral and ethical decisions in unexpected and trying circumstances.

Wall E

USA 2008

Details  imdb

Seen 20 February 2009

A love affair between two robots, seems incredible doesn’t it? Well, in the hands of Walt Disney and Pixar, anything is possible.

A lonely existence on Earth suddenly seems not so mundane with the appearance of another robot from who knows where. Thus begin a courtship, loyal devotion and love between the two unlikely characters. One is a clunky old model, Wall E and the other, a much newer, super efficient version, Eve.

As in any other love story, they go through trial and tribulations, a test to their commitment towards each other. Will they succeed to live happily ever after? Only time will tell. And don’t forget we also have the Earth devastated angle as well.

A standard entertaining formula from the purveyors of happy endings, albeit set in the future.

In Bruges

UK 2008

Details  imdb

Seen 19 February 2009

An assassin’s first job gone awry and Bruges is the scene where he finds his purgatory. A brilliant dialogue driven drama, replete with references to the after life and our beliefs, demands the audience to listen carefully.

Can we ever forget our mistakes? How does one end the pain of things past? Integrity and high principles do take a place even in the worst of men. Should another chance or opportunity be given to make good of past misdeeds?

The film succeeds in presenting its case at a brisk pace while allowing deeper thoughts to shine through the three main characters’ words.

Impressive effort from all involved.

Duda

Philippines 2003

Details  imdb

Seen 15 February 2009

Duda is Tagalog for doubt, the main backbone of this film. How would we confront our demons when we have never experienced love? Our experiences thus far have only been sexual encounters, hundreds or maybe even thousands since our teenage years. But suddenly you feel it is time to have a more permanent relationship and this brings complications to the present equation.

Faithfulness, trust, innuendos, all fighting for its place in your heart, until one day, you realize that the feeling has gone. That life has to move on, you deserve better, and with friends who are with you through thick and thin, nothing seems insurmountable.

 As an expose of relationships, the film has its heart in the right place but do not expect excellence in the technical or acting department. Competent but would have been much better if there was a tighter script and editing.

La Vie En Rose

France 2007

Details  imdb

Seen 14 February 2009

The life and times of Edith Piaf told from her childhood days until her last days as one of the greatest artist that we have known. Her life is no bed of roses. Growing up as a sickly child, Edith was literally thrust up front by her father in order to earn the meal for the day. Her discovery by a cabaret hall manager started her actual singing career. A strong willed woman, with an inordinate singing talent, interpreting the lyrics, giving the songs her personal touch, she did reach the pinnacle of her career during her lifetime. But this was not the same in the love department.

As usual, real life is so much more beguiling than fiction.

 

 

First Love and Other Pains

Hong Kong 1999

Details  imdb

Seen 14 February 2009

A student’s crush for his teacher seems normal but in this case, Mark, the student came into the teacher’s life, Hugh, at a low point of his teaching career.

Hugh is frustrated that his effort as a playwright is not up to standards. He is just mediocre. Mark’s advances are at first dismissed as the typical student crush but over time the two do have a relationship. Different backgrounds, common interests; a more matured father figure willing to share and impart his experiences to his younger lover, and the first love becomes so sweet.

Revolutionary Road

USA 2008

Details  imdb

Seen 10 February 2009

Two people in love can conquer mountains but once the love is gone, the whole world come tumbling down. The Wheelers, a young couple with two young children is your typical suburban American family. They seem to be getting into the routine of making a living until one day; the wife reminded herself and her husband about his dreams of pursuing something close to his heart.

That desire to strike on your own started the ball rolling for a move to Paris. But, there is also news, a promotion with bigger pay and more challenges. Then we see the beginning of conflicts and all its consequences. Dalliances with others; biting, truthful comments from a person considered mentally unsound, all add up to an explosive showdown and a sad decision.

Are we brave enough to take that unknown road, the revolutionary road?

The Reader

USA 2008

Details  imdb

Seen 8 February 2009

A boy’s first love, and in this case, the affair was with an older woman, saw its effects lingering and making an impact even when that summer has gone.

The boy is the reader. That is his role whenever he comes to his lover’s place. And unknowingly, that role is repeated again when the woman needs that tinge of hope to carry on with life after being sentenced to life imprisonment for her past.

There was a refrain, “The more I suffer, the more I love”, spoken by the boy to describe his love. Maybe, it is true.

The Bubble

Israel 2007

Details  imdb

Seen 8 February 2009

The love between Noam and Ashraf seemed doomed from the beginning. The two are from opposite camps, Noam, an Israeli and Ashraf, a Palestinian. Despite efforts and support from friends and those like minded, who want peace above all else, they face barriers. Barriers, physical and emotional, built up through decades of animosity between the two sides seem insurmountable. Everyone is in their own bubble.

Would the lovers be able to live happily ever after? 

I Just Didn't Do It

Japan 2007

Details  fivestarlaser

Seen 8 February 2009

A gripping court room drama and might even be said to be an indictment of the Japanese legal system.

A man is accused of groping a female student in a crowded train. His innocence is put to the test when he was first accused and brought into custody. The conditions when he was remanded seem such a harsh reality check for someone caught in the legal web and his efforts in securing a release so futile. But with the help of his good friend, mother and a team of defense lawyers, he might be able to escape a prison sentence.

An eye opener of how the legal system works. It might be the same situation elsewhere too.

 

 

Savage Grace

USA 2007

Details  imdb

Seen 7 February 2009

If you ever need a dysfunctional family, you need not look any further than the Baekeland family.  An aloof father and a mother who is to put it mildly, a nymphomaniac, would put a strain on any child. The effect would be felt more as your terms of reference are not the norm. We see the father living with the son’s girlfriend and the son sleeping together with the mother’s lover. All comes to a head when the mother tries to wean the son from being a homosexual.

The sad part of it all is that this story is based on real life.

Truth is more bizarre than fiction.

 

Once Upon A Time in Seoul

South Korea 2008

Details  hancinema

Seen 7 February 2009

The alternate title is ‘Boys Don’t Cry’.

Desperate times need desperate measures and we also get to see the other side of a person’s characteristics. In this case, we are in 1953 South Korea, after the war and the nation is still trying to recover and build anew.

Two 18 year old boys try to make a better life for themselves and in the process discover their first love, the meaning of loyalty, friendship, courage and sacrifice. A chance encounter with the local gang brought the two a step closer towards their ambitions. But their plans had to take a step back when they encountered a band of street urchins.

This was the beginning of a new scheme, and it was not smooth sailing.

A good script and laudable effort from the two leads make this a gripping tale of human struggles and triumphs in the face of adversity.

A worthwhile watch.

 

Machan

Sri Lanka 2008

Details  etickets.lk

Seen 5 February 2009

This is a bitter sweet film on the urban poor, the marginalized and the victims of the on going war in Sri Lanka. A motley bunch caught in the never ending struggle to make a better life of themselves, with ambitions to get abroad in the hopes of making a change.

A flyer on a handball tournament in Germany started the ball rolling for a fantastical plan to go there as the national handball team.

Despite the odds against them, the men managed to get to Germany but of course their ultimate aim is to make their departure the starting point for their freedom from poverty and hardship back home. This would not be served on silver platter, but more struggles ensue.

Definitely an eye opener, sad but upbeat.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

USA 2008

Details  vickycristina-movie

Seen 2 February 2009

Another love story from Woody Allen, and he does not disappoint.

This time, two girls are on a summer holiday to Barcelona. One, Vicky, engaged to be married, staid and sure of herself and Cristina, the girl who would try anything once. Then there is Juan Antonio, an artist who came into their lives and made the holidays not the usual touristy jaunt.

We must not forget Maria Elena, the fiery ex-wife.

All the questions on love, loyalty, doing the right thing or following your heart’s desire are explored. No stock answers but we get delicious highlights.

Delightful.

The Visitor

USA 2008

Details  thevisitorfilm

Seen 2 February 2009

A low key story of a professor of economics encounter with illegal immigrants to the US. Walter has become jaded with his career and the moment he stumbled into the young couple who had occupied his apartment in New York, his life took a different path.

At first, the couple was allowed to stay for a while until they can find another place but slowly, a friendship develops and Walter became more involved with their lives when the young man, Tariq was detained for overstaying.

Walter discovers again a passion for life through Tariq and his girlfriend, Zainab as well as Muna, Tariq’s mother who came to New York when Tariq was detained.

The emotions are well kept under the skin, just simmering, seldom going beyond boiling point.

Subtle.

 

Slumdog Millionaire

UK 2008

Details  foxsearchlight

Seen 1 February 2009

Based on the book Q&A by Vikas Swarup, this film adaptation still gives us the basic story of a poor uneducated boy winning the Indian version of the television game show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’.

The chances of that happening seem so remote that we are given a question by question tale of how the boy knows the answer. There is a day to day struggle to survive in the microcosm that is India, the family bond, brotherly love, loyalty and betrayal, and as always a love interest.

The director has made a good decision in using the Bollywood style of story telling for this movie, lots of short scenes with a pulsating and sometimes melancholic soundtrack at the appropriate moments. A competent cast that was in sync with each other made this movie a worthwhile watch.

Doubt

USA 2008

Details  doubt-themovie

Seen 1 February 2009

Do we cast aside our doubts when we’re so convinced that our actions are in the right? The premise of the story sees Sister Aloysius with conviction pursuing the ouster of Father Flynn from her school. Her single mindedness in this endeavour stemmed from a report by a young nun, Sister James. Father Flynn did explain his actions as much as he could but there were details that he was reluctant to divulge fully.

Until the end of the story, we still kept questioning who is in the right in all this drama.

Strong performances by the two leads, Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman ably supported by the two supporting actors, Amy Adams and Viola Davis give the audience an unforgettable experience.

Powerful.