Black's Game (Svartur á leik)

Iceland 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 15 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.6/10

My ratings 6.5/10

A childhood friend opens the doors to a bigger world.

My impressions:

A chance encounter with an old childhood friend while Stebbi was just out from the police station after a brawl the previous night leads to a different lifestyle altogether.

The mix of drugs, partying and sex does bring a high to a young adult. The money is good too. There are moments when Stebbi wonders where it will all end up. This was especially apparent when an encounter with the big boss during a big party made him see things differently.

Stebbi has to decide and face the consequences.

Another look at the underbelly of a country and its inhabitants.

Brotherhood (Broderskab)

Denmark 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 11 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Average rating 5.6/10

My ratings 6.5/10

An ex-army man join a neo-Nazi group.

My impressions:

In the beginning, the ex-army man, Lars was not even interested and even said that the group of neo-Nazis were just a bunch of losers. He is depicted as being from an established family with all the support that can be gained from that social standing but nonetheless rebels against the family wishes. He wants to strike out on his own.

The neo-Nazis gives a welcoming embrace. He is tutored by a senior member of the group, Jimmy during the initial period of familiarisation with the workings and philosophy of the group.

The initial cold relationship between the two turns into something unexpected. The warm feelings get stronger until one day when Jimmy is given an ultimatum. Jimmy has to choose since he can't have it all.

His decision led them to a different path in their lives.

Initial hatred and misgivings turn into love and affection. Despite the odds, they will triumph.

In Another Country (Da-reun na-ra-e-seo)

South Korea 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 9 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes Average rating 6.7/10

My ratings 6.5/10

Three stories of a foreign woman in South Korea

My impressions:

Three stories played by the same group of actors with the action taking place at a seaside resort. The sequence of events is almost similar in each story as the woman will go through the same routine in each story. The only difference would be why and how she is there.

All stories revolve on how a foreign woman copes with the different cultural background in a foreign country. Her past history still has a hold on her and the sojourn at the resort is in a way an escape from reality.

There are moments of sweet innocence between two strangers trying to communicate using the limited vocabulary of a common foreign language, in this case, English. Sometimes there is a feeling that the story persist in portraying certain characters in a stereotypical way.

A fleeting moment, most of it happy but certain aspects remain unsolved.

Raging Sun, Raging Sky (Rabioso sol, rabioso cielo)

Mexico 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 8 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.1/10

My ratings 6.0/10

A story of love, sex and destiny

My impressions:

The film is a bit too long with some unnecessary scenes. There are times the long duration of a film adds more insight into the story but in this case, a shorter version would have conveyed the message as effectively.

The age old of story of love, passion and jealousy is shown in snippets of long walks and wanderings. Fortunately the actors manage to transcend the sometimes tedious scenes and the audience are able to feel for their characters. A plus factor of watching the film on DVD is the ability of using the fast forward button to skip those indulgent scenes.

A love story. Triumphant and raging mirroring the film title.

Caterpillar (Kyatapirâ)

Japan 2010

Details IMDB

Seen 7 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.1/10

My ratings 7.0/10

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, in 1940, Lieutenant Kurokawa returns home as a honored and decorated soldier... but deprived of his arms and legs lost in battle in mainland China

My impressions:

How does a wife cope when the husband returns from war without any limbs. She has to assume responsibility for everything. The husband himself, is deemed a living war god. Such is the honour attached to war heroics. War itself has never brought any semblance of good to most people. This film shows the consequence in the lives of ordinary folks.

Living with an invalid husband is no stroll in the park. The wife has her limitations as well and copes as best as she can. She remembers the past too when the husband was well and that affects how she treats him now. Often times, she goes through highs and lows. As a consequence the husband and wife team might seem such a devoted couple to the public, but the struggles between the two at home takes the audience into the inner circle.

Both actors show depth especially the actress who has the pivotal role. The cinematography is kept simple and to the point, bringing the story closer to the audience.

A denunciation of war and its horrific effects on ordinary lives.

Eyes Wide Open (Einaym Pkuhot)

Israel 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 6 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes 6.9/10

My ratings 7.0/10

A married, Orthodox Jewish father of four falls in love with a twenty two year old male student.

My impressions:

How does one reconcile feelings and affection as well as loyalty to the family, and community. In this case, he is a man of God, devoted and pious until another man enters his life.

That event triggers emotions unknown previously or it might have been just latent waiting for the right person or moment. The realisation that he can feel for someone of his own gender puts him in a spot. He at first tries to discard and prevent those feelings from taking root. It was not meant to be.

The story of love between two men is juxtaposed against another story of a young couple's unapproved relationship. The treatment meted out by the community is justified in order to preserve the traditions and sanctity of future generations. The impure must be cast out.

That is the fate of those deemed sinners in the eyes of the others.

Hawaii, Oslo

Norway 2004

Details IMDB

Seen 27 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes 79% audience liked it

My ratings 8.0/10

Lives of different people interconnected

My impressions:

The story begins with a vision of disaster but the main question would be whether it will end that way. A man wakes up from the dream and goes through the day hoping and trying to prevent what he believes will come true.

His previous premonition did come true and he is determined that it will not happen again. His quest is interspersed with others' lives who come into the picture. They seem irrelevant and inconsequential at first to what is going on. Slowly we see how each person is linked to each other.

The dynamics of family, love and friendship is laid bare amidst some ordinary routines in a typical city. The emotions tend to be cold at times but there is a discernible heat simmering underneath.

A delight to watch and ponder.

Still Walking (Aruitemo aruitemo)

Japan 2008

Details IMDB

Seen 26 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes 8.3/10

My ratings 8.0/10

Events at a family gathering.

My impressions:

The hustle and bustle in the kitchen preparing food, the journey back home and the patriarch taking a walk. Earlier scenes before the members of a family gather for a day in remembrance of a lost son, a brother.

Memories of the past are recalled, many with a nostalgic tint of a time of innocence and pure joy. In between, certain questions and assumptions prick the pride and conscience of those mentioned. An all out defense is not expected, decorum and respect for the elders are always paramount.

Expectations and dreams of a better present and future hold sway. But no one knows whether if the past was different, events would turn out as wished.

The family has to move on with the past remaining a memory.

The Act of Killing

Denmark 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 18 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes 8.7/10

My ratings 8.0/10

A documentary on former Indonesian death squad leaders.

My impressions:

The film reenacts the workings of the death squad during the purge of the communists in the 1960s. The film maker manages to have those involved tell their story in their own way.

At the beginning they seem so detached and unaffected by what had happened. The accepted known history belong to the victorious and they are in that group. There is a swagger of the winner in their gaits and demeanor. All the past actions were justified as a means towards an end. Whatever label given, para military group or gangsters, they continue to have the support from the ruling government.

For all intents and purposes happy with their life.

There was a perceptible change seen in one of them by the end of the filming. He finally questions himself, “Have I sinned?”

A disturbing watch.

Manila

Philippines 2009

Details visitfilms

Seen 17 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10

My ratings 7.0/10

A homage to two well known Philippines film makers, Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal.

My impressions:

As the title suggests, the story is centred on Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. In this case the focus is the underprivileged of that huge metropolis.

We get two stories, one on a son turned drug addict and another on a loyal bodyguard. The two represent that side of the city seldom seen by many. The black and white cinematography together with the haunting jazzy soundtrack conveys the hope and despair of those struggling to make a living.

The rich and powerful remain as the bad guys. There is that black and white feel to the characters as human nuances are not explored. I'm not sure whether the present directors purposely wanted the acting style and mood to be exactly like those in the Brocka and Bernal films but if that was the intention, they succeeded.

Towards Mathilde

France 2005

Details Reverse Shot

Seen 16 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10

My ratings 8.0/10

A documentary on the dance Mathilde Monnier

My impressions:

This is not an autobiographical look at the dancer herself but more of how she works on a project.

The film shows her approach, the way she interacts with her dancers and those involved in the project. In between she shares her insight on what she feels about the project.

A dance, especially in this case which is such an abstract performance challenges viewers to let go of their usual interpretations. Fluid movements or classical beauty does not seem to play an important role.

It all seems so simple or mechanical but what we see definitely intrigues.

Knife in the water (Nóz w wodzie)

 Poland 1962

Details IMDB

Seen 15 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes 8.2/10

My ratings 8.0/10

A couple on their way to a sailing trip picks up a young hitchhiker.

My impressions:

Roman Polanski's first feature film impresses with its sparse feel. Only three characters are seen throughout the film. The taut foreboding sense that something sinister or evil pervades. That feeling is enhanced by the background music and cinematography which defines certain moments. A film that despite its minimal approach succeeds in keeping the audience glued to see what will happen next.

I am love (Io sono l'amore)

Italy 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 14 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.2/10

My ratings 7.0/10

Passion and unconditional love in a heady mix during changes in the family

My impressions:

I was attracted to see the film because of Tilda Swinton. Almost all scenes has her character playing a role. I'm not sure whether her Italian is up to scratch but she managed to convey the emotional ups and downs of her character in different situations. The quintessential matriarch holding the family together, proud of their successes and being there when they need her.

Avalon

  

Sweden 2011

Details imdb

Seen 13 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.4/10

My ratings 5.0/10

An unexpected accident turns the world of a party promoter upside down.

My impressions:

The director tries to show how the main character faces the consequences of his actions. The way it is handled looks too simple and ordinary. I can't feel the emotions coming through and am unable to symphatise. There is a nagging feeling that he got away too easily.

Chile 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 22 February 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.7/10

My ratings 7.5/10

An ad executive comes up with a campaign to defeat Augusto Pinochet in Chile's 1988 referendum.

My impressions:

The war to win the hearts and minds of a country requires all resources available to the contenders. In this instance, using the media to persuade the masses gives hope to the oppressed. The opposition must also take advantage every time a repressive regime opens a window of opportunity. In this case, the regime allowed the opposition to have a given slot of precious time to air their views in the national media.

The story revolves around the young idealistic man who feels he can make a difference. It is not a smooth journey especially when the danger hits home. Then we have to decide whether to continue or give in to the pressures.

An engaging effort and a lesson to others who want to make a change. But be forewarned, it is not a bed of roses.

A Royal Affair

Denmark 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 4 February 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.2/10

My ratings 7.5/10

A young queen, who is married to an insane king, falls secretly in love with her physician - and together they start a revolution that changes a nation forever.

My impressions:

Women have been pawns in the corridors of power for a long time and the situation continues till today. Imagine all those years ago when a young girl is married off to a stranger. No one asks for her consent. It is just a given that she will follow and obey.

Others do not realise that beneath the innocent demeanor is an intelligent person with a mind of her own. Those around her are not keen with changes brought into the system as they have their own agenda. The love affair with a kindred spirit puts the heroine in jeopardy and we see the consequences.

Sad and uplifting in some parts.

Transfer

Germany 2010

Details imdb

Seen 23 January 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB  6.6/10

My ratings 7.0/10

Being old and realising that your time is nearing its end makes those who can afford it find alternatives. In this story we are given a choice to prolong our life but in a different body. A body borrowed but it is not smooth sailing all the way.

My favourite quotes from the film:

My paradise is here...together with you

My impressions:

An alternative

Being young and healthy again

Capturing that vigor

That energy

Long gone

Not old and sickly

Is that the life for everyone

There is a price to pay of course

Nothing comes free

A high price indeed

For both the buyer and the goods

Even if the transaction seems

Above board

It is a business after all

That is the bottom line

That obscure object of desire

Spain 1977

Details imdb

Seen 22 January 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB  7.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Average Rating  9./10

My ratings 8.0/10

A man thinks that a girl he met is the right one for him. That beginning sees a tumultuous relationship, to say the least. Throughout their relationship, the girl always avoids giving her all to the man. Why?

My impressions:

Is it really love

Or just the physical attraction

That keeps someone going

In pursuit

Through so many disappointments

Against the advice

Of others who can see from afar

That the chase

Never ends

Is it worth the trouble

The heartaches

The uncertainties

When push comes to shove

Humiliated, dejected

The heart still pines for

The object of desire

Amour

France 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 14 December 2012

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes 8.5/10

My ratings 8.0/10

A retired couple face new challenges in their love and devotion towards each other when one of them falls sick. The dialogue and silent moments when words is inadequate highlight the film. An experience that might strike a similar chord in real life.

My favourite quotes from the film:

But imagination and reality have little in common

My impressions:

Love

The eternal conundrum

How strong is it

Can it stand the test of time

Through health and sickness

Till death do us part

Or will there be a breaking point

When love becomes so fragile, brittle

Waiting for the straw that breaks the camel's back

Giving up under tremendous pressure

Which others might condemn

While others might understand

Or will it just be another manifestation

Another form of love

In a different guise

Pieta

South Korea 2012

Details hancinema

Seen 12 December 2012

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Venice Film Festival 4/5 stars

My ratings 7.0/10

A loan shark is forced to reconsider his violent lifestyle after the arrival of a mysterious woman claiming to be his long-lost mother. Powerful performances from the leads.

My favourite quotes from the film:

What is money? The beginning and the end of all things

My impressions:

Two souls

A man devoid of feelings

Until she came into his life

Is she the missing link?

The link that he needs

The link that he has always craved for

Deep inside

To be human again

Is she really the catalyst

The one that will bring the change

A hoped for change

Leading to a new beginning

But nothing is what it seems