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

Canoa

Mexico 1976

Details imdb

Seen 15 July 2012

Ratings from other sources
IMDB 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Audience  68% want to see it














My ratings 6.0/10
A group of employees from a university are mistaken for enemies of the people and get beaten up by the townspeople. This film is based on a real life event and looks at what influenced the people's behaviour.


My impressions:

It seems incomprehensible
That religion and base instincts
Becomes such a potent force

The priest, the administration
The culture
All in cahoots

The people
Innocent or cowed
Lambs to the slaughter

Those willing to go against the norm
Face the majority
Not given the benefit of the day
Virtually no chance of success

The perpetrators would
Never admit to their deeds
As it was a mob that took to the streets
They had the advantage in numbers
The power that wielded and
Struck the final blow

Guardami

Italy 1999

Details imdb

Seen 6 July 2012

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience  63% want to see it

My ratings 6.0/10

A porn actress faces the reality of being sick. Her own reaction to the fact and how others perceive her is the main theme of the film. Lots of graphic love-making scenes since the film is centred on someone from the sex entertainment industry.

My favourite quote from the film:

Will crying all day change anything?

My impressions:

She seems strong

In control

Until she discovers that she is not well

Acceptance or denial

Two responses

Normal

There are others

Facing the same situation

They know how it feels

Empathy

Not sympathy

Reality bites

Hard

Cold, bitter

Not knowing

What will happen

When will it be normal again

If that life is considered normal

When indeed

A Man and a Woman (Un homme et une femme)

France 1966

Details imdb

Seen 4 July 2012

Ratings from other sources
IMDB 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Audience 86% liked it











My ratings 8.0/10
A gentle love story like no other. Simple premise, lots of emphasis on the dialogue between the two main characters, talking about their past, present and but too saccharine sweet. I of course have fallen head over the heels with the lead actress, Anouk Aimee, her mere presence lights up the screen. The look. The haunting soundtrack by Francis Lai completes the experience.

My favourite quote from the film:
It's crazy to refuse happiness


My impressions:

Both have a past
Happy lives
Contented, with a bright future

Nothing seems daunting
All look rosy
But events take hold
Events change their course

Then they meet

A man and a woman

Not exactly empty
But open to possibilities
Waiting for the right person
Or the right moment
To fill in the void

To make life complete again

Boring Love (Seng Ped)

Thailand 2009

Details imdb

Seen 1 July 2012

Ratings from other sources
IMDB 3.6/10



















My ratings 6.0/10
A romantic comedy based on a series of posts published in a popular Thai website.

My favourite quote from the film:
If you want to go, just go on your own, why should you take my heart with you



My impressions:

An unwelcome attention
After a breakup
Does not seem to be a good start
To a relationship
Or even a friendship

The honesty was too much, too abrupt
Frank, direct, blunt
How do you take it all in
The situation becomes complicated
With the past making its presence

But can we hide
True feelings

Only when the other is not there
Only then do we miss his presence
Only then do we recall

That we must be honest
That we do feel for each other

Pixote (Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco)

Brazil 1981

Details imdb

Seen 1 July 2012

Ratings from other sources
IMDB 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Audience 90% liked it
















My ratings 7.0/10
The street children in Sao Paulo is the focus of this story and hopefully their lives have become better since the release of the film. Reality can be very grim.

My favourite quotes from the film:
Some business requires a little cheating


My impressions:

Can change ever be expected
When born into such conditions
Poor, unwanted, discriminated
Always the suspect

Even if given a chance
To improve
What are the odds of success

Circumstances dictate
The survival of the fittest
Or the most wily, cunning

Some follow
Some become leaders

To each a journey
To what end
No one knows

Young and Healthy As a Rose (Mlad i zdrav kao ruza)

Yugoslavia 1971

Details imdb

Seen 30 June 2012

Ratings from other sources
IMDB 7.0/10











My ratings 7.0/10
The punk era in Yugoslavia with anarchy and youth on a rampage. Well, it did not really happen but the film is in a way a precursor of the future of the country.


My impressions:

Youth, young and full of energy
Rebellious, pushing the limits
Not cowed by authority

The past is history
The present is theirs
The future is far away

The clash between youths and
The establishment
Coming to blows
Not seeing eye to eye
In the usual script
The bad guys will get his dues
In the end

But in reality
The victors might be
Someone else