Old Boy (Oldeuboi)

South Korea 2003

Details IMDB

Seen 16 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.3/10

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

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

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

Mesmerising.

Pleasure Factory (Kuaile gongchang)

Singapore 2007

Details wikipedia

Seen 14 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.4/10

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

My ratings 6.0/10

My impressions:

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

The Year of Living Vicariously

Malaysia 2005

Details IMDB

Seen 12 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10

A documentary made during the making of a feature film.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Thoughts and opinions of the cast and crew of the film is the subject of the documentary. Many topics and questions are asked. Some even shared folk tales they remembered. All these against the backdrop of the goings-on during filming of a feature on an activiist during the 1960s.

The documentary and feature film coincidentally was filmed during the same time as the campaign for the first directly elected president of Indonesia. There was much hope of a better future for the nation. As a few respondents mentioned, the journey to reach that goal might take longer than expected given the entrenched system of the past. It is still a work in progress.

Film Socialisme

Switzerland 2010

Details IMDB

Seen 31 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 5.4/10

Legendary director Jean-Luc Godard returns to the screen with Film Socialisme, a magisterial essay on the decline of European Civilization 

 

My ratings 6.0/10

My impressions:

The cinematography, juxtaposition of images and quotes, invites the audience into the mind of the director. The past will always have an effect on the present. Questions are asked to justify why certain decisions were made. Have past actions brought the results desired.

More and more questions surface. The answer is still uncertain.

The Mill and the Cross

Poland 2011

Details IMDB

Seen 30 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.9/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.4/10

The film focuses on a dozen of the 500 characters depicted in Bruegel's painting. The theme of Christ's suffering is set against religious persecution in Flanders in 1564

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

I was attracted by the three actors in the film, Rutger Hauer, Michael York and Charlotte Rampling. Having one of them would light up any story and having three gives a different glow to the entire proceedings.

Those who want a fast paced sequence of events should avoid watching this depiction of how a painting comes alive. Layers of paint are applied in each scene. Savour it slowly and you will be rewarded.

Korczak

Poland 1990

Details IMDB

Seen 29 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10

Account of the last days of life of the legendary Polish pedagogue Janusz Korczak and his heroic dedication to protecting Jewish orphans during the war

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The atrocities of war affects everyone. In this case even children from the orphanage. The good doctor tries his best to save the children but what exactly can he do considering the situation. The plan to deport them had been set and any effort to change that decision is futile.

Fated being born of a certain group

That choice was not in our hands

Children with all their dreams and hopes

Are the same

Unfortunately

Tomorrow might not wait for them

Lost in Beijing (Ping guo)

China 2007

Details IMDB

Seen 21 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 5.5/10

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

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

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

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

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

Three Monkeys (Üç maymun)

Turkey 2008

Details IMDB

Seen 20 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.8/10

A family suffers from a major communication breakdown during their struggle to get through their hardships.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

That first step, agreeing to be part of a plan in exchange for money is itself a harbinger of future disaster. All seemed so simple at the beginning but when your wants get the better of you, the plan goes awry.

The main actors hold the audience's attention with sparse dialogue relying instead on their facial attractions and body movements. They managed to convey that inner struggle each of them were facing during those uncertain times. No one knows of a definite answer.

Each event flowing

Like the waves in the ocean

Hurling itself to the shore

Before retreating

Back to a normal state

The Hunt (Jagten)

Denmark 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 14 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.3/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.9/10

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

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

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

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

A satisfying watch.

Don't drink the water

USA 1994

Details IMDB

Seen 13 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10

Rotten tomatoes 4.7/10

Somewhere behind the early 1960s cold-war iron curtain, the Hollander family cause an international spying incident when Walter photographs a sunset in a sensitive region

My ratings 6.0/10

My impressions:

A Woody Allen would not be one without the rapid fire dialogue. In this story, that trademark is evident. That is also its failing in a way as the audience must be alert to catch all the little snippets. The cast worked well together as the director managed to bring out the best from each of them.

It not the best from Woody Allen but still entertaining.

Special circumstances bring

Different people together

However strange it may seem

Unbelievable even

Love blossoms

Mistakes, blunders, errors

Throughout the life of a man

They accompany him

Time for a change

To bolster your own self confidence

To forge a new life

A new destiny

The Ambassador

Denmark 2011

Details IMDB

Seen 12 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.8/10

Danish journalist Mads Brügger goes undercover as a Liberian Ambassador to embark on a dangerous yet hysterical journey to uncover the blood diamond trade in Africa

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

A story that tries to show the inner workings of the blood diamond trade in Africa. Seen from the perspective of an outsider who is trying to pass himself off as a consul. That cover is supposed to make him immune from the usual checks when he travels to and from that country with lots of cash or diamonds.

A comedy at one level as it shows how unprepared the main character is when he faces difficult situations. A sad reality on another level. The danger and dealings are accepted routines in the country.

The daily lives of its citizens.

Far removed from the riches

Gained from the mineral abundant

The gains are for those in power

Those with connections

A wrong move

A wrong decision

Might signal the end of all plans

But others continue coming

Following their dreams

That one day

They will strike it rich

The Whole Shootin' Match

USA 1978

Details rogerebert

Seen 11 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10

Two friends trying hard to make a living. Are they on the right track after previous failed attempts.

My ratings 7.5/10

My impressions:

Luck is definitely not on their side

Failures more than successes

Or has there ever been a successes

An average income

Nothing to be proud of

The butt of jokes

That is their second name

Flings, drinks, a good time

A respite from the grind

A regular routine

Not spectacular, but mundane

Would their lives change when

That big great idea is sold and marketed

Or have they jumped the gun

Expecting too much from that one idea

Hoping that this will be the turning point

Round da way (Lascars)

France 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 10 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10

Tony and Jose are best friends and petty crooks, but tension strikes the duo when Jose falls for the rich Clemence and wants to go straight

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

I got hooked from the first strains of the music and opening scene. There is an infectious feel to the whole story. The script might be simple, following a tried and tested story line. A guy from the wrong side of town falling for the rich girl. But of course, things do not go according to plan. There are obstacles along the way.

There is always tests

Where matters of love is concerned

Attraction to another

Who seem to be so incompatible

Trials and tribulations

Would always be there

Until true love

Finds its way

Home

The Death of Mr Lazarescu (Moartea domnului Lazarescu)

Romania 2005

Details IMDB

Seen 9 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.9/10

Rotten tomatoes 8/10

Mr. Lazarescu, a 63 year old lonely man feels sick and calls the ambulance. That is the beginning of a long night.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

The main character has his own ideas on what is making him sick. From the moment he calls the ambulance, the nightmare of being alone and sick fills the screen. The neighbours might be helpful but up to a certain extent. The emergency services try their best to send him to get the proper care that he needs, but there are obstacles along the way.

Is the health care system responsible

For the state of affairs

For the well being of each citizen

Doctors, nurses, paramedics are underpaid, overworked

A common occurrence in most places

They try their best

That is what they are trained to do

But do patients have a responsibility too

Taking care of their health as far as possible

So as to lessen the burden on the system

A vicious cycle

The Face You Deserve (A Cara que Mereces)

Portugal 2004

Details cinematheque

Seen 8 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.1/10

A man turning 30.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The beginning of the film gives a glimpse of what lies ahead. The main character, Francisco will be 30 and he seems to be ambivalent about that milestone. When the celebrations for the party did not go as planned we see him in a different light.

The director uses the major part of the film after the canceled birthday party scene to show the different facets of a man.

Does a man ever change

When he reaches a certain age

Does he need to change

When that moment comes along

Can he remain the same

Retaining the past

As a stepping stone

For bigger challenges

That lie ahead

The Great Beauty (La grande bellezza)

Italy 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 7 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.8/10

Jep Gambardella has seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades, but after his 65th birthday and a shock from the past, Jep looks past the nightclubs and parties to find a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

The birthday celebration brings back memories

Each street, each building has its part

In making him what he is

In the past when he was just starting

And now an established name

There is that nagging recurring question

Why did that one relationship

End the way it did

New friends, encounters, lovers

Could never equal or be the same

As that which has passed

Acceptance

That is the best

The Missing Picture (L'image manquante)

Cambodia 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 6 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 8.2/10

Rithy Panh uses clay figures, archival footage, and his narration to recreate the atrocities Cambodia's Khmer Rouge committed between 1975 and 1979

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

The different techniques used to depict what happened gave a different feel from the usual style audiences are used to seeing. We do not know see any reenactment of the past using actors but through the eyes of the puppets. The static position of the puppets seem to echo the dead, as if time stood still during those years..

A haunting experience.

It is unbelievable

Such atrocities were even thought of

With no distinction

Between the weak, the young, the infirm

Everyone was supposed to be an equal

But as always there

Are equals who are more equal than others