Two Gates of Sleep

USA 2010

Details IMDB

Seen 29 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.1/10

After preparing for their mother's imminent death, two brothers go on an arduous upriver journey to honor her final request

My ratings 6.0/10

My impressions:

Siblings, brothers devoted to the mother

Her last wish must be fulfilled

Her final resting place

Her final journey

It is not an easy journey

Words might not be spoken

Silence more the norm

Until emotions overflow

An outburst, changes

The situation

Then the journey begins again

Ensuring the wish, the dream

Is fulfilled

Map (Mapa)

Spain 2012

Details variety

Seen 27 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10

This is the story of a young Spanish director burned out by his job on TV, who went to India in search of his first feature film

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The journey gave an opportunity to reflect on what and why his life has changed in such a way. The emotional past catches up and there is an emptiness which is not filled by the travels. He has to go back and face the truth.

His past relationship was cut short by the other party and even now when he feels there might be hope, history repeats itself. The process of healing takes many forms and his work seems to be the solution.

The photography and music gives an added dimension to the story. An engaging film.

Hawaii

Argentina 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 24 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.7/10

Martin seeks for a temporary job at Eugenio's house. When they recognize to be childhood friends, Eugenio offers him work for the summer. A power and desire game starts and their relationship grows beyond their friendship.

My ratings 7.5/10

My impressions:

Circumstances bring childhood friends together again. They might not be from the same social class but there is a bond between them. The happy memories bring back smiles.

The present is slightly different. Each has grown to be his own man. Individuals with their own dreams and ambitions. Can feelings remain the same throughout the years or has it mellowed and changed. Hopefully for the better.

A Thousand Times Good Night (Tusen ganger god natt)

Norway 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 23 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

Rebecca is one of the world's top war photographers. She must weather a major emotional storm when her husband refuses to put up with her dangerous life any longer

My ratings 7.5/10

My impressions:

The war photographer is a special breed and in this case she is a mother and wife. Balancing those roles is not easy to say the least and her latest escapade from danger seems to have put some sense into her. Her family needs her despite her assurances that she knows what she is doing and capable of taking care of herself.

A trip with her daughter to s supposedly safe zone triggers an emotional flare up within the family. It is in her to use her talents and skills to bring attention to the plight of those oppressed. The family pull is strong too.

The choice has to be made. Even when doing her work, certain scenes are too heart wrenching for her to capture. How much more has to be done to stop the atrocities?

Moloch Tropical

Haiti 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 22 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10

A look at the final moments of a ruler in Haiti as a violent revolution erupts around him

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The beautiful opening shots did not prepare the audience for the unfolding drama that will be laid out later. Each person has an agenda and none more so than the main character. The leader of a nation who believes that he was elected fairly by an adoring nation.

He could not come to terms with reality that people are disappointed with his track record. He did begin his climb up the political ladder by being the leader and saviour of the down trodden. Unfortunately once in power he became a different animal.

His grasp on the situation is shaky, coddled by a team of advisers and others who have vested interests. The final decision was just waiting for the right trigger.

A City of Women (La città delle donne)

Italy 1980

Details IMDB

Seen 21 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.1/10

A businessman finds himself trapped at a hotel and threatened by women en masse.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

A man who has always had a soft spot for women finds himself surrounded by many. That is the beginning of his journey of discovery not only of the many women he encounters but also of himself.

He is bewildered every step of the way. He could not find an answer why he has been put in such a situation. The smiles work their charm every time and he is trapped, pursuing that ideal elusive woman of his dreams.

The journey does come to an end and his views on women might change for the better.

A Hole In My Heart (Ett hål i mitt hjärta)

Sweden 2004

Details IMDB

Seen 20 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 4.6/10

Rotten tomatoes 4.0/10

In a decrypt apartment, a young man watches as his father and a friend shoot an amateur porn film. Issues of morality, reality TV and friendship are explored

My ratings 5.0/10

My impressions:

Some might say it is a masterpiece while others think it is trash, exploitative and degrading. Despite the divergent views, the story does convey a sense of pathos and lost among those on the fringe.

They do have their own desires and dreams but it is a different world entirely from the norm. Friendship, love and that longing for human company is raw. Not everyone would agree with the way the director helms the story. Some parts are disgusting to our sensibilities.

Tread with caution.

The Portuguese Nun (A Religiosa Portuguesa)

Portugal 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 19 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.6/10

A young French actress in Lisbon to shoot a movie is intrigued by a nun she sees kneeling in the in the chapel where she is filming.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The first few minutes is already an indication of the style and approach the film is going to take to tell the story. A woman asked the main character in a later scene, what kind of film is she working on. When the answer was an unconventional film, the retort was it must be a boring film.

How very apt that a character would say that. A deliberate offhand dig at so many who might have the same impression.

Yes, it is slow and tedious. It took some time for the plot to develop and most probably that was the intention. To let the message simmer before coming to a boil at nearly the end of the film.

The theme of love, its effects on your relationship with yourself and those near you is the main thrust. The story also touches on the love for God. Questions are asked on how many loves can there be in one's lifetime and the different forms it takes.

You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet (Vous n'avez encore rien vu)

France 2012

Details wikipedia

Seen 19 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.5/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.0/10

From beyond the grave, celebrated playwright Antoine d’Anthac gathers together all his friends who have appeared over the years in his play “Eurydice.”

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Even though its nearly 2 hours long, with patience, it is such a rewarding watch. The themes of love, jealousy and relationships permeates throughout the proceedings. The fact that a group of young actors are recreating a play seen by the original players is a delicious treat.

The juxtaposition of text, action, art direction at the hands of an experienced director gives such delight. Listening, watching and savouring each actor's gestures going through their paces made this a wonderful piece. 

 

Howl

USA 2010

Details howlthemovie

Seen 18 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.4/10

As Allen Ginsberg talks about his life and art, his most famous poem is illustrated in animation while the obscenity trial of the work is dramatized

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Using animation in the film highlighting the poem gives a different perspective to the viewer and those familiar with the work. Juxtaposed against the court case, the relevance of the words used in the poem seem more apt and necessary.

The court itself heard testimonies of experts in literature on the merits or otherwise of the book. The landmark ruling for the book heralds a new openness on what is considered obscene and appropriate for public consumption.

Opens the doors for others to venture and explore in their own words what they wish to convey to others.

Leo's Room (El cuarto de Leo)

Uruguay 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 18 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Leo, a young man coming to terms with his own sexuality, runs into Caro, a primary school friend he fancied when they were kids, who's now trying to ward off her own personal demons

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

A languid pace gives the story time to grow and sink into our consciousness while the subject of same sex attraction is handled gently and with much compassion.

The dilemma faced by the main character might ring true for some in a similar situation. More questions seem to appear as the story continues and answers are not any nearer. Decisions had to be made which leads to further complications.

Whatever the consequences, a choice has to be made in order for some hope of happiness to occur.

Pure (Till det som är vackert)

Sweden 2009

Details wikipedia

Seen 17 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.410

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Courage is life's only measure – a constant refrain throughout the story. The main character might be from the wrong side of town but that refrain kept her going despite the odds.

An alcoholic mother is not the best of role models. Life had not been too kind to her. Music came into her life and the world seemed to offer hope at last. But not without some soul searching to realise her dreams. She had to make the effort and courage to change her situation.

Others did not know what she knew.

A little bit of freedom (Kleine Freiheit)

Germany 2003

Details German films

Seen 17 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.410

The friendship between two teenage boys who are illegal immigrants in Germany

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Both are looking for a better future but the odds are always stacked against them. Illegals are almost always on the fringes of a community even with the support and help from their friends or family who have the necessary papers.

The Kurdish community with their past history are recreating the same scenario in their adopted country. Those who had betrayed the fighters are also in the same vicinity and there are others who point an accusing finger.

The young boy is caught in an unresolved situation made more difficult by his loyalty and affection for his friend.

The Mother (La Mere)

Switzerland 2007

Details magnificent7

Seen 16 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

Story of a Russian single mother with nine children.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

The single mother in this film is not rich. She works hard at a farm providing as best as she can for her family of nine children. Her own childhood was bereft of love and affection. Now with her own brood, she strives to give them that motherly support.

Life seems bleak for such a big family with just enough to live moderately. The children have their fights and fun just like others their age. They may not have the trappings of wealth but they seem a happy lot.

The mother has a soft spot for everyone and is even willing to take on more under her care. Alas, she is only able to do what is within her capabilities. She acknowledges that her years are limited. If and when the mother is no more, a question hangs on the fate of her children.

Conversation Piece (Gruppo di famiglia in un interno)

Italy 1974

Details IMDB

Seen 15 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.6/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.1/10

A retired professor's quiet life is turned upside down when a family rents the apartments upstairs.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Money seems to be the key

The power that can be used over others

Even though the one person

That attracts and fascinates

Is the opposite and from

A different background

Intelligent, with his own ideas

The money would just be a tool

The inner self is still the same

The rebel, reformer, against

Injustice and inequality

He has the power

Not wealth or riches

His physical presence, and mind

Is the key that attracts others

Like moths to the light

Changing oneself after the encounter

The Counsellor

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 14 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.5/10

Rottent tomatoes 4.8/10

A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking

My ratings 5.0/10

My impressions:

Once your are involved

The chances of getting out

Is very slim indeed

Caught in between

Through no fault of your own

Except for that big motivating factor

Greed

The consequences if the plan goes wrong

Has been told and retold

With warnings subtle and up front

The danger lurks not just for you

But involves others

Whom you love and care

Whom you dream of having a life with

Those in control have a different idea

Since what has happened

Is linked to you

Yes, the so called innocent you

Rio

USA 2011

Details IMDB

Seen 13 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.4/10

When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

Are they birds of a feather?

Both grew up in different environments

One almost human

The other longing for the wild

To be free again

Their adventures, mishaps

The stuff of thrills and spills

Will they succeed and be the beginning

The starting point of future generations

That was the main aim

Of their meeting

To propagate and multiply

To ensure the species will survive

That the species will not end

Will they succeed?

The Story of the Weeping Camel

Mongolia, Germany 2006

Details IMDB

Seen 12 April 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.6/10

When a Mongolian nomadic family's newest camel colt is rejected by its mother, a musician is needed for a ritual to change her mind

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

A mother rejects her new born

A traumatic experience definitely for both

Mother and child

It was a difficult birth

That might account for the detached feelings

Towards your own flesh and blood

Despite the crying for recognition

From the baby

How long can the baby endure

He is helpless without the mother's care

In the harsh reality of the environment

Others try to persuade

But to no avail

Until the plaintive sounds of the music

And the voice of another mother

Soothes and cajoles