Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 17 March 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

Rottentomatoes 8.0/10

My impressions

The perception that a beautiful woman with brains is a misnomer may not be too far-fetched in this case. A beautiful woman, well known actress could not be more than that. A product of the factory system in film making.

But she was naturally inclined towards more cerebral pursuits and found satisfaction with projects that challenges her thinking. A fact that many do not know or refuse to acknowledge.

Only in hindsight do we realise the machinations used by the movie moguls in producing their assembly line films. In part, it does explain the sad state of the star’s personal life.

Her achievements may have been dismissed during her heyday, but she is a pioneer. The accolade came late and her contribution is now recognised as a fact.

Beauty and brains do exist together.

The Pass

UK 2016

Details IMDB

Seen 16 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.4/10

Rottentomatoes 7.0/10

My impressions

What happened during those teenage years, was it a one-off incident or a culmination of deeper feelings that had previously remained latent.

It happened the night before the big game and marked the beginning of the different career paths of their lives.

Meeting again after all has passed, do the emotions remain? So many questions needed to be answered, doubts linger.

Shall it just pass as a mark in a past life?

Call Me by Your Name

Italy 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 11 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.4/10

Rottentomatoes 8.8/10

My impressions

Love blossoms during the summer. But is it really that deep feeling and affection one has for another. Or is this a case of the age difference colouring everything in pastel hues.

In the beginning it was even unthinkable that such feelings could arise between them. But being together brought the romance to the surface and each moment is cherished.

Alas, reality comes knocking.

The Disaster Artist

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 10 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.9/10

Rrottentomatoes 7.8/10

My impressions

Mad, incomprehensible and definitely in his own world. An artist to himself but others who are used to the normal way of looking at things might not be able to appreciate his talents and insights.

His behaviour does seem ludicrous but if you follow his rhythm, you may find a gem. A bottomless source of income helps a lot in maintaining his allure and mystery.

Till the end, there will be doubts anyone could fathom his true self.

Lady Bird

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 10 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.0/10

Rottentomatoes 8.8/10

My impressions

Adolescent. Those years when hormones are raging, and you are the centre of the universe. Emotional highs and lows. Love and hate.

With a dialogue peppered with teenage angst and realities of adulthood, the film pulls the audience to experience the life of a teenage girl on the wrong side of the tracks. Friendship and love, intermingled. Family squabbles and realisations.

A wondrous ride.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 9 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.3/10

Rottentomatoes 8.6/10

My impressions

Does one forget a lost or do we keep trying to find answers? In this case, the main character decides to take matters in her own hands. Despite the misgivings others may have about her methods.

The obstacles, taunts and threats do not deter her. Determined or blinded by her conviction, that no matter what happens, she must carry on finding the truth.

Along the way, incidents happened that might have swayed her to change tactics. Nevertheless, she kept going.

Onward towards a conclusion.

Will there be a stop?

The Shape of Water

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 8 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rrottentomatoes 8.4/10

My impressions

It is such a joy seeing this film even though the story covers many of the darker sides of the human nature.

How the majority dismisses those on the periphery. Anything that is not understood is cast aside, to be destroyed if possible after extracting whatever benefit or profit that could be gained.

A love story, with the bad and good guys. In the end, who knows.

Satisfying watch.

I, Tonya

I, Tonya

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 6 Jan 2018

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.7/10

Rottentomatoes 7.9/10

My impressions

Based on the life of Tonya Harding, the American ice skater who rose to the top but unfortunately circumstances prevented her from maintaining that position for long.

Her childhood, the growing up years, the sacrifices and determination combined to make her that person adored by many during her peak. But one incident put paid to all that.

Then it was a struggle just to enjoy her main love, ice skating.

Sad, but hopefully she has moved on and is at peace with what she has now.

Babs

UK 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 10 May 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10

My impressions

It is always difficult to tell the story of someone who is still alive, especially if that person is a well-known personality.

The film tries its best and succeeds in some moments.

An overall view of the early influences and the ups and downs in her career.

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant

West Germany 1972

Details IMDB

Seen 19 April 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.4/10

My impressions

At first glance, Petra, the main character is very cold hearted and gets her way using others. Was it her past that has shaped her present?

Falling in love seems to put her stoic character vulnerable. Indeed, it did. Petra wants everything according to her whims and fancies but others have their own minds too. That reality hurts. A lot.

Human frailty. However strong you are, matters of the heart almost always steers your plans not along the intended path.

A lot to ponder.

A Street Cat Named Bob

UK 2016

Details IMDB

Seen 18 April 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes 5.9/10

My impressions

What a coincidence or has it been written? Your life saved by a cat.

It seems out of this world. How could this even happen?

But, the film is based on a true story. The bond between the man and the cat is such that there seems to be a mutual understanding, that they will face whatever comes, together.

There were moments when the bond might be broken due to unforeseen circumstances but they managed to be together again.

A real life feel good story which the film has managed to capture quite well.

Yves Saint Laurent

France 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 15 April 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes 5.3/10

My impressions

A trailblazer. An icon to many. He has his flaws but the love and loyalty of his friends sees him through the lows whenever it occurs.

We might never know what indeed makes him the man he is, but this story gives an overview of his rise in the fashion world. No doubts about it, his ideas did change the industry.

He will remain an important figure in fashion history.

A Single Man

USA 2009

Details IMDB

Seen 14 April 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.3/10

My impressions

How do you cope with a loss? The love of your life. Someone who has been with you for a long time. In comparison with close friends who only had the privilege of a few years in bliss, you had almost a lifetime.

The moment has come to decide. Will you carry through your plans or will circumstances change?

We try to cope with changes as best as we can.

A look at those changes.

Absent without leave

Taiwan, Malaysia 2016

Details Taipeiff

Seen 3 March 2017

My impressions

A quest to find the reasons why his grandfather was a missing piece in the family’s photograph leads a man to a nation’s past.

Interviews, recollections of the past. Those who lived during those tumultuous decades. These are heroes, martyrs to some but traitors and murderers to others.

The other side of the story, the struggle for independence. Usually we get the victor’s version. In this film, we hear and ponder the lives of those who were pursued. They started young, idealistic, patriotic even.

Most of them are in their twilight years and their story must be told and aired. The other side of the coin. Might not be pleasant, as atrocities were committed in the name of the struggle. But definitely, food for thought.

Not the textbook version of those years.

Florence Foster Jenkins

UK 2016

Details IMDB

Seen 14 Jan 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0

Rotten tomatoes 7.1

My impressions

It is quite hard to believe that there was such a person. But the story is based on a real socialite who wanted to be on stage despite her lack of talent. Her wealth helped overcome any obstacles that hindered her ambitions.

The dedication of her husband and her inner circle ensured that her dreams came true. I doubt if anyone with lesser means would have been able to carry off such a feat.

A revelation.

Three Colors: Blue

France 1993

Details IMDB

Seen 4 December 2015

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.0/10

Rotten Tomatoes 8.5/10

My impressions:

A tragedy. At first she decides to just shut the world out. A chance image changes her outlook on life. 

 

Like Father Like Son

Japan 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 8 September 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.6/10

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

Past events affect everyone involved whether we are a willing party or not. The efforts of the past lingers affecting the present. Do we forge ahead and forget the past and concentrate on the present and future? Those feelings that evolve through time do not disappear in an instant. Gently shall we go a step at a time.

Impressive ensemble acting backed by a well written script gave the story a believable feel. The child actors are a delight to watch.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 3 September 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.2/10

Rotten tomatoes 8.4/10

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

My ratings 8.0/10

My impressions:

A roller coaster, delicious smorgasbord of characters amidst an approaching war. The old era will end soon and a new outlook is on the horizon. That would not come to the fore until a few loose ends are tied up. Layers of human foibles are highlighted. The ensemble cast gave a rip roaring performance.

Delightful.

The Congress

France 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 27 August 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.8/10

An aging, out-of-work actress accepts one last job, though the consequences of her decision affect her in ways she didn't consider..

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

What a wonderful idea. To be able to escape reality but how much do we want to immerse ourselves in that world. Reality is not always pleasant but despite its shortcomings, there is the assurance that what we encounter is for all intents and purposes the real situation. A hard choice when love comes into the equation. Or a simple decision with no guarantees of its consequences.

An engaging story.

Exotica

Canada 1994

Details IMDB

Seen 12 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten tomatoes 8.3/10

The 'Exotica' is a nightclub on the outskirts of Toronto, where Eric, DJ and MC, watches nightly as his ex-girlfriend Christina performs. A regular customer triggers mixed feelings for many.

My ratings 7.0/10

My impressions:

A place where customers spend a few hours forgetting their everyday lives. An escape from reality. As the proprietor says, it is a place for relaxation not of healing. Past entanglements plays a role in the present. Then we realise that those pent-up emotions have not disappeared but continued smouldering. A blow up triggers those feelings to the fore and we have to come to terms with the past.

The past, present and future interlinked.