East West (Est-Quest)

France 1999

Details imdb

Seen 18 May 2012

A family perseveres

Ratings

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 85% liked it

A family returns to Russia when the Motherland invites emigres to return home after the Second World War. The high spirits in the beginning faded the moment they landed on Russian soil and we see how they struggle to cope with their new life. The drama is well paced and I'll give the film a 7.0/10. The added bonus is Catherine Deneuve in the film.

My impressions:

The first shock

Was totally unexpected

They were all innocents

Naïve even

Thinking that they will be welcomed

To the land of glory

Reality was totally different

Each day brings different challenges

They try to live as best as they can

Entangled in the web of deceit

They succumb to love and hate

But persevere they must

As time is immaterial

However long it takes

They must still try

The Mother

United Kingdom 2003

Details imdb

Seen 17 May 2012

Not exactly the mother from hell

Ratings

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 60% liked it

A look at how we cope with the loss of someone who has been a major part of our lives. Anne Reid as the mother carries her role with restraint and no histrionics, thanks in part to the understated story written by Hanif Kureishi. We can also see Daniel Craig in his pre James Bond days. I give the film a 7.0/10 for the great job the actors did in conveying the loss and its aftermath.

My impressions:

That partner in life

Started with the marriage vows

For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish

From this day forward until death do us part

Will it ring true

When the partner is no longer with us

Life changes

To our pleasant surprise

A nice change

Different, challenging

Not without its own complications

In this case

It is a hornet's nest

Touched, disturbed

The sting remains

Poetry (Shi)

South Korea 2010

Details imdb

Seen 15 May 2012

Words tranformed

Ratings

IMDB 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 84% liked it

A person's ordinary mundane life turns upside down when an incident involving a loved one triggers other events. She tries to find solace and an outlet for her emotions in a latent interest. Watch till the end to see what happens. The human face is never more exposed here and that makes the film deserving of a 8.0/10.

My impressions:

Words and actions

Feelings and reactions

Conflicting

Suppressed

How does one cope

When no one seems to be there

To help, to understand

The words come to mind

Notes taken

Randomly, diligently

Doubts set in

Whether you have the talent

The skills even

To put those feelings

Across to others

So that they may know

The emotional turmoil

Sometimes the serenity

That was discovered

In unlikely places

7 Hati 7 Cinta 7 Wanita (7 Hearts 7 Loves 7 Women)

Indonesia 2011

Details wikipedia

Seen 15 May 2012

Women's lives, loves

Ratings

The film highlights the many facets of women's lives and especially one aspect that men would never be able to truly fathom, the ticking biological side of them. Men and women are different and this film gives glimpses of how women cope with the men in their lives. Relevant subject matter with light touches here and there. I'll give a 7.0/10 for the overall feel and ensemble acting.

My impressions:

All of us, young and old

Feel that need to be with someone

Often times it might be with the wrong person

We do hope and strive

To find that perfect partner

But this is reality

Humans are not perfect

Each one with its own weaknesses

When the negatives surfaces

Affects the other

Then the troubles begin

The trust broken

The dreams shattered

Reality glares blindingly

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile)

Romania 2007

Details imdb

Seen 14 May 2012

Desperate events need desperate solutions

Ratings

IMDB 7.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 84% liked it

Do you change your mind once you have made decision? That decision involves not only you but a close friend. This film shows how much a close friend will sacrifice in the name of friendship and solidarity. Tight script and the main actor gives the film a 7.0/10

My impressions:

We make mistakes

Can it be unintentional

Or premeditated

We confront that mistake

Even with doubts still lingering

If we are uncertain

Circumstances changes that wavering

It does help that

We have a comrade in arms

Willing to help

The emotional toll

Is shared

Unsure, lacking confidence

But we must do it

So that life will continue

As normal as possible

Gradiva (C'est Gradiva qui vous appelle)

France 2006

Details imdb

Seen 13 May 2012

Obsessions and consequences

Ratings

IMDB 5.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 42% liked it

A search into the past has repercussions for the present. One man's diligence brings him to another world. Mysterious, dangerous and tragic endings. I'll give the film a 6.0/10 for the strong images that might seem disjointed but does convey the mix of illusions and reality faced by the protagonist.

My impressions:

Dreams and reality

There does not seem to be a boundary

Between them

The search into the past

Uncovers

Forbidden love

Cruelty

Obsessions

All the dreams and

Imagery

Seems so real

Where does the dream end and

Reality begin

The past encroaches

Into the present

Then it is not a dream anymore

It has become a reality

Mancora

Peru/Spain 2008

Details imdb

Seen 12 May 2012

There are blows in life so hard

Ratings

IMDB 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 55% liked it

A loss starts the journey to look for some meaning in life. Along the way the demons that were suppressed come out and we have to confront them. It is still our decision in the end on which path to take and the film gets a 7.0/10 for exploring the subject.

My impressions:

Tragedy or a blessing

The loss of someone close to you

Even though you are not physically close

There is still a bond

Waiting for the time to be renewed

It might not be apparent

Distinct or clear

It is at that time

Latent

Undisturbed

Events unfold

Triggering emotions

Then we realise

That is our true calling

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (少林三十六房, Shào Lín sān shí liù fáng)

Hong Kong 1978

Details imdb

Seen 11 May 2012

Self-defence and enlightenment

Ratings

IMDB 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 88% liked it

A historical background of how the public face of the Shaolin style of self-defence became widely known. This film was made in the 1970s and feels very basic compared to the slicker moves we see in today's martial arts offerings. Nevertheless it deserves a 7.0/10 for showing the basic steps on the way to become an exponent of this style of self-defence.

My impressions:

Education is important

Whether it is in the scriptures

Or the more practical trades

There is also self-defence

Its importance often over looked

The relevance does not diminish

As the process of learning the art

Teaches one in other aspects of life too

It takes hard work and determination

Of course

To become a master

Basic skills should be adequate

For basic needs

For those who aspire to be the top

Sacrifice and dedication

Is most important

Remember as well

The most important tenet

It is still the art of self-defence

Alone in four walls (Allein in Veir Wänden)

Germany 2007

Details imdb

Seen 10 May 2012

Alone among many

Ratings

IMDB 7.0/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 3% wants to see it

A documentary of a juvenile delinquent facility in Russia. All seems orderly but underneath, they are still children, vulnerable and it seems will still be in the bad books of the state when they become adults. A 7.0/10 for the effort.

My impressions:

Children

Why do turn up they way they do

Is anyone to blame

Is anyone responsible

Parents, family, the state

But for certain

It is not in born

The feelings

Loneliness, longing

For the family and loved ones

Is still there

Intact

They may have been on the wrong path

Some say willingly

With open eyes

But is that true

Or are there mitigating factors

That influence

The decision

To take a certain path

We can only hope

Their resolution

To turn over a new leaf

Succeeds

Screaming Masterpiece (Gargandi snilld)

Iceland 2005

Details imdb

Seen 9 May 2012

A smorgasbord of Icelandic music

Ratings

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 79% liked it

Watch this documentary if you want a brief overview of the Icelandic music scene that runs the gamut from electronica to hip hop with lots of traditional influences in between. At least we will be enlightened that the scene is more than just Sigur Ros and Bjork, which makes the film deserving of a 7.0/10.

My impressions:

A small population

Isolated and midway

Between continents

Developed its own identity

Unique, grounded in its own history and landscape

That is the key ingredient

Whatever foreign influence

Is moulded and imbued

With the local colours and sounds

The music might be crap to some

But among them are also gems

The music unadulterated

Not a put on, not a façade

But heart felt

That is the magic touch

Truly from within

Antichrist

Denmark 2009

Details imdb

Seen 7 May 2012

A woman's cry can be deceiving

Ratings

IMDB 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 55% liked it

The film deserves a 7.0/10 just for the fact that Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg are the actors and the director is Lars von Trier. I may not understand the whole subtext but the imagery stays.

My impressions:

It started with grief

Over the loss of a loved one

Can we ever overcome that feeling

Guilt, responsibility

Knowing that the past can't be turned back

What happened, did happen

As it was meant to be

We decide to find the peace within

But the mind and heart react differently

The mind plays tricks

The heart feels

Or is it the truth

That had been hidden all this time

Taking the opportunity

To rear its head

Beautiful or otherwise

Headshot (ฝนตกขึ้นฟ้า fon tok huen fa)

Thailand 2011

Details imdb

Seen 6 May 2012

Evil genes, stop them from spreading

Ratings

IMDB 7.0/10

The opening scene is reminiscent of a Raymond Chandler mystery novel and this is the Thai version. The film takes a leisurely pace to unfold the plot with the main character facing obstacles that seem designed to thwart his efforts in getting on with his job. The film gets a 7.0/10 for the effort.

My impressions:

Can the assumption be true

That we're born with evil genes

The good doctor says

The evil has to be nipped in the bud

With as much help as can be mustered

Before they get stronger

The means towards an end

Does not have to follow the rules

As long as we reach the aim

Good versus evil

It does not seem to end

Until the final breath

Releases us from the pressures

Deciding between the two

Sometimes we think we have succeeded

Overcoming the doubts

But others

They are persistent

They still want a final say

Either way

The Little Thief (La petite voleuse)

France 1988

Details imdb

Seen 6 May 2012

Maybe she is incorrigible?

Ratings

IMDB 6.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 71% liked it

This is one example of the adage that appropriate casting plays an important role in a film. Charlotte Gainsbourg seems made for the role of the many faceted girl who blossoms into a woman. That in itself gives the film a 7.0/10

My impressions:

Is it an inborn trait

Or is it the circumstances

Does anyone care?

When someone does take an interest

She tries to change

Until she meets her soul mate

Someone who speaks the same language

Who is much more of the same mould

They are on the same wavelength

And together supposed to soar

Becoming stars in their own constellation

Until

The time that seems fated

They part ways

She realises

She understands

Life is what you make of it

She will take the bull by its horns

Determined

Burnt Money (Plata quemada)

Argentina 2000

Details imdb

Seen 5 May 2012

Money, love and betrayal

Ratings

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 76% liked it

This film is based on true events and as the saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction. What started as a routine job became more messed up as not everything went as planned. I give this film a 7.0/10 for the plot, twists and turns.

My impressions:

Money started the whole ball rolling

Bringing the motley group together

Different types, characters and temperaments

The job was carried out

Unfortunately it did not follow the plan exactly

The follow-up was just

A patch-up, a respite

Then the waiting

Started

An agony, when tempers flare

Emotions bare, raw

Needed a breather

But that brought its own problems

Entangled emotions

Frayed, feelings betrayed, abandoned

In the end

Choices had to be made

It is a matter of survival

Suzhou River (Suzhou he)

China 2000

Details imdb

Seen 4 May 2012

How deep is your love?

Ratings

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 82% liked it

The opening dialogue itself made me chuckle a bit and that was good start. There are no fast-moving action but this is a love story after all. I give it an 8.0/10 not just for the story line but the understated flow which complements the sparse feel of the whole film.

My impressions:

Is it really love

That drives a man to seek forever

That girl from a past life

Endangering others

Becoming a nuisance

His story seems so far-fetched

Believable maybe

But to most of

Unbelievable

How does one reconcile

The two from different backgrounds

They had feelings for each other

That is given

But events after that

Must have changed their minds

It is strange

Or is it to expected

That love can and do

Play a big role

In our lives

Forever

Left Luggage (2 koffers vol)

Netherlands 1998

Details imdb

Seen 3 May 2012

The past is ever present

Ratings

IMDB 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 88% liked it

This gentle tale of memories of the past and how it shapes the present gets a 7.0/10 from me. I was attracted to see this film since it had Isabella Rossellini in the list of actors and she does not disappoint. There are no major flare-ups in the story and instead we have more thoughtful moments.

My impressions:

It is always love that plays a part

In our lives

In bad times and good times

It is ever present

Love

Love for your family

That will always come to mind

Even if you can't stand the sight of each other

That bond is there

There is no escape

Then you find love in other forms

Little steps at first

Until the bond becomes stronger

The joy and anticipation

Of each day

Is heightened

By the thoughts

That you will meet

That someone you love

But we will never know

How long it will last

Karmen Gei (Karmen Geï )

Senegal 2001

Details afrikblog

Seen 2 May 2012

Love has to be set free

Ratings

IMDB 6.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 13% wants to see it

I give this film an 8.0/10 just for the main actor. Anyone who takes the role of Carmen has to embody that strong but vulnerable woman and her magnetism shines through. The music score is something else, just spoken words in some parts and full of life in others.

My impressions:

Love is simple

Love is complicated

As how we want it to be

Unless we let love engulf ourselves

Enslaved

Trapped in its clutches

Then there is no escape

Love in its many forms

Flits from tree to tree

Branch to branch

A free bird

Beholden to no one

But freedom has a price

Walk on water (Lalekhet Al HaMayim)

Israel 2004

Details imdb

Seen 1 May 2012

Hatred be gone, be at peace with yourself

Ratings

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 85% liked it

It takes time to let go of all the past baggage and discover what is more important in your life. Life is complicated as it is and this film gets a 7.5/10 for highlighting the challenges one faces in different situations.

My impressions:

Trained to kill

Life does not mean much

But when it touches yourself

Then you feel the pain

Even though you try to hide

Even though you try to forget

It still haunts you

A new perspective

Comes along

Opening up old wounds

Do you deny the past

Embrace the present

Drop everything

All the beliefs

All the history

No

It cannot be that simple

Irreversible (Irréversible)

France 2002

Details imdb

Seen 30 April 2012

Time can heal, it can also destroy

Ratings

IMDB 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 80% liked it

The film maker's approach to this film puts you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what actually happened. That in itself deserves an 8.0/10 and no doubt helped by the main actors as well as the cinematography.

My impressions:

Love as usual play an important role

In the lives of many

A beautiful girl

Intelligent, in control of her destiny

Everything seems to fall in place

The future seems so bright

Full of promises

Good things

To be enjoyed, savoured

Until one day

The sequence of events

Changed the course of destiny

When man at his lowest ebb

Degenerates

To that animal instinct

Devouring

Destroying

For no apparent reason

Once the deed has been done

It cannot be undone

Not in this lifetime

Underworld - Awakening

USA 2012

Details imdb

Seen 29 April 2012

Two together, a force to behold

Ratings

IMDB 6.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 66% liked it

I am giving this a 7.0/10 because I wanted to watch Kate Beckinsale. A film franchise will always find it difficult to top the previous instalment unless the story line is exceptional and this particular update does not quite make it.

My impressions:

The child holds the power

A power unleashed, devastating

The child holds the key

A key that opens doors, possibilities

The child is still a child

A child that needs love, understanding, nurturing

The mother, from long ago

The mother, is now present

The mother, the protector

The mother, will always be there for the child

There are powers that want more

They will not stop pursuing

Searching, trying, the best that they can

They have ambitions, cravings

To have it all

Others are just spoils of the war

Dispensable, of no value

They want it all, with whatever means

Unless

Mother and child stops them

A Separation (Jodaeiye Nader az Simin)

Iran 2011

Details imdb

Seen 28 April 2012

Twists and turns, truths and lies

Ratings

IMDB 8.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 94% liked it

The premise might seem ordinary but played against the cultural and religious background of the protagonists, it becomes a captivating mixture of human emotions. Deserves a 9.0 out of 10

My impressions:

The separation was the starting point

Hard to accept

Nevertheless has to be done

Without considering the consequences

The chain of events that follow

Can either party be responsible

When others are involved

The complications

The knots

Become more entangled

The agony, going through the red tape

The bureaucracy

Always there to remind oneself

That what we face is insignificant

It is just one of many

Countless, faceless, nameless cases

With others facing the same situation

Even worse than ours

We try to come to terms

With the situation at hand

But life is not a simple case

Open and shut

It meanders along its way

Finding its own path

Dependent on those involved

Ghost Rider – Spirit of Vengeance

USA 2011

Details imdb

Seen 27 April 2012

The power in the next generation

Ratings

IMDB 4.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 33% liked it

I guess the film did not give a lasting impact on me, a let down. Sequels are difficult to make and we can't expect the latest in a series to be as captivating as the first, for that I'll give it a 5.0

My impressions:

Power that has been planted

In an unholy alliance

Is now awaiting

Its moment

The anointed time has come when

That power will be unleashed to the world

Unless the other side succeeds

In preventing this happening

The struggle and fight

Continues

Enter the Phoenix (大佬愛美麗)

Hong Kong 2004

Details lovehkfilm

Seen 26 April 2012

Switching roles, taking revenge

Ratings

IMDB 5.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 52% liked it

Watch it without any preconceived expectations and viewers should be entertained especially if not taken too seriously. It deserves a 7.0 when the ending climax showed a fighting scene typical of an action movie and in a way paying homage to the masters of the genre.

My impressions:

When you are a child

So many memories

Linger

Some seem etched in stone

Steadfast, determined to become a reality

Past events

Shape the present man

Past events

Moulds, builds, and makes him whole

But some past events

Has to remain in the past

Not forgotten but put to rest

In order for the present to continue

Into the future

In a better world (Hævnen)

Denmark 2010

Details Rotten Tomatoes

Seen 25 April 2012

A better world for whom?

Ratings

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 85% liked it

Metacritic User Score 7.3/10

The themes might be familiar but the juxtaposition between the two societies highlights our similarities. The child actors deserve the highest accolades and help me decide on an 8.0 for this film.

My impressions:

Different worlds, different issues

But human emotions and reactions

Are the same

They are happy and sad

Feel the joy and pain

As any one can vouch

We are only human

Violence begets more violence

Would non violence have any role

In the continuing struggle

Between good and evil

The man tries

In the end his decision

Solves a problem

But will definitely ignite a new one

Can it ever end

This vicious circle

Venus

UK 2006

Details imdb

Seen 24 April 2012

The Goddess of Love touches a man

Ratings

Rotten Tomatoes Audience 73% liked it

Metacritic User Score 7.3/10

The fact that Peter O'Toole and Vanessa Redgrave are in the film makes it deserving of an 8.0, helped no doubt by the repartee between some characters.

My impressions:

The pleasurable pursuit and enjoyment of life

All through the years

With nary a regret

Sees one wondering

Whether that was our true self

Then comes a different whiff of air

Not entirely unique in its own way

But it does give one another slant

To the past

And what today and the future will bring

How ever long or short that period may be

We know the end is near

We make time

To discover again

The other side

Stubborn are we

Defiant

That what we have done

In the name of pleasure

Was done with eyes open

No regrets

But acceptance

A life full of joy and laughter

Remembered by many

With fondness and sweet memories