Another Round

Alcohol abuse is the result of a social experiment among some Danish teachers in the film Another Round. This film is an interesting take on relationships, confidence, friendship and substance abuse. A surprisingly inspiring dance sequence is a highlight in this film.

Teddy Bear

 You would not expect the story of a young bodybuilder to be told in a film titled Teddy Bear, but it turns out to be very fitting. The bodybuilder is socially awkward, but longs for connection. He is fine in the comfort of the gym, but struggles in day to day encounters. His Mother holds him back from getting out in the world unless it is for a competition. When he ventures outside of his comfort zone, he ultimately finds what he is looking for. This story is very sweet and well told. I liked this film a lot.

The Cave

The documentary about an underground hospital in Syria is rightful titled The Cave. Heartbreaking accounts of injuries from bombings and chemical attacks are graphic and brutal. The dedication the doctors and health care professionals show is astounding and inspiring.

The Edge of Democracy

The trials and tribulation of the difficult politics in Brazil are spotlighted in the documentary The Edge of Democracy. Corruption and tension abound as the presidents move in and out of the office. There is chaos, demonstrations and tension throughout. An unsettling documentary.

Les Miserables

In Les Miserables, the unrest in an urban neighborhood in France pits the police against the residents. It is intense, thrilling and thoughtful. Police and punks clash in dramatic ways. Good film.

Parasite

As Parasite is probably the most talked about film of the year, it should be. A poor family uses ingenuity and opportunity to make money. Then things go off the rails. Another great ride from Bong Joon Ho. Well done.

Becoming Astrid

The life of author Astrid Lindgren has a heavy tone in the film Becoming Astrid. Her early life was not a happy one, and the movie hits hard on the times of her childhood and young adult years. There were a few times where I almost turned the film off because the turn of events were so sad. This is a very heavy drama. An OK rental.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

I have heard many claims that The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a classic. In the opening scenes the color and music made me realize that I was watching something special. This is a classic love story. A young couple falls in love, but he must go off to war for 2 years. Things happen in those 2 years and the lovers must deal. The entire film is sung and the music was familiar to me. I think when the film came out the tunes must have been on the radio,. The performances are excellent, the set design and costumes great and the story sincere. It is worth spending the time and attention with this film. Well done. A true classic.

Of Fathers and Sons

Life in Syria is portrayed in Of Fathers and Sons in a first person documentary about men and their relationships with their sons. It is harsh, brutal and eye-opening. Looking behind the curtain in militant countries is a bit jarring, but interesting.

Capernaum

Nominated for an Oscar, the film Capernaum is a heartbreaking story. A young boy in a very large family in Lebanon is disgusted with his parents and their disregard for the well-being of their children. The examples of poor parenting are many and he ultimately runs away. When taken in by a kind woman he becomes the unwitting caretaker of her baby when she disappears. The scenes with the boy and baby are riveting and scary. This film is tough to watch, but a testimony to the heart of the young boy under horrible circumstances. Excellent film.

Baskin

The crazy horror film Baskin was recommended on the podcast Who Shot Ya? The story goes down a rabbit hole filled with demons and disgusting acts of depravity. It goes around a corner and down a road in a wild, weird way. Good horror film.

Shoplifters

The theme of family is strong in the Japanese film Shoplifters. Not only does a family with limited resources stay together as best they can, they also take in strays. The concept of chosen family is heartwarming. They get creative when it comes to acquiring life's essentials. In desperation, they commit acts that are not legal in the interest of survival. In the end, it is about family and noodles. Food is prevalent in this film. I went to a noodle restaurant the day after to satisfy the craving the film created. Good film.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

The Finish tale Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale of the whereabouts and movements of Santa Claus is interesting. The discovery of a community of Santas along with an edgy twist is entertaining and satisfying. And oh those elves! I'm adding this one to my list of Christmas favorites. I really liked this film.

The Square

Emotions in The Square run from hope to despair. When the characters try, they fail. If something can go wrong it will. The characters muddle through this creative, bizarre story set in the art world. At times it is amusing, at others unsettling. A very interesting film, with a cool to look.

The Handmaiden

For me, the central theme of The Handmaiden is control. Beautifully shot, this story is a struggle for dominence and a desperate longing for true love. Erotic, explicit and witty. Quite a film.

Mustang

Turkish social norms abound when five orphaned sisters coming of age in the film Mustang. From schools, to behavior, to marriage these teens battle not only the strict rules of their culture, but their own desires and goals. Well acted and beautifully shot, it is easy to see why this film was nominated for an Oscar. The ending was very poignant. Well done.

Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom

The overwhelming violence of the Ukrainian revolution is brought to the screen in Winter of Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom. This documentary chronicles the student uprising against the Ukrainian government that started in 2013.Their passion on issues are brought to light well. What a film.

Cartel Land

The violence surrounding meth production in Mexico is depicted in Cartel Land in graphic detail. How the footage in this documentary exists astounds me.When the people who live there get fed up they take matters into their own hands. The war between the police, the drug cartels and the citizens is violent and jarring. For all of this violence the film has a hopeful ending. Excellent documentary.

When Marnie Was There

Nominated for an Oscar in the animated feature category, When Marnie Was There is certainly worthy of the nod. This film from Ghibli Studios is a heartfelt story of adolescence, family, belonging and heritage. The drawings are beautiful and the dubbing in the rental I watched was very well cast. A lovely film.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappaeared

When I see a title like The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out a Window and Disappeared I think, "good for him." Watching my parents struggle through old-age I have become a cheerleader for the beleaguered senior citizen. In this Swedish film, when Allan steps out the window of the retirement home he unwittingly gets involved in a road-trip adventure I really enjoyed. The characters are colorful, the bad guys are bumblers and, yes folks, there's an elephant. A charming film I watched because it is nominated for an Oscar for excellence in makeup. I really liked it.