Curse of the Golden Flower

My Mother is a good sport, and she is always saying she wants to go to the movies with me. When Curse of the Golden Flower was nominated for an Oscar for Best Costumes, I figured here was the film. 10th century China, Emperor, Empress, history, pageantry, ninjas, deceit, revenge, murder, rated R for violence, whaaaat?!?!?! Have I mentioned that my Mother is a good sport? The film was OK. The story was very melodramatic (a lot like the operas she enjoys)and there were way too many long lingering shots. And did they have flying ninjas in 10th century China? The visuals were outstanding, the shear number of bodies in any one shot was impressive. Were the costumes Oscar worthy? Absolutely! Thanks for indulging my hobby Mom, only two more films to go!!

Letters from Iwo Jima

In Letters from Iwo Jima, we get the unusual view of the World War II battles at Iwo Jima, from the Japanese perspective. The battle scenes are graphic and jarring. We see the fear, bad communication and fight till the death attitude of the Japanese. The letters that were found on the island, show us the human side of the soldiers. In war stories, it is easy to forget that the men behind the weapons have families and lives outside the fighting. This is another poignant war film, with amazing effects and film technique.

Pan's Labyrinth

Pan's Labyrinth has been highly acclaimed by critics for months. I saw it today, and have to say this is one freaky-ass movie. Fairies, fauns and revolutionaries share the screen. I'm not kidding, it's what makes this film intriguing. Fantasy characters help the main character escape from the angst of her situation during the Spanish revolution circa 1840's. I was surprised at the graphic nature of the violence in this film. The cinematgraphy is impressive. The involvement of a child in such adult themes was unnerving, but very dramatic. Not your mainstream film, but worth a look for the adventurous.

Volver

Volver, translated, means "to return". And the characters in this film do just that. To tell too much plot would ruin a lot of the impact and humor that makes this film so charming. I will say that the plot is surprising, develops well and has many very poignant and funny moments. A refreshing film, that blends family themes with a thriller edge. Another gem from Almodovar.

Apocalypto

Technically, Apocalypto is an excellent film. The visuals are stunning. It ended there for me. The story was just OK, the soulful stares bored me, the action was rehashed and the little bit of dialogue was ridiculous. This film was a huge disappointment for me. Gibson is a genius at marketing and he sure got me. Arrrggghhh!

Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)

In keeping with my Christmas-themed movies, today I saw the French film Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas). This story takes place in 1914, at the beginning of World War I. There was a cease fire on Christmas Eve that brought out the human being in the Scots, French and Germans who had been killing each other the day before. The scene that touched me the most was when the song Silent Night united the men. The fighting was undermined by that night, but souls survived. This film has such a gentle heart, yet acknowledges the ugly side of war. Well worth seeing!

Quinceanera

The Quinceanera is a coming of age party for 15 year old girls of Mexican heritage. This is the story of Magdalena who, weeks before her Quinceanera, discovers she's pregnant. Her family is disgraced, and she goes to live with her 84 year old great, great Uncle and outcast cousin. The relationships and situations are very real, and are treated with respect and love. This film is worthy of all the praise it has received since it's stellar opening at Sundance in January. This film was also screened at the Newport Film Festival this summer, and I met the very engaging, polite and hansom Jesse Garcia, who played Magdalena's cousin,Carlos. Keep an eye on this talented young actor.

Tsotsi

Outside Johannesburg, a hoodlum steals a car, shoots it's owner and finds an infant in the back seat upon his escape. The events and the evolution of Tsotsi makes a good story for this Academy Award winning (Best Foreign Feature) film. Beautifully filmed and soulfully acted, this is a foreign film worth seeing.