南方车站的聚会 (THE WILD GOOSE LAKE)
Watchable. The wild goose has a different meaning in Chinese than in English. While the translated title carries a meaning seemingly fitting the crime story of a fugitive, the original connotations are different: a wild goose bears a message of love from afar if persons are separated by a great distance, or signifies a lone goose, bereft of both mate and flock. We find both in the picture. But the movie's far from romantic. Decrepit food outlets and hotels, derelict buildings, pervasive cigarette smoking. Modern edifices and skyscrapers on a huge poster contrast with the pair walking past. The film ticks off all the noir boxes: interesting light and shadow effects in the yellow-black night, pink or blue at times, rain, shabby places, gangsters and a prostitute muse, prolonged shots, violence and a romantic title. Visuals of interest include: neon shoe soles on dancers' feet, a boat in the mist, the prostitute's label hat sinking literally and symbolically, shadows behind yellow curtains during the day, close-ups on gripped body parts during a brawl, blood splashing on the inside of an umbrella. All these visual effects make you look at the evening city differently once you leave the cinema.
PETERSSON UND FINDUS - FINDUS ZIEHT UM (PETTSON AND FINDUS 3 - FINDUS MOVES OUT)
Recommended. Another production from the series where even the opening credits use jobs creatively, e.g. putting the costume designer's name on a piece of fabric etc. The plot is eventful and funny as usual, with hilarious situations like when Findus is catching a fish bigger than himself, when Petersson (Pettson) and Gustavsson are scrambling in the tent, when Gustavsson is reproaching Petersson (Pettson) for spoiling Findus - he's got a point, or when Gustavsson has got caught in the fox trap. And Findus is disarming with his 'own' ideas coming from ever-resourceful Petersson (Pettson). Yet all these amusing events are part of the tale of the cat growing up and demanding his own space the way older children do. Both the cat and the owner learn some lessons while keeping the viewers entertained. Delightfully acted, cutely animated, with songs nice even in the Polish dubbing. The tale is so engaging it's easy to forget all the children in the audience.
Sunday 23 February 2020
Thursday 20 February 2020
SMAK PHO (THE TASTE OF PHO)
Recommended. A subtle, heart-warming tale of a Polish-Vietnamese family and the complex situation of the Vietnamese and other foreigners working in Poland. The national identity manifested through lifestyle, food, demeanor as well as mixing cultures of the Polish hosts and immigrants from all of Asia form an intricate mosaic which is visible only to a watchful eye. Thang Long Do stands out as Long. The hardships of acculturation and intercultural homesickness permeate through him. Insightful, ordinary and multi-layered at the same time.
Recommended. A subtle, heart-warming tale of a Polish-Vietnamese family and the complex situation of the Vietnamese and other foreigners working in Poland. The national identity manifested through lifestyle, food, demeanor as well as mixing cultures of the Polish hosts and immigrants from all of Asia form an intricate mosaic which is visible only to a watchful eye. Thang Long Do stands out as Long. The hardships of acculturation and intercultural homesickness permeate through him. Insightful, ordinary and multi-layered at the same time.
Tuesday 18 February 2020
FANTASY ISLAND
Recommended. Adventure and dark fantasy with a second bottom. Shot on Fiji which makes for the seemingly paradise island and just the right premise for adventures including a military action in Venezuela, a drug lord estate as well as an idyllic beach. A handful of good actors, no big shots, and a thoroughly engaging and mysterious story. Each person's fantasies differ, they sometimes match one another's, at other times collide and either leave the people unfulfilled when leaving a dream or turn out wrong which is a decent allegory of life, especially when you consider how we think we want something but then discover we wanted something hidden much deeper. The way the movie's made, it's all entertainment, with a number of twists and constant uncertainty: is it a game or for real? And who is played by who? The song heard over the end credits is aptly titled "Don't Wish Your Life Away". While I could find tropes from "Hostel 3", "Jumanji", "Flatliners", "eXistenZ", "Saw", I also quickly came to the conclusion the structure of "Fantasy Island" was in fact original. Well, it turns out it's based on Gene Levitt's TV series from the 1970s-80s which I have never watched but from what I'm reading now: The movie may be the first installment of a series since Mr. Tattoo is kind-of introduced at the end. He's short and Asian. Julia is the one who shouts "The plane! The plane" and she's Hispanic. Mr. Roarke wears a white suit and wants all his staff to smile. Another reference to the series is when the vengeful girl dubs him a "genie". Roarke makes it clear each fantasy has to be played out to its natural conclusion. The guests arrive having won a competition. Some are in another person's fantasy. One character is a private eye. Few supernatural elements appear in comparison to the series. Typical guests are said to want to enact sexual fantasies - the original idea the TV series stemmed from. TV used Kauai, Hawaii for the opening view of the coastline and shot the rest in California, not Fiji.
Recommended. Adventure and dark fantasy with a second bottom. Shot on Fiji which makes for the seemingly paradise island and just the right premise for adventures including a military action in Venezuela, a drug lord estate as well as an idyllic beach. A handful of good actors, no big shots, and a thoroughly engaging and mysterious story. Each person's fantasies differ, they sometimes match one another's, at other times collide and either leave the people unfulfilled when leaving a dream or turn out wrong which is a decent allegory of life, especially when you consider how we think we want something but then discover we wanted something hidden much deeper. The way the movie's made, it's all entertainment, with a number of twists and constant uncertainty: is it a game or for real? And who is played by who? The song heard over the end credits is aptly titled "Don't Wish Your Life Away". While I could find tropes from "Hostel 3", "Jumanji", "Flatliners", "eXistenZ", "Saw", I also quickly came to the conclusion the structure of "Fantasy Island" was in fact original. Well, it turns out it's based on Gene Levitt's TV series from the 1970s-80s which I have never watched but from what I'm reading now: The movie may be the first installment of a series since Mr. Tattoo is kind-of introduced at the end. He's short and Asian. Julia is the one who shouts "The plane! The plane" and she's Hispanic. Mr. Roarke wears a white suit and wants all his staff to smile. Another reference to the series is when the vengeful girl dubs him a "genie". Roarke makes it clear each fantasy has to be played out to its natural conclusion. The guests arrive having won a competition. Some are in another person's fantasy. One character is a private eye. Few supernatural elements appear in comparison to the series. Typical guests are said to want to enact sexual fantasies - the original idea the TV series stemmed from. TV used Kauai, Hawaii for the opening view of the coastline and shot the rest in California, not Fiji.
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Recommended. The opening credits are accompanied by the sound of chopping wood, announcing the biggest star - Harrison Ford as one of Buck's owners, but the first sequence of the movie comprises of hilarious exploits of the dog in a southern villa and garden. Buck is digitally antropomorphised Scooby-Doo way. Other dogs, wolves and caribous are clearly CGI-enhanced since they resemble "The Lion King". Scenes under the northern lights, the black wolf figure and a town venue called "The Argonaut" give the film mythical and fairy-tale-like characteristics. While I loved it as an adult, it appears suitable for children as well. It's almost a comedy, though the film keeps in tension and has a few deeply moving moments. The plot is presented mostly through the dog's eyes - not in the camerawork but in the storytelling. In the town, "Teeth pulling" is advertised. I laughed a lot and I cried on a few occasions too but the most moving situation ends with humour as well. Cara Gee, Omar Sy and Harrison Ford are excellent in their roles. Credible locations: British Columbia, Yukon and California do the magic too. And last but not least, I kept replaying the matching, gentle western music in my head after leaving the cinema.
HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY
Recommended. I loved every bit of it. Is it even possible not to adore Harley Quinn? The soundtrack is perfect. Margot Robbie deserves an Oscar. Ewan McGregor gives a top performance as well. But the best are the set decor, all of Harley Quinn's look and the script, especially the main protagonist's narrative. It's punk, deranged and... fabulous. The reenactment of "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" Harley-style is fantastic. The post-credit is puzzling because you hear her say: "Did you know that Batman...?" and it gets cut-off.
Recommended. The opening credits are accompanied by the sound of chopping wood, announcing the biggest star - Harrison Ford as one of Buck's owners, but the first sequence of the movie comprises of hilarious exploits of the dog in a southern villa and garden. Buck is digitally antropomorphised Scooby-Doo way. Other dogs, wolves and caribous are clearly CGI-enhanced since they resemble "The Lion King". Scenes under the northern lights, the black wolf figure and a town venue called "The Argonaut" give the film mythical and fairy-tale-like characteristics. While I loved it as an adult, it appears suitable for children as well. It's almost a comedy, though the film keeps in tension and has a few deeply moving moments. The plot is presented mostly through the dog's eyes - not in the camerawork but in the storytelling. In the town, "Teeth pulling" is advertised. I laughed a lot and I cried on a few occasions too but the most moving situation ends with humour as well. Cara Gee, Omar Sy and Harrison Ford are excellent in their roles. Credible locations: British Columbia, Yukon and California do the magic too. And last but not least, I kept replaying the matching, gentle western music in my head after leaving the cinema.
HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY
Recommended. I loved every bit of it. Is it even possible not to adore Harley Quinn? The soundtrack is perfect. Margot Robbie deserves an Oscar. Ewan McGregor gives a top performance as well. But the best are the set decor, all of Harley Quinn's look and the script, especially the main protagonist's narrative. It's punk, deranged and... fabulous. The reenactment of "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" Harley-style is fantastic. The post-credit is puzzling because you hear her say: "Did you know that Batman...?" and it gets cut-off.
Sunday 16 February 2020
GRETEL AND HANSEL
Watchable. Gretel's potential employer turns out to be a sex pest, she runs from domestic violence, an emaciated zombie-like man attacks the siblings, both: Gretel and Hansel eat hallucinogenic mushrooms in the woods, Gretel has visions even without them, weird music, the witch wears a hat like in "Wicked" (the long-running theatrical performance in London), characters talk in a lofty tone as if expressing the philosophy of this sick vision. Isn't the original fairy-tale horrible enough? It sounds like a well-balance horror without these extra specials. On top of that, it's terribly politically correct: the only good person is black and the script is all feminism envisaged by men: the writers Oz Perkins and Rob Hayes since it emphasizes that Gretel "finds her own way". I practically watched to see how much more stupidity they'll come up with.
AMAZONIA
Recommended. Almost a documentary where the monkey's story only serves to show the lavishness of nature. Shot in a few eco parks and a monkey school, it depicts a pink dolphin, insects, sloths and lots of other wildlife, with a number of amazing close-ups - pure delight.
Traditional local music in the background. Why is this perfection targeted at children instead of nature-loving adults?
LA VERITE (THE TRUTH)
Walked out. Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche know how to bring boredom to every movie. Films about shooting films never enthrall either. A grumpy actress and her bland family also failed to give me a reason to watch till the end. Ethan Hawke - here mocked as if he weren't a good actor - wasn't enough.
SIBYL
Watchable. Pretty-faced Virginie Efira attracts you first but when she appears naked a couple of times it's somewhat exhibitionist, especially that her body is neither slim nor fit. The story, swiftly cut, is engaging at first but about half-way into the plot, you realise that all the major characters take advantage of others: to write a book, to land a role in a movie, to get laid, to shoot a good picture and wear the lovers off each other which feels a bit on the mental side. And it's about shooting a film which never works in films. More and more nudity is thrown in to keep you watching when the story starts limping. Doesn't really work.
Watchable. Gretel's potential employer turns out to be a sex pest, she runs from domestic violence, an emaciated zombie-like man attacks the siblings, both: Gretel and Hansel eat hallucinogenic mushrooms in the woods, Gretel has visions even without them, weird music, the witch wears a hat like in "Wicked" (the long-running theatrical performance in London), characters talk in a lofty tone as if expressing the philosophy of this sick vision. Isn't the original fairy-tale horrible enough? It sounds like a well-balance horror without these extra specials. On top of that, it's terribly politically correct: the only good person is black and the script is all feminism envisaged by men: the writers Oz Perkins and Rob Hayes since it emphasizes that Gretel "finds her own way". I practically watched to see how much more stupidity they'll come up with.
AMAZONIA
Recommended. Almost a documentary where the monkey's story only serves to show the lavishness of nature. Shot in a few eco parks and a monkey school, it depicts a pink dolphin, insects, sloths and lots of other wildlife, with a number of amazing close-ups - pure delight.
Traditional local music in the background. Why is this perfection targeted at children instead of nature-loving adults?
LA VERITE (THE TRUTH)
Walked out. Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche know how to bring boredom to every movie. Films about shooting films never enthrall either. A grumpy actress and her bland family also failed to give me a reason to watch till the end. Ethan Hawke - here mocked as if he weren't a good actor - wasn't enough.
SIBYL
Watchable. Pretty-faced Virginie Efira attracts you first but when she appears naked a couple of times it's somewhat exhibitionist, especially that her body is neither slim nor fit. The story, swiftly cut, is engaging at first but about half-way into the plot, you realise that all the major characters take advantage of others: to write a book, to land a role in a movie, to get laid, to shoot a good picture and wear the lovers off each other which feels a bit on the mental side. And it's about shooting a film which never works in films. More and more nudity is thrown in to keep you watching when the story starts limping. Doesn't really work.
Wednesday 12 February 2020
UNDERWATER
Watchable. Starts with Kristen Stewart sporting a crew cut, she's working on a deep-water drilling platform. Looks like both former vampires have taken a similar career path - Robert Pattinson in the outer space. Anyway, the whole film is an "Alien" wash-off - literally, because the monsters - a cross between the Geiger's alien and an octopus - are in the ocean, half-way down the Mariana Trench. The plot is rubbish, with the first explosion a few minutes in, but with good music. The lines are tacky, the level as low as the trench. About the only one I fancied was when you hear an advertisement: "We've got big things in store to come" and see a huge monster out the porthole. As for the horror part, there's one bigger and one smaller jump scare and the ending threatens you with a possible sequel.
RACETIME
Watchable. In Poland, it's all dubbed in Polish, including songs, so you won't hear Lara Fabian, Cool Kids, Joshua Moreno, Simple Plan, Cyndi Lauper etc. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the rhythms. The storyline is simple and clear, far from the craziness the trailer implies. Joyful, light entertainment.
Watchable. Starts with Kristen Stewart sporting a crew cut, she's working on a deep-water drilling platform. Looks like both former vampires have taken a similar career path - Robert Pattinson in the outer space. Anyway, the whole film is an "Alien" wash-off - literally, because the monsters - a cross between the Geiger's alien and an octopus - are in the ocean, half-way down the Mariana Trench. The plot is rubbish, with the first explosion a few minutes in, but with good music. The lines are tacky, the level as low as the trench. About the only one I fancied was when you hear an advertisement: "We've got big things in store to come" and see a huge monster out the porthole. As for the horror part, there's one bigger and one smaller jump scare and the ending threatens you with a possible sequel.
RACETIME
Watchable. In Poland, it's all dubbed in Polish, including songs, so you won't hear Lara Fabian, Cool Kids, Joshua Moreno, Simple Plan, Cyndi Lauper etc. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the rhythms. The storyline is simple and clear, far from the craziness the trailer implies. Joyful, light entertainment.
Tuesday 11 February 2020
2020 OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - ANIMATION
Only the first 5 were actual nominees, the next 4 were "highly commended".
HAIR LOVE
Recommended. Lovely, the cat making faces is the best, the story of family love when one member is seriously ill is touching. Two animation styles: different for the foreground and for the background.
DCERA (DAUGHTER)
Watchable. Fascinating animation-wise: dolls with faces made of wrinkled paper, wearing clothes sewn from scraps, all places are made of miniature models. But there are no words in the story and I couldn't work out what it was about. Something depressing for sure.
SISTER
Recommended. The woolly dolls look pretty ordinary but the story of a life that never came into being moved me deeply. It's emotional and political - about the Chinese one child policy. Powerful, I rooted for it in the Oscar race.
MEMORABLE
Recommended. Clay dolls covered with impastos. The man's face resembles Vincent van Gogh's which explains the technique. But the highlight is towards the end when the man's wife becomes transparent - you only see some strokes of colourful paint on the outline of her silhouette. The story's touching because it deals with losing memory and vividly shows what it's like to be unable even to recognize yourself in the mirror.
KITBULL
Watchable. Nothing new animation-wise. The animals demonstrate how humans treat them and how affectionate dogs and cats can be.
HENRIETTA BULKOWSKI
Recommended. The tale of the constructor is engaging, there's actual action and touching moments too.
THE BIRD AND THE WHALE
Watchable. The story's depressing, colours grim, only the orangish hues of the sky are attractive.
HORS PISTE
Recommended. The tale is ironic, comical even, without words but perfectly comprehensible. Nothing new in terms of animation but fun to follow the story of two rescuers and one wounded person whose stretches are used as a bridge over a ravine and who experiences many more adventures with or without the rescue team.
MAESTRO
Recommended. The best of the nine shorts. Live animals animated into concert-like behaviour. With a classical soundtrack. A masterpiece.
GORDON & PADDY
Recommended. Animation in pleasant, warm colours, even at night the shades of gray are warm. The animals are lovely, have big, cuddly bodies and cute, thin legs. The story's simple, perfect for young children and filled with the love of family and people - in the shape of animals - in general. I hope for a sequel. In Polish cinemas, it's available dubbed in Polish only. There's an early mid-credit.
The only downside, apart from dubbing, to watching it at the cinema is that you may end up surrounded by many noisy children like I was.
Only the first 5 were actual nominees, the next 4 were "highly commended".
HAIR LOVE
Recommended. Lovely, the cat making faces is the best, the story of family love when one member is seriously ill is touching. Two animation styles: different for the foreground and for the background.
DCERA (DAUGHTER)
Watchable. Fascinating animation-wise: dolls with faces made of wrinkled paper, wearing clothes sewn from scraps, all places are made of miniature models. But there are no words in the story and I couldn't work out what it was about. Something depressing for sure.
SISTER
Recommended. The woolly dolls look pretty ordinary but the story of a life that never came into being moved me deeply. It's emotional and political - about the Chinese one child policy. Powerful, I rooted for it in the Oscar race.
MEMORABLE
Recommended. Clay dolls covered with impastos. The man's face resembles Vincent van Gogh's which explains the technique. But the highlight is towards the end when the man's wife becomes transparent - you only see some strokes of colourful paint on the outline of her silhouette. The story's touching because it deals with losing memory and vividly shows what it's like to be unable even to recognize yourself in the mirror.
KITBULL
Watchable. Nothing new animation-wise. The animals demonstrate how humans treat them and how affectionate dogs and cats can be.
HENRIETTA BULKOWSKI
Recommended. The tale of the constructor is engaging, there's actual action and touching moments too.
THE BIRD AND THE WHALE
Watchable. The story's depressing, colours grim, only the orangish hues of the sky are attractive.
HORS PISTE
Recommended. The tale is ironic, comical even, without words but perfectly comprehensible. Nothing new in terms of animation but fun to follow the story of two rescuers and one wounded person whose stretches are used as a bridge over a ravine and who experiences many more adventures with or without the rescue team.
MAESTRO
Recommended. The best of the nine shorts. Live animals animated into concert-like behaviour. With a classical soundtrack. A masterpiece.
GORDON & PADDY
Recommended. Animation in pleasant, warm colours, even at night the shades of gray are warm. The animals are lovely, have big, cuddly bodies and cute, thin legs. The story's simple, perfect for young children and filled with the love of family and people - in the shape of animals - in general. I hope for a sequel. In Polish cinemas, it's available dubbed in Polish only. There's an early mid-credit.
The only downside, apart from dubbing, to watching it at the cinema is that you may end up surrounded by many noisy children like I was.
Sunday 9 February 2020
THE 2020 OSCARS GALA
This year https://www.brettygood.com is working from the opening song and dance performance, which in the lyrics, music and attires recollects this year's movies, nominated and not. So are the white and black non-hosts of the commencement.
I loved the joke about the progress in nominating blacks - we've got 1 black nominee this year. And Steve Martin and Chris Rock have an "amazing time no-hosting". And they loved "the first season" of "The Irishman" - not surprising a joke since binge-watching of a series lasts sometimes as long as the Scorsese's movie alone.
Brad Pitt wins Supporting - not bad, my second fave.
I had a feeling right before announcing that "Toy Story 4" would get Best Animated Feature, 'cause it's time after so many movies in the series. And it's Pixar again, obviously. The same with "Hair Love" - Pixar too. This happens when mostly Disney votes.
I'd prefer just the original version of "Into the Unknown" - I hate dubbing, especially in songs.
"기생충" ("Parasite") wins Original Screenplay - it's OK, in this category I mean. And Taika Waititi too - Adapted - what for?! The story's rubbish!
Live Action Short - "The Neighbors' Window" - I'll have to see it.
At least Production Design for "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood" like I wanted.
The song announcing Costume Design is a brilliant compilation of lyrics relating to outfits. "Little Women" as I hoped.
Documentary Feature - sadly "American Factory", OK, I admit I haven't seen it but still, it seems just so biased towards America. Short "Learning to Skate in a Warzone (if you're a Girl)" - another one for me yet to see.
Supporting Actress - Margot Robbie touched me in the movie fragments but Laura Dern wins, overall probably a little bit better.
What a wonderful compilation of songs together with the movie scenes, goes back to the 1980s and includes my all time favourite "Back to the Future".
Sound Editing for "Ford v Ferrari" - great! Sound Mixing for "1917" unfortunately though.
An actress: "Not only is it the cinematographer who prepares meals for the crew but also the cinematographer and cinematographer only knocks on the trailer door and tells us it's time to go out and create magic." "1917" wins, unfortunately. Editors cut her out of "1917" and "Parasite" that "was originally in". "Ford v Ferrari" wins - fantastic!
Why do they even remind us of those revolting "Cats" with the presenters' costumes?! Anyway, "1917" wins - for a movie looking like a computer game?!
A middle-aged actress states she's 87 so can't overestimate makeup and hairstyling. Surprisingly, "Bombshell" wins.
In the meantime, I'm impressed most of the commercials in the intermissions on ABC are movie-based.
International Picture unsurprisingly "Parasite", I preferred one of other two but it's not the worst win either. I even feel moved seeing the crew stand up to an applause from all sides.
I like teasing journalists with the remark that the fight club loser will answer the question of how it is to be a woman in Hollywood.
"Joker" has the best Original Score - I'm elated. The female composer won even though a female director poorly rendered her music just before.
Sadly, Song goes to Elton John for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" instead of my fave "Into the Unknown".
Directing - "Parasite" again. Well, could be worse. OK, I truly enjoyed the movie, just preferred other ones to win Oscars. Funnily, Bong Joon-ho had already been preparing to rest. He himself finds Scorsese the best. He also thanked Quentin Tarantino for popularising his movies. He's split his Oscar with "the Texas chainsaw" and share it with others.
This year's tribute to the deceased included Rutger Hauer who left an indelible mark on me drawing me to movies but they missed Stan Lee - not too much of a film person for them?
Olivia Coleman: "Last year was the best night of my husband's life".
Actor in a Leading Role - Joaquin Phoenix for "Joker" - I rooted for someone else but Joaquin Phoenix was amazing too. And what an astonishing vegan speech. He also mentioned his late brother.
Janelle Monáe in the audience in a dress sparkling in colours like gemstones, earlier Hildur Guðnadóttir had a similar top in hers, but more elaborate.
Actress - all nominations for strong-headed characters, apart from "Judy", fighting for their rights - Renée Zellweger wins as I hoped and expected. In her speech, you can hear her own voice is much different from the character's she impersonated. She's wearing an amazing dress looking like ice on an ice-skating rink.
Picture - "Parasite" - hard to believe Koreans win. Hahaha.
3,5 hours in total like last year, from 2 to 5:30 a.m. Polish time.
This year https://www.brettygood.com is working from the opening song and dance performance, which in the lyrics, music and attires recollects this year's movies, nominated and not. So are the white and black non-hosts of the commencement.
I loved the joke about the progress in nominating blacks - we've got 1 black nominee this year. And Steve Martin and Chris Rock have an "amazing time no-hosting". And they loved "the first season" of "The Irishman" - not surprising a joke since binge-watching of a series lasts sometimes as long as the Scorsese's movie alone.
Brad Pitt wins Supporting - not bad, my second fave.
I had a feeling right before announcing that "Toy Story 4" would get Best Animated Feature, 'cause it's time after so many movies in the series. And it's Pixar again, obviously. The same with "Hair Love" - Pixar too. This happens when mostly Disney votes.
I'd prefer just the original version of "Into the Unknown" - I hate dubbing, especially in songs.
"기생충" ("Parasite") wins Original Screenplay - it's OK, in this category I mean. And Taika Waititi too - Adapted - what for?! The story's rubbish!
Live Action Short - "The Neighbors' Window" - I'll have to see it.
At least Production Design for "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood" like I wanted.
The song announcing Costume Design is a brilliant compilation of lyrics relating to outfits. "Little Women" as I hoped.
Documentary Feature - sadly "American Factory", OK, I admit I haven't seen it but still, it seems just so biased towards America. Short "Learning to Skate in a Warzone (if you're a Girl)" - another one for me yet to see.
Supporting Actress - Margot Robbie touched me in the movie fragments but Laura Dern wins, overall probably a little bit better.
What a wonderful compilation of songs together with the movie scenes, goes back to the 1980s and includes my all time favourite "Back to the Future".
Sound Editing for "Ford v Ferrari" - great! Sound Mixing for "1917" unfortunately though.
An actress: "Not only is it the cinematographer who prepares meals for the crew but also the cinematographer and cinematographer only knocks on the trailer door and tells us it's time to go out and create magic." "1917" wins, unfortunately. Editors cut her out of "1917" and "Parasite" that "was originally in". "Ford v Ferrari" wins - fantastic!
Why do they even remind us of those revolting "Cats" with the presenters' costumes?! Anyway, "1917" wins - for a movie looking like a computer game?!
A middle-aged actress states she's 87 so can't overestimate makeup and hairstyling. Surprisingly, "Bombshell" wins.
In the meantime, I'm impressed most of the commercials in the intermissions on ABC are movie-based.
International Picture unsurprisingly "Parasite", I preferred one of other two but it's not the worst win either. I even feel moved seeing the crew stand up to an applause from all sides.
I like teasing journalists with the remark that the fight club loser will answer the question of how it is to be a woman in Hollywood.
"Joker" has the best Original Score - I'm elated. The female composer won even though a female director poorly rendered her music just before.
Sadly, Song goes to Elton John for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" instead of my fave "Into the Unknown".
Directing - "Parasite" again. Well, could be worse. OK, I truly enjoyed the movie, just preferred other ones to win Oscars. Funnily, Bong Joon-ho had already been preparing to rest. He himself finds Scorsese the best. He also thanked Quentin Tarantino for popularising his movies. He's split his Oscar with "the Texas chainsaw" and share it with others.
This year's tribute to the deceased included Rutger Hauer who left an indelible mark on me drawing me to movies but they missed Stan Lee - not too much of a film person for them?
Olivia Coleman: "Last year was the best night of my husband's life".
Actor in a Leading Role - Joaquin Phoenix for "Joker" - I rooted for someone else but Joaquin Phoenix was amazing too. And what an astonishing vegan speech. He also mentioned his late brother.
Janelle Monáe in the audience in a dress sparkling in colours like gemstones, earlier Hildur Guðnadóttir had a similar top in hers, but more elaborate.
Actress - all nominations for strong-headed characters, apart from "Judy", fighting for their rights - Renée Zellweger wins as I hoped and expected. In her speech, you can hear her own voice is much different from the character's she impersonated. She's wearing an amazing dress looking like ice on an ice-skating rink.
Picture - "Parasite" - hard to believe Koreans win. Hahaha.
3,5 hours in total like last year, from 2 to 5:30 a.m. Polish time.
OSCARS 2020 - MY HOPES
Actor in a Leading Role - I hope for Leonardo DiCaprio for "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood", alternatively Jonathan Pryce for "The Two Popes".
Actor in a Supporting Role - I haven't seen "A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood", from the remaining ones I'm rooting for Anthony Hopkins in "The Two Popes", alternatively Brad Pitt for ""Once upon a Time... in Hollywood".
Actress in a Leading Role - I haven't seen "Harriett", from the remaining ones, Renée Zellweger is probably the best, alternatively I can accept Charlize Theron in "Bombshell" but Saoirse Ronan in "Little Women" and Scarlett Johansson in "Marriage Story" were too annoying.
Actress in a Supporting Role - no greats either, Kathy Bates, Laura Dern and Margot Robbie did well, Florence Pugh so-so and Scarlett Johansson in "Jojo Rabbit" was disastrous, far from an Oscar for sure.
Animated Feature Film - I haven't seen "I Lost My Body" and "Klaus", the other three were mediocre.
Cinematography - "Joker" best and definitely not "The Lighthouse" or "1917".
Costume Design - nothing spotless but "Little Women" had some lovely ballroom gowns.
Directing - Martin Scorsese for "The Irishman", alternatively Todd Phillips for "Joker", definitely not Sam Mendes for "1917".
Documentary Feature - I've only seen "Honeyland" and that was brilliant.
Documentary Short Subject - haven't seen any.
Film Editing - anything but that rubbish "Jojo Rabbit".
International Feature Film - "Dolor y gloria" ("Pain and Glory"), alternatively "Honeyland", the worst was "Les Misérables".
Makeup and Hairstyling - "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil", alternatively "Joker".
Music (Original Score) - only "Joker".
Music (Original Song) - only "Into the Unknown" from "Frozen II".
Best Picture - "Ford v Ferrari", "The Irishman", "Joker" or "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood".
Production Design - "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood" but "기생충" ("Parasite") or "The Irishman" will be fine too.
Short Film (Animated) - "Sister" is my fave but anything but Czech "Dcera" ("Daughter") will be fine with me.
Short Film (Live Action) - I haven't seen any.
Sound Editing - "Ford v Ferrari" or "Joker".
Sound Mixing - "Joker" or "Ford v Ferrari".
Visual Effects - "The Irishman" or "The Lion King".
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) - "The Irishman", "Joker" or "The Two Popes".
Writing (Original Screenplay) - "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood", "Knives Out" or "Marriage Story", alternatively "기생충" ("Parasite"), definitely not "1917".
Actor in a Leading Role - I hope for Leonardo DiCaprio for "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood", alternatively Jonathan Pryce for "The Two Popes".
Actor in a Supporting Role - I haven't seen "A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood", from the remaining ones I'm rooting for Anthony Hopkins in "The Two Popes", alternatively Brad Pitt for ""Once upon a Time... in Hollywood".
Actress in a Leading Role - I haven't seen "Harriett", from the remaining ones, Renée Zellweger is probably the best, alternatively I can accept Charlize Theron in "Bombshell" but Saoirse Ronan in "Little Women" and Scarlett Johansson in "Marriage Story" were too annoying.
Actress in a Supporting Role - no greats either, Kathy Bates, Laura Dern and Margot Robbie did well, Florence Pugh so-so and Scarlett Johansson in "Jojo Rabbit" was disastrous, far from an Oscar for sure.
Animated Feature Film - I haven't seen "I Lost My Body" and "Klaus", the other three were mediocre.
Cinematography - "Joker" best and definitely not "The Lighthouse" or "1917".
Costume Design - nothing spotless but "Little Women" had some lovely ballroom gowns.
Directing - Martin Scorsese for "The Irishman", alternatively Todd Phillips for "Joker", definitely not Sam Mendes for "1917".
Documentary Feature - I've only seen "Honeyland" and that was brilliant.
Documentary Short Subject - haven't seen any.
Film Editing - anything but that rubbish "Jojo Rabbit".
International Feature Film - "Dolor y gloria" ("Pain and Glory"), alternatively "Honeyland", the worst was "Les Misérables".
Makeup and Hairstyling - "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil", alternatively "Joker".
Music (Original Score) - only "Joker".
Music (Original Song) - only "Into the Unknown" from "Frozen II".
Best Picture - "Ford v Ferrari", "The Irishman", "Joker" or "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood".
Production Design - "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood" but "기생충" ("Parasite") or "The Irishman" will be fine too.
Short Film (Animated) - "Sister" is my fave but anything but Czech "Dcera" ("Daughter") will be fine with me.
Short Film (Live Action) - I haven't seen any.
Sound Editing - "Ford v Ferrari" or "Joker".
Sound Mixing - "Joker" or "Ford v Ferrari".
Visual Effects - "The Irishman" or "The Lion King".
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) - "The Irishman", "Joker" or "The Two Popes".
Writing (Original Screenplay) - "Once upon a Time... in Hollywood", "Knives Out" or "Marriage Story", alternatively "기생충" ("Parasite"), definitely not "1917".
L'UOMO DEL LABIRINTO (INTO THE LABYRINTH)
Watchable. Gripping - a 13-year-old girl is kidnapped in the opening scene and while it keeps you in suspense, nonsense, chaos, overcomplication with numerous red herrings and putting into doubt what's true and what's not detract from the mystery. Just like "La ragazza nella nebbia" ("The Girl in the Fog"), Donato Carrisi scripted and directed the movie based on his own book. In a way as ambiguous as before and adding confusion. What additionally ruins the film is inadequate romantic music in the more static sequences and unnatural-looking editing in some fast scenes, including the initial kidnapping. Make-up, realistic in the case of the girl in the hospital, elsewhere gets ridiculous, e.g. the black mark on the boy and man's face looks painted. Dustin Hoffman and Valentina Bellè's impeccable acting save the day.
PSY 3. W IMIE ZASAD
Watchable. The basic idea is fine. The movie takes you fast forward from the 90s to 2020. The characters' lives have changes plausibly. But the subsequent developments are far-fetched, filled with nonsense and it's not clear who, what and why. The music, with long saxophone blows, makes the passages between action feel even more lengthy than they are. At least acting is up-to-scratch. The finale's rubbish: who is the ending text message from and to?
GRAND OFF WINNING SHORT FILMS
About 3500 short films were sent in from 133 countries to enter the festival in 2019 and 4000 in 2018, normally European festivals receive about 300 entries. After preselection nominees are sent out to 90 selectors from round the world. The 90 people form the Jury Chapter, comprised of film professionals. Taken all that, I'd expect top-notch productions to win so was disappointed with what I saw:
MIT IM BUND - awarded for the script in 2019
Watchable. I liked the sexual harassment topic and its development where the girl doesn't remain a victim. The title has a double meaning: within the Federal Republic and within the bunch of people which is some food for thought. Still, it lacks suspense and feels moralistic.
DOUBOUT (STAND UP) - awarded for cinematography in 2019
Watchable again. I most liked hearing about the dangers of Europe from the African point of view: "This will fall on your head" (about snow) and "If it's not snow, it's terrorism." It also shows how "Star Wars" are a global inspiration. The rest is a nice family picture. Just an excerpt from someone's life, nothing special.
ТОЧКА БИФУРКАЦИИ (BIFURCATION POINT) - awarded for editing in 2019
Watchable. There is one little surprise in the plot. The rest is a moral tale for naughty teenagers.
TIMECODE (2016) - one of the festival organizer Witold Kon's favourites, awarded for directing
Recommended. Great cinematography, a riveting idea which was a great surprise, subtly told, professionally danced.
BUS STORY (2016) - one of the festival organizer Witold Kon's favourites, awarded for the plot
Recommended. Fantastic cinematography, especially on the bus, with a smart use of windows, also the reflections he creates with his mobile, are later reflected in his lonely ride when he's watching the city through the bus window. The romantic tale is subtly depicted, with no words.
Watchable. Gripping - a 13-year-old girl is kidnapped in the opening scene and while it keeps you in suspense, nonsense, chaos, overcomplication with numerous red herrings and putting into doubt what's true and what's not detract from the mystery. Just like "La ragazza nella nebbia" ("The Girl in the Fog"), Donato Carrisi scripted and directed the movie based on his own book. In a way as ambiguous as before and adding confusion. What additionally ruins the film is inadequate romantic music in the more static sequences and unnatural-looking editing in some fast scenes, including the initial kidnapping. Make-up, realistic in the case of the girl in the hospital, elsewhere gets ridiculous, e.g. the black mark on the boy and man's face looks painted. Dustin Hoffman and Valentina Bellè's impeccable acting save the day.
PSY 3. W IMIE ZASAD
Watchable. The basic idea is fine. The movie takes you fast forward from the 90s to 2020. The characters' lives have changes plausibly. But the subsequent developments are far-fetched, filled with nonsense and it's not clear who, what and why. The music, with long saxophone blows, makes the passages between action feel even more lengthy than they are. At least acting is up-to-scratch. The finale's rubbish: who is the ending text message from and to?
GRAND OFF WINNING SHORT FILMS
About 3500 short films were sent in from 133 countries to enter the festival in 2019 and 4000 in 2018, normally European festivals receive about 300 entries. After preselection nominees are sent out to 90 selectors from round the world. The 90 people form the Jury Chapter, comprised of film professionals. Taken all that, I'd expect top-notch productions to win so was disappointed with what I saw:
MIT IM BUND - awarded for the script in 2019
Watchable. I liked the sexual harassment topic and its development where the girl doesn't remain a victim. The title has a double meaning: within the Federal Republic and within the bunch of people which is some food for thought. Still, it lacks suspense and feels moralistic.
DOUBOUT (STAND UP) - awarded for cinematography in 2019
Watchable again. I most liked hearing about the dangers of Europe from the African point of view: "This will fall on your head" (about snow) and "If it's not snow, it's terrorism." It also shows how "Star Wars" are a global inspiration. The rest is a nice family picture. Just an excerpt from someone's life, nothing special.
ТОЧКА БИФУРКАЦИИ (BIFURCATION POINT) - awarded for editing in 2019
Watchable. There is one little surprise in the plot. The rest is a moral tale for naughty teenagers.
TIMECODE (2016) - one of the festival organizer Witold Kon's favourites, awarded for directing
Recommended. Great cinematography, a riveting idea which was a great surprise, subtly told, professionally danced.
BUS STORY (2016) - one of the festival organizer Witold Kon's favourites, awarded for the plot
Recommended. Fantastic cinematography, especially on the bus, with a smart use of windows, also the reflections he creates with his mobile, are later reflected in his lonely ride when he's watching the city through the bus window. The romantic tale is subtly depicted, with no words.
Friday 7 February 2020
RICHARD JEWELL
Recommended. When you've heard of the authentic case from 1996 it's based on you get intrigued from the start. The period details include group "Macarena" dancing - hip at the time. Paul Walter Hauser's performance and the situations the simple mind protagonist is presented in make you curious - a big part of the high quality of the movie is the lead's acting. And from the time the bomb goes off, it captivates. Also, the sound's well made. No Atmos version but when in Richard's house, you hear cars driving away behind you - as if you were inside with your back to the door.
MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE
Watchable. While the love affair binds the story together, the documentary is predominantly a depiction of the 1960s. Would you have associated the romantic ballad singer with drugs and promiscuity? I didn't but it turns out he and his band would stay high for up to 23 days in a row and he lived in 2 relationships simultaneously and sometimes got laid with 2 women in a single day. These saucy revelations make the second half of the movie more engaging and intriguing than the first. It's not only sensational but also an important voice about "free love" - one of such a couple always got hurt and children of parents living in multiple relationships or changing sexual partners frequently would invariably end up: mentally ill, drug addicts, alcoholics and/or committed suicide.
Recommended. When you've heard of the authentic case from 1996 it's based on you get intrigued from the start. The period details include group "Macarena" dancing - hip at the time. Paul Walter Hauser's performance and the situations the simple mind protagonist is presented in make you curious - a big part of the high quality of the movie is the lead's acting. And from the time the bomb goes off, it captivates. Also, the sound's well made. No Atmos version but when in Richard's house, you hear cars driving away behind you - as if you were inside with your back to the door.
MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE
Watchable. While the love affair binds the story together, the documentary is predominantly a depiction of the 1960s. Would you have associated the romantic ballad singer with drugs and promiscuity? I didn't but it turns out he and his band would stay high for up to 23 days in a row and he lived in 2 relationships simultaneously and sometimes got laid with 2 women in a single day. These saucy revelations make the second half of the movie more engaging and intriguing than the first. It's not only sensational but also an important voice about "free love" - one of such a couple always got hurt and children of parents living in multiple relationships or changing sexual partners frequently would invariably end up: mentally ill, drug addicts, alcoholics and/or committed suicide.
Monday 3 February 2020
IL TRADITORE (THE TRAITOR)
Recommended. Starts with a celebration - like famous "The Deer Hunter" and, more importantly in the context, "The Godfather"- both start with weddings. Also a character is named Corleone, making the associations more immediate. The whole story, based on facts, deals with honour and dfferent understandings of morals centred around the Cosa Nostra. Yet, the action takes place in Brazil, Italy, the US and so Italian, Portuguese, Spanish (Tommaso Buscetta's wife Cristina), Sicilian, English are spoken, making it all the more realistic. The realism is further achieved with TV news insertions and the footage of the original Tommaso Buscetta singing at the end. Actually, I will have to see the film again - too many characters at different ages, I'm confused. The movie may be difficult but maintains proper tension and is wonderfully shot. You feel the suspense especially if you remember from "Shooting the Mafia" who was killed in reality - it's like sitting on a ticking time bomb - additionally magnified by the time counter appearing on the screen for the top-notch sequences of killings. I was struck by the psychopathic traits exhibited by the mafiosi, like boldness in court and manipulating the judge. I remember Letizia Bataglia say how bossy and foreboding the capi were, as if they ruled the court - you get to see it re-enacted.
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
Recommended. An amazing documentary about the balance of nature. At first it looked like a farming tutorial, which it may serve as, but the film runs deeper: it shows how nature, once set in course, will sort everything for us. It only takes 7 years. It masterfully explains how our foes can become friends and vice versa in the cycle of life and the complex relations between the fauna and the flora. And how our loving care creates harmony in all aspects of our existence.
DOLITTLE
Watchable. Now I know what Robert Downey Jr. is doing here - the movie's a crazy adventure with a construed plot like "Sherlock Holmes" a few years back. "Dolittle" includes a dragon, magic, an exotic ruler (unrecognizable Antonio Banderas), the vet's love interest - Kasia Smutniak as Lily Dolittle. Poor CGIs. I miss Eddie Murphy - both the actor and the modern, down-to-earth plot. There's a mid-credit.
2ND STAGE VR
Recommended. Debussy creates the outlandish ambience as you land on the Moon and Mars and explore their surfaces. Memorable.
CONSCIOUS EXISTENCE VR
Watchable. Annoying mostly for the childish voice narration. But also for the visuals: partly based on special animation effects and only partly more impressive e.g. nature. Too many cartoon-like visuals.
ELEGIE (ELEGY) VR
Walked out (or rather took off the headset). You're stuck in a lift for 30 minutes.
L'ILE DES MORTS (THE ISLE OF THE DEAD) VR
Recommended. Amazing effects: first when your home gradually disappears as you die, next the dark-grey ruins in the sea with patches of water in shades of blue, Rachmaninov's "L'Île des morts" ("The Isle of the Dead") accompanies the visuals. Makes you muse about your own death.
ALTERATION (ALTERATION) VR
Watchable. Too quiet, barely audible in a public place so I didn't quite get the story. One excellent VR effect - you suddenly find yourself in bed with a stranger. Changing graphics of varying quality - partly interesting, artistic, partly mundane and repetitive.
LITTLE WOMEN
Watchable. A fairy-tale for adults. Alternatively, a historical drama about how hard it was on women to have to fall in love with rich men only. All characters are kind and gentle. Loving families and generous neighbours. The costumes and music by Schubert, Schumann, Dvořák, Brahms etc. are fairy-tale-like too. Timothée Chalamet is superb. The scenography and editing fail considerably. The characters walk past some shops and a minute later walk past the same shops again - one of the stores has a big cloth thrown over the sign to pretend a different one. It's also not always clear what happens when. Last but not least, took me time to realise who died. I loved some of the ballroom gowns though.
CIENIE IMPERIUM (SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE)
Watchable. Ruins, ruined health (nervous smoking), torn-apart families and lives: moving places and being bombed everywhere they go or inability to see your family who's stayed on another side of the border - borders can be several and changing. The film focuses on 3 out of 15 areas where Russia is waging mini-wars. It starts with a quote from Alain Besançon about states seeking development and prosperity with the exception of Russia seeking expansion. What the film lacks, is maps and commentary. E.g. the Nagorno-Karabakh protagonist lives 1,5 miles from the front line but I learnt about it from the director, not the documentary.
According to the scriptwriters, Russia specialises in smouldering conflicts and planting delayed-ignition bombs. And that was started by Stalin who mixed ethnicities with the potential of conflict in mind. Putin further divides societies to be able to ignite them as soon as the former republics become too independent.
LA FEMME DE MON FRERE (A BROTHER'S LOVE)
Watchable. Yeah, I can believe it's made by a friend of Xavier Dolan's. I recognize the pointless chatter intertwined with bits of music. The film consists of three kinds of scenes: conversations - either overly philosophical or downright ridiculous, scenes with music - better, dancing - the best bits, for various reasons, sometimes for the quality of dancing itself, sometimes for accompanying developments. The music and dance fragments get the best cinematography and a vast array of musical genres. The whole thing is just about peculiar family and friends relationships. I'm happier with my own.
Recommended. Starts with a celebration - like famous "The Deer Hunter" and, more importantly in the context, "The Godfather"- both start with weddings. Also a character is named Corleone, making the associations more immediate. The whole story, based on facts, deals with honour and dfferent understandings of morals centred around the Cosa Nostra. Yet, the action takes place in Brazil, Italy, the US and so Italian, Portuguese, Spanish (Tommaso Buscetta's wife Cristina), Sicilian, English are spoken, making it all the more realistic. The realism is further achieved with TV news insertions and the footage of the original Tommaso Buscetta singing at the end. Actually, I will have to see the film again - too many characters at different ages, I'm confused. The movie may be difficult but maintains proper tension and is wonderfully shot. You feel the suspense especially if you remember from "Shooting the Mafia" who was killed in reality - it's like sitting on a ticking time bomb - additionally magnified by the time counter appearing on the screen for the top-notch sequences of killings. I was struck by the psychopathic traits exhibited by the mafiosi, like boldness in court and manipulating the judge. I remember Letizia Bataglia say how bossy and foreboding the capi were, as if they ruled the court - you get to see it re-enacted.
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
Recommended. An amazing documentary about the balance of nature. At first it looked like a farming tutorial, which it may serve as, but the film runs deeper: it shows how nature, once set in course, will sort everything for us. It only takes 7 years. It masterfully explains how our foes can become friends and vice versa in the cycle of life and the complex relations between the fauna and the flora. And how our loving care creates harmony in all aspects of our existence.
DOLITTLE
Watchable. Now I know what Robert Downey Jr. is doing here - the movie's a crazy adventure with a construed plot like "Sherlock Holmes" a few years back. "Dolittle" includes a dragon, magic, an exotic ruler (unrecognizable Antonio Banderas), the vet's love interest - Kasia Smutniak as Lily Dolittle. Poor CGIs. I miss Eddie Murphy - both the actor and the modern, down-to-earth plot. There's a mid-credit.
2ND STAGE VR
Recommended. Debussy creates the outlandish ambience as you land on the Moon and Mars and explore their surfaces. Memorable.
CONSCIOUS EXISTENCE VR
Watchable. Annoying mostly for the childish voice narration. But also for the visuals: partly based on special animation effects and only partly more impressive e.g. nature. Too many cartoon-like visuals.
ELEGIE (ELEGY) VR
Walked out (or rather took off the headset). You're stuck in a lift for 30 minutes.
L'ILE DES MORTS (THE ISLE OF THE DEAD) VR
Recommended. Amazing effects: first when your home gradually disappears as you die, next the dark-grey ruins in the sea with patches of water in shades of blue, Rachmaninov's "L'Île des morts" ("The Isle of the Dead") accompanies the visuals. Makes you muse about your own death.
ALTERATION (ALTERATION) VR
Watchable. Too quiet, barely audible in a public place so I didn't quite get the story. One excellent VR effect - you suddenly find yourself in bed with a stranger. Changing graphics of varying quality - partly interesting, artistic, partly mundane and repetitive.
LITTLE WOMEN
Watchable. A fairy-tale for adults. Alternatively, a historical drama about how hard it was on women to have to fall in love with rich men only. All characters are kind and gentle. Loving families and generous neighbours. The costumes and music by Schubert, Schumann, Dvořák, Brahms etc. are fairy-tale-like too. Timothée Chalamet is superb. The scenography and editing fail considerably. The characters walk past some shops and a minute later walk past the same shops again - one of the stores has a big cloth thrown over the sign to pretend a different one. It's also not always clear what happens when. Last but not least, took me time to realise who died. I loved some of the ballroom gowns though.
CIENIE IMPERIUM (SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE)
Watchable. Ruins, ruined health (nervous smoking), torn-apart families and lives: moving places and being bombed everywhere they go or inability to see your family who's stayed on another side of the border - borders can be several and changing. The film focuses on 3 out of 15 areas where Russia is waging mini-wars. It starts with a quote from Alain Besançon about states seeking development and prosperity with the exception of Russia seeking expansion. What the film lacks, is maps and commentary. E.g. the Nagorno-Karabakh protagonist lives 1,5 miles from the front line but I learnt about it from the director, not the documentary.
According to the scriptwriters, Russia specialises in smouldering conflicts and planting delayed-ignition bombs. And that was started by Stalin who mixed ethnicities with the potential of conflict in mind. Putin further divides societies to be able to ignite them as soon as the former republics become too independent.
LA FEMME DE MON FRERE (A BROTHER'S LOVE)
Watchable. Yeah, I can believe it's made by a friend of Xavier Dolan's. I recognize the pointless chatter intertwined with bits of music. The film consists of three kinds of scenes: conversations - either overly philosophical or downright ridiculous, scenes with music - better, dancing - the best bits, for various reasons, sometimes for the quality of dancing itself, sometimes for accompanying developments. The music and dance fragments get the best cinematography and a vast array of musical genres. The whole thing is just about peculiar family and friends relationships. I'm happier with my own.
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