Movie reviews

הנה אנחנו (HERE WE ARE) 

Watchable. Having attended several Jewish film festivals, I associated Israeli cinema with basically three topics: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Holocaust and the orthodox community. This one is different. While the subject of taking care of an autistic son would be niche elsewhere, in this case it makes the Israeli movie versatile. And does so very humanely. It shows how a special care person is a clog in the machinery of the social welfare system which is heart-wrenching and disturbing at times. The father and son road trip is beautiful but tear-jerking. All the parts are perfectly acted so the movie tugs on your heartstrings. In spite of a satisfactory ending, it leaves you despondent.

H IS FOR HAPPINESS

Watchable. Enjoyable music, vivid colours, unmistakably Aussie vistas hold together a shambolic plot where kids, however smart, are gullible. That may be psychologically true but a girl trying to mend her extended family relations is both silly and already overused in the world of fiction. Also, it's a set of pieces which are forced to fit the puzzle - they appear so disconnected. A nice little post-credit completes the movie. 

Reviewed from screeners, cinematic reception might differ.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

Recommended. It follows in the footsteps of "The Hunting Ground" - an acclaimed documentary which failed to make real-life impact. This fictitious tale is looking to break new ground, taking off the heavy tones and turning an authentic issue into a sassy thriller. Music is integral to the "Promising Young Woman"'s appeal. The movie boasts Atmos sound which enriches the music even in an ordinary theatre. Light pop songs in the like of "It's Raining Men" clash with Cassandra's (the protagonist's mythical name's certainly not accidental) peculiar hobby - as it seems at first. Carey Mulligan is fantastic as the lead. Her hairstyles, costumes, make-up play a role too. Speaking of visuals, certain scene makes you wonder if it's blood or sauce on her leg, hand and blouse. This attractive flick, made by women: produced by Margot Robbie, written and directed by Emerald Fennell explicitly demonstrates a number of stereotypes people fall victim of, implicates everyone and turns the tables - it's social psychology served as a saucy dish. There are quite a few surprises along the way and an unconventional final solution. 

My first visit to a cinema since the recent thawing out the economy in Poland was great: most people wore masks properly during the screening but I had also purchased an FFP2 mask which made it easier not to worry about those who obnoxiously disregarded the pandemic precautions. Even in the middle of a week day the cinema was largely filled with an audience so the industry is on the best way to recover. Also, a surrounding 5.1 sound was like a balm on my deprived ears.