WANDA, MEIN WUNDER (MY WONDERFUL WANDA)
Recommended. So far Agnieszka Grochowska spoilt every movie she was in so I was apprehensive about this one where she is the title Wanda, especially that a tragicomedy about a Polish carer in Switzerland didn't seem enticing. But the cracking script is puckish, the plot takes a few twists and turns and is nothing I would expect. The ambiguous ending leaves it open for a sequel. Unlikely for this genre but who knows.
MARTIN EDEN
Watchable. The action of Jack London's novel is moved from Oakland, California to Naples, Italy. The classic tale tells of class struggle, ideas becoming salient with time, individualism, education, life sacrifices, making your own fate - Martin Eden epitomises a self-made man. The film conveys the message that education benefits everyone around. It depicts emerging socialism but the ideas of the period are not always comprehensible. The story a few times skips a period in Martin's life. Poverty-stricken areas are skillfully recreated and lavish interiors are used for the wealthy residences. Innovatively, archival footage is inserted where the budget didn't allow for modern enactments - the archival material at times astonishes you with how fitting it is but at times is inexplicable and feels off place. Occasionally the dialogue sounds unnatural, especially workers who'd never adapt such a lofty speaking manner for a social chat. I mean the words could stay but only uttered casually. The movie is the proverbial curate's egg. The sound of sea waves can be heard at the end of the final credits.
Both screenings on mojeekino.pl were fluent - none or little stutter and with quality sound, subtitles big and on black background.
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