Movie reviews

LUX FILM PRIZE DAYS

ALCARRAS

Screenwriter/director Carla Simón's came up with the "Alcarràs" idea after her grandfather's death. 

NOSTALGIA

Watchable. Napoli (Naples) is best loved from a distance. Pierfrancesco Favino glues you to the screen as Felice Lasso who returns from emigration. His mother is already old, bathing her is one touching scene. Then you become intrigued by the meeting he tries to secure. The makers gradually reveal fragments of truth and tiny clues as to what led to his emigration. The developments are accompanied by varied music, not by Tangerine Dream. The whole thing is about what qualities we nurture in ourselves and what we become after years. The finale's  astonishing.

AIR

Recommended. 80s songs, grainy cinematography, shots of celebrities of the time, set decor and costumes transport you to 1984 right from the start. The music continues through the movie. Star-studded cast includes Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, their characters are all already successful but just before the launch of Nike Air Jordan shoes whose sales will skyrocket once Michael Jordan puts them on. The movie presents the rivalry between Nike, Adidas and Converse, the financial risk Nike took, the trepidation awaiting the spontaneous pitch result and how their desperate move spearheaded the now common practice of celebrity shoe or clothing lines. A piece of sales and marketing history in a gripping form where you root for the protagonist whose move is a make it or break it, Nike staff's banter is snappy, celebs are picky.

MY NEIGHBOR ADOLF

Watchable. David Hayman as Marek Polsky and Udo Kier as Mr. Herzog - both character names are subject to viewers' interpretations - appear in a farce on the myths of: Adolf Hitler surviving the war, non-German Nazis, over vigilant Jews, as well as Nazi riches. On the serious side, it shows how some Germans were long-term victims of the regime too. A number of issues are dabbled, it's all well-enacted but what for? Neither a comedy, nor a drama and no clear reason to pick this movie.

SISU

Watchable. In this flick the Nazis know they're about to lose the war and be hanged. This drives their desire to rob certain Finn of his gold. It's exactly what you could expect after the trailer: an unbreakable Finn with "whiteknuckle courage" and defiance fights off Nazis. Surround sound ensures you hear the war all around. Evocative cinematography enhances mesmerising landscapes. Original music, convincing acting by Jorma Tommila as legendary Aatami guarantee to keep you on the edge of the seat for 1.5 hours. Solid stuff.

KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC

Watchable. Tomasz Bagiński's full-length sci-fi flick, based on manga, is packed with impressive visuals which, together with a few recognisable faces, make the formulaic plot just sufficient.