KORCZAK- 1990. Synopsis by Netflix. “This film examines the life of renowned pediatrician, writer and teacher Henryk Goldzmit, who wrote under the name Janusz Korczak. As the Nazis invade Poland, Korczak does everything in his power to protect children from a dire fate.”
Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.
Add comment August 11th, 2012
ROSETTA- 1999. Synopsis by Netflix. “Desperate to escape the wretched trailer she shares with her alcoholic mother, 18-year-old Rosetta (Emilie Dequenne, who won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival) goes through many trials in an attempt to find a job — or even a friend. This powerful Belgian film’s stark portrayal of poverty led to a change in the teen labor laws of that country. Rosetta received an Independent Spirit Award nomination and won the Cannes Golden Palm.”
Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.
Add comment August 11th, 2012
GIRLFRIEND BOYFRIEND- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “When three rebellious students leave their hometown to pursue their lifelong dreams in the big city, their relationships start to face the pressures of real life as the 1980s Taiwanese sociopolitical reformation movement unfolds in the background.”
8/3/12- Great review in today’s NY Times but just OK reviews by other critics. Audiences have loved it. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2012
MOSQUITA Y MARI- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Neighbors but by no means friends, high schoolers Yolanda and Mari discover a bond and an attraction when they‘re made study partners. One a star student, the other more focused on work — both are rocked to the core by their growing connection.”
8/3/12- Great review in today’s NY Times and by others as well. TRDB.
6/18/13- This movie received very good reviews but I found it just OK. I might have liked it more if I understood the attraction between the two young girls. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2012
CHICKEN WITH PLUMS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1950s Tehran, a musician’s life comes undone: an old flame doesn’t recognize him, his violin is broken and he becomes bedridden with worry. As he spirals into despair without the ability to play music, he teeters on the edge of oblivion.”
8/17/12- A good review in today’s NY Times and very good professional reviews in general. Fairly good audience reaction as well. TRDB.
5/3/13- This movie is a bit strange but stick with it and I think you won’t be sorry. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment August 1st, 2012
BELOVED- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the freewheeling Paris of the ’60s, young Madeleine (Ludivine Sagnier)-who has gone from selling shoes to sleeping with men for money-falls for a handsome Czech doctor, Jaromil (Rasha Bukvic), who she soon marries and joins in Prague. A baby daughter is born, but Jaromil’s infidelities and the arrival of Russian tanks in Prague lead Madeleine back to France-though the love between them still burns. Thirty years later in London, we follow Madeleine’s daughter, Vera (Chiara Mastroianni), who has fallen in love with a musician (American actor Paul Schneider) who is incapable of devoting himself to her, while her ex (Honoré regular Louis Garrel) still pines for her. Meanwhile in Paris, a re-married Madeleine (Catherine Deneuve) has rekindled her love affair with Jaromil (director Milos Forman, in a rare acting role). Frequent Honoré collaborator Alex Beaupain (LOVE SONGS, DANS PARIS) composed the emotional, César-nominated score for this light-hearted but ultimately moving exploration of the changing nature of relationships.”
OK professional reviews but weak audience reaction. TRDB.
8/17/12- Good review in today’s NY Times but only mixed reviews by other critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 1st, 2012
PLANET OF SNAIL- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A deaf, blind recluse with few ties to the outside world finds an ideal mate in a disabled woman, who expands his universe and inspires his passions. Their life together might not be grand, but it’s beautiful in its simplicity.”
Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5/13/13- A very different type of documentary, more like a drama that was a tribute to the characters involved. The movie itself seemed repetitive to me and perhaps would have worked better as a short but still I enjoyed it. TRDB.
Add comment July 31st, 2012
LAS ACACIAS- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Rubén is a lonely truck driver who has been covering for years the motorway from Asunción del Paraguay to Buenos Aires, carrying wood. However, today’s journey will be different. This morning, in a motorway stop near Asunción, Jacinta shows up an hour later to begin a journey by track which is going to take her to Buenos Aires. Wath’s more, Rubén finds out at that very moment that little Anahí, who’s 8 months old, will travel with them- It is not the best beginning. As kilometres go by, th relationship between Rubén and Jacinta will grow. they will slowly meet and sip into each other’s soul. None of them talks much about their lives. None asks much either. It’s a few word journey but it is not a silent one.”
Very good professional but weak audience reviews. TRDB.
9/7/12- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 28th, 2012
BURNING MAN- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tom, a charismatic but moody chef at a chic Australian restaurant, has trouble controlling his temper — an issue that finally comes to a head when an angry outburst at his son’s birthday party draws the police.”
Fair reviews. TRDB.
Add comment July 21st, 2012
NOBODY ELSE BUT YOU- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A local beauty’s death is ruled suicide by sleeping pills, but crime novelist Rousseau doesn’t buy it. Reality turns out to be stranger than fiction — and a source of inspiration — as he uncovers the truth about the woman’s past.”
Fairly good reviews especially from the critics. TRDB.
Add comment July 18th, 2012