SIDEWALLS (MEDIANERAS)- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Separated by the wall their apartments share, Mariana and Martin are the perfect couple. They have the same quirks, same tastes, same ideals, and even the same neuroses. They’re a match made in heaven. There’s just one problem: They’ve never met.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
1/16/11- Different to say the least and I can’t say I really enjoyed it. I liked the ending. TRDB. On-Demand
Add comment October 7th, 2011
THE SENTIMENT OF THE FLESH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “A shared interest in human anatomy brings a female drawing student and a male radiologist together in an intense affair that moves toward obsession and danger as the couple explore each other’s “interior” secrets — both erotic and scientific.” Generally poor reviews. TRDB.
10/6/11- Barely OK, I did see it through. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment October 7th, 2011
ORANGES AND SUNSHINE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on real events, this stirring drama follows British social worker Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson) as she uncovers a shocking deportation scandal involving thousands of children and risks her personal life to draw global attention to this grave injustice. An adaptation of Humphreys’s book Empty Cradles, this inspiring story of courage and conviction also stars Hugo Weaving, David Wenham and Tara Morice.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
10/21/11- Excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8/2/12- I liked this movie very much. Difficult to watch at times because of the abuse that befell many these migrant children, the movie also portrayed the conflict in the heroine of this story both in terms of her relationship with her own family and in terms of what she felt she could not do for the kids even now. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment October 3rd, 2011
LE HAVRE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comedic drama relates the poignant tale of a young immigrant African boy arriving destitute in the French port of Le Havre, where he’s eventually taken under the wing of a former Bohemian writer who now chooses to shine shoes for a living.” Good audience reaction and OK professional reviews so far. TRDB.
10/21/11- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11/1/11- I found this movie interesting, in particular the characters of the neighborhood. Also, the love between the two principal characters was precious. TRDB. At the theater.
Add comment October 3rd, 2011
MY JOY- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a wrong turn takes truck driver Georgy (Viktor Nemets) into unfamiliar Russian countryside, he’s drawn into the mix of strange locals, including corrupt cops, a war veteran, a prostitute and a mysterious Gypsy woman — all of whom may lead him to a dead end. Russian documentary filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa directs this drama, a Cannes festival entry that co-stars Olga Shuvalova and Vlad Ivanov.”
9/30/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4/9/12- Incredibly boring with little if any thread holding the mess together. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment October 2nd, 2011
JULIA’S EYES- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This heart-pounding thriller follows Julia (Belén Rueda), who is losing her eyesight to a degenerative disease. When her twin sister, Sara, supposedly commits suicide, Julia suspects that a murderer is on the loose — and that she’s next. As she investigates with her husband, Isaac (Lluís Homar), Julia realizes that a man is watching her, but her credibility is weakened by her worsening vision and the fact that she can’t identify her pursuer.” Good professional reviews and just OK audience ones. TRDB.
12/22/11- This is the first “Horror” film I’ve watched in years (didn’t realize this before turning it on) and I now remember why. Well done but it’s not for me!! TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment September 26th, 2011
TOAST- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from famed food writer Nigel Slater’s memoir, this drama centers on young Nigel (Freddie Highmore), who struggles with his mother’s death, a troubled relationship with his father (Ken Stott) and a new stepmother (Helena Bonham Carter) even as he pursues his passion for cooking. When the family moves to the country, the now-teenaged Nigel finds new doors opening — to exciting culinary opportunities as well as sexual awakening.”
9/23/11- A review in today’s NY Times that I couldn’t decipher but good reviews in general. TRDB.
2/4/12- The first half hour was difficult to watch but the movie definitely improved and I enjoyed it. Knowing that the story was basically true helped as well. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment September 24th, 2011
3- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Berliners Hanna (Sophie Rois) and Simon (Sebastian Schipper), a couple in their 40s, have grown restlessly comfortable in their marriage. Independently, each meets and romances Adam (Devid Striesow), a handsome younger man. When Hanna becomes pregnant, all three must face what they’ve tried to ignore. Each man has reasons for staying with Hanna — and staying together. Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) helms this entry in the 2010 Venice Film Festival.”
9/16/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2/7/12- If the truth is stranger than fiction this movie must be true. Interesting, weird and well acted. Certainly not for everyone. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment September 16th, 2011
SILENT SOULS (2011)- Synopsis by Netflix. “In accordance with traditional customs, devastated Miron (Yuriy Tsurilo) embarks on a road trip to spread his deceased wife’s (Yuliya Aug) ashes. Joined by his friend Aist (Igor Sergeyev), the mournful widower shares intimate details about their love life, which allude to an underlying tension. Directed by Aleksei Fedorchenko, this subtle drama delicately explores powerful themes such as grief and memory.”
9/16/11- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3/30/13- A slow, deliberate drama about saying goodbye to loved ones and to customs. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 16th, 2011
TERRAFERMA- 2011.
9/16/11- I have very little information on this film but it’s about how a native Sicilian family deals with an immigrant family and it won an award at the Venice Film Festival. TRDB.
Add comment September 16th, 2011