Posts filed under 'Foreign'
TOKYO STORY- 1953. Premise by Netflix. “Director Yasujiro Ozu focuses on an elderly couple (Chishu Ryu and Chieko Higashiyama) in post-World War II Japan who travel to Tokyo to visit their children but are received rather coldly by their offspring; in fact, the only one happy to see them is their widowed daughter-in-law (Setsuko Hara). In an attempt to get them out of the way, the children shuttle their aging parents off to a health spa, a decision that could come back to haunt them.”
10/10- A sad story about family relationships. Well done and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama, Foreign
October 13th, 2010
A SONG FOR MARTIN- 2001. Premise by Netflix. “A middle-aged violinist (Viveka Seldahl) starts a brand-new life when she weds a renowned composer (Sven Wollter), only to find their happiness short-lived as her husband is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and gradually succumbs its ravages. Featuring impressive performances, director Bille August’s incisive drama is harrowing in its portrayal of how the illness inexorably takes away memories and personality.”
10/10- I saw this years ago and liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama, foreigh
October 8th, 2010
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST- Premise by Netflix. “Third in a trio of films inspired by Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium Trilogy,” this thriller follows feisty computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) as she finds herself hospitalized, suspected of murder and targeted for death by thugs. Meanwhile, Lisbeth’s journalist pal, Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist), crusades to prove her innocence. Daniel Alfredson directs this film that also stars Lena Endre and Jacob Ericksson.” I felt the first one was OK, didn’t like the second and have no reason to believe I’ll like the third. Audience reaction has been good.
Tags: drama, Foreign, Mystery
October 4th, 2010
LEAVING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Bored with her life of leisure, Suzanne (Kristin Scott Thomas) decides to reestablish her career as a physiotherapist. But first, she’ll need an office … and that’s where her troubles begin in this drama from Catherine Corsini. As soon as Suzanne meets the man her husband hired to construct her backyard office, she falls hard — and the attraction is mutual … and dangerous. Sergi López and Yvan Attal co-star.” Fair review in NY Times 10/1/10. Coming attractions looked good to me.
11/10- I found this film engrossing and not so difficult to believe as people make these types of decisions every day. I recommend it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Tags: Drama/Romance
October 1st, 2010
MESRINE: PUBLIC ENEMY #1- Premise by Netflix. “Jacques Mesrine (Vincent Cassel) finds his star rising throughout the 1970s as both a gangster and a publicity-hungry celebrity. But while his criminal plans are as grandiose as ever, the Paris police are redoubling their efforts with a special anti-Mesrine unit. The conclusion to Jean-François Richet’s epic crime biopic also stars the luminous Ludivine Sagnier as Mesrine’s glamorous Italian lover, Sylvia Jeanjacquot.” OK reviews but not my kind of movie.
Tags: drama, Mystery
September 28th, 2010
MESRINE: KILLER INSTINCT- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “This blistering biopic stars Vincent Cassel as notorious French gangster Jacques Mesrine. The first in a duology, the film details the genesis of Mesrine’s career, including an incident in the army that gave him his first taste of violent power. Gerard Depardieu co-stars in this commanding, stylish film (based on the autobiography Mesrine wrote shortly before breaking out of prison), which has been favorably compared to Brian DePalma’s Scarface.” OK reviews but not my kind of movie.
September 28th, 2010
SILENT SOULS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Paul Hanganu (Mimi Branescu) is in love with two women: Adriana (Mirela Oprisor), his wife of 10 years, and Raluca (Maria Popistasu), his mistress of the past several months. Now, at a crossroads, Paul is forced to choose between them in this drama from Romanian director Radu Muntean. Combining careful staging and emotionally intense dialogue, the film presents an unblinking profile of a man in crisis and the women whose lives he’s ensnared.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 25th, 2010
PURITY- 2002. Directed by Anat Zuria. Israeli documentary about the Jewish ritual mikvah.
10/10- I found this to be quite interesting and I learned a lot from it. Just 63 minutes long. TRDB. At Purchase College.
Tags: documentary, Foreign
September 22nd, 2010
JAFFA- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In the Israeli city of Jaffa, an Arab father and son — Hasan and Taufik — work at a garage owned by a Jewish family that includes the pretty Mali (Dana Ivgy). But the tensions simmering beneath the surface of the genial workplace are about to come to a boil. A secret affair between Mali and Taufik has grave repercussions when Mali becomes pregnant in this gripping drama, an official selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Mixed reviews but more negative than positive.
11/10- A very well acted and thought provoking drama and I recommend it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 22nd, 2010
HEARTBREAKER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Hardworking brother-and-sister team Alex (Romain Duris) and Mélanie (Julie Ferrier) don’t run a matchmaking business; rather, they get paid to break matches by splitting up unhealthy couples. But their 100 percent success rate is in serious jeopardy when their own hearts get involved. Now, falling in love could be an occupational hazard. Pascal Chaumeil directs this French-language romantic comedy.” Fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.
9/10- Incredibly ridiculous comedy but I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Tags: Drama/Romance
September 11th, 2010
Newer Posts
Older Posts