Posts filed under 'Foreign'

UNMISTAKEN CHILD

UNMISTAKEN CHILD- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Nati Baratz follows the spellbinding journey of Tibetan Buddhist monk Tenzin Zopa as he travels far and wide to identify the child who is the reincarnation of his deceased master, Lama Konchog. Acting on instructions from the Dalai Lama, the shy Zopa relies on astrology, dreams and other signs to locate the child, knowing that if he succeeds, he must also convince the boy’s parents to release their child into his care.” Very good reviews and highly recommended.

Add comment October 21st, 2009

LEMON TREE

LEMON TREE- Premise by Netflix. “A Palestinian widow (Hiam Abbass) fights to keep her lemon grove from being uprooted when Israeli security forces declare it a threat to the Israeli defense minister living next door (Doron Tavory) in this foreign-language drama based on a true story. Teaming with a young lawyer (Ali Suliman), the widow takes her case to the Israeli Supreme Court. But in the process of seeking justice, she’s forced to hide the forbidden bond growing between them.” I saw this movie a few months ago and would recommend it highly.

Add comment October 21st, 2009

PARAISO TRAVEL

PARAISO TRAVEL- Directed by Simon Brand and starring Aldemar Correa. About a young man who leaves Colombia with his girl friend and comes to NY illegally. They are separated shortly after arrival and he must fend for himself for the first time. An excellent depiction of what it’s like traveling here illegally and fwhat life is like for illegal immigrants in general. Good movie. Netflix Streaming. 10/09

Add comment October 20th, 2009

WHITE NIGHT WEDDING

WHITE NIGHT WEDDING- 2008. The movie takes place in northern Iceland where it remains light all day in the summer. The story is about a couple about to be married where the man is much older than the woman and her parents are dead set against the union. The story is told with many flashbacks to his first marriage. An unusual cast of characters. I liked it. Netflix. 10/09

Add comment October 19th, 2009

KILOMETRE ZERO

KILOMETRE ZERO- 2005. Directed by Hiner saleem and starring Nazmi Kirik. About a man who is taken from his family in Iraqi Kurdistan and forced to fight with the Iraqi army. He is selected to deliver the body of a fallen comrade to his family and he and a driver go on a surreal journey. Very good movie and certainly another profound anti-war film. Netflix. 10/09

Add comment October 19th, 2009

VANAJA

VANAJA- 2006. India. Directed by Rajnesh Domalpalli and starring Mamatha Bhukya. About a very poor 15yr. old girl who goes to work as a servant to for a wealthy mistress. After she is raped and becomes pregnant by her patron’s son all of the relationships change. Very good acting, some good Burra Katha dancing but ultimately a story about the caste system. I liked the movie a lot. Netflix. 10/09

Add comment October 18th, 2009

THE WEDDING SONG

THE WEDDING SONG- Premise by Zap2it. “The Nazi occupation of Tunisia strains the friendship between two women, one a Muslim and one Jewish, who are preparing for their upcoming marriages.” I found a single review and it was very good. TRDB

Add comment October 16th, 2009

JERICHOW

JERICHOW- Premise by Netflix. “While in his hometown for his mother’s funeral, broke Afghan-Soviet war veteran Thomas (Benno Fürmann) winds up meeting and working for passionate Turk Ali (Hilmi Sözer), who needs a driver to help him keep tabs on his chain of snack bars. But when Thomas meets Ali’s gorgeous German wife (Nina Hoss) and the sparks fly, he enters a passionate affair with her that threatens his new livelihood and friendship with the perpetually jealous Ali.” Very good reviews. TRDB

I just saw this remake of “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and l liked the movie yet one more time. Netflix Streaming. 10/09 TRDB

Add comment October 16th, 2009

IL DIVO

IL DIVO- Premise by Netflix. “Paolo Sorrentino directs this superbly entertaining docudrama about the colorful life and political career of Italy’s Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and his party’s decades-long throttlehold on Italian politics. Highlighting accusations of mafia ties, Sorrentino pulls no punches as he lays any number of corruption scandals and even political assassinations at the politician’s feet, all with a sly sense of humor. Toni Servillo stars as Andreotti.” Great reviews. TRDB.

I saw this and here’s what I said- ” One critic said that the movie should come with a set of Cliff Notes to explain what was going on in Italy and I AGREE. I turned it off halfway.” TRDB. Netflix Streaming. 10/09

Add comment October 16th, 2009

HE WHO MUST DIE (CELUI QUI DOIT MOURIR

HE WHO MUST DIE (CELUI QUI DOIT MOURIR)- 1957. Directed by Jules Dassin and co-written by Dassin and Ben Barzman. About a Greek village in the 1920’s that is occupied by the Turks. This village conducts a passion play each year and the characters chosen to play crucial parts actually play out their biblical roles in a real life situation. Very good. DVD from a private source. 10/09

Add comment October 12th, 2009

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