TASTING MENU- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the closing night at a world-famous bistro, the evening turns into a farce of manners and misunderstandings as an eclectic mix of customers flocks to the eatery, including an estranged couple and an eccentric widow dining with her husband’s ashes.”
4/13/14- This sounds interesting but reviews are poor. TRDB.
Add comment April 13th, 2014
THE KING OF ESCAPE- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Staring down a severe midlife crisis, gay tractor salesman Armand (Ludovic Berthillot) tries to “turn straight” by pursuing a cute 16-year-old girl (Hafsia Herzi) who fancies him, but harsh disapproval from her parents and the cops forces the mismatched pair to go on the run. Written and directed by Alain Guiraudie, this delightfully offbeat French comedy co-stars Pascal Aubert, Luc Palun and François Clavier.”
4/11/14- A good review in today’s NY Times. Audiences have not liked it. TRDB.
Add comment April 12th, 2014
AN AFGHAN LOVE STORY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Soon after waiter Mustafa woos pretty student Wajma, they begin a covert relationship that’s as passionate as it is risky in their Afghan culture. But when Wajma becomes pregnant, her father must choose between tradition and mercy.”
4/11/14- An excellent depiction of the concept of “honor” and its consequences for the family of a young woman. TRDB.
Add comment April 11th, 2014
ALAN PARTRIDGE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Legendary blowhard Alan Partridge, made famous by funnyman Steve Coogan, has become an obscure radio host in this new page from his demented life. When Alan finds out he may be laid off, his response is to try to get a colleague fired instead.”
4/4/14- Good reviews all around including the NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 8th, 2014
CHILD’S POSE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her son Barbu kills a child with his car, wealthy Romanian Cornelia hopes that spreading money around will make Barbu’s problem go away. But bribing the witnesses and even the dead boy’s parents won’t repair her fractured family.”
3/28/14- I saw this movie today and enjoyed it despite it being very sad. Great acting by the female lead. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2014
THE THIRD HALF- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his homeland under Nazi rule, Jewish German soccer coach Spitz finds work leading a team of Macedonians — until the Germans invade Yugoslavia. Team owner Dmitry then faces the dilemma of acquiescing to Nazi ideals or standing by his coach.”
3/24/14- No reviews by critics but friends saw it at a Jewish Film Festival and loved it. TRDB.
Add comment March 24th, 2014
JUST A SIGH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “During a break between performances in Calais, French theater actress Alix meets an enigmatic English man on the train to Paris — and the two wind up having a passionate encounter that may change both their lives.”
3/21/14- Mixed reviews including some awful ones but the movie sounds interesting. The NY Times did like it. TRDB.
9/21/14- I enjoyed the movie, especially the way information came out in layers. Emmanuelle Devos was her usual wonderful. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment March 23rd, 2014
THE FRENCH MINISTER- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Alexandre Taillard de Vorms is tall and impressive, a man with style, attractive to women. He also happens to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the land of enlightenment: France. With his silver mane and tanned, athletic body, he stalks the world stage, from the floor of the United Nations in New York to the powder keg of Oubanga.”
3/21/14- Mediocre reviews in general but the NY Times liked it. I saw 10 minutes of this movie and I think that was enough. TRDB.
Add comment March 22nd, 2014
ILO ILO- 2013- Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving the Philippines to work in Singapore, Teresa is hired as a maid by a couple whose spoiled son delights in bullying and belittling her. Over time, the household dynamic shifts as the son comes to revere Teresa — much to his mom’s annoyance.”
3/20/14- Good early reviews. TRDB.
3/21/14- A moving drama with very interesting characters and wonderful acting. Really a story about how one person can influence your life and its often not family. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment March 20th, 2014
THE GERMAN DOCTOR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young family opens a lakeside lodge in Patagonia, they have no idea that their first guest will be a Nazi war criminal. Unbeknownst to them, the charming doctor so entranced with 12-year-old Eva is none other than Josef Mengele.”
3/18/14- Good reviews for this movie. TRDB.
4/25/14– The NY Times liked this movie as did audiences and most other critics. TRDB.
9/23/14- I found this movie both good and disturbing and wondered throughout where this fictionalized film would take us. TRDB.
Add comment March 18th, 2014