FIGHTER- 2003. Directed by Amir Bar-Lev. A documentary about Jan Wiener, a Czech Jew who escaped through Europe, got to England and became a fighter pilot and hero. An old friend and he retrace his steps through Europe and have a conflictual relationship that explodes on screen. Great movie!! 9/03
Add comment November 1st, 2009
THE WHITE RIBBON- Premise by Netflix. “At a rural school in northern Germany in 1913, a form of ritual punishment has major consequences for students and faculty. But the practice may have bigger repercussions on the German school system — and maybe even on the growth of fascism. Celebrated Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke helms this searing and sumptuously photographed black-and-white drama that stars Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Tukur and Theo Trebs.”
3/10- I saw this in Palm Springs and did not particularly care for it. TRDB.
Add comment November 1st, 2009
PRECIOUS- Premise by Zap2it. “Pregnant by her own father for the second time, 16-year-old Claireece “Precious” Jones can neither read nor write and suffers constant abuse at the hands of her vicious mother . Precious instinctively sees a chance to turn her life around when she is offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative school. Under the patient, firm guidance of her new teacher, Ms. Rain, Precious begins the journey from oppression to self-determination.” This film has been discussed and hyped so much for so long that I hope it meets it’s expectations. Early reviews say that the performances made the film special instead of the story itself.
12/23/09- I saw this a few days ago in Florida and liked it very much. The story was difficult to watch but the acting was so superb that I really could enjoy the movie. TRDB.
Add comment October 31st, 2009
THE WEDDING SONG- 2009. France. Directed by Karin Albou and starring Lizzie Brochere and Olympe Borval. The movie takes place in 1942 and is about 2 young women in Tunisia, one Jewish and one Muslim who have been long term best friends and how their relationship is altered when the Nazis occupy the country. Very good. 10/09
Add comment October 29th, 2009
CLOUD 9- 2008. Germany. Directed by Andreas Dresen and starring Steffi Kuhnert and Horst Rehbert. Sixty year old Inge begins an affair with a much older man and insists on telling her long time lover (30 years) about it. Lots of very naked geriatric sex, certainly a new frontier in cinema. Very good. 10/09
Add comment October 25th, 2009
LORNA’S SILENCE- Directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and starring Arta Dobroshi. About a woman from Albania who has just become a Belgian citizen and has married a junky in a sham marriage in order to raise money for a dream of hers. I felt that the movie was OK. 10/09
Add comment October 25th, 2009
SERAPHINE- 2009. Directed by Martin Provost and starring Yolande Moreau and Ulrich Tukur. The artist Seraphine Louis is working as a maid at a guest home when her painting is discovered by the German art critic Wilhelm Unde who then takes her under his wing. Good movie but not great as some had said. 10/09
Add comment October 25th, 2009
A SERIOUS MAN- 2009. By Joel and Ethan Coen. A caricature of a man whose life seems to be falling apart. Problems with his wife (she’s leaving him for a friend of theirs), his kids, and also at work. He consults with various rabbis in a vain attempt to understand what life is all about and what God wants from him.
I found the film way over the top, even for a caricature, and not very funny as all the funny parts were at someone’s expense. 10/09
Add comment October 19th, 2009
CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”
10/09-I enjoyed the movie but I feel that it’s more of an expose, not a documentary. TRDB.
Add comment October 7th, 2009
AN EDUCATION- Premise by Zap2it. “Despite her sheltered upbringing, Jenny is a teen with a bright future; she’s smart, pretty, and has aspirations of attending Oxford University. When David, a charming but much older suitor, motors into her life in a shiny automobile, Jenny gets a taste of adult life that she won’t soon forget.” Very good early reviews.
11/28/09- I just saw this and liked it a lot. Really about the education of a young impresionable girl outside of the classroom. TRDB.
Add comment October 2nd, 2009