Posts filed under 'Seen at the Theater'
EVERY LITTLE STEP- Premise by Netflix. “Go backstage for an up-close look at a Broadway production with this entertaining documentary that follows hopeful dancers as they audition for coveted spots in the 2006 revival of “A Chorus Line.” Drawing parallels between the interactions of the aspiring actors and the events of the play, filmmakers Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern also intercut interview footage of composer Marvin Hamlisch and dancers from the original Broadway production.” I saw this and liked it a lot.
Tags: documentary
October 2nd, 2009
COCO BEFORE CHANEL- Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who began her life as headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey became the legendary couturier who embodied the modern… Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who began her life as headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey became the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style. The film portrays the formative years of Chanel’s life, the years of Chanel spent discovering and inventing herself.” Mixed reviews, mostly good.
11/16/09– Saw this and liked it.
Tags: docudrama, documentary, Foreign
October 1st, 2009
HISTORIAS MINIMAS- Three individual stories by Carlos Sorin, the Argentinian director. The 3 stories are parallel and involve 3 different people who have to make their way to San Julian in Patagonia, Argentina. I saw this at Sundance a few years ago and liked it a lot.
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 30th, 2009
BEAUTY IN TROUBLE- After a natural disaster forces her husband (
Roman Luknár) into crime to make ends meet, a beautiful young wife (
Anna Geislerová) faces a thorny choice: stand by her man and endure a spartan existence, or take a chance on a wealthy suitor (
Josef Abrham) who promises her security, if not passion. Czech director
Jan Hrebejk helms this richly layered, character-driven drama co-starring
Jana Brejchova and
Jirí Schmitzer.
I saw this and liked it a lot. 3/09
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 29th, 2009
BRIGHT STAR- Premise by Netflix. “Critically acclaimed Australian filmmaker Jane Campion helms this drama detailing the passionate three-year romance between 19th-century Romantic poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) — who died tragically at age 25 — and his great love and muse, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Much of the story was inspired by Keats’s poetry and the actual love letters the pair exchanged. Thomas Sangster, Paul Schneider and Kerry Fox co-star.” I saw this and found it very, very boring but friends liked it a lot.
Tags: drama
September 26th, 2009
THE INFORMANT- 2009. By Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon. A satire about a corporate whistleblower who has been less than truthful in his details. I thought the movie was OK but a little too long and repetitive. It reminded me of Leonardo Di Caprio in “Catch Me If You Can.” 9/09
Tags: drama
September 23rd, 2009
AMREEKA- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Eager to provide a better future for her son, Fadi (Melkar Muallem), divorcée Muna Farah (Nisreen Faour) leaves her Palestinian homeland and takes up residence in rural Illinois — just in time to encounter the domestic repercussions of America’s disastrous war in Iraq. Now, the duo must reinvent their lives with some help from Muna’s sister, Raghda (Hiam Abbass), and brother-in-law, Nabeel (Yussuf Abu-Warda). Cherien Dabis writes and directs.” I saw this and found it very realistic and very well acted.
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 23rd, 2009
DEPARTURES- (OKURIBITO)- 2008. Directed by Yojiro Takita and starring Masahiro Motoki. A Japanese film about an unemployed cellist who trains (without his new wife’s knowledge) as a Nakanshi, someone who prepares the dead for burial. Great acting, great story and a great movie. This film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film of 2008. A MUST SEE! At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. 9/09
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 16th, 2009
CAPTAIN ABU RAED- 2008. Jordan. Directed by Amin Mataqa and starring Nadim Sawalha. A story about an older man who works as a janitor at Amman airport. He lost his wife 9 yrs. ago and feels that life is meaningless. When a group of children mistakes him for an airline pilot he tries only briefly to dissuade them and then makes up stories about his adventures. He becomes involved in a few of their lives in meaningful way. TRDB.
Here’s what Netflix had to say– “Premise by Netflix. “Airport janitor Abu Raed (Nadim Sawalha) has long wanted to travel the world, but he’s had to settle for imagined experiences through books and conversations. When a group of children mistakes him for a pilot, he captivates them with made-up tales of adventure. As he begins to form close friendships with these poor neighborhood kids, it dawns on him just how challenging their lives really are.”
2/10-The movie was very good but at times was a bit more theatrical then needed. I still liked it a lot. At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in 9/09.
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 16th, 2009
LAILA’S BIRTHDAY- 2008. Ramallah. Directed by Rashid Masharawi and starring Mohammed Bakri. About a former judge who is working as a taxi driver. The film goes through his day as he works and tries to navigated the difficulties and frustrations of life in a Palestinian town and at the same time prepare for his daughter’s 7th. birthday. I loved the movie. At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. 9/09
Tags: drama, Foreign
September 16th, 2009
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