Posts filed under 'Seen On Netflix'
TOI ET MOI- 2006. France. Premise by Netflix. “Lena (Marion Cotillard) and her sister Ariane (Julie Depardieu) are both single girls weary of looking for Mr. Right. At least Ariane’s job writing captions for romantic photo stories gives her an outlet, as she uses her dreams for inspiration. But she’s also idealized love beyond reality. When the perfect guy finally shows up, will either woman be prepared? Jonathan Zaccaï, Eric Berger and Chantal Lauby co-star in this knowing romantic comedy”
8/10- A bit simple at times but I did like the characters, especially Marion Cotillard and I’d recommend the movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: drama, Foreign
August 10th, 2010
TOOTS- 2006. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Kristi Jacobson celebrates the life of her sharp-tongued grandfather, Toots Shor, a colorful Manhattan restaurateur who counted among his clientele scores of celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio and Dwight Eisenhower. Interviews with Shor’s pals, such as Lauren Bacall, Walter Cronkite and Yogi Berra, recall the post-World War II days when regular folk mingled at the bar with movie stars, sports heroes and politicians.”
8/10- A very good documentary as much about Toot’s friends and New York as about Toots himself. I recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
August 9th, 2010
THE BUTCHER’S SON (LA SOGA)- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Making his screenwriting debut, Manny Perez stars in this tough chronicle of Luisito, a young man walking the line between honesty and the corruption he sees all around him in the Dominican Republic. As a child he was called “sensitive” by his butcher father, but as an adult, Luisito has been hardened by the brutal life on the streets — and by his obsessive thirst to avenge his father’s murder. Denise Quiñones co-stars in this gritty actioner.” Good early reviews.
5/7/11- An interesting movie with very good acting and screenplay. I enjoyed it despite the contrived romance included. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama, Foreign
August 8th, 2010
EAT PRAY LOVE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Julia Roberts stars in the adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir about coping with a traumatic divorce. After failing to conceive a child and deciding to reshape her life, Elizabeth (Roberts) travels the world in search of direction. She heads to Italy, India and Indonesia, seeking the perfect pasta, a route to self-enlightenment and the true meaning of faith. Along the way she meets a bevy of odd characters and, possibly, her true love.” Poor reviews.
1/11- All of the poor reviews were well deserved. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: Drama/Romance
August 8th, 2010
THE SPIRIT OF THE BEHIVE- 1973. Premise by Netflix. “In this mesmerizing allegorical tale set in post-Civil War Spain, precocious young Ana (Ana Torrent) becomes obsessed with finding the spirit of Frankenstein’s monster after watching director James Whale’s 1931 classic. When she happens upon a wounded military deserter, Ana believes that she’s evoked the cinematic creature. Helmed by Victor Erice, the film also stars Fernando Fernan Gomez and Teresa Gimpera as Ana’s disengaged parents.”
8/10- Great reviews but I had trouble getting into the film. The child actress Ana Torrent is special. TRDB.
Tags: drama, Foreign
August 8th, 2010
SAMARITAN GIRL- 2004. Korea. Premise by Netflix. “Hoping to save enough money to travel through Europe, teenagers Yeo-jin (Ji-min Kwak) and Jae-young (Min-jeong Seo) enter into a risky trade: Jae-young becomes a prostitute, and Yeo-jin manages their business. After Jae-young is killed, Yeo-jin assumes the role of sex worker to keep their clients happy. But Yeo-jin’s father (Eol Lee) discovers his daughter’s secret, setting off a chain of events that bring father and daughter to a crossroads.”
8/10- This movie got very mixed reviews but I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama, Foreign
August 4th, 2010
SEE WHAT I’M SAYING: THE DEAF ENTERTAINERS DIARY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Four dedicated stage artists, all either deaf or hearing-impaired, are profiled in their struggle to make inroads not only in the deaf community, but with mainstream audiences as well — despite the obvious obstacles facing them. Featuring open captions to translate the sign language used by the performers, the documentary spotlights the drummer for a deaf rock band, as well as an actor, a stage comic and an aspiring songstress.” No professional reviews as yet but audience reaction has been very good.
2/11- A fascinating idea and I enjoyed the movie for about an hour and then it became repetitive and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
August 4th, 2010
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY- 1971. Premise by Netflix. “Divorced working woman Alexandra Greville (Glenda Jackson) has occasional sexual encounters with a younger man, sculptor Bob Elkin (Murray Head). Elkin is completely open about the fact that he’s also the lover of Alex’s acquaintance, Dr. Daniel Hirsch (Peter Finch). Both Alex and Dr. Hirsch resign themselves to living with the situation rather than risk losing Elkin completely … but can both relationships continue in equilibrium?”
8/10- A classic and I liked it. TRDB.
Tags: drama
August 1st, 2010
HELEN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Ashley Judd stars as Helen, an adored wife, mother and successful music professor who also struggles to mask her debilitating depression until a breakdown lands her in the hospital. But this apparent setback offers Helen a new perspective on life and her condition in the form of Mathilda (Lauren Lee Smith), a fellow patient with whom Helen forms a potent bond. Sandra Nettelbeck directs this touching drama; Goran Visnjic and Alexia Fast co-star.” Good review in NY Times.
9/10- Reviews for this drama were only fair at best but I thought that it was an excellent depiction of what it’s like to be severely depressed for the individual involved and for the entire family. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
July 31st, 2010
FLIPPED- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “From director Rob Reinercomes a multigenerational family saga about the highs and lows of love. Bryce and Juli first meet as second graders, with Juli having a crush on the uncertain Bryce, and as they mature, it appears their love may blossom. As they wrestle with the problems of adolescence, their parents cope with an assortment of issues of their own. Aidan Quinn, Rebecca De Mornay and Anthony Edwards co-star in this poignant romantic comedy.” Reviews were just OK, more positive than negative.
1/11- I loved this thoughtful movie! TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
July 29th, 2010
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