Posts filed under 'Seen On Netflix'
THE WAY WE GET BY- Premise by Netflix. “Whenever Iraq War veterans return to the U.S. via Bangor, Maine, senior citizen volunteers Bill, Joan and Jerry are at the airport to greet them. This moving documentary profiles their personal stories and the impact they’ve made on countless lives. As they share their kindness and support through handshakes and hugs, these compassionate greeters strengthen their community, their country and themselves. ”
11/20/09–2009. Directed by Aron Gaudet. I just saw this and while it was very interesting to watch for about 45 minutes the second half became redundant for me. It was more about a group of lonely people, some on their own, all elderly, some veterans and some women as well who find meaning in their lives by greeting soldiers who are going to or coming from Iraq to thank them for what they’ve done or are about to do. Netflix Streaming. TRDB
Tags: documentary
November 21st, 2009
DEFAMATION- Premise by Netflix. “In addition to gathering thoughts from political scientist Norman Finkelstein, filmmaker Yoav Shamir examines contemporary anti-Semitism and the possibility of a modern-day Jewish holocaust in his incisive documentary. Surprisingly amusing and unquestionably thought-provoking, Shamir also profiles other figures such as Anti-Defamation League director Abraham Foxman and explores topics such as Israel’s influence on American foreign policy.”
5/10- Very good documentary about anti-Semitism. The movie takes nothing for granted and examines the view that anti-Semitism is insignificant and that the ADL’s mission prevents it from being objective. Clearly controversial, I enjoyed the film. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
November 20th, 2009
THAT EVENING SUN- 2009. Directed by Scott Teems. Premise by Zap2it. “Vowing not to die in a nursing home, Abner Meecham leaves the facility and returns to his Tennessee farm. There, an unpleasant surprise awaits him: Abner’s son has leased the property to ne’er-do-well Lonzo Choat and his white-trash family. Abner suspects that the Choats will not be able to afford the farm, and moves into a shack to await their departure. Tensions escalate between Abner and Lonzo, who are each determined not to give in to the other.” Great early reviews especially in relation to Hal Holbrook.
9/10- The script was a bit erratic but Hal Holbrook was very good in this film about memories and forgiveness. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
November 10th, 2009
ENDGAME- Premise by Netflix. “Confidential political negotiations between South African government representative Prof. Willie Esterhuyse (William Hurt) and African National Congress President Thabo Mbek (Golden Globe nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor) lead to the peaceful demise of apartheid. Taking place in a bucolic British country estate, the talks are fraught with tension, but together the two men find a common path in this engaging Pete Travis-helmed drama.”
2/10- Very good docudrama- well acted and as far as I can tell fairly accurate too. TRDB.
Tags: docudrama
November 10th, 2009
HIDING AND SEEKING- 2004. Directed by Menachem Daum, this documentary is about an American Jew who is concerned that his adult sons who live with their families in Orthodox communities in Israel may be learning to hate those who are not Jewish, just like fanatics in other religions. He takes his sons to Poland to meet the non-Jewish family that his wife’s father and her two uncles thereby planting a seed of doubt in his sons as to their thinking. Very well done and I liked the movie. Netflix. 11/09
Tags: documentary
November 8th, 2009
WHERE GOD LEFT HIS SHOES- 2007. Written and directed by Salvatore Stabile and starring John Leguizamo. About a familoy that has been evicted and is living in a shelter. The husband spends a day searching for a job so that they can qualify for an apartment in the projects. The film was very well done, very realistic and had a very honest screenplay. I liked it a lot. Netflix. 11/09
See other posts about this movie also.
Tags: drama
November 8th, 2009
UNCERTAINTY- Premise by Zap2it. “A coin flip decides whether a young couple attends a Fourth of July bash or has a wild adventure in the city.” I saw only one early review and he called it bizarre and compelling.
Netflix said- “A young couple facing a life-changing decision, Bobby (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Kate (Lynn Collins), stand on the Brooklyn Bridge, toss a coin and let the outcome decide their holiday plans. The action unfolds in intercutting scenes of both possibilities. This creative cinematic puzzle from filmmakers Scott McGehee and David Siegel (Bee Season) reveals an intricate thriller as well as a tense relationship drama.”
12/3/09- Just saw the film and liked it a lot. TRDB
Tags: drama, thriller
November 5th, 2009
DARE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In their final semester before graduation from an affluent suburban high school, good girl Alexa (Emmy Rossum), outcast Ben (Ashley Springer) and bad boy Johnny (Zach Gilford) decide to shed their youthful inhibitions and take some very grown-up risks. A twisty tale of betrayal, heartbreak and unleashed sexuality ensues in director Adam Salky‘s unique teen drama, which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.”
2/10- A fairly good movie about teen angst. TRDB.
Tags: drama
November 5th, 2009
THREE MONKEYS- Premise by Netflix. “When a politician accidentally runs down a pedestrian, he pays his driver to take the rap and serve the jail term. But as the driver’s family grows restless, seeing, hearing and speaking the truth cannot be ignored. Who will ultimately pay the price? Directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, this provocative Turkish drama stars Hatice Aslan and Yavuz Bingol and won the Best Director Award at Cannes Film Festival.” Some called it plodding but others said it was very good. I’ll get it.
11/24/09- I just saw this movie and loved it. Very subtle and very powerful at the same time. Terrific acting as well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: drama, Foreign
November 5th, 2009
THE LIMITS OF CONTROL- Premise by Netflix. “An enigmatic stranger (Isaach De Bankolé), with no friends to speak of and no one to trust, is on a shadowy criminal mission. His moves are always marked with the knowledge that the law is never far behind. Acclaimed indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Coffee and Cigarettes) writes and directs this tale, which is set against the backdrop of contemporary Spain. Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt and Gael García Bernal co-star.” Mostly poor reviews but a few very good ones so I’ll give it a try.
11/28/09- I just saw this movie. As it says above, he has numerous encounters with odd people in Madrid, all of whom are apparently supposed to give him information regarding his mission. Only problem is that nothing ever happens and I finally turned the movie off. Netflix.TRDB
Tags: drama, Foreign
November 5th, 2009
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