WHITE NIGHT WEDDING- 2008. The movie takes place in northern Iceland where it remains light all day in the summer. The story is about a couple about to be married where the man is much older than the woman and her parents are dead set against the union. The story is told with many flashbacks to his first marriage. An unusual cast of characters. I liked it. Netflix. 10/09
Add comment October 19th, 2009
VANAJA- 2006. India. Directed by Rajnesh Domalpalli and starring Mamatha Bhukya. About a very poor 15yr. old girl who goes to work as a servant to for a wealthy mistress. After she is raped and becomes pregnant by her patron’s son all of the relationships change. Very good acting, some good Burra Katha dancing but ultimately a story about the caste system. I liked the movie a lot. Netflix. 10/09
Add comment October 18th, 2009
THE WEDDING SONG- Premise by Zap2it. “The Nazi occupation of Tunisia strains the friendship between two women, one a Muslim and one Jewish, who are preparing for their upcoming marriages.” I found a single review and it was very good. TRDB
Add comment October 16th, 2009
JERICHOW- Premise by Netflix. “While in his hometown for his mother’s funeral, broke Afghan-Soviet war veteran Thomas (Benno Fürmann) winds up meeting and working for passionate Turk Ali (Hilmi Sözer), who needs a driver to help him keep tabs on his chain of snack bars. But when Thomas meets Ali’s gorgeous German wife (Nina Hoss) and the sparks fly, he enters a passionate affair with her that threatens his new livelihood and friendship with the perpetually jealous Ali.” Very good reviews. TRDB
I just saw this remake of “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and l liked the movie yet one more time. Netflix Streaming. 10/09 TRDB
Add comment October 16th, 2009
IL DIVO- Premise by Netflix. “Paolo Sorrentino directs this superbly entertaining docudrama about the colorful life and political career of Italy’s Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and his party’s decades-long throttlehold on Italian politics. Highlighting accusations of mafia ties, Sorrentino pulls no punches as he lays any number of corruption scandals and even political assassinations at the politician’s feet, all with a sly sense of humor. Toni Servillo stars as Andreotti.” Great reviews. TRDB.
I saw this and here’s what I said- ” One critic said that the movie should come with a set of Cliff Notes to explain what was going on in Italy and I AGREE. I turned it off halfway.” TRDB. Netflix Streaming. 10/09
Add comment October 16th, 2009
HE WHO MUST DIE (CELUI QUI DOIT MOURIR)- 1957. Directed by Jules Dassin and co-written by Dassin and Ben Barzman. About a Greek village in the 1920’s that is occupied by the Turks. This village conducts a passion play each year and the characters chosen to play crucial parts actually play out their biblical roles in a real life situation. Very good. DVD from a private source. 10/09
Add comment October 12th, 2009
THE LITTLE TRAITOR- 2007. Premise by Zap2it. “During the British occupation of Palestine, an Israeli youth’s friendship with a British soldier lands him in trouble with town officials.” Good reviews.
2/11– A bit overacted and a bit too precocious for the kid but a good message and I did enjoy it. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment October 11th, 2009
MY BEST ENEMY – (Mi Mejor Enemigo). 2005. Argentina. Directed by Alex Bowen. A story about a group of lost Chilean soldiers who encounter a group of encamped Argentine soldiers just before war was expected to break out between them. The two groups develop an interesting relationship. Very good. Netflix. 10/09
Add comment October 10th, 2009
THE THIEF- 1997. Russia. Written and directed by Pavel Ciukhraj. About a young widow with a young son who meets and falls for a handsome man while on a train. It turns out he is not exactly what she expected. Very good. Netflix. 10/09
Add comment October 10th, 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 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.
Add comment October 1st, 2009