DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early years of the 20th century, ambitious young Célestine works as a chambermaid in the Lanlaire household, where she’s subjected to the dictatorial Madame Lanlaire’s capricious demands and the amorous advances of her spineless spouse.”
6/10/16– Mixed reviews by critics and awful ones from audiences. Even the positive reviews had reservations. TRDB.
Add comment June 10th, 2016
THE LAST ELVIS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Elvis Gutiérrez is a star – his singing and stage presence bring back to life the King of Rock and Roll in all his glory. By day, though, Gutiérrez slaves away at a dead-end factory job and endures the scorn of his ex-wife; only his young daughter, Lisa Marie, brings any joy outside of his Elvis tribute gigs.”
6/8/16- Some fairly good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2016
THE PRESIDENT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When revolutionaries take over the government of a nation ruled by corruption, the ousted leader finds himself on the run with his young grandson. Forced to don a disguise, the brutal despot soon comes face-to-face with the human misery he’s caused.”
6/3/16- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.
5/13/17- I really liked this movie very much. Should be seen by all!! TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment June 3rd, 2016
TO LIFE (A LA VIE)- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After surviving the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, three women who were close friends in confinement lose contact. Fifteen years later, they meet again at a French seaside resort, where they help one another transcend their shared trauma.”
5/27/16- Weak reviews but the subject sounds interesting enough that I’ll probably see it. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
PRINCESS- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her mother works, 12-year-old Adar and her jobless stepfather engage in role-playing routines — but they soon begin to unnerve her. When she meets Alan, a homeless boy who looks just like her, he helps Adar face the reality of her situation.
5/27/16– I could not find a single review for this film except for the very good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
JIA ZHANGKE, A GUY FROM FENYANG- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing a lens on trailblazing director Jia Zhang-ke, this incisive documentary follows the auteur as he returns to his hometown of Fenyang. While revisiting shooting locales from his films, Jia ruminates on his career and China’s uncertain future.”
5/27/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
THE IDOL- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, this fascinating biopic dramatizes the life story of wedding singer Mohammad Assaf, who surmounted the odds and became the first Palestinian vocalist to win “Arab Idol.”
5/27/16- Mostly good reviews from the critics but weak ones from audiences. TRDB.
10/31/16– This movie was much more than a rags to riches story and I enjoyed it– especially the relationships between the characters. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
CHEVALIER- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While on a yacht in the Aegean Sea, six men engage in a competition that includes everything from singing to building furniture. As the challenges escalate from mundane to elaborate, the contest turns into a revealing game of machismo.”
5/27/16- Very good reviews from the critics but audiences have panned it. I’d give it a try. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
DELICACY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tragic circumstances create an opportunity for new love in this romantic drama when a young woman, still grieving over the death of her husband years earlier, is slowly brought out of her shell by a caring and courtly male co-worker.”
5/23/16- Fair to good reviews for this French drama starring Audrey Tautou. I liked it very much, however, especially the final scene in the garden. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment May 23rd, 2016
MA MA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Newly fired from her job and abandoned by her husband, Magda learns she has breast cancer. But any inclination toward self-pity is erased the same day, when the man she meets at her son’s soccer game receives shattering news about his wife and child.”
5/25/16- Terrible reviews!!!
Add comment May 20th, 2016