Oh the Drama
Oh the Horror
Keep Me in Suspense
Feels like Sci-Fi
Isn't it Romantic
So-called Comedies
Western Unions
Comic Book Heroes
Kid Stuff
Fact not Fiction
Cinema Fantastico (Subtitles)
Just Seen
Frantz (2017) Anna visits the grave of her fiancé Frantz daily, who lost his life in the first World War. One
day she discovers a man putting flowers on his grave, a Frenchman who
says he was a friend. She introduces him to Frantz parents, and his
stories bring light and color to a morose family… but put a heavy burden
on Anna, who follows him to Paris. What will she find? The will to live again, in this breathtaking work of art. Magnificent. (French) My grade: A Plus
Look Who's Back (2015)
Adolf Hitler awakens outside his bunker in Berlin--in 2014. As he
wanders about, trying to get his bearings, tourists take pics with their
iphones. “The rubble is gone—and the people are mad!” Laugh-out-loud moments ensue when a filmmaker takes him on a tour of Germany and Hitler talks to everyone
(actors and real people alike). Fear not, mein Fuhrer; you're about to
become a cultural icon! Dark, hilarious and scary brilliant. (German) My grade: A Plus
Marie's Story (2014) In
a 19th century French countryside, a wild child is brought to a convent
for deaf girls, but is turned away for being both deaf and blind. "She is a savage." But Sister Marguerite sees this tangle of hair, dirt & rags as
her calling… and will raise her as her own. Based on the true story of
Marie Huertin, who guided the way for others like herself. You will
weep. (French) My grade: A Plus
The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012) Dieder
is a kind hearted Belgian who loves American Bluegrass music. Elise is
the woman he falls for, devout in her Christianity as he is in atheiesm. And
now as their 6 year old daughter Maybelle lies dying of cancer in a
hospital, their beliefs (or lack of) are scrutinized by the other,
leaving us trembling in their wake. Extraordinary. (Belgian) My grade: A Plus
Remembrance (2011) Hannah
is a young Jewish woman who falls in love with Tomasz, a Polish
prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. They escape together but fate
parts them, each thinking the other dead. 30 years later, Mrs. Hannah
Levine of New York sees a BBC interview with an older Tomasz recounting
the war. A masterpiece. (German) My grade: A Plus
The Kite Runner (2007) Years after fleeing Afghanistan with his father, a man returns to his
homeland to repay a long overdue debt to his childhood friend.
Exquisitely told & respectful of the culture, this is a modern
day classic. (Afghanistan) My grade: A Plus
Thelma (2017) is a shy college student, away
from home for the first time but dutifully responds to her religious parents
barrage of calls & texts. And then
she is drawn to Anja, a tall willowy student who returns her feelings, and
Thelma will cry from the guilt of it, and begin having seizures. Her parents tell her to come home. And then? An astounding history will be revealed, in this stunning watch of frightening,
modern miracles. Be patient. (Norwegian)
My grade: A
Ilo Ilo (2014) The
Lims are a stressed, modern Asian couple who hire Terry, a young
Filipino woman as maid & nanny to their middle school son. Terry
struggles to find her footing both with Singapore and her job, but as
she finally becomes a member of their family, life gets in the way. Not so much a story as it is an open window with
some wonderful, real glimpses into a family's life. (Mandarin) My grade: A
The Decent One (2014) Heinrich
Himmler--Hitler's henchman, head of the SS, prime architect of the
Holocaust. A cache of his personal papers was recently uncovered,
personal diaries and letters between him and his wife during his rise to
power. As we listen to affectionate exchanges, and anti-Semitic ones,
we are witness to never-before seen footage of Nazi Germany. To say this
is fascinating would be an understatement. (German-Israeli) My grade: A
The Nun (2013) In
1760 France, Suzanne is forced to enter a convent when her mother
reveals she was the product of an illicit affair. Suzanne yearns to be a
free woman, but loves her Mother Superior, at least; until she dies and
she learns the religious life forced on her is the least of her
problems. Exquisite to watch, she wears her sorrow well, like a young
Ingrid Bergman. (French) My grade: A
The Rocket (2013) Ahlo
is a curse, says his grandmother (for being born a twin, his brother
died in childbirth). She blames him after their village is relocated to
make way for a dam; his family has nowhere to go. But a neighboring
village is holding their annual rocket festival with 'big cash prizes',
and Ahlo wants to do right for his family. As earnest as it was
fascinating, this was wonderful. (Lao) My grade: A
The Lunchbox (2013) In
Mumbai, dozens of bicyclers deliver lunch cannisters to & from
office workers homes (prepared by their wives). When a widower near
retirement receives one (by mistake) from a lonely housewife, they begin
exchanging simple notes, then life histories, their worries, their
dreams. Where will it take them? What a warm, wonderful surprise.
(Indian) My grade: A
Like Father, Like Son (2013) Ryota
and Midori are an educated couple raising their 6 year old son when
they receive a call from the hospital; their real son had been
accidentally switched at birth (with the son of a modest shopkeeper). So
what's next? There are many hearts and many answers to consider, but
they are all good people. That's what matters. (Japanese) My grade: A
The Wall (Die Wand 2012) Set
in the mountains of Austria, a woman travels with friends to a remote
hunting lodge for vacation; they take a walk as she naps. She awakens to
find herself alone, with an invisible barrier cutting her off from the
world in every direction. Ten days pass, a month... two years. Don't
look for answers in this deep, contemplative study of the human soul.
(German) My grade: A
A Royal Affair (2012) In 1766, Princess Caroline of Britain is betrothed to the young, insane
King of Denmark; despondent, she bonds with the King's personal
physician (Mads Mikkelsen) and adopts his ideas for reform and change.
Is Denmark ready for such revolutionary ideas? Yes and no, in this
tragic yet royal retelling of it's darkest days. Hope springs eternal.
(Danish) My grade: A
Teddy Bear (2012) Dennis
is a bodybuilder--and a gentle giant, with a heart as big as his
biceps. But he's a painfully shy man, and lorded over by his mother. So
when his uncle tells him of the lovely women in Thailand, Dennis decides
he'll go and find one for his own. With a hint of exotic flavor, this
was touching and kind and what else is love all about anyway? (Danish) My grade: A
The Intouchables (2011) Based on a true story, a quadriplegic French aristocrat has his world
turned upside down when he hires a non-trained but charismatic ex-con to
be his caregiver; and in the process, breaks the boundaries of class,
friendship and love. The final 10 minutes gave me both tears and
chuckles. (French) My grade: A
Aftershock (2010) In
1976, an earthquake levels the city of Tangshan, killing 240,000. A
mother and her boy are rescued, believing her husband and daughter dead.
But her girl survived, adopted and raised by another couple, marries,
has a daughter. And now, 32 years later, she returns home. A curious and
wonderful tribute to China, its culture, and family. (Chinese) My grade: A
The Silence (2010) A
13 year old girl is missing, and her bike is found in the same spot in
the countryside where a young girl disappeared 23 years before. Why? The
answers are there in this masterfully told story that almost thrums
like a high tension wire; still, this is a story of awful crime, and
anguish. Steel yourself. (German) My grade: A
Just Another Love Story (2010) When a man inadvertently causes a woman's car accident and visits her at the hospital (to be met with a comatose patient & grieving parents who think he's her mysterious boyfriend) he plays along, only to be pulled into the woman's scary past. Stunning in story and camerawork, this is filmmaking at it's best. (Danish) My grade: A
Sarah's Key (2010) While
researching the French government's horrific roundup of 80,000 Jews
during WWII, a journalist discovers a sobering connection between those
events and her own apartment in Paris. Both compelling and tragic,
France may have acknowledged their shame but the story still needs told.
(French) My grade: A
City of Life and Death (2009) Far
surpassing war films like 'Saving Private Ryan', this Chinese
re-creation of the 1937 Nanking Massacre (where Japan invaded China,
torturing and killing 300,000 Chinese) is mind-boggling in it's scope.
It's no wonder Asia is still at odds over this rampage, 75 years later.
(Chinese) My grade: A
Coco Before Chanel (2009) Audrey Tautou (who captured my heart in 2001's Amélie) now captures hearts & the very essence of Gabrielle
"Coco" Chanel, before her rise to fame in Parisian haute coutre. This
bio-drama becomes something much more, as Audrey redefines elegance.
(French) My grade: A
Ricky (2009) Katie
is a single mom with a shy 7 year old daughter when she meets a
handsome Spaniard, gets pregnant & has a baby--who astonishes
everyone when he grows wings & learns to fly before he can walk.
What an earnest, enchanting story about real life, and real people. I'm
sold. (French) My grade: A
The Stoning of Soroya M (2008) Set
in Iran & based on true events, a man accuses his wife of
adultery so he may marry again. Her sentence is death by stoning, where
she is buried waist high into the ground and beaten with rocks. A
captivating look at another culture, but nearly impossible to watch
because of the brutality. This world is filled with monsters, praise
Allah. My grade: A
Troubled Water (2008) After
8 years in prison for his role in the death of a little boy, Jan Thomas
is released and finds work as a church organist, and life begins anew.
If only the mother of the little boy could do the same. This story of
guilt and redemption is stylish, powerful and moving. (Danish) My grade: A
La Vie en Rose (2007) Marion
Cotillard is Edith Piaf (1915-1963) in this stunning biopic of the
legendary chanteuse; raised in a brothel and the streets of Paris, she
went on to become the national singer of France. Only two things have
stopped Paris traffic; the end of WWII and the funeral procession of
Edith Piaf. (French) My grade: A
Lust, Caution (2007) Take a deep breath--Ang Lee paints a lavish, explicit tale of espionage
and desire set in Shanghai during WWII. Whew, I think this is the best
Chinese film I've seen to date--they sure know what they're doing.
(Chinese) My grade: A
Love in the Time of Cholera (2007) Set
in Panama circa 1850, Florentino (Javier Bardem) falls obsessively in
love with the beautiful Fermita--& pledges his love to her for
the next 50 years (while she meets & marries someone else,
raises a family & grows old). Will Florentino ever discover real
happiness? (Spanish) My grade: A
Kraftidioten (2014) When Nils, a career snowplower in Norway’s wintry landscape learns his son is dead of a heroin
overdose, he decides to end his own life. But when he sees a junkie watching him… “Who is your supplier?” He’s
going to use his shotgun on the supplier instead, after beating the name of his
supplier from him. Up & up the drug chain he goes, in this
brilliant, black-humored saga of revenge—and not just by Nils. He’s
started something. (Norwegian) My grade: A
Land of Mine (2017) After
WWII, Denmark put 2,000 German POWs to work digging up 1.5 million
landmines the Nazis buried along its coastline; sadly, these POWs were
boys forced into service at the end of the War by a crazed Hitler. And
now, as a Danish sergeant watches these adolescents lose life &
limb, will question his orders and deal with his own paternal feelings. Take deep breaths, it’s a sad, tense & true watch. (German-Danish) My grade: A-
Blue is the Warmest Color (2013) Adele
is a thoughtful French girl on the cusp of womanhood, who loves
children, literature, and American movies. And then she meets Emma, a
blue haired older art student and feels stirrings of love. A remarkable
love story told by a more remarkable pair, this almost astounds.
(French) My grade: A-
The Hunt (2012) When
Karla (a 5 year old girl) develops a crush on her dad's best friend
(Mads Mikkelsen) and kisses him, he gently tells her no, you only kiss
your parents on the mouth. Hurt and embarrassed, she tells her
kindergarten teacher the reverse. And a small town, anxious to do the
right thing, quickly turns against the man in this all too real drama.
(Danish) My grade: A-
Leap Year (2010) Laura
is a Mexican woman who is alone in the world and tells lies to keep it
that way. Filled with self loathing, she finds a man to have sex with,
that grows in intensity and violence with each encounter. When will it
end, and why does she push him to do such things? The answers can be
found in this too real, very adult drama. (Spanish) My grade: A-
Father Of My Children (2009)
Why would a man with 3 daughters he adores, passionate about his wife
and his work, suddenly take his own life? There are no easy answers in
this convincing drama that watches tenderly as a family picks up the
pieces and moves on. This story is about the living. (French) My grade: A-
Lamb (2022)
Ingvar and Maria are a childless couple, with a mountain top sheep
farm. One day while helping deliver lambs, they’ll stare at one in
wonder, then rush it inside their house. Why? They’ll raise it as a
little girl, while the lambs mother bleats outside their window. A
price will be paid for their actions in this strange, tender yet tragic
drama. I love A24 Films. (Icelandic) My grade: B Plus
Blood Will Tell (2019)
Shortly after a nice family dinner, middle-aged Elias calls his
daughter & son-in-law; their mother has died. We’ll see events
before, during & after replayed over & over, each time
from a different angle or with the smallest detail added. Hmm… things
are not as they seem. Did Elias kill his wife? No, but… We know what really happened, but this modern, sharp drama still has suspense to spare. (Spanish) My grade: B Plus
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
It’s 2001 and African politicians have allowed the deforestation of
Malawi; as a long drought begins, there is no water for growing and
people are starving. But 13 year old William KamKwamba, too poor to
afford schooling, will sneak into their school’s now deserted library.
He can’t read, but he can study diagrams… and build. It’s epic and true
and proud, and made me cry with its goodness and spirit.
(Chichewa-English) My grade: B Plus
On My Skin: The Last Seven Days of Stefano Cucchi (2018)
Stefano is a young man chatting with a friend in his car when they’re
approached by cops. After finding some hash on him, he’s taken in—and
beaten mercilessly. His back & ribs broken, face covered in
welts, he's dying. But he’ll be shunted to different prisons, each
avoiding the obvious in this tragic, true story of a country’s fucked up
justice system. Welcome to Italy. (Italian) My grade: B Plus
Blood Red Sky (2020)
A trembling, sickly mother and her 7 year old son board a German plane
en route to New York. Soon the plane is hijacked by vicious terrorists
who demand to go to London. Gentlemen, you hijacked the wrong plane…
you’re unleashing horror galore. If you can deal with copious amounts
of blood and a 7 year old action hero (blood yes, boy no) you just might
enjoy this. (German/English) My grade: B
The Invisibles (2019) In 1943, Nazis rounded up 160,000 Jews in
Berlin. 1,500 escaped capture—hidden by kind Germans, having fake
papers or bleached their hair and hid in plain sight. This is the story
of 4 of them, with dramatic reenactments of stories shared by their
older selves. A bit confusing sometimes (too much jumping about among
the different stories) but their happy endings & long lives was
heart-tugging. (German) My grade: B
Eye for an Eye (2019)
When Mario (chief nurse at a senior living facility) learns Antonio
Padin (a former druglord, now old man and stroke patient) is being
admitted, he’ll take personal care of him. Mario will stop his
medications, ruin his food… and begin giving Antonio nightly heroin
injections. Why?? For revenge… but vengeance can work both ways in this too tense, too tragic thriller. Por que, por que! Why did I watch this! (Spanish) My grade: B
Your Son (2019)
Jaime is a husband, father, respected surgeon—and a basket case after
his adult son Marcos turns up in his hospital, beaten nearly to death
and unconscious. He’ll despair, as any grieving parent would…then let
rage take control as he seeks vengeance. Jaime, there’s something you should know before you stab—ulp! Continue digging your own grave in this moody, soapy thriller. We know, you love your son... warts and all. (Spanish) My grade: B
Girl (2018)
Lara is a driven, beautiful young woman. Recently accepted into an
elite French ballet school, she will train & dance nonstop. At
night she stares at her naked self and the penis between her legs, it
looks unnatural to her as it does to us. She’s a 15 year old
transgender in the final lap, but the more she pushes her body training,
the more her doctors make her wait. Something—or someone—has got to give, in this graphic, tense drama. (French) My grade: B
When Angels Sleep (2018) Pulled
over for dozing, German is escorted by the police to a local motel for
the night. But he’s anxious to get home for his daughter’s birthday, so
back in the car he goes—and kills one of two young women walking down
the highway, high on coke. Driving both to the hospital, what will
German do when the one girl grabs his wallet, jumps from the car,
accuses him of murder and runs away? The night of terror has just
begun. (Spanish) My grade: B
The Motive (2017)
Aspiring writer Alvaro is shocked to learn his wife’s first novel has
been published to great acclaim—while cheating on him too. After he
tells her what she can do next, he gets his own apartment and begins
listening in on others in the building. They’ll make for great
characters for his book, but to get more he’ll do anything—mind
games, seducing the landlady… oh what a black-humored, sordid web we
weave, and then some! Dios mio! (Spanish) My grade: B
The Giant (2017)
In 1843, Martin returns home from a 7 year war to a family farm barely
hanging on—and a brother Joaquin who’s grown into a giant. Told
Joaquin’s gigantism could be a lucrative way to make money, Martin
& his brother will tour Spain, London, Paris. Their travel
bring them security & happiness, but it can't last; Joaquin
can’t stop growing. Beautifully filmed, but is almost too quiet a story. It's sad gentleness kept putting me to sleep. (Basque) My grade: B
The Unknown Girl (2017)
Jen’s a good doctor, but after an exhausting day, tells her intern not
to answer their clinic’s buzzer. She’ll learn the next day it was a
young woman at their door, her body later found with no ID. Consumed
with guilt, Jen is determined to find the girl’s identity… and her
killer. Quiet, simple & suspenseful, I sure did like this.
Sometimes, like here, there’s no drama needed. Just answers. (French) My grade: B
The Lion Woman (2017) In 1912, a woman dies in childbirth. Her daughter lives, but with the condition congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa (her face & body covered with hair). Her
stern but loving father does everything he can to hide her from the
world, but little Eva will fight just as hard to become a part of it…
even running away to join a sideshow. What will become of her? Greatness, in this fiction of courage and the human spirit. (Norwegian) My grade: B Plus
Devil's Bride (2016) Anna
is a young woman in love with Elias, a married man. But this is 1666
Finland, where midwives who use herbs and beggar women who divine for
coins are banished for witchery. Anna accuses Elias wife of
witchcraft to banish her too—but discovers now witches
are beheaded. Can Anna undo her lies? It's a tender, tragic
glimpse into an unforgiving time. (Finnish) My grade: B Plus
Train to Busan (2016) As Seok-Woo boards a train with his little girl for Busan, he (and the
other passengers) don’t know a deadly virus is spreading thru Korea,
turning the country into frantic, arms flailing, flesh-eating zombies. But they soon will--one has gotten on board and half the train is
infected. Can Seok save his daughter? Don’t be so sure, in this
superbly produced, exciting mix of horror and heroism. Running
zombies—now that’s scary! (Korean) My grade: B Plus
Headhunters (2012) Roger
enjoys the finer things in life and why shouldn't he--he's a corporate
headhunter by day, art thief at night. But when he learns of a
prospective client in possession of a rare painting, stand back--the
blood will fly everywhere in this wildly violent ride that doesn't stop,
and strangely enough, shows real soul. (Norwegian) My grade: B Plus
The Skin I Live In (2011) Director Pedro Almodòvar delivers modern Hitchcock-suspense with
Antonio Banderas as a popular surgeon with a secret; he has a mysterious
young woman confined to his house. Who is she? Why is she there? ¡Dios
mío, this is SO twisted--don't say I didn't warn you! (Spanish) My grade: B Plus
Gloomy Sunday (1999) Set in Budapest Hungary during WWII, a Jewish restauranteur, a
melancholy pianist & a heartsick Nazi wrestle with their
feelings for the same woman. An offbeat story but a big budget and
European locales made this movie shine with a real polish. (German) My grade: B Plus
Un Coeur en Hiver (1992) A rich, soft ménage à trois: Stephane, a violin maker detached from
everything but his craft; his business partner Maxime, &
Jennifer, a beautiful violinist who enters both their lives in
unexpected ways. (French) My grade: B Plus
My Happy Family (2017) Manana is a teacher
who lives with her husband, adult son, daughter, son-in-law & parents.
And on her 52nd birthday, she quietly tells them she’s moving to her own
apartment. “WHAT?!” There will be anger, pleas, tears—from relatives near &
far—to no avail. Her place is small, dingy, quiet…and hers alone, in this
modest, real-feel glimpse of a brave woman who loves her family but is tired of
living with them. (Georgian) My grade: B
I
Remember You (2017) An elderly woman hangs herself, her back covered in
cuts shaped like crosses. A local
doctor’s son has gone missing. A young
couple buys a house deserted for 60 years, hoping to convert it to a bed &
breakfast. They all share something in
common, namely the ghost of a child seen only in fleeting glimpses, in this
sad, haunting mystery that cries for answers both old and new. Spirits, go back to sleep. (Icelandic) My grade: B
Forgotten (2017) After moving to their new home, Jin-seok’s older brother
is kidnapped; he’s returned 19 days later but claims to have no memory of what
happened. But is this Jin’s brother? He’s
acting suspiciously… right? “Jin are you taking your pills??” "Um..." This story's about to go places
(including a jaw-dropping reality check at the police station). Alfred Hitchcock is alive & well in South
Korea, in this topsy-turvy ‘Oldboy’ style thriller. (Korean) My grade: B
The African Doctor (2016) Where is the Eiffel Tower? The Champs Elysees!?
When Seyolo Zontanko (a doctor from Zaire) convinces his wife &
kids to move to France, they’re expecting Paris—not a remote
countryside village. It doesn’t help that they’re not wanted either,
it’s 1975 and the last thing the villagers want is a black doctor. Oh
but they will, in this charming true tale of a brave African who refused
to give up and became their most beloved citizen. (French) My grade: B
Elle
(2016) Michèle is an older, attractive woman—a dark celebrity of
sorts (her father was an infamous mass murderer in her childhood). Her
mother & ex flaunt their young lovers and her troubled son’s
wife just gave birth to a black baby, so when a masked man
breaks into her house and rapes her, why bother the police? She takes it all in stride. Cynicism can be a virtue in this brow-raising
glimpse of a steely woman’s life. (French) My grade: B
Suntan
(2016) Shortly after Christmas, Kostis is hired as doctor for a small
Greek island’s clinic. He’s a short,
balding pudgy man in his 40s, and things are quiet like him. But now summer is here, and so are the
tourists—including a group of beautiful 21 year olds who adopt him as their
mascot. Sadly, the closer he gets to one
of them, the more they—and the island--will pull away. Better than I expected, but sadder too. Remember your oath, Doctor. (Greek) My grade: B
A Man Called Ove
(2016) 59 year old Ove wants to end it all. A grump & stickler for following rules,
his beloved wife died and he’s been let go from his job of 40+ years. But bothersome neighbors keep thwarting his
suicide attempts, borrowing things, needing a ride or someone to babysit—don’t
they know his life is kaput? Apparently
not in this strangely comedic, tragic & sweet look at one man’s past and
present. Swedes! (Swedish) My grade: B
A Wolf at the Door (2015) Sylvia
and Bernardo discover their 6 year old daughter has been abducted from
school; we find out who did it soon enough, the bigger question is why.
We're told it's complicated but it's not--it's about love, betrayal and
ultimately madness in this dark & gritty drama based on tragic,
real events. (Brazilian) My grade: B
Labyrinth of Lies (2015) Frankfurt 1958; a complaint is lodged that a fomer Nazi works nearby as a schoolteacher. So? It's
been 20 years and many Germans still don't know of the atrocities--or
of places like Auschwitz. They soon will, in this (surprisingly)
underwhelming glimpse of those revelations. It's a heartfelt story,
justice is served for some; but the cries of the dead deserve more. (German) My grade: B
Aftermath (Poklosi (2013) After
learning of troubles back home, Franek returns to the village in Poland
he left 20 years ago for America. He discovers his brother has been
unearthing Jewish headstones the Germans used during WWII for roads and
is rebuilding their cemetery. So why has he made so many enemies? 60
years later, the Holocaust is awakened. (Polish) My grade: B
Amour (2012) George
& Anne are an eighty-something Parisian couple, retired music
teachers and comfortable in their elegant, large apartment when Anne has
a stroke that leaves her paralyzed. As George struggles to let go of
what was and become her primary caregiver, Anne resists. It's an earnest
story, but a very slow and bare one as well. (French) My grade: B
Gloria (2012) is
a fiftysomething woman, divorced a dozen years with two adult children
on their own. To fill the void in her life, she sometimes visits clubs
with middle aged singles like herself, in search of a suitor; but at
this age, people come with plenty of baggage. I loved the glimpse into
this woman's personal life, we're never too old to stop hoping.
(Spanish) My grade: B
Fill the Void (2012) Shira
is an 18 year old Orthodox Jew, content knowing who she will marry; but
when her sister dies during childbirth, what will happen to the baby
and her sisters husband Yochay, who wishes to remarry? This is not so
much a Hebrew tale of love as it is of family. Many would say it's the
same thing. Mazel tov. (Hebrew) My grade: B
Rust And Bone (2012) Two
broken people form an intimate friendship (and a very physical
relationship) in this gritty French drama of a whale trainer who loses
both her legs, and a troubled street boxer alone in the world with his
young son. No one is perfect, and no one needs to be. Well, here at
least. (French) My grade: B
Lore (2012) The
war is over, their father (a Nazi officer) is missing, and their mother
has deserted them; oldest daughter Lore and her younger siblings must
find their way across a ravaged German countryside to their Omi's
(grandmother's) farm thru the Black Forest. The war is far from over,
for some. (German) My grade: B
Meet the Fokkens (2011) Louise
& Martine Fokkens are 70 year old twins, ready to retire after
50 years of prostitution in Amsterdam's famed Red Light District. How
they got there and who they ultimately become is lovingly told here in a
sweet but sometimes very adult documentary. Don't let the cover fool
you, this one's from the heart. (Dutch) My grade: B
I Saw the Devil (2011) Director
Ji-woon Kim delivers a dark and bloodied masterpiece in this tale of
revenge; when a govt agent's wife turns up dead he tracks down the
killer--but instead of arresting or killing him, tortures the madman
then lets him go. Why? Because the nightmare is just starting. (Korean) My grade: B
The Hidden Face (2011) When the beautiful wife of a young orchestra conductor disappears, his
despair is lifted when he falls in love again. But things are not what
they seem in this sexy, smart Spanish thriller with a Hitchcockian
twist--I was on the edge of my seat throughout. Bravissimo. (Spanish) My grade: B
Eva (2011) In
the year 2041, servant & pet robots are commonplace; but one
young scientist wants to take them a step further, by building a child
with a mind of it's own. It's while trying to understand how kids think
that he meets his 10 year old niece Eva... there's way more soap here
than sci-fi, but what we do see is unique & inspired. Loved the
robots mind seen as a holographic chandelier! (Spanish) My grade: B
Julia's Eyes (2011) When
her blind twin sister supposedly hangs herself, Julia suspects it was
murder; and now, as her own vision begins to fail, she's convinced this
"invisible murderer" is after her as well. Better than it sounds, this
Spanish soap has just the right blend of suspense and real horror. My grade: B
Monsieur Lazha (2011) An Algerian seeks asylum in Montreal, after losing his family to
terrorists. Needing work, he poses as a school teacher and gets a
classroom dealing with the recent suicide of their teacher. Lessons
include diction, essay writing and coping with loss, in this tender
drama. (French) My grade: B
Michael (2011) is
a 40 year old balding, boring single man who keeps a neat home and is a
quiet, methodical worker; he also has a 10 year old boy locked in his
basement while he's at the office. This disturbing study of a pedophile
passes no judgment but doesn't need to, it has us for that. The ending
will catch your breath. (German) My grade: B
The Man From Nowhere (2010) Tae-Sik
is a loner, his only friend a lonely little girl who lives next door.
But when the girl & her mom are taken by an outfit dealing in
heroin & organ harvesting, we discover who Tae-Sik really is--as
he exacts violent, brutal justice. Huge storytelling, this Korean
thriller is up there with Scorsese & Tarentino. (Korean) My grade: B
Incendies (2010) At the reading of their mother's will, a French set of twins are given 2
sealed letters, to be delivered to the Middle Eastern father they never
met--and the brother they didn't know existed. What follows is an
odyssey into their mom's mysterious past--and some surprising, tragic
answers. (French) My grade: B
The Housemaid (2010) When
Eun-yi is hired by a wealthy Korean couple expecting a baby, she soon
attracts the husbands attention--but there are no secrets in this house,
and the wife & her devious mother team to set things right.
This goes from a predictable set-up to a rich, intriguing story--with
some riveting characters too. (Korean) My grade: B
A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010) Norwegian character study of a gangster (Stellan Skarsgård) just
released from prison and ready for revenge; but the promise of a normal
life gets in the way. A good ensemble of characters, but Stellan shines
in his restraint. (Norwegian) My grade: B
Cell 211 (2009) Juan is a new prison guard who has the misfortune of being stranded
when the convicts take over the penitentiary; as he's unknown within,
can he survive by posing as one of them? This Spanish thriller is fast,
brutal and almost too dramatic, and that's just how the Spanish like it.
(Spanish) My grade: B
Leaving (2009) Suzanne leads a life of leisure as a french physician's wife until she
meets Ivan, a hired contractor, falls madly in love and leaves her
family for him. But she's soon to learn that all the passion in the
world won't pay the bills when you're penniless. Now what? (French) My grade: B
Dogtooth (2009) Strange,
graphic drama of a couple who've kept their 3 adult children hidden
from the outside world since birth, while instilling their own disturbed
values. With no knowledge of books, phones, radio or tv, what kind of
universe do they create for themselves? A frightening one. (Greek) My grade: B
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Man som hatar kvinnor 2009) Based on the bestseller, an older journalist & a female
cyberpunk team up to investigate the 40 year old disappearance of a
young woman in this Swedish thriller. This film doesn't fool around. My grade: B
Fear Me Not (2008) Danish
Modern drama of a sullen, middle aged man who takes a leave of absence
from his job in Copenhagen so he can sit glumly about and bore his wife
and daughter. If only there was a pill to make him feel better... to
hell with the side effects, right? (Danish) My grade: B
Ip Man (2008) In
1935, Mr. Ip is a wealthy Chinese man & kung fu master; all
this changes when WWII begins and Japan invades China; they hold deadly
tournaments to prove the Japanese are superior. What will it take to get
Mr. Ip to come out of hiding and do battle? What a surprise to discover
this fine martial arts film is actually a biopic, Ip Man was the real
deal--and a Chinese hero. (Chinese) My grade: B
Let the Right One In (2008) Strange, intimate tale of a Swedish boy who spends his days being
bullied at school--and his nights with a scary little girl in his
apartment complex. (She just so happens to be a vampire.) For such a
grisly story (and boy is it ever), it's still a caring, hopeful one.
(Swedish) My grade: B
Terribly Happy (Frygtelig lykkelig 2008) This Danish film (based on a true story) of a cop sent to police a
small town of mysterious people is steeped in atomosphere & real
intrigue. You're drawn in from the first minute. (Danish) My grade: B
Tokyo Sonata (2008) Kiyoshi Kurosawa paints a revealing picture of a modern Japanese family
and what happens when the man of the house loses his job to corporate
downsizing. These people are masters of shame. (Japanese) My grade: B
The Page Turner (2007) Superb
suspense awaits in this meticulous French drama of Melanie, a child
prodigy who's audition for a prestigious school is thrown off tempo by
one of the judges, a famed pianist. And now, ten years later, a quiet
young woman is in that pianist's employ... cold & delicious.
(French) My grade: B
Aniara (2019)
After Earth is ravaged by climate change, giant luxury cruiseships
ferry hundreds of people to Mars on 3 week jaunts with fine dining,
shopping, etc. But when one ship, the Aniara is thrown far off course,
where will they wind up in a month’s time? A year? 10 years? We’ll
see… and much farther ahead in time too. This is real sci-fi, but
is bleak and real as they come. (Danish) My grade: B-
Mirage (2019) Vera & David find an old TV & camcorder in their house, with a tape of a boy practicing guitar. “That’s Nico, he lived here but was hit by a car and killed 25 years ago.”
Later that night, lightning zaps the tv—now Vera can see Niko in 1989
& vice-versa. When she frantically warns him of his fate, he
lives—but Vera’s daughter is no more. Why? Oh Dios mío—it’s a time story lathered in Spanish soap with a Hitchcockian murder to boot!? Si! My grade: B-
Psychokinesis (2018)
When Ru-mi’s little restaurant is swarmed with construction crew thugs
(who work for an evil real estate developer) and her mom is killed in
the attack, her estranged dad will come to help—he’s recently gained the
power to move things--BIG things--with his mind after drinking water
tainted from a meteor. This starts out tragic, then turns Korean
goofy—but if you hang in there you’re gonna see some big-budget
superhero action! (Korean) My grade: B-
The Most Assassinated Woman in the World (2018) I’ve been stabbed, hanged, filleted; sliced, diced, decapitated.
She was Paula Maxa, Queen of Terror at the Grand Guignol Theatre in
1930s Paris, where audiences shrieked nightly to plays of death
& horror. Here, as Paula is swooned by a young reporter, a
murderer stalks the streets…and someone close to Paula is his witness.
Why? A bizarre thriller, but should’ve been a documentary! (French) My grade: B-
Revenge (2018) Shortly after Jen arrives with her married boyfriend to his luxurious
desert retreat, a pair of shady colleagues show up for a promised hunting
adventure. When Jen gets left alone with
them, she’s raped; when she demands her creep boyfriend take her home, he
ditches her—off a cliff! She’s not dead
guys, and she’s coming for you. A porny start but the suspense, gore & gruesome is OFF THE SCALE. You’ve been warned! (French) My grade: B-
Memoir of a Murderer (2017) After killing his monstrous father as a teen, Beyong-soo began
killing others he saw as “trash”. He’s middle aged now, battling
Alzheimer’s while raising his teenage daughter… who’s involved with a
sly young man Beyong suspects is behind the recent killings of several
young women. How can he save his daughter from someone like his
younger self? Wait, save who? Twists & turns but too drawn
out. Enough already. (Korean) My grade: B-
Haute Tension (2003) Twists and turns abound in this blood splattered French story, when
Alexandra invites her best friend Marie to spend the weekend at her
parents summer house. No sooner does Marie get settled when she
discovers the family has been slaughtered, and now she's on the run.
Frantic, gory & surprising. My grade: B-
Everybody Knows (2019)
Penelope Cruz returns to Madrid, 2 kids in tow to attend a family
wedding. It’s a big, boisterous affair, but when her 15 year old
daughter goes missing, she’ll learn she was abducted—a ransom is
demanded. As Cruz crumbles, her family begin to turn on one another.
Co-starring Javier Bardem, it’s beautiful filmwork but one verrry slow
watch—and no suspense or drama, just lots and lots of soap. (Spanish) My grade: C Plus
Lucid
Dream (2017) It’s been 3 years since Dae-ho’s little boy
was taken, the man is at his wit’s end. And then he reads about ‘lucid dreaming’, a medical process that allows
you to ‘insert’ yourself into a past memory; if he could return to that fateful
day and look for clues… sounds like a plan. Unfortunately things take a too preposterous turn, but good performances
and a neat little twist earns a plus to this conventional thriller.
(Korean) My grade: C Plus
Orbiter
9 (2017) Brought aboard as an infant, 20 year old
Helena has been alone on a colony ship since her parents sacrificed themselves
3 years ago when oxygen ran low. But the
arrival of a repair ship will introduce Helena to Alex, the first person beside her & her parents she’s
ever met—who’s going to reveal her whole life has been a lie. Loved the premise, but the ending felt soapy
& ridiculous. Still gotta give it up
to Spain for the sci-fi though! (Spanish) My grade: B-
The Fury of a Patient Man
(2016) Jose is a stone-faced man who becomes a
regular at a family diner; in time he’s befriended by the owner and begins
seeing Ana, the owner’s sister. “Where is your husband, Ana?” “In prison, for a mistake he made 8 years
ago. He was the getaway driver for a
jewelry store robbery gone violent, but he's to be released soon.” Jose knows, his wife was there. And soon he'll be delivering quiet, stone-faced vengeance. (Spanish) My grade: B-
Goodnight Mommy (2015) When
their mother returns home from surgery, moody and private & her
head swathed in bandages, 10 year old twins Lukas & Elias begin
to suspect this stranger is not their mom. How can they find the
truth? "We'll wait until she's asleep..." There will soon be
impossible madness. Oh you frigging Germans... you've broken me.
(German) My grade: B-
White God (2015) In
a fit of anger, Lili's father abandons her dog Hagen along the road. As
Lili moves on with her life, Hagen lives a hard life on the streets,
kicked & beaten before being groomed for dogfights. He's a
vicious beast now, and will soon lead a pack of several hundred
ferocious dogs in a bloody war on people. It's going to take more than
bullets to stop them. (Hungarian) My grade: B-
Wild Tales (2014) Strangers
on a jet discover they all know & dislike the same man--what's
the pilot's name again? A road rage maniac goes after another driver,
not knowing he's one too. A couple learn the other's wacko--at their
wedding reception. The Spanish like their drama and humor black, and
blue & bloodied too, in these six "wild tales". ¡Qué loco!
(Spanish) My grade: B-
Headwinds (2011)
A year after Paul’s wife (Audrey Tautou) disappears, he’s broke. (She
was a doctor, he an aspiring writer.) He’ll be forced to give up their
home in Paris and move their kids (a little girl & boy) to his
childhood home in a seaside village, and start over. But they’ll face
new challenges as Paul learns to parent, reconnect with his brother and
deal with resentments long buried. And what happened to his wife? A little long in the tooth, but it’s caring & sweet. (French) My grade: B-
Rapt (2009) Smart, sophisticated drama unfolds when a French CEO is kidnapped for
an unrealistic ransom of 50 million Euros; and as his family worries
& his partners and stockholders grapple with paying such a sum,
journalists uncover and expose what an unsavory character this man was.
(French) My grade: B-
Mother (2009) When a mentally challenged young man is charged with the murder of a
teenage girl and sent to prison, his mother vows to prove his
innocence--at all costs. But what she (and we) learn is, no one is truly
guilt-free. His freedom will come with a heavy price. (Korean) My grade: B-
Bluebeard (2017) As
a favor to his landlord, newly divorced Dr.Seung performs a colonoscopy
on his father—sedated, the elderly man claims he's a serial killer. Could it just be the drug talking? When
the doc’s ex-wife disappears after a visit, he suspects the old man was
telling the truth. Problem is, others are claiming the doc himself is
crazy in this twisty-turny thriller that tells us whodunit but still
manages to befuddle us more than anything. (Korean) My grade: C Plus
LFO (2013) Robert
is a sound engineer who discovers a frequency that will put anyone in
earshot under his control. At first he experiments on his
neighbors: clean my house, your wife finds me attractive--then
decides such power should be used to help mankind. "But you're not a
god..." Then he'll command himself to become one, in this dark, cerebral
mind-bender. God help us. (Swedish) My grade: C Plus
Womb (2010) In
the near future, in a quiet seaside village, Rebecca is a young bride
who's crushed when her husband is killed in an auto accident. So she
decides to be impregnated with his clone; and now she must watch as her
son grows into the man she loved 20 years ago. Oh the questions this
raises... (German) My grade: C Plus
El Crimen Ferpecto (2004) Campy, over the top Spanish comedy of a suave salesman who commits
murder & is forced to marry a homely woman to cover up his
crime. Absurd, but fun. (Spanish) My grade: C Plus
The Swarm (2021) A
recent widow, Virginia decides to raise locusts on their flailing farm
(to sell protein for animal feed). She’s off to a rocky, slow
start until she discovers a food locusts thrive on—her. But how long
can these horrific feedings continue? A classic “critics loved, fans
hated” movie, superb acting & production but my god does this move
at a snail’s pace. I should’ve skipped ahead. (French) My grade: C
All Good (2019)
Shortly after accepting a new job with a publisher, Janne is sexually
assaulted by her boss’ drunk brother-in-law. (He’s later mortified and
apologetic—does it help? Nein.) She’ll downplay her feelings to
herself, her suspicious mom, her unemployed husband—he’s over the edge
already. Eventually she’ll take a stand, a mild one, but no one knows
or cares why. I have an unsettling feeling this is more real than most
of us know. (German) My grade: C
Maria (2019)
In a previous life she was Lily, an assassin for a drug cartel; but
after refusing to kill a mother & child, became the hunted. Now
she’s Maria, housewife & mom and all is good… until someone
from her past spots her. Welcome back, Lily; as for you Black Rose…
enjoy your bloodbath.
The gangsters are oh-brothery, but if you’re into violence Lily’s fight
scenes are tight and nonstop. Ultimately, we’re watching some
grindhouse cinema here. (Filipino) My grade: C
Alone (2018)
Despondent after learning his best friend is marrying and moving to
Canada, Alvaro goes to his secret surfing spot—where he takes a tumble
and slides off a cliff. His pelvis shattered, he’ll lay on the beach
below, groaning & reflecting on his loner-lifestyle. Sure he’s
had plenty of women, but maybe he should just crawl into the ocean and
end his misery. It would’ve ended mine, because this was a bore,
señor. (Spanish) My grade: C
I
Am Not an Easy Man (2018) Damien is suave, a real Parisian ladies
man—until he walks into a street pole while ogling a woman and wakes up in a
parallel world where the gender roles are reversed. (It’s well thought out and will make you
think.) He’ll adjust, even fall in love
with a sexist, suit-wearing woman… until they have a fight and butt heads. I hated their chemistry, but the ending to
this dark satire was unexpected—and startling. (French) My grade: C
The Warning (2018) Jon is a man obsessed; after
his friend is shot in a convenience store holdup, he discovers similar
murders
at that location, years prior--the same number of eyewitnesses, the same
ages, 10-55. It’s a pattern, someone is next--but he’s on drugs for
mental
illness and no one will listen to him. Top-notch filmwork but aye aye
aye, it drops a grade for devolving into a teary
soap in the third act. The Spanish sure
love a good cry! (Spanish) My grade:
C
Veronica (2017) A retired therapist in seclusion agrees to take on a new patient for 10 times her former fee; she’ll meet a lovely young woman with a real ‘tude who suffers from bad dreams and seems to have a thing for older women. A lot of mind games begin, and soon we’ll wonder who’s really the patient in this noir-style production of a woman who’s gone over the edge. Slick to look at, but it should’ve been better. (Spanish) My grade: C
Graduation (2017)
When his daughter is assaulted the day before finals (a perfect grade
gets her a scholarship with university in the UK), 50 year old Dr. Romeo
will quietly, methodically wheel & deal to ensure her future
isn’t ruined. The last thing he wants is for her to stay in Romania…
even if she doesn’t care or want to go anyway. Critics praised this but
I don’t get it; it’s not awful, but so emotionless and slow it kept
putting me to sleep. (Romanian) My grade: C
The Wedding Plan (2017) Micha is an Orthodox Jew, single and wants only to be married and serve Shabbat; so when her fiancé calls off their wedding, she’s devastated. I will buy the dress and rent the hall anyway, God will provide. Oh Micha… this isn’t quirky & romantic, you’re more ready for your funeral than your wedding. What will it take for you to take a suitor’s offer seriously? Endless pleading, apparently. (Hebrew) My grade: C
The Brand New
Testament (2016) God exists;
he lives in Brussels, in an apartment with his wife & daughter, Ea. Tired of watching God's inhumanity to
man, Ea decides to leave and become a savior like her brother JC—but not before sending every
person on the planet the date of their death. Some funny moments (like the man who kept
trying to kill himself before his time) but sacré
bleu, this was too absurd for me! (French)
My grade: C
The Treasure (2016) Costi’s neighbor asks if he'll loan him 800 Euros. “I vant to hire metal detector expert to sweep my great grandfather’s
property for buried treasure, if you help me we’ll split whatever we find.” Costi agrees & away they go. Do they find rubies, emeralds, sapphires? Not exactly,
but all that glitters is not gold in this dry-as-the-dirt-they-dig-up
dramedy that’s mildly amusing, if you enjoy digging & grumbling. Well, critics liked it. (Romanian) My grade: C
The Man in the Wall (2015) Shir's
husband Rami takes their dog for a late night walk; the dog returns,
but where's Rami? As a worried Shir contacts the police, verious
people--mutual friends, Rami's pot dealer, Shir's lover Tommy and an
apparition of her dead mother will enter & exit their
apartment. We'll get answers, but it's going to be a long, emotional
night. Shabbat Shalom. (Hebrew) My grade: C
Human Capital (2015) Two
Italian families--one rich, the other middle class--are bound together
(much to their dismay) when a hit-and-run accident shines a light on
their teens involvement. What's going on? We'll know soon enough, and
from every character's perspective too. It's stylish & soapy,
what Italian films do best--but forgettable too. Enjoy it while it
lasts. (Italian) My grade: C
No One Killed Jessica (2011) Bollywood
gets serious (well, it tries) in this recounting of a bartender/model's
murder in New Delhi, and her sister's efforts to bring the killer to
justice. It's campy alright, but never boring--and of course, what would
an Indian movie be without plenty of song? (Indian) My grade: C
Poetry (2011) Mija
is 66 years old, and always with a twinkle in her eye; but her joy
fades fast as she discovers she has early onset Alzheimers--and the
sullen 16 year old grandson she's raising has done something beyond
despicable. Will her poetry class help her find her voice? Oh yes, and
others within her too in this quiet, quiet glimpse of Mija's small
world. (Korean) My grade: C
Five Minutes of Heaven (2009) Tragic and cerebral, Liam Neeson & James Nesbitt meet (for a
documentary about the violence in Ireland in 1975) to address the guilt
& reconcilation for Liam killing James brother 33 years earlier.
(Irish) My grade: C
Secret Sunshine (2007) When
newly widowed Shin-ae packs up her life and moves to her husbands
boyhood town with young son Jun in tow, she slowly begins a new
life--until her son is taken from her by a stranger, along with her
soul. Who can she turn to? Everyone and no one, save herself in this
grieving, offbeat Korean tale. My grade: C
Under the Same Moon (2007) Rosario
is an illegal immigrant, cleaning houses & sewing dresses to
send money to her mom & little boy back in Mexico; but Carlitos
hasn't seen his mom in 4 years & wants to be with her again.
Will anyone help this sweet kid, por favor? Si. (Spanish) My grade: C
Death Note (2006) Delightfully campy story of a man who finds a mystical notebook (with a
nifty list of instructions inside) that allows him to kill anyone
merely by writing down their name. Oh dear! (Japanese) My grade: C
Ushpizin (2004) Warm, offbeat tale of Moshe & his wife Mali, an Orthodox Jewish
couple in Israel preparing for the holy holiday of Succoth, when they
receive two unexpected guests (known as Ushpizin); but unknown to them,
these are a pair of escaped convicts. What will the neighbors say?
(Hebrew) My grade: C
Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi (2003) Slight,
upbeat story of Shlomi, an Israeli teen who bathes his grandpa, cooks
for his mom & brother, settles fights with his sister &
her husband, and feels largely invisible. Meanwhile, his school's
principal (and the girl next door) believe there's more than meets the
eye. (Hebrew) My grade: C
Don’t Listen (2020) Daniel renovates homes with
his wife & son. But after moving
into a crumbling villa, tragedy befalls his family and he reaches out to a
paranormal expert for help. A lot of
good that does, as we’re bombarded with BOO! apparitions of witchy old hags,
death drawings by the son, buzzing flies, blood splatter and confusing
flashbacks. Why is this damned villa so
haunted anyway? Oh, okay. Still, it’s a soapy sh-tshow. (Spanish)
My grade: C-
The Wandering Earth (2019)
It’s 2061, our sun is dying—but instead of building spaceships, nations
come together to construct 10,000 giant engines (each with an
underground city) to send our planet to the nearest star (a 2,500
year trip)! What could go wrong? Well, Jupiter’s in our way… This
cgi-fi turkey has a corny plot & dialogue straight out of a
dubbed Godzilla movie, but the spectacle alone is enough to earn one
good look, at least. (Chinese) My grade: C-
Nothing to Hide (2018)
When a couple host a small dinner party for their friends, 3 obnoxious
couples—one relates a story of a dying man who’s secret life was exposed
to his wife via his phone. All claim to have no secrets &
agree to share their phones for one night—and then the calls, texts
& pics begin rolling in. (Hint: if you’re an adulterer, in the
closet or have a fetish then don’t do this.) Let the dramatics
& toxic jibber-jabber begin. (French) My grade: D
The Similars (2016) 8
people are stranded in a grungy bus depot, waiting out a storm for a
bus to Mexico City. It's an anxiety-ridden, wailing lot--so when one of
their faces begin to change...and then another... kill him! Kill
yourself! Am I supposed to take this seriously? Surely this is a
Twilight Zoney satire, down Mexico way... si or no, it was mucho El
Stupido. (Mexican) My grade: D
