Category Archives: Foreign
Foreign
Flash Movie Review: Footnote
Sometimes a father and son have a mercurial relationship. I have seen instances where the father was disappointed his son did not meet his expectations. Or there was the father that always tried to upstage his child in being the center of attention. In this dramatic movie, father and son Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik, played by Shlomo Bar-Aba (Half a Ton of Bronze, Kvalim) and Lior Ashkenazi (Walk on Water, Kalevet) respectively, were both scholars at Jerusalem University. Where the son sought the limelight and alcolades from his peers; the father focused on a narrow range of study, seeming to ignore the establishment. But was that really the case when Eliezer was mistakenly phoned with news he would be the recipient of a prestigious award? Having seen the trailer for this movie and with it being an Oscar nominee, I expected much from this film. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the story. There were some humorous scenes, but the more I watched the characters, the less I cared about them. Without that connection, my overall feeling for this film was one of boredom. As the credits were rolling a thought came to me–I hope I was not turning into a one of those reviewers with high expectations, just because a film received a nomination.
2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance
With the hope of saving his sister’s life, Ryu played by Ha-kyun Shin (Save the Green Planet, Thirst) decided to sell one of his kidneys. From this one selfless act, a series of tragic and lethal events occurred in this twisted Korean thriller. It was not just the story that fascinated me, but the way it was filmed; there was a Quentin Tarantino flair to it. I loved the way the director used spacing and distance to assist in the telling of the story. And as for the story, I have to say I was not expecting to witness as many surprising turns of events as the characters encountered. I was absolutely impressed with the director of this movie, Chan-wook Park. It is my understanding that it was a viewing of an Alfred Hitchcock movie that made Mr. Park decide to become a film director. How fortunate for us he chose directing as his career. This was my first experience watching one of Chan-wook’s films and it certainly will not be my last. If you want to view something different, this is the movie to see. Please be aware there are scenes of blood and violence.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Italian
How did I get to Russia from the comforts of my sofa? I will tell you, by watching this deeply emotional movie. The lead character was 6 year old Russian orphan Vanya Solntsev, played by Kolya Spiridonov (Twilight). His performance was utterly outstanding, able to convey deep emotions with his expressive face and eyes. The story based on true events was about Vanya who lived in an orphanage, where the ultimate dream of each child was to be adopted. Vanya, however, had a different dream when an Italian couple hoped to adopt him and take him back to their home in Italy. Instead, through a surprise turn of events, the determined small orphan sets out to find his real mother, believing her to be alive. The journey he set himself on was an incredible one to watch. I was so moved viewing this DVD; it felt like I was accompanying the small boy as he pushed himself forward, despite being pursued by orphanage employees and the police. Some say the heart is the strongest muscle in our body; after watching this film, I now understand what they mean. Russian/Italian with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: In Darkness
As I prepared to sit and watch this nearly 2 1/2 hour movie, I pondered the idea of people forced to live in a sewer to stay alive. When you hear this, you think it is not possible, that it is a made up story. However, it was not only a true story, but it was an experience that this movie depicted deftly, with no apologies. Leopold Socha played by Robert Wieckiewicz (All Will Be Well, Little Rose) was a sewer worker in the Nazi occupied town of Lvov, Poland. With Jews being rounded up for deportation to concentration camps or to be killed immediately, Socha was presented with an opportunity to make money off of the Jews’ plight–charge them money to be hidden in the town’s sewers, that he knew so well. What surprised me about this movie was its depiction of human nature. In the face of being exterminated, to see the petty fighting, sexual urges and jealously among the victims was something I have not seen in previous holocaust movies. The filming was a remarkable feat. The ability to convey the steady darkness in the sewers, yet provide us glimpses into the survivors’ daily perils, where things appeared more oppressive in the lightless dank, archaic sewer system was remarkable. This was not an easy movie to watch, but compared to what those people had to endure, it put my mind in the proper perspective. Nominated for an Oscar in the best foreign film category. Polish/German/Ukrainian/Yiddish with English subtitles.
3 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Days of Glory
I did not need to understand what the actors were saying in this movie; in fact, I did not. The actors were so good, I easily felt what they were going through in, what I have to tell you were some intense scenes. Among the outstanding cast were Jamel Debbouze (Amelie, Outside the Law) as Said Otmari and Samy Naccri (The Code, Return to Algiers) as Yassir. During World War II, France was aided by enlisted men from North Africa, to help liberate France from Nazi occupation. These men hoped that with their help, in freeing the “motherland,” they would be treated as equals by the French. I never knew about this part of history and was dumbfounded that in the middle of this horrific war, where there was common ground, the North African soldiers still experienced racist encounters. They were denied promotions, time for leave–were not allowed the same food as the French soldiers who were fighting along side of them. To see these men devote themselves to the common good, in spite of such treatment, was inspiring to me. A former Oscar nominated movie, that brings to light an ugly injustice. French/Arabic with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: A Separation
The issues of elder care and child care are not unique to this movie’s family; they easily could be concerns for anyone around the world. But it is the choices made by husband Nader, played by Peyman Maadi (About Elly) and wife Simin, played by Leila Hatami (The Deserted Station, Leila), that make this movie an incredible experience. Riveting with emotional depth and strong characters, I immediately was taken in with the story, forgetting this was a movie, it seemed so real. Simin wants to move to another country, so her daughter can have a better life; Nader wants to stay in Iran to take care of his father, in decline with Alzheimer’s disease. From these conflicts, others emerge that only increase the tensions building up inside the characters. I absolutely understand why this amazing film was chosen as an Oscar nominee for best foreign movie. As the credits began to roll, the rest of the audience joined me in honoring this film with our applause. Persian with English subtitles.
4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Let the Right One In
Having been the recipient of bullying in my past, I tend to bond with the underdog character in a movie. With this film, I felt right in synch with 12 year old Oskar, played by Kare Hedebrant (Cupid’s Balls). Seeing his fear, hiding from his tormentors, brought back some unpleasant memories. But, I do not wish to turn this review into a therapy session. I was enthralled with the story of Oskar befriending the mysterious girl, Eli played by Lina Leandersson (Nyhetsmorgan-TV), who recently moved next door. She only comes out at night, hates food and will not enter his home without being asked. However, she quickly is attuned to his emotional state, helping him to gain confidence, to stand up to his tormentors. An unusual bond begins to form between the two as they unite in their sense of being the outsiders. Some of you may be familiar with the American version of this movie; however, I prefer this original Swedish version, finding it more artistic in the way it was filmed. For example, the use of light and dark, going from a dull palette of gray to a splash of color, all was fascinating to me. Please bear in mind there are bloody scenes in this thrilling movie. Swedish with English subtitles.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Downfall
Imagine what it must feel like, to be picked out of the secretarial pool by your new boss, Adolph Hitler…during the final days of the war. This movie not only used the memoir of that secretary, Traudi Junge, played by Alexandra Maria Lara (Control, Youth Without Youth), as a basis for the story; but also, Albert Speer’s memoir and several other historical books. What we are presented with is a direct portrayal of the Third Reich without the “monster” connotations or political slant; simply human beings. In a tour de force performance as Adolph Hitler, Bruno Ganz (Unknown, Bread and Tulips) is outstanding, as he displays extreme emotions during the final days of Hitler’s life. It is one, if not the best, depictions I have ever seen of Adolph Hitler. As the Russian forces are nearing Berlin from the east and the Allied forces from the west, life inside Hitler’s bunker begins to crumble. This movie, with scenes of deep tensions, fury and despair; was one of the best dramatic portrayals of World War II’s history, I have ever seen. German with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles
Even within simplicity, one may find complex beauty. This thought came to me as I watched this beautiful movie. Having seen director Yimou Zhang’s “Raise the Red Lantern” and “House of Flying Daggers” movies, I was intrigued to get this film. Without the martial arts fighting or special effects, this movie gently settles on the viewer like a fine silk cloth. With wonderful landscapes as a backdrop, my already abundant appetite to travel simmered to a boil. The story will draw tears from your eyes and spread a smile onto your face. A Japanese fisherman, played by Ken Takakura (Black Rain, Railroad Man), who is estranged from his son, is turned away from the hospital room where his only child lies dying. Being given an unfinished movie by the son’s wife, the fisherman embarks on a journey to China’s Yunnan province. His hope is to film a famous Chinese folk-opera star, to complete his son’s movie project and in so doing, honor him and possibly win back his affections. The trip leads the father down a road that changes his life forever. My wish for you, when viewing this movie, is you discover the road you are traveling on has unexpected rest stops, filled with wonderment. Mandarin/Japanese with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Vitus
What do you think happens to a child when a parent/authority figure tries to force their dreams upon him/her? Imagine the possibilities that could unfold for that child. For me, an elementary school teacher told me to “forget it, you will amount to nothing,” when I told her what I wanted to be when I grew up. It altered the course of my life, until I found my way back, to what I loved. And this is why I felt connected to this movie and think you will, too. Vitus was a gifted child. At a young age, his parents decided he would become a great pianist. But was that what Vitus wanted to do; for he really was just a little boy. Teo Gheorghiu, who at the age of 15 made his Japan debut with the Tokyo New City orchestra, was perfect as the 12 year old Vitus. His grandfather, played by Bruno Ganz (Downfall, Unknown), was the only one who would provide his grandson a place of comfort. I feel this movie will resonate inside many viewers; it certainly struck a chord inside my heart. Swiss German with English subtitles.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
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