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Flash Movie Review: War of the Buttons
There was a running joke in my family regarding our inheritance being the jar of buttons our mother got from her mother. I remember that jar; it was stored on a shelf in the back of my mother’s closet. The interesting thing about that jar was the variety of stories attached to each of the buttons residing inside that glass container. There was a small pearl button that was from the sweater of my mother’s older sister, who died in her teens. My great aunt was represented by a black onyx octagon shaped button that I recalled weighed heavy in my palm. For me, buttons represent a family’s history. In this dramatic film, buttons take on a whole different meaning. Set in two small towns during the Nazi occupation of France, there was a rivalry between the kids from each town. Though Lebrac, played by newcomer Jean Texier, was a poor student in the classroom; he was a quick learner in the art of battle, as leader of his gang. With each gang coming up with elaborate ways to ambush the other; the victors started to cut and keep the buttons from one of the losing boy’s clothing. When new girl Violette, played by Ilona Bacheller (Those Happy Days), came to live with her godmother Simone, played by Laetitia Casta (Arbitrage, The Island), her Jewish faith would add a real element into the boys’ plans. Inspired by stories from the resistance, I thought the outline of this movie would make an interesting story. Unfortunately, the movie was too melodramatic for me; with an annoying, syrupy music score. A secondary story line between Simone and the school teacher, played by Guillaume Canet (Tell No One, Love Me if You Dare) was never fully developed, adding only confusion. For a time and place that could have created a well done dramatic story, this film was like a spare button sewed to the inside hem of a shirt. It was only needed when there was a missing button. In other words, there are better films to see in this genre than this movie. French with English subtitles.
2 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: Flame & Citron
With the flair of Bonnie & Clyde and the closeness of Thelma & Louise, Flame & Citron were assassins in the Danish resistance during Nazi occupation. Flammen, played by Thure Lindhardt (Angels & Demons, Into the Wild), was the red haired shooter; while Citron, played by Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale, Clash of the Titans), was the driver. Targeting Danish Nazi sympathizers at first, a curious shift unfolded as they are suddenly being told to assassinate specific Germans. Add a mysterious woman who could be a double agent, along with a traitor in their inner circle; the layers of this story were kept tight and focused. There were some beautiful scenes, that had a topcoat of film noir style. The suspense, I felt, ebbed and flowed in subtle shifts, demanding my constant attention. Based on true events, essentially this is a war movie; however, I have to tell you, it was one of the more beautifully stylized movies I have seen about World War II. Danish/German with English subtitles.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
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