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Norwegian Dream (2023)
Another "They Don't Wear Black Tie"
The movie "The Norwegian Dream" follows Robert, a young Polish immigrant who takes a job at a fish factory in Norway to help pay off his mother's debts. This movie reminds me of the 1981 Brazilian cinematic masterpiece "They Don't Wear Black Tie". Although the characters' situations differ, both movies explore similar themes of acceptance, internal conflict, loyalty, and the choices we make in life.
Director Leiv Igor Devold portrays a harsh, sexist, racist, and hostile environment at a fish processing factory, where immigrants endure long hours of grueling work to support their families back home. It is within this environment that Robert also confronts challenges related to his sexual identity. This is where Hubert Milkowski's performance as Robert truly shines. He builds a Robert, who sees himself literally as the island, trapped by all the conflicts and struggles with no way to escape, forced to make difficult choices - whether good or bad. We witness the transformation of the naive, insecure young Robert into a strong, self-assured man.
Without a doubt, one of the standout films of 2024, deserving of attention for its depth in themes and the powerful performances of its cast.
Wasp Network (2019)
Too many players!!
The movie "Wasp Network" is a spy thriller inspired by true events, revolving around Cuban pilots who defected to the United States and became part of a covert network operating in Miami. Set in the 1990s, the movie portrays a Cuban espionage operation, delving into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of undercover missions during that era.
The movie has a somewhat confusing, non-linear structure, partly because it juggles multiple characters and storylines. For example, the character Juan, played by Wagner Moura, seems to appear and disappear without adding much to the main plot.
Overall, the movie sheds light on a little-known anti-Castro movement in Miami during the Bill Clinton government, with strong performances, especially from Penélope Cruz as Olga and Edgar Ramírez as René González.
The Wild Robot (2024)
A Very Human Wild Robot!!!
The movie "The Wild Robot" is an animated adaptation of Peter Brown's beloved books. Directed by Chris Sanders, who once again collaborates with DreamWorks, the movie creates an avalanche of emotion, delivering a profoundly moving experience. Both visually and as a storyteller, the movie achieves animation perfection, with every scene and moment carefully crafted to captivate and resonate.
This is a type of family movie that has been absent from cinemas for quite a while, "The Wild Robot" is sure to captivate both children and adults alike. It is a simple, sweet movie, free from violence, with a gentle attention to detail that is both tender and deeply emotional. The movie succeeds by contrasting a robot - a programmed machine without human emotion - on an island with wild animals that live instinctively to survive within the food chain. In this setting, Chris Sanders explores various aspects of human life: friendship based on self-interest, the inability to control or program our lives, the need to improvise in the absence of a guideline, and, most importantly, the necessity of helping one another for the greater good.
Like many animated movies from DreamWorks, "The Wild Robot" doesn't set out to preach morality or proper behavior. Instead, it often takes a light, satirical approach to the cruelties of current reality, and it makes no apologies for it.
This animation is a must-watch for the entire family, from grandparents to grandchildren, offering enjoyment for all ages.
You Hurt My Feelings (2023)
The Movie's Struggle with Secondary Themes
The movie "You Hurt My Feelings" is a comedy-drama that follows Beth, a novelist, who grapples with feelings of betrayal after discovering her husband's honest opinion of her latest book. The movie plays with themes of honesty, lies, trust, and vulnerability in relationships, showing how these elements impact our connections with others. One of the main issues with the movie is its script, which feels inexpressive, and flat. There are a lot of random scenes that don't add much to the story and just stretch out the runtime. Characters like the mother and the son feel unnecessary and don't really contribute to the plot.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Beth and Tobias Menzies as Don are great in their roles, but director Nicole Holofcener takes a strong idea and loses track by focusing on side stories that don't really connect to the main plot. It ends up feeling a bit all over the place.
La memoria infinita (2023)
The Eternal Love!
The movie "The Eternal Memory" is a Chilean documentary that delves into the resilience of love in the face of memory loss. Director Maite Alberdi, known for her other documentary "The Mole Agent," takes us back in time to explore the lives of Augusto Gongora and Paulina Urritia, a couple recognized for their famous careers in Chile-he as journalist and writer, and she as an actress. Using archival footage, the director highlights Augusto's political activism during Pinochet's dictatorship, alongside his relationship with his wife Paulina. They both confront the fear that his deteriorating memory might one day erase their love. Paulina's persistent struggle to keep her presence alive in Augusto's memory is both deeply touching and sad.
This documentary is a sensitive and poignant documentary that discusses the suffering that everyone feels when the memory of a loved one begins to fade, exactly like smoke that gradually evaporates.
The final half hour of the movie appears to be abruptly edited, leaving us with a detailed understanding of the couple's life together but lacking insight into the progression of Alzheimer's and its impact on both.
The Substance (2024)
It's a fantastic idea, but it falls prey to Hollywood's claws!!!
The movie 'The Substance' exemplifies the new trend in French extremism cinema, similar to 'Titane,' where every scene is exaggerated, pushing boundaries and shocking viewers in ways that often feel excessive and uncomfortable. Writer and director Coralie Fargeat uses horror in this movie to powerfully critique and challenge societal perceptions of the female body. The concept and idea behind the movie are excellent, but the script has significant flaws.
Until the final 30 minutes, the director's flaws are largely forgivable. For example, I only recognized that the movie was set in the 21st century when I saw messages on Demi Moore's character's cell phone; until then, I believed it was set in the '80s, similar to the popular Jane Fonda exercise videos. Interestingly, even today, there aren't well-known morning exercise programs for women on television.
Unfortunately, Coralie Fargeat derails the movie in the last 30 minutes. It feels as if she rushed to finish the story, abandoning her original vision and resorting to clichéd Hollywood conventions to wrap it up. The movie's standout feature is its casting, especially Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Qualley excels in her role as Sue, radiating talent and depth, while Moore is a reflection of her own mirror. Dennis Quaid, as Harvey, perfectly captures the essence of his personality in real life, a fool and disgusting man.
The Menendez Brothers (2024)
Do they find solace after the murder of their parents???
The movie "The Menendez Brothers" is a documentary that revisits the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez, committed by their sons, Lyle and Erik. Director Alejandro Hartmann revisits the murder through interviews with the brothers, as well as relatives, friends, lawyers, and prosecutors. This offers a visually distinct perspective on the case, particularly when revealing the abusive family environment in which the brothers were raised. The father's strict upbringing is accompanied by the mother's disdain and lack of understanding. Given this information, the documentary attempts to justify the murder of their parents in some way. If the act wasn't premeditated, why did they use a friend's identity to purchase the weapon they used?
Doesn't possessing a gun imply an intention to kill? What other purpose does a gun serve aside from that?
Reactions to this documentary are mixed, but it's clear that killing their parents to protect themself is neither a sensible nor rational decision. They could have sought support from family members who were aware of the abusive parents.
Protection? That's what the police are for!
Daddio (2023)
It wasn't a long ride to feel such intimacy!!
The movie 'Daddio' centers on a woman and a cab driver who engage in a deep and thought-provoking conversation during a taxi ride. It's in this confrontation that the movie struggles. If the ride had stretched over days or weeks, the depth of their intimate exchange would be more believable. A passenger who has just arrived after a long day is unlikely to want to discuss personal issues, especially with a stranger. Even viewers may feel irritated by the driver's relentless questions, which contributes to the movie's failure to portray a believable reality.
Dakota Johnson portrays the passenger Girlie, once again capturing a vulnerable and fragile character, while Sean Penn plays the driver Clark as a clumsy yet self-assured man.
Dìdi (2024)
Cultural conflicts!!!
The movie "Dìdi" is a coming-of-age story about Chris Wang, a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy grappling with his identity and the challenge of fitting in while growing up in California in 2008. Writer and director Sean Wang captures on screen the cultural shock experienced by all children of immigrants during their adolescent years.
As someone who has been labeled a "banana" (yellow on the outside but white on the inside), I see a lot of familiarities that Didi faces when entering home and being bombarded with her family's Asian culture and when leaving home and trying to integrate with American culture. The movie feels much more authentic thanks to Izaac Wang's outstanding performance as Didi. He perfectly embodies the struggles of a young man caught between two cultures, striving to find his place and satisfy both.
Ghostlight (2024)
It lacks autenticity!!
The movie "Ghostlight" follows Dan, a construction worker who finds healing from personal tragedy by participating in a local theater production. Writer and director Kelly O'Sullivan introduces several conflicts in the plot, but the most challenging to grasp is how an ordinary, rugged, and tough construction worker becomes involved in a theater production. The plot's explanation feels cold, lacking depth, and incoherent. From that point on, it's hard to comprehend how this man, burdened with family issues and a demanding job, finds the energy to attend play rehearsals. The family's legal process is also baffling and absurd.
The movie could benefit from more dramatic performances from the actors, particularly with a Shakespeare play at its center. It seems as though all the actors are perpetually in rehearsal mode throughout the movie.
Snerting (2024)
Beautifull and delicate Screenplay!!!
The movie "Touch" follows Kristófer, an elderly widower from Iceland, as he embarks on a quest to find his first love, Miko, amidst the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie is truly spectacular and evokes memories of last year's "Past Lives." It shares a similar vibe and explores the theme of love lost in time at a comparable pace.
Director and writer Baltasar Kormákur makes a more profound adult movie by blending and challenging different cultures. It's a movie that explores love across time and examines how the customs, behaviors, and habits of two different races have on the fate of the characters. The screenplay is truly remarkable-beautiful, deeply sensitive, and expertly crafted.
It's a small film with a massive heart and brain-definitely one of the best of 2024!
1917 (2019)
Technically Perfect!!!
The movie "1917" tells the story of two British soldiers tasked with delivering a message that could save the lives of 1,600 men during World War I. Director Sam Mendes has a unique ability to bring historical stories to life. Interestingly, some of the events in the movie are inspired by tales his grandfather used to share with him. In "1917," he crafted a gripping and suspenseful scenario that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Technically, everything is perfect, from the recreation of the World War I trenches and the costumes to the stunning cinematography and soundtrack. Visually, the movie is incredibly realistic, allowing the director to effectively explore emotions and drama-and it works!
A beautiful story for beautiful direction and editing.
Kinds of Kindness (2024)
Aren't we all a bit of control freaks, seeking eternal life while playing the roles of manipulators and the manipulated?
The movie "Kinds of Kindness", directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a dark comedy-drama that intertwines three eccentric stories, delving into themes of control, identity, and destiny. The movie is tough to digest because Lanthimos returns to the symbolic themes and distinctive style of his earlier films, like "Dogtooth" and "The Lobster". The director isn't focused on presenting a polished or straightforward movie. Instead, he encourages us to observe each scene closely and recognize its connections to real life. In this context, he discusses three weaknesses of human beings: Aren't we all a bit of control freaks, seeking eternal life while playing the roles of manipulators and the manipulated?
Approach the movie with an open mind; every scene has its purpose. Lanthimos's signature style is back in full force!
Kimitachi wa dô ikiru ka (2023)
Another Masterpice by Miyazaki!!
The movie "The Boy and the Heron" is another animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows a boy named Mahito who discovers a magical world with a talking hero after his mother's death. Produced by Studio Ghibli, this movie is yet another gem in their renowned catalog. The meticulous attention to detail in every drawing is truly impressive. Miyazaki's delicate touches bring an additional layer of depth to this exquisite animation. The movie blends fantasy and reality to craft a poignant tale of grief and dreams. The dubbing further enhances the emotional depth of Mahito's journey through Miyazaki's imaginative world.
Approach this animation with an open mind; it's a world where anything is possible, making it equally captivating for both adults and children.
20 Days in Mariupol (2023)
It's unfortunate that this documentary exists!!!!
The movie "20 Days in Mariupol" is a documentary about the initial 20 days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, focusing on the besieged city of Mariupol. The documentary gains even more impact because it is narrated by Associated Press journalists who, at the start of the Russian invasion, are themselves trapped in the city. They capture and share with the world the harrowing scenes of war, whether inside hospitals or on the streets amid shelling and Russian soldiers, all while operating in an environment lacking electricity and internet connectivity.
What stands out most is how journalists, through their cameras, convey the profound horror, helplessness, and sorrow in the face of the Russians' atrocities against hundreds of babies, children, teenagers, and pregnant women. They skillfully communicate these emotions, aided by their exceptional editing work.
In the 21st century, it is deeply troubling to witness such atrocities committed in the name of power.
Rye Lane (2023)
One more predicable RomCom.
The film "Rye Lane" follows Dom and Yas, two young people navigating their way through recent breakups. When they cross paths by chance, they end up spending a day together exploring South London. This is a classic British rom-com, reminiscent of films like Notting Hill, Love Actually, and many others.
Director Raine Allen-Miller skillfully treats South London as another key character in her movie. She masterfully showcases the vibrant, colorful, and lively essence of this middle-class neighborhood. Against this backdrop, two strangers with broken hearts connect, chat, and dive into spontaneous and exhilarating adventures.
Though the movie is a charming romantic dramedy, it suffers from some exaggeration: some jokes fall flat, the dialogue occasionally comes across as overly forced, or too much cool, and scenes that sometimes feel out of touch with reality.
The standout performances in the movie come from David Jonsson as Dom and, particularly, the dynamic Vivian Oparah as Yas, who truly commands the screen.
Curupira (2016)
Latin America folklore!!
This short film depicts a fisherman recounting his imaginary (or not) encounter with Curupira, a legendary figure in Brazilian folklore and in some Latin American countries (where he's known as Yaxingu) near the Amazon rainforest. Curupira is a mythical elf with red hair and backward feet, renowned for his role in protecting the forest from hunters, tree-cutters, and everyone who wants to destroy the forest
This little documentary evokes memories of my childhood when these folk stories sparked my imagination and transported me to the forests and rivers of Brazil. Curupira or Yaxingu is another one of these mythical stories that will stay in our memories forever.
Samsara (2023)
A Visual and Spiritual Soul's journey!!!!
The movie Samsara is about a soul's journey through death and rebirth. It starts in a Buddhist temple in Laos and ends with reincarnation in Tanzania. It delves into these themes, reflecting perspectives inspired by both Buddhist and Islamic traditions. The movie's magic lies in the naturalness of its scenes and characters, combined with its ability to take viewers on a meditative and immersive visual journey.
Director Lois Patiño creates a movie with breathtaking cinematography, using and blending elements of religiosity, nature, and animals to illustrate a full cycle of life, where beings could reincarnate as different humans, plants, or animals.
Prince of Broadway (2008)
Yet another gem from Sam Baker!!!
The movie "Prince of Broadway" centers on Lucky, a street hustler in New York City, who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of father when he discovers he has a son he never knew about. This is another independent movie by director and writer Sean Baker, who explores the lives of undocumented immigrants in New York during the 2000s, capturing their struggles and experiences.
This movie is not just original but captures reality in its most authentic form. Baker creates and directs Prince of Broadway with total creative freedom, letting the actors contribute to the dialogue and add scenes that enrich the plot. Baker's greatest achievement in his movies lies in using unknown actors who are entirely outside the Hollywood system, which in itself creates a compelling sense of authenticity. It's impossible not to be convinced of the authenticity of each character's life.
Prince Adu as Lucky, baby Aiden Noesi as Prince, and Karren Karagulian as boss Levon are exceptionally well-cast, delivering performances that rival or even surpass those of many high-profile actors.
This is a powerful, emotional film that clearly showcases Sam Baker's exploration of society's margins in his works. This is just another gem in Baker's filmography.
Blood Simple (1984)
Coen's Debut
The movie "Blood Simple" has a neo-noir crime plot that explores a complex love triangle and the disastrous results of a failed plot in a small Texas town. The Coen brothers' writing and direction infuse the movie with distinctive Texas flavor, making the state itself a character in the story. The movie is packed with suspense, laced with dark humor and surprising twists, reminiscent of Hitchcock's style.
The Coen brothers crafted a great movie that marked the beginning of a career filled with exemplary works. It's worth watching the duo's first work, especially for the noir tone they instilled in the movie.
Holy Spider (2022)
In the name of religion, again!!!
The movie "Holy Spider" is a remarkable Iranian movie that chronicles a series of murders targeting female sex workers in Mashhad, Iran. The movie is based on true events, and what makes it particularly captivating is that director Ali Abbasi isn't focused on crafting a typical crime thriller. Instead, he uses the case to shed light on the harsh misogyny present in Iran. Abbasi, with great insight, also portrays the killing of sex workers as a form of religious and political cleansing.
The movie is both brutal and realistic, a reflection of the outstanding performances of the main cast and direction.
Starlet (2012)
Another gem from Sam Baker!!!
My exploration of Sean Baker's work started with the remarkable film 'Red Rocket,' and as I delved deeper into his filmography, I discovered a collection of gems that solidified his reputation as an exceptional storyteller. His films poignantly depict individuals living on the fringes of society, including those marginalized by race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, or language.
The movie 'Starlet' is yet another cinematic poem. In this movie, Baker explores the intersection of two very different lives: an elderly woman who has little expectation from life, and a young prostitute who is still searching for meaning and purpose. Both are marginalized loners who would likely go unnoticed by the rest of society. In this setting, Baker crafts an unexpected and unconventional friendship, resulting in a movie rich with humanism, originality, and humor. It offers an authentic snapshot of reality, free from clichés or false morals. Once again, Baker employs lesser-known actors and ordinary people he encounters on the street, adding a layer of realism to the movie. It's a beautiful story of two people adrift in the world.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
BAD!! Too Bad!!!
The movie "Leave the World Behind" follows a family's peaceful vacation disrupted by a mysterious and unsettling event. The movie, written and directed by Sam Esmail, is confusing and disheartening. It's unfortunate to see a fantastic cast let down by a poorly crafted plot and dialogue. Another shock is realizing how the Obamas could have been behind such a weak and insubstantial movie.
Almost the entire movie is a thriller where inexplicable events occur with no background explanation. Some scenarios raise questions, such as why a well-off family would need to rent their cottage house out on Airbnb?? Why does the cottage owner happen to have clients with inside information about the events unfolding? And why does the neighbor seem to be preparing for these events just by reading the daily news? There are numerous inconsistencies in both the plot and direction, making the nearly two and a half hours feel like a torment.
Here's a tip: watch the first half hour and then jump to the last half hour. You won't miss anything important!
Tangerine (2015)
Tangerine is simply captivating!
The movie "Tangerine" is notable for its distinctive and original approach. Director Sean Baker crafts an environment that vividly portrays the lives of marginalized people, capturing both the harsh realities and the cold indifference they often face. Once again, Baker adeptly captures this essence through non-famous actors, delivering a remarkable authenticity that immerses viewers as if watching a documentary unfold.
The movie's impact is heightened by the fact that it was entirely shot using an iPhone 5S. It showcases talent across the board: from screenplay and direction to performances and editing. The raw approach taken by writers Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch in developing the screenplay greatly benefits the characters. The story is captivating, leaving us eager to learn more about the fate of each character even after the movie has ended.
Civil War (2024)
Missing pieces!!!
The movie "Civil War" is a thriller that follows four war journalists traveling from New York City to Washington, D. C. during a fictional civil war in the United States. The movie holds your attention, despite not focusing on war. Director Alex Garland explores journalistic ethics and depicts a divided America struggling with totalitarianism.
One of the main issues with the movie lies in its casting choices. Cailee Spaeny, playing young photo-journalist Jessie, and Stephen McKinley Henderson, portraying senior journalist Sammy, appear disconnected from both the rest of the cast and the plot, which itself lacks clarity.
In the end, you're left with the impression that the movie has missing pieces.