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ymschwartzman
Reviews
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Exceptional. Not enough words to describe
There are no spoilers that could be added to change the experience. This is Tom Hanks at probably his best character development imho yet. It revolves around a bitter old man that thinks it is time to end. Yet he somehow is able to be changed through interaction with new neighbors. He is really a pained person that is desperate for human contact. Even subconsciously. Tom Hanks truly shows this through the character evolution. It is deeper also about getting old and recognizing that your life expectations and occurrences are very different. Be prepared to be emotional throughout the movie. But it is an experience you will never forget.
Puppy Love (2023)
A modern rom com that is reflective of today
I really didn't expect to enjoy the movie as much as I did I thought it would be more fluff and stuff and in fact, it is a really good quality film. The acting is quite good unrealistic Max and Nicole the two characters are well representative of challenges in today's world. It is a movie for parents to see with kids for kids to see by themselves in for parents to see by themselves. It is clean and healthy and reflective of how relationships have potential for success. There is an expression that the relationship of two people is better than the individuals by themselves. And here you see the reflection of that in the development of Max and Nicole. I strongly recommend watching it.
Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
A magnificent story of abandonment, abuse, love and survival
The primary acting of the Marsh Girl is outstanding. The weaving of past and present is exceptional. It represents a great insight on how perception and prejudice bring harm and destruction. It illustrates the horrific abuse that so many families suffer from and the unfortunate abandonment for survival. The script was exceptional as well as it was able to bring out the natural emotion of Kya without having to fabricate it. Strongly recommended. The ending was true testimonial to the survival of Kya and it was lovely to see how she aged. Suitable for all ages. And again recommended. I hope it and the lead actress are nominated for awards.
Hunger (2023)
Insight into raw character and emotion
The movie is largely the brilliance of the lead who plays the chef. Humble, stifled emotion, poverty - all the making of a great movie. The viewing is great with English subtitles but can't replace the original Thai.
On a broader scale it offers the viewer insight into class structures and wealthy and hedonistic players in Thai society.
Would recommend for the viewer wishing an experience in understanding the modern challenges of Thailand and in particular Asian culture as it weaves through new times of wealth and indulgence.
As expected the movie is clean of raw sex scenes and instead focuses on the power and energy between the two leading players.
Highly recommended.
Murder Mystery 2 (2023)
Enjoy clean fun
We all love Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. They are predictable and lovable. And the first one was underrated. It is a sequel but different. They are older and acknowledge it.
It starts with connection between the two. And they work well together. Play off each other in good healthy jokes.
It has action and jokes and it is Sandler and Aniston so really what could be bad? It is clean and funny and not stressful to watch. With all the craziness out there it is nice for something exciting but normal.... Just enjoy it and smile and give a good rating. Really deserves it.
Recommended. And after give a good review.
American Underdog (2021)
Good story. Great humanity
Rare nowadays to see a clean movie of nice things people doing their best to do good. Honesty. Integrity. Beautiful human piece. Yea the ending is happy. But the pathway was long and hard and it is clear that all involved appreciate and acknowledge it. Watch it with your family. Solid acting. Includes a clear religious undertone but it is not explicit nor uncomfortable for any viewer. Watch to the end of the credits to see a great clip of the son Zak and what that amazing couple did for him and the challenged adults. Again watch this with your own family and enjoy good clean values and morality.
AlRawabi School for Girls (2021)
Really an important look into Middle Eastern Teen Girls
I have interested in seeing something different (and well done) from the a solid Middle Eastern approach. This is from Jordan. And while I was shocked at the English mixed so much into the Arabic I researched it and discovered it is a trend in Jordan -- especially amongst the younger generation and girls in particular. The series deals extremely well with the deep issue of bullying and patriarchal society in Arabic society. It is raw and painful to watch at many times. And it is done with respect and dignity unlike so much of American cinema. There is drama without necessity of nudity nor gore, nor visual extreme violence. It deals deeper with the Arab Spring of women's roles and the 'slow moving' older generation. It is, in my opinion, worthy of multiple awards -- from the writing, directing, to some of the acting. Clearly the director(s) and writer(s) are the up-and-coming new forces in Arabic society. Bravo that they tackled the huge issues in Arabic society. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to understand the impact of cyberbullying, shaming, and hate in our general society.
Found (2021)
Outstanding with Respect and Dignity
The movie is about the personal search of three independent girls. They are Asian, born in China and adopted by non-Asian American families.
It is done with respect and dignity. It is highly emotional. We learn how to empathize with the unknown birth parents. We learn how to honor and love the caregivers from the orphanage. We learn how to accept our 'fate' in life. The adoptive families are open, honest and caring. The girls are all well adjusted and brought up with much respect for all.
What I absolutely loved about the film was that it focuses on the caring side. It focuses on the compassion side. It avoids damning the Chinese government or the birth parents. Rather, it identifies the incredible difficult time period of the one child law. Even the cultural 'anti-girl' sentiment was treated with high respect and understanding.
I encourage any children to see this. It teaches about love and family from a healthy positive outlook.
My OUTSTANDING compliments to Netflix for a PHENOMENAL MOVIE.
Hatuna Hafucha (2020)
Emotional, Uplifting -- watch with someone
I have just finished watching the movie: Marry Me However. It is about specific religious couples that have after being married discovered that one of the partners is in fact gay. It is an Israeli film, and all the subtitles are in fantastic English. Yet, even though the words are clear, the emotional message is not even close to the Hebrew.
This movie is unique. It is about RELIGIOUS men and women that have searched and reached into the depths of their human soul which paired with deep pain, guilt and love. They are truly religious -- they want and have a deep connection with God and in many cases are most pained with how to maintain a connection while living their lives.
The movie is emotionally charged. We see men and women who are intelligent, professional, intellectual, learned in secular and religious studies. We see Rabbis and Mentors acknowledging that we have been able as a society to improve in our acceptance and understanding of human spirit in the last thirty years.
And then we also see reality: Families that are still in denial or not accepting. Men and Women pressured into getting into a marriage that may appear 'accomplished' yet bears pain and suffering to BOTH spouses.
And the movie, FYI, it from religious couples of the Religious Zionist (ie: Modern Orthodox) world -- NOT the ultra orthodox (Charedi or Chassidish or Litvish) worlds. They are still years behind in basic mental and physical health and welfare.
So, my insights:
1. Try and watch and support this film. It is best watched with another person.
2. Make one change to your life: Open your heart a drop more -- to see pain and suffering around you. Acceptance with love anyone. And without judgment.
Instant Family (2018)
Highly emotional beautiful and accurate
If you ever fostered or offered respite or was in the system be prepared. It is a beautifully well done and accurate film. We fostered. Short and long term. And also natural kids. This is a very emotional film to watch.
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Outstanding depth of character and psyche
Chess. Amazing depth.
Addiction. Amazing psychology
Award winning performance.
Upload (2020)
A fantastic emotional journey of the soul and body
Really hope there will be a second season. The acting is very good, but the story and scripts are outstanding. It touches on soul and consciousness. It has so much deep meaning on happiness, love, consciousness, religion, God, and Heaven.
And all in an optimistic way -- no mocking, and no destruction. Just respect and love.
You vs. Wild (2019)
This is what kids need
Interaction. Choices. Consequences. I am suggesting all kids and young adults see this. I personally loved it.