Click here for the basics
Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough
Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3
Complex Relationships, Death & Grief, Hawaii, Parenting
An emotional story told in a simple and natural way. The Descendants takes serious issues -death, grieving, way of life, land, trust- and discusses it with a touch of humor, moving performances, and poignant pauses. Yes, the film is about grieving in its many stages, but it is also about parenting and adjusting priorities. It is a reminder of how we often view relationships as insignificant or troublesome when in them. We take them for granted until the moment comes when we alone must decide to hold on or let go.
Tree of Life (Terrence Malick, 2011)
Click here for the basics
Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2
Philosophical, Vivid Artistry, Spiritual, Family
This film is profound in many ways. Immediately, I was reminded of Stanley Kubrick's intense and complex 2001: A Space Odyssey. But, as Rogert Ebert writes, Tree of Life is more emotional. I was captivated by the more obviously narrative parts of this film and how the camera acted like memory: short and blinking as a toddler, longer and more dramatic as a child, reflective as an adult. It is beautiful. Some of the writing and concept, however, seemed to try too hard (especially in the early and late sequences) but it wasn't enough to destroy anything. Visually-stunning, it is hard to deny this film isn't simply gorgeous: the sun-dappled branches of trees, the billowing lace curtains in the windows, the cosmic paintings scattered throughout. If you like artistic/philosophical filmmaking -Baraka, Koyaanisqatsi- you might enjoy this film.
