Happy People: A Year In The Taiga

Happy People: A Year In The Taiga (Werner Herzog and Dmitry Vasyukov, 2010)

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Rating: DOCQ=6, DOCP=5 / Quite Legible

Scale K=2, Scale L=4, Scale M=3, Scale N=2

Documentary, Siberia, Fading Traditions, Hunting/Trapping, Philosophical

Another beautiful and thought-provoking documentary from Werner Herzog. In Happy People he tells us the story of a community of trappers in the wilds of Siberia, isolated for most of the year and dependent on the animals trapped over long, brutal winters by the males of the village. The men use traditional methods of fishing and trapping. They make everything from cabins to skis to mosquito repellent. It is a hard life but one that is thoroughly rewarding. A reminder of what is important in life and how self-sufficient human beings can be.

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Death in Paradise Season 1

Death in Paradise Season 1 (Robert Thorogood, 2011)

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Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Crime, Mystery, Detective, Caribbean, Misfit

Shows about quirky characters outside their comfort zones work incredibly well, it seems. I loved to watch Joel get irritated and resist becoming part of the community in Northern Exposure. And it was hard not to enjoy the moments of raging silence that Martin struggles (unsuccessfully) to keep under the surface in Doc Martin. Richard, a detective rather than a doctor, is another maladjusted character trapped in a beautiful place that he just can't learn to love. Death in Paradise isn't a new concept--it is a detective show with a "weird" lead--but the show has refreshing writing and you can't beat the scenery. It has great music, good acting, and overall is a very light-hearted show, despite murders happening all the time.

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Filth

Filth (Jon S. Baird, 2013)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Drama, Grief, Psychological, Crime, Gritty

"I think they've left me. I think my family have left me. I don't know how. I can't remember why. You see, there's something wrong with me. There is something seriously wrong with me."

This film is about so much more than distraction and filthy behavior. At first, it may seem like a detective mystery with a lot of crudity--a corrupt cop who is trying to get promoted. But about half way through things take a turn and you start to realize that the film is quite complex, full of symbolism and meanings. And it is all very disturbing.

I find it interesting how many films today tackle the subject of coping, grief, and mental health. So many critically-acclaimed, thought-provoking movies choose this as a narrative thread. Why? It seems like people in our modern, privileged societies have their priorities out of whack or their perspectives clouded. Many of us just don't know how to deal with the complexities of life.

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Gran Hotel Seasons 1 & 2

Gran Hotel Seasons 1 & 2 (Edmund Golding, 2011)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=8 / DECADENCE (for both seasons)

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Melodrama, Mystery, 1905, Complex Relationships, Crime

Oh my goodness gracious. WARNING: This show is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE.

I thought I was a binge-watcher when I got sucked into Mad Men and then Breaking Bad. But no. Apparently, I had no idea of the manipulative hold that Spanish melodramatic television creates. The first episode of Gran Hotel was nothing special. In fact, it was a little ho-hum. But just be patient. By the second and third parts I was solidly gripped. It is a show about honor, respectability, scandal, intrigue, forbidden romance, murder, secrets, mystery, more secrets...I almost had a breakdown when the second season was over since Netflix does not have the third season available yet. If only I could speak Spanish...

If you like Downtown Abbey but want a little more "umpf" or scandal, this show is perfect for you.

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