The Wind That Shakes The Barley

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Ken Loach, 2007)

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

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

Ireland, 1920s, IRA, Political, Complex Relationships, War, Brothers, Betrayal

I've seen a lot of depressing films that stay with me for days. Ordinary People has always been my #1 Tearjerker/Catharsis movie. There are psychological thrillers, like Memento and Seven, that have messed with my head for weeks, even. The Wind That Shakes The Barley, though, got to me in a very different way. It was heartbreaking and difficult, as war films usually are, but in a way that almost made me feel sick. I'm no expert on Irish history and politics but too much of what I was seeing reminded me of the tensions going on in the world today. Causes are plentiful--some just and others not. But they all have leaders and followers, the followers sometimes not quite understanding what they're doing. And I will never understand --no matter how hard I try-- how good, moralistic, wise human beings can be brainwashed overnight. Or "sell out" and "take the easy way out" for lack of moral strength or intelligence. Unfathomable.

I don't recommend this to everyone because it truly is upsetting. And real. Then and now, unfortunately.

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Song of the Sea

Song of the Sea (Tomm Moore, 2014)

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Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession

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

Animation, Celtic Folklore, Fairy Tale, Coming of Age, Mythology

Unbelievably beautiful movie. A wondrous tale about family, love, and being true to yourself. It's full of bright colors, magic, and irresistible Celtic music. It is an instant animated classic that will inspire children and help them make sense of the complicated world we live in. Each moment makes you want to embrace and cherish the traditions and stories of your culture so they won't fade away. I was smiling from start to finish (with some tears added at the end). Don't ever stop making movies, Tomm Moore!

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Sunshine

Sunshine (Danny Boyle, 2007)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

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

Science Fiction, Future, Apocalyptic, Psychological, Spiritual, Thriller

I enjoyed this film more than I expected. How did this film fly under the radar? I never heard about it when it was released. While some of the moments seemed forced and too cliche, Sunshine seems entirely plausible and that is terrifying. While the science is definitely there (thank goodness, more than most recent sci-fi films), this one is also an exploration of the many philosophies of life and existence, human behavior, and ethics. How to improve? Cut back on the action and add more science. But Danny Boyle found a pretty good balance.

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Withnail and I

Withnail and I (Bruce Robinson, 1987)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Cult Classic, Travel, Acting, Existential, Philosophical, Comedy, 1960s

This film truly captures how it feels to be alive at the end of an era, especially at the end of a very artistic, expressive, and free era. A melancholy seeps through every line, including the funny and snarky ones, making the whole story hilarious and painful. It is more than just a film about two actors who can't find work, it is about two men who feel out of place and lost in a changing world. 

All you really need to know about this classic is summed up in the last lines, quoted from Shakespeare's Hamlet:

"I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth. And indeed it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory. This most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o'er hanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appeareth nothing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculties! How like an angel in apprehension. How like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me, no, nor women neither. Nor women neither."

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Whiplash

Whiplash (Damien Chazelle, 2014)

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

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

Music, Teaching, Will power, Motivation, Psychological

Seriously intense. I was uncomfortable most of the time I was watching. I've known musicians and students who have felt the overpowering need to be the best, to work until their fingers bleed, to lose all sense of self and autonomy...all to win the approval of some authority figure. Is it worth it? When music no longer becomes enjoyable, when you pay no attention to anything else except winning, is that a good thing? Criticism and conflict is essential for all artists, absolutely, but as this film shows, success in the music business is really about grit. And the definition of success is very complicated.

Best part of this film? The last ten minutes. To be really a really great musician you have to own yourself, be yourself, take charge, and forget about what other people think.

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They Call It Myanmar: Lifting The Curtain

They Call It Myanmar: Lifting The Curtain (Robert Lieberman, 2012)

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Rating: DOCQ=5, DOCP=4 / Quite Legible

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

Documentary, Social Commentary, Human Condition, Southeast Asia (Burma/Myanmar)

This was a stark film about the resilient and beautiful people living in the truly isolated country of Myanmar. It is about astonishing poverty and shows what happens when a government does not care about people. A land rich with resources and willing/capable citizens but no structure, no welfare, almost no hope. Yet somehow the people still work and are quietly patient for the day things will improve. If only we all could be this strong. This film made my heart break.

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