The Long, Long Holiday

The Long, Long Holiday (Delphine Maury and Olivier Vinuesa, 2015)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

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

WWII, Animated, Family, Coming of Age

I truly truly enjoyed this animated series about WWII from the perspective of children in rural France. It's beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written, with many tense moments handled very well since it is intended for a young audience. Though the war is the main thread of the series, coming of age is a stronger theme and narrative (how could it not be!?). Each episode focuses on friendship, loyalty, bravery, and intelligence and shows consequences of decisions and choices.

Netflix didn't let me what it in the original French language (grrr) but I imagine that voice-acting was superior to the English version. Still, a really fun show with important messages.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Lion

Lion (Garth Davis, 2016)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession

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

Reunions, Complex Relationships, Tearjerker, Based on Real Events, Adoption, Philosophical

This film. I can't even begin to describe how this film made me feel. This story boils down all the essential human emotions in one place and, if you let it take you in, it truly leaves you feeling grateful for life and relationships. Lion is a story about determination and willpower as much as it is about the fragility of existence. It is about fate and how in one moment your whole life can change. It is about humility and sacrifice. Most importantly, I think, it is about hope.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Fences

Fences (Denzel Washington, 2016)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

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

1950s, Race, Family, Based on Play, Complex Relationships, Philosophical

While films that feel/sound like stage productions have never been my favorite, I did enjoy the messages of this story. And the acting was truly great--wow, Viola Davis.

This story is about choices. How much of our lives are determined for us and how much do we choose? And how do our choices and actions affect others? Fences is about struggle, battle, coming to terms with decisions and situations that are forced upon you. It is also a poignant story about family and the complicated relationships between husband and wife, father and son, brother and brother, and mother and child.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

FAVORITES: The Fall, The Lady Eve, and M*A*S*H

FAVORITES for March & April:


The Fall (Tarsem Singh, 2006)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession

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

Visually Stunning, Whimsical, Artistic, Philosophical

Why is it a Favorite?
I'm a sucker for beautiful films and films that stray from the traditional narratives. This one weaves reality with fiction, is touching and dramatic at the same time whimsical. Tarsem makes incredible art and he traveled all over the globe (28 countries) for 4 years to make this masterpiece.

The Lady Eve (Preston Sturges, 1941)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=8 / Obsession

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

Romantic/Screwball Comedy, Witty

Why is it a Favorite?
Because they just don't make romantic movies like they used to. This one is the best, in my opinion. Barbara Stanwyck was sexy, funny, smart, and beautiful. And this story is so bizarre it's hard not to enjoy.

M*A*S*H (Robert Altman, 1970)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=8 / Obsession

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

Korean War, Comedy, Satire

Why is it a Favorite?
Not only is this one of my favorites, it is my all-time favorite. I don't know why, really, it just makes me incredibly happy. I think this is the best dramatic comedy of all time, quite possibly the wittiest American film. And it is timeless.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here