Le Havre

Le Havre (Aki Kaurismaki, 2011)

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

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

France, Immigration, Subtle, Slow-Paced, Comic, Quirky
 

I'm not sure what I think of this film. I was intrigued by the artistic qualities and stillness of the story but was less interested in the narrative and characters than I'd hoped to be. Marcel, an aging shoe-shiner, decides to help a young escaped refugee. He does so out of the kindness of his heart and/or perhaps because his wife is ill and he needs distraction. At least, I suppose. We don't really know Marcel. The sleepy port town seems to have loyal and endearing characters -like the ridiculous Little Bob and his wife Mimie- but we don't really get a chance to know them. It is all quite odd but in a good way.

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Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce (All 5 parts) (2011)

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

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

 

1930s, Complex Relationships, Mother/Daughter, Miniseries, Based on Book

This is a fascinating story that stays in your mind for hours, days, and maybe even weeks for me. The stress and hardship of the depression era collides with a failing marriage so Mildred Pierce is forced to go out and work. Her ambition and pride leads to great success but the money that comes tempts those around her to use her. A truly viscious daughter, a back-stabbing lover, untrustworthy friends, her own faults... A memorable viewing experience for sure.

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The Hobbit Part I

The Hobbit Part I (Peter Jackson, 2012)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

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

Fantasy, Adventure, Action, Based on Book

I went into the theater with low expectations (despite all the hype) and left feeling pretty amazed. The first installment of The Hobbit was more than I hoped- a luscious journey through spectacular mountains, forests, and caves. I wanted to see the familiar characters and be fascinated by the imagined world of Tolkien. I have to say I was. It was not too drawn out for my tastes, though I do understand why some would be irritated. Once all the films are finished, I can see a seamless epic. And the super-realistic quality and 3D did not make my eyes water- it was masterfully done. I just loved seeing all the mossy branches, jagged rocks, and sparks. I will be watching this again and again.

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Alamar

Alamar (Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio, 2009)

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Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Can't Get Enough

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

Father and Son, Mexico, Nature, Parenting, Subtle, Documentary/Drama

This film is touching and beautiful in its simplicity. Before Natan moves to Italy with his mother he spends many weeks with his father in his remote fishing village in the gorgeous Caribbean. They live on and under the water. Father teaches son how to fish and swim. He teaches him the names of the birds and plants. They play and eat together. This film reminds us that the bond between father and son is something special, no matter what happens between parents and no matter the geographic distance. And it validated my belief that children thrive in a world where they can learn and interact with nature.

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In The Mood For Love

In The Mood For Love (Kar Wai Wong, 2000)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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

Foreign, Hong Kong, Romance, 1960s, Art, Understated

A beautiful film- intricate editing, gorgeous cinematography and sets, brilliant lighting and color, and a delicate story. Marriage is not easy but being alone is perhaps even harder. The two characters in In The Mood For Love are cautious and patient but only on the outside. Their inner moods and turmoil can be seen in the falling rain, steaming kettles, walls and windows, and empty slippers.

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