Samsara

Samsara (Ron Fricke, 2012)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DOCQ=8, DOCP=8 / Genius

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

Vivid Imagery, Social Commentary, Culture, Eclectic, Subtle

I have always been a fan of what I call "image films." Cinematography Ron Fricke is one of the most talented working today. His latest film, Samsara, has the audience traveling all over the remarkable landscapes and cities of our world. We see the faces of dancers, prostitutes, factory workers, mothers, fathers, hunters, chiefs, children, and many others. We see environments that are crowded, polluted, disturbing, beautiful, abandoned, and ancient. A marvelous achievement in photography and non-verbal narrative.
 

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Beasts of the Southern Wild (Benh Zeitlin, 2012)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Father/Daughter, Coming of Age, Hurricane Katrina, Journey, Subtle

"Everybody loses the thing that made them. It's even how it's supposed to be in nature. The brave men stay and watch it happen, they don't run."

Hushpuppy may be little and young but she is very wise. She knows that life can change overnight, that one big storm might come and break the balance of the universe. When it does, Hushpuppy is strong. It is the other storm that rages inside her Daddy that she is not prepared for. This film is beautiful, poignant, and layered with meaning. 

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Django Unchained

Django Unchained (Quentin Tarantino, 2012)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

 

Western, Slavery, Pre-Civil War Era, Violent, Witty

 

What can I say... I left the theater mesmerized and grinning from ear to ear. What a marvelous acheivement, Quentin Tarantino. Absolutley marvelous.

In true Tarantino fashion, we are given a real movie experience in Django Unchained. The film is striking- gorgeous scenery, bold colors and textures, unique editing styles, intense acting and quick dialogue. Tarantino forces us to consider the most gruesome aspects of America's past. Slavery and racism is violent and disturbing. But, as in Inglorious Basterds, he also rewrites this history. This film is about revenge and vengence. It is a Western through and through but it is much more than that. As usual, Tarantino has no fear and leads us into the realms of controversy. Even if his films aren't your style, it is important that you see this film.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Waste Land

Waste Land (Walker, Harley, Jardim, 2010)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DOCQ=7, DOCP=7 / Genius

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

Art, Social Commentary, Brazil, Garbage, Human Condition

What an inspiring film Waste Land is. This is a perfect example of how one person's vision and good fortune can make a difference to many. Artist Vik Muniz truly gave back to the poor community of garbage pickers in Rio de Janiero. He gave them tangible things: artwork, experience, and money, yes. But what really counts is that he fostered in them hope and self-worth. It is not that he cleared a pathway leading out of their situation but rather that he validated their situation, giving greater meaning to their lives.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here