Theeb

Theeb (Naji Abu Nowar, 2014)

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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

WWI, Complex Relationships, Coming of Age, Vengeance

Oh, if only this film had been made when I was writing my thesis! The magnificent artistry combined with the deliberate pace and unnerving story makes for a truly wonderful film. Theeb is anxious to prove himself capable and grown up. And his environment and circumstances force him to make crucial decisions of life and death. Jordan's desolate landscape perfectly reflects the isolation, heartbreak, and dramatic changes he goes through.

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Carol

Carol (Todd Haynes, 2015)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Obsession

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

Forbidden Romance, Complex Relationships, Based on Novel, 1950s, LGBT

An absolutely gorgeous and captivating adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel, The Price of Salt. Both Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett perform to stunning perfection. You can feel the tension and repression of their relationship and that whole time period in every frame. This is a story about what is not spoken, about taking a risk, about being true to yourself and disregarding reputation. And unlike so many stories about forbidden love, this one actually has a hopeful end. It is also about women trying to live honestly and with dignity in a world created for men.

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The Revenant

The Revenant (Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 2015)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

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

Survival, Redemption, 1820s, Fur Trade, Racial Conflict, Complex Relationships

In one word: transcendental. I'll forever be amazed by the film making abilities of Inarritu. He is a genius. This film is so much more than following the trials of one man. It is so much more than a reminder of the truly violent history of our country.

I would argue that most of The Revenant is about transformation. Words to water, breath becoming clouds, man turning into beast... the focus of humans have to the earth, to their kin, to other animals. And Inarritu erases the lines and barriers leaving us with a beautiful blending of everything.

If you can stomach some incredibly gory and grueling scenes--the main character is never not in pain--then watch this film. And be sure you have a good quality screen and sound system because the artistry is magic.

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Amy

Amy (Asif Kapadia, 2015)

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

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

Biography, Music, Consequences of fame

I felt absolutely drained and depressed after watching this film about Amy Winehouse. As soon as I heard her voice back in college I knew she was a phenomenal artist and could become legendary. But I only ever saw her life through the thick filter of the media. She always appeared drugged-out and crazy. But that wasn't the real Amy, that was the product of celebrity-ism. Fame really doesn't work for most people, especially artists who just want to do their craft. It is no wonder that so many celebrities turn to drugs or become depressed. What else do you do when you can't leave your house or go anywhere without cameras shuttering and people yelling at you? Our capitalistic/consumerist society is literally killing people who have so much to give our culture.

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