The Teachers’ Lounge (2024.18, Uneven , Edge -y)
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The Teachers’ Lounge is an uneven film about a German middle school teacher caught in a web of increasing misunderstandings and uncertainty. (3*)
International Film
Io Capitano (2024.17, Not Good , Lost )
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Io Capitano is a harrowing tale of two teenage boys, attempting to immigrate to Italy from Senegal. While the story had promise, the movie lacks purpose and fails to define a consistent tone. (2*)
Perfect Days (2024.16, Graceful , Simple )
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Perfect Days will appeal to older generations who look for simpler, easier times and marvel in the way light filters through tree tops (komorebi) (4*)
Society of the Snow (2024.15, Uncomfortable , Value )
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Society of the Snow is a very difficult film to watch, but it is probably an essential one. It effectively makes you ask what you would do when faced with these choices. (4.5*)
The Zone of Interest (2024.9, Disturbing , Truth )
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The Zone of Interest is more than just a story of evil. But the film’s best characteristics are damaged by extraneous scenes. (3.5*)
EO – A Bold Plunge into Consciousness (4.5*)
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EO is one of those rare movies where, not knowing exactly how, the film transports you into a different world. In the end you never knew you would have so much empathy for a donkey while exploring the meaning of consciousness. (4.5*)
Argentina 1985 – Truth, Humor, and the Wicked (3.5*)
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Argentina 1985 is a docudrama telling the story of the world’s first civilian trial of a military dictatorship. It is a courtroom drama lightened with humor and stories of families. A good film, but maybe a bit difficult to absorb. (3.5*)
Close – Easily Manipulative (2.5*)
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Close evokes emotions, but violates another principle of what makes a good movie. (2.5*)
The Quiet Girl – Simple but with Huge Emotional Impact (5*)
3 Comments
The Quiet Girl is quite possibly the best movie of the year. (5*)
All Quiet on the Western Front – A Gut Punch Focus on War (4*)
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A German production, All Quiet on the Western Front re-adapts the 1928 novel of the same name, adding some distinctive scenes and commentary to the story of a young German man, and his friends, thrust onto the “Western Front” to fight the French in the final months of World War I. Accompanied by some stunning cinematography, dominating sound and music, and visceral visual effects, the film reaches new heights in presenting the horror of war. It also adds another, very important message about how events are felt differently depending on where you stand on the social ladder.
The Hand of God
1 Comment
(1*) The Hand of God is an attempt at being Fellini. For an American audience, it is just a hot mess.
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
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(3.5*) Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is an honest, beautiful, and touching insight into a simple culture.
The Worst Person in the World
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(4*) The Worst Person in the World is a beautiful film with a fantastic Renate Reinsve, but maybe appeals most to a certain audience.
2021 International Feature Movies
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A summary review of this year’s five International Feature nominees.
Quo Vadis, Aida?
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(4.5 Stars). This is not a feel good movie, but one that people should see. It paints an ugly side of humanity.
Man Who Sold His Skin
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(3.5 Stars). Actually a fairly good movie, but, again, with maybe a bit too much politics.
Better Days
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(3.5 Stars) An interesting film with some very good dramatic elements. But seems to have some heavy-handed government overlays.
Another Round
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(4 Stars) A film that walks a fine line between drama and messaging. And a terrific Mikkelson performance.
Collective
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(4 Stars) An important story about government and corporate corruption and the role of the press in exposing it.
Parasite
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(5 Stars) An exceptionally well crafted movie that moves you through multiple emotions all while exploring the complexities of social class.
Corpus Christi
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(4 Stars) Tight and Powerful indictment of the authority of the Catholic Church.
Les Miserables
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(3 Stars) Interesting and well done, but not exactly memorable.
Pain and Glory
2 Comments
(4 Stars) Subtle and Multi-layered. Almodovar, Banderas, and Cruz at the top of their games.
Shoplifters
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(3 Stars) Although critics rate this the second best movie of all 37, I found it tough to follow and lacking in empathy. This is one that probably deserves a second viewing.
Capernaum
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(3.5 Stars) An intriguing film from Lebanon where an unhappy child sues his parents for being born.
Cold War
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2/5 Oscar Nominations: Foreign Language Film (Poland)Director (Pawel Pawlikowski)Cinematography (Lukas Zal) Maybe one shouldn’t screen this movie after watching the German film “Never Look
Never Look Away
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(4.5 Stars) A German drama tracing the life of an East-German artist who struggles to find his true art form, and the meaning of his life. Professional critics didn’t like this as well.
Roma
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(5 Stars) Probably the best movie of the year and a great example of excellence in all dimensions. A must-see film.