THE JINX: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ROBERT DURST NEW website RATE: 7/10 review by Julie Dargan DVD Release date: Sep 16 Bohemian Rhapsody Club is grateful to Roadshow Entertainment for the opportunity to review the movie
Here is my review of the 6 part documentary series of The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst.
This series had me intrigued from the beginning. A gruesome torso is found washed ashore followed by arms and legs, but never the head. As gruesome as this find was, the series explodes in an absolutely unbelievable tale of how money and influence can keep a man out of jail.
The story infuriated me. So many times we hear of lower socioeconomic men and women being jailed for lengthy sentences for a crime they did not commit (due to the flimsiest of evidence) yet this man has so much evidence against him yet he is free to roam the streets.
Robert Durst appears to make a mockery of the system by being caught shoplifting a sandwich while having thousands of dollars in his car at the time.
The series was compelling in the original footage of Robert Durst. No replacement actor here. The theme song is a success in itself. Eels the band, Fresh Blood is the title, is a menacing theme song for a menacing mini series.
The final insult for me was the discovery that the Hurst family and their money is the group behind the building of the Freedom Tower. Any lesser family would never have been considered the contract. But not this family, they are the true Untouchables.
My score 7/10
MONKEYS REVEALED NEW website review by Jess Dey, Skullwindows Photography
Monkeys Revealed provides a breath of fresh air for nature documentaries, opting to focus on the social structures and hierarchies of primates instead of their physical statistics. Each 40 minute episode covers a broad variety of our simian relatives; from chimpan-A to chimpanzee.
One of the highlights of this series is the inclusion of lesser known species such as Gibraltar natives - the Barbary Macaques - who vy for dominance through kidnapping and exchanging of infant monkeys.
The use of modern technology has enabled the program to capture footage of extremely intimate moments without disturbing their subjects, allowing for an incredibly realistic experience of the many unique ways in which monkeys interact with one another. The first episode has amazing infrared footage of Chacma Baboons hiding in pitch black caverns.
Monkeys Revealed is a definite must-watch for nature lovers, and is currently available for purchase on DVD at various retailers online and offline.
KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015: HOW TO STEAL A DOG NEW 개를 훔치는 완벽한 방법 website RATE: 7/10
How To Steal A Dog is a movie with perfect instructions on how not to steal a dog. The movie is a great entertainment event for the whole family: it is funny for both adults and children. The kids are the major actors in the film and they perform brilliantly. But the movie is not as light as it seems in the first place. Deep beneath there are lots of hidden messages: when parents get separated children are the first ones to suffer as they are the physical projection of their parents spiritual love - they are the jewels in the crown. When spiritual love vanishes so the children feel that they are not needed any more too as the essence of their existence is broken forever. More to that, children simply do not understand what made their parents go separate ways; why their father left them as they are never told why. They cry and suffer but the reason will be only revealed to them many years later. You may ask me: what is it to do with stealing a dog? Well, a lot! Please go an see the movie with your kids - they will love it and they may see much more in this movie than we think...
KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NEW
6th Korean Film Festival in Australia ( run by Korean Cultural Centre Australia) opened today in Melbourne at ACMI and will run till Thursday Sep 10http://koffia.com.au/ When you choose a movie to watch please keep in mind - this year there is an array of some absolutely stunning historical pictures, some thrillers, comedies action, dramas and so much more for every possible taste. The festival opened with a funny but very well done family movie called How To Steal A Dog. our review is coming up soon but today I publish some photos from one elegant reception the festival offered to the guests:
I remember once I said to my dad: "This family is so perfect, they never argue, they are just something that can be an example to our dysfunctional family" My dad wisely replied: "You so naive... Every family is dysfunctional. Some are just better actors in hiding it...Never trust what you see, but rather see with your "other eyes" - with your soul, than you will see much more."
If every family is dysfunctional ad there is always comic dramas going on inside no matter how good or bad the actors are inside this play, than I should admit the Latin Lover is one fantastically created example of such family and relationship inside it.
The infidelity to start with of men and women, multiple lovers, daughters from different women, loving and fighting "wives" and ex-es, sudden discoveries about sexual orientation, endless dramas and funny moments, heavy drinks and dinners together, children of different colors running around, pasta and clams, rice and potatoes - it is one mad house - yes, it sounds like a typically classical Italian movie in its best traditions of cinematography. All the actors are perfect,they play like those who know each other for many years of close life.
The 10th anniversary since the death of one important man in their family is celebrated and in a couple of hours they discover more about themselves and about each other than they expected. The seemingly peaceful celebration finally turns into an orgasmic drama with all its witty sides (for the external observer of course).
The family is very intercontinentale as the father of so many "international" daughters had way too many affairs all over the globe: French, Swedish, Italian, Spanish, American and god know what else. All his daughters' names start with "S" letter and all of them have various characters and personalities depending on the country of their mothers' origins. It is a mixture of cultures, traditions and habits. Hard to imagine Saverrio, the Latin Lover was so loving and definitely knew for sure what women want from men.
I was pretty sure someone would be killed at the end of the movie considering the mixed temperaments and attitudes. I think if you would like to find out what happened and how some very twisted situations were "resolved" you will need to see the movie. The tickets are on sale (please follow the website link above). Totally recommending this movie to everyone as it is very entertaining and so true!
LATIN LOVER NEW website review by Bryanna Reynolds Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful to Asha Holmes Publicity, Asha Holmes and Stephanie Payne for organising this screening for our group so well at the Palace Cinemas Como and for this opportunity to review this movie as part of Lavazza Film Festival
Latin Lover was a beautiful work of art and an utter joy to watch unfold on screen. The narrative was relatable in the sense that it featured the unravelling of a dysfunctional family brought together for the anniversary of their father.
This comedy, drama explores the aftermath one man has on a family 10 years after his passing. The family are brought together for an event and they realise there was more to their father than what they thought.
The cinematography of the film as a whole worked exceptionally, and made me want to get on the next flight to Italy.
The film explores sexuality in a comedic way and it really makes the situation light hearted. The audience are made to understand situations and this is what makes it come together, it is so natural.
I love the fact that technology isn’t used as a character in the film, which is becoming ever so popular now a days. It really was a pleasure to enjoy the film as a narrative evolving around relationships and family as the central theme.
The film reminded me of the film Death At A Funeral, in the sense that the narrative reveals more to the life of a man that has passed away.
The film is subtitled in English, but even watching it Italian without would make sense as the acting is on key. The cast work really well together, and portray all the drama under the sun.
I would recommend this film if you are looking for a comedy to watch with friends and family. I cannot wait to see further work from the director Cristina Comencini.
The movie is your perfect "James Bond" film but made in Europe. If you love pretty, smart and tough girls, lots of action, fast European cars, bullets that never miss, millions of dollars, chases, expensive yachts, private jets, mysterious signs, a deep scars, handsome and intelligent men (well not all of them, but some are very good looking!) then this movie is definitely for you! There are bad guys, very bad guys, better guys and extremely bad girls: The latter will kill, burn and destroy everything you ask them to eliminate on your way to be a winner in the action game, no matter what the is the purpose. They kill out of revenge, they kill out of rage and they kill with no apparent reason. They break anything and everything: gates, windows, noses and laws.
The Transporter: Refueled is one movie created with one purpose: to entertain you and your friends and to make you feel good.
JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NEW website
60 REASONS TO ‘MAKE A DATE’ WITH JIFF 2015 Proudly presenting 60 outstanding international premiere features and documentaries, the Jewish International Film Festival returns to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast and New Zealand from late October for its spectacular 2015 season!
Cementing its reputation for delivering stimulating and diverse cinema that engages audiences from within and beyond the Jewish community, Festival Director, Eddie Tamir, has selected a mesmerizing line-up, with every film and documentary an Australian premiere. Both a celebration and exploration of this gloriously, eclectic culture, the award-winning programme will showcase works from as far afield as Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Latvia, Romania, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA with a special emphasis on the foremost films to emerge from Israel in the past year.
2015 feature highlights include Son of Saul (screening courtesy of Sony Pictures), the acclaimed Hungarian drama, which is hotly tipped as a major 2016 Oscar contender. Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, this remarkable piece of cinema follows a father’s quest for moral redemption amidst the horrors of Auschwitz. There’s Natalie Portman’s striking directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness, based on the memoir of Israeli novelist and journalist, Amos Oz, whilst renowned Israeli director Shemi Zarhin’s unique tone of dramedy shines throughout The Kind Words, likely to be Israel’s 2016 Oscar entry and the most nominated film at this year’s Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars). Zarhin’s latest movie follows three siblings who, upon the death of their mother, embark on a life-changing journey into the past. And if you’re craving excitement, Fauda (Arabic for ‘chaos’), the cult Israeli TV series that depicts both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, will draw audiences onto a tightrope of intrigue, drama and suspense.
Experimenter (screening courtesy of Rialto Pictures), starring Peter Sarsgaard and Winona Ryder, revisits the controversial 1960s experiments of social psychologist, Stanley Milgram. Germany’s ‘grande dame’ of cinema, Hannelore Elsner, takes centre stage in To Life! as an aging cabaret singer whose unlikely bond with a dispirited, young man gives both new meaning. There’s also Labyrinth of Lies (Germany’s 2016 Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film), a fact-based drama starring Alexander Fehling (Inglourious Basterds) as a principled young prosecutor in post-WW2 Frankfurt, intent on exposing the conspiracy of prominent institutions and officials who sought to hide the crimes of former Nazis.
Those seeking romance will savour the Canadian drama, Félix and Meira, which depicts an affair between two people who inhabit the same neighborhood yet reside within very different worlds. In the French smash hit, Serial (Bad) Weddings, a prosperous Catholic couple, with Jewish, Arab and Asian son-in-laws, are ‘momentarily’ delighted when their remaining daughter falls for a Catholic. Also from France is My Shortest Love Affair, which shows that trying to rekindle one’s first love is not always such a good idea.
And in keeping with its reputation for screening outstanding documentaries, JIFF 2015 has an utterly thrilling selection. A few samples include the critically feted Censored Voices, which reveals provocative and, until now, suppressed recordings of Israeli soldiers fresh from the battlefield of 1967’s Six-Day war. Latvia’s Beyond the Fear investigates the complex story of Yigal Amir, the assassin of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The utterly engrossing Seed of Life charts a bereaved mother’s quest to make her late son a father through the devoted assistance of a fertility doctor and a surrogate. Soft Vengeance: Albie Sachs and the New South Africa focuses on the famed lawyer, writer, art lover and freedom fighter. And from Australia we have On the Banks of the Tigris: The Hidden Story of Iraqi Music, an uplifting musical odyssey that uncovers the hidden – and almost erased – story of Iraqi music as well as Pockets of Hope, a film about facing up to a difficult past, whilst creating a hopeful future, through the healing power of music.
The 2015 Jewish International Film Festival will screen as follows:
Holding The Man is a touching and dramatic story of two men in love. It all starts very romantically from the school years that the boys spent together. The story then progresses with the boys growing and the plot evolves into one not only social but personal dramas. The acting of all actors is beyond any expectations: I have to highlight not only absolutely brilliant performance of both boys but of their parents too who play so naturally and so organic that you are very close to believe that these are their real families and they are real people involved in these events . While observing the parents'reaction on the news of their boys revealing to them their sexual preferences I caught myself thinking: how one should react to such news? Do we all have to feel happy that people (our kids in particular) fall in love as it is rare these days to feel such genuine emotions. Do I have to tell people that such relationship are not normal, that the boys, they both have hormonal imbalance and that the future of such relationship is not necessarily very bright and promising? You only feel it when your close ones are in such situations and it is hard to imagine what parents go through after such discoveries: it is a tragedy in some religious families, it might be a more of a tragedy knowing what infidelity in such relationship can bring. It was very hard t observe how the world was disappearing for the boys, how when romantic side vanished the reality opened its ugly truth to them; how full of energy and life fit and beautiful bodies melt away in front of your eyes... It is a dreadful experience! How do they handle it and will the difficulties bring them close to each other? Are they going to realise and distinguish the right and the wrong? What Love can be?
I would recommend to watch the movie to all our readers and to young parents in particular: they have to learn themselves and educate themselves and their children before it will be too late. One good film can say it all!
ARAB FILM FESTIVAL 2015: 130 km to Heaven NEW website review by Bryanna Reynolds
The short film 130km To Heaven is a relatable and inspiring journey about two young men following a dream. The film begins in a dark place of insecurities and abandonment from family and this is presented beautifully through the cinematography.
The audience are soon introduced to the over arching narrative about two young men chasing a job opportunity in a place far from home. Just like any journey they are victim to false promises and trust issues from the people they meet along the way.
The multi-talented Khaled Khella starred in, directed and was the DOP. This is noticeable throughout the film, as the love and dedication between these two friends melts together in harmony with the visual aspect the audience preview.
I think this film is relatable to anyone who has had a dream in life to be someone, and to achieve greatness.
Khaled Khella uses a range of techniques to convey the story including time lapses, but mostly still frame shots, which in a way works because it leaves the audience wondering emotionally what the outcome of their journey will be.
The key themes touched on are religion, which provides a philosophical debate for the audience to think about, whilst learning about the characters. The other two are travel and friendship, which go hand in hand.The film is subtitled in English and is easily understood. I would recommend this film for anyone who loves films about friendship and achievement, because it was a film about making dreams come true.
AICE ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2015: ROCK THE RED ZONE NEW website RATE:9/10 review by Jennifer Zaman A documentary it is and yet it leaves you with such an impact that might linger on in your minds for days. It holds no characteristic of a conventional movie but it’s a must watch for people whose hearts are left with a little space for empathy. Directed by Los Angeles-based film maker Laura Bialis, who shared an emotional proximity with Israel right from her childhood shoots its major parts living in Sderot, a war-torn city of Israel.
The documentary narrates the plight of the Israelis living in and belonging to Sderot, initially a refugee town sheltering Jews from all over the world, but since the last fourteen years has been at the receiving end of Qassam and Hammas rockets day in day out. Sderot is a frontline border town not far from Gaza Strip; the shells fired from Gaza fall into it destroying life and property creating anarchy all year around. People live amidst fear for their lives and that of their loved ones, hiding in bomb-shelters once the red alarm resounds in the air. The red alarm is stimulated once a rocket (Qassam) is fired from across Gaza. In the underground bomb shelters, with the government-neglected town of Sderot struggling for a life of dignity and freedom from fear above, is produced extraordinary music which goes on to win the hearts of music lovers around the world. The music of Sderot depicts the heart-rending stories and scared memories of the natives who are way too much in love with the town to leave it and claim safety. The music pours out from wailing hearts carrying the lament of Israelis living in this unfortunate piece of land with no one sharing apathy with them.
This film has a calling, so strong, that barely anyone could be spared from making a silent prayer for those suffering from failed government actions and political nuisance. Made me cry throughout.
AICE ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2015: ALIZA NEW website review by Alice Slamani
It took me some time to realise that Aliza was an actual documentary. It's not scripted, but flows like a docu-movie, and left me wondering how the perfect timing of conversations, interviews and scattered exerts of film strips ended up being so perfectly spoken, timed and delivered to the audience. I will admit, I was confused with its content. I found myself all over the place wondering, yet I couldn't turn away. The passionate language immersed me, and not speaking Hebrew bust simply reading the subtitles, I felt the emotions of those on screen. Time slipped by and I was left feeling like a better person that could understand the world in a brighter stronger way after watching Alize. It's not going to be for everyone, it's difficult to put into words, but slip away into this movie and learn about the complexities of on screen characters and how heavily their pseudo world impacts real life.
BETWEEN THE FROCK AND THE HARD PLACE NEW website review by Bryanna Reynolds Bohemian Rhapsody Club is grateful to Roadshow Home Entertainment for the constant support of our publicity work and te opportunity to review the new release movies and DVDs
Between A Frock & A Hard Place (2015) is a documentary, behind the scenes look at The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994). It explores the movement in gay culture over the past 50 years, specifically in Australia.
The audience are taken on a journey with Stephan Elliot, the director of Priscilla, through his teenage years and explores the fear of homophobia. Elliot addresses this fear throughout the documentary and really brings to light the real life fear people were living with in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
“To be homosexual was illegal, you were an outcast” says Elliot.
It was at 13 years of age; Elliot’s parents divorced and he began to question everything. Over the next couple of years in Sydney the gay underworld began to grow.
Elliot explains it to be in likeness to a “Flame that drew exotic creatures into the light”.
The documentary explores the initial fear, society had towards Drag Queens. It is described by the cast of Priscilla in interviews with Hugo, Terence and Guy as not being Australia’s idea, of the typical 70’s man. But it was the reaction from their friends and fellow queens that made them the bravest men in Australia, and it was thanks to Priscilla they would later become an icon.
It is through the representation of the 80’s where a shift is introduced through Stephan Elliot’s, personal journey of working at The Albury in Sydney. At the time Sydney was described as being a gay bubble.
Stephan Elliot describes a time, in which he was out to dinner with his partner and a mother of two boys utterly humiliated him in public. It was the humiliation of not being able to fight back that launched Elliot’s first script for Priscilla, which he wrote within a couple of days.
The documentary takes the audience on a journey through the gay underworld of Oxford Street in Sydney right through to the change in Police involvement in the annual Mardi Gra parades, celebrating pride.
People forget that during this time in Australia, gay sex was still illegal in some parts of the country. This is juxtaposed with events in the film Priscilla and this documentary. It is still hard to believe that homosexuality was treated as a mental illness and would result in either treatment from a psychiatrist, aversion therapy or a lobotomy. People would risk loosing their friends, family, jobs, and homes and it would often result in violence.
The reason I love this documentary, is not because it is just a behind the scene’s look at the film Priscilla, but because it explores the evolution of gay culture and drag in Australia.
I think the documentary is really about the journey that Stephan Elliot has taken in his life. Being able to identify with the creator of Priscilla, it is easy to feel the pain and torture he would have had to overcome. Stephan Elliot is a true inspiration and if it wasn’t for him being able to transcribe the real life events of tragedy and inspiration into the film Priscilla, where would Australian cinema be and how would the drag and LGBTQI community be represented and accepted in mainstream media.
I expected the documentary to explore the glitz and glam life of drag, I was surprised though and realised how naïve I was. Kids born in the 90’s and now are extremely lucky and I feel I have taken this for granted. I am so grateful to the generation before me for speaking up and making it easier for people to express their sexuality and gender nowadays.
The harsh reality of growing up LGBTQI in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s is that it was a time of violence and death relating to homosexual bashings and murders. The documentary address’s the fear of being a homosexual in Sydney only a few years before the film Priscilla was released.
In the late 80’s rumours were that “society hate gays, cops hate gays, so we can hate gays”.
The reality of ‘poofter bashings’ as a form of initiation for homophobes often lead to murder along the popular cliffs and beach side’s of Sydney around Bondi.
The audience are introduced to a victim’s family, whose death was initially ruled as suicide off a cliff. It is terrifying to think that this was taking place not that long ago, thinking about it now, I am still fearful.
Terence Stamp, who plays transsexual Bernadette Bassanger, narrates the documentary beautifully. It provides a smooth narrative tone to the documentary, and really ties together the events that were happening in real life Sydney, and the film Priscilla from an actors’ perspective.
Visually the documentary focuses more so on interviews with leading actors from the film Priscilla but more so the icons that helped inspire Elliot in the first place, such as legendary drag queen, Cindy Pastel.
Actors Hugo Weaving, Terence Stamp and Guy Pearce provide a comforting conclusion to the violence felt by the LGBTQI community at the time. They share their fears with the audience for playing characters that were not mainstream and roles they were use too.
They recall the night they went out together for the first time dressed in drag. This provides an inside look into the comfort of being a part of the drag community. They loved that they could just have fun and no one knew who they were it was “ Incredibly liberating”.
One of the most interesting things to be shared by actor Terence Stamp was the fact he was incredibly frightened of his portrayal as transsexual Bernadette. Elliot did not allow him to see his character in a mirror or in the daily rushes. He came to a point where he had to perform at a bar in the country and once he had done the first number he became a different person.
“I just crossed a barrier, I’m not frightened anymore, I’m not frightened of anything”.
Again the actors lives are juxtaposed to the real life events that were unfolding in Sydney. Prejudice emerged and the liberating homosexual life people were able to live became prejudiced by people and horrible newspaper reports.
There is a beautiful anecdote by Cindy Pastel in which she describes the performance of drag as being like a performance for the troops. The LGBTQI community were facing HIV and their armour was sequins and strength.
“Fuck that, if I’m going to die, it’s going to be in a colourful streak”.
The documentary concludes with a recap of the past decade. In which we have seen the Police salute and join forces with the Mardi Gra celebrations, we even have politicians walking.
Elliot describes Priscilla as being “A film about a gay man coming out to his son, and he has spent his entire life working to that moment”.
I think this perfectly sums up the story being told in this documentary as well. It has been the coming of age story of director Stephan Elliot and the journey he has taken within the LGBTQI community. He is the one person tying it all together and thanks to Elliot there was a movement in Australia, and film culture. I hope that Elliot continues to share the journey and inspire other young people to explore issues that people fear due to society’s representations.
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE 2015: COURT 2015 NEW website review by Dheepa D Awtani RATE: 9/10
A crystal clear view of the bureaucratic incompetency, fanciful-entertaining-delayed adjudications & opinions, wisdom taken wrong & nil impetus to usher betterment in the society (contrasting the very inception of judicial system) , Chaitanya Tamhane deserves a wild applaud for his first fabulous feature film.
Australian Premier: Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2015 Director: Chaitanya Tamhane Cast: Vira Sathidar, Vivek Gomber, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Pradeep Joshi, Shirish Pawar Genre: Dramedy (Drama and Comedy) Languages:Marathi | Gujarati | Hindi |and English with s/t Runtime: 116 min.
Slapstick, silently devastating and absurd, slice of life yet entertaining- Court is full of substance and its tasteful take on direction and life would make you keep watching it till the end. No melodrama, action, romance, obsceneness, twist or turns, just minimal background score and mind-blowing screenplay & acting- it has already been awarded several national and international accolades for its pure & simple story with an eye opening message. Remarkably, Court is the first feature written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, it just affirms that he has lots more sophisticated artistry & experience to showcase as a filmmaker and we are definitely waiting for his future films. His venture kind of shows us a mirror and mind you, you will have a mirthful smirk & laugh at first but sheer embarrassment later at the cynical look of yours. You would think of a courtroom being articulate in their sessions; jury being well polished, concerned and intriguing as people’s fate are decided in that square piece of land. Well…you are correct in your imagination as this all looks only real in our heads. Court shows the reality in acerbic yet with a can’t-do-much attitude: the lawyers are not good orators, the documents are misplaced, racist influence on the prosecution, judge convicts people with bogus charges, and the arguments are technical and redundant and makes you feel amused by the setting, which is yet another day in the venal institutional & judicial world.
Court actually personates the eponymous dialogue by actor Sunny Deol “Tareekh pe tareekh, tareekh pe tareekh” (date after date the case is being deferred to) from the famous Bollywood movie ‘Damini’. Here is how the movie unfolds: Narayan Kamble (Vira Sathidar)A Dalit activist-poet-folklore singer is held ‘responsible’ for the ‘suicide’ of sewage cleaner, arresting him on the grounds of abetment of suicide and is now undergoing judicial remand and hearings. Kamble had performed one of his songs near the deceased’s locality just two days before the body was discovered underground, and prosecutor Nutan (Geetanjali Kulkarni) presents a case where it is outlined that it is Narayan’s song at that performance which instigated impoverished workers to shed light upon injustice by eradicating themselves from the society by committing suicide. The trial continues in multiple sessions showcasing no urgency or need to establish justice in proper time. Kamble’s defense attorney, Vinay Vora (Vivek Gomber), with all his reattempts almost proves that the death in question was not a suicide but an accident, highlighting the investigating officer & witnesses as incompetent in his perseverance. Prosecutor Nutan who comes from a lower-middle class section should rather have been more empathetic to the case as her personality shown clearly can relate to the situations of these workers and she herself at one point understands that it was an accident but she rather wants to win and get over the case, even if that calls for Narayan getting a 20 year jail sentence.
Vindication is far off the horizon. In fact, the witnesses are probed and led into giving the desired answer rather than them stating actually what they want to, leading to the accused being royally faulted. The beauty of the movie is the brutal contrast portrayed: Vinayak hails from a rich family, is well educated, well responsive and behaved, even when he would talk to people below-the-poverty line, drives a car and even pays off Narayan’s huge bail amount just to seek justice (even though delayed); while Nutan comes from a lower section, travels via public transport and still shows not even an iota of understanding in this entire situation- such a snide reality. The only thing that could have added more beauty to the movie if the cynical/racist remarks would have been more clear rather than indication which would have made the plea for democracy shining out to the Western eyes.
Funny bit, when you think the movie is about to end, authorities simply find a new reason to arrest Kamble and start the process again. I personally loved the entire filmmaking- it actually makes you feel that you are there, performing jury duty.Kudos to the fine & professional ensemble of cast offered; the stark, fixed angles and on-time focus on each of the characters; not to forget the strong lyrical folk lore, so deep and intense yet jolly-I am still laughing at a few stanzas.
Whether a cinephile or not, it is a must watch. Brilliant!
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Detective Byomkesh Bakshy NEW website Review by Dheepa D Awtani RATE: 6.5/10
Set up in a gorgeously rendered 1940s-Calcutta atmosphere,
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! promises to take us on a self- indulgent whodunnit
thriller but the ! turns into ? sooner as the movie is overlong and lacks the
usual Bollywood song romance and twist drama feel.
Directed by the much-lauded National film award-winner
Dibakar Banerjee: Circa November 1942, the adventure begins where the story
intertwines the episodes of opium smuggling & gangster scare, Japanese
ruling and fight for freedom in war-torn Calcutta.Japanese and Chinese agents and
smugglers were engaged in furtive & selfish activities to detach the city
from British control to get traction in the Indian and Burmese markets.
Amidst the tirless and proxy war in the state, introducing
our smart & desi hero Byomkesh Bakshy (Sushant Singh Rajput): who has got a shrewd & raw mind like
that of Sherlock Holmes. He is
socially-awkward youngster, but believes that he has great analytical mind
which is just waiting for a venture to be unfolded to make him a star detective.
Tada! He is blessed by the approach of Ajit Bandopadhyay (Anand Tiwari), who is
searching for his missing father Bhuvan.
Before we look
into what the movie has got for us, the notable highlights & applaud
winning positives were: The attention to detail is obvious in almost every
frame of the film of this pre-independence Calcutta set up. From the right
clothes to correct signboards, every detail has been so meticulously imagined,
planned & executed you actually feel that you are in the mystical culture
melting frame. The diffused lights & the darkness in which the film has
been shot give you the chills of questioning your existence in the war &
scheming filled state. The entire cast has done justice to the noir crime
action feel of the movie giving impetus to the way the story is meant to
unravel.This film will take the enigma around the popular Bengali sleuth many
notches higher! Sushant Singh commands as Bakshy! And particularly striking is femme
fatale Anguri (Swastika Mukherjee) and the way her beauty has been harnessed
with the use of glowing shafts of lights makes her opaque, exotic &
bedazzling as a shining butter paper. The cinematography is completely &
mind-blowingly intoxicating: the darkness always smolders; right amount of glow
across characters’ faces; curlicues of smoke rise from cigarettes and much
more.
Comign back to the reel, when Byomkesh Bakshy’s sleuth mind
gets searching, he lands up discovering that Bhuvan had not gone missing, but
had been ruthlessly murdered. His journey is now flipped to rather find the
killers of Bhuvan & bring in justice for son Ajit. As and when the case
progresses, he keeps on meeting various characters, at one point he thinks he
has solved the case only to find out he was being misguided by one of his own
accomplice and restarts the case with further more ado. More twists and turns keep spiraling in the
film, which also includes merciless murders at regular intervals. In this
tumultuous search, glamour is brought in with a very seductive Devi/ Anguri (Swastika
Mukherjee) who obviously is on the sides of the gangsters(psst..poor Bakshy
doesn’t know this…ahem! Well everything is fair rather blind in love and war)
and tries her level best to seduce him to blur his focus on the important
points of the case. Amidst all this, bloodshed and violence, Byomkesh Bakshy,
suddenly, gets his hands on a crucially mysterious map. What is the mystery of
the map, does Byomkesh Bakshy become successful in nabbing the culprit of
Bhuvan, the reason behind his assassination and also the culprit behind the
series of murders and the reason for their murders is what forms the rest of
the film.
However, the pro-longed concept of showing pre-independence,
violence and the darkness associated at times makes the attempt a lackluster
one. The movie should have been truncated as it gets overtly stretched and
looses the audience participation and becomes a whocares! from a whodunnit?
Going to a theater for 2+hours and not having a song dance drama episode
doesn’t go down well with masses and makes it likeable only among a selected
group loving the ‘period’ genre films. This indeed outlines that Dibakar took a
very courageous and ambitious project with a prepared outcome.
Verdict: This movie would have been an excellent literary
piece and a smashing hit among avid novel readers. As a no-song, no-typical
Bollywood drama, dark thriller it would get a thumbs up by you if you are a fan
of ‘period crime fiction’ genre movie. Definitely worth a shot to appreciate
the aesthetics of the movie.
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE: NH10 NEW website review by Jennifer Zaman RATE: 7/10
An Indian crime-thriller co-produced by the lead actor (Anushka Sharma) herself. “NH10” refers to the National Highway running from Delhi across the metropolitan Gurgaon and further into the lawless lands of Haryana. A young urban couple on their weekend get-away to a private resort takes, a rather meaningless, detour that endangers their lives leaving them with no other alternative other than to flee or fight. The story easily draws similarities from many a movie based on road trips gone wrong and the protagonists braving their way towards chance survivals. Nevertheless, the inclusion of an incident related to “honour killing” (an ugly truth) in North Indian gives this one a fresh take.
Meera (played by Anushka) and Arjun (played by Neil Bhoopalam) decide to celebrate Meera’s birthday in a luxurious resort outside the city limits of Gurgaon. On their way, they get themselves entangled in an incident of “honour killing” which is widely prevalent in certain pockets of India; it’s another name for brutal and repent less murder of the couple, committed by their families, in case of inter-caste marriages. The harrowed scenes of torture and eventual murder of the young couple by the girl’s own brothers and uncle would make one shiver with fright at the utter display of barbarism. Since Meera and Arjun happen to witness the crime, the blood-thirsty hoodlums chase them with murderous intent. The major chunk of the movie revolves around this chase and run between the couple and these rustic locals. NH10 is high paced and thrilling; one needs to hold on fast to one’s heart lest it burst out with trepidation. The movie wears a thick blanket of tension and dread throughout with Meera struggling alone in that fateful night to access some help, since Arjun gets badly injured fighting one of the hoodlums. It comes out that even the local police vent the same hostility towards the couple in this lawless wild of Haryana where caste based violence is the order of the day. The story proves that the impetus for survival in humans in so intense that it can turn anyone into a savage, and the character of Meera played no exception. It is an unarmed and ordinary woman’s war against a misogynist cult and states vividly that it is sheer suicide to underestimate the sublime power of a woman.
Anushka Sharma’s work goes unquestioned; with her unsurpassed talent, it is only she who could have pulled such an unusual role with so much confidence and convincing-ness. And so did the rest of the cast. The movie is power-packed, racy and gory- so much that one dare not blink one’s eyes even for split second.
In spite of all the positives, the movie keeps one wondering what exactly is it trying to sketch- is it the everyday struggle of a woman in the male chauvinistic world? or does it deal with the subject of “honour killings”? or is it about women empowerment and/ or revenge? The movie gives a taste of all of these without holding a firm focus on any. A great watch for action-thriller lovers.
RICKI AND THE FLASH NEW website RATE: 6.5/10 very grateful to Sony Pictures for this opportunity to preview the movie
The movie is about a rock musician, Linda or Ricki ( Meryl Streep) who changed her family life with a loving husband and three kids to be a musician. Ricki's rocky road made her broke and not as successful as she thought it would be perhaps. More to that her family does not recognise her not even as a mother but a close family member. She does not have a place there. It also seems that she did not create her new relationship in the finest way. Will she finally prove that she deserves to be accepted for who she is inside her old family or will she fail?
This is what Alex commented: Seemingly typical Hollywood drama with a taste of comedy, the film where everyone yells that America is the best country of the world really does not resonate in our souls and tastes more like an old chewing gum. More to that: it seems a bit cheap even for the ordinary viewer. Interesting and funny moments as well as Meryl Streep's excellent acting do not save the movie to be the one you will forget soon - actually the next day. There is nothing new, nothing to think and nothing to talk about. Hollywood sweet ending when everyone unites hugs and kisses - is a classical to finish this parade of luxurious houses, dirty hotels and people dancing in the pubs.
This is what I commented: I believe many girls of 30-40 and 50s will find this feel-good movie very entertaining for apparent reasons: good movies simply vanished from the screens and there is only one Woody Allen for all of us and he can only make one movie per year.
We loved the vanilla ice cream for the advance screening guests- it made Ricki and The Flash even sweeter.
PLAY IT SAFE NEW website very grateful to Ned and Con and to Annette Smith personally for this opportunity
We are all actors in this life and the majority of us try to play these roles in a safe way: - in relationship we try to be loving and compassionate, caring and understanding - in family we obey what the parents say to us and follow their advises. we play it safe to make them happy - at work we play the role of good and devoted employees who follow the rules and avoid conflict situations. - with the others we also play it safe: trying to keep the friendship we are polite to our friends; we are those who rarely say something to hurt them - to play safe we even learn to think safe thoughts so we are innocent in front of god's eyes
But what about our inner truth? When we are in relationship are we ourselves or do we try to accommodate the others? In the family: are we choosing the right path to be who we want to be? At work: do we always play the safe rules or do we try something innovative we know the boss will never like but you know this is right for the business? In friendship do we always say the truth to each other? When are we ourselves? When are we true to ourselves? When the real YOU shows up? It would be perfect if we would be together with the person we love, if we can express ourselves at work and do what we like at work and it would be amazing if our parents' ambitions about us would match our ambitions about ourselves. But in many situations we find compromises to be in balance and something between "playing it safe" and creating.
I loved the music in this gentle and real movie. When you go to watch the film expect something different. The movie is excellent to watch for all creative young people who try to find their true path in life in the most human way.
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL: I AM NOT A HE, BUT SHE NEW website RATE: 7/10 review by Jen Zaman
Naanu Avanalla... Avalu (I am not he...she) – Review 7/10
Since time immemorial, our society witnessed a vendetta between the two genders- male and female; however in midst of this feud something got disregarded- the third gender, usually known as the transgender.“Naanu Avanalla...”narrates the plight of this left-out gender when one is born that way. It is a Kannada movie (from the State of Karnataka, India) based on the exemplary life of Vidya, a south-Indian transgender (played by Sanchari Vijay) as depicted in her auto-biography“I am Vidya”.
Madesha (the birth-name of Vidya) lives in rural Karnataka with his parents and elder sister. He is mocked at by all his classmates for his feminine ways of walking which makes him depressed, and yet there is little he can do about it. He grows up aspiring to be like his sister someday; wear her clothes, accessories and groom up as a girl. Madesha realises it quite early that his aspirations are unlike the norms the society, they lived in, had set. He lives a life full of confusion and dejection which makes him leave his village for the city. This new place gives him his new identity “Vidya” allowing him to shed his old masculine skin and wear a new feminine one. Until now, Madesha felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body facing the turmoil of a blurred identity, and wanting to get rid of his maleness. But this transition does not come without a cost. The movie goes on to unravel the much turmoil and trauma Madesha’s future had in store for him/her, something which he could never have anticipated.
The movie portrays the consequences of social exclusion faced by the transgender communities and how this ostracism spares them no option other than to work as prostitutes for a living. It is a story of extraordinary courage, perseverance and resilience. It describes the long traumatic journey of declaration and claiming of an identity, a yearning for acceptance and freedom from humiliation.
Director BS Lingadevaru is known to have traveled far and wide, in search of transgender localities, in a bid to make the movie looks realistic. His hard work does show up throughout the movie giving it the aura it needed for a superb creation.
It is no wonder that the protagonist Sanchari Vijay won the “Best Actor Award” at the 62nd National Awards, India for his role in “Naanu Avanalla...”
ARAB FILM FESTIVAL: GHADI NEW website RATE: 10/10
Ghadi is one extraordinary movie that you will love and remember. It is so French in the way it is made - you will be thinking about some good French comedies while watching this film: it is the way to offer some unusual solutions to the issues that could only be solved this way: with the light and good sense of humor.
When the movie starts you will be not sure where it will lead you to: it starts in a strange way; the visit to the past (when the student meets his old teacher to ask him life depending questions and to say thank you for what the teacher has done for him) - at that exact moment the film takes off on a different level and unfolds its rare beauty in all its power. What stroke us the most was the moment the music teacher advises his student to accept everything god offer to him with open hearts: even a sick child, to name him before he is born and to start loving him already... and how this life loving person's advice changes not only the life of his student, who also became a music teacher following the steps of his master, but the habits of the entire neighborhood it is hard to believe but we do not have to believe.... or as the song says: when we start believing in miracle the miracle does not have any other choice but to eventuate.
Take the miracle away from the person and the emptiness, the void in his heart will be like the end of the road - no where to go, nothing to dream of...
We highly recommend all our readers to watch this movie as it is a blessing to the soul not only a good story!
ARAB FILM FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA 2015: MAN IN THE MIRROR NEW SHORT FILM website
"People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me." It is a story about a mini-celebrity: Abbas Sharhani, an Iranian refugee who after discovering he looks like Michael Jackson started round the clock training of MJ moves and became famous and it is not only because Ali Mousawi who decided to film Abbas' story. You will not only love the story but you will hear the voice of the soul behind the MJs looks. Brilliant seven minutes story that tells you a life of one talented man and very enjoyable to watch!
This is a funny movie so be prepared for some giggles. The movie is based on the book A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson and I heard it is one extraordinary book. There is one quotation from the film that we loved: "Books... they are like TV for smart people.." I will publish some more quotes later
The camera work is brilliant: the landscapes are so spectacular you simply feel like star walking down the same path with the two old and funny guys.
The actors are a real bliss: Robert Redford is named first on my list.
It is a comedy about serious things: life challenges and your life path in general. You will have a real pleasure watching it especially if you love hiking in nature; you will feel relaxed and you will love your time spent at the movies. But from the other side this movie is so filling; it is getting into your hidden soul places and fills you up. It is full of deep messages and inspiration. There are many new thoughts, idea and images that you will find can change your life style. You can watch the characters growing from one episode to the other till they both part and go back home. The dynamic of the movie is quite good.
There is only one small hiccup that we both noticed: the movie is very fragmented. One minute the actors talk at one place and suddenly they appear in some other location unexpectedly.
It is extremely sad to watch how one culture is killing the other. The more sad part is that there is no solution to this situation. The symbolic messages are very strong in this movie. As an example: it starts with a wild kangaroo, trapped inside the fence being surrounded by dogs and later killed, cooked in the fire and chopped in pieces by the people. The aboriginal culture and traditions are vanishing and people are getting trapped inside a s culture that is strange to them a similar way.
We build national parks to keep the wild animals safe and secure. They live their own lives there, no one disturbs them. Some groups of people are treated in the worse way than we treat our animals. Can they be left as they are? Don't they deserve what they get by their universal laws and rights? The result of someone trying to project their culture's rules and dominate the others is always the same: no one gains anything a[art from power of authority and the opportunity to control more and more. It is complicated already as the process has been started already: these people can not go back to their original way of life anymore nor they can adapt to the new way of life.
The boredom flourishes in this small town , Ramingining located 400 km away from civilization. The only message you hear: "Leave us alone..." there are still traditions in art, knowledge, music and dancing passed from one generation to another but this is so little left as the new generation has its own influences from the modern culture now. It is sad, sad, sad to see how something is dying in front of your eyes. But should I add that there is a very light and fine humor behind the messages and you watch it as a tale of the man who sees more than we all see.
There is also a very strong message about waste. Aboriginal culture never has any waste: what was taken from the land would always come back to the land. The things were made the old way from what nature had to offer: it reminded me my grandma's country house as what surprised me there - there was no rubbish bins: no packaging, no plastic, just baskets made out of canes; all food scraps would go back to feed the domestic animals. the more we consume the more we rubbish our planet, the less we care about our land.
The movie strongly reminded us Charlie's Country movie and its ideas. It is done in a very original way. Just it is sad to watch it as the solution is not offered... May be there is no solution?.. Shall we all talk about it a bit more? Shall it a not prohibited subject, then may be a wise solution of collaborating cultures can come and flourish?..
AICE ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2015: YONA NEW website RATE: 9/10 review by Jennifer Zaman
An extra-ordinary film depicting the extra-ordinary life and work of an extra-ordinary person. “Yona” is a biopic based on the tales of Yona Wallach, a vivacious and celebrated poetess of Hebrew literature. Watching it is like riding in a roller-coaster of a genre of emotions; it holds an engrossing experience in itself.
Yona (played by the much talented Naomi Levov), an aspiring poet, with a troubled adolescence, cares nothing more than achieving fame in the world of Poetry. The movie dates back to a time when poetry was in much demand and considered worthwhile. It was indeed a great era during which literary geniuses were born and nurtured. Yona lives with her mother and sister in a village called Kefar Ono, Israel. The story begins when she somehow manages to get her poem published in the Tel Aviv Literary Journal in the 1960s and there would not be any looking back after that. She instantly climbs the ladder of success with publishing houses competing with each other to publish her work. This could hardly content Yona who yearned for more, pleasing her publishers with all she had. Yona gets into a relationship with one of her publisher friends Amos (Itamar Rothchild), a man with wife and a baby, who leaves her after a short stint to go and work in London. This desertion does not go well with her and torments her till many years to come. She gets into many more evanescent relationships with both men and women but marries none.
Yona’s success is also accompanied by her psychic conditions and hallucinations accentuated by her shrouded childhood memories and the longing for her father, who was killed in the Independence War in 1948. She voluntarily commits herself to Talbieh Mental Hospital and came to be classified as “Paranoid Schizophrenic”. The sympathetic Dr. Luria refrains from prescribing her any pill ignoring her continuous pleadings and inspires her to write more. However, in an attempt to understand the subconscious turmoil of Yona’s mind, Dr. Luria administers her special LSD pills which drive her crazy with more hallucinations and fits. There she falls for a Polish immigrant Tadeusz (Tom Hagi), with who she later moves in and gets impregnated. Her first book completes publication in the meantime and bounds her in happiness. The lust for fame brings back her erratic self and Yona estranges from Tadeusz and aborts his baby. Her life becomes a craft work of her devilish self and whimsical decisions. At the height of success, she also builds a tendency to succumb to criticisms. She proves to be a bad loser and attempts to commit suicide unable to accept negative critics for her second book. Submitting to the vicious cycle of life, she returns to the Talbieh Mental Hospital in a state of lunacy unable to compose poems no matter how hard she tried. With much endeavor, Yona begins her writing once again in the Talbieh. From there she comes out as a healed person, writing like there is no stop.
Yona works on to receive the Hebrew Prize and become a poetess unprecedented in the history of Israel. She dies in 1985 at the age of 41 due to breast cancer which she decided not to treat.
Yona Wallace was an exemplary woman who thought like a man and refused to consent to conventional ways of life. She took pleasure in blatantly defying the norms set in a male chauvinistic society and emerged as a deity of talent, beauty and motivation. Her wayward living set her apart and painted a personality unforeseen during that period. Her person can be deciphered from her own words (an excerpt from her diary) -“The inner self is made of the most delicate materials, the most torn materials, the most melting... I don’t want my personality to change. I am crude and wild and that is how I am...I, Yona, wanted to know everything. I wanted to be a complete person.”
“Yona” is a must-watch kind of movie; it is enriching and brings brilliance to the art of story-telling.
KILL ME THREE TIMES NEW website RATE: 5.10 review by Jennifer Zaman Bohemian Rhapsody Club is extremely grateful to eOne Home Entertainment and Laura Kongvongsa-Patel personally for supporting our editorial and advertising work What a wonderful talent and the picturesque natural beauty of Western Australia! But I should say: the trailer hold promises of a comedy thriller but honestly speaking I was a bit disappointed. The story spins around a planned murder of a hotel owner’s wife Alice (Alice Braga), however, with all the interesting-looking plot and twists, the murder fails and instead the plotter ends up getting killed.
Simon Pegg plays the ruthless and weirdly comic contract-killer Charlie Wolfe who can talk over the phone with one hand and kill someone point-blank with the other. The hotel owner Jack (Callan Mulvey), an overly jealous and abusive husband, hires Wolfe to kill his wife when he discovers her extra-marital affair with a local auto mechanic Dylan (Luke Hemsworth). In the course of action, Wolfe comes to face the fact that he is not the only one planning to murder her. Meanwhile, Jack’s avaricious sister Lucy (Teresa Palmer) and her feeble-minded dentist husband Nathan (Sullivan Stapleton), discreetly carry out the murder of Alice deployed to look like an accident. Lucy and Nathan chalked out an insurance scam making Alice’s murder a part of it with connivance with the dirty cop (Bryan Brown) whose vital interest lies in extorting money. The murder unfolds in three different chapters, all reclining into one as the movie goes further.
The latter half of the movie divulges the mysteries created in the previous flash-backs; Alice’s plan of eloping with Dylan after sacking her husband’s revolver and cash, the design of the murder executed by Lucy and Nathan and how Wolfe comes into the big gory picture. The whole chaos, fueled by too many episodic scenes and flash-backs, ends with Dylan killing Jack and Lucy, Wolfe murdering Nathan and the dirty cop, Alice killing Wolfe, all for no apparent reason (result of too many worked-up minds).
The movie leaves everyone wondering “what was it all about?” Simon Pegg’s variation in this role of a mused assassin fails to entertain the lot and seems like something very important was lost in the movie . There were way too many gruesome murders and criminal minds, which is not really a short-cut to successful movie-making. Was fun to watch but somehow purposeless. I must tell perhaps it was not my kind of movie at all.
We had a privilege today to be part of the first audience to watch the movie The Will To Fly about The Olympic Games aerial skiing champion Lydia Lassila; a beautifully crafted movie created by Leo Baker and Katie Bennie Bender. Please read our thoughts about the movie (we also hope you will love the movie after it is released on October 15 nationally in Australia)
This is what we usually do after we leave the theater: we talk about the movie. I ask Alex to reveal his three (four or five) thoughts depending on the movie. This is what we discussed tonight:
When you hear you will watch the documentary you usually go : eeehhhh... just another one and probably it will be boring again. This is what we thought. Not for a second this thought crossed our minds again after the first picture that we saw in this film. We could not breathe - literally. There was no air so intense this film was. I would say some fiction movies stay way below this story of one strong character: Lydua. The emotions were very close tot the Olympic Stadium emotions: she did it, she did not, she did again , she did not... We both were holding our hands - this is how we felt and how much we wanted this amazing girl to win on every page of her life.
The movie is created with such wonderful skill and attention: it keeps you always on the edge; it is like a spirit, mind and body game. It is so powerful with many strong messages behind the words: you should not look at your self in the past, you always should create Yourself as you visualise yourself in the future... and when the aim is so noble there is no boundaries.
There is the third thought: we could never imagine this sport is so sexy and so elegant! This was the first time the beauty of this sport was revealed to us - thank you Lydia and that you everyone who was part of this creation including Lydia's family!
KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA 2015: A HARD DAY ( 끝까지간다) NEW Review by Dheepa D Awtani website Bohemian Rhapsody Club is grateful to David Park and Korean Culture Organisation for the opportunity to review these movies
A well made action thriller with non-stop flashes of stone cold humor, unrelenting suspense and skull cracking chase between the hard luck cop and the invincible villain- keeps you at the edge of your seat until the end.
Director Kim Seong-hun offers a slick flick with on-target technical execution, narrative poise & arm rest gripping combat scenes.
Australian Premier: 6th Korean Film Festival in Australia www.koffia.com.au
Festival Dates: 12 August, 2015 – 27 September, 2015; Melbourne 3 – 10 Sep SYDN Sat 15th Aug, 6:45PM, BRIS Sun 30th Aug, 6:10PM MELB Sat 5th Sep, 7:15PM CANB Sun 6th Sep, 6:30PM PERT Sat 19th Sep, 4:45PM ADEL Sat 26th Sep, 4:45PM
Director: Kim Seong-hun. Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Jin-woong. Genre: Crime Action Thriller Runtime: 111 min. Korean w/English Subtitles Rate: 7.5/10.
A hit and run case or rather should we call it chase?
Homicide Detective Ko Gun-soo (Lee Sun-kyun) is having a hard day. Ko- a morally, personally & professionally compromised corrupt cop- you would say he kind of deserves it as it seems like the karma is just biting back. Enter : Park Chang-min (Cho Jin-woong) our over the top ruthless villain who epitomes Die Another Day and has no intentions of ceasing the pursuit of getting his mission accomplished using Ko as a catalyst. Despite Ko’s no remorse persona, director Kim encapsulates him as a hero and makes you bank for his win and yes, you would jump with joy when Ko stunts many times to get himself out from Park’s clutches.
The movie spins out with Ko recklessly driving to his work station midnight while being constantly bothered by his sister and teammates over the mobile phone. His mother has just died and the funeral is being organized by his family, he is hurriedly summoned by his chief & teammates as the internal affairs are raiding the office unveiling their collective racketeering and the stashes of bribe money. Amidst chaos hits despair which starts his hard journey. While speeding down pitch-black highway, he swerves to avoid hitting a dog and ends up running over a man. Braving the most conscience-pricking stare from his pooch witness, the corrupt cop actually intends to do the right thing by calling emergency services but a rather inopportune follow up phone call from his sister disrupts and diverts his decision. The sudden (& well calculated) sight of a nearby police van shakes Ko up and he hastily stashes the body in his car’s trunk and keeps going.
Hereby, the proverb ‘necessity is the mother of all inventions’ takes reel life.Ko then seeks forgiveness from his deceased mother as he disposes off the body in her casket (!!!, yes you read it right) and experiences his mind being rest in peace(in literal sense) as the casket is buried down under. Little did he know that with this novel stunt he has actually dug his own grave much deeper. A sudden order makes him & his teammates in charge of a case to find a much wanted murderer who is small time crook with underworld and drug racket connections. Introducing Lee Dwang Min —Tada! That’s the same guy whom Ko generously allowed to share space in his mother’s casket.Which means that almost every next second the bitter truth is about to be unveiled by his teammates as they try to decipher actionable intelligence. And Ko’s attempts to divert the team’s attention and contest their findings will only leave you with nail biting suspense yet laughter in splits.
Just when he thought it was all over, Ko gets a mysterious call from a person claiming that he was the sole witness to the crime, who now begins to blackmail him to get Lee’s body back.That stalker finally comes face to face with Ko as Park Chang-min (Cho Jin-woong) and ensues Ko with the formidable mission. While Park offers numerous gripping turning points, at one point you think get the end in quickly and let someone win once and for all, as the movie gives many finales obeying the thriller law of ending multiple times.
Though the cinematography is punctuated with adroit panning, treating us with breathtaking high-angle and flyover shots of chases and reckless yet perfect-to-the-feel driving sequences, it does a fantastic job at moving us along with Ko’s restless state of mind. The dramatic lens shifting & zolly superbly outlines the oppressively tight closeups of combat & nerve-racking situations against the most simplistic set ups that the film has been shot at. No fancy or special effects but pure mastery. My personal notable call out would be for the tussle in the toilet between Ko & Park, where the director has chosen to keep it realistic and eschews bloodshed- stomach churning ouch! Well, actually many times the chase translates into the one between Tom & Jerry, however a ferocious version where many times you would assume one has almost conquered another & Bamm! It restarts- Like a tap out between count 2 and 3.
Most loved part of A Hard day is the comic relief that keeps spiraling throughout the morbid scenarios. Social satire, political bites and surrealism which gives a rather acceptable shade to Ko’s quirky yet convoluted plans. His attempt to go from one room to another by jumping over the balconies; the key props in his endeavors were a toy soldier, shoe thread, bunch of yellow balloons and nailing the casket with his elbow. We actually might have done the same in haste though(just the elbow part)-keeping the reality absurd but very acceptable. Terminator like Tom and Mario like Jerry-a thorough hilarious, inventive & entertaining case s ‘A Hard day’ indeed.
Remarkably well constructed & written movie. Whether the finish is a happy dawn or a daunting dusk, it is certainly a worth a watch to find out.
CLOCKWORK DOLL DAHLIA RAVIKOVITCH - AICE ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NEW RATE: 6/10 website review by Jennifer Zaman Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful to Erin Jameson, Helen O'Malley and Jameson and Co Marketing and Publicity Team for the opportunity to review the AICE Israeli Film Festival movies
A documentary depicting the life and work of the great Hebrew poet of Israel, Dahlia Ravikovitch (1936-2005). The title “Clockwork Doll” has been adopted from one of her own poems bearing the same name published in 1961. The film stars the poet herself and all the people who were close to her during her doleful and melancholy lifetime. It bears testimonies from her ex-husbands, friends and colleagues who witnessed the trajectory of her life. Each of her poems is a clear and subtle description of her solitude and agony, and nakedly exposes her sensitive facet.
Dahlia was born in a suburb of Tel Aviv and, after her father’s death, was sent to live in a kibbutz (orphanage). This transition incubated the ever-lasting feelings of solitude and drove her suicidal, so much so that no matter how much one tried, it was impossible to bring her back to accept the facts of life. She married thrice and divorced, and yet found solace only when she bore a son during her third marriage. She shared a relationship of close proximity with her only son and derived divine happiness in his existence. This too was short lived, since after her divorce the custody of her son went to her last husband. Dahlia spent her whole life feeling forlorn and dejected, desiring to end her life time and again.
Despite her woebegone heart, she curved masterpieces out of it, putting them plainly in a language that no bard needs to fret about. All her poems revolved around the plight of her life and incidents that touched her. Her writings contributed to the enthusiastic readership in Israel and abroad and Dahlia emerged as one of the most brilliant and versatile Israeli poets. Apart from her artistry, this poet is also admired for her courage as a peace activist, fighting against Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian population in the occupied territories.
Dahlia Ravikovitch was the recipient of several awards, inclusive of the Israel Prize, considered the highest National award, in 1998. It was accepted on her behalf by her son Ido Kalir.
It is interesting that although Dahlia lived with a constant desire to kill herself, she died due to natural causes at her residence in 2005.
This film is rich in its content and is an honest attempt to eulogise the exemplary life and work of Dahlia Ravikovitch. Audiences must keep in mind that “Clockwork Doll” is a short documentary and bears no characteristic of a conventional movie.
PRINCESS - AICE ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NEW website review by Irina Ivanova
“Princess”, by Israeli director Tali Shalom-Ezer, is a complex emotional drama investigating unorthodox relationships within a family. It is a story of a 12-year-old girl Adar, living with her mother Alma and stepfather Michael, who seem to be very much in love. Willingly sharing Michael’s adoration of her mother, Adar fantasizes about romance and passion. Though soon the boundaries of normality begin to blur… The erotic scenes constantly occurring right in front of the girl’s eyes boil up the young imagination and thirst for the sexual experience. The adults openly demonstrate their affection and eventually involve Adar into their foreplay.
Since Alma spends lots of time at work, Adar does not get proper parental attention. For missing too many classes she’s going to be expelled from school, but neither Adar, nor her mother is bothered by this fact. The girl is left alone to decide for herself how to deal with her life. Wondering the streets she meets Alan, a homeless teenage boy, who amazingly looks exactly like her. Adar, attracted by his mysterious incomprehensible demeanour, swiftly makes friends with the boy and invites him to stay at their home. The lookalikes create a deep emotional bond embarking on the explorative journey of their sensuality and desire.
Meanwhile the unemployed Michael, Adar’s stepfather, spends all his time at home playing with the two “princes” – as he calls them both, hence the name of the movie, – and these games start to get overboard. The consequent events are full of ambiguity, erasing the boundaries between reality and play of imagination. Like a stream of reflections, the story flows through the inappropriate connections towards anger and frustration.
I must admit that this movie has left me in very disturbed thoughts stretching far beyond my comfort zone. Pedophilia is considered to be a psychiatric disorder, however the movie demonstrates that the line between harmless attraction and forced abuse is very narrow when triggered by the interest of prepubescent creatures. “Princess” is a valuable outlook on the teenage perception of relationships and sexuality. It is also a warning message for the parents that this age needs more attention and patience since there’s so much confusion in little heads that should not be left without adult’s educative direction. Although my overall impression of the movie was quite heavy, I really enjoyed the crafty operator’s work and delicate performances from the cast.
THE FAREWELL PARTY NEW MITA TOVA, ISRAEL 2014 RATE: 9/10 DVD - kind courtesy of Lido Cinemas PR and Marketing team. website review by Julie Dargan
The Farewell Party is a movie that certainly moved me.
"Their bodies are old but they're still children inside.”
This resonated with me. Many elderly people are often ignored without any acknowledgement of having a vibrant mind and/or body and still have a lot to give to society.
This is a moving story, allowing the viewer to gain insight to the plight of the aged and terminally population.
Dying of cancer, Max wants to end his life by way of assistance (euthanasia), which is illegal in Israel, where the movie is set. Being legal in Switzerland, travelling there becomes an option but Max is too weak to make the trip. Hence enters Yehezkel who comes up with a plan to build a machine that would allow the patient to self-administer their own medication to thus end their life.
A controversial story, but one that needs to be told from the perspective of those suffering and from those left behind.
Funny at times, brilliant acting and a pleasure to feel connected with the characters and understand their pain and frustration.
My score 9/10
IRRATIONAL MAN - BEST MOVIE OF THE MONTH website RATE: 10/10
I say PLUS ONE; one more on the list of Woody Allen's masterpieces... I will also say: it is a modern version of Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' with a hilarious Woody's twist and humor that makes it a perfect classic for tradicomic cinematography style. Before going to the media preview I read lots of reviews some of which were full of appraisals and some were on the contrary - pretty underrating this work. No need to say that it is so pointless to rate Woody Allens' movies at all as this activity will get you no where. Let him talk freely, do not shape his world by your opinion about him please..,, and how can you rate a brush of Leonardo Va Vinci? He loves us and he laughs at us the way only a genius can do with his creations. The discussion is pointless because with discussion you lose that beautiful feeling of the movie, about the movie - talks kill it like words kill the truth; they kill that divine sensation you usually get from a real masterpiece. word has no meaning here, emotion does...
Well, so will start this activity some of us (even myself) will not approve.
Dostoevsky's genius explored the "perfect crime" and noted that the crime can not be performed without faults. There are always small strings that will be attached to the event that will lead the investigator to reveal the criminal. But let's start first with his (criminal's) motive. What are his reasons to kill? He wants to make the world perfect and fair for everyone: he wants to end suffering of innocent people. It is a noble motive, isn't it? No, the reality is far away from the theory for many reasons: - you are not the one to judge - you are not the one who gave life, meaning you are not the one to take it away - your moral boundary gets broken and fades forever - you will not know anymore what is good and what is bad - one crime leads to another as there will always be witnesses, people who can guess and so on and so on - small and insignificant things will give you away, will reveal your crime - the noble motive is a simple fiction: your real motive is your personal egoistic interests - it can be simple greediness for money, it can be just a will to get your adrenaline up, it can also be a possibility to find an interest in the boredom of the ordinary world. It is ego telling you: do t and it will distinct you from everyone else as you will have a secret no one will know; you can now play mind and word games with people - they are so stupid that they will never guess who did it... So his is about the crime.
There is one more question that needs to be answered: why women always get attracted to men who are unhappy and who are not interested in the world anymore - why do they get such load on their shoulders to always become saviors who take upon themselves a responsibility to make some one happy? Is it ego again? I can do it because no one can, I am a soul savior... and what happens nest? We usually end up with someone who is impossible to change. But unhappiness attracts as unhappiness is a simple flirt and is usually used a trick by sick people with low self esteem.
Should I also add that the actors are so brilliant in this movie that only director's Oscars can shade them.
Music is absolutely stunning and surprisingly one music piece is shining so brightly it speaks about the movie on your subconscious level.
Existentialism you say? What existentialism?
Alex simply named this movie in his way: "Woody Allen and His Light Torch". This torch appears in the movie twice only. Sometimes they are small things as we mentioned already that make the "perfect crime" so funny, so accidentally ugly and so defective by chance...
I heard the best actor played Sherlock ever was Vasily Livanov. I have never seen anyone better. I also do not think there is one person on earth who have not read at least one story about this English detective icon created by a genius of Conan Doyle.
We read in wiki: "Doyle said that Holmes was inspired by Joseph Bell, a surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for whom he had worked as a clerk. Like Holmes, Bell was noted for drawing broad conclusions from minute observations However, he later wrote to Conan Doyle: "You are yourself Sherlock Holmes and well you know it". Sir Henry Littlejohn, Chair of Medical Jurisprudence at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, is also cited as an inspiration for Holmes. Littlejohn, who was also Police Surgeon and Medical Officer of Health in Edinburgh, provided Doyle with a link between medical investigation and the detection of crime.
Another inspiration is thought to be Francis "Tanky" Smith, a policeman and master of disguise who went on to become Leicester's first private detective"
Considering the mystery life and full of adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle, his created hero Holmes could be anyone, even Arthur himself and I would not be surprised.
The wiki also says: "Retirement In "His Last Bow", Holmes has retired to a small farm on theSussex Downs. The move is not dated precisely, but can be presumed to predate 1904 (since it is referred to retrospectively in "The Second Stain", first published that year). He has taken upbeekeepingas his primary occupation, producing aPractical Handbook of Bee Culture, with some Observations upon the Segregation of the Queen. The story features Holmes and Watson coming out of retirement to aid thewareffort. Only one other adventure, "The Adventure of the Lion's Mane" (narrated by Holmes), takes place during the detective's retirement. The details of his death are unknown."
That's all we know. Perhaps if we want to know more there is a famous Woodlands Spiritual Foundation in Healesville Victoria run by Garth and Audrey. The owners collected lots of rare material written by Conan Doyle and artifacts related to his biography. I would say Garth knows more than anyone in this world about the Sir Arthur, a person who guides the Foundation and after whom is was named. The owner is medium and I am pretty sure can answer any question related to the late years of Arthur and his hero. But this is for curious minds and for those who want to seek more on the subject. By the way, Sir Arthur was working close to mediums and was interested a lot in the subject of spirituality himself.
Let's go back to the movie though... If you expect tricks, detectives working, Hollywood action, gorgeous women and handsome man, do not go to see this movie - this is not for you. The plot pace is extremely slow and corresponds to the old age of Mr Holmes and sometimes it is hard to watch at some moments considering the subjects touched: mother loosing her children and the old man aging in front of your eyes... but this is life no matter how much many of us do not like to see it. Mr Holmes is played brilliantly by Ian McKellen and he is a back bone of this movies of course. The film is full of British spirit.
I know many of you will find it very strange but it is worth seeing 100%
"Over 70 actors have previously played Sherlock Holmes. Now he's 93 years old and it's my turn." tweeted the venerable Ian McKellen, the man behind the English cultural icon, and brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes, or, as you probably actually know him: Gandalf.
Let's face it: watching Gandalf plays an even crotchetier Sherlock in Mr Holmes is by far the reason you went to see it right? Yes. He even has a hat, but apparently the deerstalker was just a fabrication by the imaginative Mr Watson.
I'll save everyone the trouble, because you just want to know if yet another bloody attempt at re-imagining (and butchering) the genius detective is worth watching, If you've never read the original books, you'll be bored out of your mind unless you like slow movies. In which case you're in for a treat because this one drips at a glacial honey-like pace. Which is an appropriate metaphor because there are bees but I won't spoil anything for you. You're welcome!
Oh, right: introductions.
Mr Holmes is a movie wherein both the central actor and the movie producers are deeply aware of its history and placing in the modern continuum. Holmes' reflections on the difference between his real self and fictional one are sharp and pointed though never trite. In fact, the movie is deeply thought out and layered with complexities you will miss on the first watch through. As a production, it feels enormously and deeply British without the usual modern bombast. It's quaint, a bit like the Shire sometimes.
Ian McKellen's presence on screen and brilliant eyes shine and hold the piece together, which is rare because you don't see Hollywood deal with dementia and senility very often, especially not with such high profile figures. Yeah, you didn't read that wrong. Mr Holmes be cray cray. AND grumpy. It's like they almost don't want us to like him.
It's smart, thoughtful and surprisingly grounded in life. A lot of issues are dealt with and a lot of issues are laid to rest. The producers clearly loved the series because there are references to the history of the Sherlock stories all over the place. There is an interesting play with the mythology of Holmes and the potential reality of what he could have been. Unlike most other Sherlock productions there's no villains, and no grand battles of mind and matter. But there's a lot of Sherlock, a lot of mystery and a lot of mettle. Interestingly, we see a return of the oriental themes that ran through the original stories in the same theme and vein, which surprised me and felt very appropriate. No inhumanly gorgeous Cumberbunches here. Just an old man, his cane and a little boy and his mother.... and some bees.
I'm talking too much, so I'll sum up. The movie is long, and quite slowly paced, laying a fairly complex plot that does the old classic of leaving the clues for you to piece together. Holmes is old but still sharp and witty as ever. It's an end of life story about a man grasping at his history and trying to return what once he had without trouble. If you enjoyed the books there is a lot to like in this one. If you enjoyed Transformers, you are the reason everything is wrong with modern cinema.
I liked it. Ian is a fantastic Sherlock. But it's definitely not for everyone.
But if I were to give it a rating and it were out of apples. There would be a lot of apples. Ciao!
THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT RATE: 7/10 website review by Julie Dargan Bohemian Rhapsody Club is grateful to eOne Marketing Team for possibility to review the screener Release date on digital, DVD and blu-ray: August 12
The movie is the second from the Trilogy series of a young adult science adventure novel by Veronica Roth. Set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian Chicago. The Divergent trilogy consists of Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant.
I had not seen the first of the series (or read the book) but this did not interfere with my enjoyment of the movie. I was confused by a few of the topics but as the movie progressed I found myself being drawn into the storyline and understanding what was involved.
Many twists and turns had me enthralled in the movie from start to finish. Special effects were amazing and imagination was beyond crazy, making this a show that had you immersed in the storyline.
Yet another young, female heroine. Same vein as The Hunger Games, set in a world so far removed from our lives in 2015 that anything is possible! Society breaking down, controlled by a few (who also hold all the wealth). Repetition of themes seems to be the flavour of the 2010’s (or whatever we are calling the times of years 2010-2020).
An enjoyable movie, one this dinosaur at the age of 50 enjoyed watching as did her teenage sons.
My score 7/10
A PATRIOTIC MAN SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 RATE: 5/10 website review by Jen Zaman
A drama based on the sinister facet of sports; attempts to portray actually incidents of doping used by sports-men with due encouragement from their trainers. In a tediously slow pace the movie unfolds to demonstrate the dilemma of a patriotic man caught between his patriotism and moral uprisings.
Toiva (played by Martti Suosalo) is a man with hard-luck and a grumpy life burdened with an ever-nagging wife. An accident sends him to the hospital where he is informed that he carries a rare and potent O-negative blood in his veins that is in high demand among athletes since its higher concentration in the blood can, considerably, improve an athlete's aerobic capacity and endurance. Apparently, the medical practitioner has liaisons with the Finnish Olympic ski team and suddenly Toiva becomes an asset to his Nation. Initially he refuses to this illegal practice, however, when provoked on the grounds of patriotism towards his country; he agrees to take on the role of a blood -dope donor. Toiva begins working in the Finnish Olympic ski team as an equipment manager when in reality he was actually hired to transfuse his precious haemoglobin into the athletes in order to boost their performances. He becomes the fore-runner of changing the losing tides of the Finnish ski team into a winning one. Life springs back at him with perks and other luxuries too. To much of your predictions, Toiva falls for the good natured star athlete Aino (played by Pamela Tola) and happily helps her bring accolades for their once-lagging team. The success of the Finnish ski team in the world stage gives him some more impetus to be useful to his country.
However, after a while, his conscience takes over his patriotic being and compels him to question his own actions. This is where he breaks down and faces the dreaded moment of truth.
‘A Patriotic Man’ is barely adventurous, as expected from a movie based on true events and scandals in world sports. The sound track is equally demotivating. It lacks energy and takes great efforts to stay glued to the screen while watching it
SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 PARIS OF THE NORTH (París norðursins) RATE: 8/10 website Review by Dheepa D Awtani
A calm and composed assault of comedy & drama with a pinch of reality check on fractured human relationships & an eventual dash of courage to come to terms with one, Icelandic Director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson does wonders at this sad yet emotionally satisfying feature film.
Australian Premier: Scandinavian Film Festival 2015 Participating Cinemas: Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay Festival Dates: 22 July, 2015 - 29 July, 2015 Director: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson.
Cast: Bjorn Thors, Helgi Bjornsson, Nanna Magnusdottir. Genre: Dramedy (Comedy- Drama: Icelandic, English s/t) Runtime: 95 min.
Set up in a awe-inspiring and majestic backdrop of Snowclad Mountains in a tiny fishing village of northwest coast of Iceland, the venture revolves around the protagonist Hugi (Bjorn Thors)- a thirty seven year old divorced school teacher who fumbles & retrospects his existence when he fails to answer the question that his favorite student Albert (Haki Lorenzen) asks him about his plans for summer, on the last day of the school.
Hugi has eloped from his city life to dwell in a rather secluded village(total population of around 150) where he occupies himself by diurnal & large scale jogging, teaching, going to Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) meetings (with a maximum attendance of 3 people – Svanur, Richard & himself) and learning Portuguese online. He motivates Albert to follow his heart of being a successful soccer goalkeeper some day, teaches him morals of life and guides him to be a good human being. His connection with Albert extends as he use to date his mother Erna (Nanna Magnusdottir) and they now have no strings attached, only thanks to Hugi’s decision to not be favorably responsive to Erna’s attempts to ascertain their affair a solid one.
Perhaps, the repetitive jogs signify that Hugi is actually running away from his reality of being in a broken relationship with his ex-flame Helena who resides in Portugal evincing his love to learn Portuguese; his struggle to whether to move on in life or not by not giving a definitive response to Erna on their relationship status and he stops seeing her altogether as a reaction; his pseudo-father relationship with his favorite student Albert signifying that he is ready to lovingly accept such a responsibility but alas the world hasn’t offered him yet, and lastly his resistance from alcohol & smoking to be a role model for Albert.
While he is happily consumed by his empty nest syndrome, he gets a rather inopportune call from his nomadic, estranged & beer-loving father Veigar (Helgi Bjornsson) who owns beer bars in Thailand and now out of the blue wishes to visit the godforsaken village & live with his son. While Hugi is not happy about his father’s extended company & casanova demeanor, he is unable to gather valor to tender him a goodbye and accepts his companionship. They often have détentes where Veigar continues to persuade his son to start dating again & have an active sex life as ‘You only live once’, however only to fail as Hugi doesn’t want to fall prey to his father’s footsteps of being a womanizer and then eventually coming back home for good after being dejected of the decisions made in life. His house gets filled with beer can mountains against the back drop of scenic snowy hills.
Bonjour drama! Hugi’s rather solace driven jogs hit a standstill when he realizes that Veigar is having a sexually active affair with his now ex-paramour Erna (only because he let Erna go initially!), the fact stated by Albert of chances of them now being brothers and his subsequent phone call to his ex Helena only to realize that she already has a boyfriend and is enjoying her time at a warm, bright sunny beach unlike him in this dreary gray atmosphere filled with despair.
His outbursts involve tearing apart a terrace he was building with the material gifted by his father and resorting back to smoking pot and alcohol and going childlike while playing sport in the school premises unlike his professional teacher behavior .
The filmmaker has done a fantastic job of showing relationships, predominantly the male psyche through the prism of their alter egos- one where they know what the right thing to do is & to be is but don’t build up the courage to do so, however are dwarfed in their not so happy state.
While Hugi is thumped by an avalanche of feelings that his subconscious gets sleeved with, one morning Veigar gets hospitalized and Hugi offer’s his home to rest and recover until Veigar wishes as Hugi now is turning a page in his life by leaving this claustrophobic village and going on a self realization trip to absorb the ‘You only live once’ mantra that his father kept preaching to him.
All in all, a must point out is the astounding cinematography that redeems the bleak, emotionally inexpressive and virile lacking personalities of the male characters. The sporadic comic relief offered by the dialogues and the assortment of harshly alluring, desolated yet mystic beauty of the perennial & panoramic Icelandic mountains is a sheer treat to your eyes. The director has an excellent command on camera-manship and maneuvers these to keep the movie & its flavour upbeat. And lastly it infectious humming, fun & danceable bass line background score & the cheerful OST by Prins Póló brings in a summer feeling to this not so bright snowy setup. While it is 95 mins, it could have been truncated to keep the audience engrossed but the music makes you feel as if you are reading a book & thoroughly excited about knowing its ending.
Well done Hafsteinn, loved the craftsmanship and the music to bring out the innate feelings of a ‘half glass empty’ state of human beings to the best precision indeed.
A must watch for nature and dramedy lovers.
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE 2015: UNFREEDOM RATE: 7/10 Review by Dheepa D Awtani website Bohemian Rhapsody Club is privileged and honored to Miranda Brown Publicity for this opportunity
Official Selection at #IFFM2015 : The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne,2015, Hoyts Cinema. Director: Raj Amit Kumar Screenwriters: Raj Amit Kumar, Damon J. Taylor Genre: Drama Thriller, Romance, Documentary Runtime: 102 min Release Date: 14 August 2015 Rate: 7/10
Raj Amit Kumar’s feature debut is a bold thriller yet a well balanced endeavor to outline the intense dichotomy of the modern world confined within political, religious and sexual oppression. Unfreedom is a borderline precarious exposition of the twin pillars in our contemporary times - female sexuality & male sadism revolving four central characters. The movie toggles between two distinct and most archetypical cities of economic and patriarchal control- New York (United States) and New Delhi (India) with a heads on focus on violence & sexuality via Muslims and LGBT identities.
The story unfolds with an interlocking narrative, one where in New York, Mohammed Husain (Bhanu Uday)-a fundamentalist Muslim arrives from Pakistan on a mission to kidnap and kill Fareed Rahmani (Victor Banerjee), a peaceful Muslim scholar whose moderate views Husain opposes. In New Delhi, Leela Singh (Preeti Gupta) a closeted homosexual girl runs away from her orthodox cop father- Devraj’s (Adil Hussain) home to escape the arranged marriage he is locking his daughter in. Leela seeks to kidnap and marry her bisexual lover and LGBT activist Sakhi Taylor (Bhavani Lee). Not only does Leela convince Sakhi to elope with her and eventually marry, her contest involves gun shooting and killing Sakhi’s current boyfriend signifying going beyond an undefined measure to remove any hurdle.
Meanwhile, extremist Husain has captivated Fareed to videotape him and prepares to hurt him hideously; Leela romantically possesses, spirits Sakhi away to a dessert where they marry and enrapture each other completely with mind and body; Husain sadistically tortures Fareed with brutal instruments.
Once Fareed is in Husain’s possession, the ordeal takes a spun in bloodbath to such a point that it boils your blood due to fury and angst; and at the same time the girl duo offer consensual sex symbolizing culmination of their marriage. It is only meant for the brave and liberal heart and hence a condensed version of the same could have been welcomed as some could find the extent of expression unwarranted.
However, in all this, Devraj epitomizes the bitter truth of the society we live in. He puts on to work all of his bureaucratic resources possible to get hold of Leela and Sakhi and when Leela doesn’t accept his offer of coming back to the old world and marry the boy of his choice, he goes to the extent of having the girls raped as a punishment of the defiance boldly offered to him.
All the four characters go beyond their absolute limits to possess something that they believe will make them feel free. Both Fareed and Sakhi are admired for their boldness to stand up for what they want to prove is right, Leela and Husain offer the courage to achieve what they believe is theirs. And Devraj taints their venture because it is against the societal ties and fundamentals.
Unfreedom is a brutal battle of blemished reality,a state where beings wish their existence is void of mass extermination, intolerance and discrimination that govern the socio-economic stratum in the name of ‘identity’, further defining them as powerful and powerless.
“This stained blemished light, This day shadowed by night, This isn’t the dawn we had in sight Manic heart, those wanting eyes Pain of burning souls There is no resolution, separation pierces hopes Morning breeze where did it go What is it that we live, do we even know Heaviness sets deep in this Our eyes cannot the sight yet to take flight Keep marching on, our freedom hasn’t arrived”
Do not miss the above climax as it encapsulates the essence of Kumar’s heroic portrayal of a human’s desire to subvert the paradigm and express lack of freedom; a brave cry to defend the cue that they believe could help them set free.
The movie has already received heavy critical acclaim; interestingly the tumult and umbrage garnered in a few countries over its existence is indeed validating its thesis.
Thumbs up to Kumar for its honest and engaging content and a deft juxtaposition of struggle against deep rooted, violent prejudices and religious fundamentalism.
THE DUFF website RATE: 5/10 review by Julie Dargan (DVD screener - kind courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment)
The Duff refers to the Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Bianca sees her world very differently when she discovers she is considered a Duff at High School.
This is an eye opener of a movie. A Duff?
An interesting story line, enjoyable; light and fluffy from the girlfriends, with some deep interjection from the mother, allows this movie to move along. Found it a little slow at times, but my teenage son certainly enjoyed it. Obviously a movie designed for his attention span!
Enjoyable acting, some great humour intermixed with good ol’ fashioned teenage angst.
My score 5/10
SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015: THE RASPBERRY BOAT REFUGEE Vadelmavenepalolainen website RATE: 6.10 review by Jennifer Zaman
An intelligent and witty comedy spun around an atypical storyline. It revolves around MikkoVirtanen (Jonas Karlsson), a reluctant Finn who, after a brief childhood vacation in Sweden, desired solely for a Swedish life above and beyond everything. Whilst he despised everything Finnish, he eulogized everything Swedish: their way of life, the social welfare system, their Christmas, Abba, and even their Raspberry Boat candies. No extent of criticism and dissuasion could deter his love for Sweden and yet nothing could persuade him to accept the fact that he was born Finnish.
He grows up being a patriotic Swede trapped inside a grudging Finnish body. When he could take it no long, he decides to die in the Swedish water. There, he has a chance encounter with a Swedish psychologist Mikael Andersson (Erik Johansson), who, fed up with his Swedish life, too wished to commit suicide. The dual suicide, however, gets aborted and Mikael generously offers Mikko his Swedish life instead. Mikko forges a Swedish passport with the name of “Mikael Andersson” in the bid to live his dream of a true Swede. Meanwhile, the real Mikael succeeds in his attempt of suicide after handing over all access to his life and family to Mikko.
Mikko, then, begins a new life with a Swedish identity and his new Swedish family. He tries his best to behave and talk like a true Swede, bringing references of the Swedish social system and tax reforms where ever he possibly could. Mikael’s ailing mother and temper-prone sister Maria Andersson (Josephine Bornebusch) loathed Mikko at the beginning but gradually Maria and Mikko develop a strong friendship and she becomes his confidant protecting his secret. Meanwhile, Mikko takes up a job as a psychologist using Mikael’s bio-data and starts living with his new Swedish partner Lotta. Mikko continues to be smitten by everything Swedish and leaves no space to display unfaltering love for this country.
In the midst of his smooth sailing Swedish life, Mikko realizes that he has taken a strong liking for Maria and vice-versa. But, in order to conceal his true identity, they are forced to pretend to be siblings in front of their colleagues and friends, including Mikko’s partner Lotta.
Things take a different turn when, during Christmas dinner, the real Mikael Andersson surprises everyone by his sudden reappearance. Apparently, Mikael’s suicide attempt was a royal failure. This invites a catastrophe for Mikko, who is settled comfortably with his counterfeit identity. Mikael asks Mikko to give back his identity so that he could replace one of his damaged kidneys with a new one; the surgery was impossible with this identity crisis because the Swedish laws were rigid pertaining to an organ transplant. Mikko tries hard to channelize the safest plan to help Mikael and yet save his forged identity.
Mikko convinces Maria to donate one of her kidneys to her brother and the threesome travel to Finland pretending to be Finnish siblings for Mikael’s surgery. The story begins to lose its satirical charm here and this humorous flick takes a romantic somersault with Mikko proposing his love to Maria and everybody being served a happy ending; sounds too good to be true!
This story about a national transvestite is appealing and witty at the beginning; it turns quarter bit monotonous towards the later half though.
Commendable performance by all the actors and yet the movie leaves you high and dry at the
The rate really should be 10/10 - I lowed it down because Alex commented that he did not believe a stupid doctor seeing his wife buying expensive things and doing nothing till he was broke... Well, probably some provincial doctors were this way, who knows...
What really surprised me: how close the movie was to the original Flaubert's novel, how precise it was followed episode by episode which would seem impossible in many classic novel screened places... Marvelous work!
Actors deserve a special regard for their ever lasting talent and re-birth from one excellent movie to another, from one character to the next: Mia and Paul Giamatti plus the rest of the actors' crew... Immaculate natural work! During the movie screening I could not help but remembering every word from the book I read so any years ago... and how my relation to Madame Bovary has changed: from pity towards her and excusing her for her boredom and suffering to thinking how stupid some women can be indeed... when everything is given o them already not being happy but finding faults in life and creating their dramatic destiny themselves with their own thought and actions to the extend when all the doors close up for them even the church's tall doors and there is only one way out... Emma Bovary finally gets entrapped in her own thought pattern of hatred towards everyone and everything, the negativity that usually has as I said only one way out - death. It is interesting to observe Emma's dress color changes that reflect her emotional and sexual life: from dark to bright orange colors that stand apart from ever grey and black dresses of the villages... Her appetite for good and expensive life strikes back with financial damages to her household and the warnings do not stop her - this is like she has the purpose to die and she will do everything to fulfill this purpose...
So Emma, you did not learn anything, you still perpetually “standing under an apple tree, wishing to smell of orange blossoms.” ? Yes, your dresses get changed but you are still the same Emma: unhappy with life, bored with your husband, seeking excitement and finding that nothing is changing even the old clock ticking on the wall! ..
My last paint brush stroke - is amazing music selection in the movie!
LAST CAB TO DARWIN RATE: 8/10 Bohemian Rhapsody Club is grateful to Icon Films Distribution for the media invite and opportunity to review the film
I have very mixed feelings about this movie... and can not really decide if I liked it or not... sometimes there are such movies you can not make up your mind... It is definitely a movie to talk about though...
The psychological drama shown in the movie (played brilliantly by Michael Caton) is no doubt very disturbing from one side but from the other side there lots of those moments where you say: no, I can not believe it, it is both naive and "out of tune". From one side you have a chance to see (even on the screen) - sensational Australian landscapes and nature, of the places you might never ever visit in your life... from the other side: gosh... 10-s of dead cats hanging on the tree in the middle of no-where... gosh...
The story line takes us together with Rex (Michael Caton) who was just diagnosed with stomach cancer from Broken Hill to Darwin; a trip of his life time I suppose with all the adventures that he has on his way (and we are there with him) when there are smiles and pain reflected on his face, when he meets the people who teach him and whom he teaches himself. It is an epic drive: it is no sad nor it is merry. It is like a life journey with a strange aim which shapes itself as it pleases and turns (like it should) into an unpredictable ending...
I would say overall I loved the story but I still have very mixed feelings about it... It is disturbing, no doubts! I will say" a must to see for those who have certain life philosophy too... To add to this: I loved the actors selected for this movie (all of them just so right fit!): Emma Hamilton, Jacki Weaver, Mark Coles Smith and I named Michael already....
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE 2015 - JAI HO website review by Julie Dargan RATE: 8/10
Here is my review of Jai Ho...You may not recognise the song by name but you will know the tune when you hear it. I will give you one hint..Slumdog Millionaire ! This movie is a story behind the man who created not only Jai Ho (being Victory) but also many Indian hits, hits the world over. A R Rahman is the man and what a humble, level headed success story. A story of Rahman’s life and journey; the creation of a genius who overcame many obstacles to be the success he is today. A wonderful, inspirational movie I highly recommend. My score 8/10
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE 2015 - UMRIKA website review by Jennifer Zaman RATE: 7/10 Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful for this opportunity to the Miranda Brown Publicity
The movie is set in the 1970s when Umrika (local pronunciation for “America” in India) was a distant dream for all Indians, especially for those hailing from remote villages. The movie spins around the myth and mysteries Indians cultivated about the baffling life and ways of the Americans; be it their events, festivals, sports, food, roads or women.
It is a story of two brothers- Udai (elder) and Ramakant. Udai leaves for America amidst much tears and accolades from his mother and all the villagers since travelling to and working there was considered a big achievement. The mother is obsessed with the greatness of her elder son while the younger one grows up listening to the legends of his brother. Every letter sent by Udai from America awed the whole village and they all seemed mystified imagining the tales of those inscrutable people.
The movie takes a sudden turn when Ramakant’s father passes away and he discovers that all the letters sent by Udai from Ameria for all these years were mere fabrications intelligently crafted by his father with the help of the good old village post-man in order to appease the forever-worried mother. In fact, Udai never sent any of the letters so fondly preserved by the mother and his whereabouts were discreet. Ramakant, now a grown-up young man, begins his quest to find Udai and reaches the city where he takes up a job as a delivery boy at a sweet-meat shop. After his father’s death, Ramakant took it upon himself to continue sending the fabricated letters from Udai to his mother and strained hard to make them sound real. Meanwhile, he tries every possible way to search for his lost elder brother only to find that Udai never went to America at all and that he merely runs a barber shop in the city. It is heart-rending for Ramankant to know that his elder brother was not that great after all and is petrified at the thought of their distraught mother and how would he break the truth to her.
Here comes another twist to the story where Ramakant decides to go to America himself to make their mother’s dream come true. With Udai helping him with the money to be paid to the agent who smuggles the American-dream for a huge amount, Ramakant finally gets ready to leave for the unfathomable country. The climax shows Ramakant being shipped to America in a huge cargo container.
Umrika is more like an art movie- slow paced and pregnant with emotions. Unspoken feelings and talks –of- the -eye replace most of the dialogues. The maker has given profound attention to the details in bringing into life the period the movie is set in. Although the subject -matter of chasing the American dream is not a fresh one, it is the unusual story that takes the movie to the next level. The climax was abrupt; the movie might have been more interesting if it could show forth the life of Ramakant after he reaches America and how he adapts there.
Superb acting by Suraj Sharma (of the “Life of Pi” fame) and can rightly be called the unprecedented hero of the movie. Wish Tony Revolori (of the "Grand Budapest" fame) had a more convincing role to pla
LIDO CINEMAS TOUR AND 8K RADIUS SERIES SCREENING LIDO website 8K Radius Project youtube channel - C;ayton Jacobson media invite - kind courtesy of Georgina Wills/Classic Cinemas Marketing Director and Deveta Patel of Zilla and Brook Publicity and Production
I am still under the impression of this experience of visiting a newly opened Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and 8K Radius film series screening. Eddie Tamir, the owner told us the fascinating story of the old Lido building that was saved all thanks to his dedication to his dream and his passion. Eddie told us that 6 out of 8 (plus the rooftop) cinemas have their own very special history that made this place so unique. It tool 5 years to renovate this place. Was also excited by the original ceiling that was kept as it was when the building was erected in 1911. Each cinema has its color code and the paths on the floor show the way to the ones with a color coordinated pattern. There is so much love put in this place and so much positive energy. There is a a cute area especially designed for the jazz concerts that started taking place at the cinema and run very successfully with full house and great musicians participating. It is a beautiful area full of coffee aroma and yummy snacks - similar to the Classic Cinema but designed in a modern style with historic elements kept. When you visit the place - pay attention at the circle-glass windows in the ceiling - they reveal the ceilings in the hall above the food / drinks area and show the original blue and brown ceilings with original Lido design. The biggest theater 1 is colored red (even the soft and comfortable cinema armchairs are made out of red hew plush) and there is the apparent reason for it - the atmosphere of the ex-cabaret (that was Lido once long time ago) was smartly left untouched... You can feel with your 6-th sense that this place will bring the new and fresh energy not only to the local community but also to the starting to flourish Classic Cinemas chain (Cameo plus) ... According to Eddie's words the cinema will be a mix of art house and mainstream movies and with the philosophy that the cinema team is following (not judging any movies produced be they short or long, comedies or dramas - as they all have their own audiences: eyes, ears of people who know and feel what is right for them...) I can see they are on the right path. With all my respect to many commercial movies I tend to love very unusual cinematography designed for boutique audiences that have a good taste in good art... It was also very pleasing to know that the cinema will be screening the next Swinburn University students and graduates new film projects supporting the young stream in the industry.
I read: "No, my long game is the one I'm playing," he says. "Cinemas over 100 years old have chequered histories. It's like the layered hieroglyphics of an economy, in a way, the layers of success and failure and redoing it, in the 1930s, in the 1960s, and now us.
"I love that. It may not be so commercially smart, but I love it."
and I totally agree with these words... Sometimes money is not everything but the intentions and the good energy put in the community is more than everything... Our experience was not over while we followed bewitched by the stories Eddies told us from one theater to the other, from one secret room to the rooftop until the cinema 1 revealed its most beautiful mystery: the magic white screen... what a story we were told!.. to speak precisely there were four stories making a part of 8K Radius series film. The 8K Radius is combined of short 5-6 min stories about the people around us and the short stories will be screened in Lido cinema exclusively. The short films are about what is next to you and who you never would think make a movie star: tram operation server of Camberwell Tram Depot, a violin maker from Hawthron across the street, an army corporal from Royal Victorian Regiment: Pipes and Drums and one more last and most inspiring story of a blind remedial therapist and a weight lifter (in one person)... I suppose this list will continue on... making the heroes from the ordinary people who work next to your door step: all about their passion and love to what they do, their unusual world view - you may meet them tomorrow and give them a hug because you know know a little bit more about the place where you live about the people who make changes not for the sake of profit or money making but because they love what they do and they create and shape the world around them to make it better for everyone...
What a great way to finish the Lido cinema story today... .actually why finish?... It will go on for sure... Let's be part of it too...
SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - BLOWFLY PARK website RATE: 7/10 review by Julie Dargan
Kristian (Kille) is on a path to destruction. He lived my the sword and died by the sword. This movie had me confused to the hilt but make sure to watch it in its entirety and you will not be disappointed. A storyline that could be applied to any youth of any era; looking for guidance and someone to watch out for them. Standard set, brilliant performance by all actors.
My score 7/10 Julie Dargan RN, ND, BHSc
GETT, THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM website RATE: 9/10
screener - kind courtesy of Icon Film Distribution review by Julie Dargan
This is a very powerful, thought provoking, frustrating (for a woman) piece of cinema insight into the Jewish archaic protocols.
A gett is a Jewish divorce which can only be given by a court of rabbinical judges along with the consent of the husband. Absurd but true apparently. In Israel, where there is neither civil marriage nor civil divorce, for a woman to divorce her husband she must front Orthodox rabbis for the dissolution of her union.
A storyline executed in brilliant fashion, had me intrigued and fuming from the beginning to the end. Viviane is a no one in the court room, only the men’s voices are heard. She turns up to every court session, where the husband decides many a time to abstain, but each time the court favours him.
Would be interesting to hear a male’s perspective of this film. Being a woman I felt great empathy for Vivianne and wondered at her resolve, which was surely tested.
A remarkable film and a must see at the upcoming Jewish Film Festival.
My score 9/10
GETT, THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM website RATE: 8/10
...the sad story of Viviane and Elisha Amsalem's divorce trial The is only one law - God's law... Should we be careful when we choose our Gods to rule our lives? Should our Gods be merciful and forgiving, gentle and not vengeful? Or should they be evil as the laws they create for us will reflect who they are (aka who we are). Should our Gods make us suffer, limit our freedoms and humiliate us by their laws we have to follow? Should the laws show that we are all equal in the face of God. or should they reflect that ugly truth about ourselves that some people have to be better than the others? Do we have to be ashamed by our laws? Examples? I do not have to go far for the examples... Some of them are keep changing representing more and more varieties of basic laws.....and who should write and re-wrote the Gods' laws?,, I was ashamed and trembling watching this movie that shacked my deep inner core of human being... being-ness where only Gods' laws work and everything else is a simple absurd. There is one more thought that followed me for the whole movie... The man swore that he loves his woman. I always thought that loving means letting go as love is the highest expression of freedom. If you keep someone you posses him/her - there is no freedom aka no love. The movie is ending in nowhere as the laws with their plain stupidity should go in rounds and rounds driving people crazy and never develop, never materialize, never eventuate and never grow... - they are not laws - they are the emotionless tools to control something that can not be controlled by words and papers. The story reveals very slowly keeping the audience questioning: why is Viviane divorcing her husband? He is a good man... you do not know yet what side to take and you can not understand on what grounds she is so desperate to leave him?... When you watch the movie please pay attention on Viviane's outfits and her hair styles changing from one episode to another... One more and last note: stunning acting by the main actress and the movie co-director: Ronit Elkabetz!
We all have our stories: some are mild, some are frightening, some are milder, and some are moving... We all have stories as we all (or our ancestors) came to Australian shores long time ago, not so log time ago or just recently. We all can tel stories that are fascinating like live itself... But one side is to tell the story - another and more difficult part is to film such stories, place them in the right light and in the proper picture and give the the inspiring perspective... The producers of this documentary made a fantastic job (and it took them long 5 years) to capture on camera many families of refugees from around the world who escaped running for their lives coming to Australian shores and asking for a shelter in a safer place, yes, safer then their homes: be in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and many others. Their stories, stories of new freedom are not only inspiring and extraordinary, they also teach many of us many valuable lessons: never to give up fighting for their future and the future of their children and families... The documentary is beautifully and skillfully made with lots of words of wisdom and good examples of a very simple working idea: if you always work in the past, the past can destroy and poison you... you should always concentrate on the current situation and create your future with a positive attitude encouraging not only yourself but the people around you with your energy and hope... always for the better...
ARMI ALIVE! - SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL ARMI ELÄÄ RATE: 9/10 website review by Julie Dargan Armi Ratia (1912-1979) was a textile artist, the founder of Marimekko and one of the most famous Finnish entrepreneurs. Today Marimekko is a leading textile company, producing fabrics and readymade items for stores all over the world. Their designs can be seen in places as varied as Crate and Barrel and H&M.
Armi Alive showcases the flamboyant life of Armi in a simplistic setting. Minna Haapkylä stars as Ratia in the film and produces a stunning portrayal. Why is it that most successful, innovative people had an underlying simmering alcohol addiction, or borderline insane, with major insecurities??
Whatever the reason, Armi is the most respected textile artist to come out of Finland and this movie is a tribute to her determination and insight to produce bold textiles wanted by women the world over.
The setting of the movie is in the theatre and is a stroke of genius. To tell the story of Armi Ratia would not be true without a deviation from the normal movie set.
A must see at the upcoming film festival.
My score 9/10
THEY HAVE ESCAPED HE OVAT PAENNEET SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 RATE: 4/10 website review by Julie Dargan Joni is a 19 year old who finds himself in a correctional facility for quite difficult teens as part of his civilian service. He quickly seems to go on the run with Raisa, one of the difficult teens. They go on the run Raisa and Joni are portrayed as two teenagers who do not how to behave in an adult world, yet, as with all teenagers, think they know it all.
This movie was rather frustrating for me. Perhaps I am too old school or simply wanted to be entertained, but I found this movie too slow and drawn out.
My score 4/10
THE GRUMP MIELENSÄPAHOITTAJA SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 RATE: 9/10 website review by Julie Dargan
The Grump is one film you must see at the Scandinavian film festival. To me this was not a story about a Grumpy old man but a man very much set in his ways. A father who did not seem to keep up with the times but managed to survive a life on the farm all of his adult life without need for modern advancements. Keeping up with technology can be difficult for most of us but to be thrust into the modern world due to falling down a staircase and having to live with your daughter in law and son can be a difficult task.
This movie had me in stitches with laughter at times and at other times I was deeply touched by how insensitive the younger generation can be towards the ageing population.
Everyone has something to offer in life, we all need to remember this and this film certainly shows us it is wise to look at life from a different angle sometimes and enjoy each precious moment.
My score 9/10
A FAMILY AFFAIR Mia oikogeneiaki ypothesi RATE: 6/10
This movie is so full of beautiful inspiring music you want to start dancing and singing yourself... NO matter how old you are: 70, 40 or 16 - the music lives in you like air, like your soul. For the Crete family of Xylouris music became more than just a joyful sound. One can see when they play the music becomes a part of the person who plays it. The music pattern never repeats itself, it is all pure improvisation, you can not play the same tune twice; you can play similar but not exactly the same. It is also such a pleasure to observe hos people live their land traditions and hos they respect what was given to them once by Gods. These people all look like Gods themselves - they have curly hair and deep eyes, they have beards and the music that flies from their fingers is divine like heaven. Why they can not see that they are Gods or may be they know... They make the other people so happy, dancing following their tunes, the musicians must be Gods for sure... When this thought crossed my mind while I was watching the movie suddenly the name Zeus appeared in one of the songs... like a magical sign of truth. It is great to observe how traditions are passed through generations from the older people to the green young off springs.
The movie is not only for those who love Greek music but for all happy people to watch!
You will find more information about the creator of this movie and all the actors who play themselves via this LINK
The Secret River is a two part mini series based on the novel by Kate Grenville.
Set in the early 19th Century during the British colonisation of NSW. Will Thornhill (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen) along with his wife Sal Thornhill (Sarah Snook) claims a piece of land, which Will titles “Thornhill’s Point”, on the majestic and remote Hawkesbury River, aka The Secret River.
This is not another series of wronged men from the UK and Ireland being shipped to Australia for stealing some wood, as Will was guilty of. This series shows both sides of the heartache, turmoil and desperation during the early occupation.
Will brings with him an oppressed and impoverished past; a past that is reflected in many other pardon convicts that have also claimed land in NSW. What they have not countered on is the fact that the "savages” , that the aborigines are referred to in this series, are tired of the empty promises and are fighting back for their land that is slowly being taken away from them.
Be ready for some gruelling scenes! This series certainly opened my eyes up to the fear and desperation experienced by both settlers and Indigenous alike. Will be sure to get a discussion in any living room.
Spectacular scenery and brilliant sound track this is a mini series to be watched, and a book to be read.
My score 9/10
THE ABSENT ONE Fasandræberne SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2014 RATE: 8/10 website review by Julie Dargan
The Absent One is a part of a trilogy but do not let that deter you. The Absent One is the second instalment and I was enthralled without needing to view the first of the series. The Absent Ones is a story of rich, preppy adolescents in Denmark. They believe they are above the law, but the law usually has a way of catching up with them.
A father has to commit suicide to get the police to listen to him in his quest to see justice for the brutal rape and murder of his twin son and daughter. A cold case of 20 years prior with the wrong man jailed. Once the case was re-opended, a major pandoras box is unleashed with nauseating crimes never resolved being brought to light.
I loved the clever plot to this movie, you never knew which way it was going until the final end. Was it my imagination or was the present set in sepia with the past set in vivid colour?
As I was watching this movie I felt like I was reading a good thick, juicy novel that I did not want to put down. Long movies like this take a lot to keep my interest but this move had me entranced from beginning to end.