9 April 2021. By Neptune In my exasperation last week, I had written, “I give up now.” I may have been exaggerating, though a kind reader took it seriously and wrote me not to give up nor lose courage and continue on into the Covid haze, finding new outlets for films and such… I shall […]
Film: a young Russian dancer who leaves for France
18 November 2016. POLINA – DANSER SA VIE *** (vo Russian, French) A young girl takes up ballet at the prestigious Bolshoi in Moscow, reluctantly at first, then with growing ardor thanks to a charismatic teacher. The mood is very Russian – grueling work, little gratification, dedicated parents. Polina perseveres, gets a chance to go to […]
Film: The man who knew infinity – a poor indian genius who went to Cambridge
11 November 2016. THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY **** Traditional, poverty-stricken India in the early 20th century. A self-taught, mathematical genius who manages to be noticed and is finally invited by a renowned British scholar to Cambridge. The glorious history and halls of the hallowed university. Grey, cold England during WWI. A deep, mutual friendship and […]
Film: I, Daniel Blake – heart-wrenching winner of the Palme d’ Or
28 October 2016. I, DANIEL BLAKE ***1/2 This year’s Palme d’ Or winner at Cannes is one of the most heart-wrenching films you are likely to see. But it is worth your time and heartache, as it’s yet another fine social commentary from the esteemed English director, Ken Loach, who specializes in capturing and honoring the […]
Film: Deepwater Horizon – true story of worst and lengthiest oil spill in U.S. history
14 October 2016. DEEPWATER HORIZON *** A true story. A gigantic oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The worst and lengthiest oil spill in U.S. history. 11 men killed. BP and Transocean as the greedy giants they were. And exceptional heroism under terrifying conditions. You wouldn’t be wrong if you took this for a Hollywood […]
Film: Hell or high water – a tragic, wise, tale of two reckless bank robbers
7 October 2016. HELL OR HIGH WATER (Comancheria) **** This gripping road movie opposing two reckless bank-robbing brothers (the intense duo of Chris Pine and Ben Foster) and a crusty Texas sheriff (the always brilliant Jeff Bridges) is directed, of all people, by a Scottish Brit. David Mackenzie is an expert at such atmospheric films as […]
Film: The Beatles – Howard takes us on a thrilling ride through the Beatles’ career
16 September 2016. THE BEATLES – 8 Days A Week – The Touring Years *** Most of us have never seen the Beatles performing live, so this is the closest we’ll ever get to the legendary group that rocked England and then the world between 1962 and 1966, their touring years. Director Ron Howard (“Apollo 13”; […]
Film: Goodbye Europe – a film that will stay in your heart and mind
2 September 2016. STEFAN ZWEIG – ADIEU L’EUROPE ***1/2 (vo German, French, etc.) There are films that stay in your heart and mind. Because of their subject, the beauty of the cinematography, the acting, but above all because they both enlighten and touch you deeply. And often because they reflect what is happening today. This biopic […]
Film: A strange magical film that should have won the Palme d’Or
26 August 2016. TONI ERDMANN **** (vo German) This surprising and innovative story from Germany, about a curious father/daughter relationship, was the biggest hit of the 2016 Cannes film festival. After years of exclusion from Cannes (except for the occasional Wim Wenders work), this German film by the vivacious Maren Ade showed there is tremendous talent, […]
Film: the kids teach their parents a thing or two in: C’est quoi cette famille?
12 August 2016. This week’s releases are French and German, and why not, for we are after all living in the heart of Europe, aren’t we? And they are excellent ones, so take your pick or see all three, for you will be amused, moved and enlightened, respectively. C’EST QUOI CETTE FAMILLE ? *** (vo French) […]
