City of God (2002), City of Men {TV} (2002-2005), City of Men (2007)

This is a very interesting triad of stories. City of God came first. Using many of the actors and similar themes from that movie, the TV series City of Men watched two of the young men mature to 18, followed by the movie City of Men, which takes us to what lies ahead for these young men as they reach adulthood.

I would never call these pleasant viewing. Although they take place in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the stories of boys without families left to survive on their own in a hazardous environment, is, unfortunately, becoming somewhat universal.  Perhaps most frightening is that all the stories and most of the characters depicted are based on true life. 

Each of these can been seen by themselves, although together, they create a tapestry of what dire poverty coupled with gangs, and adults, who out of fear or neglect, allow the violence of these gangs to rule the neighborhood. Brazil created some housing for their poor. City of God is a suburb of Rio, while the City of Men productions take place in the favelas, a slum inside the city of Rio.

City of God tells the true story of a gang war. With drugs and guns, the neighborhood is indeed a battle zone. No one is safe. What strikes you hardest is how very young the boys are, especially at the end of the first movie.

The producers had a lighter touch with the TV series. The actors play different characters and the show centers around two fatherless boys who are best friends: Acerola and Laranjinha and their adventures on their way to manhood. They walk that fine line of avoiding gang membership (hard to do, as Acerola's cousin is the leader of the gang)and still being a part of the neighborhood. They go through all the rites of passage, from first kiss to first job.

There are many lighthearted moments in the TV series. It is interesting to see the difference between Brazil and our culture. The police generally turn a blind eye to whatever happens in the favelas. Also, because they are built on hills, the actual geography plays a role. The streets, unmapped, as we learn in one episode, are laid out in a maze.

The final movie, City of Men, again explodes with a gang war. Acerola becomes a target for revenge. At the same time, the story of the boys' absent fathers starts to be told. As they turn 18, they face crucial decisions, most of them forced on them.

Ultimately the shows, especially City of Men, is about friendship and family. Whether it is belonging to a gang, or holding tightly to a friendship, survival must take place with help from others. Without love, we grow heartless and cold and maybe even evil.

On a final note, the young actors from City of Men have said that making these movies and TV shows saved their lives. Without them, their lives would have become exactly what they were portraying.

City of God: DIRECTOR: Fernando Meirelles. CAST: Matheus Nachtergaele, Seu Jorge, Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino da Hora, Phellipe Haagensen, Jonathan Haagensen, Douglas Silva.

AWARDS: Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 55 wins and 25 nominations.

City of Men {TV}: PRODUCERS: Fernando Meirelles, Bel Berlinck. CAST: Darlan Cunha, Douglas Silva, Phellipe Haagensen, Camila Monteiro, Jonathan Haagensen

AWARDS: 2 wins and 1 nomination.

City of Men: DIRECTOR: Paulo Morelli. CAST: Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha, Johnathan Haagensen, Rodrigo Dos Santos, Camila Monteiro

AWARDS: 5 nominations.

Dark City (1998) [R]

A man wakes up in a hotel bathtub in city that is in perpetual night. He has no memory of who he is but discovers a horrible murder has taken place in the room. Is he the murderer? The phone rings and a voice tells him to run because "The Strangers" are after him. So begins this dense, thought-provoking film.

What is going on?  He sees the city torn down and rebuilt every night. Everyone sleeps and wake to new identities. As the man uncovers the mysteries, he also finds he has special powers. And he has memories...

The movie poses some good questions: are we our memories? What is the source of human resilience? How do we survive and adapt from all we experience? What is the soul and where is it?

Perhaps not a great movie, the film has developed a following. It has amazing special effects: watching the city collapse in on itself and rebuild is spectacular. There are many surprises along the way, although the ultimate answers to the mystery is not as original as the effects. Watch this with friends and you will have great fodder for some deep philosophical conversation.

Remember, the promise of this blog is to recommend interesting movies, if not great ones. This one is worth seeing!

DIRECTOR: Alex Proyas.  CAST: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, Ian Richardson, Colin Friels, Bruce Spence, Willliam Hurt.

AWARDS: 6 wins and 7 other nominations.

The Conversation (1974) [PG]

A surveillance expert, Harry Caul, (Gene Hackman) is hired to track a young couple as they stroll through San Francisco's Union Square. He believes that they will be the murder victims of his employer, and he tries in his covert way to prevent the murder. The problem is that there is so much interference in the tape recordings that he can't really hear their whole conversation.

As a person who spies on others, Caul himself is very paranoid. He understands how easily privacy can be invaded. He keeps to himself, and of course, his personal relationships suffer. He usually keeps his conscience out of his work, but this case has made that almost impossible.

This is a very interesting thriller. The real conversation between the couple slowly unfolds. The purpose of Caul's employment becomes more solid. Caul's crisis grows.

One can say that in some ways, due to modern technology, the movie is dated. Although we are all aware of how much better today's equipment can do Caul's job, the underlying themes and moral issues still loom large today. As technology continues to improve, we all have to face the fact that there is less and less privacy. If you have ever googled yourself, you have seen just how much information about yourself is available to everyone. Imagine if someone was deliberately spying on you!

Hailed by many to be Coppola's greatest work, you will be drawn into this movie. The last scene will stick with you for a long time. Many people watch it a second time to really see how all the pieces fit together.

BTW: After you watch this movie, check out Enemy of the State. You will see how Enemy is almost a sort of sequel to The Conversation in many ways. That certainly influenced the casting of Hackman in the later movie instead of Sean Connery as originally planned.

DIRECTOR: Francis Ford Coppola. CAST: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Michael Higgins, Elizabeth MacRae, Teri Garr, Harrison Ford, Robert Shields.

AWARDS: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards. 11 other wins and 11 other nominations.

The Advocate (1994) [R]

Colin Firth, in one of his first non-television movies, plays a French lawyer who leaves 15th century Paris in search of a simpler lifestyle as a public defender in a rural province . However, country life is not as simple and innocent as he thought it would be. He finds himself dragged into political and amorous intrigues, including having to defend a pig!

In those days, animals that caused trouble, especially deaths, were tried in court, just as people were. Because, after all, as the public prosecutor says, "Anyone who knows animals knows there are good ones and bad ones." Early in the movie we see a man and his she-ass being prepared for hanging for having carnal knowledge of each other. However, the donkey is pardoned "without stain to her character." The man is then hanged!

This is a dark comedy. Originally titled The Hour of the Pig, the name was changed for American distribution and cut by 15 minutes. It is still an enjoyable movie, with laughter, romance, mystery, intrigue, gypsies, animals, and politics.
 
Colin Firth is charming, as usual, though it is interesting to see him as he is just starting to carry a movie as the star and romantic lead. You'll also enjoy his many hats!

DIRECTOR: Leslie Megahey.  CAST: Colin Firth, Amina Annabi, Jim Carter, Donald Pleasence, Ian Holm, Nicol Williamson, Lysette Anthony.

Roman Holiday (1953) [unrated]

This movie made Audrey Hepburn a star. It is my favorite of her movies. (Breakfast at Tiffany's is forever tainted by Mickey Rooney's insulting and overtly racist portrayal of a Japanese man.) This was Audrey's first movie, and she earned an Oscar! Supported by the handsome Gregory Peck, this is a bittersweet romance.

She plays a princess who has become overwhelmed with her responsibilities and duties. Presented with an opportunity to escape, she takes it. Her heart is full of wanting to be just a normal person living a regular life. She falls asleep on a bench and is discovered by Gregory Peck, a newspaper man, who doesn't recognize her. He tries to offer her money for a taxi but she refuses to cooperate, leaving him no choice but to take her with him to his apartment. (This is the 50's, so this is actually an innocent offer!)

Free for the first time in her life, the princess turns down his offer to spend the day with her. By now, he does know who she is, and has taken an assignment for an exclusive interview with her for the whopping sum of $5000. Not letting on that her cover is blown, he contrives to bump into her and then she does spend her time with him.

This is a sweet romance. Everyone operates with integrity, and although we may admire them all, the ending is very sad, yet right.

This is one of those movies that originally was supposed to be cast with other actors: Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant! It surely would have played differently with them.

Peck did not want the part, thinking the age difference between himself and Hepburn was too great, but his contract did not give me a choice. Peck was originally given star and solo billing, but ever the gentleman, half-way through the filming, suggested to the director that the billing be shared. This type of behavior was almost unheard of in Hollywood and only added to Peck's appeal.

Hepburn was cast after a terrible screen test. The cameraman deliberately let the camera keep filming when the test was over, letting the director see just how animated Hepburn could be.

The screenplay was co-written by Dalton Trumbo, who was blacklisted at the time and did not receive a credit. Instead, he was fronted by Ian McLellan Hunter. His credit was reinstated when the DVD was released in 2003!

When you watch this movie, you are overtaken with nostalgia for that much more innocent time. Although the characters fall in love, there are no steamy scenes. Instead, we are treated to pure romance. Even the ending is romantic.

DIRECTOR:  William Wyler.  CAST:  Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Tullio Carminati.

AWARDS: 3 Academy Awards, 5 other wins and 11 nominations.

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey (1988) [PG]

Do not confuse this film with the children's movie Flight of the Navigator. This movie is definitely for grownups!

The year is 1348. A mining village in Cumbria, north of England, has just welcomed back one of its residents, Connor. Connor comes bearing tales of the spread of the Black Death. Although this village is isolated, it is inevitable that the plague will come to them. Connor's younger brother, Griffin, is a nine-year-old with second sight. He has a vision that all will be well if the villagers put a cross on the spire of an unknown church that is far away. He also believes that the quickest way to reach this church is by digging down in the mine.

Griffin, Connor, and three of the bravest men undertake this journey. They dig down and somehow reach Auckland, New Zealand in 1988! Up until this point, the movie has been in black and white. But similar to Dorothy reaching Oz, the modern age is in color. Usually this type of fish-out-of-water movie is played for laughs, but instead, this movie is from the point of view of the villagers. The villagers continue on their mission, filled with wonder at what they see.



Although the men do not question how they arrived here, they deal with each obstacle within the scope of their experience. Their first challenge is crossing a four-lane highway. They are in awe of the beasts that approach them so very swiftly and continue going rather than fighting them, as they beasts they normally would encounter would do.

Because of their sincere belief in Griffin's vision and their mission, they continue on. Not only must they find the church, but they must also find a foundry that will make the spike they need to mount the cross. They sincerely believe that this is the only way to save their village from the plague. But Griffin's vision also has some troubling aspects. Will all of his vision come true?

What a fascinating concept! It is said that the director first got the idea when he attempted to cross the Autobahn and ended up stuck in the middle. 

The subtitle for non-American release was An Odyssey Through Time.

The film does have the feel and look of a real Medieval tale. Although low budget, the movie is beautifully produced. The movie was chosen for competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Although won no awards, it received a five-minute standing ovation.

If you are looking for something really different to watch, this is it!

DIRECTOR: Vincent Ward. CAST: Hamish McFarlane, Bruce Lyons, Chris Haywood, Marshall Napier, Noel Appleby, Paul Livingston, Sarah Pierse.

AWARDS: 21 wins and 4 nominations.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) [R]

The scariest horror movie ever made! I first saw it in a movie theater in New York City with my best friend. We spent the last 30 minutes of the movie on our feet, holding hands, and screaming. And no one told us to shut up and sit down!! Although many of the production values are now primitive given today's technology, it is still a very scary movie.

Horrible, but not really as gory as reputed to be, this was a first in horror movies. It is well-made, well-acted, and very effective. Every horror movie made since pays homage to this one.

In an effort to get it seen, Tobe Hooper, the director and co-writer, promoted it as a true story. It is not, although there was a Texas family that indulged in cannibalism, and there had been some disturbances in a cemetery.

Pretty simply, a group of five friends, among them Sally Hardesty, and her invalid brother Franklin,   stumble on a house and disturb the murderous family there.

There was nothing like this before. Shot on a skimpy budget of $300,000, this movie is guaranteed to give you nightmares and make all other horror movies pale in comparison! Don't waste your time on any of the other movies in this franchise. Take the R-rating to heart and don't let the little ones near this one.

DIRECTOR: Tobe Hooper. CAST: Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, Allen Danzinger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail.

AWARDS: One win

Lark Rise to Candleford {TV} 2008-2011 (4 seasons)

I confess that I am a sucker for BBC historical series. This show has captured me. It takes place in the late 19th century, based on the semi-autobiographical books by Flora Thompson. Told through the eyes of Laura, (Olivia Hallinan) a girl from Lark Rise, a small hamlet, who goes to Candleford, the big village, to work at the post office, this is her coming-of-age story.

The post mistress is Dorcas, (Julia Sawalha) who is Laura's mother's cousin. She and the post office are the center of Candleford. Dorcas is unmarried and although she does have some romances, her biggest love is the people of both Lark Rise and Candleford.

There is rivalry, of course, between Lark Rise and Candleford: country mouse vs. village mouse. Those from Candleford tend to look down on those from Lark Rise.  Yet both communities often come together into one.

Of course, there are many characters, but all are real and none are stereotypical.

In Candleford, Thomas who does the postal delivery, is a Christian, and romances the minister's daughter. Minnie, who is lazy, young, and romantic, comes to the post office as a maid. The Pratt sisters, who dress alike although there is at least 10 years age difference between them, own the local dress shop. 

Lark Rise is the home of Laura's family. They struggle, as does everyone in the hamlet, to make a living. Laura's father is a free thinker who often causes trouble with his belief that money does not determine the worth of a person. He and his wife have a loving relationship.
Queenie and Twister are an older couple. Queenie reads tea leaves, and practices herbal medicine and a little magic. Twister spends his days trying to get out of working and into the pub. They are also a sweet couple.

Of course, there are many other characters in this community. We come to know and love them all.

This is a gentle, sweet series. Little stories, a sense of the coming modern age as things such as bicycles arrive, a great feeling of community, relationships that change and grow, bits of humor, and an increasing depth to all the characters, have captured my heart.

The biggest surprise for me was the actress who plays Dorcas. She looked so familiar to me, but I just couldn't place her. Imagine how blown away I was when IMDB revealed that she played Saffron, Edina's daughter on Absolutely Fabulous! You couldn't imagine two more different characters. She does an amazing job with both.

If you loved Anne of Green Gables, you will love Lark Rise to Candleford.

CREATED by Bill Gallagher.  CAST: Olivia Hallinan, Julia Sawalha, Linda Bassett, Ruby Bentall, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle, John Dagleish, Victoria Hamilton, Mark Heap, Karl Johnson, Sandy McDade, Ben Miles, Liz Smith, Matilda Ziegler.

Yellow Submarine (1968) [G]

Psychedelic!! Sit back and enjoy this wonderful animated film. Starring The Beatles, this is a treat for the eyes and the ears. This clever and entertaining movie is full of puns, double entendres, and Beatle jokes. The real Beatles show up at the end of the movie, with souvenirs of their journey.

The story is simple: The lovely Pepperland, under the protection of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, is attacked by the music-hating Blue Meanies. The band is sealed inside a music-proof bubble, the people are frozen into stone, and the land is drained of color (colour, as the British say!). It's Old Fred, Ringo, Paul, John and George to the rescue!
 

The soundtrack is incredible, with classics such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, When I'm Sixty-Four, All You Need is Love, Nowhere Man, Eleanor Rigby, and many more.

A great musical film, the animation was like nothing ever seen before. 

Full of love, fun, music, friendship, and goodness, with just a touch of melancholy, this is a great family film. If your kids don't understand what the big fuss is about The Beatles, this is the way to introduce them to both the music and the sensibility of the times. For us older folks, this is a real trip down memory lane.




DIRECTOR: George Dunning.  CAST: The Beatles, Paul Angelis, John Clive, Dick Emery, Geoffrey Hughes, Lance Percival.

AWARDS: 2 awards and 2 nominations.

He Love Me...He Loves Me Not (2002) [unrated; my rating: R]

Have you ever been obsessed with someone? This movie is about what happens when obsession is taken to extremes. In a departure from her usual light-hearted characters, Audrey Tatou plays Angélique, a young art student in love with Dr. Loïc Le Garrec (Samuel Le Bihan), who is married. Her closest friends do not approve of the relationship, but she insists that Loïc will leave his wife for her.

With its lush use of roses, Tatou's sweet and hopeful smile, and her wistful feelings of love toward Loïc, you will believe that this will be a light romance, but don't be fooled. There is so much more going on here.

The movie begins from Angélique's point of view and halfway through rewinds itself and changes to Loïc's perspective. When it does, you'll find yourself wanting to go back to the first part to make sure you did see what you saw. It's very interesting how point of view changes the whole story.

It is very hard to talk about this movie without giving away its secrets, and there are many for us to uncover. Not really a date movie, not a romantic comedy, but instead, it is an insightful and fascinating film about how far someone will go for love. Even the very last moment holds a good shock. Go with it and enjoy the twists! And yes, it's French with subtitles, but well worth seeing! You'll even learn a new word for your vocabulary...

DIRECTOR: Laetitia Colombani. CAST: Audrey Tatou, Samuel Le Bihan, Isabelle Carre, Clement Siboney, Sophie Guillemin, Eric Savin.

AWARDS: 2 nominations.

Iron Monkey (1993) [PG-13]

If you are a fan of movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers, and Hero, you will enjoy this movie. It was made years before Crouching and is directed by that movie's action choreographer. This movie is pretty funny, with exaggerated stock characters and great fighting scenes that foreshadow the extraordinary feats shown in the later movies.

The story is based an episode in the childhood of Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung and his father and their encounter with the Iron Monkey, a Robin Hood sort of character. Iron Monkey fights a corrupt governor and helps the downtrodden. The governor wants Iron Monkey captured, which is easier said than done, as he is masked, and no one knows his name or where he is from. We learn early on that he is really the village doctor.

After futile attempts by the governor in capturing him, including arresting anyone who has anything to do with monkeys, Wong Fei-hung is kidnapped by the governor and held hostage until his father Wong Kei-ying finds and defeats the Iron Monkey.

This is a fast and furious comedy. I found the later movies to be somewhat pretentious films that took themselves a little too seriously. You won't find that here. This is a simple story, the fighting scenes are excellent and exciting, and the comedy is funny! Check out the fighting scene where everything catches on fire!

This movie is a farce, so there is romance, but nothing even R-rated, and full of fighting but somehow not really violent. I will confess that this is a period piece, with titles, but so much fun that the whole family will enjoy it once they get over these issues. A martial arts classic!

DIRECTOR: Yuen Wo Ping. CAST: Yu Rong Guang, Donnie Yen, Jean Wang, Tsang Sze Man, Yuen Shun Yi, James Wong, Yen Yee Kwan.

AWARDS: 2 nominations

thirtysomething {TV} (1987-1991) (4 seasons)

This television show, about seven friends in their 30's living in Philadelphia, was amazing television when it was first aired. It still is! Centered around a married couple, Hope and Michael, and their friends, the show tried to show many of the life changes we go through in our 30's. The group includes Hope and Michael, Nancy and Elliot, (who are married), Ellyn (note the "y"!) who is Hope's best friend since childhood, Melissa, who is also Michael's cousin, and Gary, Michael's best friend since college.

The various life events include the death of a parent, the death of a friend, someone getting cancer along with all the horrors of chemotherapy, a marriage almost breaking up, getting married, unexpected pregnancy, the decision to have a second child, a miscarriage, a business going belly up, career failure, career change, career advancement, looking for love, and the changing feelings that occur in marriage and friendship. This group of people are perhaps more open with each other than most of us are, but they do get to the truth of their feelings. And although many of the stories are dramatic, there is also great humor.

The acting is truly superb. All the cast were encouraged to direct episodes, which seemed to strengthen the acting even more. There are great moments of acted-out imagination, which was very experimental at the time, although not so unusual today. And there is some amazing and gorgeous camera work along with great soundtracks. Keep an eye on the guest stars, you'll see many familiar faces.

Thirtysomething was also the first television program to show two homosexuals in bed together (although not having sex). Their kiss made some advertisers withdraw which shows how far we have come.

Although a timepiece of the late 80's, the show has not dated (except for fashion [remember those humongous eyeglasses!]) and remains relevant to this day. This is quality television!


Created by Marshal Herskovitz and Edward Zwick. CAST: Ken Olin, Mel Harris, Melanie Mayron, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, Peter Horton, Polly Draper, Patricia Kalember, David Clennon.

AWARDS: 13 Emmys and 28 nominations; 2 Golden Globes; another 15 awards and 30 other nominations. 

TRIVIA: Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig are married in real life.

"thirtysomething" entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 1993, later followed by "twentysomething" as catch-all words to describe generations.

Love at First Bite (1979) [PG]

It's time for a very silly movie! Love at First Bite is a great antidote to the current high school vampire romance craze. George Hamilton's Count Dracula is evicted from his castle in Romania when it is converted into a school for gymnasts. Having nowhere to go, accompanied by Renfield (Arte Johnson), he decides to try the U.S.

And the silliness begins. His luggage (coffin) gets lost at the airport ending up at a funeral at a black church in Harlem. (Holy Jeffersons, Batman!) He discovers, to his amazement, that the U.S. has blood banks! He falls in love with a model (Susan Saint James), a direct descendant of Mina Harker, Dracula's true love. Her psychiatrist (Richard Benjamin) is pretty sure he is love with her, but not enough to marry her. He is, however, sure that Dracula is a vampire, and it is his duty to hunt him down and kill him, even though he has no idea how. After all, he is the descendant of Van Helsing, although he has changed his name to Rosenberg for professional reasons.

The movie is full of references to the old vampire movies. My favorite: in the old movies when Dracula hears the dogs (wolves?) howl, he smiles and says, "Ah, the children of the night." Our Dracula says: "Children of the night, SHUT UP!" complete with Romanian accent.

There is a scene in a disco where the music has been changed from the original. Instead of "I Love the Nightlife," we get a disco version of "The Man I Love." It's a shame because it does change the feeling of the scene. (See how much movie music affects a scene!) If you look around, you can find the original version.

Like many of the spoof movies, not all the jokes work and it is uneven and dated, but the jokes come fast and furious, and you will find yourself laughing out loud. It is also a great showcase for the pop culture of the '80's. If you've had enough Twilight, True Blood, and all the other vampire hyper-romances, this should cleanse your palate.

DIRECTOR: Stan Dragoti.  CAST: George Hamilton, Susan Saint James, Richard Benjamin, Dick Shawn, Arte Johnson, Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Barry Gordon, Ronnie Schell, Eric Laneuville.

AWARDS: 3 wins and 4 nominations.

The Door in the Floor (2004) [R]

I'm not sure why I was so taken by this movie. The acting is indeed superb, with Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger as a couple whose marriage is not surviving the deaths of their teen-aged sons. The title refers to the Bridges' character's bestselling children's story: a hole in the floor that children fall through.

This couple is cruel to each other, although Bridges' behavior is more overt and pointed. After losing their sons, they have a daughter (played by an incredible Elle Fanning at age 4!) to replace them, which, of course, she cannot do. Bridges is a charming womanizer, Basinger is depressed. Into this situation comes a young man, the son of a family friend, to be an apprentice to Bridges. He bears a strong resemblance to one of the deceased sons and becomes both the pawn and catalyst of this marriage. Is this deliberate on Bridges' part?

The movie is an adaptation, by the director, of the first part of John Irving's bestseller A Widow for One Year. As a result, this is a moving, multi-layered drama. All four main characters go through their own process alone, even as they share the same space.

The theme: you may not always hurt the one you love, but you sure know how! I was deeply affected by this movie, it made me cry, yet somehow can't really find the words to describe my experience.

A fascinating movie about marriage, love and relationships.

DIRECTOR: Tod Williams.  CAST: Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Jon Foster, Elle Fanning, Bijou Phillips, Mimi Rogers, Robert LuPone, Donna Murphy, Louis Arcella.

AWARDS: 1 win and 4 nominations.

Beauty and the Beast (1946)

This is one of the most beautiful and romantic movies ever. Directed by Jean Cocteau in black and white, in French, is so worth seeing. It is so romantic I want to swoon when I see it! It is visually dazzling! It is surreal, with a corridor of disembodied human arms grasping candelabra that burst into flame as Beauty passes by, Beauty's tear drops turning into diamonds as she weeps over the Beast's fate, and flowing material everywhere.

There are some comic scenes, too, preventing the film from being overwhelming. If you can get your kids to watch, they, too, will enjoy the movie. The theme, of course, is that we should not care about others just based on appearances.

This is also a movie about love: the love which grows between Beauty and the Beast, the love between Beauty and her father, and the lack of love that her sisters have for Beauty.

It is truly a masterpiece with something for everyone. It is also the most accessible Cocteau movie, who is better known as a film surrealist. In this movie, he creates a complete fantastic world. It is amazing what he created, especially in view of how limited the technology was at the time.

The next time you are looking for something different, with no shooting or explosions, make this your movie!

DIRECTOR: Jean Cocteau.  CAST: Jean Marais, Josette Day, Marcel Andre.

Babette's Feast (1987) [G]

One of the first great food movies. This is a Danish movie about a French woman who was taken in by two daughters of a now deceased pastor of a small religious community in Denmark. The sect is quiet and repressed, with little emotional passion expressed. Babette is a refugee from violence in Paris. The sisters take her in and she becomes their housekeeper, taking good care of them and the other aging members of the community for 14 years. Her only remaining tie to Paris is a lottery ticket that a friend renews for her each year.

One day Babette wins that lottery and decides to spend the money on creating an epicurean feast for the people who saved her. The movie has the most beautiful scenes of food preparation! She pours her love into the meal which is indeed sumptuous.

The movie is more than just meal preparation. We also get to see the past lives of the sisters, including their opportunities for love. The sisters are sure that the meal will be too sensual for their religious sensibilities, and with the other members of the community, agree to accept the meal, but not to enjoy it! Are they in for a surprise!

This is a lovely and gentle movie about love in many of its forms. Food is the metaphor. Don't watch this while you are hungry!

The movie is based on a story by Karen Blixen, who also wrote the story that Out of Africa was based on. It was also the first Danish film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.


DIRECTOR: Gabriel Axel.  CAST:  Stephane Audran, Jean-Phillipe Lafont, Gudmar Wivesson, Jarl Kulle, Bibi Andersson, Birgitte Federspiel, Bodil Kjer.

AWARDS:  Academy Award and another 10 wins and 6 nominations

 

Zoolander (2001) [PG-13]

This movie is funnier than it has the right to be! If you have had any dealings with the modeling business, you will find it even funnier. A real family affair (his father, mother, sister, and wife are all in the movie), this is Ben Stiller as a really dumb fashion model who the bad guys brainwash into assassinating the Prime Minister of Malaysia! He also co-wrote and directed the movie.

Derek Zoolander is a male model with a series of special modeling faces (the joke is that although they have different names: "Blue Steel", "Le Tigre" and "Ferrari", they are all the same expression which is basically him staring into the camera as he sucks in his cheeks). Recently unseated as top model by Hansel (Owen Wilson), he is working on a new face, "Magnum." He is also very disturbed that no male model seems to live beyond the age of 30.

Will Ferrell is Mugatu, the villain. He dresses in bizarre outfits, with his ugly little dog wearing a doggy version of the same clothes. He is the owner of a fashion line, "Derelicte," described by Mugatu as "a fashion, a way of life inspired by the very homeless, the vagrants, the crack whores that make this wonderful city so unique."

I laughed hard throughout the movie, except for a strange orgy scene with Zoolander, Matilda (Christine Taylor, Stiller's wife), and Hansel. It's the only jarring note and is responsible for the PG-13 rating.

There are tons of celebrity cameos, so keep your eyes open for Cuba Gooding Jr., Winona Ryder, David Bowie, Donald Trump, Christian Slater, Natalie Portman, and many high fashion names.

There are some real standout moments: the walk-off between Zoolander and Hansel, the boys at the gas station having so much fun "washing" the car, Zoolander's inability to turn left, those funny faces of his, and those dog outfits. Yes, this is stupid funny, but it is funny!!!

DIRECTOR: Ben Stiller  CAST: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Jerry Stiller, David Duchovny, Jon Voight, Judah Friedlander.

AWARDS: 1 win and 9 nominations.

The Other (1972) [PG]

Back when The Exorcist was on the best-seller list, there was another book on the list that also had a sense of the supernatural to it: The Other by Thomas Tryon. A little overshadowed by The Exorcist, The Other did quite well and it, too, was turned into a movie.

This is an eerie psychological thriller about two twin boys, Niles and Holland. Niles is the good one and Holland the bad one who is always up to trouble. Their father has died recently, their mother is a recluse in mourning, and their grandmother (played by Uta Hagen) who lives with them is the one who gives them the most attention. Niles seems to be her particular favorite and she has taught him to project himself outside of himself, such as becoming the bird he sees. She calls this "the great game."

Bad things start to happen. There are deaths, accidents, and disappearances. The boys seem to be involved, but how?

The author, Tryon, also wrote the screenplay, changing the ending. Whereas the book is a good read, the different ending in the movie makes it all more ironic.

I don't recommend this if you have any 11-year-old boys at home. Everyone else should enjoy the little shivers they get from this movie. This is a thriller, not a gory chop 'em up, but more like The Sixth Sense. And check out the book!

DIRECTOR: Robert Mulligan.  CAST: Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, Chris Udvarnoky, Martin Udvarnoky, Norma Connolly, Victor French, Portia Nelson, John Ritter.

AWARDS:  1 win.

Windwalker (1980) [PG]

Not your typical western nor a cowboys and Indians movie. Instead, this is a lovely and often funny Native American story, great for family viewing. The PG rating is due to violence, so it is probably not good for the very young.

Windwalker, an old Cheyenne man, decides it is a good day to die as his tribe prepares to leave for winter camp. His family stays behind to prepare him for death, while Windwalker starts to tell them the story of his past. He recounts falling in love and earning his bride.

The family places him on the high scaffold which is the Cheyenne custom for burial. Believing he has died, they continue on to winter camp.

After a while, Windwalker is surprised to wake up and find himself still alive. He begins his trek to join his family, making narrow escapes from the dangers of the wilderness. He continues to remember his past, and the story of his wife and sons.

During this time, his family has been ambushed and his son injured by a band of Crow, enemies of the Cheyenne. They find some shelter and try to figure out what to do next.

There is a very happy ending to the story. Windwalker's past is resolved with his family's help. There are surprises, both funny and heartwarming.

There are some really special things about this movie. First, there are no white men. This is not a story of the destruction of the Native Americans, but rather a story where all the characters are Cheyenne or Crow. The only English we hear is the narration and Windwalker's thoughts. All other speaking is in tribal languages (with titles).

The one glaring problem is that in a movie that really attempts to be a faithful depiction of Native customs and pay honor to their culture, Windwalker is portrayed by Trevor Howard, who is British! (They had to dub his narration due to his English accent!) The only other white actor is James Remar, who plays Windwalker as a young man. All the other roles are played by Native Americans. Howard is not awful, but you can't help but wonder why they didn't use one of the excellent older Native American actors.

The movie does pay careful attention to details of culture, language, costuming, and age-old traditions. The scenery, which is in Utah, is gloriously beautiful. Windwalker has the distinction of being named the #1 anthropological film of all time in an early 1990s poll of the American Anthropological Association.

DIRECTOR: Kieth Merrill. CAST: Trevor Howard, Nick Ramus, Serene Hedin, Dusty Iron Wing McCrea.

AWARDS: 1 win.

The Gods Must Be Crazy (1981) [PG]

This is a very funny movie. Three stories intertwine, along with culture clashes and jungle animals. This is a romance, adventure, anthropological study, travelogue, and comedy all rolled into one!

The movie starts out slowly, seeming to be a documentary. Don't be put off, just keep watching. I promise you will enjoy this!

A young woman in South Africa, tired of the big city rat race, arrives at a remote village to teach. She encounters a shy bumbler of a young scientist who is studying the local animals and tries his best to make her feel welcome.

At the same time, a Bushman has decided that the Coca-Cola bottle that fell from the sky is not really a blessing. He is going to go to the edge of the earth to return it to the gods, who must be crazy, since they sent only one bottle, and for the first time there is jealousy and dissension in the tribe. He encounters modern civilization for the first time.

There is also a band of guerilla fighters who are pursued by the military, adding some real suspense and danger to the movie. Along with some very brief nudity and adult language, it is this part that earned the movie its PG rating.

A big hit when first released, it played in the theaters for almost three years, and was for a long time the highest grossing foreign film ever released in the US. Some of the production values are primitive and there are some jerky editing moments, but somehow those just add to the fun.

There were many conflicting and maybe fictional stories about the lead actor who is a real Bushman. My favorite is the story that when N!xau was paid in money, he just let it fly away since he didn't understand what money was good for. The producers felt bad and asked him what he might want instead. He answered, "I've heard that a cow is a good animal." It was easy enough for the producers to give him four cows. A few weeks later, someone asked him how the cows were. He grinned and said, "Very easy hunting!"

If you enjoy slapstick, jungle animals, silly romances, and learning about other cultures, this is the movie for you!

DIRECTOR: Jamie Uys.  CAST: Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo, N!xau, Louw Verwey, Michael Thys.

AWARDS: 2 wins and 1 nomination.

Tom Jones (1963) [unrated; my rating: PG-17]

One of the most critically acclaimed movies of its time, this movie is a romp.  An English costume comedy, this movie tells a lusty story of a young man of less than savory beginnings who is forced out to find his place in the world. The movie is full of the usual misadventures and coincidences, but this is not your usual Masterpiece Theater. This is a bawdy movie, even by today's standards!

Albert Finney has a ball as Tom Jones in the role that made his career. Susannah York (who passed away earlier this week) is simply gorgeous as Tom's innocent, true love, Sophie(She turned the part down three times before she finally signed on.). Both Lynn Redgrave and David Warner made their film debuts. Everyone goes at it full blast and great fun is had by all.

This movie also had some unusual film techniques for its time. It starts out as a silent movie! At times the characters break the fourth wall and speak to the audience. There is even a time when Tom notices the camera and covers the lens to hide the proceedings.

Tom Jones also boasts the most lusty meal ever eaten on screen! As Tom and Mrs. Waters eat their meal, they stare deeply into each others eyes. They tear at their food, enjoying every single mouthful, doing to the food what we know they will soon be doing to each other.

Don't be put off by the fact that the movie is almost 50 years old. There is nothing old-fashioned here except for the time period depicted. Watch it with your partner and see if you can resist each other after the food scene!

DIRECTOR: Tony Richardson.  CAST: Albert Finney, Susannah York, Hugh Griffith, Edith Evans, Joyce Redman, Diane Cilento, Joan Greenwood, David Tomlinson, Peter Bull, David Warner.

Won 4 Oscars. Another 17 wins and 17 nominations.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) [R]

Original, confusing, amazing, romantic, sad, funny movie about love and memory. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, play against type and deliver wonderful performances. Written by Charlie Kaufman, you know it's going to be a crazy ride.

After a bad breakup, Clementine decides to undergo a process where all her memories of Joel will be erased. When Joel finds out, he decides to do the same. Most of the movie takes place inside Joel's mind as he goes through the procedure. The result is dreamy, in reverse time sequence, and full of surprises.

It also turns out that the employees of the company which performs the memory erasure are all pretty self-serving and affect what happens to Clementine and Joel.

The movie is out of time sequence, so keep track by the color of Clementine's hair which at various times is blue, orange, red, or green. 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes a look at the love relationship. Is it inevitable that relationships go through ups and downs? When do we stay and when do we give up? Are we fated to find each other? Are we our memories and who are we without them?

Watch with someone you love...

DIRECTOR: Michel Gondry.  CAST: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Adams, David Cross, Deirdre O'Connell.

AWARDS: Won Oscar. Another 38 wins and 50 nominations.

Jump Tomorrow (2001) [PG]

A sweet little indie movie, Jump Tomorrow has a European sensibility to it. Although it takes place in upstate New York, most of the characters are from other countries.

Shy George (Tunde Adebimpe), a Nigerian, is about to take part in an arranged marriage. On his way to his wedding, he comes across Gerard (Hippolyte Girardot), a Frenchman, who is about to jump off the roof to kill himself because he has been turned down on his marriage proposal. George suggests he jump tomorrow, which becomes the theme of the movie.

George also meets Alicia (Natalia Verbeke), a Spanish woman. For him, it is love at first sight. He can't stop thinking about her and imagines her and himself in funny, overdramatic romantic scenes from novellas. Ever the romantic, Gerard convinces George to follow Alicia, although she is traveling with her boyfriend. Will George win Alicia's heart?

This is an enjoyable movie. You will find yourself smiling as you watch, and still smiling hours after it is over. It is fun to watch the various cultures as both Alicia and George are traveling to their families and communities. This is a comedy, light and frothy, very different from the usual romantic comedies put out by Hollywood.

DIRECTOR: Joel Hopkins.  CAST: Tunde Adebimpe, Natalia Verbeke, Hippolyte Girardot, James Wilby, Patricia Maureci, Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

AWARDS: 3 wins and 6 nominations.

Frailty (2002) [R]

This is a great, creepy movie, with a huge twist at the end. Bill Paxton, directing for the first time, plays Dad, a widower with two young sons. One day he tells them that he has received a vision from God. He has been tasked to destroy demons. Is he insane? His "tools" come to him in a way with mystical overtones.

It seems that Dad can tell if someone is a demon by shaking hands. Once he finds one, he believes he must fulfill his mission. He drags his sons with him on these missions, where they witness terrifying deeds. Remarkably, he is never caught.

The movie starts with one of the brothers, now grown up, going to the FBI to report that he believes his brother is the serial killer who is called God's Hand. He tells his story in flashbacks and when he is finished, the story gets even more exciting.

I am not really a fan of horror movies. I cover my eyes when there is blood, and I never appreciate that trick they do with someone jumping out unexpectedly. This is movie is not really part of that genre. It tells a gruesome story, but throws enough doubt that you are not sure if Dad is insane or really doing God's work.

I love twists and turns in my movies. I like when movies try to trick us and then surprise us with what is really going on. This movie does that excellently. Paxton did a great job with his first stint as a director!

DIRECTOR: Bill Paxton.  CAST: Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe, Matt O'Leary, Luke Askew, Jeremy Sumpter, Derk Cheetwood, Melissa Crider.

AWARDS: 3 wins and 8 nominations.