Cars

USA 2006

Picture and details imdb

Seen 24 June 2006

No man is an island. The most brilliant did not have that status bestowed on them simply through their own efforts. Others had a part in making an entity reach the top of its field. This story encapsulates the principle brilliantly. The animation action sequences moves the audience to root for the hero of story. The love story and the feel good vibes from the friends who rallied to support the hero in his times of need emphasized the point that everyone needs someone sometime in their lives. This is a fun watch with multiple massages on very level of the human need for love, kindness and understanding from others in our journey through life.

Men's heart - Le coeur des hommes

Country France 2003

Picture and details imdb
Seen 3 June 2006

Engrossing in some parts. A film on four men in their 50's. Alex sleeps around but swears profusely to his wife that he is ever faithful to her and the family. Manuel finds a new love after the death of his father. Antoine has a twenty something girlfriend who has given him a new take on life. Jeff has just found out that his wife has cheated on him.
The four are the best of friends. Usually they will not interfere with the others' private lives save for a few tangential jokes. Sometimes one of them crosses the line and there is a shift in the status quo. They try to help each other but in the end the individual himself has to decide the best course of action.

Saint Ange

Country France 2004

Picture and details imdb

Seen 3 June 2006

Satisfying horror mystery film. Saint Ange, an orphanage has to be closed after one of the students was found dead. Anna comes into the picture and tries to find the real reasons behind the happenings at the school. There are bumps in the night galore.
The actress who plays Anna is mesmeric in the way she shows the curious streak inherent in everyone. She doggedly pursues every clue to enlighten her about the mysterious place. She did succeed in her own fashion but at what a price.
The film version I saw has been dubbed in English. Some sentences seem awkward and stilted. I much prefer if the film retained the French and let me just read the subtitles.

The beat that my heart skipped - De battre mon coeur s'est arrete

Country France 2005

Picture and details imdb

Seen 3 June 2006

Thought provoking. The beat refers to the latent musical talent of Thomas. He works for the real estate thugs, terrorising squatters or those who are late in paying their rent. He is also involved in schemes to make profit from unsuspecting property owners. Thomas also helps to cover up for his friend who has extra marital affairs and flings. But this gives rise to an affair between Thomas and his friend's wife.
A chance encounter with his mother's concert manager rekindles his love for music. He practices daily with a pianist from Beijing. The story from this point onwards shows the interplay of his daily work, the piano practice for an upcoming audition, the love affair and also his relationship with his father.
Towards the end we see how he handles the different aspects of his life and the choices that had to be made. Dilemmas. Questions. I'm not sure the solution on screen is the right one for everyone.

The Great Challenge - Les Fils du Vent

Country: France 2004

Picture and details unifrance

Seen 3 June 2006

Engrossing. Martial arts genre but seems to highlight rhythmic or artistic gymnasts strutting their stuff all over town - Bangkok. Six guys with the noble aim of opening a gymnasium for the less fortunate children get caught in between a royale battle between the triad and the yakuza. Add to that mix a brother/sister team who are outcasts because they are mixed parentage.
The fight sequences seems so fluid that it looks like a well rehearsed ballet but some of them were a bit too long. The philosophical and love angle is given just a cursory glance. Very little blood spilt so those who want their daily dose of gore and mayhem would be disappointed.