Brides

Greece 2004

Picture and details abc

Seen 16 September 2006

A love that is not meant to be. Norman Harris, an out of job photographer meets Niki, a Greek mail order bride on the ship going to New York. She is among 700 mail order brides from Greece and other parts of impoverished Europe during the 1920s sailing the Atlantic on their journey to meet their intended husbands. Niki, the main character in the film, is herself a substitute bride, replacing her younger sister who came back to Greece. Niki is a very proud woman, committed to her task, upholding the family name despite her feelings towards Norman. We also get a glimpse of the shenanigans of those in power over the lives of these women. There are also some who turn a blind eye to the tragic fate endured by some of the mail order brides. They live by the philosophy that a few sacrificial lambs is a necessary evil in order for the flock to survive. The most memorable scene to me is when Norman tries to lace up Niki's shoes. The focus on the shoe laces undone, Norman's hesitant hands, the shoes withdrawn under Niki's skirt, the shoes coming out again. Ahhh, love.

Did I also mention the soundtrack, a haunting solo violin in some parts, accompanied by piano in other scenes. There is also the oud played by one of the brides and most often accompanied by an ethereal voice lamenting love lost and those left behind. Tagline: It's not a punishment to remember someone you love. The punishment is to forget him.

Dreamer

USA 2005

Picture imdb
Details dreamer

Seen 3 September 2006

Feel good movie. The film focuses on three generations coming to terms with each other. Cale Crane (Dakota Fanning) is the daughter of Ben Crane (Kurt Russell), a horse race trainer. Ben Crane himself had made some career mistakes in the past and has an uneasy relationship with his own father Pop Crane (Kris Kristofferson). Their lives change when they nurse an injured race horse back to championship condition. The job of looking after the horse brings all of them closer together. There were some flare-ups between the three of them before the final race, but the race itself sees all three giving full support to each other.

Clean

France/USA/UK 2004

Picture and details imdb

Seen 2 September 2006

Maggie Cheung plays an ex-addict who tries to straighten her life so that she'll be able to be a real mother again to her young son. The whole film depends a lot on this one character and Maggie Cheung carries the role well. That was a biased statement as I've been besotted by this actress since I saw her in 'Centre Stage' and 'In the mood for love'. The whole persona of the struggling woman who tries and stumbles often in her quest to get her son is done without excesses. A very understated approach is effective in this context as the director does not aim to show the real nitty gritty of the drug addicts life. But what we have is more the emotional undercurrents that is reflected in most scenes especially when the mother confronts the son. The supporting cast does a commendable job making the whole film a joy to watch.

Me and you and everyone we know

USA 2005

Picture imdb
Details meandyoumovie

Seen 1 September 2006

Quirky in a nice way. Of course it is entertaining since the plot does revolve around love. My Achilles heel. Christine is an aspiring artist and a cab driver who falls for Richard, a recently separated salesman. Richard himself has his hands full trying to juggle his new found situation as a single father to two young boys and the new love interest. Add to this plot, an arts gallery owner who does not seem to appreciate Christine's talents at first, Richard's neighbour who gets his kicks from two teenage girls as well as Richard's own boys who are cyberspace veterans. The title of the story refers to the a picture done by the elder of the two young boys. Symbols of their position in life and the world at large. Ordinary people. Ordinary life. But extraordinary since it is their life and their chosen path. A path that may well be the same for others too.

United 93

USA 2006

Picture and details united93movie

Seen 1 September 2006

The only flight that did not reach its target during the 9/11 incident. This film will most probably perpetuate the perception that Islam promotes violence where the end justifies the means. It is a sad commentary on Islam whereas the true teachings have never mentioned sacrificing innocent lives in the name of religion. The film also shows how the human survival instinct surfaces time and again in the face of adversity. Unfortunately in this case, the outcome was not a triumph. The film maker must be commended for bringing forth a sensitive subject which is still fresh in most people memories.

The wind that shakes the barley

Britain 2006

Picture and details britishfilms

Seen 31 August 2006.

The English are cruel. That is the first impression I get from the first scenes. I guess that will apply to all masters looked at from the point of view of the servants. The film focuses on Damian who gets involved during the early years of the Irish Republican Army. He was reluctant at first since he had ambitions to further his career as a doctor in London. But the death of his friend started the ball rolling and he becomes an ardent supporter of the cause. He even shot a young man whom he knew as a child but was condemned as a traitor to the revolution. Damian's fate at the end was a reflection of his conviction in his beliefs to the ideals of the movement. This film should be seen by all especially those in power over others irrespective of whether it was justified or not in the beginning. The conquered will always have that ill-feeling towards their masters. That grudge will be hardened and revenge will be the only keyword recognised when the masters show no humanity in dealing with the issues. Man want to be free. A basic need to carve their own destiny.