Le Passager

France 2005

Poster and details unifrance

Seen 16 June 2007

Thomas tries to forge a life of his own in Paris but the death of Richard, his elder brother, brings back painful memories. The stay in his old hometown and encounters with those who have touched Richard's life made him realise that the past has to be buried and let go. Life has to continue on its course and those memories, the good and the bad, are just that. Memories.

We are all passengers in this journey.

Memories of Matsuko

Japan 2006

Poster and details twitchfilm

Seen 15 June 2007

The opening sequences of a film will usually determine whether I fall in love or just treat a film as another run of the mill product of the movie industry. In this case, I was hooked from the start. I had some doubts when I saw that the film will run for more than two hours and it is in Japanese. I was not disappointed as the subtitles helped convey the story line adequately. The story of an individual who has embraced life to the maximum.

She has given herself to others without any expectation of a return. Heart warming, empowering message despite the downs that Matsuko suffered on numerous occasions throughout her life. Special mention must be recorded on the fantastic overall art direction. A delightful mish mash of the 1930s or 1940s musicals and the MTV style of a three minute music video.

Gloriously satisfying watch.

Crazy Stone

China 2006

Poster and details moviexclusive

Seen 15 June 2007

A farce with bumbling detectives and thieves. We don't get a laugh a minute film but instead human foibles and greed are highlighted. It can be a disturbing thought to realise that men are always in pursuit of material wealth. The end justifies the means. There was one character who uses the wealth in pursuit of love. In his case, more of the leery physical version of love.

In contrast the good guy's love for his girl friend seems so pure and innocent. The best of luck to them if they happen to be in the real world.