Shanghai Dreams

China 2006

Poster and details seattlefilm

Seen 12 October 2007

My nominee for one of the ten best films I've seen in 2007. Simple story line but the script, acting and direction make this a very satisfying outing. The film is set in 1980s China. The main focus is on a family who has been relocated to the countryside as part of the country's strategy to build a third front against their enemies.

We have a domineering father who has dreams of going back to Shanghai. He keeps a close watch on his daughter ever since she became close to a local boy. Some might say an obsessive watch. These two characters alone is worth the admission ticket.

The inner turmoil of the family is delicately set against the backdrop of the changes happening in the world at large. The change in the political climate is also reflected in the small hamlet and the consequences felt by the inhabitants. This has the incidental side effect on the social climate as depicted by the group of youngsters who want to build their own version of China.

Another plus point is the inclusion of songs by Teresa Teng and Boney M to reflect the mood of the decade. But the silences were also deftly put at the right moments to convey the emotional state of the characters.

Me Myself

Thailand 2007

Poster and details movieseer

Seen 12 August 2007

A tear jerker especially towards the end. Memory lost, new encounters, memory regained, love lost? That is the dilemma facing the two main characters. The pace is a bit slow in some parts as the director takes his time building up the scenes to its emotional peaks. Lovely soundtrack helps a lot. In the end, all of us have a choice and have to make that important decision. In this instance, the girl needs to know that the man loves her. Once she was assured, she is certain that together they will be able to manage any obstacles that come along the way.

Loved the teary scenes.

Perng Mang

Thailand 2007

Poster and details sensasian

Seen 12 August 2007

Can a ghost from the past fall in love with a boy from the present? Yes, they can in this film. She is the spirit of the Thai musical instrument, perng mang while he is the destined player. We'll see how she saves him from many close encounters with the bad guys and how he in the end has to let her go to find her peace in the next world.

What is intriguing and a recurring theme is the sacrifices each of them made. She made hers when she was a young adolescent whereas he devoted himself to her the moment he set eyes on her. Sacrifices aplenty, a high price paid and a happy ending?

Maybe in the next life.

Little Children

USA 2006

Poster and details newline

Seen 29 July 2007

A clandestine love affair between a couple who are already married to others. They might have problems in their marriages and their secret relationship seems a good antidote. But it takes more than physical and emotional attraction to each other to maintain a healthy and long lasting relationship. At a certain point, they were deluded into thinking that what they have can be built into something permanent but life is much more complicated. Interspersed with the couple's story, we are also presented with a story on a sexual pervert and a man who is determined to be the protector of the innocents in the town. Unfortunately, no one is totally guiltless. Everyone has erred along the way and we should take everything into consideration when passing judgement on others.

Ratatouille

USA 2007

Poster and details imdb

Seen 29 July 2007

A rat who knows how to cook. A kitchen helper who is thrown into the cut throat world of fine dining in Paris. Friendship, loyalty and love are added spices. The pace is hectic. We get villains and distractors. But of course there is a happy ending but not before the hero has surmounted countless obstacles. Joyful ride.

Belle tojour

Portugal/France 2006

Poster and details rottentomatoes

Seen 28 July 2007

This is a tribute to Belle de jour. The film takes us to the present day when the friend of the family encounters the wife. She is a widow now and does not want to be reminded of the past. The friend tries very hard to meet her again and promises to tell her what happened during that fateful day fifty odd years ago. She finally relents but does the friend keep his promise?

Belle de jour

France 1967

Poster and details imdb

Seen 28 July 2007

Catherine Deneuve as a housewife who has what seems a perfect life but needs that something extra to love her husband. She becomes a part time lady of the night which leads to a tragic episode involving her husband. The psychological drama unfolds layer by layer to reveal a woman's unspoken desires for something out of the ordinary to spice up her love life. The price paid is very high indeed but the woman seems contented at last living the life of a loving wife.

Andalusian Dog

Country France 1929

Poster and details imdb

Seen 28 July 2007

The French title is "Un chien andalou". A short film in black and white by Luis Bunuel. This film was made in the same era as the Charlie Chaplin movies. We get exaggerated expressions from the actors. Salvador Dali lent a hand in the film's making and there are glimpses of the limp watch paintings. The film itself revolves around the love affections of a girl with many admirers. There are hints of sado masochism tendencies in some scenes. Maybe love does bring out surprises.