France 2005We are all passengers in this journey.
Japan 2006She 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.
China 2006A 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.
USA 2007
Malaysia 2006This is a story of a husband and his wife's lover search for the missing wife. We see from flashbacks how each of them met the girl. The husband seems so weak and meek when we see how the wife manages to have another relationship without any suspicions from the husband. The wife must have been very good in covering her tracks. The lover comes across as a loving person but I'm not sure whether he behaves the same way with his own family. I guess he did not neglect his role as the breadwinner and head of the family despite his affair with another woman.
The woman in the centre of this triangle is the head honcho, someone with a strong personality. She knows what she wants and proceeds to the next step without any qualms. Most probably a life with just one person does not satisfy her inner self. Different people at different times would give a different impact on a person. When that feeling of fulfillment disappears, it is time to move on. She is brave enough to acknowledge that emotional longing and need and act on it, whereas a lot of us are more than willing to stay the course despite the obvious heartaches that follow.
The three main actors did a good job in conveying their characters unique qualities. A very even paced story. No major flare-ups and very civilised. Maybe there is even an indirect comic, not exactly funny but amusing take on the husband's character. I could not help smiling when the husband acknowledges that he could not drive and the lover had to drive the car when they went on their search for the love of their lives.
But love conquers all, right? It does not discriminate.
Malaysia 2007What exactly do we do? In this film, the two main characters see others, the man even acknowledges that he slept with another girl. When the girl asked who is this other woman, he refuses to tell. They get into a fight. But the man swears that he will always love the girl but both are unsure what the future will bring.
As this is supposedly an arty-farty film, the pace would be excruciatingly painfully slow for some viewers. Of course, the art direction is picture postcard perfect in some scenes., The cinematographer managed to capture that desolate, lonely, abandoned feeling of lovers who have just had a fight.
The actors need not emote that much. Blank looks and a far away gaze convey that emptiness, hopelessness feeling within oneself. They are supposedly two lovers but they have to grapple with the uncertainty of the future. No one can guarantee a fairy tale, happily ever after ending. That can be achieved only through sheer hard work and determination.
Malaysia 2007 Poster and details redfilms
Seen 8 April 2007
The first few shots bowled me over. The audience sees the cinematographer's sure hand in capturing the beauty of ordinary inanimate objects. Shadows, varying shades of gray, specks of colour and the brightness of the day. Excellent art direction. But what about the story itself.
Some may find the pace excruciatingly slow. The film has a simple story line which focuses on two sons' different approaches in making money out of their ancestral home. The father himself seems resigned to his fate of being ignored. The father only comes into the picture forcefully when one of the sons made a fundamental mistake. The son takes for granted that his big city experience would save the day and misuses the father's trust.
Malaysia 2007 Poster and details malaysia.movies.yahoo.com
Seen 24 March 2007
Surprisingly enjoyable thriller. I did not expect much from a new director but was pleased that I went to watch the film. I was especially impressed by the camera work and art direction. That in itself held me spellbound throughout the almost two hour long film. Acting wise, Deanna Yusuf and Natasha Hudson who had the most screen time did well. They were ably supported by the other cast members. The focus tend to be on the women and the men had minor roles. Sometimes the dialogue sounds stilted but otherwise a good first effort.
Malaysia 2006
USA 2006Not a dull moment. Tight editing, good songs and an engaging story makes this musical an examplary representative of the genre. Of course, the fact that the story is loosely based on the phenomenally successful trio, the Supremes, adds to the pull factor. Jennifer Hudson as the talented Effie White who is sidelined for the more glamorous Deena Jones (played by Beyonce Knowles) does steal the limelight, notwithstanding the capable leads. I'm not sure Ms Hudson will be able to expand her acting career in a similar meaty role in future. She is truth be told, is a full bodied woman and might not find opportunities forthcoming even with an Oscar win as compared to someone with Beyonce's looks and figure. Nevertheless, she would certainly have a fine career as a singer as there is depth and soul in her voice.
Good entertainment value.
Thailand 2005This is a gentle coming of age saga. Four years spent in the wilderness of southern Thailand, working in a tin mine. Of course this was not the protagonist’s first choice but his failure at school pushed him to this god forsaken place. The story unfolds slowly, taking its own sweet time to show the audience each facet of the hero’s life at the tin mine. The good ensemble acting and script takes us through the ups and downs of working in a tin mine at the turn of the twentieth century. There were even a few scenes where the actors spoke in Malay, and in Kelantanese dialect. The realistic depiction of those involved in the tin mining industry makes the film different from the usual love and horror stories from Thailand.
Some may not like the slow pace but with patience, we can see some gems.
Spain 2005
USA 2006Fun, poignant. Any production with Cameron Diaz or Kate Winslett is worth investigating and having the two of them together in a film is an added bonus. This is a simple story of love lost and found again. The highs and lows of that roller coaster feelings of affection and attraction towards another person is explored. There is also the side story of Kate's character who finds friendship with her neighbour. The camaraderie between the lovers, friends and family comes through during some witty dialogue. I cried a few times during scenes involving Ms Diaz and Jude Law. Some parts were very corny and manages to pull the right strings in me. Good end to 2006.
Japan 2006
Japan 2006
Malaysia 2006
Malaysia 2006
Hungary 2004
Spain 1996
Malaysia 2006
