Malarkey

The cast full of quality actors was the main reason why I decided to give this movie a go. In the end, however, it felt like a lost episode of JAG, so I wasn’t having too much fun. Not even the young Tom Cruise, beautiful Demi Moore and great Jack Nicholson could salvage that.

Russia probably got over Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Leviathan so he was able to continue with film-making. Nevertheless, he chose quite a difficult premise again – parents ignoring their son which leads to a tragedy. The self-centeredness, indifference, depression and sadness of everyone fascinated me. The film-making aspect was at top level. That was evident in shots of Russian panel high-rises that looked a bit better than just usual panel high-rises – they are probably the main building blocks of every Russian movie’s scenography. I wasn’t able to understand the human arrogance that sometimes appears in every one of us, and therefore I rated it with 4 stars. I was disgusted. Moreover, Loveless is quite a slow-paced movie so you should prepare yourself for it. But the good experience is guaranteed.

A movie made in Aki Kaurismäki’s standard way. In his premises, including this one, I can find the unobtrusive atmosphere of Czech country pubs. Mainly the pub regulars, their characters and sense of humor constantly reminded me of someone and something. Moreover, Kati Outinen was great but that goes for almost everyone who appeared in this movie because everyone portrayed a character that you don’t want to forget. We might have more in common with the Finnish than one would think.

It’s hard to say if this movie is really a comedy, I wasn’t laughing that much. It is situated in Russia at the end of the Communist era. This movie doesn’t offend anyone but at the same time it proves that in Russia, there were some individuals in 1986 who were able to stand up to the regime. Really? For example Borya who is quite solidly portrayed by Dmitriy Vyskubenko. Whereas our movies from this era are really sad, portraying the worst communists, with this movie the Russians filmed their own variation of Billy Elliot. In any case it was fine. A pleasant break from the usual depressive Russian movies.

A nice story about two boys who construct their own unusual vehicle to criss-cross France. It is a pity that their dialogues are boring and that Michel Gondry wasn’t able to show off more. It seems to me that for him is was quite ordinary.

An exemplary premise that shows exactly what my father was talking about when he was talking about Albania or Macedonia. The interesting thing is that it was an American director who was able to portray the fiery Albanians to perfection. It is unusual and that’s why the movie should get more attention. Just be prepared that even though the movie was made in 2011 it looks like it was filmed in 1991.

Where are the times when the Phoenicians ruled over the trade all over the Mediterranean? Nowadays instead of them, there rules Lebanon that offers film-making art on quite a high level and they are on that level because their movies are about people who are ostracized by society. Moreover their movies seem like they are showing the reality of their country. Capernaum offers a powerful experience with a story about a little boy who survives in the streets, becomes wordly-wise and sometimes even experiences moments of fame. This premise is almost a classic and therefore I’m not rating it with 5 stars. The last shot showing the boy makes you contemplate how little is enough or that it is possible to do anything with the picture, right?

This movie has an idea, it is original, minimalistic, even mesmerizing in a mystical way but without a soul, emotions or at least one moment where I would say that this movie deserves such attention. But given its premise it is surprisingly boring and no fun at all.

Karel Kachyňa and Alena Mihulová, this cooperation made sense at that time. The Cow is a great period drama that offers an amazing story, melancholic mood and performances which are not easily forgotten. Considering the year was 1992, this movie is definitely worthy of every Czech movie lover’s attention.

A beautiful documentary about Istanbul, its cats and people who love those cats. They talk about them with respect, joy and with love and I have to say that I could for a moment forget about the current situation in our country. By which I mean the thoughts of all those who have sanctuaries and shelters and are trying to take care of kittens or cats and always get angry about how people here perceive cats so they won’t even castrate them let alone leave them closed at home so that they could slowly get used to the outside. I totally agree but Turkish people see it differently. You can’t blame them, but as they say – so many countries, so many customs. On the other hand they are trying and that was nicely presented in this documentary. I grew fond of Istanbul when I visited many years ago and watching this reminded me of that fondness.