Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by afilado (A) on January 15, 2007 at 09:49:41

In Reply to: Film recommendations and mini-reviews: posted by tinear on January 15, 2007 at 05:49:44:

A very nice and substantial list. It could be twice or thrice as long, I'm sure, without becoming diluted.

I've seen most of these and will seek out the ones I've missed.

A prominent thread that runs through all these is an unforced, authentic reflection of the human condition common among all cultures, even all individuals. Who could fail to identify with the protagonist and those he encounters in A Taste of Cherry? When I saw this I kept thinking that this Iranian, these Iranians, these characters are the same as me and those I know. Everyone could benefit from seeing such films. Make movies, not war!

May I make a few additions?

Kinamand - Danish. A little gem of a love story on many different levels. Smart and grown-up in every respect. Demonstrative of the events, emotions, resolutions, failures and hope which touch everyone's life. Yet, high entertainment.

Wings of Desire - German. Wim Wenders' account of a novice angel who comes to Earth and falls in love with various evocative aspects of the place, namely a beautiful circus performer. Also great beauty for the eye in terms of locations, camera work and editing.

Rivers and Tides - A documentary about Andy Goldsworty, Scottish artist. Using keen improvisatory, inspirational methods and found natural raw materials he creates beautiful works of art, all containing, by necessity and design, the element of decay or deterioration, functions of time.

Devils On The Doorstep - Chinese. A sociopolical satire set in Chinese village during the closing days of WW II when the countryside is aflame with the fear and chaos of a desperate Japanese occupation in retreat. The comic turns abruptly into death and horror on a scale for which no one is prepared.

Close-Up - Iran - Another from Kiarostami which shatters the line between documentary and fiction. Using a true but minor episode of deception and its legal consequence as a launching point we see professional and amateur actors, some of whom were in the original events and news accounts, recreating themselves and the story on the screen, The movie itself is deceptively unassuming but incestuous in nature, turning back on itself, consuming itself and the viewer. Quietly provocative and daring, especially given the atmosphere from which it comes. This is a very enlightened filmmaker!

Would that the Hollywood machine could turn more of it's resources of talent and wealth to making such films. I'm genuinely sorry to say I would have a harder time compiling a similar list from the American inventory.

I'll quickly add that the previous paragraph is not a blanket condemnation, just a momentary insight that I intend to pursue.