Beanpole
Some moments of the movie were framed so perfectly… like it was a modern Persona. Unfortunately, the story and actresses don’t measure up to an Ingmar Bergman level of filmmaking. There are tons of closeups which feel special as opposed to intrusive.
In this film, it’s all about the two women: Iya and Masha. Men are a means to an end. The women’s social roles are not standard as Iya asks an older gentleman to dance; Iya doesn’t want children but is capable of having them and Masha wants kids but cannot have any more. Yet Iya is stuck with watching Masha’s kid and Masha asks her to carry a child for her, because she wants another one.
All in all, it runs way too long. However, the cinematography, forward-thinking woman, and off-beat situations make an interesting enough viewing experience.
Additional alert: a girl is violently run over by a train.
The Swallows of Kabul
This animated film isn’t for children. Focusing on those affected by Sharia law, it features a woman being stoned to death and other acts of violence. The animation is okay: it’s sparse, but gets the job done. The ending is poetic.
I am a fan of Zabou Breitman, the co-director. Animation is an interesting choice, but ultimately was perhaps not the best way to tell the best story. For something in a similar vein, I recommend The Stoning of Soraya M.
A White, White Day
I read about it in a local film magazine. It was supposed to be more of a mystery where a man tracks down his wife’s lover, but the writer/director explained it turned existential and it was more about how the ground meets the sky and everything appears white. I mean unless the main character talked about his feelings, the spirituality was never going to come through. My favorite part was the main character’s fantasy sequence of a perfect day with his granddaughter. The rest of the film was less of an exploration of his feelings. He went off on people and violence came back to him. The film was okay, but left much to be desired.
Vegan alert:
-There is a fishing sequence.
-A fish has been in a plastic bag for awhile, but it hasn’t died, so the granddaughter smashes its head several times
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