Reviews
Eskalofrío (2008)
Non -Scary Horror
Have just seen the Premier of this at the Berlin Film Festival. Think of Truffaut's 'Wild Child' played out as a typical 'Hidden monster in the woods' horror movie and you won't be far out. There are some genuinely creepy moments but these sadly are few and far between and at the screening I attended the audience were howling with laughter (rather than fright) at some of the supposedly scary scenes. The banal dialogue was also the subject of some laughter from the audience though this could have been due to poor translation of the subtitles. Despite all the weaknesses I quite enjoyed it in a 'so bad it's good' sort of way, but if you're looking for genuine spills and thrills look elsewhere!
The Fountain (2006)
Tedious, Pretentious Drivel!
I watch a lot of movies and buy a lot of DVD's. Very rarely have I immediately headed for my trusty computer to put a DVD I've just bought on sale on eBay after only one viewing.
I just cannot fathom how anybody can rate this film as anything other than a massively boring mess. It is certainly pretty to look and has pleasing special effects but those are it's only plus points.
I'm not stupid (really!!) but after 20 minutes had passed I had no idea what was happening - and worse I just didn't care. I dutifully sat through the whole disaster and at the end was just as puzzled. I'm not surprised it bombed at the box-office as arty directors such as Aronovsky are only interested in showing off how clever they are rather than producing an engaging, entertaining film.
All in all a complete waste of time and effort from all concerned. Just watch eBay become swamped by 2nd hand copies. I just hope than mine sells quickly!
Drømmen (2006)
Powerful Drama
I just picked up the DVD release of this movie while on holiday in Norway where it has been released with English subtitles.
The film is beautifully photographed and powerfully acted. The youngster portraying 'Frits' the lead character has an astonishingly open face which mirrors with painful accuracy the tragic events which unfold around him.
Early on in the film we see that the father whom Frits loves so much has mental health problems and this is brought up when the brutal headmaster denies assaulting the boy and suggests it was his own father.
The climactic scene where Frits refuses to show any respect to the headmaster; simply standing his ground and repeating 'Liar' as he is brutally assaulted in front of his classmates is a scene you are not likely to forget.
The films only weak point is the rather clichéd 'Flower Power' teacher who uses every 'friendly teacher' trick in the book. Other than this I feel sure that this is a film you will really enjoy.
Dek hor (2006)
A Haunting Experience
This film has just won the 'Generation' Children's Film prize at the Berlin Film Festival where the panel of young judges were very impressed with the tension filled plot and the acting of the young leads.
"This film depicts with unbelievable tension how a close friendship is possible between 2 boys from different worlds. This film is very special, not least due to the convincing actors." This was the quote from the jury members who awarded the film 1st prize.
The plot is set around ghostly goings on at a boarding school in Thailand. The sinister headmistress clearly has a secret. Why does she cry alone in her room after looking in a desk drawer? Who is the mysterious boy whom only Chatree (the lead character) can see? The twist ending is slightly derivative of the 'Sixth Sense' but don't let that put you off.
A DVD (with English subtitles) is available from Hong Kong retailers.
Adama Meshuga'at (2006)
A Superb Drama
Have just seen the European Premier of this film at the Berlin Film Festival where it deservedly won 1st prize in the 'Generation14k Plus' Section.
The story is set in a Kibbutz in Israel where 12 year old Dvir (Tomer Steinhof in his debut movie) faces many trials as he is entering his bar mitzvah year. The most difficult one is coping with his mother Miri whom he loves above all else. She lives in a very fragile mental state and Dvir knows he must protect her from herself. A romance with a newly arrived Swiss visitor briefly raises her spirits, but the romance is doomed to failure and Dvir must make the most difficult decision of his young life.
The photography is stunning and the young actor who plays the lead gives an astonishing performance as the boy who loves his disturbed mother so deeply. The ending is truly heartbreaking yet strangely uplifting. I urge you to see this wonderful film if it comes to your part of the world, and hope that a DVD release is not too far distant.