INVICTUS

Do you know what I like most in a film? The ability to show me a different side of things. A different angle. So difficult these days as well, in our age of mass commercial film production, we seem to be rapidly running out of topics. That is, I think, why we are turning more and more towards real events, because real life is nearly always stranger than fiction. And this is how we can find fascinating stories even in the most famous events in history.

Take the election of Nelson Mandela (portrayed in the film by Morgan Freeman) as the president of South Africa. I’m sure we all have at least cursory knowledge of the Apartheid regime. And I’m sure we at least know that Nelson Mandela spent a lot of time in prison and was then elected president, right? The big question is what did he do after that? The Apartheid regime had ended, everyone was equal but that, in fact, was just the beginning. You see, think about it, the white South Africans had not just vanished over night… They were there, the memories of the Apartheid were there with everyone and the whole country seethed with enmity and division. Mr. Mandela was, therefore, faced with the rather formidable task of uniting his supporters with the very people they had been fighting against for all those years… The very people, in some cases, who had sent him to prison…

In troubled times like this, symbols gain more importance than ever. And the most mundane things sometimes suddenly gain symbolic meaning. Case in point, the Springboks, the South African National rugby team. Well, when I say National, don’t take it too literally, because at the time the team was seen as one of the tools of the Apartheid regime and black South Africans would cheer against literally anybody they were playing against just so they didn’t cheer for the Springboks. Not that the Springboks gave their fans much to cheer about, in 1990, when the story took place, they were going through the lowest of low patches performance-wise. Nelson Mandela quite unexpectedly for most, summoned François Pienaar (Matt Damon) the captain of the Springboks to tea at his residence one afternoon. You see, the people needed something to unite them. Something to rally behind. South Africa was hosting the rugby world cup in under a year. And the Springboks were the designated champions behind whom the people would rally… If François could motivate his team into getting their act together that is…

The film has a lot going for it to give it its due… It is produced and directed by Clint Eastwood – and that surprised me… I mean don’t get me wrong I have all the respect in the world for Clint Eastwood; however, his films generally tend have a rather “rugged, masculine” feel about them. This is especially pronounced if he is actually acting in them too. Now, I hear you protesting already: “Hey, it’s a RUGBY team. It doesn’t get more masculine than that, surely?” Ok, fair enough. And I won’t deny the fact that with the exception of ??? Mr. Mandela’s faithful assistant, almost all the female characters fell into nice little stereotypes (faithful wife, worried mother, homely housekeeper, serious secretary). However, the quiet, peaceful yet determined outlook of Mr. Mandela and the emotions of the South African people are portrayed with finesse and feeling – a fact that will surprise anyone who thinks of Mr. Eastwood as basically “A Cowboy”. I mean, naturally Mr. Morgan Freeman may have had just a touch to do with it – the man’s less of an actor and more of an institution as far as I’m concerned. Mr. Damon also holds his own – in fact both were nominated for Oscars ® this year for their respective performances in this film…

I am not a sports fan. I don’t see “the point” of a lot of sports (I won’t bore you with details that is the topic for a whole other entry). However, the power a sport has and the power of success are undisputable. This is a story about the vision of a truly extraordinary leader and a story of reconciliation – something the world truly needs a lot of these days. And I know I’ve ribbed Mr. Eastwood about being too macho in this article but it has to be admitted that the director of this films needs to be someone who “sees the point” of rugby (you know what I mean ladies – not the “esthetics” of the players but the actual sport ;) ) to tie it in with the social union of the people. A film of powerful emotion – and very deserving of a gander…

THE KILLING ROOM

Well, this little Sundance official selection wondered across my desk in a purely work capacity a couple of days ago. Although its Sundance recommendation and the presences of Oscar® winning actor Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People) and Oscar® nominee Chloe Sevigny(Boys Don't Cry) were both quite comforting, the subject matter aroused no real anticipation in me. That was neither here nor there though, so to speak, so I sat down and watched like a good little worker. I had to admit in the end that it actually was a good example of its genre, albeit slightly disturbing and not for the faint of heart, so that is why you are reading about it now, today.
Our film opens in a government facility. Psychological tests are being conducted and a young possible recruit is watching a recording of an experiment. Four common or garden American citizens have applied. The pay is good and they hope to go through a few tests and be out of it in a couple of hours. The room they are put in (locked into, in fact) is rather Spartan. The tables and chairs have been bolted down – which is odd but it’s ok. The usual questionnaires are handed out, a doctor comes in. He seems pleasant enough, collects the questionnaires, makes a few pleasantries… Then he shoots one of the participants in the head and leaves the room, locking the others inside… Panic ensues – but the real experiment is under way – and this is no average government experiment… The agency is looking for something very rare… And they will go to every imaginable length to find it…
Well, as you can see this is the typical McCarthy era type “evil government agency doing unimaginable things for “the good of the people” “plot. And one doesn’t have to be a genius to figure out, even without watching the film, that this is a “post 9-11” plot. (This is not something I surmised by the way, it’s openly stated in the film – you’ll see what I mean if you watch it). And if you cannot take films with intense psychological pressure (and what can I tell you, some aren’t masochistic like me!) don’t even go near this one. It is, however, an excellent example of a dystopia (of sorts – claims to be based on actual events by the way, although I’m not familiar enough with these experiments to be able to claim anything). The pressure and discomfort is pushed up relentlessly, notch by notch. The experiment is measuring the breaking point of the participants – but I promise you the film will do something to measure yours too. It is true, a good story is essential to a good film. But this example goes to show, that even if you have rather a “tired” story on your hands, good directing and good acting can do a lot to make what you have into a quite palatable meal… A good psychological alternative for a Saturday-night slasher…

MEET JOE BLACK (SOONER OR LATER EVERYBODY DOES)

Let’s stick with Hollywood today. Not the bubbles and trash that pours out of it though, the choice morsels the sometimes somewhat older films. Maybe not “life changing” or “cutting edge” but good old yarns. With a couple of super-stars and maybe a sniff-worthy ending… We all pretend to be soo intellectual yet we all have our faves in this camp. I am determined to share one of mine with you today. Meet Joe Black…

William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) is blessed. He has it all. He is a successful and well-loved businessman, he has a loving family (albeit slightly self-obsessed but well meaning – and that is more than some families!) and a life-style to be envied. He is approaching the age of 65 – and being a media mogul he will celebrate it with style, his older daughter is organizing a giant party for him and all and sundry. But then, quite out of the blue, he is confronted by a young man (Brad Pitt). It takes a moment for Mr. Parrish to absorb the information but this young man is in fact, Death. However, he has taken on a human form because he has become curious about life in the world. He wants Mr. Parrish to be his guide for a few days. In return, Mr. Parrish will get… Time. And the chance to celebrate his birthday with his family and friends for the last time. Mr. Parrish is surprised but has little choice other than accepting. The young man is a little awkward but takes the name “Joe Black” and is somehow able to incorporate himself quite smoothly into “life”. But, as the saying goes, what is life without love? Joe Black discovers how true this is when he falls in love with Susan Parrish (Claire Forlani) William Parrish’s younger daughter, much to the dismay of her father…

I honestly think this film is the epitome of Hollywood at its best. The story, you have to admit, is original. Fantastic, some might say quite unbelievable, but original. Different. The actors ? Two of my favorites. Anthony Hopkins, I ADORE, I have seen most things he’s acted in. Brad Pitt is soo charismatic as Joe Black. And Claire Forlani is one of those people you will recognize when you see. I did a bit of research on her just now; turns out I’ve actually seen her in a bunch of stuff in secondary roles. She’s pretty damn good as well… You know what kind of film this is? The kind you watch with your girlfriends on a Friday night in, with cocoa and marshmallows and/or chocolates. You drool over Brad Pitt, get excited about the story and sentimental about the end. And although I don’t give spoilers on principal, I don’t mind telling you it’s a Hollywood ending. Complete with fireworks.

SHUTTER ISLAND

Now, here is another film that was much “hyped” about, especially where I live. Being the person I am, the fact that it was “hyped” gave me that “oh well, I’ll get round to it” kinda feeling. Doesn’t really make sense when you think about it: Martin Scorsese – a director I love ; Leonardo Di Caprio and Ben Kingsley – two actors I adore. (Incidentally, aren’t you getting the impression that the Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Di Caprio team is turning into something akin to “Tim Burton – Johnny Depp”? I sure hope so, they work so well together!) Anyway, I still resisted. Then a colleague – and a cinephile whose opinion I admire – insisted I watch it saying I was a fool to wait so long. I had a couple of hours spare (it was a slow day at work) and had the movie close to hand so I “conceded”. I honestly have no idea what was wrong with me – refusing to watch a Scorsese film indeed… Whatever next…

The year is 1954. And Shutter Island is, in fact, the name of an island in Boston. On it, there is an institution for the criminally the insane. From this institution, a dangerous criminal has escaped and U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels has been sent to secure her. Major Daniels is an excellent Marshall, but like all of us, he has his dark spots. He is traumatized by his experiences of the liberation of the Dachau Concentration camps and the death of his beloved wife (another old favorite – Michelle Williams!) but keeps the two events apart as best he can. Along with his brand new partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo – I like this guy, he keeps turning up as a familiar face in an array of different movies) he arrives at Shutter Island to recover the escapee. All seems to be going well, Dr. John Cawley, the head of the institute is friendly and helpful… However, it will soon become clear that Shutter Island is a lot more than it first pretends to be… Everyone seems to have some ulterior motive. Marshall Daniels is determined to get to the truth, and he will succeed. The truth he gets to, however, is something way beyond his wildest imaginings…

Now, I watched this film after I watched Inception. And in a funny kind of way I’m glad I did. Because the moment I finished watching Shutter Island, it became very clear to me that this was exactly the kind of film I expected Inception to be. (read my opinion on Inception here) There are many similarities between the two films. I will not go into detail incase you haven’t watched one or the other but if you have watched both just sit back and compare Dominic Cobb and Teddy Daniels. The similarities are so great that until the last half hour of Shutter Island I was actually disappointed, thinking Mr. Di Caprio was on the verge of being typecast. The topics are similar as well, I mean think about it, outsiders, breaking into a secure place connected with the human mind, searching for information…

Ok, I get it, if you’re exploring concepts such as “reality / dreams /subconscious /unconscious” it makes sense on a level to not arrive at a conclusion. However, with such fertile ground as the human mind as a stage, there is a lot of room for a big surprise, to turn the film, the story on its head… Mr. Scorsese has chosen this particular path – and boy will he turn you on your heads… Until the last half hour of the film, I expected pretty much what I got from Inception – an exciting Hollywood flick (minus the special effects). It is nothing like most things I have ever seen… A must…

PUBLIC ENNEMIES

I am rather surprised with myself as I start writing this review. I ADORE this film. It has two of my favorite actors in it. The fact that I have not mentioned it before kinda defies logic. However, blogger doesn’t lie (as far as I know) and I have trawled my previous posts to no avail. So here goes. Well, thinking about it, it sort of makes sense that you will love this film. The leading actors? Johnnie Depp, Christian Bale and Marillon Cotillard. Gangster movie. About a REAL gangster. Director ? Micheal Mann. Have I got your attention yet?

The unlikely hero of this story harking from 1930’s America is John Dillinger (Johnnie Depp). He is an old-school gangster and bank robber and boy is he getting on the police’s nerves… There are many things impeding the police from catching Dillinger: He is intelligent, cunning and an expert at getting away with anything but murder. To add insult to injury – the public LOVES him! In the troubled times of the Great Depression, Dillinger refuses to take money from the people and targets only big banks and corporations, thus making himself some rather powerful enemies. Regardless of public opinion, the FBI is just about sick of being made a fool of by Dillinger. They set their number one man, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) on Dillinger’s proverbial tail. Purvis and Dillinger will start a deadly game of cat and mouse – but this is not all Dillinger has to worry about. The times are, as a wise man will say decades after him “a’changing” and the underworld is adapting to it. The question is will Dillinger, an old-fasioned bank-robber with is “Mol” Billie Frechette (Marillon Cotillard) on his arm be able to adapt as well?

First of all, if you thought that with quadruple Oscar® nominee Michael Man at the helm, you had nothing to fear – you would be right. The film is a good quality, old-fashioned gangster movie and it’s a movie about the real men all films in this genre were based on. Dillinger’s story is particularly fascinating seeing as it combines this fact with the changing times and the dynamics in the underworld, a place we all assume has “laws unto itself”. Actually no, it changes with the times and those who can’t adapt are left by the wayside just as with everything else… I have heard the film being described as a “guys movie” yet I’m not sure I agree… I mean yes, it’s a gangster movie but the bizarre relationship between Purvis and Dillinger – very equally matched enemies here – is interesting to watch for any lady who likes a bit of action in her movies. Plus of course, there is the fact that both Depp and Bale are drop-dead gorgeous (I’m being candid here, come on now…) And last but not least, there is the love between Dillinger and Frechette as portrayed by Depp and Cotillard. As you can imagine from actors of that caliber you will be reaching for tissues.

In short, Public Enemies very successfully combines a fascinating period film with breath-taking action. You will enjoy it – no matter what your tastes are =)

THE LAST CONTINENT

One cannot so much as go near a newscast without coming across news of extreme weather phenomena these days… I believe even the most cynical of us have started to wonder if those “global warming dudes” maybe had a point… But even if we are well meaning and try to be “eco friendly” well, modern lives are so busy and hectic ecology sometimes slips our mind. There are, after all, more pressing problems at hand: bills and such like for instance… And I mean, let’s face it we’ve heard it all before. At least twice. Ozon layer, world getting warmer, icebergs melting *yawn*… But sometimes we need to be reminded of even the most basic and simple things in life. The Last Continent by the Quebec born filmmaker Jean Lemire does exactly that, at a very opportune moment indeed.

The premise on which the documentary is built is pretty basic. A team of filmmakers (cameramen and such) and scientists come together on board a ship. Fully loaded with enough supplies for the coming months, the team set sail for Antarctica. The aim is to head as far into the continent as possible and “freeze themselves in” when the Antarctic winter hits and the sea freezes over. Thus, they will be able to monitor the conditions in this last unexplored wilderness and monitor the effects of global warming… I defy you not to be saddened by their findings…

I strongly recommend you watch this film. You will not be “bored” by it – to begin with Lemire does an excellent job of portraying the majesty of the Antarctic. Secondly, you are in the position of “witness” on many counts. First of all, well, we’ve all heard of at least one Antarctic expedition and I mean, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an Antarctic expedition either but you’ve all, I’m sure, wished you could go, explore, discover new places – preferably with no risk to life and limb. This is a chance to watch a real live modern expedition, because it is a serious expedition even though it is a documentary at the same time. But above and beyond that, and perhaps more seriously, you remember those icecaps that we keep hearing are melting? Care to actually see that happening? I thought not. But I think you should… It is the only planet we have to live on after all…

INCEPTION

Now, I don’t usually go in for “public crazes”. On principal. Something doesn’t necessarily have to be “popular” for me to enjoy it – in fact if it’s too popular, I tend to resist it. Take LOST for instance – never went near it. And now we know the end, I doubt I ever will. However, occasionally even I succumb to public opinion. Especially, if a film flies to NUMBER THREE in the imdb top 250 of best films ever – a list compiled based on public vote – within days of its release. I’m talking, as you probably have guessed, about Inception. Stories about the film started circulating in my hometown like wildfire – it became pretty obvious I had to go to the cinema and see it. And that is saying something – I hardly ever go to the cinema (my job is watching films - can you blame me for God’s sake?). I am still bowled over. It is some MIGHTY film…
Ok, so for the story. Now bare with me – it’s a complicated story, I’ve only seen the film once and it’s slightly hard to tell without giving away spoilers. But I will do my level best. Our hero is Dominc Cobb (Oscar ® nominee Leonardo Di Caprio – and Dominic Cobb is incidentally also the name of the lead character in director Chris Nolan’s first film). Dominc has an unusual talent. With the help of new “dream sharing” technology, sedatives and some talented colleagues he can infiltrate people’s dreams. Originally conceived as useful for military exercises, it is now an outlawed process, because the dream sharing has a “disadvantage”. Because once you’re sharing a dream with someone, you can have access to their thoughts and ideas. Gives corporate theft a whole new meaning, no? Dominc Cobb is the best of the best. The only problem is, he is also a wanted outlaw back in his home, the United States, so he cannot return. This may have been ok but Dominic has two small children back there, with their grandparents, waiting for their Daddy to come home. Then, Dominic is offered the chance of a lifetime. Mr. Saito is Oscar® Nominee Ken Watanabe. (The name may well mean nothing to you but you actually will recognize him – he was nominated for an Oscar® in his performance in Last Samurai. He was also one of the leads in Letters from Iwo Jima) a rich businessman makes him an offer he simply cannot refuse. One last job and if he succeeds, Saito will pull the necessary strings so Cobb can go home to his family. The only problem is the job he has to do may well not be possible. Inception: Planting an idea into a person’s mind instead of taking it. It actually sounds easy, but messing with the subconscious can be trickier than it first sounds. And I don’t mean in the therapeutic sense…
Inception is, as I said, a MIGHTY film – well worthy of a director with a legacy of mighty films (Don’t forget Mr. Nolan was nominated for an Oscar® as the director of The Dark Night). Leonardo Di Caprio, I feel, is like a wine maturing with time. He’s handsome of course, but I don’t mean that – he’s one hell of an actor and I am confirmed in that opinion every single time I see him in something. In fact, the acting is something to be mentioned quite seriously because the standard is quite high this time. And there are people I could not squeeze into the (already rather long) synopsis. For instance, Marion Cotillard. How can I possibly not mention Marion Cotillard for God’s sake she is one of my favourite actresses! Her role will become clearer when you watch the film but let me just tell you she executes it with utter brilliance. Another favorite of mine is a member of Dominic’s crew: Ellen Page. She was nominated for an Oscar® at a very tender age for her stunning performance in Juno (I reviewed this movie actually. Click right here). Trivia pages tell me that she was by no means the first choice and the favorite for the part was Evan Rachel Wood (who turned the part down). Great respect for Miss Wood but I honestly don’t know what Mr. Nolan was thinking – she is perfect in the part. Last of all, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as another crew member. You may or may not remember him from “500 days of summer” but I think he was awesome, I particularly enjoyed the performance.
I only have one slight criticism of the film. With such grand things such as the subconscious, dreams, etc. on the scene, Chris Nolan could actually have gone for a film with a lot more philosophical depth. I mean, the film is often called a Matrix knockoff (which is an insanely unfair comment) but then again, I can see why you would prefer the Matrix : It had a philosophy. It discussed things such as life, existence. I mean, sure, Inception is definitely a film to be watched again (Mr. Nolan’s aim apparently. Another big success on that score). The plot is very well constructed, it is intelligent and original. However, at the end of a day it’s a very intelligent, well acted Hollywood movie with absolutely SUPERB visual effects.
Nothing at all wrong with that, of course. Just some unused potential…

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Ok, so I remember telling you about my distinct lack of “regular” film education and the holes into which many of the greats have fallen. But I am desperately trying to plug those holes and I will be keeping you informed of the more successful of my endeavors. Well, I hit a real gem with this one. I mean where do you start for God’s sake?... The screen adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Tennessee Williams is directed by Elia Kazan. The leading roles of Blanche and Stanley are played respectively by Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. A movie does NOT get more star-spangled than this one…

Well, you probably know the story but I will run over it for you, just quickly. Stanley (Marlon Brando) and Stella Kowalski (Kim Hunter who actually won an Oscar ® with this performance) are a low-income couple living in the slums of New Orleans. Stella is pregnant with their first child, money is tight but they get by and they are happy enough. Stella, comes from a much grander family – and the couple is brutally reminded of this when Stella’s sister Blanche arrives for a visit, completely unannounced. Blanche, is decidedly not well. She was never “well” as such, but she appears worse now. The family’s property is all “gone”, Stella is all she has left in the world and she is desperate for a place to call her own. Stanley resents her sudden arrival with “airs and graces” and resents the fact that she has all the attention. He makes no secret of this fact either. But Blanche, is farther from “well” than she has ever been in her life. The collision of these two massive yet completely opposite personalities will start a chain of events that will take the family farther than they could possibly imagine…

Now, before you even start watching this film please be warned, this is a film from a COMPLETELY different era. Filmed in 1951, in black and white, the film is technically speaking DEFINITELY no Avatar… In short, this is no “time waster” - it is based on acting alone. And, of course you will have to remember that this is an adaptation of a play, thus most of the events take place in Stella and Stanley’s cramped New Orleans home – so if you’re not used to the theatre or this kind of film, you may actually find it slightly claustrophobic. Add to that the superb performance of Marlon Brando (I did NOT know he was so good looking in his youth!! I remember him as the Godfather for Christ’s sake!) as Blanche’s horrible brother in law Stanley. The result makes you feel as if you’re being choked – and this is a good thing. It helps one sympathize with poor Blanche. Now Vivien Leigh is, as you know, (and if you don’t you damn well should!) a true-blue movie legend. She won the Oscar® for Best Actress in a Leading Role with this performance. Her acting, however, may seem a little out of the ordinary to you but in truth it’s because she is from a completely different school of acting that still carried the remnants of the silent era. Thus gestures and facial expressions take on a whole new importance and this may well jarr with some of you – especially those from the younger generation. In fact though, the style is pretty much ideal for histrionic Blanche and although she may get on your nerves at first, I defy you to watch it until the end and not feel sorry for her. Personally, she was very similar to the Blanche I had imagined when I first read the play.

Then again, some things have to be experienced to be understood. Just buy the damn thing; you will see what I mean…

SORRY FOR THE DELAY

Dear All,

Have no fear, I have not forgotten you. I am just totally snowed under with work and boring stuff like that. My updates are almost ready, I will put the finishing touches tonight and update the blog first thing in the morning(Friday the 13th of August. Hang on a bit that's NOT a good sign, no?). Thank you for your patience.

Essie

SHORTER UPDATE THIS WEEK

Ok, so actually I only added two films this week but there's a reason for that. First of all my personal schedule went slightly crazy this week giving me less time for the piece I was preparing: a piece on the newest movie phenomenon Inception. It is such a great movie I thought I would rather dedicate some more time and creative effor to it rather than doing a rush job. Both the movie and you my readers deserve more than something I could barely plug out through a migrane :S

thank you for understanding - and have a great week!
Essie

DEPARTURES

It is common to say of films “Oh, it made me laugh, it made me cry”. It’s a cliché, but we very rarely think how difficult it actually is to pull this off without one or the other looking cheesy. Don’t get me wrong, I had not thought much about this either, until I got round to watching Departures – the 2009 Best Foreign Film Oscar ® winner. You may have realized by now that Asian cinema has a special place in my heart. Departures is a perfect example of Asian (Japanese to be precise) grace and finesse.
So, meet Daigo Kobayashi. He is a cello player in a big orchestra in Tokyo. He is happily married to Mika – a web designer – in short things are kinda going ok for him. Until, quite out of the blue, the orchestra Daigo works for is disbanded. (pardon the pun) Daigo decides that this is the moment to make a fresh start. And by fresh I mean completely fresh, Daigo considers himself a mediocre musician. He decides to leave Tokyo for the small village in rural Japan where he was born and find “a proper job” there. Mika (who can basically work from anywhere) agrees to follow, so before long the Kobayashis have settled in the old house Daigo’s mother left him. All is well, far from missing the city country life seems to agree with the young couple – “even the rice tastes better” claims Mika cheerfully. And sure enough one morning over breakfast Daigo spies an ad for a job in the newspapers .From what he gathers it’s a tourism agency – the pay is good and no prior experience is necessary. What is better, Daigo’s luck is with him – he calls, is called for an interview and gets the job with mind numbing speed. It is only then that Daigo realizes there is some kind of mistake. This isn’t a tourism agency. It’s an undertakers. A traditional undertakers – they prepare the “departed” ceremonially before cremation. It is a job that is essential – but considered “unclean”. Daigo hesitates, but they need the money and the owner is a lonely old man. Daigo takes the job – but is “economical” with what he tells Mika (just in case). For Daigo, a journey has just begun. A journey of discovery – of himself, of his vocation and ultimately the true meaning of forgiveness…
Departures is a perfect example of the grace of Asian cinema. It is an emotional film – and I am talking true emotion here. Don’t forget that death is one of the lead actors – emotion and more specifically sadness comes with the territory. But this is no tear-jerker. It’s the Asian “stiff upper lip”. It’s normal people like you and me coping with loss in their own ways. Yet, in the same way that real life is rarely monochrome – neither is Departures. The film absolutely forces one to laugh – genuinely. Not “American Pie” style. It is, to all intents and purposes, a door that opens up on a slice of life that we in the West would never have discovered in any other way. Incidentally, this film was born from the lead actor Masahiro Motoki’s personal interest in the profession of encoffining. I can well see why. You would have to watch the film for that to make sense though.
A delicate masterpiece well worth enjoying…

THE COVE

Ok , so while we’re on the subject let’s stick to Oscar® winners. Obscure Oscar® winners – say Best Documentary 2010 ? Oh hang on, you heard of it? Yeah, I mean The Cove. If you heard of it, this would not surprise me actually – pick a festival that gives awards to documentaries, The Cove has either been nominated or won something… Now, this has been and always will be a blog dedicated purely to films (or occasionally books) and cinema (or literature as the case may be) and reviews thereof. But I strongly – VERY strongly – suggest you watch The Cove purely for “educational” purposes. This is ecology, the only planet we have to live on – and it’s important.

Now, do you guys remember Flipper ? (Flipper, faster than liiiightning). She (well, technically “they” – there were five Flippers in total) was the pioneer of a new form of entertainment – Dolphin Parks. You know the sort, dolphins jumping through hoops, clapping, amusing us with their seemingly human smiles. Hell, they even look happy – surely there’s no problem there, right ? Well, ok, let’s ask an expert just to be sure. Ric O’Barry for instance. He would know. He was after all the original Flipper’s (all of them) trainer and their “keeper”. And his life is still dedicated to dolphins. The freedom of dolphins. He is trying to painstakingly undo the harm he himself instigated. You see, “The Cove” is an actual cove in Japan. It is quite infamous in the underworld – it is where poachers “herd” wild dolphins. Trainers from parks all over the world gather there to select the dolphins for their respective parks. And the rest ? Oh I think you have a pretty good idea what happens to the rest...

Disclaimer : The Cove is not for the faint of heart. But personally I think you should watch it even if you feel like crying and /or throwing up. As I watched The Cove I was, naturally, overwhelmed with sympathy for the dolphins. But spare a thought for our guide and narrator : Mr O’Barry He is obviously and understandably distraught by the misery he indirectly caused. His case is, in fact, a very good example of the human condition in a way. We live our lives, some of us with very little or no concern for our environment. We do not consider the effects of our actions on plants or animals. If we knew better, maybe we too would raise the black flag and wage war on “the system”. In short this film will bother you but undoubtedly push you to seriously think about our planet. And this cannot be a bad thing…