Genre: Drama, War

Year: 1965

Country: Czechoslovakia

Rating:

Starring: Ida Kaminska, Jozef Króner, Hana Slivková, Martin Hollý, Adám Matejka

Director: Ján Kadár, Elmar Klos

My Review: Once again the Criterion Collection presents the best movies, be they drama, action, thriller or comedy. Here is a Czechoslovakian film (filmed during the height of Soviet oppression in the region now known as Slovakia) from 1965. Written by Ladislav Grosman, with two directors, and a fantastic cast of splendid actors, this film rightfully earned all the awards presented (including best foreign film Oscar - 1966). It's a WWII story, but it's not the usual war story. Not the front lines, not the blood, guts and glory, here's the story of ordinary struggles under Nazi oppression. Set in a sleepy Slovak village, this small town soon becomes the scene of much drama as the Nazi fever grips Europe. With the spread of this vile disease, even this small pastoral village succumbs to the lure of nationalism. When Nazi rules are implemented, a simple carpenter is selected (by his Nazi party member brother) as a 'Aryanizator' (An Aryan overseer/owner) of a small Jewish button shop on main street. While Tony and his greedy wife Evelyn initially see this as an opportunity for advancement, Tony soon realizes that the old lady living at the shop has no hidden fortune of gold. The widow Lautman is old, confused and relies on the support of the town's Jewish community to survive. Tony is soon 'hired' by the widow, paid by the local Jewish community, and starts to form a relationship with this simple old lady. That all changes when the disease of Nazism shows it's true intentions. What will Tony due when the fascists come to collect the crazy old widow on main street? Fantastic movie, filled with humor, drama and gripping social commentary. Greed, guilt, corruption and humanity go head to head in this brilliant movie. 5 out of 5.

Summary: Slovakia during WW2. Tono lives a poor life, but the authorities offer him a take over the Jewish widow Lautman's little shop for sewing material. She is old and confused and thinks that he is looking for employment and hires him. The odd couple begin to like each other. But some time later the authorities decide that the Jews must leave the city. What should he do with the old lady?

Genre: Adventure, Drama, History, Sport

Year: 2008

Country: Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Rating:

Starring: Benno Fürmann, Florian Lukas, Johanna Wokalek, Georg Friedrich, Simon Schwarz

Director: Philipp Stölzl

My Review: Another WWII saga that isn't a war movie. Here Nazi Germany hasn't quite become the aggressor it will. A proud, nationalist fervor is spreading, but the atrocities to come haven't overshadowed the life of Europe, yet. Here is a small story about two men, a mountain and a woman. Based on actual events, here is the story of two mountaineers - Toni Kurz (played by Benno Fürmann) and Andreas Hinterstoisser (Florian Lukas). These two face off as rivals against an Austrian duo in their quest to conquer the last problem of the Alps. Nordwand - The North Face of the Eiger. A massive Swiss formation which calls brave fools from far and near. 64 people have died attempting to climb the north face, also known as the 'Murder Wall'. Set in 1936, these two soldiers set aside their rifles to conquer one of their secret desires - a mountain which challenges all who dare to climb. Waiting to report upon their success is Luise (played by Johanna Wokalek), Toni's childhood love, now a journalist with a pro-Nazi newspaper. As the opposing teams begin their ascent, it's quite clear who the real opponent is in this harrowing tale of perseverance and competition. Excellent direction, acting, camera work, lighting and sets. 5 of 5.

Summary: Based on a true story, North Face is a suspenseful adventure film about a competition to climb the most dangerous rock face in the Alps. Set in 1936, as Nazi propaganda urges the nation's Alpinists to conquer the unclimbed north face of the Swiss massif - the Eiger - two reluctant German climbers begin their daring ascent.

Genre: Drama, History

Year: 1934

Country: France

Rating:

Starring: Harry Baur, Charles Vanel, Paul Azaïs, Max Dearly, Charles Dullin

Director: Raymond Bernard

My Review: Here is a very early adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel. Written and directed by Raymond Bernard, starring Harry Baur as Jean Valjean - The persecuted man) and Charles Vanel as Chief Inspector Javert. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, this movie depicts the unjust conditions of 19th century France (1815 - 1832). Jean Valjean is convicted of stealing bread, imprisoned for an initial sentence of five years. Jean ends up spending 19 years in prison, before he's finally paroled. Initially complying with the oppressive post-prison persecution, he soon discards the requirements of the ever condemning bureaucracy. Tearing up his 'convict passport', he goes underground and becomes a force for good in the land. Even so, a specter from his past - The now retired prison manager has taken a job as a Chief Inspector in the town where Jean is Mayor! This particular version (Criterion Collection - French film) is extremely well directed, but overly long (Nearly five hours in length (281 minutes)) stretches the story into an infinitely long and unnecessarily (at times) long history lesson. The acting by Baur was amazing. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast (aside from Charles Vanel - who's character was underplayed) isn't on par, and the long movie only serves to remind us on numerous occasions. The direction was superb, and the camera work was quite well done. There's even some very early handheld shots. Thankfully they were done during the combat scenes (in the third act) and didn't constitute a ridiculous distraction from the story. A classic story of persecution and redemption. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: The lives of numerous people over the course of 20 years in 19th century France, weaved together by the story of an ex-convict named Jean Valjean on the run from an obsessive police inspector, who pursues him for only a minor offense.

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Year: 2010

Country: USA, UK, Canada

Rating:

Starring: Michael Cera, Alison Pill, Mark Webber, Johnny Simmons, Ellen Wong

Director: Edgar Wright

My Review: A clever, visually intense movie, full of great music, excellent editing and outstanding production. The story is a bit shallow (aka lame), but the production and editing made this movie worth the watch. Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera) is a 22 year old dweeb. With no job and so-so looks, the only thing he's got going for him are 'sensitivity' and his role as a bassist in some 'Indie' band. For some reason he seems to be highly successful at attracting the hot girls, then breaking their hearts. It's an early 'tweens' romantic comedy, filled with stylish sets and costumes. The characters are fairly stereotypical and the story has a slightly interesting premise. In order to continue dating the dreamy hot girl Ramona, Scott Pilgrim must defeat (Comic book/video game style) her deadly seven ex's. It's a very stylish, high energy romantic comedy. It's story boarded like a comic book and filled with arcade inspired digital effects. The acting was mediocre (Michael Cera did a pretty good job playing Michael Cera), the longing looks great, and the editing fantastic. Scott Pilgrim vs the World was a truly cinematic treat. I can only hope that director/screen play team (Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall and others) turn their attention to something with a more substantial plot. 4 out of 5.

Summary: Scott Pilgrim plays in a band which aspires to success. He dates Knives Chau, a high-school girl five years his junior, and he hasn't recovered from being dumped by his former girlfriend, now a success with her own band. When Scott falls for Ramona Flowers, he has trouble breaking up with Knives and tries to romance Ramona. As if juggling two women wasn't enough, Ramona comes with baggage: seven ex-lovers, with each of whom Scott must do battle to the death in order to win Ramona.

Genre: Action, Biography, Crime, Drama, History

Year: 2008

Country: Germany, France, Czech Republic

Rating:

Starring: Martina Gedeck, Moritz Bleibtreu, Johanna Wokalek, Nadja Uhl, Stipe Erceg

Director: Uli Edel

My Review: This movie whisks us back to West Germany in the late 60's through the 70's. Unfortunately this period of Germany's history isn't all that enjoyable. Many young Germans have come to see the post Nazi government as a repressive reflection of fascism, American Imperialism, and an insult to human rights. One particular group chooses direct action, violent action. Here is an oscar nominated movie about the Red Army Faction. Uli Edel directs a fantastic German cast in this well edited history lesson. This portrayal of the radical left-wing terrorist group reminds us once again that terrorists can look just like us. Their aims (to create a more humane Germany/to promote true democracy and social justice) and reasons for action are sometimes honorable, but their methods always result in pain, suffering and deadly, violent, death. A highly focused look at terrorism in a modern country, a reminder that the past can be repeated - and often is. I give this movie a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Germany in the 1970s: Murderous bomb attacks, the threat of terrorism and the fear of the enemy inside are rocking the very foundations of the yet fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation lead by Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin are fighting a violent war against what they perceive as the new face of fascism: American imperialism supported by the German establishment, many of whom have a Nazi past. Their aim is to create a more human society but by employing inhuman means they not only spread terror and bloodshed, they also lose their own humanity. The man who understands them is also their hunter: the head of the German police force Horst Herold. And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he's only dealing with the tip of the iceberg.

Genre: Art House & International

Year: 2009

Country: France, USA

Rating:

Starring: Dany Boon

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

My Review: Another fantastic move by French writer/director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Delicatessen (screenplay), The City of Lost Children, Alien Resurrection, Amelie, A Very Long Engagement). The actors are familiar to fans of his films. Here's a comedic, satirical spoof on the arms trade. In this story, Bazil's life is nearly destroyed by the manufacturers of weapons. His father dies disarming an antipersonnel land-mine, and he's shot in the head by a stray bullet. After returning from the hospital, he finds his job gone, and he's soon homeless. Eventually, he's taken in by a group of misfits who live under a giant scrap heap. One day, while Bazil is out collecting scrap, he comes across the munitions factories he blames for all his woes. He tries to speak with the owners, but can't get past the security. That's when he concocts a plan to make them pay. When his new friends suspect something afoot, they insist that he deal them in. What follows is a convoluted plot of conspiracy, hi-stakes risk and revenge. A downright hilarious comedy with serious commentary on the international arms trade. Excellent writing, direction and acting. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Jean-Pierre Jeunet makes movies like a mad scientist: a bit of this and a bit of that, comedy and horror, charm and madness--"et voilà", an "Amélie" or "Very Long Engagement" is born. So it's quite appropriate that the central troupe in "Micmacs" is an eccentric band of tinkerers, toolsmiths, and circus folk; these are Jeunet's kind of people, and putting them together in odd combinations is his lab experiment. The "micmacs" live in a junkyard warren of their own devising, where they are joined by the film's nominal hero, Bazil (Dany Boon), a nondescript video-store clerk whose "career" is cut short when he takes a stray bullet to the head. Surviving this irritation, Bazil vows vengeance on the city's fat-cat arms manufacturers (as fate would have it, his father was killed by a land mine, adding extra incentive) and enlists his super-quirky band of buddies to help. Now, it is beyond question that "Amélie" lovers and Jeunet fans are going to lap up this collection of Rube Goldberg gadgets and "Looney Tunes"-style gags, and the inkling of a social issue (or at least the little guys vs. military-industrial complex theme) will also have some appeal. But it must be recorded that prolonged exposure to "Micmacs" could result in tooth decay for viewers with a low tolerance for whimsy, despite its many moments of undeniable cleverness. Plan accordingly. "--Robert Horton"

Genre: Drama, Romance

Year: 2004

Country: Germany, Turkey

Rating:

Starring: Birol Ünel, Sibel Kekilli, Catrin Striebeck, Meltem Cumbul, Stefan Gebelhoff

Director: Fatih Akin

My Review: A German movie about immigrants from Turkey. Two self destructive people are looking for escape. One (Cahit Tomruk - played by Birol Unel) from some dark demons involving the death of his wife, the other (Sibel Guner - played by Sibel Kekilli) from the stifling life under her families' Turkish traditions. They meet at a hospital while they're recovering from attempted suicide. Sibel asks Cahit to marry her. For Sibel it's a means to escape from her overly protective family. She wants to experience a life of complete freedom and choice. Cahit is vulnerable, looking for companionship and someone to balance against his constant struggle with the darkness in his life. The two manage to convince Sibel's family that her marriage will make her an honest women. Once Sibel's away from her family, the two engage in some regrettable activities. One seeking to explore all the possibilities of life, the other seeking desperately to hide from the pain of relationships and a dark past. As the movie moves forward, an unexpected relationship develops. It's a dark, romantic, drama. The writing is quite good, but a bit violent and dark. The acting was excellent, raw and powerful. The direction was splendid. The dark lighting and dreary sets contribute to the feel of this gritty romance. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Summary: In 'Gegen die Wand' Cahit, a 40-something male from Mersin in Turkey has removed everything Turkish from his life. He has become an alcoholic drug addict and at the start of the movie wants to end it all. Sibel a 20-something female from Hamburg wishes to please her Turkish parents yet yearns for freedom. She has had her nose broken by her brother for being seen holding hands with a boy and yet she can not break her mother's heart and run away. She too attempts suicide and she first approaches Cahit there at the Hospital. Sibel asks Cahit to marry her, as she believes this to be the way out of her parent's house. She promises Cahit that their relationship will be like roommates, not like a married couple. The film follows Sibel and Cahit as they get married, become closer and eventually fall in love.

Genre: Documentary

Year: 2008

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Janet Lansburgh

Director: Theodore Thomas

My Review: Boring, pedantic and slow. In 1941, the U.S. Gov't hired Walt Disney and a team from his studio to embark on a South American goodwill tour. The War Department was hoped to counter Nazi propaganda and growing influence in the region. While the Disney crew took the task to heart, this movie didn't. It was slow, pedantic and boring. What was totally missing from this well edited documentary? Any mention whatsoever of the political climate during Disney's visit. Focusing entirely on the personal experiences of Disney's crew, this film fails to offer any perspective on how Disney's personality and this visit may have influenced South American politics. The brief treatment of a union strike at the Disney studio was another thing that disappointed. The best part of this movie? The allure of the title - Just who was this El Grupo? Don't waste your time. I give this movie a 2 out of 5.

Summary:

Genre: Art House & International

Year: 2006

Country: France

Rating:

Starring: Nina Kervel-Bey, Julie Depardieu, Stefano Accorsi, Benjamin Feuillet, Martine Chevallier

Director: Julie Gavras

My Review: A very personal movie, from a nine year olds point of view. Nina Kervel-Bay stars as Anna, a young, privileged Parisian girl. Here well ordered, comfortable and sheltered life is disrupted by the turmoil surrounding her activist parents. Set in France during the 70s, the backdrop to Anna's story is a politically tumultuous era of revolution, revolutionaries, communists, women's lib, and a never ending parade of 'Babudos' (the bearded men). Through it all, Anna maintains a strong, fiercely independent sense of outrage. Why should the world interrupt her nightly bath? Thankfully, the movie retains Anna's focus throughout. It doesn't try to explain, examine or extoll the political motives of all the adults in Anna's life. Wonderful acting, character based direction and pacing. I was very pleased 4 out of 5.

Summary: Warm-hearted and even-handed, this sly political satire centers on Anna (Nina Kervel-Bey), a nine-year-old French girl accustomed to comfort and routine. In 1970, when her attorney father, Fernando (Stefano Accorsi), takes in his Spanish refugee sister, Anna’s tightly-conscripted world starts to unravel. The process accelerates when he and her journalist mother, Marie (Julie Depardieu, daughter of Gérard), take a fact-finding trip to Chile. Upon their return, Fernando has a beard--just like Fidel Castro--and both have embraced activism. This necessitates a move from bourgeois house to proletariat apartment as they dedicate their lives to the disenfranchised. It also means less time for Anna and her urchin-cute brother, François (Benjamin Feuillet). She decides "Fidel is to blame." Still, things could be worse. They may be opposed to it, but her parents allow her to continue attending private school, though her father jokes she's a "little mummy," i.e. Chilean slang for reactionary. (He also believes Mickey Mouse is a fascist.) In adapting Domitilla Calamai’s novel, documentary filmmaker Julie Gavras, daughter of left-wing director Costa-Gavras, presents her first feature from a child's perspective, but that doesn't mean she takes Anna's side. Just as Anna can't see the good in altruism--or tell the difference between conformity and solidarity--her family's plunge into radical politics is understandably upsetting (especially when they take her to a demonstration that turns violent). And yet, by not following them blindly, Gavras suggests that Anna is a rebel, too. "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"

Genre: Family, Drama

Year: 1982

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring: John Hurt, Jane Alexander, Doug McKeon, Keith McKeon, Beau Bridges

Director: Delbert Mann

My Review: The East German border - A zone of barb wire, automated machine guns, metal fences, walls, land mines, surveillance systems, intrusion alarms, guard dogs, anti-vehicle traps, watch towers and some 50,000 armed guards. Nearly 1,000 miles long, this no-man's land kept East Germans at bay. Imprisoned within their own country, the border acted as a physical border defining the ideological differences of East and West. Those in the East suffered economic and social restrictions for many years. The wall was erected to prevent their 'Treasonous' flight from the DDR. Millions of Germans sought refuge in the West, and dared to cross that ominous border. This Disney movie is one such tale of those who dared. The true-life story of the Strelzyk and Wetzel families. Starring John Hurt and Beau Bridges, the movie depicts the efforts of these two families as they built a home made hot air balloon in order to escape (on the 16th of Sep, 1979) by air to Freedom in the west. A fairly well done movie, the pacing and editing were off by a bit. A historical record of freedom in the face of tyranny. A good film for students of all ages. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: