12 March 2009

Blindness USA, 2008 ☆☆

An adaptation of José Saramago's thrilling novel. The citizens of a major metropolis suddenly start getting blind for no apparent reason. In order to stabilize the situation and the chaos that ensues, the government starts locking up the blind in special jails. The chaos that this creates is portrayed in quick action scenes. But again, the book is much more interesting to read.
How To Get Rid of The Others Hvordan Vi Slipper Af Med De Andre, Denmark, 2007 ☆☆☆

A comedy that actually looks quite brutal and realistic, about a fictitious new law in Denmark that will help the government get rid of all those citizens that have become a burden for the State. A harsh critique on the social welfare system for which the country is famous for.

10 March 2009

Bienvenue Chez les Ch'tis France, 2008 ☆☆☆

The north of France is portrayed as a mysterious, Siberian cold place, but when our main character accepts a job transfer to a small town up near Calais, he discovers that people are friendlier than he thought. And they speak wierd also, adding "ch" to every word wherever they can, thus the title.

09 March 2009

Another Woman USA, 1988 ☆☆☆☆

Woody Allen once stated that Ingmar Bergman had been an influence for him, but I could not find any trace of that in his movies until I saw Another Woman. An introspective drama about love and loss of it, the movie borrows heavily from Bergman's dream sequences, and it succeeds in telling a moving story of a woman who decides to change her life after reaching 50.
Happy-Go-Lucky UK, 2008 ☆☆☆

06 March 2009

Open Hearts (Elsker Dig Vor Evigt) Denmark, 2002 ☆☆☆☆

A Dogma-style film directed by Susanne Bier. A doctor falls in love with a woman whose fiancé suffers a terrible car accident. A strictly real and down to earth story with great performances and close-up shots that get you inside the story as though you were part of the drama. Excellent.

03 March 2009

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime France, 2008 ☆☆

A film by Philippe Claudel about the relationship between two sisters who had lost contact with each other for many years.
Cold Prey Norway, 2008 ☆☆☆☆

An original slasher movie (if that's every possible, it actually is in this case!) where a group of teenagers are trapped in a cabin in the middle of a snow storm (we are in Norway, remember) a serial killer is about to ruin their weekend escapade. Excellent visual effects and a great ending.
Europa Europa Germany, Poland 1990 ☆☆☆

Polish director Agnieszka Holland's most successful feature length tells the real life story of a Jewish German who is able to infiltrate and live among Germans in order to survive the war by hiding his real origin.
Revolutionary Road USA, 2008 ☆☆☆☆

Once again, an excellent movie from director Sam Mendes, following the visual style of American Beauty. This one should have won best movie at the Oscars.