A band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, only to find themselves lost in the wrong town.
It took me some time to finally watch this movie. Now I am kicking myself for talking so long. As this film is low key magical. That might be best to discover without knowing too much. Even as the title says it all.
The film sneaks up on you the more you spend time with the film and it’s characters. The more depth you realize and feel underneath all the layers That you are charmed.
Yet the film is filled with a quiet dignity and sadness. That maintains a distance yet leaves itself at times to be vulnerable.
One of the characters realizes who they want to be but also realizes that he is set in his sadness and no matter how he tries he will never be brought out of it. So he focuses on career as that is all he has to the point of obsession and when he is partly separated. He can see what he is missing and is overcome by the kindness shown when he has not been.
The woman who tries to help them on his travels and takes an interest in him particularly is the first person he has opened up to. As she seems bored in her day to day and him or at least breaking him might be the first amount of excitement she has had In a while. Even as she is more outgoing and extroverted.
The leader of the band refuses her advances and tries to set up a younger Many to carry out the passion he can’t for her physically.
This film hits you like an alcoholic drink that is caffeinated. Throws you off balance but you can’t help but pay attention.
The film takes it’s time as each of the members of the band goes on a visit and has their own little adventure. That would seem more like footnotes In most film, But all add up to a grand experience
The film stays quirky yet always seems dipped in sadness. As most characters seem longing for something and that leading to them being stilted emotionally.
Used to a certain Comfort yet longing for more even if just a simple gesture.
Like the music itself, the film has it’s own rhythm and it’s own beats that makes the film not only visually lyrical. It’s a masterpiece of it’s own. Especially as what seems to be said and done with so little.
“Offside” is about a group of Iranian girls who attempts to enter Tehran’s Azadi Stadium dressed as boys in order to watch a big football match but some get caught and arrested. After the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran, women are not allowed to enter the stadiums.
The women here are not very convincing dressed up as men, Some could pass. Here we follow a first-timer tries and is caught and detained with other women. We get to see their passion for the sport. The camaraderie that develops between them. The hypocrisy involved in this law prohibiting women. Which even some of the men attending the game see as stupid or don’t really care.
It’s rare the movie that can involve social commentary and still be a light-hearted comedy, But this movie succeeds and scores.
This film involves characters you grow to love and are astonished at their rebellious nature. For what can be a trivial pastime but they are willing to lay it all on the line for football or what we in America would call soccer. The beauty of this film is that even though it’s a dramedy. It feels more like a documentary due to the realness. The camera work and the fact that it was filmed during an actual world cup qualifying match.
There is nothing outrageous it is more the comedy that comes from real-life situations. I like the fact that the film doesn’t make anyone out to be evil or a villain. Even the guards who are there to reinforce the rules are three-dimensional characters. Not one-dimensional zealots, that you see a lot of times in a lot of other movies.
This is definitely a must-see. It’s not propaganda or a political film drowned in messages and symbolism. In fact if not for the politics involved this could be a nice breezy comedy. I mean it is rated PG after all.
The Fits is a psychological portrait of 11-year-old Toni-a tomboy assimilating to a tight-knit dance team in Cincinnati’s West End. Enamored by the power and confidence of this strong community of girls, Toni eagerly absorbs routines, masters drills, and even pierces her own ears to fit in. When a mysterious outbreak of fainting spells plagues the team, Toni’s desire for acceptance is twisted.
The opening images and scene immediately grabs our attention. It isn’t necessarily involve what the film is is about at first but the character is introduced to the audience in that way and she stays with us throughout.
This production of this film was entirely funded through grants.
The entire cast was given the opportunity to add, delete, or change dialogue in the script.
This one of those confusing films, that is cerebral and very open To interpretation while being relateable. The film never offers a clear definition which might keep some people from truly appreciating this film.
As the film Goes along it always grabs the audience’s attention as we are never quite sure what to expect.
The director definitely has a style that makes all of the framing and camerawork seem perfect revealing and planned out.
As the film has minimal dialogue and instead tells the story through action and defines the characters more from Moments and usually from reactions and body language of the actors. Which is no small feat considering most of the cast is made up of teenagers and children. The few adult characters are usually never given a close-up or really In focus so like they might be for children they are so defined in their roles that to children who are still children and growing and have the possibilities to change they are out of focus for them. As children focus on so many things. The cast is made up of Non-professional newcomers which gives the film a raw edge
This movie stars a real drill team and was filmed in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were given part Ownership of the film
Each of the “fits” were choreographed separately, and performed in front of the cast for the first time on the day of shooting.
What really is noteworthy is that the film has a haunting feel about it. It can at times come off as scary though remains a mystery throughout. Never quite clearly defined, yet we in the audience can be ok with that. As it still manages to tell a story.
The title rightly is what describes the phenomena that goes on with these girls as they are slowly stricken with what seems like seizures, but while scary st first come to embrace as soon it also seems like a rite of passage for the group. As noticeably none of the boys are victims of this. As the film shows our main character coming into her femininity as earlier we see her surrounded by her brother and his male friends at the boxing gym. This film could easily be a metaphor for girls turning into women and beginning their menstrual cycle. As it does require a physical change that can be quite scary and dramatic. Then after you might feel different more adult and look at those around you who haven’t experienced it as outsider, not as mature still children. Which would explain the characters sudden feelings of exclusion after slowly bonding with the group and after some got through the change she is given the cold shoulder.
Just as the characters develop their roles here and are going through a mysterious change. We see Toni’s character played by Royalty Hightower develop in her dancing skills as at first she is horrible but throughout finally begins to get her footing.
Though the film deals with the subject in a vivid way visually. It also feels kind of clinical as there are emotions involved yet the film never had a warmness. For a coming of age story it is a revelation as usually most films of the genre go for nostalgia or some kind of warmth and sweetness somewhere in the story or are hair a series of calamities and here it presents something identifiable as well as mysterious. Though still making us care about the characters.
The ending is mysterious as it can be interpreted in many different ways
The film offers shots of reality and the beauty of everyday shape the world around the lead. This is her normal but the directors still manage to make it seem new and mysterious. Like we are traveling a land we have never been accustomed to. Though also manage to make it seem otherworldly, mysterious and magical. Which is a feat in of itself. As the movie moves along. You are always questioning as these seizures come along and surprise the characters and audience. This throws us off as to what might happen or can happen in a moments notice. Never scary but keeps things fascinating
SPOILERS
As I am not quite sure once she is supposedly struck with her seizure of it was real or was she faking it to fit in. As it seems like she is having visions of a perfect future and fitting in and floating, but her fit is remarkably different then the others as hers is more a dance. Where as the other girls always seems looks they were in the middle of a dance when struck and then a full on seizure like they were possessed. So the ending is kind of ambiguous.
SPOILERS END
The film is thought provoking and strangely short. Which is only a relief as since the films rests on only this plot thread there are only so many places to go before the film becomes repetitive and dull. As it already feels like a stretch to a degree at times.
A successful investment banker struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. With the help of a customer service rep and her young son, he starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.
The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2007 Blacklist; a list of the “most liked” unmade scripts of the year.
This is one of those almost movies. That feels like it is almost o to something but seems to get lost before it can say ultimately what it wants to or before actually saying something profound.
The film stays off-center yet always pretty in its presentations the films end up feeling too designed like the products he dismantled to see how they work. Which the film tries to work in the same way. But seems too on the nose to be quirky and accepting as it seems to want to be offbeat.
A character study where the protagonist tries to find himself and ends up attracting other so-called misfits fighting to find and be themselves. While also trying to be seen as normal and fit in. Though really questioning what that is.
It is basically the main character having to dismantle and destroy his life to rebuild and start again. Which is why his character seeks to take things apart and study them. To see how they work and how they function.
The film is meant to be more of a character study which it achieves and as usual unfortunately also introduces characters more interesting than the lead. Who get scenes of depth and drama, but ultimately seem more like ornaments meant to distract and beautify the film add some flavor, but never really get to shine themselves.
Which is becoming more common in director Jean Marc-Vallee oveure of films. Presenting a kind of reality that always comes with some quirk or bigger than life or life-affirming meaning that seems more magnified than normal. Her he seems to go through realistic characters take on life and challenges as we watch to see their journey through it to the other side. More like emotional action movies with a sharp eye for visuals
It feels more a film about trying to win awards. Though there is some heart in here and tries to say something about the human condition. More about finding yourself. Here it seems like the character was already on that path. Only a tragedy happened that really opened his eyes and lead him to it.
The film feels transparent. It speaks to the audience as the film asks how are you supposed to react to tragedy? Is it disrespectful if in your reaction you aren’t emotional enough or know how exactly to feel? It’s not exactly Always textbook. As we are all individuals. So it Aldo’s how do you feel when what came before was almost on autopilot of what was expected but. Ever felt fulfilling, deserving so that it was almost a lie.
It feels like a film as all of the things that happen seem more announced. I can go with the suspension of disbelief, but when made so obvious it is hard.
This is a feel-good film, yet it becomes what it seems to want to avoid by becoming overbearing after a while.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s detached performance is what will win you over. As he is at total opposites at times but he keeps the film spirited and lively. Where he not only becomes the center of attention, but the most entertaining aspect of the film.
What is at least original is that the film doesn’t paint the main character as some kind of saint or hero. He freely admits his faults and the bad things in the past. It doesn’t praise his wife but makes them look more like a human coup going through the motions of a relationship and never really talking about their problems or dealing with them before this accident happens.
I wish the same could be said of Naomi watts character who is interesting. As her problems are laid bare, but her wrong decisions make her at least interesting when it comes to her character’s psychology. Even as we are used to Naomi watts playing these complicated characters. The character is there but the performance never quite catches on as it feels too plain when it might be better to showcase more of her at war with herself. Here her character keeps it maintained maybe due to her pot smoking. Which might regulate those feelings.
As his late wife throughout the movie haunts him and the other characters but we learn little about her though by the end she becomes more real for us in the audience to get more of a sense of her and not exactly the saint she has been made to be at the beginning. Just that something bad happened to her that she didn’t deserve. As with most of the characters. She was just trying to figure things out and all the people who believe they have it all figured out have comfort but aren’t necessarily being truthful to themselves or are rather simple The other aspect of the film that is eye-catching is the more modern designed clothing and appliances. That comes off shiny and smooth and provide the perfect facade, before revealing their grungy and dirty insides once explored.
Other Than the tragedy the film easily comes off as more middle-aged wish fulfillment than anything else.
Though the film does manage to win you over at certain points and feels personal to a degree when it’s supposed to.
Written By: Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson & Dave Sirus
Cinematography: Robert Elswit
Editor: Jay Cassidy, William Kerr & Brian Olds
Cast: Pete Davidson, Bill Burr, Marisa Tomei, Steve Buscemi, Bel Powley, Moises Arias, Carly Aquilino, Maude Apatow, Kevin Corrigan, Pamela Adlon, Rich Vos, Keith Robinson, Jimmy Tatro, Dominick Lombardozzi, Colson Baker, Ricky Velez, Lou Wilson
Scott has been a case of arrested development since his firefighter dad died. He spends his days smoking weed and dreaming of being a tattoo artist until events force him to grapple with his grief and take his first steps forward in life.
This is not Writer/Director Judd Apatow’s worst or most disappointing movie, but disappointing to a certain degree.
Saw the somewhat similar BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE where Pete Davidson played a similar aimless character who seems stuck in arrested development and mental illness. That film had a more straight to the point story whereas this seems to be comfortable in the moments. Wherever they go. Which is great for the performers, for the audience it can go either way. Which might be why this film isn’t as good as I had hoped as it feels a little familiar.
One of Judd Apatow’s talent is always getting comedic actors who he wants to work with to kind of write their own stories and movies that are a bit autobiographical and then they can try to tie it to a more central plot-oriented conceit. Allowing them to bring out the talents and charm of the actors. As well as make it feel more real as it is partly based in the leads life. This helping to bring out the best in them and showcase their talents. Usually giving them more depth and heart then they have ever been allowed before.
He has become so good at mixing comedy and drama he feels like a modern-day James L. Brooks. Strangely Judd Apatow movies are also always reminiscent of John Cassavettes films. As he always wants to cut to the truth of the scenes and characters. Where he also let’s then scenes flow freely from comedy to devastating drama. This usually works when his films are further away from formula.
It also helps that the characters in these movies might be more comedic and therefore humor but they also feel loved in more than just actorly in performance.
This is one of the few films he has made that is less high concept. Usually there is a concept and users the comedians personality, charm and instincts to make it more of a character piece.
The film is big yet the main character is aimless. Things happen throughout making the film more eventful but leaving the film still kind of formless. Even with a skeleton underneath. As the film is too long.
Pete Davidson is pretty much playing a less successful version of himself or his public persona. He is a charming knucklehead who seems charming and fun. Yet has presence and you would be friends with. It never totally understands.
The cast gives it all but feels like a pilot. As it seems to set up a lot but never quite pull the trigger. so that there seems to be more room for development amongst the characters.
The film offers comedian Bill Burr a great role close to the leading man and he is excellent in the role.
One wishes Pamela Adlon was in the film more and had more to do. The same with Marisa Tomei. As the film comes off more like a boy’s club. It’s the same fate As well for bel Powley as she is funny and sexy in her role. As a sometimes love interest who gets tired of being used and taken for granted.
The film doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go. As it leads us to various places. Sometimes it stays around, but often makes a pit stop and then moves forward going along and not really looking back too much and it doesn’t really have an ending. An Especially satisfying one
Once a plot does rear its head. The film stays with it then takes a turn to allow for some more wandering. Which leaves the film entertaining but makes it feel endless.
The film leaves a lot of plates spinning. Where some characters appear and then disappear. Which works as it shows once away from the lead their influence is on existent. Their lack of importance to the main character is that small of an important overall to the Film and they almost come off as forgotten by the end.
Written & Directed By: Karen Maine Cinematography: Todd Antonio Somodevilla Editor: Jennifer Lee
Cast: Natalia Dyer, Timothy Simons, Donna Lynne Champlin, Wolfgang Novogratz, Alisha Boe, Francesca Reale, Susan Blackwell, Parker Wierling
After an innocent AOL chat turns racy, a Catholic teenager in the early 00s discovers masturbating and struggles to suppress her new urges in the face of eternal damnation.
A star vehicle of sorts for actress Natalia Dyer of the television show STRANGER THINGS. That seems a little controversial but by the end might be shocked at how human and tame it ends up being.
The film is short but makes it presence filled just enough.
This presents itself as a kind of teen comedy about sex or at least puberty and feelings of sexuality and masturbation in particular.
Though the film is small scale and feels a lot more Personal. As it presents a bunch of different problems for the characters but doesn’t offer all the answers. As the ones it does provide can be seen as right or wrong depending on the individual.
It takes it’s time but doesn’t offer much in the form of energy. As it plays more dramatic at times and has it’s own moments to ponder and take into account what has just happened.
Not a typical teen coming of age comedy. As the characters have a Hypocritical nature but you can understand the characters somewhat and see that they mean well
What is honorable about the film is that not every character is good or evil. They are not right or wrong. They go with what they believe is the truth even if not living by those rules.
They live by what they believe is best for all. They aren’t doing it to be cruel just to help in their own way.
The characters are allowed to be flawed and not totally good or evil. Though some might be more annoying and some just don’t know any better. Even the ones who are going to have it all together and know what they are talking about and strong, in the beginning, prove to be weak by the end.
Finally what works is that even though some of the events come off as cynical throughout the film like it’s lead character never seems to go that route. They have faith and belief that they stick to despite it all throughout and by the end have their own kind of acceptance.
PATTI CAKE$ is centered on aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$, who is fighting an unlikely quest for glory in her downtrodden hometown in New Jersey.
I remember in the past where a movie like this that was a hit at Sundance and had a strong word of mouth from critics would do respectable business after being gobbled up by an independent studio and be well placed. As well as given a lot of exposure and publicity.
This film just seems to be put out at random to little and no fanfare. Not even playing in the usual art houses (at least as far as New York goes)
It’s a shame as this movie is a strong crowd-pleaser. That has heavy mainstream appeal. That I am shocked it wasn’t promoted more. As it doesn’t seem to be a hard sell as some independent films of its ilk might be.
The film is predictable and plays like 8 MILE only a little lighter in theme and not quite as serious. Though it does have a white female who dreams of being a rapper.
What the film does right is that it fills the film with reality but also adds in the absurdities that even when down and depressing it adds humor and a lightness of mood.
The characters are all outcasts in their own way. Especially from what is expected of them. With a positive comedic middle eastern hype man. Who works for a pharmacy by day and is a weed smoker. A producer who is a black goth and musician. The main character is an overweight bartender rapper on the search for a permanent job. To help pay the bills at home as well as help pay the medical bills for her grandmother (played by an unrecognizable Cathy Moriarty) meanwhile having to deal with a mother who was a wannabe singer and is now a lush who sings at karaoke and slides up to any man who treats her nicely.
So as you can see the cast is diverse and plays to a wide audience. Mainly anyone who feels different or ostracized. That makes the film kind of empowering.
You know where the film will end up and that victory of some kind is inevitable. Though the film has something to say about struggle, artistry, and talent.
The filmmaking isn’t awe-inspiring but it is solid. Watching the journey is fun if at times rough. But the film is rough around the edges but always has a sweetness. Even when the film chooses to be cruel or bitter to the characters at times.
The ensemble is strong, though it is rounded by a good performance by Bridget Everett as her alcoholic mother. Who is convinced sex appeal always works. Watching her here especially if you ever get to see her one-woman cabaret show is a marvel. As is the performance by the lead actress Danielle Macdonald who is actually Australian but gives off a flawless jersey accent. She had to learn to rap and master the New Jersey accent for her role. Though the writer-director wrote all the rap lyrics
The films cast being so diverse adds to the eclectic quality of the movie and its soundtrack. As well as acknowledging that most communities in society intersect.
The film does bring up race in a few scenes and even explores how real she is or isn’t in a scene with her idol a legendary hip hop record producer who tells her about realness and commodification of a race and it’s culture. So these films at least go there and acknowledge it.
The question of cultural appropriation does come up. More as an accusation from a person of color tho at first was an inspiration then drawn more to represent a villain or at least an adversary. Now by putting that opinion into a character who ends up representing bad is already bias especially when This film is written and directed by a caucasian. Making it even more questionable by kind of dismissing the idea and even more villainizibg The person go color for stating it.
The film already makes one question that invisibly this is a story about overcoming fear and following your dream a kind of rags to riches story that covers an overweight white girl and making herself feel good and overcoming her problems but the question remains would an audience or even critics like it feel the same way if the film was about an overweight African American female or would it be seen as familiar or typical. Would there be an interest or audience?
This is a film definitely worth your time. Though it will seem a bit familiar. Just as it is following a trend I am a fan of and hope to see more of, having more coming of age, uplifting stories about women and not being about romantic relationships. More films about empowering themselves and following their dreams with very little sex involved. Not tom mention a great soundtrack
Cast: Victoria Carmen Sonne, Lai Yde, Thjis Romer, Yuval Segal, Adam lld Rohweder, Morten Hemmingsen
Young and beautiful Sascha discovers her dream life of luxury, recklessness and fun comes at a price when she is welcomed into the “family” of her drug lord boyfriend at his holiday villa in the port city of Bodrum on the Turkish Riveria. Physical and psychological violence are a way of life for this gangster family, but when the velvet veneer is stripped raw to the bone, Sascha’s eye drifts towards the “normal” life she is leaving behind–is it possible she could still be accepted by polite society?
This film feels like a Study or gazes more an examination. As we watch the main character on vacation with her boyfriend who seems to be a gangster of some sort. Who is mostly low keys she seems to be his moll and the film mainly stays with her except for a scene or two.
The film seems to want to present and show how Women always having to be nice and look pretty to be noticed and fit in. Also to be taken care of.
This is a movie that Is either a love or hate film. No real middle ground as it is a polarizing film.
Not much happens. It’s not even really episodic more days in the lives. Where you begin to examine any event big or small looking for clues as to where it is going or to reveal more about the characters.
At times the film feels tedious. There are only so many angles of her good looks, body, and tropical landscapes to look at
We more watch things from her experience so while they might be laid out they are never quite explained. The film doesn’t even really come off as a character study.
As her character seems more innocent and naive. As she is roughed up and usually upset yet seems to enjoy all the indulgences and does nothing to rebel or stand up for herself.
Though the film tries to present her constantly as desirable and a bombshell anytime sex comes into the equation the camera pulls away as sex seems to be usually taken or is more violent. So that when she is about to be revealed the film chooses to move on. Sort of like her blocking it out of her mind.
later found out this is only when watching the film on TUBI. As they decided to cut the films sex scenes) which actually makes it seem more profound and reasonable in that version.
Which might get on the audience’s nerves. At the amount of abuse, she seems to take, and never strikes back out of revenge. Which is where you are hoping the film is going to.
Her boyfriend/boss takes members of his family kids and maybe even wife as well as members of his crew. While she comes off more as an assistant though really his girlfriend.
The rape scene is disgusting and shocking and Was actually cut out of the version I Saw and when I watched the uncut version. It’s like a horror scene that does affect the rest of the movie. Even if the film and character want to treat it more as an everyday occurrence. What is worse is that family members seem to be coming down to see about the noise and once they do see just retreat back up and is never spoken of nor does anyone try to help her. Which shows whole shocking this is everyday behavior for him And maybe what those around him have come to expect
When a story seems to be starting it does so subtlety. Like when she seems to strike up a flirtatious friendship with a guy. Who is clearly into her. Who comes across as normal and middle class and seems like he might be able to be her escape. Her boyfriend gets jealous but also seems turned on. As someone else desiring her and not knowing what kind of trouble he might be in as the boyfriend is obviously an alpha and wants to assert his power and influence by inviting the guy over then embarrassing her by molesting her and threatening him. While not the worse he does to her during the movie. This is another in a long line of degradations. Where we feel like the suitor disgusted and don’t understand her at all and she actually begins to disgust him.
When she does finally take out her anger towards the end. It seems more misplaced even though insulted and the person speaks to her plainly out of anger. She attacks with a random act of violence that seems off but definitely has been waiting to be unleashed. As it is ok for her boyfriend who she believes loves her to degrade her in all sorts of ways but a stranger disrespecting her verbally is too much.
That turn at the end. When she even goes to a police station shows she wants to do the right thing. Maybe to just escape what she seems trapped into, but even then she doesn’t have the strength or bravery to speak and for it. Which is her character’s problem throughout.
In the end taking responsibility and working would disturb her comfort and gifts. Just as her the film seems to stay aloof and at a distance. As the film never passes judgment on any of the characters. Nor does it ever get emotional.
The end seems to show she has become just as corrupted as the company she keeps, with a perfect ending theme song to describe the situation she has found herself in.
It feels like the film was aiming for controversy though would help if it was more structured into an ongoing story rather than a study where not much happens except for a graphic rape scene and ends up provocative though with no depth.
You keep wondering where is the film going or hopefully some kind of revenge will Happen. Unfortunately, the film never quite rises and Delivers the promise that we were hoping for.
The film does show the price that is paid for that beauty and all the dirty things done to achieve and maintain it.
Never choosing to show any acts of brutality in close up until the end. Where by that time each main character has done an unforgivable act of violence.
It’s an interesting film showing privilege and entitlement and taking abuse just for the riches to a degree and when push comes to shove when offered an escape chooses to want to keep her status even if rough to a degree.
The film could have had something to say if it had made more decisions and gave the lead character, character. Her third act changes the whole welcome feels unearned. As if the movie realized it needs a catharsis or something to happen. As it just seems to continuously show older rich men abusing young scantily clad women. Having power over them they that they use these women with money and by the end of the film. The film seems to choose to agree with it. As we know this goes on in real life and the film chooses to show one particular situation. Which is still shocking considering the movie is directed by a female.
Based on the book “ LADY MACBETH OF MTSENSK” by Nikolai Leskov Cinematography: Ari Wegner
Editor: Nick Emerson
Cast: Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, Christopher Fairbank, Golda Roseuval, Anton Palmer, Bill Fellows
Rural England, 1865. Katherine is stifled by her loveless marriage to a bitter man twice her age, whose family are cold and unforgiving. When she embarks on a passionate affair with a young worker on her husband’s estate, a force is unleashed inside her, so powerful that she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
This movie features Florence Pugh in a star making performance and also one of the all time great cold femme fatales on screen.
The title makes you believe this Will be a take on Shakespeare’s Play. Only focusing on one main character from their point of view, but this is based on “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” by Nikolai Leskov
That might have served as inspiration for the play and the title just happens to deal with the same machinations, manipulations, and themes as that character and play
Though some will see this from a modern context of a female asserting herself in a suppressed time. That she is sticking up for herself and choosing to use her strengths and power. As after all she comes off as a mastermind even though motivated more by being dumb in love. If she wasn’t so selfish she might have been a strong female role model. Though she might still end up being one to some audience members
The film allows us to see how she comes upon her decisions. How as soon as she gets there she is mistreated by her husband who refuses to actually consummate the marriage and then disappears leaving her feeling bored and degraded. Even when not suffering the disdain of her father in law.
Once she spies the help trying to sexually assault her handmaiden and sticks up for her she feels an attraction and passion for the
Young field worker who originated it and begins to flirt with him until he comes to her bedroom And is aggressive with her and she fights back but also accepts his demands. Once started the affair intensified and anything or anyone who stands in the way she is willing to sacrifice.
She does so coldly, but to a certain extent, you can understand why. Until the third act when she goes to far. Even shocking the audience as well as her lover.
Throughout it is easy to not feel sorry for the male characters in her life. They don’t necessarily deserve death, but they are also not the most sympathetic characters. The film also makes it seem like the lover will eventually use her but in the end. He is more a pawn as she loves him And tries to prop him Up as more respectable. Though he can be expendable if he chooses to betray or cross her.
The most sympathetic character is her handmaiden Anna, who witnesses everything and goes mute from shock. While still being made to serve her and seemingly punished by her from time to time. What she is put through and where she ends up is just cruel. It’s Disappointing though not shocking.
Since the character is African American she more seems like a slave so watching her being mistreated is not all that shocking and while it’s nice to see people of color in the film. While being historically accurate it does get on the nerves or brings the audience to a dark place to be reminded of this time In history. Especially as in the end classism And racism stand supreme. Even when the one who so thought to be more privileged is the one who has done the worst and should have a bad reputation
The film also manages to be quite sexual though not quite erotic.
The film is quite a surprise from what you might think the film will be about or go to. It is actually richer even if also more cerebral and remote, with beautiful backgrounds.
I really enjoy this film and am only recently becoming a bit of a fan of period pieces.
Three young Irish women struggle to maintain their spirits while they endure dehumanizing abuse as inmates of a Magdalene Sisters Asylum.
This is a harrowing story of survival and injustice. Where young women were forced into indentured slavery to a degree. As they were made to be subservient to priests and nuns at monasteries and convents. For supposedly being bad girls but usually see being attacked or abused sexually or even thought if for being non chaste.
In the first act of the film, we see the three characters who we will follow their daily lives and what lead them to be Sent to this asylum. The next act is their lives in the asylum and the third act is an escape attempt.
Then once sent away being made to be tortured and abused by the church. From molesting and raping priests In Servitude. While the church makes money off of their slave labor.
This film allows us to be brought into the situation by three protagonists who are sent there we see what leads them here before interacting with one another as we hear snippets of other women’s stories while being preyed upon by the nuns who are the main tormentors. As they believe the girls deserve it as sinners and that they themselves are in service to god. So they are the more mighty.
The film is a powerful historical dramatization as well as a strong movie that doesn’t offer any conventional Cookie cutter answers or depictions. Even when some are released there are no emotional goodbyes or promises to help get them out. It makes you want to learn more about the history of the subjects the film offers. As it is such an immersive experience.
This film easily could have gone into exploitation. Though luckily the film is meant to show what they go through without getting bogged down in any graphic depictions of sex and violence.
Though it does manage to keep the tension high and filled with drama. We watch the Female protagonists and see how each in their own way survives and gets released or makes their getaway. How it scars then and haunts one especially even past their supposed escape.
The film is hard to sit through due to the victimization that went on until the 1960s and was never brought justice. As the audience watches, they can feel the pain
What makes this move unsettling is the fact that It’s a true story. Which is also what makes it so unforgettable. It’s a history lesson and a survival story about a time no one really talks about and you see and experience the horrors of the characters. Though the actual people who survived the asylum said it was much worse then depicted.
Cut To The Chase 