Tag: Foreign

SISTER MIDNIGHT (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Karan Kandhari

Cinematography: Sverre Sordal

Editor: Napoleon Stratogiannakis

Cast: Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, Smita Tambe, Subhash Chandra, Navya Sawant, Uma Katju, Vijay Kaushik 

A genre-bending comedy about a frustrated and misanthropic newlywed who discovers certain feral impulses that land her in unlikely situations.

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This is a film that is best to go in blind as the title and the poster make it seem like a vigilante movie from the 1970s even though it is far from that it does feel like a more original project and product that could be from that time That is obviously more modern. A ready made cult movie of sorts.

The film plays and styled like a Wes Anderson film. Only set in Mumbai, India. As it has the same visual style, and the same comedic beats. Though offers it’s own takes and vision. 

There is no traditional indian music on the soundtrack. It has more Indie and oldies rockabilly. As it seems the director wanted to have things that don’t necessarily go together. For the multiple genre movie. 

As this film is meant to be, one won’t say horror, though it leans that way it’s more of a fantasy or a fairytale, as it is filled with the supernatural, which only adds to the hijinks. though at heart it’s more comedic than anything. 

Even though it starts off as a kind of romantic comedy involving an arranged marriage and it’s slowly going downhill before something fantastic happens and sets the film on a new path or course, but still has that original element anchor in.

We I habit and learn about this world as well as the revelations through the main character played by Radhika Apte. As the lead and truly the audiences guide.

The film has a lot of inspired visuals and touches of silent comedy that also feeds off of culture and environment.

The one of the weaknesses of the film is there nothing is ever explained things just seem to happen randomly, but it works so well within the genre that you just go with it.

Their scenes of animation in the film, which you stop animation that work well within and only adds to the films, eclectic and oddball nature which truly sets the film apart as an original offering. As it might not necessarily life ok smooth or expensive, but sets to show it’s different or not normal.

The film offer several different genres, and it never goes where you expected to and ends up being quite subversive, though it might be too whimsical for some.

This feels like a film that at certain points is moody yet more fantasy or science fiction. Yet wears the disguise of being a horror film mroe 

For most audiences, it might be a breath of fresh air, pulling in elements of films. They might not normally watch and tinkering with them enough to be more acceptable in this harsh podge of a film.

Grade: B+

PARTHENOPE (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Paolo Sorrentino 

Cinematography: Daria D’Antonio 

Editor: Cristiano Travaglioli 

Cast: Celeste Dalla Porta, Silvio Orlando, Gary Oldman, Peppe Lanzetta, Dario Aita, Marlon Joubert, Luisa Ranieri, Isabella Ferrari

A woman born in the sea of Naples in 1950 searches for happiness over the long summers of her youth, falling in love with her home city and its many memorable characters.

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Director Paolo Sorrentino knows how to make things beautiful. He knows how to bring out natural beauty and what others might overlook this film, which looks more like a commercial at times with its images and characters, reminding one a film such as Terence Malik in this world there’s a visuals could be distracting , but also seem to be part of the storytelling as this film seems to more be about atmosphere and culture than anything else.

While this film is an epic in itself. It’s not as flashy as his previous films. As it is broad but feels a bit more modest and gritty. 

The lead character Parthenope played elegantly by Celeste Dalla Porta. which also has the name of the title was born in the sea. She seems to represent Naples, Italy itself, naturally, beautiful, and island separated from the rest of the world who either stare or wish to be near she must pay a price for her beauty as it causes Corruptions breakdowns, false promises, flirtations all around her as it tries to be itself, but at times can’t be selfish or all consuming not knowing its own power and strength and influence over others

The film provides many metaphors, but like it subject, it feels shallow and a bit too in love with itself as there is substance that doesn’t feel like it digs deep enough? As the audience takes us along its many paths. Though seems to get lost in itself. 

The subjects of the film, the director has explored before and deeper so much more so that this film that tries to be artistic comes across a little bit more mainstream, even with all of its indulgences

Gary Oldman is a selling point in his small role is writer, John Cheever, who you hope would help shape the story or being an interesting chapter as she would become amuse of his, but he seems more to help the film’s box office and as the only American character going with a recognizable screen presents Though seems more there as a memento or a devotion, a testament to the times

The lead actress is certainly beautiful and has a passing resemblance to actress Mia Sara she does what is expected of her as she continuously looks glamorous in bikinis and evening dresses, but through her journeys and some growth, you wish the film brought into focus more of the side characters like her acting teacher who shows up to give lessons, but truly proves to be nothing but smoke and mirrors

It feels like the film  MALENA by Giuseppe Tonratore as the film continuously focuses on her beauty, even when trying to show her as a full character whereas in that film, it humanized the title character, but we more got to see her from others point of view here the title character gets all these opportunities and meet so many influential characters because of her beauty and youth and constantly trying to figure everything out around her which also leads too many tragedies as she know so many

So that this film becomes a historic look at a beautiful woman overtime as well as the changing of the times of Italy that serves as a fictional biography of sorts. A romantic look back that surprisingly has little sex and isn’t as exploited as the directors previous films could be, but there does feel Like for all the access in this film. There’s also an emptiness to it.

Still a film to see, but not needed to be so lengthy when there isn’t that much to say 

Grade: B- 

CONTEMPT (1963)

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Directed By: Jean-Luc Godard

Written by & based on the novel “IL DISPREZZO” By: Alberto Moravia

Cinematography: Raoul Coutard

Editor: Agnes Guillemot 

Cast: Jack Planace, Brigitte Bardot, Fritz Lang, Michel Piccoli, Giorgia Moll

A French writer’s marriage deteriorates while working on Fritz Lang’s version of “The Odyssey”, as his wife accuses him of using her to court favor with the film’s brash American producer.

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Tortured Myself again, by watching another Jean Luc-Godard From my Criterion Collection, sight unseen.

I know how dour that already sounds. You just have to know that me and Jon Luc Godard films have had a love-hate relationship. I have actually liked and enjoyed some films that I didn’t expect while other films that are considered classics I found rather boring noteworthy for different reasons.

I like the ideas of Jean-Luc Godard, in his style though the films not necessarily as much at times they work, but usually not at least for me as they become statements which might have worked at the time as bold but now come across as pretentious, cinematic, theatrical games, there is a living quality to them in an absurd quality, as they are usually quite beautiful, but leaves the audience lost to find their own way, which is commendable, if not having

I will say watching the movie is like reading a classic book you don’t like and wonder why so many do as it feels more like an assignment that you’re determined to finish 

This is one of those movies where you’re going to come up with your own theory or understanding of it so I’m only gonna present my interpretation.

Now it’s always entertaining watching a younger Jack Palance in a film, as well as young women, riding bicycles in skirts. Though watching Fritz Lang steal the movie in his scenes was worth it

It is another movie of Brigitte Bardot being torn supposedly between Teague lovers neither of which is seem a good choice, but one is better than the other and her never having chemistry who is the one who is older, has more money and seems more want her only physically.

This film is a satire film making, but it seems to turn more into a domestic drama romance of a deteriorating marriage.Even as it explores the themes of selling out or staying, true to your principles.

That was it’s a beautiful locations still end up being a hang out movie that is in the middle of paradise yet everyone is oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings or they’ve been there so long that it is normal to them, though the film still manage to showcase the beauty and appeal of Brigitte Bardot and it seems like while everybody in the film can see her beauty she is like the background to them. They’ve grown so used to her that it’s normal, but will still contest her. Well, the film and filmmaker bathe her and loving light as well as give her a meaty challenging role. Though questionable if you might actually like her by the end

One can say that at least she gets to play full character other than just a fantasy or an object of beauty pretty much a bombshell, though she does Grace the poster, so it she did help sell tickets for this phone as next to Jack Palance she’s the biggest name in the film and of course Fritz Lang. No, she seems to be the entrance or introduction for us to the Phil as the camera lingers on her

Throughout the film, we see the games that all the characters seem to be playing weather in love relationships filmmaking financing.

Now one can see where Martin Scorsese got part of his score of CASNO from. It gets  annoying a bit at times watching its source play throughout. The score “ST. MATTHEW PASSION BMV 244/PART TWO: WIR SETZEN UNS MIT TRANEN NEIDER”’By Johann Sebastian Bach 

Which leads me to wonder Did he use it to subconsciously say that all these characters are in this Idyllic Wonderland in that they are alienated from it due to mounting domestic pressures & alienation from one another

Didn’t expect this to become one of Godard Morchella Ching films even though it’s seams like most of them are as the film deals with alien nation. It almost feels more like a Michelangelo Antonioni film only no not as long, and this seem to have more of a cruel, ending the natural ending.

In the end, I have no problem, admitting maybe I didn’t quite get it as much as others did as I loved the concepts and drama that was introduced that lead to discussions and conversations even after you watch the film no again I can’t say I enjoyed it, or necessarily would need to watch it again

IL POSTO (1961)

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Directed By: Ermando Olmi 

Written By: Ermando Olmi And Ettore Lombardo 

Cinematography: Lambert Caimi 

Editor: Carla Colombo 

Cast: Lordana Detto, Sandro Panseri 

Bursting with big dreams and plans, an Italian teen goes to Milan to work in a big impersonal corporate office, where he becomes disillusioned and drained of all his individualism.

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This classic masterpiece of Italian film is full of great moments. As it seems focused on two characters in particular, thst the film takes its time in introducing individually and to one another, but by the end becomes more of an ensemble.

The film tries more to be a docu-drama to make it feel more realistic which is why there are barely any credits. 

The film definitely paints a picture of a culture, time period and of business. How the film introduces us to individuals but by the end they become part of the system and almost nameless. Even though they all ah e their own conflicts and personalities. Though become defined by their jobs only. Another cog in the bureaucratic machine 

The black and white photography throughout gives the film and the tale a timeless nature. As it is a story we have seen many times but different locations and circumstances. As it tries to tell a tale of what seems like first love as an adult, but will it ever get that far or only stay a flirtation. Like when you see someone interesting randomly I. Travel or at an event. Where you seem to hit it off but will you ever see each other again or get a chance to let one another know how you truly feel about them after a few chance encounters. 

It offers the beginning of a romance that never quite starts. That gets lost amongst the many other responsibilities that are forced upon you. As you enter adulthood. 

The promise of something better thst never quite seems to come. While In The heartless system that seems to have bring them together, but also keeps them apart 

As In The beginning interviews it seems to be the go ahead and the beginning. As they are separated yet full of promise. Which leads to uncertainty. As there are no real duties and have nothing but time filled with hope. As he gets busier he manages to see her again. There is promise when she begs him to be at a New Year’s Eve party that she will be attending.

When we get to the party where him and a bunch of different characters t about heartbreak, but learn how to open themselves up to one another and manage to save the evening. Which leads to an ending of uncertainty and unresolved emotions. Where we hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Grade: A- 

VENUS (2022)

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Directed By: Jaume Belaguero 

Written By: Jaume Belaguero and Fernando Navarro 

Based on the short story by: H.P. Lovecraft

Cinematography: Pablo Rosso 

Editor: Luis De La Madrid

Cast: Ester Exposito, Ines Fernandez, Angela Cremonte, Maugi Mira, Aten Soria, Maria Jose Sarrate, Sofia Reyes, Federico Aguada 

Horror invades the concrete corridors of a cursed apartment complex on the outskirts of Madrid.

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As usual, this is a film that might be best to go in blind. Does this offer quite a mystery in a surprise?

This film for all of its original elements end up being somewhat predictable. Even as it always keeps you guessing with all the detours it takes on the road forward.

As it does, keep changing genres, yet staying thorough with its story and characters. As it is a Pulpy noir crime story, one minute, a horror film the next, then on the edge of being a thriller, as well as a supernatural tale. Before in the last act being a story of revenge or a director Luc Besson style  action film.

The film starts off slow, though quickly gain speed as mentioned in the third act you think that’s the way the rest of the film will go before morphing into something different and more satisfying. 

especially with the journey that the film has put the characters and the audience through. Not to mention how the film has built up to these moments and characters and even the tone.

It continuously tries to throw you off center though it seems to be somewhat predictable, especially if you’ve seen this type of film before but at least it’s trying.

The film offers this mix you find that they feed quite well off of each other. As it’s based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that tells you the places this story will take you.

The problem is that for all that it inspires and tension it makes the audience feel. It never offers up a good enough release. As it builds up you expect something bigger then what it eventually offers. Which is wild but feels a little bit too tidy and minuscule for what it seems to hint at. 

Though being helmed by Jaume Belaguero who works best with the supernatural and thrillers. Sometimes both in small spaces like in his films REC and SLEEP TIGHT. That unfortunately this one doesn’t rise to the occasion as his others have. As this one seems almost like a greatest hits for him or seems to have reached a limit. 

Grade: C+

THE LAUGHING WOMAN (1969)

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Written & Directed By: Piero Schivazappa

Cinematography: Carlo Achilli and Sante Achilli 

Editor: Carlo Reali

Cast: Philippe Leroy, Dagmar Lassander, Lorenza Gueirieri, Valo Soleri, Maria Cumani Quasimodo, Mirella Pamphili 

Doctor Sayer, esteemed director of a philanthropic institution, hides a misogynistic and sexophobic personality to which he gives vent to weekends, dedicating himself in his isolated villa to sadistic games in the company of professionals expert in satisfying similar inclinations and staging their death in ways more imaginative. Taking advantage of the visit of one of his employees, Mary, decides to move from fiction to reality, imprisoning the woman and subjecting her to physical and psychological torture.

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Done with great style and craftsmanship, this film is more of a battle of the sexes type movie. As it plays like pop art and is filmed like a Giallo. 

Where a young woman falls under the spell of a masochist male and while catering to his every fetishistic whims.

He eventually does fall in love with her. Where we wonder by the end whonrealyl has the power and who was truly in control.

The film Does have some racy sex scenes that are titillating and also torturous. Making thaincoen across as FIFTY SHADES OF GREY way earlier. 

As this is like watching a porno with a plot only without any hardcore sex scenes. So that the thrills in this film is how far will it or the actors go. 

The soundtrack matches it scene by scene 

Though there truly seems to be very little going on and not much story. As the film seems to want tonturn you and and find thrills. As it tries to portray a cynical love story of sorts. That comes across as a thriller at times That sadly truly doesn’t have that much to say or offer.

It’s an erotic drama, or you could even say erotic thriller, though at heart this truly could’ve been more of an adult film with hard-core scenes as that seems to be its appeal because even the storyline is a little thin to make excuses for the places it goes, and there is supposedly an emotional component that it doesn’t feel that deep, But one could see how maybe the writer or director is trying to show a difference or how sex and emotions are linked for certain people.

Don’t exactly know what the film is trying to say. Doesn’t want us to watch all the pain this woman goes through and then pull the rug from Under us so that we watch as she survives but conquers and never was the victim At all? Though i’m sure certainly racy at the time. Now you just marvel at the production design and marvel at what they got away with.

As the film feels like a film not brave enough to be a full porno. So instead it tries to add a thin plot and stylish shots. That pornos of the time had, but maybe they wanted to put this out as a thriller. As it contains plenty of erotic scenes but while short you also hope that it is going to be a bout a little more. So don’t come into this film expecting too much more than titilation. So much so it feels more like a fetish film more than a feature film. 

Though with only the main two actors in the erotic scenes if it was a porno. It would ag e to have the audience focused on the main actors and being attracted to them. As there are barely any others to distract or pair off with. So it’s more a couples movie, hence romantic. 

This is the kind of film you would stay up late to watch as a kid on cable.

Grade: C+

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE (2024)

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Directed By: Magnus Von Horn

Written By: Magnus Von Horn And Line Langebek 

Cinematography: Michal Dymek 

Editor: Agnieszka Glinska 

Cast: Vic Carmen Sonne, Trine Dryholm, Besir Zeciri, Joachim Fjerstrup, Tessa Hoder, Ava Knox Martin, Ari Alexander, Benedikte Hansen 

Copenhagen 1919: A young worker finds herself unemployed and pregnant. She meets Dagmar, who runs an underground adoption agency. A strong connection grows but her world shatters when she stumbles on the shocking truth behind her work.

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This is a film that is hard to talk about as it is definitely a film. You should watch before fighting out too much information about the film so that you can discover what the film offers.

So if you haven’t seen it already, please stop reading this review as to discuss it. You can’t help but spoil part of it, though I will say this is definitely an experience. 

A historical tale filmed in black and white in Germany. This is a film that you admire the acting in the filmmaking, but it’s not a film. You will watch repeatedly due to it subject matter as it is definitely a hard watch after a while. 

The film does start out bleak, but it also at time seems to offer mercy and forgiveness that you think that the main character might still have a chance at a good life or things turning around for her only for it to become bleak again and things turned tragic.

especially when you get to the third act of the film, which is where the audience will be tested as to whether they can finish the film and go further it’s not what is shown on screen, but what the characters do that will be the thing that will be upsetting for most of the audience. Especially where in the end it reveals that this is based on a true story.

as when you’re watching the film, you’re just wondering like what kind of sick mind came up with this storyline and did it have to be as harsh but then the truly scary part is that it’s not necessarily an extension of the writer directors imagination, but presenting the facts to a certain extent 

The film is breathtaking in a way in which it begins at first you think it’s gonna be a rags to riches story but it seems to be a rags with hopes of riches gets a taste of riches get thrown back into rags and at the worst moments sort of gets lifted up only to be thrown down and even lower than they were before.

It humanizes even the violent characters giving a twisted reasoning for their behaviors as the film tries to end with a little bit of hope that you wonder is it too late and have the characters gone too far for that 

One of the amazing aspects of this movie is the lead played by Vic Carmen Sonne. as an actress she is quite a chameleon because though her character is pretty here, she’s so run down and grab that she has common looks, but has a look that stands out and then as a film goer, you remember her from the controversial movie HOLIDAY in which she played pretty much a cat woman, a sugar, baby, who all these men desired and literally were harming each other over her and here she’s treated like a little nothing

If anything this film ends up being a survivor story the cinematography black and white film is so beautiful and timeless that even though it’s said in the past, it feels like something that could still happen today when people are at their lowest.

This is one of those films where you know you’re never going to watch it again necessarily more because of the subject matter because it’s a beautifully made film. The filmmaking is exceptional, but the subject matter is hard for anyone to take and watch, even if not showing graphically just the thought of it the horror, the horrors. 

No one can understand why the story needs to be told but also you wonder once you know the twist does it lose the power of it as if you go into this film blind and let it build you’re going along a journey where you don’t know where it’s going to lead, and then that choice happens And has its effect on subsequent views if you choose to, is the filmmaking still powerful now that you know the twist, does it stay as strong on a repeat view it or was this meant to be a one and done?

For all the praise that movies like the sixth sense for instance gets and it is a well-made movie, but it doesn’t hit as hard once you know the twist so would it be quite as remarkable or stand the test of time without it. As always, I guess that is up to the individual. As some will keep watching just for the innovations or the filmmaking or the performances or they’ll find something to come back for. No matter how grizzly it might eventually become or even just to study it to see the clues if any early on order to see how it affects them slowly going to where they know the film is going to go.

as always, I will warn this is definitely not a film for everyone. If you are highly sensitive I would definitely say skip this movie maybe read up about it instead as again the film isn’t glory or even a violent, but it is subtle and it’s horror that will haunt and disturb you. 

Grade: A 

THE HOLE (1998)

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Directed By: Tsai Ming-Liang 

Written By: Tsai Ming-Liang and Pi-Ying Yang

Cinematography: Pen-Jung Liao

Editor: Ju-Kuan Hsaio 

Cast: Kuei-Mei Yang, Kang-Sheng Lee, Miao Tien, Hui-Chin Lin, Hsiang-Chu Tong, Kun-Huei Lin

While never-ending rain and a strange disease spread by cockroaches ravage Taiwan, a plumber makes a hole between two apartments and the inhabitants of each form a unique connection, enacted in musical numbers.——————————————————————————-

This film about two stragglers in a doomed neighborhood on the verge of the new millenium of the year 2000. As it seems they are the last ones left in their neighborhood and trying to avoid a virus that is passed from roaches that makes those who get the virus pretended and act like insects.

Before this happens a plumber trying to find a leak into the apartment downstairs exposes a Pipe and a hole into the apartment downstairs

As the film goes along constantly rains and the female who lives downstairs apartment keeps getting flooded. While the man upstairs who runs a shop keeps smoking.

Both are lonely and after awhile they start to communicate and you can see how lonely they both are and long for connection. In between we see musical scenes usually starring the female. Which seem to be her inner monologues of what she wants to say or share. 

The film is about two lonely people finding one another imnthe middle of chaos. 

There are long moments of nothing really happening. Except for each of them going through their days or killing time. Not really doing much, but those moments make us become much more closer to them. As they are more identifiable. Especially In their loneliness. As they are so close yet far away from one another.

This is one of those films where you will either be into the film or you won’t as it can be hypnotizing, but it can also be seen as boring. 

By the end It’s a romantic poetic moment where we hope for the best. As it ends literally on a happy note.

As the film goes along it’s easy to get what it is supposed to be about and the story of making a connection in desperation. At the worst of times and your perfect partner was there all along.

this is one of those films again that when I used to work in a video store, I used to see the DVD cover for all of the time, but never ventured past the cover art to venture to find out what the film was about as the cover looks so plain it just never really interested me or at the time looked way too artistic for me to truly find an interest or try to find an interest in.

At heart a romance. Though. Definitely not a comedy. Though it has  enough quirky details To be shaped or Designed like one.

As two neighbors,Really strangers become connected

Once  a plumber leaves a hole in the floor of

An apartment that is the roof of another. As there is a pandemic in a nearly Empty housing unit. Where the disease is being spread by insects randomly and there is non stop rain outside. Though again some how this is the aesthetic and background to explain why these two characters firnthe most part stay home and other then work Or food shopping, Go nowhere. Yes it’s One of those films. High concept in theory, but focused on the minutae of the characters and dramatics. Where the musicsl numbers are the action scenes. As well as

Kind of the loveScenes. As it is where the characters innermost thoughts and feelings actually come out and are on display. 

Where it feels like it’ going to change scene to scene, but for every curve like the musical sequences. It stays true to it’s path and vision 

It’s a film where it feels like you fully understand where the film

Is going and what it wants to come

Across, but insists on do I g it in it’s

Own way and you have no choice but to follow.

Then rather then going the conventional it chooses to make you watch the most mundane actions of the characters and make it seem poetic or that it means something deeper.

While Also getting the audience to feel thencharscters to be more identifiable. 

While one can admit this is the type of film that feels more like A Statement or Expression.

Definitely not justncintent or disposable. It’s a Film That is clearly not meant for all audiences.

As it is the type of Film you are going to either get with or not.

Unfortunately for me it never connected with me

Or never got  on the same wave length. As it felt tedious and you question not only what is it all about and why am I here. Even a question of consciousness.

Though I can see why others might dig the film. It never quite comes alive. It’s certainly unconventional. So I can’t really rate it. As it is more artistic cinema for you to ponder rather then just grade. 

when it comes to art, we all have our own interpretations as it is so bold and different than what we are accustomed to, while

being creative In anyway, that is not universal

Unfortunately,  i also felt most of the minutes and the film is under 90 minutes. 

TIGER STRIPES (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Amanda Nell Eu

Cinematography: Jimmy Gimferrer

Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad 

Cast: Zagreen Zairzal, Piga, Deena Ezral, Jun Lojong, Khairunazwan Rodzy, Shahiezy Sam, KhairFatimah Abu Bakar, Bella Rahim 

An 11-year-old girl who is carefree until she starts to experience horrifying physical changes to her body.

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This film is like the Pixar animated film TURNING RED. Teaching us about the nature of puberty in females and gaining their periods. How it turns them into something you barely recognize. Their own vicious beasts. That they canmt help. 

Here ItMs a little more literal and violent then the animated film. As this film deals more of this happening in a repressive community and literally the character becoming possessed.

While she seems to affect others. It is never quite explained why or how. As she seems to be the most not one who goes through a complete head to toe change. Though at heart is still a little girl. No matter how dangerous or vicious she becomes.

Which is usually a result of her defending herself from her so-called friends. Who generally turn on her once she goes through changes. They at times come across as the true villains.

The film even throws in a charlatan doctor. Who believes he can cure her and save the town. 

What we get is a body horror film that treats puberty as a horror to all those involved in an individuals transformation. 

For all the metaphors and striking visuals at times. The film feels pretty basic and shows its hands constantly. There is nothing wrong with that. It just doesn’t make things all that exciting or interesting. 

The things there are to admire other than the performances. How the film stretches out her transformation bit by bit. As the film goes along we know something is going on with her but it seems like each scene with her reveals a new part of her ultimate transformation.

This is ultimately a supernatural coming of age story that offers parallels that are universal. It’s a bit grizzly but still more cute with a bit of cruelty than anything.

Grace: B- 

EIGHT EYES (2023)

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Edited & Directed By: Austin Jennings 

Written By: Matthew Frink and Austin Jennings 

Cinematography: Sean Dahlberg

Cast: Emily Sweet, Bradford Thomas, Bruno Velvanovski, Nenad Mijatove, Jovan Ristic, Jovan Stanlovic, Gordana Jovic, Milica Djurickovic 

When Cass begins to hear voices while backpacking with her husband Gav through former Yugoslavia, she attributes it to travel stress and cracks appearing in her new marriage. However, when the couple embarks on an unplanned sight seeing expedition with a mysterious local named Saint Peter, Cass quickly suspects that his promises to give them an “authentic” tour of his homeland conceal a much darker purpose. When Gav goes missing, Cass soon finds herself dragged into an increasingly paranoid web of manipulation and murder from which even death offers no escape.

I can give this some credit for trying to build an aesthetic of the Giallo’s that it’s obviously modeled after and also it’s obvious modern inspirations such as CABIN FEVER, A SERBIAN FILM and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE The film seems especially throughout homage to the latter where we have a couple in a foreign land, who want to see the sights and trust the mysterious Stranger, who’s jovial a nice at first, but seems to slowly turn, and they don’t seem to pick up on the signals that somethings strange as a foot

As the film is definitely a two-parter, where the first half is more mysterious, and the second half Kisco’s balls to the wall off its hinges where it becomes more violent and everything is explained. Though the film stays atmospheric. 

The filmmaking is fun and creative. The problem is that while wanting appreciate that it’s not as violent or Gore fest, as it seems to be where it was going it also seems to lack a certain sense.as theoughout the film. It begins to be filled with psychedelic images and different film stocks. Which help give it a true grindhouse feel

here’s what I mean is is that lol it’s perfectly fine and never quite seems to go the places. It either seems headed or quite instill, fear or tension as much as it seems to want to. It always seems to be good enough yet fall short it doesn’t amaze, nor does it have to do but it always just seems to rise to a certain temperature and then go back that I never met maintaining what is the kid 

No, it seems like the filmmaker has to know how to do so even though it would be over the top for Sam it just feels like in a strange way. They are holding themselves back unless it was just cut to be that way. 

I can’t even say that it’s a perfectly good background movie because it’s something you have to pay attention to to fully understand everything as much as you can.

It just seems like the lead of the husband he is seems to have victim written all over him, especially his nerdish demeanor, which he seem to go overboard on, and his way to trusting nature, though Bruno Veljanovski At Saint Peter and Emily Sweet  Are both noteworthy in the cast, especially at they are pretty much the

Leads

Grade: C+