May 10th
All is True
The Realm
Rockabul
The Hustle

An interesting week as usual with such a varied grab-bag of movies. From a Spanish politico-thriller, to insightful doco, women behaving badly, and the Bard himself there is plenty to choose from. 

All is True

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Length: 101 min

© Sony  -  the Bard returns to the bosom of 
his family

In 1613 William Shakespeare (Kenneth Branagh) is the greatest writer of his era. When his renowned Globe Theatre burns down he returns to his familial home in Stratford. There he takes to gardening, and repairing estranged relationships with his wife Anne Hathaway (Judi Dench) and daughters Judith and Susanna. Scandals ensue, and much soul searching takes place, as Will tries to come to terms with the death of his beloved son, Hamnet, years before. Experts love to debate how much of this interpretation of the Bard's last days is true, but for me it isn't overly important. This is an exquisitely realised portrait of an era, a man, and a group of people trying to make some sense of the most important things in life, much as Shakespeare himself did in all his works. The dialogue feels real and immediate, so easy to relate to in this modern day, and yet still in keeping with the sensibility of the time. A near-unrecognisable Branagh (complete with prosthetic nose) pays absolute homage to his hero, and with a bonus appearance by Ian McKellen as the Earl of Southampton, this is a memorable film with superb performances by all. (Dench is sublime, as always.) It is also visually magnificent and has a richly lyrical soundtrack. It left me in tears thanks to its poignant handling of essential truths and sadnesses in life.

4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended! 

The Realm
Director: Rodrigo Sorogoyen
Length: 132 min
Limited Release: Palace Como, Balwyn, Kino, Cinema Nova and Classic Elsternwick

© Rialto - Antonio de la Torre is excellent as a corrupt
pollie going from perpetrator to
aspiring whistle-blower

Manuel Lopez Vidal (Antonio de la Torre) is a Spanish politician in a regional area, living a lavish lifestyle largely funded by political corruption. When leaked information threatens to expose the dastardly doings of Manuel and his cronies, the cover-up, distancing and scapegoat games begin. From the fantastic opening long tracking shot to the explosive final two monologues, this is a smart and challenging film, that really exposes the sort of political corruption familiar to parts of Europe (and no doubt many places). Manuel's situation becomes more dire by the moment as his once-loyal pals seek to save their own skins using progressively threatening measures. This is not an easy film and  I needed quite some effort following the characters, who's who and who does what. But I became gradually lured into the suspenseful plot, that doesn't let up for a minute. The film has won copious awards (mostly in Spain) for its acting, scripting and more. It's a salutary lesson for us all to keep those pesky pollies honest!
3.5 - well recommended!

Rockabul
Director: Travis Beard
Length: 89 min

© Potential  - it's potentially life-threatening
to be in a heavy metal band in Kabul

Imagine living where you could be jailed or killed for simply playing rock music in a band. Director Beard is an Aussie who has lived in Kabul, Afghanistan, for 8 years, and he's focused his film on a group of fearless young fellas who have formed a band, not just any band, but a heavy metal one, determined to bring music to the youth of their country. Beard follows the group, District Unknown, as they play a few tentative gigs, headline the first music festival in Afghanistan for more than thirty years, then end up travelling to a  festival in neighboring India. I loathe metal music, so for me the musical side of this is a bit confronting, but the story is one that really needs telling. Vilely repressive segments of conservative societies need to be constantly challenged, and what better way than with a brave doco of this nature. The boys themselves are entertaining to watch and it's inspiring to hear their progressive views on life. (All are really fluent in English, especially swearing!)  The real strength of Rockabul is the opportunity to get a glimpse into a life we seldom see from a perspective other than the Taliban, the US troops or suicide bombers (though they all feature minimally).
3.5 - well recommended!

The Hustle

Director: Chris Addison

Length: 93 min

© Universal   - chalk and cheese - two con artists
go head to head on the French Riviera

Josephine (Ann Hathaway) is a cool, elegant up-market con artist working in a French Riviera town. When loud, crude Aussie gal Lonnie (Rebel Wilson) turns up, plying the same trade, it's obvious the two will butt heads. Or is it possible they could team up to create double trouble for the unsuspecting men they are ripping off? Much is made of this being a female-based remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and even with a gender reversal, no-one will do it better than Michael Caine and Steve Martin. But these diametrically opposed women give it a good shot, and I do like seeing women play men at their own tricks. I confess to having several laughs, but something falls short, possibly  because of Wilson being such a type-cast bogan, always presenting herself in the same tired mould. Hathaway, by contrast, is rather impressive in her role. Nevertheless, and depending upon your style of humour, there could be some mildly diverting viewing here.

2.5 - maybe! (good for a total veg-out)