What I love about reviewing film, is the diversity of opinion about any one film.  Yes, there are certain criteria that make a film "good" or not, but often individual taste plays a big part. I sometimes see that a film is not objectively great - perhaps cliched, emotionally manipulative - yet it touches something deep in me, and I realise afterwards I have enjoyed it much more than I can commend it. Conversely, I may recognise that a film is strong in many regards, yet somewhere it leaves me emotionally cold, or I fail to engage with any of the characters, or don't care two hoots for what the film-maker has to say. Certainly in this blog I find myself at total odds with my fellow cinephilia reviewer CT, who loved Mistress America and The Lobster. I however didn't! But the at times emotionally manipulative film Freeheld, dealing with love and gay rights, and starring two of my favorite female actors, struck a chord with me. You be the judge! 

Freeheld
Director: Peter Sollett 
Length: 104 mins

Based on fact, Freeheld is the story of police detective Laurel Hester (Julieanne Moore) who covers up her sexual orientation lest it jeopardise her career. When diagnosed with terminal cancer, Laurel is told she cannot leave her superannuation to her same-sex partner Stacie (Ellen Page). A landmark court battle begins. The love story is sensitively and beautifully portrayed with both women giving compelling performances. Michael Shannon is perfect as Hester's colleague who is one of the few men who goes in to bat for the gals in this prejudiced and testosterone-driven world. When gay rights activist Steven Goldstein (Steve Carrell) also takes up the cause, things get a bit overblown and the jeering and chanting in the courtroom could have been cut back. Overall though, this is a well-made film, as relevant today as it was a decade ago. 
Oh, and don't forget the tissues! (Emotional manipulation alert!) 

Definitely worth a look!

For a full review from Chris Thompson:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5892

Mistress America

Director: Noah Baumbach

Length: 84 mins

Young freshman Tracey (Lola Kirke) is a bit of a self-effacing outsider, with the ambition of getting into an exclusive literary club at college. But when she meets her older soon-to-be stepsister Brooke (Greta Gerwig) her life becomes much more exciting. I know Baumbach is seen as one of the very hip film-makers with a handle on witty dialogue and an insight into young minds, but somehow he doesn't do it for me. Whether it's the age difference (me and his characters), I simply don't find myself drawn in, and even though the film is solidly produced, and there are some rather funny almost farce-style moments, I find it a bit self-conscious and forced, especially Gerwig's performance. But plenty of other people love it, so you might!  

Maybe worth a look!

For a full review from Chris Thompson (who is a big fan):

www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5900

The Lobster

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Length: 118mins

In a futuristic world people must be in pairs. As soon as there is a divorce or death, all singles are sent to a "resort" where they must pair up within a few weeks, or be turned into an animal of their choice. Colin Farrel plays against type as the stolid David, who does a runner from the resort to meet up with a band of rebels in the forest. 
This outlandish and at times thought-provoking premise certainly has the potential for fun, but it's no wonder some call this genre of cinema "Greek weird wave".  It's not my type of film, and at 118 minutes it outstays its welcome. But again, I am in the minority here, as Lobster nipped its way to a Grand Jury prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival! 

Maybe worth a look!

For a full review from Chris Thompson (who is, again, a big fan):

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5892

Jewish International Film Festival

As ever, JIFF is a smorgasbord for lovers of fine film. With a greater than ever number of feature films, docos and special events, JIFF promises to have something for everyone. As curator Eddie Tamir always says, the stories are universal, and cross national boundaries. I’ve been so impressed by this year’s program I’ve knocked myself out trying to preview as many as possible. 

Here they are in (approximate) order of my enjoyment!  

Sabena Hijacking – My Version

This is a gripping docu-drama, about the hijacking of a Belgian Sabena aircraft by four terrorists in 1972. The film blends a mix of dramatic re-enactment with powerful performances by Bobbi Lax as the captain and George Iskandar as the leading terrorist. The drama is interspersed with current day reminiscences from such notable figures as Benjamin Netanyanu, Shimon Peres, and even one of the hijackers, along with some archival footage. It all comes together in a nail biter, that is as relevant today as it was then. 

 

On the Banks of the Tigris: The Hidden Story of Iraqi Music

Iraqi-Australian Majid, who came to Melbourne as a Muslim refugee, sets out to track down the source of much of the Iraqi music he loves and remembers from his childhood in Baghdad. He discovers that many of the best-loved Iraqi songs were written by Iraqi Jews, so he heads to Israel to meet Jews who left Iraq and still play the music. This leads him to meeting musicians from all backgrounds and faiths, and to unite them in putting on a concert showcasing music as a means for peace and reconciliation. The film is moving, entertaining, and a walking advertisement for the power of music to heal rifts and connect all peoples. 

 

Felix and Meira

Not often do we get a rare and privileged insight into the closed ultra-Orthodox society of the Hasidic Jews. Meira is a young Hasidic wife who feels progressively trapped by the strictures of her life. When she meets a more liberal man, Felix, their friendship heads in an unexpected direction. This is a beautifully shot film, with gentle and sensitive performances, and a script that doesn’t condemn, but simply shows us differences and the importance of being free to choose.

 

The Physician

The epic is back! At two and a half hours this engaging historical tale takes us from 11^th century London to Persia, hub of learning. Young Christian orphan Rob Cole (Tom Payne) teams up with a local amateur healer, but then travels, disguised as a Jew, to Persia where he studies medicine under the legendary healer Avicenna (Ben Kingsley). The film is gloriously shot, bringing to vivid life the grime and ignorance of medieval London compared to the exoticness of intellectualism of ancient Persia, and portrays some of the early discoveries that paved the way for modern medicine. Thoroughly entertaining and a visual feast. 

Vita Activa: The Spirit of Hannah Arendt

Arendt is the German-Jewish philosopher who, in describing Adolf Eichmann, coined the phrase “banality of evil”, causing some Jews to label her an anti-Semite. This impressive and intense doco about her life, loves and philosophies gives a rare insight into an incredible woman, with a powerful intellect. Rich with complex ideas and a wealth of history, this is not to missed by those who like to ponder life’s difficult questions.

Experimenter

Psychologist Stanley Milgram (played mesmerizingly by Peter Sarsgaard) performed now infamous experiments in which the “teacher” was instructed to deliver an electric shock to the “learner” whenever he gave a wrong answer. Through these obedience experiments Milgram attempted to understand how ordinary people could blindly obey authority (with particular reference to the Holocaust). This experiment and many others are examined in a thought-provoking film that asks us to examine the nature of evil. 

 

By Sidney Lumet

Legendary filmmaker Sidney Lumet takes us through his life, from his early childhood days as an actor, through his directing of so many award-winning films. We learn what mattered to Lumet in his life and his film-making, and discover a man with a great ability to reflect, with humility, upon a brilliant body of work. The film is rich with clips from many of Lumet’s iconic films, such as Serpico, 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict, and more recently Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. An unmissable treat for movie buffs. 

Censored Voices

In 1967 Israel was victorious in the six-day war. Immediately following, renowned writer Amos Oz and a group of kibbutzniks recorded conversations with young soldiers who had fought. For 50 years Israel censored these recordings, but now they are amalgamated into a film, along with recollections from many of the men who are now old. It is a salutary lesson that war is brutal, cruel and often senseless, despite being seen as heroic at the time. 

 

The Man in the Wall 

One rainy night Shir wakes up to find her husband Rami, is missing, and that only the dog he went walking with has returned. As people come and go through the course of the night, things are revealed to be not what they initially seem. Touted as a thriller, it is more a psychological drama, with a twist at the end which definitely left me thinking!

My Shortest Love Affair

Twenty years after an old love affair, Charles and Louisa accidentally re-meet, have a one-night stand and she gets pregnant. The two decide to give it a go, but they are so different that the relationship is a major challenge. Though there are some smart lines and amusing moments, I didn’t really find the plot or characters ultimately very credible. 

 

For a slightly fuller review including directors: 

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5904

Burnt

Director: John Wells

Length: 101 mins

I love foodie films and while this one is no Babette's Feast or Big Night, it's a lot of fun, but definitely not something to see when you are hungry.  The shots of the gorgeous food, like paintings on a plate, are definitely something to drool over. 
Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) leaves Paris where he was once a 2-star Michelin chef but wrecked his career with substance abuse. Setting up a new resto in a fancy hotel owned by his friend Tony (Daniel Bruhl), he is now aiming for 3 stars. But he is a total diva, driving his staff into the ground, throwing tantrums, and nothing is ever good enough. Can his new sous-chef Helene (Sienna Miller) change his dastardly ways and teach him the meaning of teamwork?  

Definitely worth a look!

For a full review from Bernard Hemingway (who didn't like it as much as I did):

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5893

The Dressmaker

Director: Jocelyn Moorhouse

Length: 105 mins

This hoot of a new Aussie film defies categorisation. It is part romance and part revenge tale, and all with a goodly dose of tongue-in-cheek Aussie humour and haute couture. After years abroad in the fashion centres of Europe, Tilly (Kate Winslett) rolls into her childhood country town, armed with Singer sewing machine and a determination to find out the truth about her implication as a child in the death of a schoolmate. She reconnects with her dotty mother (Judy Davis), falls for local footy star and town hunk Teddy (Liam Hemsworth), and single-handedly transforms the dress-style of the local townswomen. 

There is a poultice of iconic Aussie stars in this one, with Hugo Weaving a stand-out as a local cross-dressing policeman. At times too many characters to keep a track of, but all up a load of fun with fabulous cinematography. 
Definitely worth a look!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5902


Black Mass

Director: Scott Cooper

Length: 122 mins

An almost unrecognisable Johnny Depp plays Boston criminal James "Whitey" Bulger, who became an informant for the FBI. As a gangster film it's well made, but is no Goodfellas. It includes excellent performances from Joel Edgerton as the FBI cop who gradually falls prey to corruption, along with Benedict Cumberbatch as Bulger's brother, who just happens to be a Senator. The story is in fact based on truth, but, like so many of these films,  it is laced with ultra-violence and the characters are thoroughly unpleasant. So, you probably need to be a fan of the genre to go to see it. 

Maybe worth a look!

For a full review from Bernard Hemingway:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5880

BBC First British Film Festival

This gem of a festival has just started and is currently screening in most cities until around mid November. 
I managed to preview Brooklyn, starring Saiorse Ronan as a young Irish gal who emigrates to New York, leaving all she knows and loves behind. It was moving and glorious, and is highly recommended. Other films in the catalogue look simply splendid, so let's hope some come out on general release, but for an early look check out www.britishfilmfestival.com.au  
The festival also includes a retrospective of 10 iconic romance films such as The Go-Between and Ryan's Daughter, with each film selected to reflect a decade from 1900 to1990. All totally worth a revisit!
 
  
STAY TUNED FOR JIFF!

The Jewish International Film Festival is opening this Wednesday November 4th and I'm busily previewing some brilliant films. I'll report in when I'm done, but meantime visit www.jiff.com.au for the total programming. 

The Greek Film Festival goes into its second week in Melbourne and the opening night film, Alex and Eve, is now on mainstream release. 

Bridge of Spies 

Director: Steven Spielberg

Length: 123 mins

Top scripting, directing and acting go into making this fine thriller about the Cold War era. Based on a true story taking place in 1957 BoS tells of New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), who is hired to defend a Soviet spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance). When a US spy plane is shot down over Soviet territory, Donovan is co-opted by the CIA to go negotiate a prisoner swap with the Soviets.  Hanks, in his inimitable way, plays a decent man who stands for justice, and Rylance is downright brilliant as the so-called enemy, who is also a good human being who just happens to be on the "wrong" side. Production values of the film are top-notch and it is also fascinating to revisit this period of history, especially the segments concerning the building of the Berlin Wall. 

Definitely go see it!

For a full review from Bernard Hemingway:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5895

Alex and Eve

Director: Peter Andrikidis

Length: 90 mins

Hot on the heels of last week's unIndian, comes another ethnic comedy of multi-cultural lovers, this time a Greek schoolteacher Alex falling for a Muslim Lebanese lawyer Eve.  Of course the parents want any marriage to be within the community, and the usual family conflicts ensue. Humour derives from the depiction of the stereotyped behaviours of both cultures. Some of it is very funny; other bits feel to me forced and cliched. I have a few problems with certain plot and character points that just don't ring true, but for a light weight experience it could be ok. 

Maybe worth a look!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5894

I am constantly in awe of the number of new films released each week. It's almost like an assembly line, and it's not possible to see them all (well, maybe it is if one chooses to forgo doing other things in one's life!) Sometimes I only manage to catch films a little while after they have released, but if I think they are worth seeing, I'll try to report in on them anyway!

The Walk 

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Length: 123 mins

In 1974, shortly after the Twin Towers of the ill-fated World Trade Centre were completed, a French high-wire walker named Philippe Petit decided to string his cable between them and walk above New York, about 102 storeys up! The daring tale was told in a 2008 documentary, Man on Wire, but this time it comes as a feature film, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, who narrates in a cheesy French accent how he and his band of accomplices went about performing the illegal, daring and thrilling walk, which he refers to as "the Coup". If you loathe heights, you may be disturbed by this film, especially as it is in stunning and ultra-realistic 3D. I found it entertaining, thrilling, magnificently shot, and ultimately a wonderful homage to the enterprising spirit of daredevils, the city of New York, and the towers themselves. 

Well worth a look!

For a full review from Bernard Hemingway:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5885


Macbeth

Director: Justin Kurzel

Length: 123 mins

I'm a Shakespeare klutz! Apart from Romeo and Juliet, I don't think there has ever been a play by the bard which I have felt I really understood. Hence, having me report in on Macbeth is a tad dodgy, but I have to say this is a strong and in-your-face film with top-shelf performances by Michael Fassbender as the ambitious usurper, and Marion Cotillard as his pushy wife. Production design and cinematography are both strong, with the bleakness of the Scottish landscape dominating all.  
Purists be warned - apparently the text is not totally true to the original. And squeamish souls also beware - the first part of the film is devoted to Macbeth's prowess on the battlefield, with its attendant extreme blood and gore, and towards the end there are also some highly disturbing and cruel scenes.      

Well worth a look!

For a full review from Chris Thompson:
http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5888
For some enlightening and educational notes go to the SBS cheat sheet.

Crimson Peak

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Length: 119 mins

Edith (Mia Wasikowska), the feisty daughter of a wealthy American businessman, falls head over heels for a mysterious Englishman, Thomas Sharpe, (Tom Hiddleston), who whisks her away to his gloomy crumbling mansion which he shares with his mysterious and menacing sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain). 
Gothic horror is not everyone's cup of tea, but del Toro totally nails the look of it in this archetypal haunted house tale. I say look, because it really is a case of style over substance - costumes and sets are lavish, the ghostly visitations (though not super scary) are graphic, and there are all manner of classic horror moments from creaking doors, to crimson oozing mud flecking the snow. But plot wise, there is much we are asked to believe that I simply couldn't accept. The chemistry between Edith and Thomas is well handled, but there are some rather brutally violent moments that seem gratuitously included for shock value, and overall the plot and character development are simply not up to the superb quality of the film's production design. 

Maybe worth a look!

For a full review from Chris Thompson:
http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5889

unIndian

Director: Anupam Sharma

Length: 102 mins

I'm pleasantly surprised by this cross-cultural love story in which gorgeous independent single mum Meera (Tannishtha Chatterjee) falls for English teacher Will (Brett Lee - test cricketer who proves a light-weight but charming screen presence). She's from an Indian heritage; he's Aussie through and through. Of course her parents are horrified and want to make an arranged match. There's plenty of good-natured fun poked at Indian customs, but never offensively. Acting is strong, Will's teaching of Aussie-style English to migrants makes for good laughs, and all the support cast have their own individual charm. It's not Bollywood, but there are a couple of moments where the director sneaks a colorful dance or two in.   

Worth a look!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5890

 

Learning to Drive 

Director: Isabelle Coixet

Length: 105 mins

Any film with Ben Kingsley and Patricia Clarkson has got to be good in my book. Sir Ben puts on his Sikh turban to play Darwan, an Indian-born, New York cab driver with an arranged bride about to arrive. With his driving instructor hat on, Darwan gives lessons to Wendy, a writer whose husband has just left her - with no driving licence! Despite dramatic differences in background and world view, teacher and pupil develop a beautiful friendship, in which they discover how much there is to be learned from each other.  This is a charming and uplifting film, beautifully acted, and with the added bonus of a peek into the world of the Sikh!

Really good!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5882

The Martian 

Director: Ridley Scott

Length: 130 mins

Imagine recovering from concussion only to find you are on the planet Mars, and the rest of your astronaut team has shipped out without you, assuming you are dead! This is the fate of Mark Watney (Matt Damon), as he prepares to figure out a way to survive until the next mission arrives four years later. Luckily he's a scientist and a crash-hot botanist, so survival is a possibility! The scenes on Mars are informative, exciting and entertaining, with Watney's constant chat to his video camera generating some  humour. But when the action is back on Earth with NASA scientists on the job, things feel a bit formulaic, and at well over two hours it gets a tad tedious.

Maybe worth a look!

For Bernard Hemingway's full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5867

Miss you Already 

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Length: 112 mins

Millie (Toni Collette)  and Jess (Drew Barrymore)  are lifelong friends. At the same time as Jess is desperately trying for a baby with partner Jago, Millie is diagnosed with breast cancer. 
Anything with Toni Collette for me is worth a look, and her performance here doesn't disappoint. The film is strong on the issues surrounding cancer, its treatment, and the effect upon a woman's self-image. There are even strong moments of humour, but at other times the film feels a bit formulaic and mawkish. Didn't stop me shedding a tear or two though!  

Maybe worth a look!

For my full review:
http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5881

Legend 

Director: Brian Helgeland

Length: 131mins

The Swinging Sixties in London gave rise to wonderful music, wild fashion, and a pair of notorious gangster twins, Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Based upon a true crime story, Legend takes us into the violent world of these two kings of crime. There's a lot of seediness and a bit of nasty violence, but the truly impressive thing here is the performance of Tom Hardy who plays both twins - Reggie, a smooth operator, and Ronnie a psychopathic ticking time bomb.  The "twin" special effects are awesome, and the radical difference between the characters is testament to Hardy's skill. Aussie Emily Browning plays Frances, wife of Reggie. For fans of the gangster genre, it should make for a good watch.  

Worth a look! 

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5883

Simshar 

Director:Rebecca Cremona

Length: 101 mins

Some films are simply too important to be missed! Simshar, based on true events, deals with today's ultra-relevant issue of refugee migration. The story of the dispute between Malta and Italy as to who should take the latest boatload of arrivals is set against the personal tragedy of a boating accident involving a local fishing family. The film is beautifully scripted and acted, never feeling forced, and giving us plenty of issues to contemplate upon - family values, over-fishing, Europeans feeling overwhelmed by immigration, compassion - these are just some of the ideas raised by this excellent film that also has its moments of extreme tension, light-heartedness, unbearable heartbreak, and truly heartwarming human connectedness. 

Really good!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5886

And now for an oldie . . . 

To the Wonder (2012)

Director: Terence Malick

Length: 112 mins

An oldie, but unfortunately, for me, not a goodie. With such fine films as The Thin Red Line, and Tree of Life to his name, Malick has made a self-consciously artistic film. While stunning in its cinematography, (winning several awards) it is too arty for its own good. Ben Affleck (Neil)  and Olga Kurylenko (Marina) play lovers who meet in Paris then move to Oklahoma, where it all goes wrong. How many meaningful looks, doe-eyed glances, and child-like prances and twirls can we take from Marina,  not to mention the endless taciturn mumbles and mutterings from Neil. I understand that Malick is trying to capture some visual sense of what love, longing, and sadness look like, but it doesn't work!  

You've got better things to do with your time!

For a full review from Bernard Hemingway (who felt much as I do):

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_movie.php?movieid=5432

The five minute reviews are here for the weekend of the AFL Grand Final. So if you're not of a mind to watch the game, there's plenty worth seeing at the cinema!  Just a reminder for any new readers, the brief to myself is not to spend more than five minutes on any one review. (Think I've broken that rule already!) 

 

Wrecking Crew 

Director: Denny Tedesco

Length: 98 mins

If you're a tragic for the music of the 60s and 70s this film is one you won't want to miss! The session musicians for so many of the big name artists of the era were known as the Wrecking Crew, and this film is a loving homage to those often uncredited musos, but especially to the director's father, Tommy Tedesco. There are wonderful interviews and reminiscences with absolutely top musicians, and of course bucket-loads of the music and artists of the era. Sometimes the timeline hops around a little erratically, but overall it's a music-lover's treat.

Definitely worth a look!!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5870

The Intern 

Director: Nancy Meyers

Length: 121 mins

One of cinemas top rom-com directors brings us the story of a young wife and mother, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), who is juggling work and motherhood. Her highly successful internet start-up fashion company sets up a Senior Intern program employing older folks, hoping to benefit from their experience and wisdom. 70 year old widower Ben (Robert De Niro) takes up a position, and is an instant hit with the young trendies in the company. Don't imagine you know where the film is heading - fortunately the story is more touching, interesting and unexpected than one might imagine. The chemistry of friendship between the two leads is lovely, and, being a huge De Niro fan, I came out pleasantly surprised by this mainstream film.

Worth a look!

For my full review:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5878

Diary of a Teenage Girl 

Director: Marielle Heller

Length: 102 mins

Much deeper and more disturbing than the title would have you believe, DOaTG goes into some dark places, counterbalanced with the naivete and precociousness of being a teen in San Francisco of the mid-70s. Minnie (Bel Powley) lives with her  single mother Charlotte (Kristin Wiig) and Charlotte's boyfriend Monroe (Alexander Skarsgard). When Charlotte starts up an affair with Monroe things can only become complicated! 
Totally ignoring any legalities, this film explores the  irresponsibility of an adult when he comes up against the raging hormones and sexual experimentation of youth. In fact all the adults are happily into 70s San Fran  counter-culture. There is something unsettling about the content, and yet the powerful acting, especially by young Powley makes it an absorbing film that reminds us how much some aspects of the world have changed, yet how youth will always be flirting with danger. 

Really good!

For a full review by Chris Thompson:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5857