March 20th

The Grizzlies

White Riot

Mank (Netflix)

Yes folks, the Oscar nominations are out, and many of the films I've been reviewing over the past weeks are among them. This week it's the Netflix film Mank. Also on offer this week are a doco set in the 1970s but scarily resonant for today's racist times, and a warm-hearted, crowd-pleasing true story of a dedicated teacher changing the lives of Inuit teens. 

The Grizzlies
Dir: Miranda de Pencier

Length: 102 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4g9HRBA5n4

© Heritage films - who'd have though lacrosse
could be the solution to teen suicide?

First Nations peoples throughout the world are increasingly in the spotlight. This film, based upon a true story, highlights a group of Inuit teens living in Kugluktuk, northern Canada. The group had the highest teen suicide rate in the area, and low school attendance. When teacher Russ Sheppard (Ben Schnetzer) is sent to the remote town, he recognises the need to give the kids a goal in life, and decides getting them involved in Canada's national sport of lacrosse could do the trick. Yes, the film's style follows a fairly traditional narrative arc, but the performances by the almost entirely Indigenous cast feel so authentic; I guess they have lived that life where hope is not always in big supply. The tension between older generations wanting to preserve traditional lifestyles and youngsters wanting to break out are well presented. The story is ultimately moving and uplifting, and gives a strong insight into a lifestyle I know little about. The Grizzlies program is still going - testament to a dedicated and inspirational teacher.

3.5 - well recommended

White Riot
Dir: Rubika Shah

Length: 80 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2weyH9QcII

© Icon - Rock Against Racism hit
home in 1970s Britain 

In the 1970s Britain was deeply divided over immigration to the country. Racism was alive and well. The National Front, a far-right fascist group, was rising up the political ladder. When Eric Clapton famously made racist remarks, a music photographer called Red Saunders founded a movement called Rock Against Racism. He called for music to be a force against racism, and it all culminated in a 100,000-plus march to a concert where The Clash (among many other anti-fascist musicians) performed the song White Riot. This is a fascinating slice of history, with terrific current interviews and powerful archival footage. What's really scary is we could be looking at the world today, so little seems to change. The film has won a number of awards and even if you don't like punk music, there is much historical interest here.

3.5 - well recommended

Mank
Dir: David Fincher

Length: 131 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI

© Netflix - delving into the backstory of Citizen
Kane could turn this film into a classic.

So, the Oscar buzz is on, and Mank has garnered 10 nominations across major categories including Amanda Seyfried as Best Supporting Actress and Gary Oldman as Best Actor, not to mention a Best Picture and Best Director nod. It's the true story of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz who wrote the screenplay (and won an Oscar) for the film regarded by some as the best ever - Citizen Kane. The tale criss-crosses the timeline between the 1930s and forties, and the film looks every inch the part. Made in the style of the classic films of the era, it's a masterpiece in itself. It's also bitingly insightful into the machinations and complexities of Hollywood power plays and politics of the day. The plot is dense and textured, and Gary Oldman's performance is something like watching a car-crash unfold in slo-mo (well, the film opens with a real one!) The alcoholic Mank is a deliciously disastrous guy, outspoken, self-destructive but with a big talent. Seyfried is a revelation as Marion Davies, starlet girlfriend of tycoon Randolph William Hearst (Charles Dance). This is the sort of film to watch more than once, to revel in its look, its fine acting,  and to fully grasp its plot intricacies. 

4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended