October 27th

A Life on Our Planet  (streaming on Netflix)

A Sun (streaming on Netflix)

The Serpent (Series - streaming on Netflix)

Well here we are at last. Lockdown is easing, cinemas are opening with a smorgasbord of offerings, most of which I haven't yet been able to see. So let's stick with good ol' Netflix for this week. Take note that festivals are coming fast and furious over the next few weeks. And for Sydneysiders, the St ALi Italian Film Festival has just started and runs for the next month (see my reviews in last week's edition.)   

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

Dir: several

Length: 83 mins

Streaming on Netflix

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64R2MYUt394

© Netflix - compulsory viewing
to help save the planet

This has been on Netflix for some time now, so you may have seen it; I only just discovered what could be one of the most timely and important documentaries of the current era. Much-loved naturalist David Attenborough has created what he calls his "witness statement", where he reflects upon his life and  remarkable career. More importantly tells it like it is, opening with "the planet is headed for disaster". In the seventy years he's been showing us the world, he has seen the devastating impact humans have had on the planet, its ecosystems and its animal inhabitants. As well as delivering scary statistics showing the correlation between burgeoning population and loss of wilderness along with carbon emissions, he gives us a glimmer of hope, that things can yet be brought back from the brink of destruction. The beautiful natural images from his many shows are spectacular, making his dire message all the more compelling. This should be compulsory viewing for everyone, especially the politicians heading to Glasgow!

5 - unmissable

A Sun

Dir: Mong-Hong Chung

Length: 156 mins

Streaming on Netflix

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5-FEtJTg44

© Netflix - intensely told,
brilliantly acted

How this 2019 film didn't get a mainstream release here I don't know - it is fantastic. With 9 wins at various festivals and 25 nominations under its belt, it tells the story of an ordinary Taiwanese family of four, and the ripple effect upon their lives when one son A-Ho is sent to juvenile detention for his involvement in a violent attack. There is so much depth of emotion in this film, as characters grapple with guilt, rejection, anger, fear and redemption. Each character is richly drawn, from the punitive father, to the compassionate mother, and the favoured brother, studying medicine but hiding his own problems. Every detail feels authentic with no recourse to melodrama. The film is magnificently shot, and each performance is pitch-perfect.  

4 - highly recommended

The Serpent

Dir: various

Length: 8 episodes by approx 50 min each

Streaming on Netflix

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgB7rMuxY-s

© Netflix - Sobraj (aka Alain) with
sidekick Monique

Anyone old enough to remember the name Charles Sobraj will probably already have shivers running down their spine. This notorious serial killer preyed upon young travellers along the so-called "hippie trail" in the '70s, poisoning, drugging and murdering, stealing their passports and money, all under the guise of being a precious gem dealer. Every performance from largest to smallest is memorable, especially Tahar Rahim as the charismatic killer. Billy Howle is also impressive as central character Herman Knippenberg from the Dutch Embassy, who starts to piece together the case after two of his countrymen disappear.  Suffice to say this series is binge-worthy gripping stuff, with settings from Kathmandu, to Bangkok and India, and a plot that will have you on tenterhooks. It's not the faint-hearted but totally immersive.

4.5 - wholeheartedlyrecommended

Japanese Film Festival

28th October - 5th December - different dates, different states

For all the info on dates and films: https://japanesefilmfestival.net/

It's the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Film Festival with a fabulous selection of features spanning many genres. For any readers in these states, the Festival opens in Canberra this week, followed by Perth and Brisbane, but I'll save my reviews for the opening in Sydney and Melbourne in a month's time. Doesn't stop you browsing the program and getting ready!