August 4th
Juniper
Kajillionaire (Streaming on Netflix)
More MIFF : Clara Solo; When Pomegranates Howl
MIFF is now officially here, so movie aficionados are in their element. Last week I reviewed four MIFF premiere films, and another two recommendations are here this week. Plus a couple of other recommendable films - one in cinema, and one for those who want to stay at home and stream. Enjoy!
Juniper
Dir: Matthew J Saville
Length: 94 mins
 |
© Transmission - Charlotte Rampling is
always great to see on screen |
Teenager Sam (George Ferrier) is grieving the death of his mother a few months earlier and is now giving trouble at his boarding school. His father Robert (Martin Csokas) brings his mother Ruth (Charlotte Rampling) out from England to New Zealand so she can meet her grandson and recover from a broken leg. A resentful Sam is tasked with looking after the gran he has never met. Ruth is cantankerous, demanding, and drinks gin like a fish. Initially the pair clash and seem to loathe each other, but . . . Well, it's fairly predictable how Sam and Ruth's relationship will go, but plenty of things happen that are not predictable in this fun, and ultimately quite moving story of family, bonding and loss. Veteran actor Rampling is of course the big drawcard in this film. She is always a screen presence to delight, infuriate and admire, and she does just that here. The tension, aggro and ultimately affection created by her and Ferrier's Sam make for a warm and uplifting film.3.5 - well recommended
Kajillionaire
Dir: Miranda July
Length: 104 mins
Streaming on Netflix
 |
© Netflix - the main four actors in this
quirky film take it to another level |
Robert (Richard Jenkins) and Theresa (Debra Winger) are scammers, who have brought up their 26-year-old daughter Old Dolio (Rachel Evan Wood) to be just like them. The trio hustle and steal at every opportunity, and live rough beneath a carwash. When outsider Melanie (Gina Rodriguez) enters their lives, the trio's carefully rehearsed routines are set for a shake-up. Despite the film being a very quirky comedy on one level, there is a lot of pathos and poignancy on another. Wood plays Old Dolio (what a crazy name), almost deadpan, but gradually the character's vulnerable underbelly is revealed, with a level of neediness, neglect, and ultimately child abuse that we don't initially see. Winger and Jenkins have a fabulous rapport as the reprehensible parents, while the sizzle between spunky Melanie and stand-offish Old Dolio is just waiting to break loose. If you're in the mood for something very offbeat, this could be for you. 3.5 - well recommended
MIFF
Melbourne International Film Festival
Until 21 August in cinemas
11-28 August, a selection of films streaming online
Venues: ACMI, Astor, Capitol, Nova, Forum, Hoyts Melbourne Central, IMAX, Kino, Lido, Pentridge, Sun
After my advance reviews last week MIFF is with us in cinema, and online as of next week. Here's a couple more worthy films to put into the mix for your consideration.
Clara Solo: Costa Rica's official Oscar submission, Clara Solo is the story of a reclusive 40-year-old woman, with a damaged spine and over-protected by her religious mother. Clara is known for her gift for healing, based upon her supposed ability to commune with the Virgin Mary. The only time Clara is really herself is when she is with the white horse Yuca, with whom she has a deep bond. When worker Santiago comes to their farm, and is keen on Clara's young niece, a sensual awakening happens within Clara who becomes aware of her own needs. The film has won countless awards in many fields and varied festivals. It has an earthiness, a strong connection to the natural world, wonderful acting and cinematography, along with a disturbing thematic thread of how ignorance fosters oppression. This is a powerful film from a world we know little of. When Pomegranates Howl: An Aussie, Iranian, Netherlands and Afghani co-production, this is the story of confident, charming nine-year-old Hewad, a born entrepreneur who sells wares, including pomegranate juice, from a rented cart in the streets of Kabul. He meets a photo journalist from Australia who encourages his dream of wanting to become a movie star. In the tradition of many Iranian films featuring children, this one paints a picture at once uplifting and heart-breaking, as kids with so little in their lives still manage to retain a sense of youthful optimism and play. But ultimately this is Afghanistan, and tragedy can be lurking around any corner at any moment. With striking depiction of street life in war ravaged country this is powerful and moving film-making.
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