September 8th 2023

Biosphere

Everybody Loves Jeanne

Korean Film Festival

Another festival hits our screens for a few days, plus two new, definitely non-mainstream films that should prove to be good entertainment. 

 

Biosphere

Dir: Mel Eslyn

Length: 106 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2EGbqjs0kQ

© Reset Collective - two pals end up 
in a most unusual situation. 

Billy (Mark Duplass) and Ray (Sterling K Brown) are best buddies with an intriguing past together. We meet them as they jog amiably together in an indoor setting. Gradually we become aware this is no ordinary setting; they dwell in a biodome, a carefully constructed dwelling that enables them to stay alive, since the rest of humankind has been obliterated by some unspecified cataclysm. Scientific genius Ray has designed a self- sustaining environment in which fish provide the main renewable protein. When the last female fish dies and only two males are left, a strange phenomenon occurs - one of the males starts to mutate into a female, allowing for continuation of the species. What must these last two men on earth do to be in with a chance that humans will not become extinct? This highly creative sci-fi/comedy punches way above its weight. Shot in a confined setting, and having only two characters, it manages to explore many important and thought-provoking themes: the nature of males as destructive beings, how to redefine masculinity as something gentler, as well as themes of friendship, love, gender, change, hope . . . so much food for thought. The two men give wonderfully empathetic performances and there are plenty of amusing and mind-expanding moments amongst the doomsday scenario. I had a really good time with this one!

4 - highly recommended

Everybody Loves Jeanne

Dir: Celine Devaux

Length: 95 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPelz_HvlA4&t=4s

©  - can Jean help Jeanne get out of
her impending mid-life crisis? 

Jeanne Mayer (Blanche Gardin) is seemingly self-assured and successful. She works as an eco-scientist, but when her latest project spectacularly fails and she becomes a social media laughing stock, she ends up being on the verge of bankruptcy. So she heads to Lisbon to sell her late mother's apartment. At the airport she meets old school colleague Jean (Laurent Lafitte)  who reminds her that everyone once thought she was the person most likely to be a raging success in life. This only fuels Jeanne's self-doubts, as she lurches towards a full-blown meltdown. But Jean, who himself has been institutionalised in the past for mental issues, seems to understand Jeanne's problems, and the two gradually open up to each other. This delightfully offbeat  film is never predictable, often funny, and decidedly quirky. Especially unusual and fun is a weird mop-like creature (black and white animated sketches) that represents Jeanne's inner monologue and her deep insecurities. On one level this is a fun non-stereotypical rom-com, and on another a look at mental problems and how our outer presentation is often at odds with our inner turmoil.

3.5 - well recommended

Korean Film Festival

ACMI Melbourne, Until 11 September 

For other states, times, session details and film synopses visit www.koffia.com.au

Modern Korean cinema has certainly been in the spotlight in recent years, what with Academy Awards, and the current screening of Past Lives (reviewed last week) making waves. This excellent festival showcases the diversity of Korean filmmaking with dramas, action films, comedies, romances and more. 

I've previewed an excellent drama.

The Point Men: In 2007 a group of Korean missionaries was abducted and held hostage by the Taliban. This gripping feature film is based upon that true story. National Security Agent Park Dae-sik, along with diplomat Jung Jae-ho are sent to Afghanistan to attempt to negotiate with the government there and with the Taliban. With exciting action sequences, and strong performances, this is a film to appeal to fans of a good thriller.