Hursto's five minute films: July 2024

Saturday 27 July 2024

July 27th 2024

The Teacher Who Promised the Sea

Totem

The Boy and the Heron (streaming on Prime)

Another from Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival

Here's an eclectic bunch of films for you this week. Animation, historical stories, and human drama - a bit of everything for your viewing delight.

The Teacher Who Promised the Sea

Dir: Patricia Font

Length: 105 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huyvw5F8Ey0

Set in 1935 and the present day, this powerful yet moving film is based upon the true story of a teacher, Antonio Benaiges (Enric Auquer). Young, idealistic, and anything but traditional, he is sent to teach in a little school in the north of Spain. The kids love him, but when Franco's regime comes into power, he is definitely not on the approved list. The film runs in two timelines, constantly alternating. In the present day Ariadna (Laia Costa) is searching for the remains of her great grandfather in one of the many mass graves in which people murdered by the Franco regime were buried. Just when I thought this story might become overly cute, it took a dramatic turn and became tense and moving, highlighting issues of progressive teaching, tyranny, and the importance of free speech.

3.5 - well recommended

Totem

Dir: Lila Aviles

Length: 95 mins

Exclusive to Cinema Nova

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3PtqsmoM-Q

Somewhere in Mexico, seven-year-old Sol (Naima Senties) and her mother are driving to Grandfather's home where a birthday party is beng planned for Sol's father Tona (Mateo Garcia). The house is bustling with relatives, all engaged in some aspect of party preparation. But the celebration has greater significance, as Tona is terminally ill, and unlikely to see another birthday. The winner of the Golden Bear 2023, Totem is the sort of film that is so difficult to make, as so little of an eventful nature happens. It is all about feelings - the emotion, the anticipation, but most of all the love between those in the family, and a little girl for her father. Senties is a revelation - she gives a stupendously impressive performance, as Sol mooches around the house and garden, observing nature and asking her aunts when she can see her father. Every role feels like a real flesh and blood person, not an actor portraying a character. The director's camera takes in all the conversation, and every small detail, as if the audience were in the room with the characters. This film captures life in all its messy glory - the sadness, pain, love, loss and joy. It is a small treasure.

4 - highly recommended

The Boy and the Heron

Dir: Hiyao Miyazaki

Length: 124 mins

Streaming on Prime & Apple+

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5khm-VjEu4

Studio Ghibli has been responsible for some of the most incredible animations over many years. Beloved director Miyazaki, now 83 years old, has returned with another film (his last?) revisiting many of his favorite themes: loss of a mother, step-families, magical worlds, weird creatures, growing up . . . In this tale, young Mahito is mourning his mother's death, but in the new place to which he, his father and stepmother move, he learns that his mother may be still alive. Wit the help of an ugly heron-like creature, he enters an alternate world under a tower to go on the quest. What I adore about Miyazaki's films is their look - the painterly images, with their sublime watercolor washes, sometimes giving way to arresting, in-your-face scary creatures and stunning visual overload. The plot of this one has many twists and turns and is not always as easy to follow as some of Miyazaki's other films, but for lovers of all things Ghibli, this should reward amply. It won Best Animated Feature at this year's Academy Awards.

3.5 - well recommended

Another from . . . Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival
Running until 7 August (Melbourne)
Palace cinemas
For all scheduling, other states, film synopses, tickets etc visit: scandinavianfilmfestival.com
I've seen another from this excellent festival celebrating the best of Nordic cinema from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland. This is an intriguing and tense true story, about which I knew absolutely nothing.

Riot: At the start of the 20th century, 18-year-old Konrad goes to work for a Norwegian copper mine. The boss Wennstrom is ruthless and the workers are exploited and enduring dangerous and often brutal conditions. This is a true story of how those workers revolted, and how their actions finally gave rise to the first Norwegian workers union. The film is tense, well-acted, and, though dark in subject matter and look, is an inportant glimpse into history that is still relevant today, as workers reman exploited in many parts of the world.

Wednesday 17 July 2024

July 17th 2024

Kinds of Kindness

Mr Blake at your Service

Longlegs

The Leisure Seeker (streaming on Netflix)

Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival

For lovers of Nordic film, the Scandi Film Festival is back with some excellent offerings. Plus Greek auteur Lanthimos returns to his challenging style of filmmaking, crazy Nic Cage portrays a bizarre serial killer, and two top actors examine the perils of growing old in a Netflix streamer.

Kinds of Kindness

Dir: Yorgos Lanthimos

Length: 164 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fYtuE_ZJ4E

Without a doubt the most bizarre incomprehensible film I've seen in years, this is a challenge to review. After the great success of relatively mainstream films The Favorite and Poor Things, Greek auteur Lanthimos returns to his previous crazed, cryptic form in this trio of separate stories, each starring the same ensemble of actors. Each tale is obscurely titled using the initials of a man, RMF (Yorgos Stafanakos), a character who features importantly but minimally. In the first story Jessie Plemons plays Robert, a man whose entire life is dictated to by Raymond (Willem Dafoe), in cahoots with his lover Vivian (Margaret Qualley). Robert's wife Sarah (Hong Chau) leaves him then he meets Rita (Emma Stone), who is also being controlled by Raymond. In the second tale, Plemons plays Daniel, a police officer whose wife Liz (played by Stone) goes missing. When she returns Daniel is convinced this is an imposter in Liz's body. The final tale sees cult members Andrew and Emily searching for a woman they believe can reanimate the dead, in this case RMF, who was killed earlier. Yes, the plot is bizarre and confusing, but something in this remarkable film had me totally absorbed, and simply in awe of the acting ability of the main players, each character so utterly different in every respect. I find it impossible to give this a blanket recommendation. If you can't cope with such a long film with its weird plot, (including some nasty body horror), then I'd say give it a total miss. If you want to see a film that is truly creative and original, combined with a stunning cast, then don't miss it.

??? - love it or hate it!

Mr Blake at Your Service

Dir: Gilles Legardinier

Length: 100 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDEy129O6wg

Andrew Blake (John Malkovitch) is a successful businessman, grieving the death of his wife. Without notice, he packs his bags and heads off to a place in France where he first met his beloved - an old mansion run by the elegant, financially struggling Madame de Beauvillier (Fannny Ardant). Blake thinks it's a hotel, but the staff are interviewing for a butler, so he ends up taking the job, under the strict and watchful eye of housekeeper Odile (Emilie Dequenne). A film like this could run the risk of veering into schmaltz territory, but ultimately it is very sweet and charming, anchored by a terrific performance from Malkovitch, who speaks excellent French throughout the film. His character borders on eccentric, always putting his two francs' worth of suggestions into any situation, much to the initial annoyance of the women. The laundry maid Manon and the groundskeeper Magnier round out the plot nicely, and as Andrew proves his worth and things become more light-hearted in the household, I find myself thoroughly engaged with all the characters. This is an amusing, feel-good story, which features two great actors, looks terrific and is sometimes the sort of light-weight panacea needed in dark times.

3.5 - well recommended

Longlegs

Dir: Oz Perkins

Length: 101 mins

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

FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned to a bizarre serial killer case in which several entire families have been killed over the years. Cryptic notes point to a killer known as Longlegs (an unrecognisable Nic Cage). As the FBI closes in, Lee discovers a more personal connection to the case. Touted as the best thriller since Silence of the Lambs, this one unfortunately doesn't thrill me like Lambs did. Yes there are positives: an excellent sound track, some very evocative (think dark and gloomy) sets and cinematography, and a fabulous performance from the master of weird, Cage (augmented by brilliant makeup). Monroe is pretty good too as the isolated agent, haunted by her past and present nightmares, and from the outset a strong sense of foreboding is created. But I find it too derivative of many other films - Satanic and occult references, creepy dolls, axe murders, and other predictable scenes where I was "psychic" enough to know what was about to happen, and all with a twist at the end that veered into silly territory. But above all, except for a couple of moments, I was simply NOT scared!

2.5 - maybe

The Leisure Seeker

Dir: Paolo Virzi

Length: 112 mins

Streaming on Netflix - 2017

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvx4Kmf7_gY

One actor from British royalty, and one much-loved, recently departed actor star in this film, a nominee for the Golden Lion back in 2017. Ella (Helen Mirren) and her husband John (Donald Sutherland) climb aboard their old Winnebago and head off on a journey of fun, nostalgia (watching old family slides) and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. John has been a literature teacher, worships Ernest Hemingway, and wants to visit the Hemingway House in Florida. The trouble is he is suffering rapidly advancing Alzheimer's, and Ella is undergoing chemo for cancer. Their adult kids are horrified that the pair have done a runner, but this important trip could well be their last. Yes there is a certain predictability in some of the dialogue and the plot, while the two adult offspring are a bit like cardboard cutouts. But Mirren and Sutherland shine together, as she scolds him for always forgetting, coaxes old memories out of him, and he endlessly manages to remember literary trivia and students from the past, while the present eludes him. The film achieves a nice balance between lightness and touches of humour, while addressing the serious issue of illness and aging. There are some deeply touching moments, and for those of us advancing along life's path, it will strike some deep chords.

3.5 - well recommended

Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival

19 July - 7 August (Melbourne)

Palace cinemas

For all scheduling, other states, film synopses, tickets etc visit: scandinavianfilmfestival.com

Now in its tenth year, this excellent festival celebrates the best of Nordic cinema from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland. Thrillers, comedies, relationship dramas, science fiction, satire, historical epics, and more - it's all here, plus a special presentation of four films featuring the collaboration between Liv Ullman and director Ingmar Bergman. For fans of iconic Finnish director Kaurismaki, the festival celebrates the 35th anniversary of Leningrad Cowboys Go America. Let me recommend to you a couple of terrific films I've reviewed so far:

Hammarskjold - Fight for Peace: In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, Dag Hammarskjold (Mikael Persbrandt) was Secretary General of the United Nations. He was strongly in favour of the decolonisation of African states. Shortly after Congo was declared an independent country, political drama ensued, with the mineral-rich area of Katanga seceding, Lumumba (Congo's president) being killed, and Dag desperately trying to broker a peace deal (with powers like Belgium, the USA and Britain) meddling in the background. When the plane carrying Dag and 14 UN officials crashed, foul play was suspected. This excellent biographical thriller revisits the case, examining the politics, and the man himself, a lonely and principled man, with personal demons. The film is not only historically intriguing, but is surprisingly moving, with a top-notch performance from Persbrant, and a much nominated musical score.

The Tundra Within Me: The Sami are the indigenous people from what used to be known as Lapland, the far northern regions of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. They are traditionally reindeer herders, with men mostly being the top dogs in the business. The film's setting is already fascinating - depicting a lifestyle so unfamiliar to me. The low-key, gentle story is about Lena, a Sami woman, once a herd manager, who left her homeland years ago to become an artist in Norway. She returns for a time, with her young son, to do a gender-focused project about women in reindeer management. When she meets herder Mahtte, and they start a relationship, she needs to decide what direction her life will take. A tender love story, with a telling look at gender roles in a traditional society, this is worthwhile viewing.

Thursday 4 July 2024

July 4th 2024

The Bikeriders

Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line

Sidonie in Japan

Radical

A Silence

It's another great week for excellent movie offerings. All these films have infiltrated my brain - Austin Butler astride a Harley, Beds are Burning thumping out from the Oils, the delicateness of love in Japan, a teacher's profound influence on his students, and a very nasty case of domestic secrets. There has to be something here for you to enjoy.

The Bikeriders

Dir: Jeff Nichols

Length: 116 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrSaVt5pvPk&t=4s

Midwest gal Kathy (Jodie Comer) heads to a bar for a drink with a girlfriend, only to find the place full of rough'n' tough bikers. But as she is about to leave, she claps eyes on Danny (Austin Butler), and five weeks later they are married. Danny lives to ride, and with his best pal Johnny (Tom Hardy) belongs to a riders group known as The Vandals. As the group evolves, more chapters are formed, and more men who live outside the law become involved, changing the nature of the culture forever. This high-octane love story (love of motocycles rather than women?) is one hell of a ride, and, though fictional, is inspired by a photo/interview book about the actual Chicago Outlaws bikie gang, published in the late 1960s and structured around interviews with the real Kathy. The film runs with the interview framework, giving a very personal, insider's perspective as seen by Kathy, in interviews that span several years, and move around in time. Whether you love of hate this grungy, violent culture, seething with sweaty, toxic masculinity, you can't help but be impressed by the powerful evoking of a time and place, all augmented by a stunning sixties soundtrack. Everything is fast and furious, and there are breathtaking moments that scream "freedom", as epitomised by a roaring Harley Davidson. Characters are memorable, from the taciturn but charismatic Danny, through to Hardy's mumbling Johnny, and the chemistry of the mens' relationship is palpable. (Who'd have thought tough bikies could be almost in love with each other?) All the lesser roles are inhabited with fierce bikie bravado, with Michael Shannon a stand out as wild man Zipco. British actor Comer is brilliant as Kathy, with a carefully studied idiosyncratic accent and a style somewhere between redneck and a touch more refined. Some of the scenes of violent mindless brawling are challenging but again, typical of the milieu while in a few scenes we sense the vulnerability some of the men harbor under all the bluster, though some are just downright scumbuckets! Overall, the film is one great adrenalin-boosting ride.

4 - highly recommended

Midnight Oil

Dir: Paul Clarke

Length: 105 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXPdBRH9W8o

Midnight Oil were so much more than a rock band. They were political activists, eco-warriors, supporters of Indigenous rights, and a group of musos who were determined never to compromise or bow to the pressures of pop commercialism. This excellent doco traces the band's four decade history, from the struggling years through to their final farewell concert in 2022. Of course much of the focus is on lead singer Peter Garrett, his unforgettable stage presence, and his commitment to making a difference, which ultimately led him into politics and put the Oils on pause for about a decade. The archival footage in the film is all-encompassing (albeit very grainy; old video is often a problem), covering the history comprehensively. As well as having a stuning playlist of the band's hits, the doco is a fine snapshot of political and social changes in Australia over those decades. The film also includes much revealing footage of the Oils' forays into the outback to work with Indigenous artists and learn more of that culture, a move which greatly influenced their music. It really doesn't matter if you are a fan of their music or not - this is such an uplifting story of how music and passion can make huge changes, that you cannot help but be inspired.

4 - highly recommended

Sidonie in Japan

Dir: Elise Girard

Length: 95 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILNyI8LKOxg

The always wonderful Isabelle Huppert plays author Sidonie Perceval, a widowed author who heads to Japan where her last novel is being re-released. She meets with her publisher Kenzo (Tsuyoshi Ihara) who will be her companion for her six-day tour. To her amazement, Sidonie finds that the ghost of her husband (August Diehl) turns up in each hotel where she stays. If she is to ever move on with her life she will need to dispel this apparition. This is such a sweet, poignant and romantic film, not without its humour, mostly derived from the differences between the formality of Japanese culture and the French style of doing things. There's a lovely chemistry between the two leads, and somehow the supernatural element blends seamlessly and almost believably into the overall plot. For me, loving all things French and Japanese, this film is a sweet and uplifting treat.

4 - highly recommended

Radical

Dir: Christopher Zalla

Length: 125 mins

Trailer: https://www.madman.com.au/radical/

Teacher Sergio (Eugenio Derbez) is appointed to teach at a rundown school on the Mexican border. He comes with a radical approach - to throw away the rule book and try to ignite the students' curiosity for learning, through practical experiments, open discussion, and emotional closeness. He soon discovers that even the troubled kids like Nico, who is moving with gangs, can be inspired to learn and love school. But even better, he finds that some of the students like Paloma (whose father works scavenging the local tip) and Lupe (who is forced to babysit her siblings) could definitely be geniuses in the making. But he must battle corruption and disapproval of other staff members, along with an ingrained parental attitude that education is a waste of time. Yes, we've seen plenty of these inspirational teacher stories (it is almost a sub-genre), but there is something fresh about this lovely film, that has won umpteen awards, including Audience Favorite at Sundance. Derbez gives such a fine performance, as do all the kids, and here's the thing: it is in fact a true story, with Sergio getting outstanding results out of his students.

4 - highly recommended

A Silence

Dir: Joachim Lafosse

Length: 99 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxOlrhdPiOQ&t=3s

In a long opening take Astrid Schaar (Emanuelle Davos) drives to a police station to be told her son Raphael (Mathieu Galoux) has been arrested for trying to murder his father, Francois Schaar (Daniel Auteuil). The film then flashes back to reveal what has led up to this shocking turn of events. I'm ambivalent abut this film - the acting from Davos and Auteuil is top shelf, especially Davos, for whom silence and minimal facial gestures speak volumes. Auteuil's character is a high-powered lawyer, involved in prosecuting a pedophile (inspired by a true case.) As the case progresses the spotlight turns to the lawyer himself. We also are gradually made aware of a situation he was involved in years prior, about which his wife had knowledge (but again remained silent). This slow reveal is effective but also at times too slow and confusing, and the final denouement of the film left me disappointed. The cinematographic style is deliberately dark with the countless dimly-lit scenes effectively representing the secret corners of peoples lives. The film deals with important and weighty themes, including a teenager's dramatic meltdown, along with the ability of a man of power (Francois) to snow those around him, yet somehow the script never quite nails the issues head on. However Davos's nuanced performance really holds it all together, even leading me to question if Astrid's conjugal loyalty is inspired by deeper dark emotions within herself.

3 - recommended