May 30th 2025
12th Fail (streaming on Netflix)
Beating Hearts
Wilding
My fave film for this edition is a Netflix streamer - a most engaging and uplifting Indian film. Plus two new cinema releases: a wild French love story, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, genteel Brits turning to regenerative farming.
12th Fail
Dir: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Length: 147 mins
Streaming on Netflix
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© Netflix - surprisingly engaging and
delightful story, based upon true tales
from the sub-continent |
Manoj Sharma (Vikrant Massey) comes from a poor Indian village. Corruption abounds with school cheating, and local officials taking bribes. Manoj's father is in a battle to fight local corrupt officials, and both parents have high hopes that their son will one day become an honest police officer. This true story follows Manoj's journey from his village to Delhi, where he works like a dog, studies diligently, and falls in love with fellow student Shaddha (Medar Shankr). India is a country that loves bureaucracy, and the esteem that goes with being in an official position. The sheer number of aspiring Indian students studying to get into government positions is overwhelming, (as are the many acronyms for the various positions!) Following the journey of Manoj and his friends soon becomes absolutely absorbing. All the highly likeable characters leap off the screen, from Manoj's loving Grandma through to the friends he meets in Delhi: Wealthy Pritam Pandey also studying for the big exam takes Manoj under his wing, as does Ghauri Bhaiya, who runs a coffee shop called "Restart", where students gather to regroup after failing exams and committing themselves to soldiering on. The film is a startling insight into many aspects of Indian life, from the impoverished villages to the prejudice towards the lower classes, along with endless corruption, and the dogged determination of so many to make something of their lives. The film has justifiably got umpteen awards, and is an uplifting and joyful investment of your watching time.4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended
Beating Hearts
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© Palace- Clotaire and Jackie - lovers
from opposite ends of the tracks |
Almost a Romeo and Juliet in the 'burbs of a northern French city, this is the story of two teens from dramatically different backgrounds. Young Jackie (Malik Fricah), depite being a diligent student, has been expelled from her private school. Starting public school, she catches the eye of Clotaire, a troublemaker who is instantly attracted to Jackie's quick wit and self-confidence. A passionate teen romance begins, but Clotaire gets himself deeply involved with the wrong crowd and tragedy tears them apart. Ten years later the now-adult Clotaire (Francois Civil) is desperate to reunite with Jackie (Adele Exarchopoulos). This is a wild ride of a film, and being long, loud and in-your-face, with some serious violence, will not be to everyone's taste. I however found myself easily drawn in to the narrative, and engaged with the characters, both as teens and adults. The driving soundtrack and vibrant, creative camera work maintain the pace, and the four lead actors give it their all, creating a strong chemistry. Nevertheless at times it feels as if the director is trying too hard, a case of style over substance, with some plot tropes we've seen often before, and certain incidents feeling false and played out for near shock value. The film feels strongest when the characters' emotions and childhood influences are to the forefront. Desite my reservations, I thoroughly enjoyed the full-on ride!3.5 - well recommended
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© Garage - a British couple decide to take
farming to a new level |
The last few decades have drummed home the dangers of overly intensive farming, based upon stripping the land and over-use of soil-destroying chemicals. Today many people are getting into regenerative farming, bringing the land back to a more natural and healthy state. This short and sweet doco follows the project of British couple Isabella and Charlie, who decide to turn their majestic estate into something more attuned to what Britain was like centuries ago. Bringing in herds of wild ponies, deer, pigs and cattle they let them roam and let nature take its course, much to the chagrin of more traditional farmers around them. Many once-endangered species start returning to their land and the soil (and weeds!) thrive. This is one for ecologically-minded nature lovers. The camera work in capturing the animals and the countryside (especially in aerial shots) is a treat, but sometimes the over-enthusiastic commentary from Isabella feels a bit one-sided and preachy. 3 - recommended
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