Review: 'Narco Cultura'
The term "narcocorridos" may not sound like a familiar genre of music to many, yet it stands to be among the most popular with Latinos and Mexicans. The sound is accordion and guitar heavy, with upbeat rhythms and extremely graphic lyrics. The uptempo nature of the narco corridos harshly contrasts the imagery of the lyrics, telling the story of guns, drugs, and murder. These lyrics come directly from the Narco culture in Juarez, Mexico, where the drug cartel rules the town. Director Shaul Schwarz brings this underground culture to mainstream attention in his provocative documentary "Narco Cultura."
"Narco Cultura" is a harrowing look at two very interesting sides of the Narco Culture; one shows the desperation stemming from civilians and the Mexican DEA, whose lives are in danger every day. They live in fear of the drug cartel, who send their messages through the decapitation of rival gangs, then leave body parts scattered across town. Director Shaul Schwarz doesn't hold back from showing murdered bodies, bullet holes to the head, or blood running down the city streets. Stray dogs wander as policemen, wearing black masks for identity protection, investigate the crime scene. Schwarz makes it clear that this is not a random occurrence, but an unfortunate look at everyday life in the city of Juarez. Just to put it into perspective, one of the hard-hitting facts plastered across the screen reads, "In 2010, the police processed 3,622 murders."
Just to put it into perspective, one of the hard-hitting facts plastered across the screen reads, "In 2010, the police processed 3,622 murders."
The other side of the story focuses on Los Angeles-based Edgar Quintero, the leader of the popular narco corrido band "Los Buknas de Culiacan." The group draws inspiration for their folksy ballads from the cartels in Mexico, and at one point in the film, Quintero expresses his desire to travel to these crime-ridden towns for new inspiration. His glorified view of the cartels, who have been described as modern-day Robin Hoods, is what makes "Los Buknas" so popular. In fact, it's not unusual to see them play a show with a fake bazooka or gun in hand.
It's a film that is hard to watch, knowing that this type of violence exists today and the corridos only help propel the criminal behavior., especially when Edgar and his band are treated like royalty, and their fan base is loyal and growing. Schwartz does a good job of not making Edgar seem like the bad guy, we root for him but also want to shake him and wake him up to the severity of his actions. "Narco Cultura" is not for the weak of stomach, but if you can get past all the blood and dead bodies, it is one of the most eye-opening and critically disturbing films of 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiqzVnA5uLE
Review: 'Neighboring Sounds'
Neighboring Sounds offers a glimpse into the world of the upper middle class in the town of Recife, Brazil in director Kleber Mendonca Filho's narrative feature debut. Part drama and part thriller, the sleepy town on the coast of Brazil is awoken to a series of petty crimes, which results in a security team being stationed on the city streets 24/7. While the guards do their best to reassure the town's sense of safety, their overly aggressive actions cause the residents to suffer anxiety and fear. It's an interesting film, spoken in Portuguese with English subtitles, which is sure to leave audiences in awe of its realism and visually suspenseful cinematography.
For Kleber, Neighboring Sounds is a special film for many reasons, one being the simple fact that this is his narrative debut. His journey towards being a director is quite unique, he entered the film world as a journalist, “I started to write as a journalist and then as a film critic,” he says. “Two years ago I stopped writing as a critic because I just couldn’t do it anymore, it got to be too much, and I had to make this film… I quit to make this film, and, of course, I miss it, but I’m very happy that I quit also because it’s like getting rid of one gigabyte in your hard drive. I was—you know, a normal week I could write two reviews or maybe five. The exercise of going to the films and coming back and having to write—I was already thinking of making this film—it was just too much. And I quit. Now, I’m working for my film, and my films.”
It's an interesting film... which is sure to leave audiences in awe of its realism and visually suspenseful cinematography.
Being a critic for over 14 years definitely helped shape Kleber’s style as a filmmaker, citing cinema of the 1970’s as inspiration. He was able to see what he liked and did not like and express why he felt that way through his writing. This is how, ultimately, he was able to make a film with little actual filmmaking experience.
Every scene is a vignette, which weaves through the entire film. The film is literally broken into three chapters but the decision to keep a cohesive storyline, instead of one individual story per chapter, is the right choice for this film. Every character’s story that is played throughout the film has time to develop; it is not subject to start and end within a specific "chapter." In fact, Kleber’s final run time is just over 2 hours and even then, he feels two hours isn’t enough time to delve deep into the characters. It’s a film where nothing can happen, but at the same time, everything happens.
Neighboring Sounds was released in theaters in 2012 and on DVD on May of this year and has been selected as the Brazilian entry in the Oscar foreign film race. It is an impressive first film by Kleber whose name will definitely be heard in the years to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeDOSDOs2X0
Review: 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'
Before you discredit this film as being just another biopic, especially alongside a number of Oscar hopefuls that wishes to use their authentic "true life story" status for Academy soft-spot loving, know that Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is not just another movie you'd see in history class. With terrific acting, cinematography so effortless it transports you into another era, and a script that stays extremely close to the actual events of the South African Apartheid, this film proves it is worth investing in, even if you've heard the story before.
Nelson Mandela left his mark in history, and the film world is no different. Morgan Freeman, Terrence Howard and Sidney Poitier have all had their turn portraying the icon, and now Idris Elba joins the ranks of their elite as he transforms into Nelson Mandela, a role which ought to bring him even more critical acclaim as an in-demand actor. With a resume including Stringer Bell on "The Wire", he's proven to be a gifted actor, and even if he doesn't physically resemble Mandela, Elba's characterization is spot on. His performance is both emotional and strong.
This film proves it is worth investing in, even if you've heard the story before.
You can't rush through the life of any man, yet alone the life of Nelson Mandela, and this film doesn't try to. Its 2 1/2 hour run time focuses on Mandela's political activism during the 1940's, summarizes the 27 years he spent in jail, and his subsequent release and pre-Presidential role. His romance with Winnie Mandela, played by Naomie Harris, doesn't get as much screen time as it deserves, although what scenes they do share are heavy. It's a lot of ground to cover, but director Justin Chadwick chooses his moments carefully; every scene, every moment has a purpose. Unlike some films, Chadwick "cuts the fat" and doesn't portray what isn't absolutely necessary to his vision.
The look and feel of Mandela is also worth noting; cinematographer Lol Crawley should be praised for his work, every shot was composed as if to exist as a beautiful photograph. The costumes are another notable characteristic of the film; the 1940's fashion scene is always a hit, you can never have enough tortoise shell horn-rimmed glasses.
For those looking for a straight history lesson, or for those looking for a time period drama, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a film that meets both expectations. It's length makes watching it more of a commitment than other, but if you're willing to set aside the time, the result is worth it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAglZjX3HOk
Review: 'The Punk Singer'
Kathleen Hanna is a badass. Beyond scrawling the message "Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit" on the would-be Nirvana frontman's wall, inspiring the landmark single, she was a modern day visionary in the women's liberation movement. But above all, she was the lead singer of the punk groups Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and The Julie Ruin. If there was ever an it-girl of the 1990's, Kathleen would lead the way as a pioneer of feminist activism through rock and roll music. Director Sini Anderson chats with Kathleen in her documentary The Punk Singer and uncovers the hidden pain behind her effervescent smile.
If anyone's deserves a documentary, it's Kathleen Hanna. From her days performing spoken word poetry in college to playing onstage with her latest band The Julie Ruin, Kathleen's story is an inspiring one with a powerful message for both women and men. Her influence on the punk scene gained supporters from all over the country; Anderson includes interviews from rock icons like Joan Jett and Carrie Brownstein to show just how many people she affected with her "Girl Power" mantra.
It's not an over-the-top, pro-feminist film; it's more of a super cool overview of the history of punk rock, told through the eyes of punk princess Kathleen Hanna.
Beyond the rebel, Anderson portrays Kathleen with all of her more humanistic qualities, showing her rise to fame with humility. Once she became a recognizable household name in the punk world, Kathleen collaborated with other like-minded women to create the online zine, "Riot grrrl." This zine ultimately turned into an underground feminist punk rock movement that empowers women and is still going strong today. Although with her accomplishments comes heartbreak; Kathleen's ongoing battle with an unknown disease is finally uncovered in "The Punk Singer," and the outcome is both shocking and sorrowful.
In true Riot grrrl fashion, Kathleen used The Punk Singer as her platform to tell the world about her battle with Lyme Disease. She, along with her husband Adam Horovitz aka Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys, continue to struggle with treatment. Kathleen is not shy as she opens up about her experience living with the disease and how she's grateful for her "second chance."
The Punk Singer is a great documentary that should be recognized for its quality filmmaking and message. It's not an over-the-top, pro-feminist film; it's more of a super cool overview of the history of punk rock, told through the eyes of punk princess Kathleen Hanna.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMbLzaVkn2s
Review: 'Nebraska'
It's been about 2 years (2011's The Artist) since a black and white film graced the big screen. So leave it to Alexander Payne, the acclaimed director of such character-study films as Sideways and The Descendants, to create a story so quirky, it's captivating. Nebraska tells the story of Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), an aging, alcoholic senior, who believes he's won a million dollars. Early on, it's clear that Woody is confusing his "winning lottery ticket" with your average junk mail promotion. Set on claiming his prize, Woody sets out on foot from his home in Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska, and doesn't let anybody stand in his way. Afraid of his unrealistic determination, Woody's son David (Will Forte) decides to accompany his dad and the two set out on a road trip, discovering along the way more about the other and themselves.
What is interesting about Nebraska is its feel, staged more like a play than a movie, which should leave fans of Payne's pleasantly surprised.
Though Woody is a man of few words, Bruce Dern does an excellent job of portraying his character in a sympathetic way. His silent facial expressions alone are award worthy, making for a lived-in performance (Dern won the best actor award for Nebraska at this year's Cannes Film Festival). Meanwhile, Will Forte's steadier rhythms as David counterbalance those of Dern's effectively, lifting a character who might have otherwise been seen as flat. Usually known for his comedic roles, Forte keeps more of a straight face in Nebraska. Bob Odenkirk of "Breaking Bad" notoriety plays Forte's brother, Ross. He was a perfect choice for the role, although he doesn't have as much screen time as one will hope. A few characters seem like novice actors, which took me out of the film, but other than the occasional awkward line delivery, Nebraska has a neatly packaged cast.
Not necessarily a comedy, not really a drama, Nebraska delivers in its realistic look at a dysfunctional family. The black and white look is an artistic touch, although I believe the film could have benefitted from a saturated color palette. Road trip movies driving through the middle of nowhere are a little dull when they're shot in tones of gray. What is interesting about Nebraska is its feel, staged more like a play than a movie, which should leave fans of Payne's pleasantly surprised.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT5tqPojMtg
Review: 'Grand Central'
Coming off of her success in the controversial film Blue is the Warmest Color comes Léa Seydoux's second French drama, Grand Central. Not one to shy away from a nude scene (or two), Seydoux bares all as Karole, the love interest of Gary Manda, played by Tahar Rahim. Gary is recruited to work in a power plant where the pay is low and the conditions are toxic, but for this desperate Frenchman, he'll take any job he can get. Immediately, he meets Karole, another factory worker, and they quickly express their mutual interest in each other. The catch: Karole is engaged to Toni (Denis Ménochet), a powerful man who also works at the factory. Despite the cat and mouse storyline appeal, this melodrama ultimately falls flat.
Whether it's laying naked in the grass or rowing a boat at midnight, Zlotowski steeps her characters in realism with a touch of whimsicality.
Grand Central has all of the characteristics that make up a good film, although its pace and ending, or lack thereof, affected my overall feelings towards it. The most interesting part about the film is director Rebecca Zlotowski's attention to color and the environment; whether it's laying naked in the grass or rowing a boat at midnight, Zlotowski steeps her characters in realism with a touch of whimsicality.
Even with top-notch cinematography, Grand Central relies heavily on its actors to engage the audience. Cannes darling and fashion muse Léa Seydoux lives up to her potential as Karole, a confused girl at a crossroads between thinking with her head vs her heart, however, her character isn't given much depth and makes it difficult to empathize with. The film ends on the phrase "I was scared," and it seems as if Zlotowski, too, was scared to fully commit to her characters. Grand Central plays too soft for a film with seemingly so much at stake; visually, the film is stunning, but it's missing the depth necessary for a timeless dramatic film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO_JOX2vTd4
AFI Film Festival
Morgan catches us up on the happenings at AFI Film Festival, and shares what film she's most excited to see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jSN3vloWiM
'The Selfish Giant' Review: Clio Barnard’s First Film is a Powerhouse
There's a saying in the industry that, to save yourself a ton of stress, you should never work with kids or animals. Director Clio Barnard disregards this old way of thinking as she incorporates a variety of horses and casts newcomer Connor Chapman, 13, as her protagonist in the British independent drama, The Selfish Giant. If there was any sort of risk involved, Barnard will be pleased to know that her film, based on the Oscar Wilde novel (aptly titled The Selfish Giant) is receiving praise for its stunning cinematography of the realistic depiction of an English working-class borough. So far, this is the breakout film of the festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tEgcpTbvJ8
Chapman plays 12-year-old Arbor, an angelic looking boy born into rough living conditions. He suffers from ADHD and is constantly trying to engage himself, but finds trouble wherever he goes. His best outlet is collecting scrap metal from the sides of the road with his friend Swifty, played by 15-year-old Shaun Thomas, a fellow first-time actor. The boys are desperate to make money for their families, both of which are struggling to pay the bills. Although it's not much, Arbor's eyes widen as he realizes the potential in scrap collecting. This desperation ultimately makes for a difficult ending, one that is foreshadowed throughout the film but still comes as a shock (no pun intended).
The Selfish Giant is a powerhouse of a film, a huge success as Clio Barnard's first narrative. The depiction of social realism is beautifully portrayed through the cinematography and art direction, and the performances that come from the child actors can only be described as breathtaking. It is a heavy film for such a small boy to carry, but Conner Chapman makes it look easy. The Selfish Giant comes highly rated, a definite must see for its' inevitable widespread release.