Reviews
Machuca (2004)
Real Deal
You know, best movies are so intense that you can even taste them. You sit there in the dark glued to your seat and you forget time, your popcorn and companion. This movie was definitely one of them.
Machuca has a strong political undercurrent. We see how the tension between poor socialists and the wealthy right-wing nationalists accumulates to the violent outburst. The brutal coup d'etat was orchestrated by the CIA and the US foreign office and will always remain as one of the most shameful actions ever taken by the US government.
However, for me the political circumstances were a setting for a story of friendship beyond boundaries of class, wealth or color of a skin.
Now, Machuca is not the first film to depict friendship of two persons coming from different backgrounds, but it is astonishing in its honesty. Why did it feel so real? Not once it felt emotionally calculated nor pretentious. That's a sign of a great director. Also the young actors were very convincing. Actually, I can hardly believe they knew there was a camera around.
Another amazing factor in this movie was the authenticity in which it showed us the complexness of life and relationships. It's not easy, growing up, and honestly we adults really often make it more hard than it ought to be.
Folks, this ain't Disney. It's rough and tough movie (but not totally without humor). I felt sad and empty afterwards but I know for right reasons.
10 out of 10.
Father Ted (1995)
Love it, love it so much
Father Ted might not be the funniest ever series but from my point of view it is the most enjoyable. I keep watching it all over again.
I just love the setting. Dermot Morgan as Father Ted is just great but all the rest at the parochial house are as unforgettable. There is something very real in his character and despite of the little problem with the money (which was just resting on his account) he is a very nice and decent priest.
I honestly think there is something really Irish in it and even if it is making fun of the Catholic church, it is making it in actually in a quite tasteful way (hell, I think they'd deserve it rougher). The show keeps its human touch because of the fantastic actors and characters. Yes, even father Jack. But he is more surreal than insulting.
As said earlier, I love it. I would recommend it to everybody.
Tulitikkutehtaan tyttö (1990)
Tradegy
This is my favorite Kaurismaki film--tragedy with black humor.
Dialog, as usual, is plain and there is very little of it.
The film is beautifully shot. Camera stays static, giving space for colors and lighting.
Kati Outinen's performance is amazing. Her eyes are somehow able to express the deepest sadness and longing. Her suffering feels real, one feels this urge to step into the film to just say a kind word to her, to try to make her feel better.
Kaurismaki plays here with his audience's mind. He said in an interview that the amount of rat poison Iris gives to the ones who have done wrong to her is actually not enough to kill anybody--meaning that is us who send Iris to prison for committing this horrible series of murders.
One shouldn't let the film's simple face fool oneself--it is much more than a story of wrongdoing and revenge.
Soundtrack fits perfectly to the atmosphere and it has an important role in telling the story, as well as explaining Iris's emotions and motives throughout the film.
Mickybo and Me (2004)
Good One
I found this film excellent. It was entertaining, funny and sad.
The story of two friends from different backgrounds is definitely nothing new, and I also don't think it was told in any specially new way. Nevertheless, the film had great energy and the world of the children - for whom the world of the adults can be one big playground - was pictured in a honest way.
I enjoyed all the performances. Children playing the two main characters felt real in their hopes and fears. Jonjo reminded me of myself when I was a kid - had mad friends getting us in trouble when ever they could - so I really enjoyed his role.
In my opinion adults in the movie were convincing, but again, I wouldn't be the right person judge the authenticity of their performances since I am not from the area.
In spite of dealing with political issues I found this film non-political. It is a praise for friendship but thank God without Disney-like sentimentality - even if it is touching at times. In my opinion only notch there is the end bit where Jonjo sends the star back to Mickybo. It felt not only gushy but also calculated.
However, it was an honest - and somehow real - move to let Mickybo turn against Jonjo in the end of the film.
Thank you for film crew for one the best and touching friendship films there is!
Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
Yet another bull's eye from N. Jordan
The - nearly archetypical - story of a guy in drag has been shown so many times before. We have seen people like Robin Williams and Hugo Weaving wearing a skirt and a deep shade of red on their lips. However, I have never seen the theme been brought to me in such ensuring way than in this film.
Superb directing, well written story (although presenting nothing new) and a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y- marvelous acting make this film extremely enjoyable viewing experience.
Mr. Murphy gives an unforgettable performance. I also loved the kid playing young Patrick/Kitten - what a talent! Liam Neeson is always convincing as a wise authoritative figure.
Firstly, for me this movie is a praise for the power of individuality without forgetting the fact that for those walking their own paths there is always a price to pay.
Secondly, it is a search for ones roots.
Optimism, courage, fun, pain; these are the key words for this wonderful movie.