Interesting Films You Might Have Missed

Here are a few films that our staff enjoyed and thought didn't get enough publicity.

The Song of Sparrows: Materialism and greed are present in all countries and at every social level. Karim and his family live a simple, rural life with just enough for their survival. He’s employed at an ostrich ranch until one of his charges escapes into the wide open countryside. Now unemployed, Karim travels into the city and is mistaken for a motorcycle taxi driver. This seems like a much easier way to earn his living and he is enjoying this fast- paced new life. But, this new way will not last and the family rallies round to help him survive and re-focus. How timely a message for us all.

As it is in Heaven: Sometimes it takes a film years to be picked up by an American distributor. Here is a film that was worth the nearly 5 year wait since its nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 2005.

Daniel left his tiny, rural village as a small child but his ill health has brought him back. He has traveled the world as a successful musical conductor and members of the local choir seek his expertise for their group. The community, the friends, the family he wanted as a child await him now. This film is wonderful and I hope you have an opportunity to watch it soon.

Departures: Winner of the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, “Departures” is a joy. Daigo is a orchestra cellist who finds himself jobless when the group is disbanded. Tokyo is a very expensive city so he and his wife decide to move back to the village of his youth where he has a house left to him by his deceased parents. Now he needs a job and secretly accepts a rather unusual career change….secretly as he is sure his wife would not approve. He finds so much more than just a job and we are privileged to observe a ritual that touches our own humanity. I loved this film and hope you will take a chance and give yourself a deserved gift.

Passing Strange: The Movie: Good bless Spike Lee! So many directors want to put their own stamp on theatre productions rather than embrace the talent and energy of the original cast. Not Spike! This multi-award winning rock opera starring singer/songwriter “Stew” is terrific and this film allows you to experience the power and joy of its production. Thanks Spike.

Storm: One of our well traveled customers told me about this film. She had seen it in Germany and was sure I’d like it. Right she was. And, I was thrilled to have it as this months feature coming from The Film Movement as many of the films I review seem to. Storm tells the story of a trial in the International Criminal Tribunal in the Hague against a former Yugoslavian Commander charged with war crimes against the Bosnian-Muslim civilians. When the prime witness commits suicide the prosecutor attends his funeral in hopes of finding other witnesses that can salvage the case. Just like the war itself there are traitors on all sides.

The Necessities of Life:

In the 1950’s an outbreak of tuberculosis hit the far northern territories of Canada. The government sent medical personal to test each and every Inuit native. Tivii, his wife and 2 children left their home to meet the government ship. The test results were known within hours and Tivii was separated from his family to protect them from the illness. They were told to head back to their camp and await his return….no matter how long it took. Imagine being forced to leave your family and be moved to an area where your language is unknown. Imagine too this is your first look at modern civilization. This wonderful French Canadian film highlights yet another example of colonialisms effects upon the native population but with a better than most outcome.

Troubled Water:

How many of us are ever given a second chance. How many of us have an opportunity to start fresh…to begin again. More than we think. Jan was recently released from prison. His crime was the killing of a child. His musical talent has given him an opportunity for a position as an organist at an Oslo church. There he finds warmth and acceptance but his past is about to catch up as the Mother of the slain child recognizes him. This powerful drama is terrific and shouldn’t be missed.

Ballast:

The Sundance Film Festival was created to showcase movies like this. It’s the story of 3 lonely people who share the weight of a personal tragedy. A single Mother and her son flee the threat of violence and find their way to the only safe harbor available. The cast are all non-professional actors cast from the local area. The director, Lance Hammer won the Dramatic Directing Award and the Excellence in Cinematography Award at Sundance as well as numerous other awards for this small but important film.

Rashevski’s Tango:

When Rose, the family matriarch passes away, the family is presented with just about every dilemma facing a modern Jewish family. To bury or cremate? To marry in or out? To circumcise or leave well enough alone? Rose, who was secular believed that the Tango would make all troubles disappear. Now the family must move on and decide themselves how to be Jewish without her love and guidance in today’s world.

Anvil: The Story of Anvil:

Sure, this is a film about a heavy metal band from the 80’s. This is also a film that celebrates friendship, loyalty and commitment to your dreams. While other bands made millions from their concerts and record sales, Anvil didn’t. While Anvil was teaching other bands how to be “a heavy metal band” other bands rocketed to the magic heights of fame. Life long friends, Rob and Steve, are still working the clubs and smaller venues (even Portland, Oregon recently) holding down their day jobs and believing that they just need that one break to have it all. It’s not about the music…it’s about the dream and their friendship.

Pageant:

As a woman raised in the 50’s and 60’s I don’t look back fondly a upon the hairstyles, the heels or the “ever so controlling” undergarments! But, the contestants in Pageant understand the importance of enhancing one’s natural beauty and how to accent the best and downplay the “less than perfect” bits that make us all beauty contest want-a-be’s! Imagine 52 contestants all working toward becoming the next Miss Gay America! These guys are talented, committed and working their hearts out to win. Don’t scoff…this is a great documentary.

Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer:

All Anita ever wanted to be was a jazz singer. Lucky for us she got her dream. This wonderful documentary reveals the full life she lived and even her last recording session before her death. She shared the stage with nearly ever other icon of jazz and if you love the music you will adore this film. Please don’t miss this one!