A German film about WWII sounds like just another history lesson on the tragedy of war. Yet “Generation War” courageously reinvigorates the familiar story with the “I-need-to-know-what-happens-next” relevance usually reserved for a favorite TV show. Enlisting its viewers on the fraying journeys of five best friends through the course of the war’s span, the film…
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“The Boys are Back” advocates optimism despite sadness
“The Boys are Back” – Australia, UK – Netflix instant watch Adapted from the witty memoir by a British sports journalist about raising his sons after his wife dies, “The Boys are Back” advocates dealing with difficulties regarding the enthusiasm of a “yes.” Instead of stiffly copying the memoir into a movie, the film simply…
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“As White as Milk, as Red as Blood” paints conflict of the teenage heart
courtesy: italingua.ning.com Everyone remembers the challenge of working up the nerve to talk to a high school crush. For anyone who doesn’t, there are hundreds of Hollywood flicks chronicling the universal woes of being a teenager. Finding a film that approaches this with a fresh angle rivals the struggle of finally admitting your feelings. Yet…
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“In the House” violates the boundaries of academia
In the House – France – Netflix Instant streaming Far from the cliché teacher-student movie, “In the House” violates the boundaries of academia, thus overcoming the norms of plot execution. A literature professor, frustrated with the lack of interest in his class, pays special attention to one gifted student, Claude, when he writes a satirical piece…
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‘Cinema Paradiso’, unassuming masterpiece worth rewatching
Cinema Paradiso – Italy – Available on DVD at Richter Library and on Netflix instant watch Subtly, in the way that only an unassuming masterpiece can, “Cinema Paradiso” captures the heartwarming magic and illicit excitement of films in this story about a boy growing up in a small town in Sicily. Traditional in its use…
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‘Summer in February’ strays from genre, contains plot twists
Dan Stevens fans who are mourning his departure from “Downton Abbey” can find consolation in his role in “Summer in February,” the new period drama playing in Cosford from Friday to Sunday. Based on the novel by Jonathan Smith, the story paints a realistic portrait of the dangers of confusing love for an artist with…
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“Last Night” probes with questions about infidelity
As simple as a storyline could ever be, “Last Night” is, for the same reason, an insightful portrait of the delicate line between loyalty and infidelity. With four stars of varying ethnicity, the film has a decidedly foreign feel. With Keira Knightley’s British self-composure, Sam Worthington’s Australian non-nonchalance, Guillaume Canet’s French flare, and Eva Mendes’s…
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Norwegian odyssey makes waves
“Kon Tiki” – Norway – Netflix Instant Watch “Kon-Tiki” chronicles the odyssey of a Norwegian hero, Thor, but unlike the one from Norse myths or from the Marvel franchise, Thor Heyerdahl revolutionized the scientific world and inspired a wave of pioneers. Based on the true story of Heyerdahl’s 5,000 mile expedition from Peru to Polynesia, this…
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Child star brings warmth, sheds light through grim realism
“Valentin” – Argentina, France, Italy – Netflix instant watch The daily joys and woes of nine-year-old Valentin are genuinely recounted in this artistic film that is built on a narrative frame made up almost entirely of the boy’s disarmingly charming voiceovers. Living in 1960s Buenos Aires, he resourcefully fights to maintain his youthful optimism while…
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Synchronized cast proves central in French comedy
“The Women on the 6th Floor” (France) – Netflix Instant Watch and Amazon Prime Instant Video While it could easily have indulged in cartoony stereotypes about the nature of women from Spain, “The Women on the 6th Floor,” a French comedy about Spanish domestic workers in Paris in the 1960s, proves remarkably refreshing. Granted in…
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Danish resistance story breaks WWII movie mold
“Flame and Citron” -Denmark – available on Netflix instant watch and Amazon Prime By showcasing the efforts of two Danish resistance assassins who risked their lives to sabotage the Nazi occupation of Denmark, Flame and Citron elegantly reverses the typical WWII movie in this action drama based on true events. With short, expertly-timed breathing moments,…
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‘Le Populaire’ pays tribute to the ’50s with standout scenery
“Le Populaire” // France – available for instant streaming on Netflix Set in the 1950s, when the typewriter revolutionized the meaning of the modern woman, “Le Populaire” follows the comic turn of events that lead a clumsy, small-town girl to compete for the title of fastest typist. Thanks to its charming tribute to the ’50s…