Zebra Crossing (2011)

A chav struggles to find a way out of his social group. Justin, the main character, is an 18 yo guy. He and his friends abuse drugs, fight, run away from police, and even shoot at people. Basically, all this (well, barring the crime) reminds us of the behavior of pre-teen kids on a playground or at a break in school. From time to time Justin feels that his friendship isn't going to bring him anything good in his life. His severely ill sister and a ghost-like black man in the church are the only people who support him. What will be the outcome of the story?

Well, don't expect a happy ending here, otherwise this wouldn't be a drama. The environment we grow up in affects us very much, at times making it impossible to even realize a way to improve ourselves.


What I personally dislike is the way sound is mixed in this movie. Unnecessarily loud music pieces make it difficult to recognize speech sometimes. On the other hand, the choice of black and white filming with a color appearing in the very end makes sense and complements the story very well.

All in all, a good idea slightly poorly implemented. Read more for some screenshots.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1316092/

My vote: 6 of 10

The Sunset Limited (2011)

One room. Two men. And a 90-minute dialog between the two on the topic of belief in God. Why? Because one of them has just attempted to commit a suicide, and the other one saved his life.

So what is life? Why to live one? How to live one? Should the Bible be a guide, or does the history of the world teach us a lesson? What's pain and what's happiness? What's darkness, and what is light, and after all, is there this light all around us actually? These are the questions discussed.

The movie is a dramatically acted philosophical dispute on a controversial topic. I enjoyed watching it, and can see why people often rate it as 10 of 10 (see IMDB rating stats for this title.) However, I think it's a bit overrated.

The problem is that the movie lacks any innovation on the topic discussed. I couldn't find absolutely no new arguments from both arguing parties. There's no unexpected turns in the discussion. After having watched it, you may find yourself being even more convinced in what you believe (or don't believe if that's the case.) Yet it's still interesting to watch and re-think some of your views and principles.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1510938/
My vote: 7 of 10

The Danish Poet (2006)

This is a beautiful exploration of the question "whether our life is a coincidence or not" which I've mentioned in my recent review for Ikiru (Living) (1952). And a possible answer to it.

Watch the movie in two parts from YouTube in the "Read more" of this post.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0933357/
My vote: 7 of 10

Ikiru (Living) (1952)

A thought-provoking movie, isn't it? From emotional perspective a spectator will sympathize with Watanabe-san. Indeed, his son doesn't show respect to him, his job is boring and meaningless, and finally, his terminal disease... What on earth could be worse?

After he finds out that he has cancer, we see him passionately involved in arranging a construction of a park. This is a part of his regular bureaucratic job actually, but he's never been so eager about helping organize such an affair. Looks like he's finally found the meaning of his life, eh?

"In fact, this man has been dead
for more than 20 years now.

Before that, he did live a little."

Then he really dies. Fortunately, having been able to complete the construction of the park. And here come the final scenes of the movie which I really adore!

* SPOILERS AHEAD! Please Read more only if you've seen this movie already. *

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/
My vote: 9 of 10

Blodsbånd (Mirush) (2007)

 The movie tells a dramatic story about two people searching for a brighter future in a foreign country. There's a lot in common between the two: the same blood, the same genes. And as such, they're both similarly cruel toward their family when/after they leave.

However, there's differences as well. Mirush moves to Norway and wants to start a new life. He believes that Bekim, his father, remembers him, thinks about him all the time, and is going to help his son. Basically, Mirush expects to be literally fed by his father. Or, at least he wants to turn the situation into that state. After all he's just 15 which sort of explains this.

On the contrary, Bekim relocated to Norway long time ago. He had to start his life completely anew and forget his roots all together because otherwise he wouldn't be able to stand all the difficulties that obviously arise when a foreigner comes to another country illegally. He wouldn't be able to reach the level of independence and prosperity that he managed to acquire. And afterwards he had to protect this level further integrating into the society of his new home country.

Soon Mirush's naive hopes shatter on the severe reality. However, his extreme cruelty in the final episodes of the movie exceeds all reasonable expectations. The question remains: is that in his blood, or emotions were just running wild? The title of the movie (which is literally translated from Norwegian as "Blood Ties") suggests the former...


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0899216/
My rating: 7 of 10

The Client (1994)

I've watched this movie before, maybe even twice. Yet I've decided to watch it once again. The plot is very common for crime dramas: criminals, cops, and guiltless people in jeopardy. Gosh, haven't we seen that cocktail on our screens million times already?

But what's exciting about this particular movie is the acting. Especially that of Brad Renfro who plays Mark. It was a surprise for me to find out that this was his first role ever, and he hadn't had any acting experience before. And that when he was just 11 yo! Some time ago I've also watched The Cure (1995) with him, and he was acting superb there as well. It's a pity he passed away so young in 2008 because of "accidental" heroin overdose...

A funny thing is the southern accent of some actors. Like saying "hai" for "hi", or "whai" for "why". Also, the movie contains a number of funny scenes, like Reggie's mum: "Nice to meet you, Mark!" after he shuts the car's door and kicks it, and then walks away, or Mark: "Well, I'll just go get hit by a truck and come back."

As I mentioned the movie itself is quite common and doesn't carry any deep thoughts. The plot is full of unrealistic coincidences and situations. I would generally rate it as 5 of 10, but the acting makes it all!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109446/
My vote: 7 of 10