Monthly Archives: October 2013

Oksana Borbat and Valentina Vyntu in “Hutorskie strasti” [2008 Ukraine]

This is one of my ‘guilty-pleasure’ posts as I wasn’t in a mood for anything particularly deep this week. Ukrainian director Aleksandr Parkhomenko’s “Hutorskie strasti” translates as Hamlet of Passion, a comedy that resembles one of the gleefully naughty stocking-fillers … Continue reading

Posted in Ukraine | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Looking back with bitterness and nostalgia: “Quellen des Lebens” [2013 Germany]

It’s plain to see that director Oskar Roehler finds his late mother’s life story fascinating – his latest film “Quellen des Lebens” [Eng. Title: Sources of Life] is the third time I’d seen him draw characters inspired by his … Continue reading

Posted in Germany | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Obsession and guilt: “I Want You” [1998 UK]

Michael Winterbottom’s haunting melodrama “I Want You” is one more of his underrated works. For a British film set in coastal Kent and Sussex, it bears a distinctly continental flavour.
Storyline:
Having served eight years for murder and released on parole, … Continue reading

Posted in Michael Winterbottom, Rachel Weisz, United Kingdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A brief review: “Ella” [2010 Peru]

It’s unfortunate that I had to start an important Latin American director’s filmography in the blog with a totally forgettable film – I’d wanted to review Francisco J. Lombardi’s most recent film “Ella” [Eng. Title: She] before getting into … Continue reading

Posted in Francisco J. Lombardi, Peru | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Moral dilemma for an angel of mercy: “Miele” [2013 Italy, France]

Well known Italian actress Valeria Golino makes an assured directorial début through her slick and stylish drama “Miele” [Eng. Title: Honey]. Co-produced by her partner and actor Riccardo Scamarcio, the film looks at the controversial topic of euthanasia and … Continue reading

Posted in Italian Cinema | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment