Movies, Drama
This film from New Zealand is quite heavy because of the domestic violence it portrays. But if you willing to stomach some disturbing scenes, it does a wonderful job of portraying the socio-economic conditions of Maori families in New Zealand. If you want to see a film about New Zealand that it a bit easier on the psyche, I recommend the wonderful Whale Rider or last year’s spectacular Hunt for the Wilderpeople.Once were Warriors
Movies, Documentary
When Heath Ledger died at age 28, I was deeply sad. Very rarely has the death of someone who I did not even personally know affected me so deeply. The talent of Ledger was so extraordinary. When the news of his death traveled around the world, I felt we all had been cheated of a lifetime of spectacular performances that was still was lying ahead for Ledger.I am Heath Ledger
Movies, Documentary, Drama
For those of us who like classical music, Shine is a real treat. The film chronicles the life of the piano child prodigy David Helfgott.Shine
Movies, Comedy
I recently saw an interview with Björn Ulvaeus, the key creative force behind the songs of ABBA. He described how the makers of the film Muriel’s Wedding pursued him for a long time to get the license to use ABBA songs in the film. This piqued my interest to see the comedy made in the 1990s. The film is fun. It is different. It is also a good social commentary. Muriel dreams about her wedding. But she is a girl nobody likes in high school. What gets her through this challenging period are ABBA songs. And eventually she does marry but in a very unexpected way.Muriel’s Wedding
Movies, Drama
Allied starts out similar to Casablanca. Same time (World War II), same place, comparable ambience. A male British agent, Max (Brad Pitt) and a French female agent Marianne (Marion Cotillard) are instructed to kill the German ambassador. The mission is very dangerous. They give themselves a 40% chance they will come out of it alive.Allied