Category Archives: Unusual

2006, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Disturbing Image, Explicit sex, German, Grim, Love Story, Mostly About Sex, Nudity, Psychological Drama, Rape, Unusual, Violent

The Free Will (2006)

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From NetFlix:

When a convicted rapist (Jürgen Vogel) takes a job at a German print shop, he befriends the owner’s daughter (Sabine Timoteo), a young woman who’s been sexually abused by her father, and an intense but complicated bond forms between them. Matthias Glasner directs this Tribeca Film Festival selection that explores the boundaries of an unconventional romance between a former victimizer and one who’s been victimized.

At 2 hours and 44 minutes, this German film with optional English subtitles is a tough watch about which I shall now try to warn you. In what follows “he” is the rapist and “she” is the woman victimized by her father. You might NOT want to see this film because:

  • At the beginning you see an ugly rape scene. You can easily skip over this part and begin with his being released from prison.
  • Unfortunately he later relapses and there occurs a rape scene that is nowhere near as bad as that first scene but still ugly.
  • The film is very slow moving.
  • Fortunately we only get a hint of the father’s abuse. In fact we never really know if his abuse was sexual. At the very least he made his daughter a substitute in some ways for his deceased wife and prevented the daughter from being independent.
  • Intense loneliness is a constant presence.
  • Sadly the story does not end well.

So why on earth did I stick with this film? First of all I like independent films and this film has just that flavor. Also the film takes its time with the two characters. You can feel the sad conflicts with with they struggle, especially the self-hating rapist. Throughout the film, alas, I was rooting for them as a couple. Recidivism is all too real and there is nothing idealistic in filming the struggles of each of the characters.

Hopefully I have discouraged you from watching an unusual film which for me was fascinating.

2007, Acceptable for children, Comedy, Feel Good For All, German, Unusual

Vitus (2007)

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From NetFlix:

Pushed to succeed and live up to his parents’ ambitions at an early age, young Vitus (played by Fabrizio Borsani and Teo Gheorghiu) is a virtual genius and a prodigy at the piano. But as Vitus grows older, he decides on a different path: one that leads to an ordinary childhood. Julika Jenkins and Urs Jucker co-star in writer-director Fredi M. Murer’s heartfelt tale, which won the Swiss Film Prize for Best Film of 2007.

Grab this film soon because true feel-good (non-animated) films for adults and children are an endangered species. However, in order that this film be a feel-good for you, you must suspend disbelief during the entire story. That is because the boy Vitus is too good to be true. But that is the charm of this unusual film. Just watch as the young genius performs miracle after miracle. No, the plot is NOT cloying and is instead full of surprisingly original and fun ideas.

Robert Schumann’s piano concerto in A minor is the musical theme of the film and is the concerto that Vitus plays at the end of the film.

English subtitles are available for this Swiss film in which the actors speak Swiss German,
Hoch Deutsch, and English.

Of all the actors I recognized only one: the Swiss actor Bruno Ganz plays the free-spirited grandfather. If you haven’t seen him in the wonderful Italian comedy “Bread and Tulips” from 2000, don’t miss it!

In my humble opinion, “Vitus” is DON’T MISS !!!

Based on true facts, Cancer theme, Drama, Gay theme, Love Story, Quiet, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Beginners (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

Ewan McGregor (now 40 years old) is not afraid to appear in movies outside the mainstream such as “Moulin Rouge” or “I Love You Philip Morris”. In fact, if you are looking for a good time, search for Ewan McGregor in IMDB for a long list of films. His biography in IMDB points out his determination to NOT conform.

And who could forget Christopher Plummer (now 82 years old) in the romantic role of Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” from way back in 1965.

Mélanie Laurent (age 28) is a French actress who appears in both French (“Jusqu’à Toi”) and American (“Inglourious Basterds”) films.

Possibly this film is not for everyone for reasons such as:

  • One half of the film centers on the 75 year old father coming out as gay.
  • Another important theme is the son’s difficulty in maintaining a relationship.
  • You could hear a pin drop because this is such a quiet film.
  • “Move Slowly” is the film’s motto. Often the young couple just stare at each other.
  • There is humor but it is very quiet and subtle.
  • Should I believe that a 75 year old gay man can find a young lover ?
  • You watch the father slowly succumb to lung cancer.

Despite these possible objections, I loved this unusual film.

2009, Drama, Fantasy, Francis Ford Coppola, Imperfect, Nudity, Plot Twist, Psychological Drama, Sex Scenes, Unusual

Tetro (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.

Wikipedia tells us that in February 2007, director Francis Ford Coppola announced that he would produce and direct the film Tetro, based on a script that he had written while editing Youth Without Youth. There is no mention of whether the plot has anything at all to do with events in the life of the director.

While at times a bit “artsy-fartsy”, the story is compelling and includes some plot surprises. Filming is in black and white except when a character (almost always Tetro) is having a flashback or when some unusual entertainment is happening. Those colored episodes are theatrical, often strange, and involve opera or ballet acting out fantasies or flashbacks.

None of the actors were familiar to me. Alden Ehrenreich was 20 when he made the film. As a smiling, naive, virginal young man he is appealing. After the plot twist he does not seem to carry his part well. In fact for me the last part of the film somewhat fell apart.

At the very least I do not regret having seen the film.

2010, Acceptable Trash, Comedy, Gangs, Gay theme, Mayhem, Occasional gore, Super Hero, Suspense, Unusual, Violent, Vulgar

Kick-Ass (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Inspired by his love of comic books, high school student Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to transform himself into a masked crime fighter — a decision that eventually thrusts the teenager into Internet stardom. Soon, Dave’s antics inspire a wave of would-be heroes to don costumes and live out their superhero fantasies. Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Chloe Moretz also star in this comic book adaptation from director Matthew Vaughn.

Thanks to my deep-tissue neurological torture-massage specialist Chris Smith (a movie fan) for recommending this outrageous sample of mayhem.

Except for Nicolas Cage, I recognized no other actor. Of course, many of the actors are teenagers. At first my reaction was, “Oh no, not a teenage film !” But stick with the film for awhile and you might enjoy the very, very violent fun in this satire on super heroes. In fact the violence is two things: extreme, and extremely unlikely. Scene after scene the daring duo (Nicolas Cage and the character playing his daughter) perform outrageously impossible feats of marital art, shooting, gun reloading, etc. Without digital techniques this film could not begin to exist.

I am reminded of the 2007 Clive Owen film “Shoot ‘Em Up” in which time after time he performs remarkably impossible shooting sequences. If you enjoyed one of these films, you will probably enjoy the other.

From time to time I really had to laugh at jokes and some slapstick. Warning: this film is not for everyone, and is certainly not for mature audiences, and in fact could easily become another outlandish cult film. Another warning: out of the mouth of the child super hero comes some very vulgar purple prose. Shocking!

Sadly, I enjoyed the spectacle. Shame on me!

2010, Crime, Drama, Drugs, Gloomy, Grim, Not Feel Good, Sex Scenes, Spanish, Supernatural, Unusual, Violent, Vulgar

Biutiful (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, Uxbal (Javier Bardem) — a divorced father raising two children — is determined to atone for his life as a black marketeer in this engrossing character study that unfolds in the slums of Barcelona, Spain. Co-starring Maricel Álvarez as Uxbal’s estranged wife, director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s haunting tale received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Foreign Language Film.

Why do you watch a film ? My most honest answer is “I want to be entertained”. “Entertainment” usually means “escape” or “relax” or “laugh” or “solve a puzzle” or “be excited by action (or sex)”. Therefore, this film, which is probably the most grubby film I have ever seen, might not qualify as “entertainment”. One possible subtitle for this film might be “Watching Javier Bardem Die” because there are an awful lot of shots that linger on his unshaven, haggard, unhappy face.

Another reason for calling the film “grubby” is that it takes place in the slums of Barcelona. Of course, every great and beautiful city has its slums. If all I knew about Barcelona was this film, I would avoid at all cost visiting the city. There is even a beautiful shot of a sunny clear sky into which ugly black factory smoke is pouring. Another view of the sea has dead Chinese immigrant bodies floating into the beach. Are you starting to get the picture ?

At least we get an honest view of how horrible life is for third-world immigrants (legal or otherwise) trying desperately to scratch out a meager living. Do you really want to watch that ?

One sub-theme centers around Bardem’s supposed ability to communicate with the dead for which services he charges a fee. Keep the initial snow scene in mind. Eventually you figure out what is happening.

Only Javier Bardem was familiar to me. However, the woman who plays his wife, Maricel Álvarez, has an unforgettable face. Because of the disproportionate size of her nose, she reminds me of another Spanish actress (whose name I could not find) favored by the director Almodóvar possibly for her striking looks (meaning her nose).

For some of you this film might be 2.5 hours too long.

2009, Drama, Psychological Thriller, Quiet, Trains, Transvestite theme, Unusual

Peacock (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Bank clerk John Skillpa (Cillian Murphy) hides a disturbing past from everyone in small-town Peacock, Neb. When a train jumps the tracks and crashes into John’s backyard, his neighbors discover a confused woman named Emma milling about. They rush to aid the woman they assume is John’s wife, but their efforts prompt John to descend into psychosis. Only Maggie (Ellen Page), a young mother, seems to know the truth behind his bizarre behavior.

Do not believe the last sentence of the NetFlix summary. This film is so bizarre that no one in the town of Peacock could begin to guess what was happening. From the very first shock to the end of the film I could not begin to guess what would come next. Probably it was this kind of originality that made me value the film. In retrospect the way the film ends is very fitting but not what I would have predicted.

Be sure to pay strict attention to the very first seconds of the film because it helps to explain John Skillpa’s behavior.

Susan Sarandon, Josh Lucas, Bill Pullman and Keith Carredine are all familiar to us.

But hats off to Cillian Murphy who does an amazing job of acting two parts. His portrayal of John Skillpa is masterful. Because I have never heard of Cillian Murphy I looked him up in IMDB. His first name is pronounced “Killian”. He was born in Cork, Ireland. He played Robert Fischer in “Inception”. He was The Scarecrow in the 1992 “Batman”.

Once again, this well-done film might not be to everyone’s taste.

2009, Could be boring, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Fantasy, Gloomy, Grim, Quiet, Religious Theme, Revenge, Slavery, Slow, Unusual, Violent

Valhalla Rising (2009)

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From NetFlix;

After years of slavery, Viking warrior One-Eye (Mads Mikkelsen) escapes from his captors and seeks refuge on a Norse ship bound for his homeland. When a storm throws them off course, the crew lands at a mysterious realm inhabited by invisible demons. As the bloodthirsty creatures claim one sailor after another, One-Eye rediscovers his fighting spirit but begins to wonder if they have arrived in Jerusalem or someplace much more sinister.

Slow to the point of glacial, you might want to skip this one. After reading the Wikipedia article you get the impression that this is one of those film critic’s specials, although one critic called the film “unbearably self-important”.

After waiting 93 minutes for the lead character “One-Eye” to speak, he never utters a word. Instead he telepathizes to a young boy (yes, that really is an English word).

For some reason or other there are six parts none of which make a lot of sense:

Part I Wrath
Part II Silent Warrior
Part III Men of God
Part IV The Holy Land
Part V Hell
Part VI The Sacrifice

So did I waste 93 minutes ? If nothing else the film is a quiet, mysterious, SLOW “happening”. In a “happening” you just wait to see what will “happen” next. I am still waiting.

1997, Bullying, Drama, Nudity, Sex Scenes, Unusual

Lawn Dogs (1997)

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From NetFlix:

In the affluent, gated community of Camelot Gardens, bored wives indiscriminately sleep around while their unwitting husbands try desperately to climb the social ladder. Trent, a 21-year-old outsider who mows the neighborhood lawns, quietly observes the infidelities and hypocrisies of this overly privileged society. When Devon, a 10-year-old daughter from one family, forges a friendship with Trent, things suddenly get very complicated.

Infuriating is the first emotion that comes to mind for several reasons.

  • Sam Rockwell plays the underdog “trailer trash” Trent as an athletic, honest, but very underprivileged young man who accepts his low place and life and rarely fights back.
  • Snobs in the gated community (more real than caricatures) demean him constantlySpoiled snob children devise mean tricks that eventually rob Trent of his ability to earn a living.
  • Was that ending a cop-out ? Did the movie break down ?

Mischa Barton was only 11 when she played the young girl Devon who drives the entire film with her curiosity, wild imagination, and unrestrained behavior. Today she is a beautiful woman of 25.

Sam Rockwell seemed much younger than 29 in the film. My first reaction was “Boy, is he homely ! Where did Hollywood get him ?” But he makes a perfect foil to Devon’s escapades. As a man of 43 years he is about to appear in “Cowboys & Aliens”.

Their relation is completely innocent but for me the entire film seemed menacing in the sense that sooner or later someone will suspect something foul. And I kept waiting for him to get even with all the injustices.

Google did not help me find references to cheese infected with a fatal bacteria given to our Korean soldiers.

By the time the film ended I was really angry but at the same time I found the film to be a successful breath of fresh air. Tell me what you think of that ending. Expect some surprises.

2010, Based on true facts, French, Military, Occasional gore, Quiet, Religious Theme, Slow, Suspense, Terrorist Attack, Unusual

Of Gods and Men (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks’ abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.

Quiet, beautifully photographed, possibly inspiring (depending on your point of view), this film is an unusual gem. It is based on a true story which you will find in the Wikipedia article.

Notable throughout is the chanting of the monks. In fact the only other music that I can recall is Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake overture played on a tape recorder in an unforgettable dinner scene.

Among other things the film is a study in the characters of each of the monks, each of whom must decide whether to flee from death by terrorists or to stay at the monastery and accept his fate. In this respect there is a constant atmosphere of menace at war with the peace and quiet.

Kathy and I debated afterward about whether their decision to stay really did any good for anyone or had any meaning at all.

Normally I don’t like to include spoilers, but here I make an exception for a good reason. Do not avoid this film because you expect to see violence brought against the monks. You never see this violence explicitly. (However, you do witness a Croatian worker having his throat slit.) Rather that final violence is implied in the perfect photographic ending.

French with subtitles.