Category Archives: Based on true facts

2010, Based on true facts, Could Be Hard To Watch, Cynical, Disturbing Image, Grim, Nudity, Police Story, Rape, Suspense, Violent

The Whistleblower (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Sent to Bosnia to train cops in the aftermath of that country’s brutal civil war, American policewoman Kathryn Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz) uncovers evidence that U.N. peacekeepers are complicit in a flourishing sex-trafficking trade. But when she brings her allegations to light, she discovers that her foes are more powerful than the law. Based on a true story, this thriller from director Larysa Kondracki co-stars Monica Bellucci and David Strathairn.

Probably one of the harshest films I have watched recently, I was tempted to stop watching several times. But the cynical engagement in sex trafficking sponsored by UN peace keepers was so unnerving that I had to see some resolution at least in the case of Kathryn Bolkovac. Although Bolkovac got some satisfaction for her heroic efforts, no one would ever hire her again and the practice of sex trafficking still flourishes (and probably always will).

Be prepared for some brutal treatment by the peacekeepers of these women (rape, murder, etc).

As an artistic endeavor the film is so-so. But the events are riveting.

2011, Based on true facts, Conspiracy, Drama, Drugs, Love Story, Sex Scenes

The Rum Diary (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Eager to flee his humdrum life in 1950s New York, booze-loving journalist Paul (Johnny Depp) moves to Puerto Rico and begins writing for a local rag, but his life becomes unhinged when he falls for a gorgeous woman (Amber Heard) and clashes with her shifty fiancé (Aaron Eckhart). Written and directed by Bruce Robinson, this adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s early novel also stars Richard Jenkins as Paul’s editor.

Nice black and white good versus evil where the good guy wins is always easy to watch. Sorry, not this time! Pessimism is the dominant theme here as we watch Johnny Depp drink, try drugs, fall in love with a crook’s girl friend, and start to get involved with the crook’s shady dealings.

You get a sense of how beautiful Puerto Rico is and how vulnerable it is to exploitation by American businessmen whose anti-communist rants are just too outlandish to even begin to take seriously. In fact, the script is not uniformly good and in fact sometimes just too preachy. Moreover, the delivery of those not so wonderful lines by the actors is just plain wooden at times.

Giovanni Ribisi plays a somewhat unbalanced drug addled nutcase, although it is not clear what he adds to the film.

All in all the film for me was only OK, which seems to be the critics’ conclusions in the Wikipedia article.

Read the final screen lines for a historical reference.

2011, Based on true facts, Cynical, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Political Suspense, Sex Scenes, Wonderful acting

The Ides of March (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film, directed by George Clooney, is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.

Sometimes a film with many “stars” can be a disaster. But this time the combination of Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti has produced a superb political film.

“Loss of Innocence” is the sad theme of the story. Idealistic Ryan Gosling makes some personal mistakes and also discovers the dark side of handsome, well-spoken (“smooth” is the better word), and inspiring George Clooney. Hoffman and Giamatti contribute the elements of cynical compromise. Acting could not be better. Both Gosling and Clooney have mastered the art of having their eyes mirror their emotions.

Marisa Tomei plays a newspaper reporter who is not to be trusted.

For a better understanding of the title you could read the Wikipedia article. Even there I could find no reference to the Howard Dean compaign.

You have a treat in store. DO NOT MISS!

2011, Based on true facts, Conspiracy, DO NOT MISS, Drugs, Lawyers, Medical Theme, Nudity, True Story

Puncture (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Drug-addicted attorney Mike and his business partner Paul take on a case involving an emergency room nurse who has been pricked by an infected needle. Uncovering a web of corporate conspiracies, Mike and Paul quickly find themselves outmatched.

According to the Wikipedia review of this film:

——————— START OF QUOTE ———————————-

The story is based on two young lawyers and a syringe manufacturer who had invented a safety syringe that he was unable to sell. The safety syringe manufacturer filed an antitrust lawsuit against the two largest hospital group purchasing organizations and a large syringe manufacturer claiming he was being shut out of the market.[3] The case was settled before trial for $150 million dollars.[4]

In addition the film brings to light several issues affecting American health care:
1. Accidental needle sticks cause thousands of US nurses to be infected by HIV, Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases every year. [5]
2. Needle reuse in Africa and Asia directly cause 1.3 million deaths annually, 23 million hepatitis infections annually and 260,000 HIV/AIDS infections annually. [6]

A passing reference in the movie also touches on whether AIDS in Africa is spread by sex or needle reuse. Research has found needle reuse, rather than sex, may have been the main cause of the rapid spread of AIDS in Africa. [7] Fearing that if this comes to light Africans will refuse needle immunization and other important treatments, some health care professionals allege that the UN and WHO have moved to suppress this information. [8].

———————– END OF QUOTE ———————————-

Footnote 3 leads to an article in the New York Times that identifies the guilty medical supply companies as Premier and Novation.

Mark Weiss was indeed a young lawyer fairly out of control. Possibly for titillation purposes we see him engaging in drug use often, at times nude next to a nude woman also using the drugs. But do not let that dissuade you from continuing with this worthwhile and engaging film. In fact Mark Weiss dies of a drug overdose at the age of 32. His partner continued the good fight.

Be sure to watch the final credits because they tell us a bit of what follows the end of the film.

Four of the actors are principal:

  • Chris Evans (age 30) who plays Mark Weiss was Captain America.
  • Mark Kassen is a very young looking 40 year old who does not have many screen credits to his name. He plays Mark’s lawyer partner.
  • Marshall Bell (age 69) plays the inventor. He has taken many supporting roles, for example in the “Rum Diary”.
  • Brett Cullen (age 55) plays the opposing lawyer who has sold out for money. He plays Captain Perkins in the TV series “Body of Proof”

Better than the usual big bad guys versus honest lawyers. DO NOT MISS!

2011, Based on true facts, Bullying, Conspiracy, Cynical, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Finance, Scam Artists

Margin Call (2011)

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From NetFlix:

An all-star cast shines in this engrossing drama about a critical 24-hour period at a high-profile investment bank in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, when young analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers information that could destroy the firm. When he alerts upper management to the precarious position of their risky investments, an emergency meeting is held to decide if they should alert clients or abscond with the profits.

Infuriatingly excellent, this financial “thriller” is a sad expose of America’s greatest enemy, her own financial industry. You need not understand the financial details to appreciate the plot.

Sometimes a large cast of well-known actors can be a disaster. But this time cast choices probably could not have been better. Old-timers include:

  • Kevin Spacey (age 52) is officially middle-aged. His role is thoughtful and sad.
  • Jeremy Irons (age 63) is his usual wonderfully creepy self playing the head honcho who makes 83 million dollars a year even if his clients lose all their investments.
  • Stanley Tucci (age 51) is another sad pawn in Jeremy Iron’s claws.
  • Demi Moore (age 49) is a pawn in a different way.

And then there are some relative new-comers:

  • Paul Bettany (age 40) was the albino Silas in “The Da Vinci Code”.
  • This is the first time I have seen Simon Baker (age 42) in something other than “The Mentalist”.
  • Zachary Quinto (age 34) was Spock in the 2009 “Star Trek”.
  • Zachary Quinto’s sidekick in the film is Penn Badgley (age 25) who plays the son in “The Stepfather”.

At times the script can be a bit preachy, especially when the characters rationalize their basically dishonest dealings.

Is our financial industry really completely corrupt? DO NOT MISS!

2003, Based on true facts, British Mystery Series, Conspiracy, Drama, Gay theme, Made For TV, Nudity, Political statement, Sex Scenes, Spy Theme, Wonderful acting

Cambridge Spies (2003)

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From NetFlix:

In 1934, four brilliant Cambridge men are recruited to spy for Russia. Fueled by youthful idealism, a passion for social justice and a talent for lying, they take huge personal risks to pass Britain’s biggest secrets to Moscow.

At the start of the film there is a disclaimer that some of the details are fictional. Let us hope that at least we get some insight into why these four men decided to spy for Russia. If nothing else, the acting is superb and the scenes both in England and in Germany ring true. Sex, both straight and gay, seems to pervade the atmosphere.

Cambridge’s four young spies are as follows:

Give this British production a strong recommendation.

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.

2010, Based on true facts, Disturbing Image, French, Jewish Culture, Political statement, Violent, War, WWII

Sarah’s Key (2010)

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From NetFlix:

In the midst of researching an article about the roundup of Jews that took place in Paris in 1942, American-born journalist Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas) uncovers a sobering connection between her story and the home she shares with her boorish French husband (Frederic Pierrot). Gilles Paquet-Brenner directs this gripping drama based on a bestselling novel of the same name that was inspired by actual events.

Although the story and the underlying sad history are important (and actually horrifying), the acting in this film was mediocre and sometimes embarrassing. Kristin Scott Thomas’ delivery seemed awfully flat. Aiden Quinn’s acting was just plan bad. Perhaps some of the fault lies in the almost preachy script.

My Jewish brother-in-law hated the French. To understand his attitude, see this film. Some of the scenes of the French treatment of the Jews might make you cringe. Of course, there is always the question “What would I have done under those same frightening circumstances ?”

As a side note, once again I spotted one of those omnipresent secondary actors whose name you don’t know and whose roles you just can’t seem to place. In this case the Italian second Mrs. Rainsferd was Joanna Merlin who plays Judge Lena Petrovsky in “Law and Order: SVU” as well as Loni Goslin in “The Good Wife”.

Dialog is in French and English.

Despite a few uncomfortable or disappointing moments, I am glad I saw the film.

2006, Acceptable for children, Adventure, Based on true facts, Dog Story, Flirting

Eight Below (2006)

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From NetFlix:

When an unforeseen accident forces a trio of Antarctic scientists (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood and Jason Biggs) to leave behind their team of steadfast sled dogs, the animals must survive a cruel and punishing winter on their own without human contact. Revealing his penchant for subzero survival stories, Frank Marshall (Alive) helmed this heartrending drama, which was adapted from a Japanese film based on real events.

Yikes! Not only a dog story, but (gasp) a general rated Walt Disney film to boot! What was I thinking! Guess what … I LOVED IT!

Forget the fairly juvenile and at times maudlin human interactions. Those dog actors were amazing. I here quote from the Wikipedia article:

The 1958 ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica inspired the 1983 hit film Nankyoku Monogatari. Eight Below is the adaptation of the events of the 1958 incident moved forward to 1993. Dog teams were removed from the ice in February 1994. In the 1958 event, fifteen Sakhalin Husky sled dogs were abandoned when the expedition team was unable to return to the base. When the team returned a year later, two dogs were still alive. Another seven were still chained up and dead, and six unaccounted for.

In Eight Below there are two Alaskan Malamutes (Buck and Shadow) and six Siberian Huskies (Maya, Max, Truman, Dewey, Shorty and Old Jack). Each actor-dog had help from other dogs that performed stunts and pulled sleds. In all, over 30 dogs were used to portray the film’s eight canine characters. Max, Maya, Dewey and Buck (Old Jack’s stunt double) were played by dogs seen in Disney’s Snow Dogs.

Is it true that dog teams have a hierarchy so strong that when the dogs are very hungry and manage to capture food (e.g. leaping up and catching a bird), all the lucky dogs defer to the leader by bringing the food to the leader without eating it ?

One critic was concerned that for very young children, the dog portion could be too strong. After all, not all the dogs survive. You see some dogs die. But you also see the survivors mourning and caring for the suffering dogs. Could this be real ?

Yes, I was glued to my seat (despite the length of the film) and yes I had goose flesh at the appropriate “Aw Shucks” moments.

2010, Based on true facts, Drama, Made For TV, TV Series

Any Human Heart (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Riding the waves of the 20th century to two continents, Logan Mountstuart tries his hand at writing, the art trade and espionage, brushing shoulders along the way with a stunning assortment of iconic personalities. Jim Broadbent, Matthew Macfadyen and Sam Claflin pool their acting talents to portray one multifaceted man through three different seasons of his life in this sweeping British drama based on William Boyd’s best-selling novel.

Matthew Macfadyen seems noticeably older in this 2010 British two-DVD TV-series than he did eight years prior as Tom Quinn in the part of MI-5 made in 2002-2004. But that is as it should be because he plays the middle age part of the three ages of Logan Mountstuart.

Jim Broadbent as usual does a good job. This time he is the aged Montstuart.

For what it is worth, you might recognize the actor who plays Ernest Hemingway as the same actor who played the son of Inspector Foyle in the British TV series “Foyle’s War”.

British Masterpiece TV series should be your cup of tea in order to enjoy this pair of DVDs. Although there is a minimum of royalty involved, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson play a significant role in the story. Every British drama that I have seen that involves Edward and Wallis has in one way or other condemned the couple. In this regard “Any Human Heart” is no exception. Logan is sent to spy on the couple because it is believed that Edward is war-profiteering by dealing in currencies. There is also the suggestion that Edward had a man burned to death in his bed. If this star-cursed couple interest you, then there are even more lurid facts in the Wikipedia article.

For a good discussion of the book by William Boyd see the Wikipedia article.