Friday, October 06, 2006

Sex & Philosophy. This was Mohsen Makhmalbaf's follow-up film since Kandahar, hence I have reasonable hopes over it. Unfortunately, this film can be filed under - for die-hard fans only. I believed my friend had wanted to follow another three couples, and walk out of the screening. Can't blame them though, the unitiated would most likely call this film, pretentious and full of c**p. On one hand, there are interesting inflections on relationship and love, and the locale, although in rural areas, can be beautiful to observe; on the other hand, the stylised choreography, looks quite cheesy and flat. Every other line is a prose or a metaphor, and after a while it gets really tedious to listen and follow. I think what stand out was the strong philosophies on love, (but no sex, darn), that the protagonist had, with his different ex-girlfriends, that piqued me to want to follow the plot till the end. Well, despite all the unfavourable comments, I think it is still commendable that the director took risks and make such a theatrical film, but which is not for the faint-hearted, who can only stomach mainstream films.

Akeelah and the Bee. This is one of the most inspirational films of the year. The film is very predictable, very safe, yet powerful, and damn was the competition intense. Apparently it was produced by Starbucks Entertainment, so I guess I shall say that this is the first time I like Starbucks ... The film is undoubtedly a feelgood family drama, which gets a little preachy and everybody wins all at the end. Along the way there is the smatterings of racial prejudice and class stereotypes thrown in, just to make the challenge a little harder, the mountain a little higher to climb, so that victory is sweeter when Akeelah climbs to the top at the end. The cast is very credible, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishbourne were wonderful anchors to the film, and the young lead, Keke Palmer, acquaint herself very well with this rather heavy role. This is definitely one film that is worth recommending to the young, to collect either the vcd or dvd, and watch when one needs some hope and inspirations.

♥ 11:17 pm