Birdie Num Num. “The Party” (1968)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Blake Edwards
© 1968 United Artists. All Rights Reserved.

We need a bit of comedy to relax, right? Recently, I’ve been watching quite difficult productions and I feel like letting my brain have some days off. Today, I’d like to recommend you an adorable and horribly goofy film from the 60s, which is a proof that white people create irrational problems. But first, let me share a few words about the plot. Hrundi V. Bakshi (Peter Sellers) is an actor of Indian origin. He’s a bit clumsy and makes a huge mess on a film set. The head of the studio wants to write his name on the blacklist, but accidentally the actor ends up on the guest list of the upcoming party. Hrudi gets an invitation and accepts it, which means he ends up in a huge richman’s house with lots of vain white human parasites. It’s clear that it’s not the social level he’s used to and most interractions with others turn out quite funny. At some point, Hrundi meets Michèle (Claudine Longet), an aspiring actress, who doesn’t seem to be prejudiced against him purely based on his skin colour. The party continues and what comes out of it is for you to see. Many reviewers were outraged that someone dared to paint their face brown and pretend to be Indian. That’s so disrespectful! Mhm… yeah, and in the meantime, people in India loved the comedy. Even the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recommended this film, praising it for Hrundi’s lines. And it’s true that the Indian actor is presented as a very good human being. Plus, in Bollywood productions they often make fun of themselves and nobody gets actually offended. So some white people should get the sticks out of their butts, sit on the sofa and enjoy a good laugh straight from the 60s.

My rating: 6/10
S.

It’s hell. “13 Days, 13 Nights” (“13 Jours, 13 Nuits”, 2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Martin Bourboulon
© 2025 Pathé. All Rights Reserved.

Since I’m an empath, watching this film was very painful. Generally, when I read news about the countries where people are being tortured or held in captive, I can’t believe it. How come I wake up in a safe house, go to work, have a full fridge and in case of emergency there are several hospitals in the city, and at the same time, on the same planet, somewhere there people wish to survive another day. Reality is the worst kind of sci-fi… This film is set in Afghanistan, where the Taliban take over the capital, Kabul. The US army withdraw, which means everyone there is in huge danger. Commandant Mohamed Bida (Roschdy Zem) is terrified with what’s happening on the streets and asks the French ambassador to let civilians entry the embassy grounds. Otherwise, the Taliban will murder them without hesitation. In order to help as many people as it’s possible, Bida cooperates with Eva (Lyna Khoudri), a humanitarian worker of French-Afghan origin. She becomes his personal translator between him and Taliban members, which is also very risky since she’s a woman. Despite best intentions, Bida will have to face the reality and make difficult decisions – either he saves a small group of people and let hundreds die at the closed gate, or he will break rules and perhaps, in case of some miracle, protect lots of civilians. This isn’t just a film showing how dangerous and uncontrolled religious cults are. We know that some people should really go to therapy instead of church or any place of such kind. But this story is more about helplessness of an individual person. No matter how dedicated one can be, the system always wins. And it’s heart-breaking that humans are segregated like trash. If you’re X, you have the right to live. If you’re Y, you have the right to be thankful for whatever happens. Political and religious wars take place in numerous countries, but there’s one common thing – unnecessary suffering of innocent people. Just some of them have a chance to escape, and others don’t. And all that based on their passport.

My rating: 7/10
S.

If you spot an anomaly, turn back immediately. “Exit 8″ (“8-ban deguchi”, 2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Genki Kawamura
© 2025 Toho. All Rights Reserved.

I’m not really a gamer type, but when I’ve heard of this film, I got curious. If you like mysteries and solving riddles, this might be something for you. We follow the Lost Man, who’s not yet lost, but is soon to be. The guy is taking a subway and while trying to exit the station, he… yes, you’re right! He gets lost. At first you might think it’s one of the London metro stations, because finding the way there is an adventure itself. But something seems off, because no matter what, the Lost Man keeps walking the same corridor. Or at least that’s what it looks like. At some point he realises, that sometimes there are some differences, called in the film anomalies, and it’s important to notice them. If the corridor is in its original form, you can keep going and the exit numbers will be changing from 0 do 8. However, each time, going from one exit to another, you need to pass the corridor. If you don’t spot the anomaly, you will again enter the corridor with exit 0 written on the wall. So, what to do? Simple, you need to focus and observe all the details, and if there’s a difference, you go back. Those anomalies can be of various kinds and at some point in the film (or in the game) you may start questioning your own mind. And what if you suddently meet a child in the corridor – do you help them or do you consider it an anomaly and go back leaving them behind? Yeah, we get to such moral choices as well. I don’t feel like playing the game, but the film was quite entertaining. Perhaps the ending could have been more exciting, but I also liked how they summed the story up (but no spoilers!). Besides, watching this film is a bit like watching a live stream of a gamer playing Exit 8. I encourage you to search for anomalies and see whether you would find the way out faster than the Lost Man.

My rating: 6/10
S.

The hopeless dream of being. “Persona” (1966)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Ingmar Bergman
© 1966 AB Svensk Filmindustri. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine being a lead actress in a big production and getting paid for saying just one word. I mean… where can I sign up? That was the case of Liv Ullmann, who played in “Persona”, got very famous for that and even ended up in a relationship with the director. Of course, I’m joking that all she did was just saying one word, because her role was extremely damanding, so take it as a fun fact, not an accusation. Ingmar Bergman is surely the most known film director from Sweden, who has given us multiple productions to admire and analyse for years… and still not understand. I mean, I bet nobody has come up with the exact idea that he had while making his films. He was creating stories for himself and as long as they made sense to him, they were fine. But what’s going on in “Persona”? We get to know Alma, a young nurse who’s been assigned to take care of Elisabet, an actress that has suddenly stopped speaking. In order to help Elisabet, they move to a cottage by the sea, so she has a better environment to heal in. Since the actress doesn’t say a word, she becomes a wonderful listener, which is something Alma has needed her whole life. The nurse opens up and shares all her deepest secrets, which she hopes to be kept by Elisabet to herself. Oh how wrong she is… I will not tell you what’s the meaning behind this story, because even Bergman didn’t want to share it. He wished for his audience to create their own versions, and I highly appreciate that. This way, no matter where you’re from or what social status you own, you may understand something different, yet important to you. And that’s the beauty of cinema. However, I may give you a hint of what I take from this production. To me, it’s about masking and constantly pretending someone we’re not. Still, this mask changes also based on the people we’re surrounded by. That is why, when Alma and Elisabet stayed together for so long, their masks started overlapping. And if you think about the number of people you meet in life, you may come up with a conclusion that your mask is absolutely nothing like your true self. Creepy? Well, welcome to Swedish cinema from the 60s! I still recommend you to see it and take whatever you see in this film. Bergman was a very specific artist and everyone should see at least one of his works.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Have you eaten? “Adam’s Sake” (“L’intérêt d’Adam”, 2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Laura Wandel
© 2025 Memento Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

If you want to see one of the most difficult jobs in the world, watch this production. Even though the description and the title focuses on Adam (Jules Delsart), the main character here is Lucy (Léa Drucker), the head nurse at a hospital. One of her patients is a little boy, who’s been malnutritioned and, after the court’s decision, he has to be hospitalised. However, his mother doesn’t want to leave the boy and tries to feed him the food of her choice. Lucy isn’t thrilled about her actions, but it is obvious that the boy loves his mother and he may refuse cooperation if he stays alone. The nurse tries to find the best solution to this situation, because kicking the mother out of the hospital is definitely not beneficial for either of them. Even if those are the rules. In the meantime, she has to take care of her other patients, each of whom is a totally different story. Lucy is very dedicated to her job and often uses all the possible powers to help the other person, even if their problems are not strictly medical. I have a huge respect towards nurses, especially after staying in several hospitals myself. Of course, sometimes there is a witch or two, who may stab you with a needle and ignore you for the whole day. But generally, the nurses I’ve met were real angels. Their mental support meant the world to me, especially since doctors tend to be sitting in their offices and making decisions based on papers. And I believe the biggest support you may receive is human presence and the feeling you’re not alone. You have to be a real badass to work as a nurse and I think we should appreciate them more. But one more thing about the film – it also gives a very strong argument for improving child’s support. Many children are maltreated, unwanted or too sick for parents to take care of them properly. Instead of “fighting for life”, let’s fight for children’s rights. Because forbidding abortions will not help a girl that is living with her immature and alcoholic parents, or a boy that has been abandoned due to his numerous diabilities. Can we finally think about children and not our beliefs or systems? I hope so…

My rating: 7/10
S.

He ain’t schtulpig. “Witness” (1985)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Peter Weir
© 1985 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Who would have thought that criminals want to catch an Amish boy… Interested? So let me tell you more. We’re going back to the 80s, where we can admire Indiana Jones in a bit different costume and role. Detective John Book (Harrison Ford) has to solve the case of an Amish boy, Samuel (Lukas Haas), who’s been a witness of a murder. The boy doesn’t recognise the murderer among the criminals he gets to see, but at some point he focuses on a police officer. When Book starts digging, he realises that the same officer has had some shady business with drug dealers. The more the detective analyses the case, the more he puts himself in trouble. It’s because several colleagues turn out to be untrustworthy, so it seems like Book has to count on himself only. And the Amish boy. Speaking of Samuel, since he recognises the murderer, his life is in danger. That is why Book drives the boy and his mother to their Amish community village, but due to unexpected events, he stays there for longer. I’m a sucker for those action films from the 80s, because they remind me of my childhood. This one is quite specific, because not only we get an exciting crime story to follow, but also there’s a culture and tolerance lesson there. The Amish are seen as extreme believers, who give up on common goods in order to life simply and in accordance with their values. To most of us it may seem ridiculous, but thanks to this film we may learn more about their community. I’m not saying you have to throw your mobile phone away and start milking cows in the middle of nowhere, but perhaps a bit of communication and understanding would be helpful for both sides. Anyway, Harrison is magnificent, as always, so there’s no way you will get bored watching this production. Make sure to find out who wins – corrupted police officers or a smart Amish boy?

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m an angel. See the wings? “Good Fortune” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Aziz Ansari
© 2025 Lionsgate. All Rights Reserved.

Aziz Ansari has just shared his debut feature film with us and it’s actually quite decent. I mean, I can tell who made this comedy because its humour is so much in Ansari’s style. We get to know Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), who’s a guardian angel responsible for saving people who are texting and driving (very important job, don’t laugh). One day, he saves Arj (Aziz Ansari), a poor guy whose life is a mess and he struggles with literally everything, from work to love life. Even though Gabriel shouldn’t interfere, he obviously does and that leads to Arj changing places with a rich guy and Arj’s ex employer named Jeff (Seth Rogen). It seemed like a great idea, but the consequences are rather complicated. When Gabriel’s supervisor finds out about his actions, the angel loses his wings and powers. Things might get back to normal only if Arj changes places with Jeff again. But to do that, Arj has to want to change, and as you might be guessing, he is loving his new wealthy life. So now, powerless Gabriel and broke Jeff are trying to survive and come up with an idea to fix everything. I definitely loved the idea and all the small details that make the story really funny. Perhaps I got a bit bored in the middle because of the screenplay, which could have been slightly polished, but other than that I think it’s a perfect film for a movie night with friends. I could tell you that this story teaches us a lesson that money can’t buy happiness, but in fact… it’s not true. I guess we all know what world we’re living in and Ansari uses this sad reality to entertain us. The three main actors were chosen wonderfully and I hope they will get a chance to meet in this team again. Also, I praise his debut and I hope that Ansari will keep on exploring his path as a film director. Because this path is quite promising.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Human or AI, we make mistakes, and we learn. “Mercy” (2026)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Timur Bekmambetov
© 2026 Sony Pictures Releasing International. All Rights Reserved.

How much don’t I understand film critics? Thiiiiiiiis much! I mean, I understand, we all have our preferences, but modern sci-fi is definitely one of the most underrated genres. In case you’ve seen today’s film and its ratings – here’s a sign for you to watch it no matter what! Especially if you’re a fan of sci-fi stories. I mean, this production is such a gem that I’m surprised I even have to defend it… Anyway, let’s go! We move forward to 2029 where AI is now used as judges in court. Fun, huh? Since AI is deprived of basic human empathy and emotions, its decision-making process is based purely on facts. This way it’s considered 100% objective, especially since AI has the access to literally everything – from city cameras to people’s phones. The film begins with Detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt) waking up tied to a chair and taking part in his own trial. His wife has been murdered and Chris is the main suspect with the guilt probability of 97,5% (calculated by AI). In the next 90 minutes, he must prove to the artificial judge that he’s innocent. Otherwise, he will be executed in this chair. Chris claims that he didn’t kill his wife, but all the provided evidence says the opposite. So, is he lying or is someone trying to get rid of him? Say whatever you want, but the idea itself is magnificent. Some critics are complaining that Christ Pratt is basically just sitting throughout the film, but… what did they expect? It’s a story about a man in a trial. Would they complain that a film about a sailor is shot entirely on a ship? Give me a break. Besides, such roles are even more demanding, because you have limited ways of expression. In my opinion, he nailed it. Just like Rebecca Ferguson who plays the role of the AI judge. She also cannot express too much since she’s not a human character, yet you may feel a whole range of emotions watching those two. Besides, the protagonist is actually facing the consequences of his own actions, and I’m not talking about the potential murder. He was a supporter of AI trials, but now he’s the defendant, who experiences how it is to prove yourself not guilty. No matter how clever one is, it’s a battle against AI – which has unlimited resources and cannot save you out of pity. Also, if AI has a proof, it doesn’t reflect on the case further, even if the proof might be misleading. I spent so much reflecting on this topic after watching “Mercy” and I’m shocked that critics haven’t appreciated it enough. I really hope you will give it a try and improve its ratings.

My rating: 8/10
S.

The colour, the luster, the luminescence. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski
© 2025 National Film Board of Canada. All Rights Reserved.

If you’ve been following me for some time, you may probably know that I’m a huge fan of stop-motion animation. And no matter what, I will always support such films. Luckily, this short is not only technically beautiful, but also moving when it comes to the story. A grandfather is telling his granddaughter a story about an unusual girl. She was very miserable and, instead of tears, she was crying pearls. One day, her neighbour noticed that and wanted to see whether those pearls are real. When he found out that they are indeed of a significant value, at first he wanted to sell them and improve his life situation. However, seeing the girl suffering so much was heart-breaking and the boy decided to do everything to make her happy, even though it means no more pearls to sell. It’s an adorable story about, well, being a decent person. Maybe it’s not that complex and surprising, but it’s simply pleasant. I’m sure that both children and adults might find something interesting for themselves in this film. As I said, I love every stop-motion animation, so maybe I’m not objective, but in the end – my blog, my rules. Jokes aside, making such short film takes so much effort and creativity that I’d award all filmmakers who choose this method. Besides, the production in this case might be quite unpredictable. I’ve read that the crew of today’s film left a part of the set outside and the unexpected rain changed the shape of it, which actually made it look unique and suitable for the story. That wouldn’t have happened if they were animating purely on the screen, right? If you’re still not a fan of this method, I hope “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” will change your mind. Enjoy!

My rating: 7/10
S.

It’s easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. “Desperado” (1995)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Robert Rodriguez
© 1995 Sony Pictures Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

You know how we say that something cost us an arm and a leg? Well, this film and its director are a good example. To be exact, Robert Rodriguez firstly made a very low-budget film titled “El Mariachi”, which got noticed by producers and that led to making “Desperado”, with not such a low budget anymore. However, in order to make that first film of his, Rodriguez was earning money by being a human guinea pig in a laboratory. Scientists were making tests on him and paying for that. I’m so glad he didn’t get hurt during the process, because we wouldn’t have got “Spy Kids”, which was definitely one of my favourite action films when I was a child. Anyway, risking his life was apparently worth it, because after making the first film, he began his quite impressive career and gave us “Desperado”, the second part of his Mexican trilogy. In fact, this part is surely the most popular and perhaps even the best of them all, but feel free to watch them and have your own opinion. The story of this part focuses on Manito (Antonio Banderas), known as El Mariachi, whose lover was killed by a drug lord. The man is going for a revenge and he does that with a very attractive companion named Carolina (Salma Hayek). We have a mysterious guitar player, we have a beautiful lady, we have a bad guy, we have cringy zoom ins, catchy music and a truly Mexican romance. Boom, a success. I’m not a fan of westerns and such action films, but I have to say that “Desperado” is a classic. It was yet the time when Antonio Banderas didn’t speak good English, so he was learning his lines phonetically. Imagine the motivation! And the patience of the film crew. But as least they had a laugh together for sure. I’m sure that in the 90s this story and its style must have been a big deal, but nowadays it’s a bit uncomfortable to watch it. Still, we should know classics, so here’s one for you.

My rating: 6/10
S.