How much? “The Sixth Child” (“Le Sixième Enfant”, 2022)

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directed by Léopold Legrand
© 2022 Pyramide Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Today I’ve got a difficult topic for you so better fasten your seatbelt. When you hear of “human trafficking”, I bet you have certain images in your head. Perhaps you associate this expression with crimes that often take place in less developed countries. In this film, however, they tried to present the problems from a different perspective and in different circumstances. Franck (Damien Bonnard), a Roma man and a simple scrap dealer, commits a little crime and has to be supported by Julien (Benjamin Lavernhe), a lawyer. After the case gets closed, the two men stay in touch as Franck owes the lawyer some money for his work. At the same time, Franck and his wife Meriem (Judith Chemla) are expecting their sixth child, which troubles them a lot as they’re already struggling with their family of seven. When the man finds out that Julien and his wife Anna (Sara Giraudeau) don’t have children despite years of trying, he offers to sell them their sixth child. This way, he would have enough money to provide for his family and buy a new van needed at work, and the couple of lawyers would finally start their family and give the child better conditions. This film doesn’t stand out when it comes to any technicalities or screenplay surprises, but the main topic is enough for me to write a recommendation. You may think that this film is mainly about human trafficking, but I’ve noticed a more important issue here that made me watch it till the end – lack of support for women as mothers. In Meriem’s case, she couldn’t do an abortion because of her religious beliefs and the fact that their family would be rejected by the Roma tribe. However, in many places in the world abortion is prohibited by law and even if you’re not a religious person and you want to have the procedure done, you might face serious consequences. So what can a woman like Meriem do in this case? She loves her children, she wants to be their mother, but she also knows that there’s no way she can provide for them all. What’s the point of making children then? Well, let me put it this way – it takes two to tango, and very often it’s not a conscious decision of a woman to get pregnant. Especially since many religious leaders disapprove of any form of contraception. On the other hand, we have Anna who cannot have her biological child and there’s not much she can do about it. Adopting a child means going through years of complicated procedures, which can really exhaust both potential parents. In vitro? Again, procedures, pain and lots of money with questionable effects. And in this film we get to see the contrast between Meriem and Anna, two suffering women that are unable to decide for themselves. Even if they seem to be in control of their own lives, it turns out there’s always someone else to make the final decision for them. Very difficult topic and I’m glad someone decided to share in their film. The ending actually speaks for my interpretation, but see it yourselves and perhaps you’ll get a different lesson from it.

My rating: 6.5/10
S.

Sometimes you have to let go. “The Flash” (2023)

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directed by Andy Muschietti
© 2023 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I’m not a big fan of superhero films and if you’ve been reading my posts for some time, you probably know it already. And I wasn’t even following the news about this production, but then I heard that Batman is back. The Batman. THE Batman. And by THE I mean Michael, bless you, Keaton as Batman. Say whatever you want, you may have your own preferences, but I’m team Michael and to me, he’s been the best Batman ever. So how surprised I was to hear that his Batman comes back… in a film about Flash. Wait, what? My curiosity made me go to the cinema and I’m so glad it did. Generally, the story really is about Flash (Ezra Miller), who’s a superhero that can move extremely fast. However, without the costume he’s just Barry – a young man that has lost both of his parents. And to be exact, his mother was murdered and his father has been in jail since he was the one accused for killing the woman. Barry knows that his dad is innocent, but there’s no way to prove it so the young man has to go through life on his own. One day, Barry discovers that thanks to his superpowers he can also travel in time. Despite being advised not to play with it, Barry decides to go back to the day when his mother was murdered and stop the tragedy from happening. And, as you might be guessing, that wasn’t the best idea because his actions have serious consequences. Honestly speaking – I had so much fun! Some people dislike Ezra as Flash, but to me, he did a great job. Perhaps I’m not an expert because I don’t follow those superhero productions that much, but Ezra is a talented actor and I enjoyed watching him in the role… or I should say roles… but no spoilers! Also, I haven’t explained why Michael Keaton returns as Batman – well, let’s say he doesn’t return… it’s Flash who visits him. I swear, the idea for this screenplay is genius, because it’s both somehow logical (as much as a film about people with superpowers can be) and entertaining. One thing that could have been better is CGI. However, now as I think of that, the cringy CGI made the point of this story perceptible, if that makes sense. If you watch the film, you’ll understand what’s going on and perhaps then you may say “okay, those old-fashioned special effects fit there well”. The same with Superwoman and her short black hair – I’ve read some complaints about that. And my question is “have you even seen the film?” Don’t let those negative comments stop you from watching, because apparently haters stay haters and we should judge everything ourselves. This production is super fun and it made me laugh hard (I even cried when Barry was panicking over Eric Stoltz playing McFly – brilliant). So if you want to relax and see THE Batman together with a very good Flash – then make sure to see this one.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Making money, honey. “Queen of the Deuce” (2022)

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directed by Valerie Kontakos
© 2022 Canada Media Fund (CMF). All Rights Reserved.

Who doesn’t watch porn? But how many of us would go to the cinema to see a porn film? Nowadays, not sure, but about 50 years go it was a big deal. Today, I’d like to recommend you a rather short and concrete documentary about Chelly Wilson, who was a fun lady indeed. She was of Greek origins and nothing indicated her future career. She got married (unwillingly), had children, and was supposed to be a decent mommy at home. But it’s not for Chelly. She decided to pack her bags and go to New York, where she rented a movie theatre and started screening international films. She was doing so to support her home country and raise money for the good cause. At some point she was also screening Greek productions to popularise them in the USA. Lovely, right? And here comes the spicy part. In the 60s, Chelly chose a different path and started producing and screening films for adults. And for more details, you need to see the film yourselves. I personally enjoyed learning about Chelly and her life because she must have been a really unique and strong woman. Not sure I’d be able to do what she did back then, yet she did that with a cigarette in her mouth. About her cinema – it’s fascinating to me that it wasn’t presented as a place for degenerates or sex addicts, but as a spot for a certain community to gather, meet, get to know each other and simply have fun. Chelly didn’t only started a cinema – she built a house for those who needed understanding, support and company. Obviously, she was also doing it for money, because every business is there for making money – pretty clear. Still, she could have chosen a different path. Maybe starting a bakery? But nah, let’s buy a cinema and screen porn, shall we? And I love such energy. I hadn’t known about Chelly before watching, so this documentary let me learn something new and perhaps find some inspiration. Maybe those ridiculous ideas that we sometimes have in mind are not meant to stay in our imagination only? How cool it would be if we all just let them be. Anyway, enjoy learning about this Greek Queen that brought happiness and satisfaction to New York.

My rating: 6/10
S.

You’re strong, maybe she’s not? “Cinema Sabaya” (2021)

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directed by Orit Fouks Rotem
© 2021 Green Productions. All Rights Reserved.

What happens when you put a group of diverse women in one place and let them talk? Well, you may see it yourselves. Today, I’m recommending you a film that only looks like a documentary, but it’s not one – it’s solely based on the experiences of the director, Orit Fouks Rotem. Rona (Dana Ivgi) is a female director who organises a filmmaking workshop for women at a community centre in a small town. The group contains of very different participants, which makes it difficult for them to open up from the very beginning. We have Arab and Jewish women, each of whom shares own values and beliefs. There are young and more modern-thinking ladies, as well as orthodox wives and mothers used to perhaps more old-fashioned practices. During the workshop, Rona wants to focus on teaching the participants to observe their surroundings and find inspiration to record and make art out of it. Even though those are filmmaking classes, the ladies have a lot of opportunities to discuss and share their opinions with each other. We may listen to very interesting conversations about cultures, religions, languages, relationships, motherhood, but also independence, tradition, and even rebellion. Before watching this production, I had huge expectations because the description seemed marvellous. I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed because despite several very emotional moments, I expected the director to go deeper and more intensively into the topic of Arab-Jewish relations. However, I still believe it’s a film worth watching as it’s an unusual production sharing women empowerment values. Even though each of the participants is different, they try their best to understand the other side (or sides). And their conversations are far from being easy – imagine a religious elderly lady listening to the story of a divorcee, which in her reality is impossible to imagine. Or an independent lady trying to understand a loyal wife who lets her husband make all decisions for both of them. So it’s a true privilege to be a part of such meetings. I honestly wish to take part in such workshops in real one day because, as I said at the beginning, this is not a documentary, so obviously the dialogues were written and directed. Imagine how impactful raw conversations would be. What I appreciate this production for is showing that sometimes giving space for sitting and talking might be a great start for destroying some social barriers we have. Plus, this film also reminds that many women feel this natural need to support other women no matter what, which is very comforting. Feel free to join their conversations and get to know them.

My rating: 6/10
S.

This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius. “Hair” (1979)

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directed by Miloš Forman
© 1979 United Artists. All Rights Reserved.

I knew that one day I’d write about this musical but I didn’t expect it to happen in such circumstances. Recently, in a tragic accident, we lost Treat Williams, the actor who played a magnificent role in “Hair”, therefore here I am to recommend you this film today. It was based on the Broadway musical and, even though it’s become incredibly popular and appreciated, not everyone’s a fan of this adaptation. But first, the plot. We go back to the USA during the Vietnam War period. For those who might not know, it was the time when way too many young men were sent to Vietnam to, shortly speaking, get killed. I’m not supporting any kind of violence, so expect me to be straightforward about this. One of such men is Claude (John Savage), who’s sent to New York to join the army. Before that, he has a chance to explore the city and then he meets a group of hippies, whose leader is George (Treat Williams). To Claude they are fascinating and incredibly odd as their world is far far far away from his own. However, curiosity seems stronger than anything and the man starts hanging around with the group. And as you might be guessing, the hippies are against the war and the situation in their country. They really don’t want any more humans being killed, and since Claude becomes their friend quite fast, George does everything to change the man’s mind and save his life. And here comes the drama. The writers of the Broadway musical didn’t like the adaptation and I guess I can slightly agree with them. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Forman’s style, but he made the hippies look more strange than friendly. I haven’t seen the original musical, but apparently that’s the main difference the authors spotted. I also think that making the “tribe” look more united and cheerful instead of weird and rebellious could have made a bigger impact on viewers. Especially since those people were the good ones. They were standing up against the ridiculousness of war. That period of time is incredibly significant in the history of the USA, so I’m not surprised the film was that appreciated. In my opinion, it’s good, but it could have been better. However, what I believe is a strong argument for watching it is the performance done by Treat Williams. I was stunned by his energy, charisma and some mystical truth he was sharing with me as a viewer. I honestly believed him. Oh sorry, not him. I believed George. Because Treat became George and made me follow his way of thinking. Plus, the ending gives me chills and is a big cherry on top that reminds us how insane our world it. I’m afraid that I won’t live by the times when people stop playing this stupid game of killing each other for the sake of honour, religion, patriotism or anything else. You want to run in a forest with a gun and shoot? Buy a video game and let people live, you moron. And what authorities in many countries do to manipulate young people, especially young men to feel proud for being murderers… this is just… I’m speechless. That is why, in the end, I’m thankful to Forman for making this adaptation and letting me learn about the story. And I’m also thankful for such people like Treat Williams, who share important values and lessons, and which will stay with us longer than the artists themselves. May you rest in real peace, Mr. Williams.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I will never, never again run away from life. “Sabrina” (1954)

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directed by Billy Wilder
© 1954 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Let’s get back in time and remind ourselves of this classic, shall we? Perhaps you’ll be surprised, but I’m not a big fan of this production, but let me introduce you to the story and then share my thoughts. We get a cute and a bit confusing rom-com, which is still considered a big title in the cinema history. Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) is a young woman, whose father works as a chauffeur. She has a huge crush on David (William Holden), who is an incredibly wealthy playboy and whose family hires Sabrina’s dad. Unfortunately, such man like David doesn’t even notice Sabrina, so, totally heart-broken, she leaves to Paris to attend a cooking school there. After two years, she returns and surprises everyone with her new attitude and appearance, including David who suddenly becomes very much interested in the woman. However, as much as Sabrina has changed, David hasn’t and he’s still an irresponsible womaniser. But who can stop a young woman in love? Those two become real lovebirds, but at some point David cannot meet with Sabrina and then his older brother Linus (Humphrey Bogart) takes his place and spends time with the young lady. Linus is a more mature and serious person, and he also finds Sabrina attractive, so from now on both brothers try to win her heart. What can I tell you – a classic love story with a beautiful woman and handsome gentlemen competing. Even though it’s culturally significant, I wouldn’t say it’s a must-see. I believe that Billy Wilder was a very talented director, but it’s also important with whom you work. And maybe I’ll surprise you, but I don’t think Audrey was that skilled in acting. She was indeed gorgeous, charismatic, but when it comes to acting… well… If even other actors were complaining while working with her, there must have been some issue. She’s adorable and fits well into a rom-com from, but I can imagine how difficult it must have been for talented actors to work with her. That is why I can’t fully enjoy films with Audrey because I simply don’t believe her and I keep seeing the same character in all films. However, if you want to have a good laugh, Billy Wilder’s films are best for that. I admire him as an artist, but I’m also aware of the fact that if you don’t invite big names to your films, you have to get ready for being omitted and forgotten, so it is what it is. Still, if you’re not looking for any sublime art and simply want to have fun, then “Sabrina” is a good choice. Besides, you can see really stunning costumes there, which have been appreciated by many since this film was released. Personally, I love watching those older productions and admiring the characters’ style, which is far from what we like wearing now. Maybe they were uncomfortable clothes, but sometimes it’s worth to suffer for a big of glamour, right?

My rating: 6/10
S.

You will no longer be a person. “It Follows” (2014)

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directed by David Robert Mitchell
© 2014 RADiUS-TWC. All Rights Reserved.

I’ve heard this line several times from people: “If I don’t like the first 5-10 minutes of a film, I turn it off”. I kind of understand because I wasted a lot of time on bad productions, but, on the other hand, I still try to see a story from the beginning till the end to consciously say “yep, it’s horrible”. When it comes to this film… I tried watching it twice. For the first time I managed to see about 15-20 minutes and I had to stop because of some reason, something distracted me. I didn’t feel like coming back to it because those 15-20 minutes weren’t that engaging, so after months I played it again. To waste even more time? Not at all. I checked its ratings and I was surprised that people either say it’s a mistake, or that it’s an underrated masterpiece. So, let’s discuss it, shall we? We start with a weird situation which you have to see yourselves, so I’m not spoiling it. Then we meet the main character – Jay (Maika Monroe), a university student that is about to have a date with her new boyfriend. During the date, the man is acting strange, which makes Jay ask questions, but she lets it go as an attractive guy can be a perfect distraction. Especially if that attractive guy shows a lot of interest and right on the next date those two are having sex in a car. Sounds like good old times? Well, not really. At least I hope you never had a chance to be incapacitated and tied to a wheelchair to wake up like this in an abandoned factory. Creepy suff begins… Jay is told that her boyfriend slept with her just to get rid of some curse. Now, Jay is the one struggling with it. And it follows… (see what I did there?). What IT is is for you to see (or not). And now, why the hell are people so confused about this film? I can understand. Because if you watch it with friends on a film night, then you all might be disappointed. There aren’t any exciting jumpscares, not that many occasions to scream and hide under a blanket. But if you like Ari Aster films (for example “Midsommar”, “Hereditary”), you should enjoy “It follows” as well. Visually this production isn’t breathtaking (except some interesting shots – for example in the factory, loved how the camera followed Jay in the wheelchair), but the story is a real well of interpretations. And here come *SPOILERS*. So, first we need to answer what this whole curse is? At the beginning I thought it’s quite tacky that you can pass it on by having sex with another person. But the longer I was watching the film, the more it made sense to me. Based on some ideas from other viewers, I have created my own interpretation – this “curse” is sexual trauma. As people, we’ve become more open-minded about discussing sexual preferences and experiences, but what about the things that we don’t talk about? Sex is a very enigmatic activity, even if in our times you can see it basically everywhere without feeling ashamed. At least not as much as, let’s say, 50 years ago. Now, here’s a little test from me – think of every sex partner of yours and now individually think of the sex partners of each of them. You might not know who they’d slept with before, you might not know what they had been through before passing this sexual energy onto you. Maybe I’m overthinking, but that’s an interpretation that speaks to me. Besides, one reviewer said that this film is also about how artificial relations in our times are. Instead of being affectionate and loving someone for real, we just pass on this “curse” of empty feelings. And that’s the kind of films I appreciate the most. Each of you may see something different and the story leaves several questions unanswered. The director hasn’t made that many films, but I really wish to see next works because there’s a big potential hiding there.

My rating: 7/10
S.

This society will stop at nothing to protect male fantasies. “Tokyo Idols” (2017)

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directed by Kyoko Miyake
© 2017 Kyoko Miyake. All Rights Reserved.

Today’s recommendation is quite challenging. On the one hand, I don’t want to recommend it, on the other, perhaps it’s better you see it yourselves. I’m taking you to Japan where you’ll have a chance to meet true idols. Those are young women who make sure to please men, yet not in a sexual way. Or at least… not directly. The idols dress up and act like little girls – they wear cute dresses, do ponytails, giggle at everything they hear and generally act like human dolls in a bigger size. They make sure to stay in touch with their fans because they are the main reason those women do what they do. The idols perform on stage in front of hundreds or even thousands of people. In their free time, they organise streams where they simply entertain their viewers – still, not in a sexual way. At least not directly. You may think there’s nothing wrong about that, in the end, in our times, it’s quite common to take part in concerts or watch people online. What the filmmaker points out in this documentary is the fact that the majority of fans following our adorable idols are men. Grown-up men. Men who are even older than their own fathers. And that’s the moment when you start questioning literally everything you see in this film. As I said before, the women do not offer any sexual content, yet their way of being as idols is attractive enough for their followers. The men admit that they are fascinated by the performers’ purity, innocence, delicacy and… virginity. What’s more, the fans have a chance to meet the idols, which is a very popular practice. Taking a selfie or holding hands with one of the ladies is a huge dream that numerous adult men share there. Not sure what you think of that, but to me this is incredibly disturbing. First, these men are not ashamed of their fantasies and the fact that watching an idol is the only way to satisfy their romantic/sexual needs. They admit that it’s difficult for them to find a woman in their age and start any kind of relation. Second, the idols are aware of this toxic relation between them and their fans because they even sing about their lack of social skills and inability to make healthy connections. And those men are happily hopping to such lyrics without any deeper reflection. Third, how would you feel if your daughter was such idol? Just think about that because an idol’s parents were asked to share their opinion and what they answered might surprise you. It surprised me for sure. This documentary is terrifying despite its glamorous and overly sweet shots. As a person who really cares about the well-being and safety of children, what is being popularised in Japan is toxic and outrageous. Everything’s fine if the idol is over 18 and all that takes place during a concert or on her private channel between her and the fans. But what if this practice encourages these men to start following and admiring little girls, under 18? They like human dolls, cute voices, virginity and all that – so what would stop them? I don’t know. I’m too disgusted to think of that. Additionally, these young women are so focused on pleasing their fans that they don’t need any other ambitions. Being seen and appreciated is their only fuel, which makes me question the future of younger generations. This documentary hit me hard, I’m telling you.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Whatever happened to just good old regular coffee? “They Came Together” (2014)

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directed by David Wain
© 2014 Lionsgate. All Rights Reserved.

I feel like we all need a little break from difficult topics, right? That is why today I’m recommending you a really cool comedy that many people underrate, in my opinion. In this film we get to meet Joel and Molly (Paul Rudd & Amy Poehler), a couple that is having dinner with their friends and during that they are telling the story of their first meeting and relationship. Molly had a little candy store and was living her dream, but then a huge corporation making sweets showed up on the other side of the street and Molly knew it’s the beginning of the end. Sounds familiar? No? Then wait. Joel worked for that company which was about to destroy Molly’s dream so their relation was already quite doomed to failure. Now, sounds familiar? Still no? Oh boy… do you even watch romantic comedies? Anyway, if you get what they are referring to, I can already explain – this is a parody of typical rom-coms. I feel like a lot of people took this production too seriously, while not even its crew did. I mean, the film is made perfectly, but everything you see there is a big joke mixed with tons of absurd. Personally, I was laughing at loud each time they were mocking rom-com stereotypes because, let’s face it, such films are very much copy-pasted. Besides, Amy and Paul are an awesome acting couple, which you can see in this film. Separately, they are brilliant, yet together – it’s something we don’t deserve, I swear. Great chemistry that made me cry several times, so I’m actually sad it’s not a series they’re starring in. Today’s post is shorter because this film shouldn’t be described any further. It’s hilarious, it’s full of very good actors, it’s made in a smart way and it’s relaxing. So if you ask me – that’s all I’d need for a weekend afternoon. I believe many cinephiles may actually appreciate it – let me know if you did! Enjoy and may the power of rom-coms be with you.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m so busy! “After Work” (2023)

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directed by Erik Gandini
© 2023 Fasad Production. All Rights Reserved.

I was pretty sure that if I let you choose what kind of recommendation I should post between a documentary and anything else you would choose anything else. How surprised I am to see that a majority of you voted for a documentary… so I guess I’m recommending one today. You want, I provide. By the way, do we have any unemployed readers here? Or maybe those who are tired of their jobs and wish to change them? Or maybe those who love what they do and life couldn’t be better? Well, whoever you are and whatever you do, this documentary is definitely worth your time. It focuses on the topic of work, its meaning in our life and how various forms it may have in different parts of the world. The director lets us meet several individuals, each of whom has a different job and thanks to that we may learn about their perspectives. This production shows how ridiculously our world is organised when it comes to employing people. There are those who work 15+ hours a day and barely have time to sleep because that’s the pressure which is put on them by their employers and society. But there are also those who are employed just for the sake of being employed – just to sit in the office and do absolutely nothing. For what? For money. You may think the second option sounds better. Well, to me both cases are examples of modern slavery. In our world, you can do anything with people as long as you offer them money for that. And somehow, we don’t think about our honour, our value or even our passions – getting any job means we’re already fine. I’ve got a job, I can’t complain – this kind of thinking is way too common. Millions of people are being used, underpaid, disrespected and treated like puppets. You may have heard this popular sentence “work is not your whole life”, but isn’t it? I mean, on the average, we spend at least 8 hours at work. It’s 1/3 of our day. Then we sleep for at least 7-8 hours. Let’s do some basic maths, shall we? We’re left with 8 hours a day to be ourselves. To do what we love, to spend time with our families, to have fun, to rest, but also to take care of our duties. 8 hours. And some people don’t even have that. In this film we also have a chance to reflect on younger generations who decide not to work at all. They simply want to have fun and live thanks to the income of their parents and grandparents. We could get judgmental (or jealous, name it yourself) here, but isn’t it a way of standing against this worldwide paranoia? What’s more, this documentary also focuses on the technological development and how it already affects employees all over the world. We, people, are already being replaced by machines who can do our work better, faster, more efficiently and perhaps even cheaper. So what will happen to us in the future? People are still coming, still being born, yet, as we can see, job opportunities are more and more limited. This documentary is a huge bowl of food for thought and I hope you’ll find a moment to grab a piece because it may push you to making more conscious decisions about your professional life. If only it’s possible.

My rating: 7/10
S.