I am also a human being. “Yomeddine” (2018)

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directed by Abu Bakr Shawky
© 2018 Desert Highway Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Today I’m taking you to Egypt to experience an incredibly moving journey. The film I’m recommending to you could be described as brutally human. Why? Let me explain. We get to know Beshay (Rady Gamal), a man living in a leper colony. He’s been cured, but his body parts have stayed deformed, so has his face full of pustules. That is why the man needs to remain in the colony, trying to earn money on finding anything to sell at a rubbish dump. One day, the man loses his wife and that’s the moment he decides to change his reality. He packs his bags and leaves to the world of “the healthy”, where he may find his father. Unwillingly at first, Beshay takes an orphan from his colony with him. The boy is called Obama (Ahmed Abdelhafiz) and he’s also hoping for a better life somewhere there. And the reason why I said this film is brutally human is because it shows the worst of us. It shows how judgmental we can be and how easily we reject others based on ridiculous things. No matter what Beshay does or says, he’s never treated like an ordinary person. Or barely even any person. I don’t want to spoil too much, but there is a moment in the film where it is said at loud – it’s easier for rejected people to stay with other rejected ones and never try to adapt or get accepted by “the normal”. Isn’t it horrible? We talk so much about inclusion, about equality, but let’s face it – we don’t practice that as humans. I’m glad it’s slowly changing and we’re opening our eyes, but we still have a long way to go. Anyway, the film is very calm and real, which I personally appreciated. Especially since Rady Gamal is not only acting here, he’s basically showing us a part of his reality as he does live in a leper colony. I’m amazed by such people and they power to fight – because their everyday is a battle with the world. And this film is leaving me with a lot of gratitude for what I have and how privileged I am. Which still isn’t fair.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Love is done this way only. “Chalte Chalte” (2003)

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directed by Aziz Mirza
© 2003 UTV Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Haven’t written about any Bollywood production recently, right? Time to change that. Since it’s Sunday, I guess there’s no better day for such recommendation. Let me remind you that a typical Bollywood film is at least 2,5h long, so get yourself a lot of cold drinks, tons of popcorn or other snacks and make some space for dancing. Or wait with the last one. As you might be guessing it’s a sweet love story. Raj (Shahrukh Khan) is the owner of a small trucking company. Perhaps he’s not a millionaire, but he’s fine with that. One day he has an accident – someone crashes into his truck. That someone is Priya (Rani Mukerji), a famous fashion designer coming from a rather rich family. Even though they are from two completely different worlds, Raj believes they are meant for each other. Since the moment they met, the man has been doing literally everything to stay in Priya’s life. And I mean everything. If a man is ready to jump off a cliff or get drowned for a woman, it is something, isn’t it? Obviously, Priya is very much sceptical about having any kind of relation with Raj, but somehow she still accepts his presence and at some point realises that he’s more than just a stranger. Those two fall in love with each other, but the more time they spend together, the more differences they’re discovering. And then drama happens… But you probably know how it will end, it’s a Bollywood romance after all. I’m a huge fan of them, because they are simple, yet always heart-warming and entertaining. There’s just one issue… Remember about that dancing space I wrote about at the beginning? Yeah, forget about it. The songs are better for swaying on the sofa than moving your hips. And I have to say I was a bit disappointed about that part, because even though I don’t speak Hindi, I always sing and dance together with the characters. Here, I was very passive, so that is why I’m lowering my rating. Other than that, adorable love story with the one and only Shahrukh Khan.

My rating: 6/10
S.

It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot. “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)

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directed by Joseph Kosinski
© 2022 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

And here it is. After 36 years we get another “Top Gun”. I actually couldn’t believe it happening and, I guess like a lot of people, I had my doubts about it. Let’s face it, sequels are always a dangerous game and I sometimes feel like most sequels have been produced only for the sake of money, not because there’s any point in continuing the story. And I was worried that with “Top Gun” it’d be the same, but luckily I was wrong. In this part Captain Maverick (Tom Cruise) is ordered to train a team of best young aviators to prepare them to an incredibly difficult mission. Maverick doesn’t want to do it, firstly because he’s not a teacher, but secondly, and most importantly *SPOILER COMING*, because among the aviators there’s Rooster (Miles Teller), his best friend Goose’s son. The man died while working with Maverick and since then the Captain cannot deal with the loss. Neither can Rooster. However, Maverick treats Rooster like his own child and wouldn’t like him to get hurt, while the mission the team have to prepare to is considered practically impossible and the authorities are aware that not everybody may return home. Still, an order is an order so Maverick starts training youngsters and tries to show Rooster how unprepared he is for the mission. But Rooster is stubborn as well and there’s no way he doesn’t get this job. Generally speaking, a very male conflict, quite emotional (especially if you’ve seen the first part of the story), with a lot of visual and sound effects (marvellous, by the way), a pinch of romance and… yes, yes, my dearest readers, here’s the information you’ve been waiting for – Tom Cruise takes off his shirt in this part as well. And to make you even more excited, not only him. So I definitely recommend you to check it out on a big screen. But seriously speaking, I enjoyed this part even more than the first film as it’s way more exciting, perhaps even better written, and even though it’s 2022 quality, you can feel those amazing 80s vibes. I spent incredibly pleasant over two hours and I really hope that since they’ve introduced young aviators in this sequel, we may expect even more parts in the future so we can hope to see Miles Teller without his shirt this time. Just saying.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Watch me now! “When Cows Fly” (“Az budou krávy lítat”, 2019)

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directed by Tereza Kopácová
© 2019 Ceská Televize. All Rights Reserved.

So far June seems like a month of breaking stereotypes. It’s a pride month after all, right? Today’s film is about a woman that should be very proud of herself indeed. Betka (Eva Hacurová) is a school teacher who is often mocked by her students for being chubby. The woman struggles with low self-esteem and doesn’t consider herself anyhow attractive. Until one day she accidentally signs up for burlesque dance classes. At first she’s sure that it’s not for her because all other dancers are way slimmer and, in Betka’s eyes, more attractive. Who would like to watch a woman like her if there are women like them? She especially dislikes her belly, which is often exposed in burlesque. Despite her difficulties, Betka doesn’t give up and wishes to prove everyone and herself that a woman with extra kilograms can be proud, sensual and incredibly sexy. I found this film accidentally searching for something to watch one evening and I have to admit it’s not a cinematographic masterpiece. However, the idea made me watch it with pleasure as I love breaking stereotypes. Just as I wrote in my previous post – let’s show more real life, shall we? Women come in all shapes and sizes and we love them all. Why should any of them feel like dancing on the stage in front of people wasn’t for her? As long as she can dance and enjoys doing it – take the stage, honey! The sad truth is that we still follow some insane social rules and judge people based on random things. Instead, let’s do whatever we want, adore our bodies, be proud of our differences and let all silly stereotypes fly away with those cows from the title, shall we? A very warm and adorable Czech production. Recommended!

My rating: 6/10
S.

On the couch. “Arab Blues” (“Un divan à Tunis”, 2019)

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directed by Manele Labidi Labbé
© 2019 Kazak Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Some time ago I saw this film and even though it has rather average ratings, I honestly recommend you to check it out. It tells the story of Selma (Golshifteh Farahani), a young woman originally from Tunisia who was living in Paris for 10 years. Now she decides to move back to Tunis and open her own psychotherapy practice there. Everyone around finds it a ridiculous idea, yet Selma is incredibly stubborn, even though she’s struggling with a lot of issues. One of them are cultural differences between people in France and people in Tunisia. Selma has got used to cooperating with the French and now she needs to adapt to the Tunisian reality. Here people have different problems, different ways of dealing with them and different approach to their mental health. All that seems like a huge challenge, but Selma wishes to try her best. She also struggles with herself as she’s still not sure what to do with her life. And I loved this film for that. I honestly appreciate such realism in cinematography. Just because someone is an adult who’s finished university and has a job doesn’t mean they are sure about their actions. I mean, do you know any? I don’t. We all have our doubts and fears and the more we show this in films, the more familiar it becomes and viewers won’t feel like they are absolute losers. Trying to help others is Selma’s way to find her purpose in life and help herself, which I found very interesting and perhaps it also made me think of my own actions. Besides, this story also shows how difficult it can be for a woman to do something on her own. I bet a man wouldn’t have had that many obstacles to worry about in her place, which gives us some food for thought. It’s a very intimate and calm production with a pinch of humour and a lot of space for self-reflection, in my opinion. That is why I think you shouldn’t miss it.

My rating: 6/10
S.

There is no gene for the human spirit. “Gattaca” (1997)

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directed by Andrew Niccol
© 1997 Sony Pictures Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

I’m a cinematographic masochist and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I watch films which feed my anxiety and yet I enjoy them very much. Today I’d like to feed your anxiety by recommending “Gattaca”, a sci-fi film from the 90s. And even though it was made 25 years ago, it still speaks to me, especially considering what’s happening to us nowadays. Basically, we get to see the world in the future where children are well-planned, if I can put it this way. What I mean is that in that world, a quality society cannot consist of people who were born without interfering into their genes. Why would we need those who have some serious illnesses or disfunction, or even look pretty average? Why not creating pure perfections? And that’s the world of “Gattaca”, where those whose genes were selected and verified are the only ones who can succeed in life. Anyone else is considered “in-valid” and their life options are limited. One of those people is Vincent (Ethan Hawke), who was conceived naturally and due to his genetic profile classifies as an In-Valid. Still, the man wishes to work in space travel, but there’s absolutely no chance for him to be accepted. That is why he makes an agreement with one Valid, Jerome (Jude Law), to use his identity. Jerome gives Vincent his hair, blood and urine samples in order to make everyone believe Vincent is him in any tests the man has to take. And as you may be guessing, something goes wrong, but that’s for you to see. Anyway, even though I’m terrified of this sick perfection we’re striving for as humanity, I loved the film and its messages. Perhaps one day we will be divided in to Valids and In-Valids, but aren’t we already dividing ourselves? We discriminate people based on their skin colour, their gender, their sexual preference, their nationality or anything else that’s not a choice. Just like Vincent, we are born with certain traits, genes or way of being and why should they stop us from succeeding in life? As long as we wish to achieve something, nobody should limit us anyhow. Not to finish with a deep thought only, here’s an interesting fact – the title is based on four letters (G, A, T and C), which represent the four nucleobases of DNA. Seems like even basic biology is needed in film critique.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m coming for all of them. “Bull” (2021)

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directed by Paul Andrew Williams
© 2021 Signature Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

I saw this film last year during one of my favourite film festivals and I can’t believe I haven’t written anything. I guess I need to organise myself better since I watch way too many good productions and then forget to recommend them further. Especially since it’s a British film and I don’t appreciate their style that often (forgive me, my British readers). You may read that today’s recommendation is a thriller, but I feel it’s much more than that. This one plays with your mind and leaves you incredibly insecure for the whole time. Please, try not relying on the short description you may find on the Internet. It says that the main character, Bull (Neil Maskell), is a contract killer and he’s trying to get revenge for separating him from his son many years ago. Is it tempting? Well, not really. And I wasn’t that excited to see it either, but since the film had decent rating and it was shown during that festival, I decided to give it a try. What’s more, for almost whole film I wasn’t sure why it’s that much appreciated, honestly speaking. I mean, it is a well-done thriller, indeed, but I didn’t expect it to surprise me and that’s a big minus in my eyes. Yet, it did surprise me. It’s one of those films that you have to watch till the end and then you realise that it was a real blooming flower – at first just fine, mind-blowing in the end. Personally, I’m a big fan of productions that trick me and I always appreciate them more for that part. “Bull” is definitely a tricky one, that may give you confusion and chills. If you’d like to enjoy constant anxiety, this film is for you.

My rating: 6.5/10
S.

Skating is not a crime. “Skater Girl” (2021)

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directed by Manjari Makijany
© 2021 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

I feel like it’s one of those films that may get lost on Netflix, so I’ve decided to write about it to make it easier for you to find it. You’re welcome. Today I’d like to recommend you an Indian-American drama, which perhaps isn’t much surprising, yet I’ve found it important to be shared. We get to know Prerna (Rachel Sanchita Gupta), a teenage girl living in a village in the northern India. She’s a very good daughter obeying her parents and following their traditions. However, one day she meets Jessica (Amrit Maghera), an Indian woman raised in the UK, who’s come to India in order to learn more about her family. While being here, Jessica and her friend Erick (Jonathan Readwin) introduce local children to skateboarding. At first Prerna isn’t sure about it, but seeing another woman being enthusiastic about the sport, she gives it a try. Unfortunately, a girl on a skateboard is not something that her family and village community might approve. Prerna does everything to live in accordance with her beloved ones, but also follow her new passion. You may already have an idea how this story will end and you’re most probably right, yet give this film a chance. It doesn’t only show how important it is for children to find their own path and try something different from what their parents have planned for them, but also how much women can influence other women. Jessica is cooperating with Erick, but it’s her who supports Prerna the most and thanks to her the girl believes in her choices. What excites me the most is the fact that the film crew built a huge skatepark in Khempur in order to shoot scenes there and in the end, the skatepark was left for locals to be used. Now, it’s the largest skatepark in India that attracts skateboarders from all over country. I find it wonderful as it wasn’t anything temporary and currently ordinary people may profit from it. And one more thing – I was amazed by Rachel Sanchita Gupta, the actress who played Prerna. I had chills watching her in the film and I trusted her character fully, which made me sympathise with Prerna even more. Hope you’ll find a moment to see this film even if you’re not interested in skateboarding, as the story is much more complex than just doing sports.

My rating: 6/10
S.

It’s like being paranoid without the fear. “Flatliners” (1990)

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directed by Joel Schumacher
© 1990 Columbia Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Recipe for today: young Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, William Baldwin, Oliver Platt and Kevin Bacon. Mix it all up with a bit of horror, add psychological drama and lots of questions about the after-life. Voilà, we’re getting “Flatliners”. But let’s make it clear, I’m talking about the one from 1990, because there’s also a follow-up made in 2017 with not the best ratings, as far as I know. Honestly speaking, I haven’t seen the newest one because I didn’t feel the need to see it. I know the story, it’s fine, but watching it again wouldn’t be the same. Or perhaps the 2017 version is somehow surprising and would leave me speechless – no idea. Maybe one day I’ll decide to catch up on that. In the meantime, I’d like to recommend you the film from 1990 as it’s one of those that perhaps isn’t a must-see, but because of the cast it’s totally worth it. The story is pretty simple – we get to know a bunch of medical students who wish to play gods. They want to experiment and find out what happens after death. Obviously, it’s not a fantasy production, so they cannot just ask some spirits or recently met aliens about it. They actually need to die and get back to life as fast as it’s possible. So as I said, playing gods. I must say that at the beginning I was quite curious and seeing their actions was fascinating. I barely know how paracetamol works, so bringing someone back to life goes beyond my imagination. However, later I was rather enjoying the acting more than the film itself. The idea was unusual and it should be appreciated, especially in the 90s, but perhaps I’ve been already spoilt by modern productions which play with our minds much harder. However, I do think that every film freak should dedicate an evening to this film as the cast is absolutely gold and seeing them so young and fresh and still unexperienced melts hearts, I swear. But, even though they were young, you could already see a lot of potential and great skills showing up, so take that one seriously. In case you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to go to the bathroom at night after watching – the answer is yes. The only consequence might be limited trust towards your doctors, but other than that, enjoy!

My rating: 7/10
S.

R’Amen! “I, Pastafari” (2019)

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directed by Michael Arthur
© 2019 Bread Bag Boot. All Rights Reserved.

We all believe in something. Some people believe in some god(s). Some others in themselves. And there are also those who believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Differences make this world a more exciting place, right? Today I’d like to recommend you a documentary about Pastafari people, who belong to the church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Before you think it’s just a joke or perhaps I’m recommending some fantasy production, let me make it clear – it’s a documentary about an actual religion. If you don’t believe me, feel free to ask uncle Google for help. Personally, I’m not a religious person, but if I was to choose one path, I bet that would be a tempting option. Especially since their most important figure is made of pasta (who doesn’t love pasta?!) and according to Pastafarians, if you go to heaven, there’s a beer volcano and a stripper factory waiting for you there. I mean… not bad? Anyway, let’s focus on the documentary. Even though you might be laughing or face-palming right now, this film is not only about some group of people who have decided to wear a strainer on their heads just to be different and get attention. It’s actually about inequality among people and how religions determine our value as humans. In this documentary, we try to get the definition of religion, which isn’t that obvious. Who decides which religion is an actual religion that should be respected and which one should be considered as a creation of delusional people? Why is Flying Spaghetti Monster anything/anyone less than any of the more common gods we know or have heard of? Why are Pastafarians being checked by psychiatrists yet we let millions of people just call themselves ‘religious’ and everything’s fine? Whatever you may think of Pastafarians, they are not just fighting for the right to have their own recognised religion and be wearing a strainer in their ID photo. They fight for respect and equality in treating all people, despite their beliefs, as long as their beliefs don’t hurt anyone. And if authorities cannot accept such unusual religion, perhaps we should stop glorifying them all? Highly recommended documentary with a lot of food for thought. And pasta.

My rating: 7/10
S.