Sing it over. “Lilies of the Field” (1963)

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directed by Ralph Nelson
© 1963 United Artists. All Rights Reserved.

We’ve recently lost Sidney Poitier, a very significant person in the cinema world. Not only was he a talented actor, but, as far as we know from his friends, an incredibly cheerful human being. If I was to write all his achievements, I would need to spend at least several days, because Sidney was highly appreciated by many people and institutions. We was even granted a knighthood by the Queen, imagine that! But there’s one thing I need to clear up – a lot of media share partially incorrect information. Indeed, Sidney Poitier is known for being the first African-American actor to win an Oscar. True. But he wasn’t the first black-skinned person to achieve that. In fact, that what Hattie McDaniels for her marvellous performance in “Gone with the Wind”. So to be precise, Sidney Poitier was the first African-American MAN to win an Oscar. Glad I could make that clear. Let’s move on to the film I’d like to recommend you today and I guess there’s no shock about it because it’s exactly the same film thanks to which Sidney was awarded. He plays an itinerant worker named Homer who stops at a farm to ask for some water. He gets to meet local nuns, who wish to help the stranger but also ask him for a favour. Their roof needs to be repaired, so Homer agrees to give them a hand hoping that he’ll be paid for his efforts. The nuns cannot afford to pay him and instead of letting the man go, they keep asking him to help in other small jobs. It’s difficult for Homer to reject as the women can’t speak English – they are immigrants from Europe, so he continues this voluntary work. One day Mother Maria (Lilia Skala), the oldest of the nuns, tells him that there’s a chapel to be built and it’s for sure God’s will that Homer has appeared at their farm. The film is generally very amusing as Homer is a rather easy-going guy and tries to make fun of everything, but in the end, I find it a lovely story about differences. We’re all different and I guess we won’t (unless we’re forced, but let’s not give stupid people in power any ideas, shall we?) ever be exactly the same, so we need to either accept that and try cooperating, or just separate from others and live alone. In this story, we have two “world” doing their best to reach a common goal. Each of them has a different purpose, but they all want one. So maybe it’s actually an important message that to unite people we need common goals, not colourful advertisements and stickers with the peace sign. We should do our best to communicate, even if it’s hard at first, and work to achieve something together. Will we stay different after reaching the goal? Probably yes, but at least we’ll know more and stay open-minded, which is the most important while living in society. I recommend you to see this comedy and admire Sidney Poitier’s charisma, because he left it for us in cinema and let’s appreciate it. May he rest in peace. Amen!

My rating: 7/10
S.

Always. “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” (2022)

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directed by Casey Patterson & Joe Pearlman
© 2022 HBO Max. All Rights Reserved.

When I was a little human, I remember the first book of Harry Potter’s adventures being published and getting it for free in some Coca-Cola contest. Yes, I remember such things, I have a horribly good memory. So I got that book with an ugly stamp of Coca-Cola logo on one of the first pages (ruining books and people’s health, bravo), but I didn’t care. All I cared about was my dad reading this book for me in the evening. And from the very beginning, I was in love with it. The older I was getting, the more I was fascinated by Harry Potter and the world of magic. I consider myself incredibly lucky, because I was growing together with the story, both the books and the films. When I heard of this special documentary film about Harry Potter’s 20th anniversary, I thought that first, I’m so old, second, can’t wait to see it. I chose a calm evening for that and got back to Hogwarts one more time. Perhaps this documentary isn’t anyhow surprising, because it’s exactly what we would expect from a documentary about an anniversary. Yet, it’s something that is definitely worth watching if you grew up with Harry Potter. We get to see the people involved in the making of the series and listen to their memories from that time. I’m aware that they didn’t share the horrible moments because that wouldn’t sell, but I feel like everything they actually said in the documentary is true. They honestly created a lovely family, believed in the world of magic, supported each other and made sure that the whole experience becomes the most wonderful memory for everyone. You may learn several funny facts from behind the scenes, which can help you understand why they developed each part of the series in a specific way. For me it was quite fascinating as now I would rewatch the films and focus on the technical aspects, not only on the fun story. And there’s something that’s mentioned in the documentary, which I have to repeat here and agree with – this series will stay with us for a long time. I’m sure that our great-grandchildren will be still amazed by this magical world and will get the messages hidden in the story. Maybe you won’t be surprised by this production, but it’s not the point. Just grab a mug of hot tea, sit comfortably and enjoy the trip to Hogwarts for the last time. Or not the last because, luckily for us, we can return whenever we want.

My rating: 8/10
S.

We don’t need no words. “CODA” (2021)

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directed by Sian Heder
© 2021 Apple TV+. All Rights Reserved.

I was about to recommend you a different film today, but after watching “CODA” I just feel like writing about it immediately. In case you think CODA is some kind of a secret-agents squad, let me explain – Child Of Deaf Adults. So this is a story about a girl, not a bunch of men in fancy suits with pew-pew gadgets. Ruby (Emilia Jones) is a hearing teenager living with her deaf family – dad Frank (Troy Kotsur), mom Jackie (Marlee Matlin) and brother Leo (Daniel Durant). She’s the only hearing person in her family, which also makes her the family connection between them and the world. One day Ruby joins the school’s choir, where she discovers that her voice is something extraordinary. Her teacher Mr. V (Eugenio Derbez) wishes the girl to continue practising and even think of making a career in singing. Ruby, however, knows that there’s no way she could leave her family without support and now she has to make a difficult decision – follow her dreams or stay loyal to her beloved ones. If the story seems familiar to you, then let me tell you that it is a remake of “La Famille Bélier” by Éric Lartigau. And even though I’ve seen the original and liked it very much, it’s the American remake that made me cry like a baby. Not sure if it’s because of the better choice in actors, or the screenplay, or the directing, but I felt incredibly emotional watching it. Here’s going to be a small spoiler so be careful – *SPOILER COMING* When Ruby is performing on stage for the first time and at some point we stop hearing anything, just like her family who are there, my heart slowed down and I froze. It was such a strange experience, which made me feel like a part of the film, not just a random viewer. Magnificent moment, magnificent idea. *END OF SPOILER* Generally, I believe we need more and more productions like this one. Personally, I know some CODAs and I know how difficult their life is. They grow up very fast as they become their family support in everything – in various offices, in medical centres, in workplaces – literally everywhere. And not because they are forced to do it, but because they want to do it. None of them have told me that they hate it. None. Although I imagine how many times they must have cancelled something personal because their family needed them then. Second of all, this film reminds us how horribly deaf people are discriminated, resulting in them staying only among other deaf people, because they are aware of the social rejection. This is heart-breaking for me. But here comes a funny coincidence – I was learning sign language many years ago and I promised myself yet in 2021 that starting from 2022 I will get back to signing so I can use it on a communicative level. And I think “CODA” is a wonderful reminder and motivation for me to keep going. Beautiful film, very important topic and huge inspiration. Take it!

My rating: 8/10
S.

Now you have my heart. “The Lost Valentine” (2011)

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directed by Darnell Martin
© 2011 CBS. All Rights Reserved.

The year 2022 hasn’t started in the brightest colours. Or maybe I should say 2021 didn’t end in them. On the last day of 2021 we lost a true diamond – Betty White. I guess there’s no need for me to explain who this wonderful woman was as everybody knew Betty. She was a human legend we didn’t deserve. Her charisma and smile will stay with me forever and I really hope she’s having a big party wherever she is right now. And those who are with her are lucky, indeed. To remember Betty, I recommend watching a film she’s starring in. Choose whichever you want. And if you’re not sure, I’d like to encourage you to see “The Last Valentine”. It’s a story about Caroline Thomas (Betty White), who’s an elderly woman that lost her husband Neil (Gil Gerard) during World War II. Even though it’s been over 60 years since that tragedy, Neil has still been considered missing in action, which for Betty means hope that he’s not dead and will come home one day. Obviously, after many years she realised that Neil wouldn’t return, but she kept loving him and has been practicing a small tradition of hers. Every year on Valentine’s Day, Caroline goes to the train station where she last said goodbye to Neil many years ago and she sits there remembering and still kind of hoping to see him. And here appears Susan (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a journalist whose TV station wants to present the story of Caroline. At first Susan isn’t much interested in the task, but the more she gets to know Caroline and learns about the relationship between lovers, the more she wishes not only to make a nice programme, but also to help the elderly woman. Of course, in the meantime Susan starts crushing on Caroline’s handsome grandson, but that’s another story. You may think it’s a typical romance that should comfort you on a rainy day, and perhaps it is, but I was somehow extra moved by it. Firstly, because it’s with Betty and Betty is marvellous. Secondly, it presents the nightmare that many women were going through during the war. They were losing their husbands and often needed to manage everything on their own, including raising children. We often praise men who have died in battles, but let’s just take a moment to praise their women, who’ve been going through a different kind of hell. So that’s my recommendation for you today. To all strong women out there and their glamorous leader, Betty White! May she rest in peace.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

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Dearest Readers who have nothing to watch!

Last year wasn’t the easiest for me and I had to change the way I manage this blog, but I’m glad I’m still writing to you and, most importantly, you’re still reading what I have to say. I won’t be able to recommend you a film every single day, as I was doing so before, but I promise to be regularly active and keep on providing you with inspiration. Because cinema is wonderful and can really brighten our life.

In 2021 I shared about 220 films (not bad considering the circumstances) and my blog was visited by over 17,500 people from 159 countries. I’m absolutely thrilled that my posts are reaching more and more readers, and I’m also very thankful that you appreciate my efforts, opinions and style. It’s pleasure writing for you and I hope that in 2022 we’ll stay in touch, watch a lot of marvellous films and also have fun with those less successful productions.

Love cinema. Love yourselves. And happy birthday to I Have Nothing To Watch.

My rating: 10/10
S.

We’re all gonna die. “Don’t Look Up” (2021)

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directed by Adam McKay
© 2021 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

If you told me last year that 2021 will be even worse and at the end of it I will recommend a film by Adam McKay, I would definitely have a good laugh. But here we go. Not sure how you’re doing, but I’m literally counting down the seconds till the end of this truly horrible year. However, to finish it with something surprisingly good, I’m giving you “Don’t Look Up”. Most of you reading today’s post have already heard of it as it’s advertised everywhere, but I’d like to write a few words and maybe encourage you to see the film. I was very sceptical about it, veeeery sceptical as I’m not the biggest fan of McKay’s style. But I’ll get back to it, first – the plot. We get to know Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), a PhD candidate in astronomy, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) who discover that in about six months a comet will hit our planet and, considering the size, totally destroy it. They decide to contact NASA and together inform the US President and media about the upcoming tragedy. However, despite the proofs and efforts, people don’t seem to care, which leaves Kate and Randall helpless. In order to convince the world and make them realise about the seriousness of the situation, those two need to play the ridiculous game called civilisation, which we’ve been playing for many years now. Shortly speaking – it’s a film about the ignorance of people and how toxic we’ve become in our actions. And it’s honestly the first film by McKay that I actually enjoyed and appreciated. He has a messy-looking style, loves chaotic editing and telling the story in a confusing way. And as much as a lot of people appreciated his “Big Short” and “Vice”, I’m still not buying their style. But here, McKay and the idea for “Don’t Look Up” go together like 2021 and existential crisis – marvellous combination. Fast editing, not letting characters finish their lines, random and often ridiculous inserts and this general fuss on the screen are what you may have in your head while analysing the story, so for me it was brilliant. The film shows how insensitive we’ve become, how we care about absolutely pointless things, how we keep searching for ways to earn money no matter what, how we’ve been sucked into this virtual world where getting likes is more important than spending time with our beloved ones, how normal it is for us to pretend people we’re not, how fake and dumb we’re slowly becoming in our actions. This is what this film is about. And we might be laughing or saying that McKay is not being serious, but he is serious. It’s just a dark comedy, but in the end it tells a lot of true things we’re not noticing anymore. So yes, I definitely recommend you to see it and perhaps it’ll be a strong eye-opener for the upcoming year. Stay healthy, be good, stop ignoring and hope you won’t be eaten by a bronteroc.

My rating: 7/10
S.

There is nothing out there. “The Amusement Park” (1975)

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directed by George A. Romero
© 1975 Shudder. All Rights Reserved.

I like when we remind ourselves of forgotten productions. As you can see, tons of films are being produced every year, which makes us too lazy to get back in time. I’m glad that during one film festival I attended this year they gave us an opportunity to see a production from 1975, which I most probably wouldn’t find myself. It’s a very unusual psychological thriller, which I believe might be a surprising discovery and an important lesson for the upcoming new year. We get to meet an elderly gentleman (Lincoln Maazel) who decides to go to an amusement park. However, before entering, he meets himself, just in a horrible state, who tells him not to go to the park as “there is nothing out there.” The man obviously doesn’t listen, otherwise the film wouldn’t have been titled the way it was. At the amusement park the main character tries to experience as much as possible, yet soon he realises that there’s not much amusement in this park. At least for him and other people around his age. You may think it’s ridiculous and what’s happening there doesn’t make much sense. Luckily, before the film starts, Lincoln Maazel introduces us to the concept of the film so we’re ready for a bit of surrealism and many metaphors hidden in sometimes confusing scenes. The point of this production is to present how elderly people are excluded and often abused by society. Our world is presented by this amusement park and everything that takes place there might be seen in reality, just in a bit different circumstances. You may see how the young ignore seniors’ needs, how they leave them without support or often force to doing things the other ones don’t even want. Personally, it was one of the most emotional films I’ve seen this year. Perhaps it hit me hard because the topic of exclusion is important in my life and I felt incredibly moved by the messages coming from the story. I honestly recommend you to see it, especially while coming up with your New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you’ll change your views and actions after seeing the world from a senior’s perspective. Plus, you may be surprised how creative they were with the form. I’m thrilled and moved at the same time.

My rating: 7.5/10
S.

Have you asked them first? “Stop Filming Us” (2020)

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directed by Joris Postema
© 2020 DOXY FIlms. All Rights Reserved.

Today’s recommendation is very important for me as the topic of the documentary is something that has been on my mind for a long time. I’m pretty much sure that each of you reading this post knows at least one person who has been to some Third World country in order to volunteer or work there part-time. And I’ve always had mixed feelings about that as, on the one hand, such people often want to help, want to share something with the ones in need, but on the other hand, there are also social media apps full of heart-breaking photos and avuncular volunteers, often coming from Europe or North America, who share how such experience has changed their life and receive numerous likes, hearts and whatever else there is. And to be honest, even after watching today’s film, I’m still not sure what to think about this issue. I’m afraid the problem is so complex that we might never find a satisfying solution. The documentary by Joris Postema focuses on filmmakers and photographers who come to Democratic Republic of Congo (and also other African countries) and create very often manipulative content. Locals accuse Western artists of presenting their home with negative images only. And because of that, the Congolese have lost respect and this natural affection for people coming from other continents. However, even though a lot of Western organisations make profit using such manipulated materials, there’s always a bit of truth in them. We cannot pretend that there’s no poverty in the DRC. That everyone is healthy, wealthy and safe. And as one of the local (yes, local, not foreign) artists said in the film – if people are in need, we should be talking and do it loudly. Unfortunately, this is the main dilemma – should we present the reality of such countries as the DRC or respect the will of the locals and do our best not to say anything unpleasant about their home? Or maybe we shouldn’t go there to record and take photos at all, only local artists should be allowed to share about their country? But then, should such local artists be honest or represent their homeland only in the brightest colours? There are many questions and even more are asked in the documentary. Personally, as I said, I’m still somewhere in-between as people and their feeling should always go first, but so should their safety and well-being – and that’s impossible to achieve without changes. A truly difficult and important film, which you should definitely see if you’re also interested in the topic.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Make yourself a happy ending. “Love Hard” (2021)

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directed by Hernán Jiménez
© 2021 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Ho, ho, ho! Is it the time of the year when we’re overeating wearing ugly sweaters? Yes, it is. At least that’s exactly what I’m doing. But I cannot leave you without a recommendation, right? Because I’m sure that some of you are hoping for some nice winter film to see after finishing 3rd dinner this day. Perhaps you’ll be surprised to see today’s recommendation, but let me explain. I’m one of those people who need ambitious cinema and discussions about the symbolism of an open widow or the colour of the character’s dress, but at the same time I need brainwashing comedies, which will simply relax me. And that’s exactly what “Love Hard” is. Although I have to admit that it wasn’t that brainwashing yet slightly eye-opening. But first things first – it’s a film about Natalie (Nina Dobrev) whose job is to be dating guys from dating apps and write how horrible it is. Not a bad job if you ask me. One day she matches with a very handsome guy and surprisingly gets on with him. Since she’s single, that would be a wonderful opportunity to finish writing for the column and start a relationship life. Natalie decides to surprise her new lover and takes a flight to Josh’s, her Mr. Perfect, hometown, where she finds out that Josh isn’t who she thought he was. The woman has been catfished, meaning someone pretended to be someone else. Indeed, she meets Josh (Jimmy O. Yang), but he’s a rather average-looking and nerdy guy living with his parents. The man used his friend’s photos to attract Natalie and they had such a nice connection that he kind of lost control over the whole catfishing. Josh proposes a deal – Natalie will pretend to be his girlfriend for the Christmas and he will introduce her to Tag (Darren Barnet), the handsome guy from the photos. And I’m sure most of you already know how the whole film ends, but let me just share why I liked it. Despite the fact it’s simple and relaxing, it shares an important message for all single people out there. Guys, if you’re looking for your significant other, do not pretend someone you’re not. Just because someone is good-looking, doesn’t mean you should change for them to like you. Yes, I know, that person is super attractive and they noticed you. Great! But no matter how hard you try, it has to go both ways. If they don’t show interest and find differences between you too difficult to stand, don’t think it’s your problem. If you want to binge watch a series and have a large pizza and they want to go for a 6 AM run with a protein bar – hasta la vista, baby! Don’t force yourself and don’t expect them to change either. Just stay wonderful as you are and get yourself a person who appreciates you. You. Not some made up version of you. And that’s exactly what I wish you this year, my dear readers. Love hard, but love yourself first.

My rating: 6/10
S.

There’s a place for us. Somewhere. “West Side Story” (2021)

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directed by Steven Spielberg
© 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

How come there’s a remake that critics adore and even say it’s better than the original film, yet financially it’s a loss? I have two answers – a nice one and an honest one. The nice one says it’s because of the pandemic – people simply avoid cinemas. The honest one says that it’s because we’re sick of remakes. Which is true for me, at least. Have we reached the point in our lives where we need to choose between seeing a cringy copy-paste romantic comedy or 584th remake of a classic production? So if you ask me, I bet that’s the reason why today’s film was a financial disappointment. But who cares about money? Definitely not me, I’m not a studio. I’m a simple person who has seen the remake and is in absolute love with it. But I admit that if Spielberg hadn’t directed it, I wouldn’t have watched it in the cinema (my honest theory seems to be applying here). This man is a legend. This man turns everything into a cinematographic gold. From the very first moment of the film I had chills. Not only the actors are very well chosen, not only the choreography is on point, not only every little detail is taken care of but also… THAT CAMERA WORK. You may think I’m insane, but I honestly lose my mind over the camera work in films. People say “what a funny dialogue” and I reply with “have you seen how they smoothly moved from the corner of the room and zoomed into the characters?” I swear. But honestly speaking, Spielberg and Kamiński (the cinematographer) turned a very interesting but outdated production into a marvellous performance, which, in my opinion, should catch the young’s attention. I was searching for the information why Spielberg decided to direct this film as it’s not his kind of genre (at least hasn’t been so far). Seems that he found it important to remind us about the musical as the problems and messages of this story are still relevant in our times. In his opinion, perhaps even more than in 1961. Personally, I’m not so comfortable reading it, but I have to agree. I hope that when this remake appears on some streaming platform, more people will see it and take it as a lesson. Especially since the remake is banned in several countries i.a. because there’s a character played by a non-binary actor (Iris Menas – btw a very good role). So if you’re wondering if we’re still xenophobic, racist and I-don’t-know-what-else-phobic, then unfortunately we still are… I hope you’ll give this film a chance as, in my opinion, it’s better than the previous adaptation. Obviously, Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort as the main characters are wonderful, but may I just appreciate Ariana DeBose for the role of Anita? I mean, gurl! You did it and you did it well. And those who are also crazy about cinematography – it’s a must-see for you, guys. This adaptation is pure gold.

My rating: 8/10
S.