Tag: oscars

I am the reaper of death. Now say my name! “The Alabama Solution” (2025)

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directed by Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman
© 2025 HBO. All Rights Reserved.

Is it okay to murder the murderer? Well… I won’t answer this question, but I invite you to another philosophy lesson on this blog, and all that because of “The Alabama Solution”. It’s a documentary that may really play with your mind and values. In 2019, the filmmakers, Andrew and Charlotte, visited one state prison to record some religious event taking place. As they were there, several prisoners approached them in secret to share that they’re being abused on a daily basis. Imagine, a person who committed a crime (even a murder) asks you for help because they’re in danger. What do you do? Andrew and Charlotte decide to investigate and, with the participation of the prisoners, they create this documentary to show the reality behind bars. What you will see is drastic and heart-breaking, but at the same time incredibly confusing. I believe no person should be allowed to torture or kill another one, without exceptions. However, it was difficult for me to sympathise with the prisoners, because they weren’t there without a reason. Once again, they should be punished for their crimes, but additional harming is definitely an example of power abuse. Unfortunately, I do imagine why people might ignore this problem – in the end, they would care about the criminals who had perhaps hurt their beloved ones. It is an extremely difficult topic and the documentary made me reflect on it for a long time. I wish it was a series, so we could dig deeper and try to create several answers to those complex questions. The film left me curious, but not fully informed, at least not as much as I’d like. Technically, it’s an average documentary, but the idea for it makes it outstanding. If you’re ready for such philosophical experience, I highly recommend it.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Who’s fighting? I’m racing. “F1” (2025)

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directed by Joseph Kosinski
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

It took me a lot of time to sit down and watch this film. I couldn’t force myself to see it in the cinema… I mean, it’s a film about car racing… No offence, but I see absolutely nothing tempting about this activity. However, since so many people recommend it and it’s nominated to Oscars, I just had to make myself a big mug of coffee and watch it. And unfortunately, I still see no point in driving around the circle, but I do think this film looks entertaining and from the technical point of view – it is spectacular. So I’m taking you for a ride in F1! Put on the helmet, fasten the seatbelt and check your insurance. At the beginning we get to know Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who used to be a very successful F1 driver in the 90s, but a horrible accident forced him to finish his career. One day, he’s offered to become a mentor for another driver and help him in winning the upcoming races. I mean, the story is as simple as tying sandals, so if you already have an idea how things will go – you’re probably right. And everything here is correct – the screenplay, the plot twists, the acting etc. So it is a complete production. Is it outstanding as a story? Not at all. But the work put into creating this film is enormous. The thing that fascinates me the most is how they managed to shoot the action from the inside of the car, where, as you know, there’s very little space. I guess it’s good that Apple produced “F1” because they were using iPhones in such scenes. Perhaps promoting the usage of their phones as professional video cameras was even the main point of making the film – who knows, just my hypothesis. So, to sum up – it’s a fun action/drama to watch if you appreciate great visual effects and you like cars. Then, you’ll have the time of your life. And even though I still don’t feel the enthusiasm about Formula 1, I try to be objective and point out the good sides. For sure I understand the nomination for the best editing, sound and visual effects, but the best picture… well, that’s questionable. Still, I cannot say it’s a bad production and I believe it truly deserves a recommendation. But risking your life for driving in a circle is something I’ll never support and this story hasn’t changed my mind.

My rating: 7/10
S.

How to make you cry in 13 minutes? “Forevergreen” (2025)

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directed by Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
© 2025 Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears. All Rights Reserved.

Who would have thought that I would feel like crying while watching a short animation about a bear and a tree… Since it’s a short film, my post will be rather short as well, so I don’t spoil too much. It’s one of the animations nominated to Oscars and my personal favourite this year. It tells the story of a little orphaned bear that finds a friend in a big tree. They create a lovely bond and become a quite unusual family, I could say. However, one day the little bear is tempted by something strange in the forest that doesn’t belong there. The tree tries to stop the bear from following the unwelcome thing, but sometimes curiosity wins no matter what… I’m so impressed that the film crew managed to tell such a meaningful story in only 13 minutes. On the one hand, they presented the importance of keeping nature safe and not destroying its ecosystem by our silly human actions. On the other hand, it’s also a story about making mistakes, which are sometimes inevitable, and learning lessons that lead to positive changes in the future. Except the messages coming out of this film, I have to appreciate the beautiful and unique animation style. It took the film crew over 5 years to make it, which sounds incredibly impressive. Let me say – this production was worth all this time. It’s my winner this year for sure.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Please, come. “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (2025)

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directed by Kaouther Ben Hania
© 2025 The Party Film Sales. All Rights Reserved.

I really wish I didn’t have to see this film, but at the same time, I’m incredibly thankful to the film crew for making it. And if only everyone in the world saw it… maybe things would be different? I don’t know… but I know it’s an absolute must-see, whoever you are. Please, don’t watch any trailers – just go and watch this docudrama, because lack of knowledge will actually intensify the experience. I hadn’t heard of this case before seeing the film and I felt like one of the characters – wondering what happens next. We’re taken to 2024, January the 29th, and observe the work of the Palestinian Red Crescent. At some point, Omar (Motaz Malhees), answers probably the most terrifying call one can imagine. It’s a 6-year-old girl from Gaza, trapped in a car full of murdered family members, and she’s asking for help. What would you do if you got such call? Because I would pass out from stress. Luckily, Omar has the support of a more experienced colleague, Rana (Saja Kilani), who continues the conversation with the girl, but even she struggles with emotions. In the end, there’s an innocent child over there and all you can do is sit at your desk and hope for a miracle. And if you think the idea for this film is already heavy enough, better fasten your seatbelts. It is a fictional production, but it’s based on a real story and, what’s the most traumatising for me, you can hear the real recordings of the girl and volunteers from that day. They are mixed with the actors lines, but the fact that you can hear real people who went through this nightmare… it’s unbelievable. I was speechless. Because it’s not just a story that is supposed to manipulate our emotions – not at all. It happens right next to us. Children are left alone, scared, in danger, without their families. All that because some assholes want more money and power. This is the voice of Hind Rajab and I hope everyone will stop to listen to it. It’s one of the most devastating films I’ve ever seen.

My rating: 8/10
S.

That was her safe place. “All the Empty Rooms” (2025)

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directed by Joshua Seftel
© 2025 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Such documentaries are needed and it’s needed to talk about them. This year, one of the Oscars nominee is “All the Empty Rooms” – a short documentary that reminds us about what’s left after the tragedy. Steve Hartman, a journalist, and Lou Bopp, a photographer, decide to make a common project together – they visit empty rooms. But not just any empty rooms – they belonged to the children and teenagers who were killed during school shooting. The problem of such events is very big in the USA and we often hear the horrible news about yet another tragedy involving youth. When a school shooting takes place, the world stops for a moment to think about the victims. Then, life goes on. Unfortunately, for many families it’s impossible to deal with the loss and they decide to leave the victims bedrooms untouched. As if the child left it in the morning and was about to come back. Some of them don’t even wash the clothes or bedsheet not to forget the smell of their beloved one. Steve and Lou make sure to approach each family with respect and they wish to pay tribute to their late child. With each room you feel even more overwhelmed by the intensity of emotions, especially since you see all those toys and colourful decorations indicating how young its owner was. To me, it was difficult to watch, but sometimes I need such films. The idea to describe a person by the photos of their room is creative and it’s inspiring how this project may influence the victims’ families. Because even though they had to remind themselves of the tragedy, you can see gratidute in their eyes. That someone else remembers about their child. Make sure to put your phone away and focus on this short, but important documentary. Wishing them a win!

My rating: 8/10
S.

We’re here to become human again. “Sing Sing” (2023)

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directed by Greg Kwedar
© 2023 A24. All Rights Reserved.

Recently, I shared a post about a documentary which focuses on the power of art in our life, despite the circumstances we’re currently in. Let’s continue this message and talk about “Sing Sing”, which was also nominated for the Best Actor (Colman Domingo), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Song (which was my personal favourite – I recommend you to listen to it while reading this post: “Like a Bird” by Abraham Alexander & Adrian Quesada). This film isn’t a documentary, but it’s based on a real-life program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. So, you already know where everything takes place. We’re following Divine G (Colman Domingo), a prisoner who’s incredibly involved in Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. A group of incarcerated men form a theatre group, which is believed to help them express all kinds of emotions and use their time in prison in a more creative way. Besides being a fan of such activities, Divine G wishes to prove his innocence and get released earlier. Generally, this film shows a group of men with different personalities and backgrounds trying to cooperate, have fun and create something meaningful to them. We experience a true rollercoaster of emotions with the group, from excitement to anger, from frustration to grief, which seems to be therapeutical to the prisoners. It’s quite extraordinary to me – this whole concept of rehabilitation through art. Don’t get me wrong, I believe it’s amazing, yet using art, which is free and unlimited, while working with people in prison, often with no hope for leaving this place… those are two opposites that somehow match, at least in this story. I think the pace of the film could have been a bit different, but in the end I find it worth seeing. Watching all those characters who finally have some purpose and goal to achieve, who use art to speak about the things that are difficult to say – it’s somehow moving. Find a moment for “Sing Sing” and I hope you’ll also enjoy their main song as much as I did.

My rating: 6/10
S.

We’re ordinary people in an extraordinary situation. “Porcelain War” (2024)

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directed by Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev
© 2024 Picturehouse. All Rights Reserved.

The Oscars have been given with a pinch of drama and controversy – as usual. I’m not going to comment much on the whole event, but I need to put a little spotlight on the Best Documentary Feature Film. The winner of this category is “No Other Land”, about which I’ll perhaps share a post in the future, because it is a very interesting documentary. However, today I have a huge need to tell you about “Porcelain War”, especially considering the current world situation. Is it another documentary about the war in Ukraine? Yes, but also no. I’m a big supporter of Ukraine and I really wish them a lot of strength to keep fighting for their country, but I have to admit that most films recently coming from them have started to blend, at least to me. I can’t judge it because if your life is mostly focused on surviving, then what other stories can you be telling through films, right? So I understand it, but also the idea of watching another film about the war wasn’t and isn’t tempting to me. First – I’ve already seen what they wanted to tell us, second – I’m too sensitive to keep watching such pictures. So before seeing “Porcelain War” I had incredible doubts. Yet, I’m here, telling you it was my favourite documentary nominated by the Academy this year. How is it possible? This film tells the story of ordinary people living in Ukraine right now. They got engaged in defending their country, but also haven’t stopped doing what they love the most – which is art. That is why, despite the circumstances, they create porcelain figurines as a symbol of resistance. To me – this is so beautiful and abstract at the same time. I can’t imagine myself in their position, scared of being killed or losing my beloved ones and still… doing art. I believe it’s some way to stay motivated, to relax and forget about the cruel reality for a moment. But also, to me this documentary shows how lovely Ukraine and their culture are. I had a chance to visit this country some years before this war and the film reminded me of what I experienced being there. That’s the Ukraine I miss and that’s the Ukraine the world should see. Besides, the filmmakers also point out how important art can be during conflicts. It may have an even bigger power than any kind of weapon, so let’s not forget about it. Marvellous documentary, so I hope this post will remind you to see it. Slava Ukaini!

My rating: 8/10
S.

Your songs are like an oil painting at the dentist’s office. “A Complete Unknown” (2024)

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directed by James Mangold
© 2024 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Are you ready for Oscars 2025? I don’t expect too much cheering, because last year hasn’t been anyhow mind-blowing when it comes to cinema. I’ll definitely watch the ceremony, because I like all the dramas and awkward situations that may appear, but I’m not really that excited about this year’s nominees. There are several good films, indeed, but I feel like none of them left me truly speechless… at least not the ones nominated for the Best Picture. However, let’s focus on positives and one of them is “A Complete Unknown” by James Mangold. I was postponing watching it because I’m actually not a big fan of Bob Dylan. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I dislike him – I do appreciate him as a musician and some of his songs, but my music heart is definitely more into hard rock and such. So watching a film about a musician you haven’t really followed much in your life doesn’t sound tempting, does it? But trust me, it’s worth checking out for sure. If you like Bob Dylan’s music, then you’ll be thrilled because this film is basically one big music video, which to me was quite pleasant. Thanks to so many songs included, I could actually dive into Dylan’s world. Still, the most important reason to watch this biopic is Timothée Chalamet, playing the main role. When this young man appeared in cinema, I wasn’t so sure about him, but with each performance he proves what a talented bastard he is. I cannot say Bob Dylan is my favourite role of Timothée, but considering all the nominees, I do believe he deserves to be awarded. I compared some parts of the film with some recordings of Dylan and I guess Mangold couldn’t have found a better man to do this job. Besides, according to my research, Timothée not only sang in the film, but also played the instruments (guitar, harmonica), which is impressive to me. I believe it’s really thanks to this young actor that we may appreciate the film so much. I’m not sure what true Bob Dylan’s fans might say about such biopic, but as a rather neutral person in this matter I enjoyed it very much and I felt somehow welcomed in this story. Maybe it’s thanks to Dylan’s relaxing music, maybe it’s thanks to the director, maybe it’s thanks to the main actor – maybe all of those and even more. Generally, I give a thumb up and wish the film crew all the best during the upcoming ceremony.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m not being paid enough for this. “Anora” (2024)

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directed by Sean Baker
© 2024 Neon. All Rights Reserved.

This film was a big surprise for me. Honestly speaking, I didn’t like the previous productions by Sean Baker, but this one is something different, so give it a try. The film is considered to be a comedy/drama, and I have to say that the comedy part is quite average, but the drama part can hit you hard. We get to know Anora (Mikey Madison), a 23-year-old woman working as a stripper. She’s attractive and sensual, so making a living out of it comes easy to her. One day, she’s introduced to Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), a spoilt 21-year-old, who also happens to be a Russian oligarch son. The boy… I mean, the man (after all he’s 21) likes Anora and pays for her company several times. Since he’s a wealthy kiddo, the woman earns a lot for those meetings and even though she’s not really into him, the game continues. She makes him believe she’s actually enjoying this time spent together. Anora’s so convincing that Vanya falls in love and wants to marry her. Disgustingly rich husband and a chance for a better quality life? Sounds like a dream come true! Unfortunately, Vanya’s family isn’t supporting this idea, but… it’s a bit too late, because the couple has already made it official… At first, I wasn’t taking the story too seriously, especially since I knew it’s also a comedy. Indeed, there are several moments that may make you giggle, but the longer you watch, the more you understand the perspective of Anora. However, the reason why I appreciated the film is actually hidden at the end, so I need to share my thoughts about it and yes, SPOILERS are coming. So… to me, what happens at the end is a tragic summary of Anora’s life and destiny. No matter how sensitive, loving, affectionate you are, if you get into such business, you slowly deprive yourself of having healthy feelings. If on a daily basis they treat you like a sex toy and a great body to stare at, then you unconsciously forget what it’s like to be appreciated for who you are deep inside. Even if you find someone important to you, there’s some invisible barrier between what you can and what you want to express. This is really complicated, but if you watch the film and pay attention to the ending, you may understand my point of view. In my opinion, this story is amazing for its dramatic side. The question I ask myself – is this problem of losing oneself only an issue among sex workers and strippers, or maybe it’s more common? I guess no matter who we are, the pressure of our times may push us to masking our needs and feelings. What if one day the mask won’t go off? “Anora” has led me to such reflections, so let’s see where it’ll lead you.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Life’s a beautiful tapestry that needs to be experienced. “Memoir of a Snail” (2024)

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directed by Adam Elliot
© 2024 Madman Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

In 2009 the cinema world gave us “Mary and Max”, which is a very important film in my life. One day I’ll write you about it, but I need a good moment for that. Today, however, I can gladly recommend you “Memoir of a Snail”, a film by the same director, which was made last year and got a nomination for the Best Animated Feature. I’m not going to keep it a secret – this is my personal winner of the category this year. Deep inside I know that it won’t win because of numerous reasons (the Academy reasons, so not very logical to me), but I’m thrilled to see this title on the list and I hope Adam Elliot will be praised by viewers for his filmmaking talent. Unlike other nominees, this animation isn’t actually for children. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend you to show it to children because, well… that would be a great, yet quite traumatising life lesson for them. We get to know Grace (Sarah Snook, young Grace – Charlotte Belsey), a little girl living in Melbourne in the 70s. She has a twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee, young Gilbert – Mason Litsos) and an alcoholic father who’s currently in a wheelchair. The mother died in childbirth, so the siblings are being raised by one parent only. However, considering their situation, the twins have to take care of each other, because they can’t really count on their father. When the man dies, Grace and Gilbert are separated by social services and sent to two totally different sides of the country. Later we learn about the rest of the story from a grown-up Grace, who’s remembering and reflecting on her life. Just like in “Mary and Max”, the director again focuses on the worst and most difficult topic we may imagine – loneliness. His characters are always those outsiders who don’t fit anywhere, so they either suffer alone or find other outsiders and experience a pinch of happiness in their miserable reality. Some reviewers claim that this film is too dark, but if you take a moment and look around – we’re living in this dark. Some of us may have been more lucky, but there’s a bunch of people whose life is a series of unfortunate events. One problem ends, another one appears, and then we die. I know, we love cinema for this opportunity to forget about our reality for a moment, but maybe sometimes such raw productions may comfort us even more? To me, Elliot’s animations are therapeutical. I may see myself in his characters and watch how they manage our common struggles. It’s hard to explain, but such experience might be both painful and soothing. Finally, I’ve always been a huge fan of stop-motion animation and I will always support this technique because I know how much effort it takes to make even a minute of such film (I used to be playing with it, so my respect for those animators is insane!). So, all my fingers are crossed for Adam Elliot! Maybe the Academy surprises us. Fun fact, Elliot has already won an Oscar, but it was in 2004 and for his short animation “Harvie Krumpet”, which I also recommend you to see, by the way. Time to win for a feature film! And if not – please, keep making your exceptional animations no matter what.

My rating: 8/10
S.