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samwagar
Reviews
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
A thriller turned documentary
The Manchurian Candidate has always been a favourite film of mine, anchored by Sinatra's brilliant and edgy performance, the strange and highly effective cinematography (look at the use of focus in key scenes, the unusual framing and the tension between foreground and background characters), the psychological depth and the unspoken subplots around sex and romance. Brilliant film.
But, with the election of Donald Trump, it's starting to seem like a documentary. The continued revelations about the ties of his inner circle to Russia are chilling. And the unlikely conceit of a hard-right populist 'patriotic' candidate as the agent of America's enemy looks like straight-up news reporting now!
Afsaid (2006)
Charming little film with subtle point
In Iran, the Islamic Revolution has shaped all parts of life, including everyday things. But people still go on living their lives, generally just doing the things you'd expect, like go to soccer matches to cheer on the national team as it's in the running to qualify for the World Cup. Except women aren't allowed to go to the soccer stadium to watch the game.
A frequently funny little film follows the small group of women that were caught sneaking into the soccer stadium and the little group of bored soldiers assigned to guard them in a holding pen just outside the stadium. The absurdity of the situation, the simple wish of these women to cheer on the team (nothing subversive there), and little human touches about the lives of everyone adds up to quite a fine comment on humanity versus the ideology.
Amateurish acting, good script and dialogue, a really enjoyable film. Bend It Like Beckham, sort of - a warm heart and a joy in the daily interests and pleasures of people.