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scottstoll
Reviews
Todos lo saben (2018)
Another brilliant work by Farhadi, and typical great acting by Spanish stars
I was deeply affected again by one of Farhadi's films. Throughout "Everybody Knows" I kept coming back to the idea that the suspicion and paranoia is used as a metaphor for what the director may witness in his own country. Think "The Lives of Others" about life in Stasi-controlled East Germany. Our worst behavior comes out when confronted with relentless tension and fear.
This must be considered Penelope Cruz's best role ever, and we see what a talented actor she is in her own language on her own turf. The despair comes through and she demonstrates an emotional intelligence that I had not seen from her past films. And of course Javier Bardem is restrained and brilliant as always. The supporting cast, all top Spanish actors in their own right, is second to none.
There are flaws and story gaps that don't hold up 100% to scrutiny but the emotional power of this film along with beautiful cinematography from Spain's central region make this a stirring movie not to be missed. Farhadi is one of cinema's great directors and I hope he will someday receive the worldwide acclaim he deserves.
Svinalängorna (2010)
Impactful
This film will leave a deep impact on you long after viewing. Using the common theme of switching between real time and a series of flashbacks to childhood, we're able to see the emotional damage done to Leena as she tries to bring order into the chaotic lives surrounding this family. After a tumultuous, nomadic upbringing with her binge-drinking father and co-dependent mother, Leena must deal with her own emotional baggage as she confronts the impending death of her mother. The parents' hard partying has made adult Leena angry, emotionally distant, and with a cleaning compulsion (typical).
This film is so powerful, and I was amazed at how close to home Pernilla August's film was able to hit me. Any person who has grown up in an alcoholic home must see this complete (beautiful acting, excellent cinematography, restrained directing) document.