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Reviews
Blancanieves (2012)
Magical Modern Silent
I discovered this amazing retelling of Snow White while browsing contemporary black and white films. The experimental feel of the cinematography adds to the atmosphere of unreality rather than being a distraction. Ángela Molina makes the scariest wicked stepmother and the rest of the cast is pitch perfect. The sets are full of quirky detail and the Andalusian landscapes are stunning in monochrome. This is not a sugar-coated adaptation-it's full of the violence and cruelty of the original fairytale, so perhaps not suitable for very young children. A gem of an art film that I will watch again and again. Highly recommended!
Passing (2021)
Gorgeous but slow
"Passing" explores race from the very different perspectives of two former classmates. Unfortunately, the underdeveloped plot manages to barely scratch the surface. Some of the performances are strong but cannot overcome the lack of substance in the screenplay. The film's strength is its very painterly cinematography. The intricately composed shots and the handling of light are both especially lovely.
There are many things to like about "Passing" but I found it difficult, even uncomfortable to watch. This should not discourage you, however, from watching this admirable directorial debut.
Dix pour cent (2015)
Superb Series
I assumed that a series about stars and promotion would be superficial and unappealing. After reading a very positive review, I reluctantly decided to try watching an episode and was instantly hooked.
This is a brilliantly acted and written comedy. The cameo roles are deftly woven into the ongoing storyline with engaging and charming results. It's quite easy to become attached to this family of characters and their misadventures. Highly recommended!
Euphoria (2019)
Visually Stunning!
Honestly, I didn't expect to like this show: High School was a miserable experience that I'd prefer not to remember. The visual style of the Euphoria trailer intrigued me, so I decided to give the series a try. At first, I couldn't relate to the characters or even like them, but the chemistry between some of the actors helped me become invested in their stories. The trippy, dream-like cinematography along with a well-matched immersive soundtrack made it difficult to resist surrendering to the flow of the meandering narratives. After binge-watching the entire series in three days, all I can say is "Wow!". I'm looking forward to Season 2 whenever that occurs.
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
A Love Story
I'm very grateful to the family member who recommended this unbelievably beautiful documentary. When I watched the trailer and began to tear up (something that has never happened), I knew that this was an extraordinary film. Few documentaries manage to bypass my watch list (where many good films have languished for years)- fortunately this one did.
"My Octopus Teacher" is a about the connection that develops between two very different sentient beings: A human and an octopus. The film achieves what few documentaries can: Instead of remaining a mere viewer, you will become a participant in this intimate journey. The immersive and otherworldly cinematography is dazzling but never distracts from the narrative. I cannot recommend this film highly enough: Watch it!
Le Bazar de la Charité (2019)
Recommended for intermediate French students
As an intermediate French student, it's really difficult to find interesting content that is easy enough to understand: This series is perfect. Watch it in the original French with French subtitles turned on (happily an option with Netflix). The speech is fairly clear, not too fast and not heavily accented.
The beautiful costumes, set design and cinematography in this historical drama make up for the fairly predictable plot and uninspired acting. Compared to the mindless dialogues contained in most French language courses, this is a truly entertaining step up.
Chance (2016)
A Bit Disappointing
Although I'm absolutely a Hugh Laurie fan, the writing for this series seemed to deteriorate midway into the first season. More outlandish plots are not necessarily better.
The Brazilian series "PSI", also featuring an unconventional psychiatrist with boundary issues, might be a better bet.
Cannabis Evolution (2019)
Medical Marijuana Infomercial
"Cannabis Evolution" is a long infomercial about medical marijuana rather than a documentary. The video that accompanies the audio lecture has the look of having been assembled from vaguely pertinent stock clips. The repetitive, canned visuals really detract from the content and the result fails to do justice to a fairly important subject in alternative medicine.