Dilili in Paris is a celebration of fin de siècle Paris. While it is an animated story of a young dark-skinned girl’s adventure, the core of the film is to meet some of the amazing men and women (especially women) of the Belle Époque. The center of the film is Dilili, a young girl from… [Read More]
Transit – Just Passing Through (Or Not)
There is an old gospel song, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through”. A bit of that sense of temporariness is what we find in Transit from German director Christian Penzold. There are various aspects of this film that may leave us a bit off-balance, but that just adds to the depth… [Read More]
The Last Suit – Road Trip to Grace
Watching the film, I constantly wondered why these people would respond to Abraham with kindness when he was always so mean-spirited. But then that is what makes it grace.
Papillon – We Know It’s Not Rehabilitation
In 1931 Paris, Henri Charrière (nicknamed ‘Papillon’, or ‘Pappy’ because of the butterfly tattoo on his chest), makes his living as a criminal, stealing jewelry and the like. During an evening of debauchery, Pappy (Charlie Hunnum) witnesses some of the criminals he works under beating a man. The next morning, police arrive at his door,… [Read More]
Back to Burgundy – Finding Family Again
The dynamic of change and lack of change is explored in the family drama Back to Burgundy. It is the story of the reunion of three siblings on their family’s vineyard. There is much that is the same as it has always been, but also much that changes day by day.
Leap! – Why Do You Dance (or Whatever)?
Leap! is a story of dreams and heart, of overcoming failure, of finding the answers to the questions that matter most. It’s not unlike any number of films, yet sometimes hearing a familiar story in a new setting can bring us joy.
Lost in Paris – A bit of slapstick
Fans of mild slapstick will be attracted to Lost in Paris. It is the work of Belgian comedy team of Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon. They bring a burlesque visual sensibility to their work.
Cézanne et Moi – 19th Century Artistic Bromance
[Two boys] dream of life in Paris. When they grow up they head off to seek fame and fortune. They become the post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne and novelist/journalist Émile Zola.
Conversation with Danièle Thompson, Cézanne et Moi Writer/Director
“It’s very surprising that these two little boys will become, each in their own trade, would become among the most famous French people in the world. “
Frantz – Is It Ever Right to Lie?
The foundation of the story is the devastation that war brings. Everyone in this story suffers from the war. Anna and Frantz’s parents (and many of the townspeople) grieve the loss of the young men killed in the war.
