B+ Coming of age drama Written by Jenna Cato Bass & Wanuri Kahiu Directed by Wanuri Kahiu Gay coming-of-age movies are common in the independent film scene. But Rafiki is different. It's set in a small Kenyan village, which brings bright colors and exciting music. But that setting also brings a threat of violent homophobia. … Continue reading Rafiki: Forbidden love in Kenya
Category: Reviews
Something evil lurks in Hungary in Budapest Noir
B+ Mystery Written by András Szekér, from the novel by Vilmos Kondor Directed by Éva Gárdos Note: I wrote this review last summer, after seeing the movie at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. My intention was to post the review shortly before the film's Bay Area theatrical run. Last night I discovered that it's … Continue reading Something evil lurks in Hungary in Budapest Noir
Aniara: It’s a long trip to nowhere, but it’s worth it
A Science Fiction Written and directed by Pella Kågerman, Hugo Lilja This slow, frightful, depressing space movie from Sweden carries a heavy charge. Unless you watch nothing but Hollywood movies, you know almost from the start how it's going to end, and it isn't going to be good. And yet there are moments of transcendent … Continue reading Aniara: It’s a long trip to nowhere, but it’s worth it
Meeting Gorbachev with Werner Herzog
C+ Documentary Directed by Werner Herzog and Andre Singer Do you ever wonder about something you know little about, so you Google it or go to Wikipedia? I'm beginning to suspect that when Werner Herzog gets that feeling, he makes a documentary. This time, Herzog picked an exceptionally interesting subject to learn about: Mikhail Gorbachev, … Continue reading Meeting Gorbachev with Werner Herzog
Red Joan: Giving away state secrets
B Espionage drama Written by Lindsay Shapero, from the novel by Jennie Rooney Directed by Trevor Nunn If you go to this British espionage drama hoping to see Judi Dench in a starring role, Red Joan will disappoint you. Yes, Dench gets top billing, and she does play the main character, but only in a … Continue reading Red Joan: Giving away state secrets
Satan is rebellious, but not always interesting
C+ Activist documentary Directed by Penny Lane Like the Satanic Temple itself, this documentary has a message to preach, and does so tongue in cheek. The message is a good one, but you get almost the whole point in the first 15 minutes. Then it's mostly repetition speckled with occasional interesting bits. Most members of … Continue reading Satan is rebellious, but not always interesting
Ramen Shop: Finding family history through food
A- Foodie drama Written by Tan Fong Cheng, Wong Kim Hoh Directed by Eric Khoo As a rule, I hate foodie movies. I have a hard time caring that the chef hero can find the perfect ingredients and techniques to get his work of art a Michelin rating. Which makes Ramen Shop all the more … Continue reading Ramen Shop: Finding family history through food
Tre Maison Dasan: Three children of incarcerated parents
A- Documentary Directed by Denali Tiller When I saw this film before it screened at last year's SFFILM Festival, I assumed it would have a theatrical release, and therefore wrote the review below. But that release never materialized. Instead, PBS's Independent Lens picked it up and will broadcast it on April 1. And no, it … Continue reading Tre Maison Dasan: Three children of incarcerated parents
The Big Bad Fox & the joys of simple animation
B Animated family fare Written by Benjamin Renner and Jean Regnaud Directed by Benjamin Renner and Patrick Imbert Note: I saw this family comedy last year before it screened at the SFFIM Festival. It never got a theatrical fun in the Bay Area. It appears it won't get one. But it will be available on … Continue reading The Big Bad Fox & the joys of simple animation
Ash Is Purest White but love is for the worthy
A- Crime drama Written and directed by Zhangke Jia At first you think this is going to be a gangster movie. At one point you decide it's becoming a revenge flick. Slowly, you realize it's something very different; something much more subtle. For most of Ash Is Purest White's long runtime, there's no conventional plotline. … Continue reading Ash Is Purest White but love is for the worthy
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