Sympathy for Lady Vengeance

In the third film in his vengeance trilogy (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance & Old Boy), director Chan-Wook Park can't top his masterpiece "Old Boy." This time around it's a female protagonist who seeks revenge from a devious monster who puts her in jail for a crime she didn't commit and kidnaps her daughter. Geum-ja played marvelously by Yeong-ae Lee has to wait 13 years to take revenge and find her daughter. The film has all the trademarks of his previous work including the stylish visuals, impeccable acting and original story telling. However the film appears to fall short because of the high expectations that you would expect from him. The film will please the fans and those who will discover it for the first time. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

After the Wedding

Danish director Susanne Bier directed this superb film before she made her Hollywood debut in the misfire "Things We Lost in the Fire". I hope she returns to what she does best in her native country and stays away from Hollywood like Pedro Almodovar. The same goes for Mads Mikkelsen who went to play the bad guy in "Casino Royale". He gives an excellent performance as a man who has found redemption in India but is forced to return home for some life changing revelations. Bier's works is known for her intimate and honest depictions of the human condition that's full of heart and humor. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Lila Says

Lebanese writer and director Ziad Doueiri's second feature is an honest and raw portrait of teenagers that's rare in cinema and seldom captured so well. This film is based on a controversial novel about young Arab writer who's trapped in the impoverished neighborhood where life has nothing to offer for those who live there. After a beautiful girl named Lila moves in the neighborhood, she becomes the center of attention of all young males. When Lila befriends the shy Chimo, she sets a chain of events in action that has devastating consequences. The film is shocking and provocative in its language that captures the teenage angst well. Vahina Giocante and Moa Khouas star with terrific performances. An excellent film that brings a fresh voice into the French Cinema. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Jane Austen Book Club

Not as bad as you would think from the title but Robin Swicord manages to use Jane Austen books cleverly in this film that she wrote and directed with an excellent cast including Maria Bello and Emily Blunt. Besides having the chicks takes on the classic novels, Swicord also brings the male and lesbian point of view to the table. The ensemble of veteran actors from Film and TV with new talents at first seems dubious but makes perfect sense which shows that Swicord is the top of her game like Jane Austen was with her books. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

30 Days of Night

A great concept poorly written and executed in this horror film about a group of vampires terrorizing a small town in Alaska. The film starts well but falls quickly flat and never recovers. It's based on a graphic novel but the script never tries to elevate it above its source material. A lot of stuff doesn't make sense, specially why the super stylish vampires who seem to have come from New York or big city would come to Alaska and for what reason. Danny Huston as the leader of the pack talks in tongues but his gibberish doesn't make any sense what so ever. Josh Hartnett and the cast can't save the film either which is a shame since the potential for a good horror flick is there. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

A Good Year

Not as bad as the critics made it but the cast and crew seem over qualified for this predictable yet charming film. It seems Ridley Scott and Russel Crowe wanted to take a break from their action films and chose this film to relax. The story about a ruthless London broker who finds his heart and soul in southern France. The film also features Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose) in her official Hollywood debut as a leading actress. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Holiday

The casting of Nancy Meyers films is more impressive than her formula driven and high gloss films. So that everybody always wants to know who she will get next in her next film. All the actors are more than capable and deliver some version of their performances you have seen in their previous work. However in this film the divine Kate Winslet brings more gravitas to the role than you would expect in this kind of film. She also rubs off her magic to Jack Black who delivers a nice performance. It's also good to see Eli Wallach again. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Transamerica

Felicity Huffman in a shocking turn gives a fearless performance as a transsexual in this indie film. The film gives a rare glimpse into the lives of transsexuals and their ordeals. Child actor Kevin Zegers makes an impression as her hustler son. Also there's welcome cameos by the vets Graham Greene, Elizabeth Peña, Fionnula Flanagan and Burt Young. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

FESTIVAL 7: Toronto, Canada

A relatively new festival compared to the others but has become of the most important festivals in the world due to its perfect timing at the beginning of September when the award season begins and the studios using Toronto as their launching pad. The festivals doesn't have a competition like the top three (Cannes, Berlin & Venice), therefore has the privilege to introduce the best films of the top three in one venue in their North American premiere. The focus is to celebrate cinema and its filmmakers and some of the films will win the big awards in the coming season. Since there's no competition, they have a huge selection of films in the following categories:

• Canada First
• Contemporary World Cinema
• Discovery
• Gala Presentations
• Masters
• Special Presentations
• Vanguard
• Visions

For more info: Toronto International Film Festival

FESTIVAL 6: Venice, Italy

The third of the top three festivals (Cannes & Berlin) is also the oldest festival in the world. It has serious competition from the fourth, Toronto, which right behind it in ranking and timing. However, it does not have to fear anything after all these years besides having one of the most beautiful settings. This year the president of the jury is Wim Wenders.

Venezia 65 - In Competition

Darren Aronofsky - The Wrestler (USA) GOLDEN LION for Best Film

Guillermo Arriaga - The Burning Plain (USA) MARCELLO MASTROIANNI AWARD
Pupi Avati - Il Papà di Giovanna (Italy) COPPA VOLPI for Best Actor
Marco Bechis - BirdWatchers (Italy)
Patrick Mario Bernard & Pierre Trividic - L’Autre(France) COPPA VOLPI for Best Actress
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker (USA) SIGNIS Award
Pappi Corsicato - Il Seme della Discordia (Italy)
Jonathan Demme Rachel - Getting Married (USA)
Haile Gerima - Teza (Ethiopia) SPECIAL JURY PRIZE & OSELLA for Best Screenplay
Aleksey German Jr. - Bumažnyj soldat (Paper Soldier) (Russia) SILVER LION for Best Director & OSELLA for Best Cinematography
Semih Kaplanoglu - Süt (Milk) (Turkey)
Takeshi Kitano - Akires to Kame (Achilles and the Tortoise) (Japan)
Hayao Miyazaki - Gake no ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) (Japan)
Amir Naderi - Vegas: Based on a True Story (USA)
Mamoru Oshii - The Sky Crawlers (Japan)
Ferzan Özpetek - Un Giorno Perfetto (Italy)
Christian Petzold - Jerichow (Germany)
Barbet Schroeder - Inju, la Bête dans l’ombre (France)
Werner Schroeter - Nuit de chien (France)
Tariq Teguia - Gabbla (Inland) (Algeria) FIPRESCI Award
YU Lik-wai - Dangkou (Plastic City) (Hong Kong)

Venezia 65 - Out of Competition
Paolo Benvenuti - Puccini e la fanciulla (Italy)
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen - Burn After Reading (USA) (OPENING)
Claire Denis - 35 Rhums (France)
JIA Zhangke - Heshang aiqing (Cry me a river) (China)
Minoru Kawasaki - Monster X Strikes Back (Japan)
Abbas Kiarostami - Shirin (Iran)
José Mojica Marins - Encarnação do demônio (Brazil)
Mario Monicelli - Vicino al Colosseo c’è Monti (Italy)
Nonzee Nimibutr - Puen yai jom sa lad (Queens of Langkasuka) (Thailand)
Manoel de Oliveira - Do Visível ao Invisível (Portugal)
Agnés Varda - Les Plages d’Agnès (France)
Fabrice du Welz - Vinyan (France)

Venezia 65 - Orizzonti
Ramin Bahrani - Goodbye Solo – USA FIPRESCI Award
Julio Bressane, Rosa Dias - A Erva do Rato – Brazil
Lav Diaz - Melancholia – Philippines ORIZZONTI PRIZE
Jean-Pierre Duret, Andréa Santana - Puisque nous sommes nés - France
Philippe Grandrieux - Un lac – France
HUANG Wenhai - Women - China
Mikhail Kalatozishvili - Dikoe Pole (Wild Field) – Russia
Mirko Locatelli - Il primo giorno d’inverno – Italy
Ross McElwee In Paraguay – USA
Avi Mograbi - Z32 – Israel
Bahman Motamedian Khastegi (Tedium) – Iran
Gerardo Naranjo - Voy a explotar – Mexico
Arnaud des Pallières - Parc – France
Francis Xavier - Pasion Jay – Philippines
Eugenio Polgovsky - Los Herederos – Mexico
Marco Pontecorvo - PA-RA-DA – Italy
Gianfranco Rosi - Below Sea Level – Italy ORIZZONTI DOC PRIZE
Andreï Schtakleff, Jonathan Le Fourn - L’Exil et le royaume – France
Emily Tang - Wanmei Shenhuo (Perfect Life) – China
Tariq Tapa - Zero Bridge – India

For more info: Venice International Film Festival

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

A charming and poignant film about the friendship of a elderly widowed woman and a young and impoverished writer. The recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey escapes her judgemental daughter and nursing home by living at the Claremont hotel in London that's filled with elderly patrons. Through an accident she befriends the young Ludovic Mayer and the friendship enhances their lonely lives. Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend make it work in this otherwise formulaic film. Friend makes his official screen debut and is on his way to stardom in the coming years. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Carne Trémula (Live Flesh)

The fantastic Pedro Almodóvar delivered another classic with this loose adaptation of a Ruth Rendell novel about a fateful night that changes the lives of five people. This films defies genre conventions from erotic thriller to romantic drama with Almodóvar signature all over it including a masterful story telling and a perfect cast including Javier Bardem, Francesca Neri, Penelope Cruz and Angela Molina in a heart breaking performance. Films like this are a rare treat and still holds up well. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Videodrome

Classic Cronenberg that still holds up and prophetic in some ways long before reality television. James Woods plays a TV executive looking for cutting edge programming when he finds Videodrome, a pirate reality show that changes those who watch it along other symptoms. Deborah Harry (Blondie) stands out in a supporting vamp role with a taste for S&M. The film is as edgy as you would expect from Cronenberg who went to make The Fly, Dead Ringers and Crash. Cronenberg currently enjoys a revival of his career thanks to the smashing success of A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Never Back Down

A Hollywood formula film that's updated every decade to reflect the generation's culture in music and fashion. Never-the-less the film delivers exactly what it promises, a lot of eye candy and potent fights. Sean Faris makes a credible hero and delivers a solid performance along with Djimon Hounsou who raises the film a few notches above the average. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Lucky Number Slevin

A stylish thriller that aspires to "The Usual Suspects" but fails miserably despite a great cast. The cast that includes Josh Hartnett, Ben Kingsley, Morgen Freeman and Bruce Willis amongst others must have gotten either a great script or paycheck to have committed to this lackluster of a film directed by Paul McGuigan (Gangster No1) who also made the terrible "Wicker Park" also with Hartnett which was the remake of the great French film "L'Appartement" by Gilles Mimouni. The whole film is uninspired and unbelievable from begin till end. An exercise in style without any substance. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Quinceañera

A rare glimpse of the real Los Angeles beyond what you see in Hollywood films. The film is set in the Hispanic community of Echo Park that's changing and joining other trendy neighborhoods.
The quinceañera is the coming of age ritual that welcomes girls into womanhood on their fifteenths birthday. While Magdalena and her family organize her upcoming party, she finds out that she's pregnant. In the weeks up to her birthday Magdalena matures into a young woman and leaving behind the innocence of her childhood. The writer and director duo of Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland deliver a solid film that's fresh and poignant in the city of angels that rarely shown on the big screen. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Ken Loach's staggering and brilliant film about oppression and its consequences delves deeper into the psychology of the individuals whose lives are shattered by the casualties of war. It also points out that not every body's cut for war and the consequences go far behind the battlefield. The film is set in Ireland but could be set in Afghanistan or Iraq where families are torn apart and loyalties put to test. Cillian Murphy gives a powerful performance as the reluctant Damian who tries to stay out of trouble and planning to continues his studies as a doctor in London while brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) has joined the IRA to fight the British occupation and oppression. When Damian joins Teddy, he takes matters further than Teddy and the brothers end up against each other when the nation goes into civil war over a peace treaty with the Brits. Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty's film couldn't have come at a better time and deservedly won the Palme d'Or in Cannes. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Yella

Christian Petzold's cold and calculating psychological thriller about a woman who can't escape her ex-husband who tries to destroy her chance for a better future when she finds a new job in another town. The film goes beyond the genre conventions by delving into the supernatural and making a statement about unfilled potentials of lives cut short. Nina Hoss won the award for best actress at the Berlin Film Festival for her nuanced and haunting portrayal of the title character. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It's good news that the series found its director in David Yates who has made the best film in the series so far. He cleans up a lot of the mess after "The Goblet of Fire" and brings the series on the right path towards its conclusion in the next three films. Yates brings the setting up to date and makes some satisfying changes by getting rid of the drab look of 1900 century England that should have been done in the first film. He also keeps a clear focus on the story and pace that adds up the tension until the satisfying conclusion that makes you want to see the next installment. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Becoming Jane

Director Julian Jarrold follows Joe Wright's lead to make a film about author Jane Austin a la "Shakespeare in Love" to gives us a behind the scenes of her life that have inspired her novels, specially "Pride & Prejudice". A solid cast and production should please most of fans of this kind of films, however it doesn't offer anything new or fresh in the way Wright's adaptation did of "Pride & Prejudice". YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

While Batman has gone serious, Hellboy remains true to its source and then some. The super hero with attitude gets some spectacular company thanks to the visionary bravado of Guillermo del Toro who's back for the second round. If Pan's Labyrinth left people hungry for more fantastic creatures, they won't be disappointed in this film. While the film will definitely please fan and aficionados, it's also interesting for others to see the superb work of Guillermo del Toro. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

The Dark Knight

Christopher Nolan continues the tone that he set up with the first film reinventing the franchise for an older audience that shuts out all the kids under 10. This film is as serious as any drama released during the fall, cut away all the scenes with Batman and you have a serious crime drama like "The Departed" for example. A well written script with a superb cast is a rare sight for a summer blockbuster and credit is due to Nolan who makes his best film since "Memento". The ace without a doubt is Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker that steals every scene and then some. Ledger's tragic death cut short a brilliant career and his performance of the joker will be the one he will be remembered for in the years to come. The weakest link is Maggie Gyllenhaal replacement of Katie Holmes. While a great actress she feels out of place in a Batman film besides the lacking chemistry with Christian Bale. However the question remains for a summer blockbuster that's supposed to be a lot of fun. Why so serious? YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

1408

Mikael Håfström's film aspires to be"The Shining" which was also based on a story by Stephen King but it falls short. There are some scares but not enough to sustain a full feature. The problem lies with the script that doesn't know how to tie the story, therefore tries everything before giving up to a less plausible conclusion. John Cusack plays a writer who doesn't believe in haunted places and writes about them to discredit them till he finds about the room of the title where he gets more than he bargained for. There's nothing about special or outstanding about this film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Running with Scissors

A great story and a stellar cast are gone to waste in this adaptation by writer and director Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck) whose mix of comedy and drama never adds up. The challenging material by Augusten Burroughs whose stranger than fiction life proves too much for Murphy too handle. The film should have been an outrageously dark comedy instead we get some drama and some comedy where one overwhelms the other. The fine cast tries their best but it's lost in the poor vision that's evident in entire film from the cinematography to editing and writing. It's a shame. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Bobby

A star studded cast can't save Emilio Estevez's well intentioned but uneven film about the events before the assassination of Robert F Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in 1968. Instead of going deeper about RFK or the time, Estevez line up of movie stars distracts instead of emphasis. There are some interesting parallels to current times that are never explored enough. Also some of the characters are redundant that were better left off screen. It seems Estevez had the burden to find some characters for the stars who wanted a cameo instead of focusing on what matters. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Evil Dead

Sam Raimi's classic and controversial horror classic is one of the films that shouts for a remake. Raimi cleverly uses some of deepest phobias of human nature such as isolation, nature, and fear of the unknown to create a horror film that's effective despite an extremely low budget and cheap effects. The story about five friends who travel to a remote log cabin where they find a recording and a book that unravels some demons. Raimi also uses elements of previous horror classics such as "The Exorcist" and "Alien" to his advantage. However the effects are so poor by today's standards that turn the film into a comedy and takes away from the sheer horror. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Singin' in the Rain

One of the greatest musicals of all time if not the greatest. Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds are pitch perfect in this classic under the assured direction of Stanley Donen (Funny Face, Charade and Blame It On Rio). The rest of the cast is perfect as well. The film still holds up and features some of the best dance and song performances ever to graced on the silver screen, specially the title song. What a glorious feeling! Indeed. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Art School Confidential

To make a film about politics of the art world is never an easy task, neither it's about the fashion or film world. Only few films manage to pull it off. Unfortunately the talented Terry Zwigoff (Crumb, Ghost World) doesn't achieve to pull it off either. It's easier to make art than explain the politics of it. The film manages to makes some valid points but the problem lies in the script, while it has right mix of eccentric characters and actors, it never manages to rise up to the occasion. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Secret Life of Words

Isabel Coixet reunites with Sarah Polley after the wonderful "My Life Without Me". However this film fails to live up to the expectations set by the former film. Despite a potent yet unusual love story and a superb cast including Polley, Tim Robbins, Javier Cámara and Julie Christie, the film never takes off as you root for it which is a shame. Never-the-less the film has some powerful moments. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Suspicion

Object of Affection

Grande École

Robert Salis's supposedly exposé on the elite schools in France never takes off. It's more interested in the character's sexual desires than giving any insights. Wealthy young men from the provinces come to Paris to get educated at a private university before taking over the business from their parents. These include bisexual Paul who develops a secret crush on his dashing roommate Louis-Arnault who in return has an eye for Paul's girlfriend Agnès. When Agnès finds out about Paul's attraction she decides to challenge Paul for a game of seduction that puts the friendship of the two men at risk. While the film get certain points across, it never manages to say anything new or original about the class system. There are also characters introduced in the first act and later abandoned. Alice Taglioni as Agnès and Jocelyn Quivrin as Louis-Arnault are the only one who stand out in the cast. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Pleasure of Being Robbed

After being robbed recently, I wanted to see Josh Safdie's feature debut to find out about the pleasure. However I found the title misleading and the more accurate title should be "The Pleasure of Robbing" but it doesn't sound as catchy, does it? Anyway the story of a kleptomaniac who steals random objects from unsuspecting individuals never adds up to much despite the four credited writers which might be the source of the problems. The film is the real thing as far as the look and feel of an independent film go instead of the faux ones that the studios release. There are also some sparks here and there but unfortunately not enough. There's something contrived about the film and its message if it has any but it will divide audiences depending on their taste. The only pleasure of being robbed is to see life in perspective and not getting attached too much to anything if you can. YRCinema's coverage of the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Les Chansons d'Amour (Love Songs)

Christophe Honoré should be applauded for his audacity to merge two very different genres such as drama and musical into one that Bollywood has mastered but almost impossible to recreate elsewhere. There's no mistake that this film is as French as it gets with liberal views you would expect to see besides the attractive cast and Parisian locals. Lovers Ismaël and Julie live a perfect life in Paris and engage in a "ménage à trois" with Alice before tragedy strikes out of blue that leaves everybody around them shattered. It's a story you would expect least to have the characters burst into songs. The songs works at times and becomes distracting at others. Since it's a film you don't see often, it's worth watching. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Kontroll (Control)

Nimród Antal's creates an atmospheric dark comedy set in the Hungarian underground metro system that could be anywhere in Europe. The film is reminiscent of Luc Besson's "Subway" that managed to do the same. In this world of misfits where inspectors are out to catch free riders or compete with another for the best position. However the plot is thin and character development non-existent while too many characters added just for the sake of it without contributing anything. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Elite Squad

José Padilha's hyper kinetic and ultra violent film on Brazil's elite squad is good companion piece to "City of God" where the latter film focused on the criminal side, this one focuses on law enforcement's side. The elite squad known as BOPE steps in when the police fail are the most experienced and the only means to fight a losing battle to criminal elements that are out of control in the slums where innocent civilians are collateral damage in the never ending battle. The BOPE makes LAPD look like nice guys but they are the product of their environment where survival of the fittest rule and the slightest mistake can cost you your life. Through a burn-out BOPE captain and two idealistic rookies, Padilha paints a pessimistic portrait of a society out of control where idealism is crashed by violence on a daily basis. 1001 Films' coverage of the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Wanted

If there ever was a director that Hollywood should have imported, it's Timur Bekmambetov who made two films (Night Watch, Day Watch) that Hollywood should have made. He makes his debut in this adrenaline infused, action packed, entertaining blockbuster with a superb A-list cast and mind-bending story that makes it the best action film Hollywood produced since "The Matrix". His signature trademark evident in his previous work is present here along with the edginess. James McAvoy shines in a role that would have gone to Keanu Reeves a decade ago. He gets some kick-ass support from Angelina Jolie who has a stellar year by two hits along with the upcoming "The Changeling" films and twin babies. Morgan Freeman and Thomas Kretschmann are also much wanted in this film. YRCinema's coverage of the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Tahaan

Santosh Sivan's latest film is well meant and executed, however it's a mixed bag by bringing together a children's tale with a political one. The story of a boy named Tahaan who lives in the troubled Kashmir, at the border of India and Pakistan, with his grandfather Victor Banerjee (A Passage to India) and mute mother Sarika (80's Bollywood star). After Tahaan loses his beloved donkey, he goes to every length to get it back, even if he has to help terrorists who shamelessly use children in their war. Sivan captures the troubled region beautifully and gets beautiful performances. To mix two very diverse genres is a challenge into itself but to get away with it is impossible. Sivan and his team try their best but the heavy drama takes away from the beautiful tale of the boy and his donkey which is the heart of the film. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Nuovomondo (Golden Door)

Emanuele Crialese's (Respiro) splendid film captures the immigrant journey from Italy to Ellis Island, USA perfectly with wit and intelligence that's rare. The film portrays one of the most accurate and detailed view of the people who made that courageous but harrowing journey from the old world in the late 1900 century to the new world. The film is told through a peasant family from Sicily who dare the dream at a high price. The way the tales of the new world captured the imagination of the people of its time, Crialese manages to capture ours with this beautifully realized and executed film that reminds of Mike Leigh's superb period film "Topsy-Turvy" for its authentic period feel and detail. Charlotte Gainsbourg co-stars with a cast of excellent actors that add to the rich canvas. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Eagle vs Shark

A stylish and offbeat comedy from New Zealand that's pretentious and insincere. The love story between two misfits rings false from the beginning till the end. Instead of getting an accurate point of view, we are getting stylized stereo-types. Where it could have been poignant and heartfelt, instead it's contrived and dishonest at the cost of substance for style. While the concept and visuals are arresting, the writing and casting flawed. Writer & director Taika Waititi has the right vision, however lost the heart of the story by focusing too much on the style. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Saraswati Chandra

This classic musical with legendary songs from Bollywood was the last great success in black and white before color films took over. Saraswati and Kumud fall in love through letters after their marriage is arranged. However fate causes the lovers heartbreak after heartbreak when the society and its traditions comes in between them which they are not able to defy it. It's a well directed by Govind Saraiya and beautifully shot featuring a great performance by legendary actress Nutan in the lead. It's an old fashioned film, more belonging to the 50's than late 60's. However the music composed by the Kalyanji & Anandji team with the voices of Lata & Mukesh made sure the film became a huge hit with the songs that are amongst the best of Indian Cinema or Bollywood. 1001 Films coverage of films on DVD.

Yihe Yuan (Summer Place)

Lou Ye's controversial but stunning film about true love found and lost over a decade in China at the end of the last century. Young students in Beijing experience a time of intellectual and sexual awakening before they are crashed down by the government in the infamous Tiananmen Square protests. Amids the students are the young country girl Yu Hong whose love for follow student Zhou Wei leaves them both scarred for the rest of their lives after they get separated after the protests. Ye's poetic and lyrical film features a breakthrough performance by Lei Hao as Yu Hong. The film has been improved since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2006. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Whisky

This somber and off beat film about lonely people comes from Uruguay, a country one doesn't get to see or hear much about. Lonely sock factory owner Jacobo and his longtime employee Marta know each other so well that they hardly exchange many words between them. When Jacobo invites his estranged brother to their mother's anniversary, he asks Marta to pretend to be his wife. Marta proves to be the lucky charm and provides a buffer for the brothers to get closer after a long time. It's an interesting if somewhat cold film that take a while to warm up but it avoids the Hollywood formula that makes it stand out. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Asphalt Zahov (Yellow Asphalt)

Israeli writer and director Dan Verete explores the outside influences on Bedouin lives in three excellent short films set in the Judean desert. The first film "Black Spot" is about two Israeli truck drivers hitting and killing a small boy on a highway. After being surrounded by the villagers, the truck drivers trade a spare tire for the dead boy that leaves every body content except for the grieving mother. The second film "Here Is Not There" a European woman who married a Bedouin tries to escape her husband after the village elders denied her to leave with her children. The third and most powerful film "Red Roofs" is about an adulterous affair between an Israeli farmer and his Bedouin maid. When the maid escapes her abusive husband to seek refuge by her lover, she starts a chain of events that causes death and destruction. Verete manages to tell powerful stories about real life in Israel beyond the war where two different cultures clash on daily basis. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Mar Adentro (The Sea Inside)

The versatile director Alejandro Amenábar (Open Your Eyes, The Others) brings the powerful story of Ramón Sampedro who fought for 30 years to die with dignity after an accident left paralyzed. Amenábar manages to bring the story without over doing it and lets his actors tell the story. Javier Bardem gives a tour-de-force performance but the whole cast is absolutely fantastic down to the small but crucial parts. Amenábar goes beyond giving simple answers and asks bigger questions and leave the audience to draw their own conclusion. The film is inspiring and heart breaking. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Man on Wire

A riveting and hugely entertaining documentary about the "artistic crime of the century" by James Marsh (Wisconsin Death Trip & The King). Young wire-walker Philippe Petit dreamed of walking on wire between the twin towers the moment he heard they were going be built. While waiting for the construction to end, Philippe managed to walk on wire on other famous structures such as the Notre Dame church in Paris and the bridge in Sydney. Along with strangers as accomplices he planned for eight months before walking and dancing on wire between the tallest buildings in the world on August 7th, 1974. A tale stranger than fiction about the power of dreams is brought to screen to perfection by Marsh by using archival footage, interview with key members and re-enactments that unfolds like a heist film that beats a lot of films of the genre. Another proof that documentaries are king and they don't have to be dry or about a serious subject matter. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Cidade Baixa (Lower City)

Walter Salles produced Sérgio Machado's steamy drama about a Ménage à trois in Cidade Baixa. Lifelong friends Deco and Naldinho pick up exotic dancer Karinna for a ride in their boat where both men fall in love with her. Karinna's inability to chose one of the men threatens to destroy their friendship and lives. Powerful performances and stunning cinematography are the highlights of this exciting film from Brazil under assured direction of Machado. Alice Braga (City of God, Redbelt & Blindness) delivers her best performance in this film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Pathfinder

A well done genre film for pure entertainment that should be taken as face value. If you looking for more depth or historical accuracy, then the film will fail you. It's above average compared to similar films of the genre. The material has enough potential for greater depth such as the Vikings exploration into the new world or survival of Europeans amongst the Indians but the filmmaker opt for style instead of substance which is fine if that's what you are looking for. Karl Urban who showed great potential in "The Price of Milk" but has chosen action fare instead after he appeared in the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy makes a fine hero and has everything the role requires for. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis

Actor, writer and director Dany Boon delivers a hilarious comedy that goes beyond the laughs. The film deals with stereotypes and misconceptions, in this case a region of France. While the films true humor and comedy lies in the language, the story is universal enough that non-French speaking audiences will appreciate, specially through the superb performances by Boon and Kad Merad. The French always managed to bring accurate and believable characters that Hollywood most of the time fails due to the use of a predictable formula. Kad Merad plays a postal officer who in order to please his nagging wife, forges forgery to be transferred to a more desirable location in the south of France. However the plan fails and he's sent to the far north of France where everybody seems to have an opinion about without ever been there. Boon's funny script, comedic timing and swift directing proves to be a winning formula. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

El Orfanato (The Orphanage )

Juan Antonio Bayona takes familiar elements of a horror story and turn it into a psychological thriller with heart that thrills as well. The film has a lot in common with Alejandro Amenábar's "The Others". Belén Rueda gives a powerful performance as a mother who returns to the orphanage of her childhood where she had happy memories. However upon her return she discovers some dark secrets that eluded her as a child. Also her young son makes some friends that she believes to be imaginary. Guillermo del Toro served as a producer to make sure everything goes right and it does indeed. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.