The Syrian Bride

Israeli director Eran Riklis' first smashing collaboration with Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass is the heart breaking story of a Druze family in an occupied village on the Israel/Syria border. The people in the village are caught between in the politics of the countries and have to obey to the inhuman rules that separates families. When the family members come together to marry and send their daughter to Syria, they have to face and endure humiliation from the authorities. Riklis shows great compassion for the people in this outstanding film that puts a human face to the well known conflict. An excellent cast and crew make this film unforgettable. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Deception

It's hard to imagine what attracted the talented cast to this predictable and weak thriller that the increasingly versatile Hugh Jackman produced and stars along with Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams. The story of an timid accountant who's lured into the world of a dubious and slick lawyer with a devious plan. Jackman shines as the bad guy but can't save the weak screenplay and direction. The stunning Charlotte Rampling has a brief role but is wasted like the rest of the talented cast and crew. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Dancer Upstairs

John Malkovich made his stunning directing debut with this ambitious political thriller set in Latin America about a detective who chases an elusive terrorist while reluctantly falling in love with a dancer. Javier Bardem and Laura Morante star as the leads along with an excellent cast and crew. Malkovich and writer Nicholas Shakespeare create a credible world with fully developed characters that's never out of sync that never predictable and full of excitement. Beautifully filmed on exotic locations and timely subject matter that's more relevant than ever. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Silk

Taiwanese writer and director Su Chao-Bin manages to blend several genres such Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama and Thriller into one but it doesn't always succeed. The story about a team of scientists who have managed to capture a deadly ghost seek the help of a detective to help them with the mystery. The film starts well but gets derailed when Chao-Bin loses focuses with the many characters and subplot that could go into any direction given the genres involved. Chang Chen stars as the gifted but troubled detective but he and the talented cast can't help the inherent problems in the script. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Beaufort

This excellent war film is another example of the golden age of Israeli Cinema co-written and directed by Joseph Cedar about the last days of occupation of the Beaufort fort in Lebanon. The haunting and riveting film shows the immense psychological pressure on the soldiers who fight an invisible enemy while fighting a never ending war where positions are heavily fought for and easily abandoned. Oshri Cohen shines as the hotheaded young commander who has to make some tough choices that comes with a heavy price. Cedar and his excellent cast and crew give an intense and realistic view on war that's universal and timeless regardless on which side you are. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Still Life

In this dazzling film, director Jia Zhang Ke takes film making to new heights that has to be experienced. The film blends documentary, drama and video installation to reflect on the frightening pace towards modernization in rural China at the expense of millions of people. Zhang Ke focuses on two people to show the devastating consequences that progress has brought. The film is also a meditation on the destructive powers of humans on their environment that's has been increasing rapidly over the last century. The cinematography by Nelson Yu Lik-Wai of the stunning locations is one of the highlights of this masterpiece. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Port of Shadows

French master Marcel Carné directed this classic film about several lonely characters with dubious pasts that cross paths at a port town. Their past haunts them like the heavy fog from the sea that's suffocating the town. French legend Jean Gabin stars as an army deserter looking to escape far away when he falls for the local beauty played by the ravishing Michèle Morgan. A small dog holds his own among the superb cast. This classic from the golden age of French cinema still holds up and shows the complete vision of a master at work. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Le Notti Bianche

Italian master Luchino Visconti gave Marcello Mastroianni his first leading role in this smashing film based on the short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky about two lonely people who have found and lost love, though not at the same time. Visconti and his excellent team of frequent collaborators that includes writer Suso Cecchi d'Amico, DP Giuseppe Rotunno, composer Nino Rota and designer Piero Tosi have created another impeccable masterpiece that still breathtaking and has not lost one bit of its power with a timeless tale. The cast includes Austrian actress Maria Schell and French legend Jean Marais. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

La Commare Secca

Bernardo Bertolucci made his debut as a promising writer and director based on a story by Pier Paolo Pasolini with whom he worked on his directing debut "Accattone." The story unfolds as different suspects are interrogated to solve the murder of a prostitute. The style is reminiscent of Akira Kurosawa's "Rashômon" but Bertolucci/Pasolini use the multiple views to make a social commentary on how unemployed young males are on the verge of committing a criminal act including robbing and killing a prostitute for petty cash. The eternal city of Rome is prominently featured that has influenced many of the great Italian masters including Bertolucci. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Calcutta

The complexity and uniqueness of Calcutta where life and death clashes more than anywhere in India made Louis Malle to separate it from his Phantom India film. This film is more intense and shocking that it's hard to watch at times. Malle's usual keen eye doesn't shy away to show us what he sees without any censorship. The film gives a glimpse of the complexity of the country that has lured many and continues to fascinate. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Phantom India

The mystery and complexity of India has been captured in this dazzling documentary by the brilliant Louis Malle and team. Without any preconceived idea they got lost in the immensity of the great country that's impossible to describe in simple terms. While some of the images seems familiar, there's as many foreign and strange. India has always captured the imagination of many for centuries and continues to do. While there's constant changes, many things remain unchanged by time. A country of many ethnicity's, religions and the ever complex caste system. Malle manages to give us his impressions and insight as he sees them that's fascinating and informative. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Human, Too Human

Louis Malle brought his keen eye to observe real people in three documentaries that are also unique time capsules of a bygone era. The first film is called "Vive le Tour" about the Tour de France provides an intimate view of the world famous event with many peculiar practises that seem naive but rather charming compared to how the event has changed since. Among the odd practises are the athletes grabbing alcoholic beverages to drink or literally being pushed by locals up the mountains. The second is the strongest which is called "Humain, trop humain" set at an assembly line of Renault car factory where men and women work on different parts from the begin to end of a car. There's minimal dialog with ambient sound of the factory where the faces provide insight to a fascinating and strange world that's only a little more than three decades old. The last film is called "Place de la République" where we see Malle and his crew interview several pederastions and street vendors about life that's set in an specific time yet timeless of the human condition. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Les Amants

The stellar Jeanne Moreau reunited with director Louis Malle after their smash hit "Elevator to the Gallows" that made her into an undisputed star in this dream of a film. The ravishing Moreau plays a married women who falls in love unexpectedly despite seeking it. Malle masterfully sets up the story that when love happens, you are swept by it as are the characters on screen. Gloriously filmed stunning locations and scored with the music of Brahms besides the attractive and impeccable cast. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Fire Within

The ever versatile French master Louis Malle made his most personal and dark film with this masterpiece about the last 48 hours in the life of disillusioned and depressed writer who visits his past before committing suicide. Maurice Ronet gives the performance of his life as the haunted writer that's pitch perfect and devastating. Malle manages the impossible to capture depression on screen like never before or after. The haunting music of Erik Satie and the glorious cinematography of Paris by Ghislain Cloquet take the film to new heights. The excellent cast includes Jeanne Moreau and Alexandra Stewart that make this elegant film a classic. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Burning Plain

Writer Guillermo Arriaga (Amores Perros, 21 Grams & Babel) directing debut fails to live up to his collaborations with director Alejandro González Iñárritu. The story of an illicit and interracial affair that has devastating consequences for all involved. Using his signature of non-linear story-telling as his previous work doesn't really work here and feels somewhat forced that also affects the strong performances by Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

The Wackness

Writer and director Jonathan Levine's uneven off-beat comedy tries too hard to be cool. The story set in 1994, New York is about the friendship between a young drug dealer and his psychiatrist. The coming of age story works only partially but the problem lies with the connection of the central characters that doesn't always ring true. Josh Peck does a fine job as the protagonist, Luke but his character is too far-fetched to be credible. The same goes for Ben Kingsley who looks like a doctor down on his luck but has a hot wife and killer apartment that lacks again credibility. The film comes alive with the arrival of Olivia Thirlby who plays the shrinks step-daughter with whom Luke falls in love. The scenes between Peck and Thirlby are the best in the film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Duel in the Sun

One of the few Westerns with a central female character, shot on stunning locations with a superb cast. Jennifer Jones stars as Pearl Chavez, a half-breed woman who's sent to live with her wealthy but distant relatives where she's courted by the two very different sons, an educated lawyer and a cowboy. At the Ranch she struggles with her identity as she's partially accepted by the family. The issue of racism explored through the forbidden love story; while Pearl can be the mistress, she can't be married into the family that leads to the dramatic conclusion. Gregory Peck shines among the excellent cast that includes Lionel Barrymore, Lilian Gish and Joseph Cotten amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Liam

Stephen Frears' devastating look at how the violent forces of poverty and religion rips apart a British family through the eyes of their young son during the Depression. Powerful writing and superb direction along with fine performances make the film a standout. The lead performance of Anthony Borrows as the title character is just outstanding among the pros such as Ian Hart and Anne Reid. Frears is one the few directors that consistently delivers great work regardless of the genre. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Bridesmaid

French master Claude Chabrol who's one of the few directors of French New Wave that still works and delivers consistently good films. In this great psychological character study French star Benoît Magimel plays Philippe, a good looking and hard working young man who's beloved by his family and boss that falls in love with his sister's disturbed bridesmaid. Chabrol as always meticulously shows the characters develop in their environment before pulling the "rug under your feet" to the shocking conclusion. An excellent cast that includes besides Magimel, Laura Smet and Aurore Clément in equally great roles. The French films do character studies like no other which Chabrol is a master. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Karl Malden 1912 - 2009

Brideshead Revisited

Director Julian Jarrold's lackluster adaptation of the classic Evelyn Waugh novel fails to capture the complex themes that the classic TV series brilliantly captured. Instead we get quick highlights that fails to make any impression at all. The story set before the WW II about an impressionable young British artist whose friendship and love with an aristocratic siblings changes his life forever. The hot and young cast that includes Matthew Goode (Match Point) and Ben Whishaw (Bright Star) also fail to make any impression while the veterans Emma Thompson and Michael Gambon manage to make the most of their brief scenes. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Memories of Murder

Korean writer and director Bong (The Host, Mother) Joon-ho's thriller based on actual events established his reputation as one of Korea's best directors. The story about Korea's first serial killer and the inefficiency of the small town cops are told with a great skill that's never predictable and riveting until the end. Featuring another outstanding performance by Song Kang-ho (The Host, Secret Sunshine, Thirst) that's one of the highlights of this impeccably layered and complex film that's shows the confident approach of Bong Joon-ho. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Public Enemies

A huge disappointment considering the talent involved in this overblown film that includes director Michael Mann and actors Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard. The biggest problem is the uninspired script with no character development or tension that's full of cliches that even the top talent can't save. Furthermore Mann's choices to use HD instead of film backfires despite the capable lensing by ace cinematographer Dante Spinotti and heavy use of music that's rather annoying. The more than capable cast make the film better than it is. The depression era has been well covered by Hollywood in much better films such as "Bonnie & Clyde," "The Untouchables," and most recently "Road to Perdition" that this film doesn't break any new ground. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Army of Shadows

Jean-Pierre Melville's terrific homage to the men and women of French Resistance during the WW II is as thrilling as any of his films. The films shows the great risks taken and high price paid by many before the defeat of the Nazis. The film builds slowly showing the different characters performing extraordinary feats against a vicious and smart enemy before ending with a bang that will leave you shell shocked. The film is as real as it gets without ever getting sentimental showing the great contribution of the army of shadows that consisted of many ordinary people that performed extraordinary tasks. The excellent cast includes Lino Ventura and Simone Signoret amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Letters from Iwo Jima

Clint Eastwood's profound anti-war film is the best of its kind by humanizing the enemy that war always dehumanizes. Eastwood's style perfectly matches the subject matter more than with any of his other films. The film is about the battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective that's Eastwood companion piece to his "The Flags of Our Fathers". The excellent Ken Watanabe stars General Kuribayashi who leads the battle while the equally excellent Kazunari Ninomiya plays a common soldier who's unwillingly fighting and longs to be with his wife and child. The whole cast shines showing that war is hell regardless on which side you are standing. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Seven Men from Now

A terrific Western with a great story and locations that gives insight on the life in the American Frontier. The story of a man who seeks revenge on the men who killed his wife unfolds with great tension that's never predictable and always credible. The characters are well developed and complex that allows for outstanding performances, specially Lee Marvin and Randolph Scott. The film marks the best work of director Budd Boetticher who made many Western films. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Farrah Fawcett 1947 - 2009

L'Eclisse

Italian master filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni concluded his alienation trilogy with this masterpiece that also marked his last film in black and white. Monica Vitti stars Vittoria who ends her long term relationship before finding herself drawn to her mother's stockbroker Piero played by a dashing Alain Delon. Antionioni masterfully observes how humans seek a connection in the modern world cut off from nature. The architecture of Rome serves as a great background that seems to have entrapped everybody. The deserted streets are beautifully haunting. The scenes in the stock exchange provide a great contrast where the brokers and investors seem like caged animals compared to the rest of the silent scenes. Vitti and Delon give captivating performances in this beautiful film. Antonioni finishes the trilogy with a masterful sequence that shows humans disconnection from nature in a sterile environment that's full concrete and asphalt. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Priceless

The ravishing Audrey Tautou perfectly channels Audrey Hepburn perfectly in this excellent romantic comedy by Pierre Salvadori set in the glamorous world of the French Riviera. Tautou plays gold digger Irène who mistakes the bartender of a luxury hotel for a millionaire which leads to both of them falling for each other with hilarious consequences. French-Moroccan comedian Gad Elmaleh is perfect match for Tautou. Salvadori hits all the right notes in this crowd-pleasing and gorgeous looking film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Home

Yann Arthus-Bertrand's stunning documentary provides a unique perspective on our planet through amazing aerial footage from 54 countries around the world. It starts by giving a brief history of the planet before showing how it has been changing drastically in the last 50 years. The signs of trouble are shown in case somebody doesn't trust the statistics or scientists. The bottom line is that we are all interconnected through our planet and it's not too late to act to save it. Besides being one of the best documentaries of the year, it's probably the most important one. We have all the information we need, so if humanity fails to save the planet then it deserves the consequences, specially the 20% that's responsible. Since the message is more important than anything else, it's being shown free on YouTube. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Chéri

After the smashing success of "The Queen", director Stephen Frears reunites with writer Christopher Hampton and Michelle Pfeiffer with whom he did the excellent "Dangerous Liaisons." Superbly written and brilliantly acted, this lavish adaptation is set in the turn of the last century Paris as it was called the "Belle Epoque" which was amongst others the golden age of prostitution where the so called courtesans were the stars of society by having the rich and noble as clients. Michelle Pfeiffer plays the notorious beauty Lea de Lonval who's retiring from her profession but realizing never to have experienced real love. When a former colleague and rival asks her for help with her spoiled son whom Lea has nicknamed Cheri, Lea falls for the young man and fulfilling her last wish. The scenes with Pfeiffer and the amazing Kathy Bates are outstanding but the film belongs to Michelle Pfeiffer who gives her best performance in a decade or so that hopefully will lead to more of the great actress who has been doing too much mediocre work in order to stay near her family. Frears a master at his craft makes another splendid film. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

I Could Never Be Your Woman

Amy Heckerling writes and directs her best work since "Clueless" reuniting with the talented Paul Rudd in a stellar role. Heckerling is taking stabs at Hollywood based on her experiences on TV that are nothing new but Michelle Pfeiffer brings much to the role along with new stunner Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) as her daughter. The three lead actors make the film watchable and raise it above average. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Happening

It's not the worst you would expect from M. Night Shyamalan but it's still a half baked environmental thriller. Shyamalan manages to create some great atmospheric set pieces and the story starts right including the real issues of disappearing bees but he fails to take the story to a higher level instead it has an anti climatic ending which makes it less satisfying. The stars Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deshanel can't help much since their characters aren't well developed either. Shyamalan however manages to stop the quality decline since his "The Sixth Sense" to some degree. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

About Elly

Iranian writer and director Asghar Farhadi breathes new life into Iranian cinema with this thriller about a group of friends whose trip to the Caspian sea turns into a nightmare. Golshifteh Farahani (Body of Lies) stars as Sepideh who invites her colleague Elly (Taraneh Alidoosti) to a weekend trip in the hopes of matching her to a friend. What starts as a pleasant journey ends up as a tragedy where secret and lies threatens Sepideh and her relations to her family and friends. Farhadi along with a talented cast and crew gives a glimpse of contemporary life in Iran besides a terrific film. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Let the Right One In

A stylish and atmospheric film that blends two genres, horror and drama, seamlessly. A lonely and bullied boy befriends his strange new neighbor who turns out to be a vampire. Director Tomas Alfredson manages to move effortlessly between the somber drama to the horrific horror scene that's shocking and refreshing in many ways. Alfredson and his team create a unique environment that makes the story credible which is a rare. The stars of the film are the kids playing Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) and Eli (Lina Leandersson) who carry the film with their astonishing performances. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil

An uplifting and hugely entertaining documentary about one of 1980's up and coming metal bands that never made it to the top but never gave up and kept it together for more than three decades since and still playing. Writer Sacha Gervasi (The Terminal) makes a smashing debut as a director who always strikes the right tone and never loses control. The focus is on lead singer Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner who met when they were 14 and made a pact that they never abandoned despite the harsh realities of life where anybody else would have given up long ago. The film is surprisingly inspiring and makes you root for the band even if you are not into their music. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Azur and Asmar

An absolutely knockout feature animation that provides a fresh alternative to the dominant Hollywood productions besides the Japanese masterworks of Miyazaki thanks to French writer and director Michel Ocelot. The story worthy of one of the "One Thousand and One Nights" tales is about two boys, one European and other Arab whose mother nurses them both before they are torn apart. Years later the two young men set out on adventure inspired by legendary tale of their youth. A rich and original story comes alive meticulously that will enthrall and leave you craving for more. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

UP

A delightful film that will please everybody from six year old to sixty and beyond shows that Pixar is getting better and better with every film without comprising artist integrity or commercial prospects. The rich story is layered enough to offer something for everybody about a elderly man who starts on a journey of lifetime with a young boyscout. The visually stunning film is even better as a 3D experience. The 3D technology is taken to new heights that indicates the new future of experiencing films at the theater which has been dwindling down dramatically over the years. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.