A Woman Under the Influence

The magnificent Gena Rowlands gives one of her greatest performances in writer and director John Cassavetes' masterpiece that's astounding in every way. An unstable woman with slight mental problem is pushed over the edge by her loving but uneducated husband. Rowlands' heartbreaking performance is greatly helped by an equally powerful performance by Peter Falk. Raw and intense and without a false note Cassavetes masterfully peels at the complex relationship of the family and their social network in this beautiful classic. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Ruling Class

Director Peter Medak's outrageous and biting take on the British upper class based on the play by Peter Barnes who also adapted it for the screen. In this dark comedy with a good dose of musical, Peter O'Toole gives an outstanding performance as the aristocrat with a delusion of grandeur that literally goes from Jesus Christ to Jack the Ripper after he inherits a family fortune. Medak and Barnes take scathing blows on the ruling class with class and humor. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Yi Yi

Writer and director Edward Yang's profound masterpiece starts with a wedding and ends with a funeral with everything else happening in between when a family deals with the joys and tribulations of life in Taipei. Masterfully written and directed with memorable characters full of heart and humor giving insight to their lives thanks to a talented cast and crew that makes this film an absolute delight to experience. The staggering accomplishment remained the swan song for Yang who passed away in 2007. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Dying Gaul

Writer Craig Lucas makes an impressive debut as a director with this film about a writer who unknowingly enters a dangerous love triangle between a film executive and his wife. A well written film despite minor flaws about the seductive world of Hollywood where dreams are made and broken at the cost of somebody's life. Lucas meticulously weaves a web of deceit and intrigue with chilling results with a solid cast that includes Peter Sarsgaard, Patricia Clarkson and Campbell Scott. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

United States of Leland

There's a lot of missed opportunities in writer and director Matthew Ryan Hoge's film with an all star cast who clearly overwhelmed the director who seems as lost as the lead character play by Ryan Gosling. After a senseless crime families of the victim and the murderer try to cope with consequences of the tragedy while a teacher at the detention center tries to find the motive behind the crime which he could for his writing. All the characters are two dimensional which shows in the performances of the otherwise impressive cast including Don Cheadle and Kevin Spacey who serves as one of the producers. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Once Upon a Time in the West

Italian master Sergio Leone's definite masterpiece is epic in every way that's also one of the greatest films about the wild West where three different men meet their fate in a desolate place where the past and future cross with a beautiful woman caught in between. Beautifully written, directed, filmed in stunning locations with memorable performance and a legendary score by Ennio Morricone. Leone gets every detail right and shows how the West must have, a tough and brutal place where people came from all over the world for a better future. The stellar cast includes Henry Fonda in one of his greatest roles along with Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Jason Robards in memorable performance. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Picture Bride

Writer and director Kayo Hatta's only feature is a passionate tribute to her grandmothers and all the women who were picture brides who traveled from Japan to Hawaii for a better life. A sumptuous tale of a Japanese girl who travels to Hawaii only to find that her husband to be is twice her age. Determined she works hard to return back home but fate has other plans for her when she finally accepts her new found home and love. Youki Kudoh stars with the strong support of Tamlyn Tomita and the legendary Toshirô Mifune in his last film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

I Was Born, But...

This silent classic by Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu is a delight to watch. The tale of two brothers coming of age concerns the siblings dealing with school and neighborhood bullies only to find to their shock that their father is only an ordinary guy in the film's most touching and profound sequence. All the Ozu trademarks are in display including the simple story that deals with a timeless issue that every family deals with regardless of their origin. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Nine Lives

Writer and director Rodrigo García gives brief glimpses into the lives of nine women dealing with life, each in their way whether it's a lost love, disease, family or connection. While each story provides insight to these women thanks to the performances of the actresses featured in each segment, one wishes certain stories would have been longer than others but García's concept in general succeeds in what it tries to do. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Night on Earth

Writer and director Jim Jarmusch hits all the right notes with this five humorous tales set in taxis at the same time in five cities (LA, NY, Paris, Rome and Helsinki) that pays tribute to the cities and particular filmmakers he admires by using actors who are associated with them such as Gena Rowlands, Giancarlo Esposito, Isaach De Bankolé, Roberto Benigni and Matti Pellonpää. In each segment Jarmush has found unique stories that fits the host cities well and the actors showcase their talents to perfection. The supporting cast is good as well from Winona Ryder to Armin Mueller-Stahl and Béatrice Dalle. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Heights

A pretentious yarn set in the glamorous world of New York that fails to offer anything new or revealing despite a talented and attractive cast. Glenn Close stars an acclaimed actress who's not happy about her photographer daughter's relationship with a closeted gay lawyer. The film has noble intentions that gets derailed early on and never manages to deeper than the surface. Amongst the ensemble cast, only James Marsden manages to bring some depth but is short handed by the script and direction. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Elegy

Spanish director Isabel Coixet's best film after her stunning "My Life Without Me " thanks to powerful performances by Penélope Cruz and Ben Kingsley. The story of an elderly writer who falls in love with his beautiful student that changes them forever. Coixet and team successfully explore generational and gender differences on anxieties about life, love and other serious topics. The supporting cast is equally powerful thanks to Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Householder

This modest film marks the debut of one of cinema's greatest collaborations when director James Ivory, producer Ismael Merchant and writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala made their first film and delivered many classics over four decades that established the Merchant-Ivory brand for excellence. The story about the troubles of newlyweds who have to get to know each other after a rocky arranged marriage. Legendary Indian director Satyajit Ray was a mentor for the young team and provides his stellar team to work on the film. The film stars Bollywood star Shashi Kapoor in the leading role and veteran actress Durga Khote as his mother. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Petulia

British director Richard Lester united the stellar Julie Christie and George C. Scott for this experimental film set right before 60's cultural movement was about to change the world (look for Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead). The story about a married socialite who falls in love with a divorced doctor told in non-linear structure with flashbacks and flash forwards was ground breaking for a mainstream film with major stars that makes the film a classic besides a perfect time capsule of a bygone era with its icons and signature style. The strong supporting cast includes Richard Chamberlain, Shirley Knight and Joseph Cotten. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

2 or 3 Things I Know About Her

Legendary French director Jean-Luc Godard dared to go places nobody else ever dreamed before him or failed miserably after. In this stunningly beautiful film he explores prostitution on many levels from literal to commercial and ideological interpretations that plagues the Western civilization specially American influences. The film has a distinct pop art feel with dominant primary colors. The film is rich on ideas and symbolism that will disappoint those looking for a traditional narrative and entertainment. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Vénus Beauté Institut

Writer and director Tonie Marshall's delightful film set at a Parisian beauty salon where women of different ages and classes meet for beauty treatment and share life experiences including love and heart break. Nathalie Baye stars as the beautician who looks for love in the wrong places. The supporting cast includes veterans actors Bulle Ogier, Robert Hossein, Emmanuelle Riva and Micheline Presle as well as actresses Audrey Tautou and Mathilde Seigner before their breakout as stars of their own. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Down in the Valley

A stunning achievement for writer and director David Jacobson on many levels with a stellar cast and crew. The story of two teenagers who fall under the spell of a charismatic stranger who's not what he seems to be. Jacobson brilliantly uses the San Fernando Valley location that helps him blending several genres seamlessly to glorious heights. The stunning Evan Rachel Wood and Edward Norton deliver one of their best performances with an equally powerful supporting cast including David Morse and Rory Culkin. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

FESTIVAL 10: NY, AFI & London Film Festivals

This three prestigious festivals have a lot in common besides their key locations and timing which is at the end of the year. This festivals celebrate the best in cinema world wide by having the best from around the world including Cannes, Berlin and Venice festivals but also premieres from Hollywood that use it as their launching pad for award season. Many of the films presented at these festival have won and will win more awards including the biggest of them all, the Academy Awards where the road leads to. For more info:

46th NY Film Festival ,
52nd London Film Festival,
22nd AFI FEST

Wall Street

Oliver Stone's follow up to his smashing "Platoon" holds up as a time capsule for the 80's in all of its glory and the performance of Michael Douglas. The story of greed at its epicenter where a young broker is ready to sell his soul for fame and fortune. Michael Douglas shines as the master of greed and his performance is the only one that stands the test of time and saved the film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Bug

Veteran director William Friedkin (The Exorcist & The French Connection) bounces back after a decade or so with this disturbing film about a schizophrenic man who finds the perfect match with an abused and unstable woman that derails them to insanity. Michael Shannon and Ashley Judd are fine as the couple in question. The film works well as a claustrophobic chamber drama that sheds light on mental state of schizophrenic where the line between reality and imagination is severely blurred with devastating consequences. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Law Abiding Citizen

An action packed ride that works on pure entertainment level with many plot holes and thrills but falls short at the end. A revenge tale taken to new heights about a man who sets out to get the criminals, their lawyer and everybody else involved with case after his wife and child are brutally murdered. Gerard Butler who produced and stars, fits the role of the brilliant villain who's too good to be true and Jamie Foxx is the DA he's after. YRCinema's coverage of films in release.

FESTIVAL 9: Pusan, South Korea

The most important festival in Asia which makes it the number one stop for Asian Cinema. The festival is relatively new but gained a lot of recognition due to the strength of Asian Cinema that continues to deliver some of best films and trends in cinema today. The festival has a variety of programs but the most important one is the New Currents which showcases new films from Asia.

For more info: http://www.piff.org

Coco Avant Chanel

The definitive film about one of the most influential women of the 20Th century that's perfect fit for its star Audrey Tautou like one of Chanel's creations. Writer and director Anne Fontaine hits all the right notes with this character study. Benoît Poelvoorde and Alessandro Nivola give outstanding performances as the two men that helped Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel to liberate women and change the way women dressed forever. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Rififi

A brilliant masterpiece by writer and director Jules Dassin set with a dazzling effect in the city of lights, Paris. A group of criminals plan a perfect heist only to fall victim to a stupid human error that has deadly consequences for everybody involved. Dassin made one of the greatest crime films ever made with a perfect script, cast and crew that takes your breath away from the beginning to its dazzling and dizzying finale. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Pickup on South Street

Samuel Fuller's film-noir classic is a perfect film that still holds up. The story about a petty criminal who pickpockets the wrong purse that includes a micro film to be sold to the Russians which makes the traitors, police and the federal agents chasing him. Fuller wrote and directed this masterpiece set during the Cold War that's just riveting from the beginning till the end. Brilliant writing with superb performances makes this gritty thriller a must-see for all film-noir fans. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Naked Kiss

Pulp fiction at its best by Samuel Fuller who wrote and directed this stunning classic. The story of a prostitute who tries to change her life in a small town when her past catches up with her. It starts with a riveting opening sequence and never lets down for its sheer exuberance of blending noir elements, melodrama and even musical to tell a daring story. Fuller's women are as tough as the guys. Constance Towers is perfect as the heroine, tough and elegant at the same time. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Now, Voyager

The magnificent Bette Davies gives a tour-de-performance in this classic melodrama that's also one of the best romantic films ever made. Davies plays a spinster who escapes her monster of a mother thanks to a psychiatrist and blossoms into a ravishing beauty who finds love and heartbreak in life. Beautifully written complex story is one of the best Hollywood ever made with a stellar cast that includes the ever reliable Claude Rains and the dashing Paul Henreid. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Hurt Locker

Kathryn Bigelow (Blue Steel, Point Break & Strange Days) returns to top form after more than a decade delivering her best with this riveting action thriller set during the Iraq war. The story about an elite bomb squad paving the way for the army works on many levels where other films about the war failed. Bigelow and writer Mark Boal gets you from the first moment into the heart of the war that's intense and electrifying at the same time. Jeremy Renner, Antony Mackie and Brian Geraghty are perfect as the members of team while Guy Pearce and Ralph Fiennes provide solid support. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Wendy and Lucy

Director Kelly Reichardt's heartbreaking and powerful film is one of the best American films of recent years without a false beat that's just breath taking in its simplicity and message. Michelle Williams gives an outstanding performance as a lonely woman on her way to Alaska when her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere that leaves her and her dog stranded. Reichardt and Williams achieve a remarkable authenticity that's a bliss to experience. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

He's Just Not That Into You

This romantic comedy looks at the state of things concerning love and romance among the opposite sexes where people either look for love or about to loose it if they have it. The talented and effective cast make the film work. Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Connelly and Jennifer Aniston are at the center of story working in a office where the former is guided but the latter two how to read guys and their intentions while they issues of their own with their respective partners. Director Ken Kwapis has a keen eye for the story and casting which makes for an entertaining film with an happy ending. The cast includes Ben Affleck, Justin Long, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson in suitable roles to their talents. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Stop-Loss

Director Kimberly Peirce's powerful film which she co-wrote takes a closer look at the Stop-Loss policy of the Bush administration which prevented soldiers to leave the military and forced them to return to war. Ryan Philippe delivers his performance as Sergent Brandon King who after losing several members of his team during an ambush in Iraq hopes to get out of the military, only to find out about the new policy which he tries to fight without much hope and only two options to either return to hell or become a deserter. The film cuts too close to bone and leaves you angry how the government failed those military people in every possible way. The talented cast includes Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Victor Rasuk and Abbie Cornish giving outstanding performances. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Valkyrie

There's no reason whatsoever that this film was made with Tom Cruise and mostly British cast because at this time and age Germany has all the talent to have made this film which would have given the story much more credibility and authenticity. Never-the-less it was made to tell the little known story of an almost successful attempt to assassinate Hitler. Until a decade ago or so this kind of film making would have been totally acceptable but it feels outdated despite every body's best intentions. With the largely capable British cast, it's hard to imagine it takes place in Germany and only Thomas Kretschmann seems right in place which is a shame considering the potential of the project. Unlike Stephen Daldry's "The Reader", this should have made with a German cast if not crew. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Perfume

German director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) makes an effective film out of Patrick Süskind bestselling novel. The fantastic but preposterous story about a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who wants to create the ultimate perfume that involves the killing of virgins. Tykwer brings his usual meticulous sense of style that fits the subject matter well and introducing Ben Whishaw as the lead who pulls off the difficult role. Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman provide an international appeal to the project. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Idiots and Angels

Animator Bill Plympton wrote, directed and produced this wicked animation that's a unique piece which stands out for its vision and humor. The story concerns a morally corrupt man who turns into an angel against his will with hilarious consequences that examines human nature. Beautifully hand drawn film is unlike anything out there which is utterly original and refreshing. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The General

Buster Keaton at his best in this silent classic set during the civil war. Keaton wrote, directed and stars a man in love with his locomotive and the girl of his dreams. However his fiancee expects him to enlist in the war which he tries but is refused since he's needed to to run the locomotive which causes his love and in-laws to suspect him as a coward. When the Union spies steals his beloved machine and his girl, he sets out to liberate them both. Beautifully written, filmed and acting makes this classic timeless. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Sanjuro

Akira Kurosawa followed his masterpiece "Yojimbo" with this stunning and highly entertaining classic film with Toshirô Mifune reprising his character once again. This time around the Samurai, Sanjuro finds himself at the center of a conspiracy where he has to use his wits to outsmart the villains again. Kurosawa and Mifune takes us on ride that's utterly a joy to watch from begin to the end. Tatsuya Nakadai co-stars as the villain who's an equal rival to Mifune's hero. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Deuces Wild

A predictable formula film that Hollywood has done over and over again that has there's hardly any new ground left for exploration from "Rebel Without a Cause" to " A Bronx Tale". So it's unfortunate that this film got make in the first place but even more that nobody even bothered to do anything about it. The story about two brothers growing up while fighting a rivaling gang in the same neighborhood when one of the brothers falls in love with the wrong girl. The cast includes Stephen Dorff and Brad Renfro as the brothers and Norman Reedus as their arch enemy. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

New York, I Love You

This film works surprisingly well on the whole concept rather than parts after the similar "Paris, je t'aime" failed on the whole where only few of the shorts impressed. The second round does not have the same caliber of directors from the first project attached but their vision fits better in their valentine to the city that never sleeps instead of trying hard to bring their signature style to the project. The film is a cinematic love poem to New York and its people played by a stellar cast of veterans and newcomers. Anybody looking for something more in depth, should revisit the works of Scorsese and Allen because that kind of expectation would be misplaced. If you want just a ride and what talent got involved and which famous star pops on screen at any given time and whether or not they make an impression, then you will enjoy this. It proves why some actors and actresses are greater than others. One thing the film got right about New York is that it's a city full of surprises and your prejudices about its people doesn't always work which makes it one of the unique places in the world. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Floating Weeds

Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu remade one of his earlier classics in glorious color at the peak of his career. The timeless story set in the world of a theater troupe, concerns an aging actor who returns to small coastal town where he hopes to settle down with a former lover and son he left behind years earlier. After his mistress and fellow actress finds his behavior suspicious, she sets in motion a plan that causes heartbreak all around. Legendary Japanese cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa (Rashomon, Ugetsu & Yojimbo) helps Ozu with his vision which allowed him to work with another master of the Japanese cinema. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Somers Town

British director Shane Meadows follow up to his smashing "This Is England" fails giving the high expectations but the film itself has modest goals which it pulls off nicely. The story about a friendship between two lonely boys from totally different backgrounds, one a homeless British boy, the other a Polish boy who has a hard time adjusting in the strange land. The film reunites Meadows with Thomas Turgoose, the star of his previous film which forces Meadows to focus on the boys too much, while neglect the most interesting character in the film which is the struggling father of the Polish boy who as the single father has bigger problems to juggle with. The biggest problem with the film is the happy ending which feels forced and convenient. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

To Live and Die in LA

William Friedkin (The French Connection & The Exorcist) delivered with this hyper kinetic action thriller. The story of an agent whose hunt for a counterfeiter derails him when he crosses ethical lines. Willem Dafoe in star making performance as the villain that would lead to many others while William Petersen gave his best performance as the agent in question. Friedkin co-wrote and directed this classic film which still holds up well with some of the most breath taking action sequences ever captured on film as he did with his masterpiece "The French Connection". YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Towelhead

Writer Alan Ball (American Beauty, Six Feet Under) makes his directing debut with this provocative film that's brave in every aspect, specially all the actors involved but falls short in its treatment which is a shame. Where Alan Ball the writer succeeds with material, the director fails to find the right tone. The story of an half Lebanese girl who discovers her sexuality without her parents care falls prey to her next door neighbor and a classmate. The story needs a precise guidance for the actors and the audience for which Ball is totally the wrong director. The actors get high marks for their fearless performances, specially Summer Bishil as the lead and Aaron Eckhart as the neighbor. Toni Collette is solid as always. Peter Macdissi as the father never finds the right balance because Ball fails him more than the others in a difficult performance. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Citizen Kane

A cinematic tour-de-force by Orson Welles who co-wrote, produced, directed and starred in it while taking the medium to new heights that remains one of the greatest and influential films ever made given its technical and artistic accomplishments. The story of a young boy who becomes one of the richest and powerful man in the world but realizes too late that happiness has nothing to do with either of them. Welles changed cinema by using every aspect of the medium to glorious heights that was never as expressive before or after, from the writing, cinematography, editing, sound, production design, performance and many other aspects. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Niloofar

Editor Sabine El Gemayel made her writing and directing debut with this powerful story about a teenage girl who's sold by her father for a piece of land. Though the story is set at a village at the border of Iraq and Iran, the story is a common one in the Muslim world where young girls are traded like cattle. Niloofar is a lively young girl who helps her mid-wife mother but wants to go to school and become a doctor. After a local landlord sets his eyes on the young girl, he offers her father a deal he can't refuse. Everybody consents to the deal but Niloofar and her uncle who's worried for her sake and embark on a dangerous journey that could endanger their lives. El Gemayel makes a stunning debut with a talented cast and crew. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Red Cliff

Chinese director John Woo returned to China after a decade in Hollywood for this astonishing epic that also marks a return to top form for the director. The story of one of the greatest battles in Chinese history and the world. The film was originally released in two parts in Asia but Woo made one version for the West that still enthralls. It has to be seen to be believed as Woo pulls off a magnificent film full of amazing battles with a stellar cast and crew. The film stars Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Fengyi Zhang and Chen Chang amongst other in memorable roles. What could have been easily a mess becomes a poetic film about the art of war that goes far beyond with dazzling results. It proves that Woo excels where he belongs. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Autumn Sonata

Ingrid Bergman and Ingmar Bergman, two giants of cinema collaborated for this chamber drama about a mother and daughter. Ingrid Bergman plays a famous pianist who has abandoned her daughters for her career visits her daughter after a long absence where sparks fly when they confront each other. The stunning Ingrid Bergman proves her worth in her last feature film in acting in her native language by her namesake and equally stellar director that marks a union in cinematic heaven. Liv Ullman holds her own in the triangle while Sven Nykvist does his usual best. The film also stars Lena Nyman (I Am Curios) and longtime Bergman regular Erland Josephson. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Rudo y Cursi

The first film from Cha Cha Cha Films, the production company of Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro reunites Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna. The story of sibling rivalry between two brothers who become soccer stars written and directed by Carlos Cuarón. The comedy works well because of its stars and the fun they are having while poking fun at themselves and perils of celebrity. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Factory Girl

To some extent an appropriately superficial film that chronicles the rise and fall of a poor rich girl, Edie Sedgwick, who became one of the muses of Andy Warhol and the lover of Bob Dylan before being abandoned by both. There's more style than substance to the film while the former is well done, the latter is not which raises many questions, specially about the relationship to Dylan. Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce as Andy Warhol are perfect as the leads but are somewhat limited because of the screenplay that focuses too much on the superficial. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.