Festival de Cannes 1991 - 2011

FESTIVAL 3: Cannes, France

The mother of all festivals which makes it the most important festival in the world. Actually it's four festivals in one, besides the official competition, there are also Un Certain Regard, the Semaine Internationale de la Critique (Critic's Week) and the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs (Directors' Forthnight). The festival also has the biggest film market including the Producer's Network for upcoming films.

The winners will be decided by the jury that includes Robert DeNiro (President
), Jude Law, Uma Thurman, Olivier Assayas, Martina Gusman, Johnny To, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Nansun Shi and Linn Ullmann.

The Official Competition
Pedro ALMODÓVAR THE SKIN I LIVE IN
Bertrand BONELLO HOUSE OF TOLERANCE
Alain CAVALIER PATER
Joseph CEDAR FOOTNOTE Best Script
Nuri Bilge CEYLAN ONCE UPON A TIME IN ANATOLIA Grand Prix
Jean-Pierre et Luc DARDENNE BOY WITH A BIKE Grand Prix
Michel HAZANAVICIUS THE ARTIST Best Actor
Aki KAURISMÄKI LE HAVRE
Naomi KAWASE HANEZU NO TSUKI
Julia LEIGH SLEEPING BEAUTY
MAÏWENN POLISSE Prix du Jury
Terrence MALICK THE TREE OF LIFE Palme d'Or
Radu MIHAILEANU LA SOURCE DES FEMMES
Takashi MIIKE HARA-KIRI: DEATH OF A SAMURAI
Nanni MORETTI HABEMUS PAPAM
Lynne RAMSAY WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Markus SCHLEINZER MICHAEL
Paolo SORRENTINO THIS MUST BE THE PLACE
Lars VON TRIER MELANCHOLIA Best Actress
Nicolas WINDING REFN DRIVE Best Director

Out of Competition
Woody ALLEN MIDNIGHT IN PARIS OPENING
Xavier DURRINGER LA CONQUÊTE
Christophe HONORÉ LES BIEN-AIMES CLOSING
Jodie FOSTER THE BEAVER
Rob MARSHALL PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
Jafar PANAHI IN FILM NIST
Rebecca TICKELL THE BIG FIX

Special Screenings
Sherif ARAFA 18 JOURS
Frederikke ASPÖCK LABRADOR
Rithy PANH DUCH, LE MAÎTRE DES FORGES DE L'ENFER
Rakesh Omprakash MEHRA BOLLYWOOD
Michael RADFORD MICHEL PETRUCCIANI
Christian ROUAUD TOUS AU LARZAC

Midnight Screenings
CHAN Peter Ho-Sun WU XIA
Everardo GOUT DIAS DE GRACIA

Un Certain Regard
Gus VAN SANT RESTLESS OPENING
Bakur BAKURADZE THE HUNTER
Andreas DRESEN HALT AUF FREIER STRECKE
Bruno DUMONT HORS SATAN
Sean DURKIN MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE
Robert GUÉDIGUIAN LES NEIGES DU KILIMANDJARO
Oliver HERMANUS SKOONHEID
HONG Sangsoo THE DAY HE ARRIVES
Cristián JIMÉNEZ BONSÁI
Eric KHOO TATSUMI
KIM Ki-duk ARIRANG
Nadine LABAKI ET MAINTENANT ON VA OU ?
Catalin MITULESCU LOVERBOY
NA Hong-jin YELLOW SEA
Gerardo NARANJO MISS BALA
Mohammad RASOULOF BÉ OMID É DIDAR
Juliana ROJAS, Marco DUTRA TRABALHAR CANSA
Pierre SCHOELLER L'EXERCICE DE L'ETAT
Ivan SEN TOOMELAH
Joachim TRIER OSLO, AUGUST 31ST
Andrey ZVIAGINTSEV ELENA CLOSING

For more info: Festival de Cannes













Semaine Internationale de la Critique

Opening
Valerie Donzelli, La Guerre est Declaree

50th Anniversary
Eva Ionesco, My Little Princess

Competition
Jeff Nichol, Take Shelter
Delphine & Muriel Coulin, 17 Filles
Justin Kurzel, Snowtown
Hagar Ben Asher, The Slut
Zou Peng, Sauna on Moon
Konstantin Bojanov, Ave
Pablo Giorgelli, Les Acacias Camera D'Or

Out of Competition
Jonathan Caouette, Walk Away Renee

Closing
Katia Lewcowicz, Why are you Crying?

For more info: http://www.semainedelacritique.com/



Quinzaine des Réalisateurs

Competition
Jean-Jacques Jauffret, Apres le sud
Gust Van den Berghe, Blue Bird
Karl Markovics, Breathing
Urszula Antoniak, Code Blue
Alice Rohrwacher, Corpo celeste
Roland Edzard, End of Silence
Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon, Bruno Romy, La Fee (Opening film)
Bouli Lanners, Les Geants (Closing film)
Andre Techine, Impardonnables
Kamen Kalev, The Island
Valerie Mrejen, Iris in Bloom
Philippe Ramos, Joan Captive
Vimukthi Jayasundara, Mushrooms
Karim Ainouz, O abismo prateado
Rebecca Daly, The Other Side of Sleep
Auraeus Solito, Palawan Fate
Ruben Ostlund, Play
Alejandro Landes, Porfirio
Liza Johnson, Return
Leila Kilani, Sur la planche
Runar Runarsson, Volcano

Special Screenings
Stephane Thibault, Isabelle Lavigne, At Night, They Dance
Jerome de Missolz, Des Jeunes gens modernes
Natalia Almada, El Velador
Sion Sono, Guilty of Romance

For more info: http://www.quinzaine-realisateurs.com/

Les Bien-Aimés

French director Christophe Honoré delivers the worst French film in recent memory with this pretentious musical drama. The story of a mother and daughter at different times of their lives as they struggle with love and men. It's shallow film with too many clichés that tries to be profound and meaningful by mentioning serious subjects as AIDS and 9/11 that derails the film. The talented cast including Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni and Ludivine Sagnier can't save the disaster which is a shame. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Polisse

French actress turned writer and director Maïwenn delivers her best work to date with this drama. A photo journalist is assigned to cover a group of Parisian child protection services where she witnesses how their work affect them personally. Maïwenn proves she has what it takes to be a director. Her documentary style fits the compelling story and characters. Aware of the dark subject matter infused it with a great deal of humor and comic relief to strike a balance. The terrific ensemble includes Karin Viard, Frédéric Pierrot, Joey Starr, Marina Foïs, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Karole Rocher, Emmanuelle Bercot and director herself amongst others. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

Turkish writer and director Nuri Bilge Ceylan delivers another stunning film with this existential thriller. A group of law enforcement officers take a criminal to a remote area to locate the body of the victim. Ceylan's assured vision digs beyond the surface of the ordinary police procedure to expose the humanity of its characters. His films are acquired taste but extremely rewarding for those looking for cinema beyond entertainment that addresses the human condition. The talented cast and crew includes Muhammet Uzuner, Yilmaz Erdogan, Taner Birsel as the doctor, detective and prosecutor. Gökhan Tiryaki's cinematography is perfectly in tune with Ceylan's vision. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Source

Romanian writer and director Radu Mihaileanu delivers a well intentioned but misguided film with this political fable. The women in a fictional village go on a sex strike in order to force their men to fetch water from the source which starts a battle of sexes. Mihaileanu's fable set outside his own culture has several problems despite an earnest ambition for peace and understanding. The main problem lies in the script that's all over the place which even the talented cast including Leïla Bekhti, Saleh Bakri, Hafsia Herzi and Hiam Abbass can't save. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Drive

Danish-American writer and director Nicolas Winding Refn delivers his most accomplished and best work to date with this riveting stylish thriller. A stunt driver and mechanic gets involved with his beautiful neighbor which leads him to an heist with serious consequences. Refn and writer Hossein Amini have come up with instant cult classic with a terrific cast and crew. Ryan Gosling defines cool in an iconic role that will define his distinguished career. The outstanding support cast in pitch perfect as well including Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Oscar Isaacs and stalwarts Ron Perlman and Albert Brooks. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Yellow Sea

Korean writer and director Na Hong-jin returns with another heart pounding thriller. A Korean-Chinese cab driver travels to Seoul to look for his wife and gets caught in a murder that has the cops and gangsters chase him. Hong-jin delivers an hyper kinetic action film that's one of the most bloody and violent films to hit the screen as bodies literally pile up. On the story level it's a let down because the violent action overwhelms the film. He reunites with his stars Yun-seok Kim and Jung-woo Ha from his smashing debut "The Chaser." 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

This Must Be The Place

Italian writer and director Paolo Sorrentino makes his first English language film with this coming of age road movie. After the death of his estranged father, a faded pop star returns to the US and continues his father's search for Nazi war criminal. Sorrentino delivers an offbeat drama that's unique and full of wonders with heart and humor. Sean Penn channels The Cure's Robert Smith in another terrific performance with a splendid support cast that includes Frances McDormand and Judd Hirsch. Talking Head's David Byrne appears in a cameo besides providing the title song and score. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

Prolific and versatile Japanese director Takashi Miike returns with another remake of a classic. Out of desperation a Samurai pretends to commit the suicide ritual with devastating consequences. After the smashing "13 Assassins," Miike fails to bring the same magic to the masterpiece by Masaki Kobayashi. It's a rather dull remake in pointless 3D which diminishes the power of the story. It's a misguided film on several levels, specially coming from Miike. The talented cast and crew can't save the film either. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Skin I Live In

Spanish master Pedro Almodóvar delivers another knockout with this dramatic thriller. A brilliant plastic surgeon plans a vicious revenge on the man who raped his daughter. As always Almodóvar aims for more than just story and plot which he does and gets away with like nobody else, he goes back to his early career edge as he reunites with Antonio Banderas whom he made a star. Women always feature prominently in Almodóvar films and it's no exception here, Spanish beauty Elena Anaya gets her due to shine along with veteran Marisa Paredes. Production design, cinematography and music are always top notch in the films of Almodóvar. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Director David Gelb makes his feature debut with this documentary about the legendary Sushi master Jiro Ono. A striking portrait of a man seeking perfection in his work. Gelb shows what lies behind the genius of Jiro whose simple philosophy and ethic are the key ingredients to his legendary Sushi creations that he has passed onto his sons and people around him. Terrific camera and score make this documentary a feast for eyes while dreaming of Sushi. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Melancholia

Danish "enfant terrible" Lars von Trier returns with another visually striking farce. The end of the world through the eyes of two sisters. Structured into two acts, each focusing on the two very different sisters. In the first act the apparently happy marriage of the younger sister literally falls apart before the end of the night while in the second act the two sisters reacting differently as a planet named "Melancholia" is about to collide with the earth. While visually sumptuous featuring glorious music by Richard Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde," it's a rather pointless exercise by an auteur continuing to suffer from depression that affects his works. The leads Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg can't save the film while a stellar supporting cast featuring Charlotte Rampling, John Hurt and Kiefer Sutherland is utterly wasted. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

A Separation

Iranian writer and director Asghar Farhadi continues to impress as he delivers his best work to date with this intricate domestic drama. A couple's separation triggers a chain of events with devastating consequences. Farhadi shows impressive skills with this dazzling tale of domestic and courtroom drama where religion and class divide come to display. Farhadi is perhaps the best Iranian director who offers a glimpse into contemporary Iran despite the increasing restrictions by the government. The talented cast includes Peyman Moaadi, Leila Hatami and Sareh Bayat. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Project Nim

British director James Marsh returns with another riveting documentary that's utterly heartbreaking. The story about an outrageous experiment in the 70's that involved a baby chimpanzee taken away from his mother to be raised by humans who was abused, exploited and abandoned. It's a jaw dropping and brilliant film in many ways as Marsh continues to take the documentary format to new heights. Marsh gets the people involved in project Nim to tell the infuriating story of animal abuse of cruelest kind that's just heartbreaking to watch. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Beaver

Actress Jodie Foster delivers her best work as a director with her third feature. A severely depressed man on the verge of losing his family and business finds help in the form of a beaver hand-puppet. Foster and writer Kyle Killen manage to walk a tightrope in treacherous waters that could have easily misfired. Troubled star Mel Gibson delivers his best performance with solid support from a stellar cast including Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence and Cherry Jones. 1001-Films' coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Le Havre

Finnish writer and director Aki Kaurismäki returns with another off beat comedy. A shoeshiner gets involved to help an illegal African boy while his wife suffers from a terminal disease. Kaurismäki, a master of stylized dead-pan comedy achieves new heights with his most political film that also pays homage to French cinema. French actors André Wilms and Jean-Pierre Darroussin join Kaurismäki regular Kati Outinen with solid performances. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Bonsai

Chilean writer and director Cristian Jimenez delivers a deadpan romantic comedy with his clever sophomore film. A wannabe writer reflects on his best years in life when he met and lost the love of his life. Jimenez cleverly plays his audience and is always a step ahead as he unravels the story where nothing is as it seems. Jimenez gives away even the ending of the film at the beginning which starts the ride and makes the film a worthy one. There's parallels on art, literature and memory when it comes to love in cinema. The talented cast includes Diego Noguera and Nathalia Galgani in the leads. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Where Do We Go Now?

Lebanese writer and director Nadine Labaki returns with a political fable after her stunning debut. A group of Christian and Muslim women try their best to keep the peace in their remote village while danger is lurking to destroy their livelihood. Mixing fairy tale with political message and plenty of heart and humor, Labaki continues to impress as a writer, director and actress. She stars as the lead with a solid ensemble cast. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

House of Tolarance

French writer and director Bertrand Bonello looks back at glory days of prostitution at the turn of century Paris. Several women work at the upscale brothel called L'Apollonide where they are trapped by debt despite their wealthy clients. Bonello's film is feast for the eyes but poorly written that none of the characters make any impact. It's a shallow take on the oldest trade which has lost its Belle Epoque glamour but not its dangers. The talented cast including Hafsia Herzi, Noémie Lvovsky and Louis-Do de Lencquesaing are used as props without any character development whatsoever. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Tree of Life

Legendary writer and director Terrence Malick delivered his fifth feature with this spiritual take on human existence through a family. A couple with their three sons are the center of an epic evaluation of life through time and space. Malick and his terrific cast and crew ask the big questions of human existence and their place in universe in this epic journey that's open to the individual interpretation. Dazzling cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki and music by Alexandre Desplat make this film a spiritual experience for the ages. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Stopped on Track

German writer and director Andreas Dresen returns with an unflinching look at death with grim drama. A happily married man with loving children finds out he has brain cancer with only a brief time to live. Dresen starts the film with the diagnosis and ends with the death that shows the family gradual dealing and preparing for the inevitable. It's a heart breaking story with a solid cast and crew. However it's grim topic and difficult to watch regardless how well it's made. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Writer and director Sean Durkin makes his feature debut with this character study of a young woman transformation. After escaping a sinister cult, a young woman finds it difficult to adjust to reality much to the dismay of her sister. Durkin's impressive debut digs into the psychology of a young mind. Elizabeth Olsen gives a strong and nuanced performance in her first lead with stellar support by John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson and Hugh Dancy. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Bollywood

Producer Shekhar Kapur enlisted two directors, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Jeff Zimbalist to capture the essence of Bollywood in this documentary. A mash-up of several elements that makes for a Bollywood film including the dance and song routine along with 101 history of India and brief interviews with some of its stars fails on many levels because it turns off those who love Bollywood while turning off those who are not familiar with it. There's more to Bollywood than the over-the-top visuals that are used. The films specially made for the Cannes Film Festival fails to establish the much desired connection between Bollywood and the rest of world. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Artist

French writer and director Michel Hazanavicius delivers a surprisingly effective film with silent film in black & white about Hollywood. A silent era movie star's rejection of sound has professional and personal consequences. Hazanavicius' taking on the great films of the silent era comes up with a story where "Singin' in the Rain" meets "A Star is Born" with tributes to all the great artists of the era. Hollywood directors like Carl Reiner and Steven Soderbergh attempted to pay homage to its past but it was for comic effect or failed to find acceptance, so it's surprising for a French man to go for it dead-on and succeeding to create the first silent film in almost a century. Hazanavicius's partner in crime Jean Dujardin is perfect as the lead along with a stellar supporting cast including Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, Penelope Ann Miller and James Cromwell. The film shot in Hollywood features outstanding production design, cinematography and score. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Kid With A Bike

Belgian masters and brothers Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne return to top form with another profoundly observed film. A young boy refusing to believe his abandonment by his father seeks out to locate him with help of a kind beautician. The Dardennes prove again that there's no shortage of compelling stories in the real life if somebody only pays attention. They also found their next Jérémie Renier in Thomas Doret as the elder appears to support the young. Perfectly crafted with a pitch perfect cast and crew that includes the Dardennes rare reunion with a star and fellow Belgian, Cécile De France who delivers another stunning performance in this heartbreaking film. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Miss Bala

Mexican writer and director Gerardo Naranjo delivers a powerful film on the drug war through a victim. A beautiful girl dreaming of becoming a beauty pageant gets sucked in the middle of the drug war that has ravaged Mexico where innocent people have become collateral damage. Naranjo takes an unflinching look through an innocent bystander who has no control as she's used and abused by both sides. Naranjo continues to carry the torch for Mexican cinema with another superb film. Stephanie Sigman makes a strong impression as the beauty caught among the beasts. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Pina

German auteur Wim Wenders delivers his best film in years with another documentary in dazzling 3D. A visual tribute to the legendary dancer and choreographer Pina Baush through her work and her dance group. Wenders along with fellow German auteur Werner Herzog prove that 3D can be breathtaking if used properly as he does here. A moving homage to the late dancer who passed away too early along with mind-blowing dances captured by her dancers in her city of Wuppertal makes this stunning documentary a treat for the senses beyond the eyes and ears. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Wu Xia

Chinese director Peter Ho-Sun Chan delivers a stunning film where martial arts meets film noir. A paper maker's quiet life gets interrupted when he kills two thugs trying to rob his village's only store. The apparently random murder brings unwanted attention to the hero when a detective starts asking questions about his past. Chan's seamlessly merges film noir and martial art in this beautifully crafted film where a needle can control emotions or a blow kill a man. The talented cast includes Donnie Yen, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tang Wei amongst others. Terrific production design and cinematography along with stunning action sequences and visual effects make this film stand out. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

We Have a Pope

Italian writer and director Nanni Moretti is back with another comedy where psychoanalysis meets the catholic church. A new selected Pope experiences a panic attack which has the Vatican on the edge. Moretti sheds a light on the process of election a pope and in the process humanizes the institution with heart and humor. Legendary French actor Michel Piccoli stars as the pope while Moretti brings the necessary comic relief. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Devil's Double

New Zealander Lee Tamahori brings the incredible story of Latif Yahia to screen in this surreal thriller. Yahia was forced to become the double for Uday Hussein and witness how he terrorized everybody around him. It's a bizarre film which brings to mind De Palma's "Scarface" to mind. British actor Dominic Cooper is riveting in a double role and along with French actress Ludivine Sagnier are the only non-Arab actors in the film. There's plenty of violence and gore in the film as expected in the portrait of a notorious psychopath. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

We Need To Talk About Kevin

Scottish writer and director Lynne Ramsay returns with a vengeance after almost a decade with this haunting character study. The traumatic relationship of woman with her son is explored with whom she has never been able to bond which could have lead him to commit an heinous crime. Ramsay examines her main character with a clinical precision in a stunning non-linear way. She co-wrote with Rory Kinnear based on the novel by Lionel Shriver which features a stellar cast and crew including the terrific Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller, cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, production design Judy Becker, editor Joe Bini and music by Jonny Greenwood. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

The Conformist

Legendary Italian writer and director Bernardo Bertolucci's first masterpiece is one of the greatest films of all time. Set in late 1930's, an upper class man conforms to fascism during Mussolini's power where he's recruited to kill his former professor in exile, the head of the anti-fascist resistance group. Based on the novel by Alberto Moravia, Bertolucci takes a look at the root of fascism through this character study. Stellar performances by Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli and Dominique Sanda, groundbreaking cinematography and production design by Vittorio Storaro and Ferdinando Scarfiotti along with an haunting score by Georges Delerue makes this dazzling masterpiece a milestone in cinema. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Coriolanus

British actor Ralph Fiennes made his directing debut with this brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy. After a Roman war hero falls victim to politics that gets him banished, he joins his former nemesis to take revenge. Besides giving a fierce performance as the title hero, director Fiennes makes an assured debut by updating Shakespeare to modern times which shows the universal appeal of his work. The terrific cast includes Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox, Gerard Butler and Jessica Chastain amongst others. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Sleeping Beauty

Australian novelist Julia Leigh made her writing and directing debut with this existential fairy tale. A young female student detached from reality gets lured into a mysterious world of prostitution. While Leigh has a strong visual sense, the story lacks the necessary character development and fails to provide any psychological or emotional context which derails the film. Up and coming Australian actress Emily Browning leads the unknown cast. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Midnight in Paris

After breathing new life into his career with the European travelogue films, it was only a question of time before Woody Allen would deliver his valentine to Paris. A Hollywood writer dreaming of becoming a novelist finds professional and personal inspiration in Paris. Allen's love for the city of lights is evident including his preferred decade but the story fails to live up to his previous and superior films such as "Match Point" or "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Besides the thin plot full of cliches, the film is overwhelmed by the over-saturated post-card images and overbearing score. There are some promising moments here and there. The leads Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams suffer from their under-written roles while the supporting cast including Michael Sheen, Marion Cotillard, Adrian Brody and Kathy Bates fare better. 1001-Films coverage of the 64th Festival de Cannes.

Black Heaven

French writer and director Gilles Marchand took on cyber crimes in this thriller. A young men finds a cell phone belonging to a beautiful girl and gets lured into a dark and twisted site where nothing is as it seems. Marchand and co-writer Dominik Moll had interesting ideas that could have gone further but shortchanged for mere genre effects which derails the film. They had clearly the site "Second Life" and could have explored better. The talented cast includes Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, Louise Bourgoin and Melvil Poupaud who can't ultimately save the film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Company Men

Writer and director John Wells made his feature debut with drama about the effects of corporate downsizing on individuals. After becoming the victims of corporate downsizing in their firm, three men react differently to their situation which leads to face the harsh reality in corporate America. Wells taps into the economic crisis and corporate greed to show what's wrong in the picture. While he has noble intentions, there's no new ground explored and the problems and solutions too simplified. Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones star in the leads who all deliver familiar performances from their previous work. The supporting cast includes Rosemarie DeWitt, Maria Bello and Kevin Costner fare better with their underwritten roles. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Leaving

French writer and director Catherine Corsini explores "L'Amour fou" or mad love again in this drama. A middle-aged married woman, who seems to have everything in life including a loving family, throws everything away when she falls in love with a Spanish handyman which has tragic consequences. Corsini had the good sense to have a terrific cast with Kristin Scott Thomas, Sergi López and Yvan Attal who almost manage to save the film despite a weak screenplay. This story has been treated many times before in the French cinema including the much superior Trauffaut's "The Woman Next Door" whose score Corsini uses as an homage. The magnificent Kristin Scott Thomas is one of the few actresses like Charlotte Rampling and Juliette Binoche whose bilingual skills allows her to find interesting roles outside Hollywood. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Young@Heart

Long before "Glee" phenomenon, directors Stephen Walker and Sally George made a crowd pleasing documentary about a chorus of senior citizens performing Rock'n Roll songs. The documentary follows the chorus preparing for a performance where they perform rock'n'roll songs from James Brown and Jimi Hendrix to Sonic Youth and Coldplay. It's an utterly inspiring and moving film which is also infectious and profound in many ways whether you are an old soul or young at heart. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Four Lions

British writer and director Christopher Morris made his feature debut with this dark comedy. The misadventures of five wannabee terrorists, four with Pakistani roots with one Brit among them as they dream to join Al Qaeda and try to organize terrorist acts in Britain such as blowing up a mosque amongst others idiotic acts. Morris keeps the British tradition of satire and slapstick by tackling Islamic extremists or their perception by the West that would be unimaginable in the US. He created characters that are funny and lovable despite being incompetent idiots. Nobody gets away clean in the hand of Morris and his conspirators that includes Riz Ahmed, Kayvan Novak, Nigel Lindsay and Adeel Akhtar amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Mumbai Diaries

Indian writer and director Kiran Rao made her feature debut with this ensemble drama. A young Indian-American woman discovers the different sides of Mumbai through two different men, a elusive artist and a laundry boy. Rao gives a glimpse of India's largest city through four main characters without the Bollywood treatment which is refreshing for a change. Rao's husband and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan gets to play one of the characters while Monica Dogra, Prateik Babbar and Kriti Malhotra play the others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Thumbsucker

Writer and director Mike Mills made his feature debut with this thought provoking coming of age drama. His thump addiction is the tip of the iceberg for a teenager trying to come to terms with the people around him, even if he has to seek the help of drugs, both the legal and illegal kinds. Based on the novel by Walter Kirn, Mills made a relevant portrait of the problems and pressures teenagers face in order to find their place in the society which includes the shortcomings of parents and schools. Mills assembled a terrific ensemble cast including producer Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Keanu Reeves, Vince Vaughn and Benjamin Bratt around Lou Taylor Pucci who shines in the lead. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Easy A

Director Will Gluck delivered a winning comedy without falling in the trap of many before him who tried and failed to replicate the comedies of John Hughes which the film inspires to and pays homage. A false rumor has hilarious consequences for a clean-cut high school student. Gluck and writer Bert V. Royal manage to make a funny film with substance with a breezy pace that's refreshing and rewarding. Emma Stone delivers a star-making performance with an stellar supporting cast including Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci, Thomas Haden Church, Amanda Bynes, Lisa Kudrow and Penn Badgley amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Rabbit Hole

Director John Cameron Mitchell took a dramatic and unexpected turn for his third feature based on the play and script by David Lindsay-Abaire. The life of a grieving couple is explored after the tragic loss of their young son as they try to pick the pieces of their relationship. Mitchell proves he can do straight drama thanks to producer and star Nicole Kidman who along Aaron Eckhart deliver powerful performances the couple torn apart by grief. The excellent supporting cast includes, Dianne Wiest, Sandra Oh and Tammy Blanchard. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Looking for Eric

British master Ken Loach delivered another heartfelt and profound film with this inspiring tale. A British postman on the verge of a nervous breakdown receives some essential life-coaching from his idol, the French soccer legend Eric Cantona. Loach and his frequent writer Paul Laverty deliver another impeccable tale of the working class with their signature social realism infused with a great deal of humor and fantasy. Veteran British actor Steve Evets gets his first lead with a terrific performance with the support of none other the legend himself, Eric Cantona. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.