La vie d'Adèle (Abdellatif Kechiche, 2013)
This years Palme d'Or winner tells a very powerful and universal love story. There was quite a fuzz in Cannes about the controversial lesbian sex scenes. Compliment to the director, he made this a film that is about a relationship, not specifically a same sex one. Where he could easily have chosen a different (perhaps more moralistic) path he managed to make a film that takes for granted that the two lovers are both female. The acting performances are stellar and by strictly focusing in depth on the portrayed relationship Kechiche proves to be a very skillful filmmaker. I was fascinated for almost three hours. The only negative point I can think of are some of the ridiculous seafood metaphors in regard to Adele's new found sex experiences. Nevertheless, impressive. 8.5/10
The Wire - Season 4
After the first season I was completely hooked by what might be the best series ever made. Unlike the first season, I try to spread out the episodes, having some time left for film. Towards the end of the 4th season I couldn't resist and had to invest a couple of hours to finish. This is the best season so far (one more to go). It is more ruthless and compelling than before and the investments made as a viewer in the previous seasons are paying off. So many characters, so many motivations and backgrounds. All of them can be felt and understood with ease. What an achievement in writing this is. I'll try to enter season 5 slowly, even though I am curious I don't want this to end. 10/10
I fidanzati (Ermanno Olmi, 1963)
Stylish love story that shows how love over a long distance can be so much stronger than up close. It takes a while before this film makes its powerful point. A bit too long which made me lose interest in the middle somewhere. Not a bad film at all, but there are so many better ones in what may be the best European film era ever. 7/10
The Company (Robert Altman, 2003)
Altman's 2nd last film is as Altman as it can be. This is what a Busby Berkeley film would have looked like if he directed one. No clear narrative, as so often, but a good impression of the world behind some beautifully portayed ballet. The highlight of the film is a ballet scene which I find pretty breathtaking, of course Julee Cruise (yes, Twin Peaks) helps a great deal. Just see for yourself. 7.5/10
This years Palme d'Or winner tells a very powerful and universal love story. There was quite a fuzz in Cannes about the controversial lesbian sex scenes. Compliment to the director, he made this a film that is about a relationship, not specifically a same sex one. Where he could easily have chosen a different (perhaps more moralistic) path he managed to make a film that takes for granted that the two lovers are both female. The acting performances are stellar and by strictly focusing in depth on the portrayed relationship Kechiche proves to be a very skillful filmmaker. I was fascinated for almost three hours. The only negative point I can think of are some of the ridiculous seafood metaphors in regard to Adele's new found sex experiences. Nevertheless, impressive. 8.5/10
The Wire - Season 4
After the first season I was completely hooked by what might be the best series ever made. Unlike the first season, I try to spread out the episodes, having some time left for film. Towards the end of the 4th season I couldn't resist and had to invest a couple of hours to finish. This is the best season so far (one more to go). It is more ruthless and compelling than before and the investments made as a viewer in the previous seasons are paying off. So many characters, so many motivations and backgrounds. All of them can be felt and understood with ease. What an achievement in writing this is. I'll try to enter season 5 slowly, even though I am curious I don't want this to end. 10/10
I fidanzati (Ermanno Olmi, 1963)
Stylish love story that shows how love over a long distance can be so much stronger than up close. It takes a while before this film makes its powerful point. A bit too long which made me lose interest in the middle somewhere. Not a bad film at all, but there are so many better ones in what may be the best European film era ever. 7/10
The Company (Robert Altman, 2003)
Altman's 2nd last film is as Altman as it can be. This is what a Busby Berkeley film would have looked like if he directed one. No clear narrative, as so often, but a good impression of the world behind some beautifully portayed ballet. The highlight of the film is a ballet scene which I find pretty breathtaking, of course Julee Cruise (yes, Twin Peaks) helps a great deal. Just see for yourself. 7.5/10
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