ph: Patrick Houi
Saturday, June 27, 2020
First Lines: Andy Mulligan - Ribblestrop
Sam Arthur Tack knew that he was on the threshold of an adventure: the biggest adventure of his life.
One of Us (2017)
Penetrating the insular world of New York's Hasidic community, focusing on three individuals driven to break away despite threats of retaliation.
Excellent documentary spreads some light into a reclusive and oppressive religious community, while simply giving three examples from members who left.
Friday, June 26, 2020
The 9th Guest (1934)
Eight strangers are invited to spend the night in a penthouse apartment. After being wined and dined, a voice on the radio informs them that they will be murdered unless they manage to outwit the ninth guest: Death.
Amusing, if a bit stiff closed room crime drama; the plot has been has proven to be quite influential and has been varied on many occasions.
Halliwell (no star): "Whodunnit which must have been seen by Agatha Chrsitie before she wrote And Then There Were None. This version however is flatly scripted and characterized, with no real interest in the (unlikely) outcome."
Maltin**1/2: "Not-bad adaptation..."
Woman in Gold (2015)
Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the Austrian government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family.
A compelling story is given a rather leaden, unimaginative treatment despite its excellent cast, among them as always a great Helen Mirren.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Unorthodox (2020)
A young ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman flees her arranged marriage and religious community to start a new life abroad.
Excellent, fascinating and thrilling story of an emancipation from a rigid religious enclave into the 'real world'; well-made with good production details, but foremost it is Shira Haas' mesmerizing performance that elevates this mini-series.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Sunday, June 21, 2020
First Lines: Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan
The Austrian horses glinted in the moonlight, their riders standing tall in the saddle, swords raised.