Get Luke Lowe - 2020

Get Luke Lowe - 2020 - 5/10

 
Bit of a vengeance tale, cloaked in fashionable woke.
After being trolled and bullied, Sadie commits suicide online.
Her friends kidnap the troll – Luke – then attempt to force him to “confess.”
When he proves recalcitrant, they escalate with more violent techniques.
Heavy handed, preachy at times, spotty acting.
Creators try too hard with message film, end up being somewhat hypocritical.

The Body Collector - 2016 - UK

The Body Collector - 2016 - 6/10
AKA - De Zaak Menten

 
Based on true story of ex-Nazi collaborator living privileged retirement.
By chance, a Netherlands journalist follows the whisper and begins exploring the past.
Bloodsoaked theft of art, primarily paintings.
Confronting the rich with powerful connections and ample funds, however, there’s the rub.
Absorbing throughout, and the film does not flinch from SS activities in the Jewish village in Poland.
Strives for an emotional impact, but an air of detachment undercuts this.

You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet - 2012

You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet - 2012 - 5/10
AKA - Vous n'avez Encore Rien Vu

 
Only myself to blame for this pretentious two hour artsy film.
Deceased director summons ex-actors to view a modern production of one of his works, based on "Orpheus And Eurydice."  While they watch, they reimagine their own versions.
Sometimes, you are watching three versions of the same scene.
The look is theatrical, stagebound, indoors.
Very fine acting from France's creme de la creme of actors, yet I was increasingly bored.

A Killer's Key - 1967 - Japan

A Killer's Key - 1967 - 6/10
AKA - Aru Koroshiya no Kagi  // ある ころしや の かぎ

 
A yakuza moneyman, in police custody, is about to reveal evidence that will convict mobsters and politicians.
The bosses hire a hitman, who also happens to be a dance teacher.
Correct, a dance teacher.  Whom they intend to snuff after the job.
Raizô Ichikawa memorable as the cool, almost detached assassin.
Film is more the mechanics of death, rather than explosive violence.
Packed with details (geishas, rock clubs, fights) the movies rushes along.
Dry sense of humor may elude some.  Retribution for welshers, if only.

Fair Isle: Living On The Edge - 2016 - UK

Fair Isle: Living On The Edge - 2016 - 6/10

 

Breeders needed!  Tiny island in northern Britain is looking for newcomers.
Current population is 57, not counting the sheep.
Power goes off at nights.  Owing to storms, sometimes the island is cut off for weeks.
Just to keep the island going, inhabitants must do 3 - 4 - 5 jobs.
Isolation?  Plenty.  Awe inspiring nature?  This is the place.
Mind you, during summer scenes many still wore jackets.  Winter?  Lordy.
Two part series of inhabitants fighting valiantly to maintain their community.

The Sheik And I - 2012 - USA

The Sheik And I - 2012 - 7/10

 
Infuriating documentary (¿fictional?) of small (very small) American indie filmmaker invited to make film for biennial celebration for the Kingdom of Sharjah.  Where?  Tiny kingdom is one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
Without writing a script, the film maker decides to do the one thing he was told not to do, mock the ruler of the country, the Sheik.
Several of his scenes involve having extras don burqas and wave guns. ("Isn't this the typical stereotype of Arabs?"  one asked the director.)
He tries to recruit locals to impersonate the Sheik, and is warned of repercussions. He shrugs.
Is reminded, he goes back to America when finished.  Meanwhile, his hired locals must stay and face consequences.
The director also tries to coerce women to dance in burqas, which is expressly forbidden.
Director, Caveh Zahedi, of Iranian descent, is every inch the entitled American, I-can-do-anything-I-want artiste.
Zero respect for the country, their social orders.
Film was quickly banned for blasphemy and director Zahedi threatened with a fatwa.  
Cringe inducing film drove me up the wall, and everyone in the room screamed at the screen at various moments.
Yet I believe such was exactly the reaction he aimed for, so I'm giving it high marks for punching those buttons.