Downton Abbey 2019

Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery,
Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter,
Imelda Staunton, Laura Carmichael, Brendan Coyle

"Based on a TV series"

Cinema 4, Ayala Malls the 30th

Fans of this period drama TV show were thrilled when we heard it would made into a full length movie. Characters we have learned to love, somehow feel like our family members even though it is set in an entirely different century. If you are familiar with another British TV show, "Upstairs, Downstairs" in the 1970s, then Downton Abbey would be quite similar to the same premise. 

In this case, the upstairs refers to the landed Crawley family - headed by Lord Grantham, his American wife, his daughters and their significant others, as well as his feisty mother Lady Violet Crawley. While the downstairs are the cook, the maids, and the footmen who serve them headed by head butler Mr Carson.

The series folded up nicely after 6 seasons with 52 episodes on aristocratic intrigue, servants foibles and everything else in between which delighted us and charmed us from 2011 to 2015. The older Crawleys aging well with wisdom, while the younger Crawleys got married, had kids with their every loyal household staff still performing their duties with aplomb.

So after 4 long years, it is back with a movie. A reunion of these endearing characters with the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Downton Abbey as its main premise. Naturally, the 'aristocrats' with all its family members present are very excited about this news and their dedicated staff immediately get to work from coming up with an extensive menu, polishing the silver wares and even bringing back the old reliable Mr Carson from his retirement to be the head butler, yet again. A duty and a job, he can do with his eyes closed.

The main premise (the royal visit), with various side plots tackling issues like homosexuality, opposition to the monarchy,  an estate inheritance all blend well together until the very satisfying end. Wardrobe is visually attractive with the costumes reminiscent of that century. The massive castle they call home (Downton Abbey) is the principal setting along with several other places which exude their period drama locales vibe. The ensemble cast are all in their elements headed by the indefatigable Maggie Smith as the spirited Lady Violet Crawley still dispensing her sarcasm masquerading as wit dialogue with gusto. 

One always gets a pleasant feeling when Downton Abbey is on. All those years, these characters were very welcome guests into our homes through the telly. Their 'reunion' movie did not disappoint in any way and we left the cinema with smiles on our faces and in our hearts.

10,000 KM

Cine Europa 2019

Cinema 1, Greenbelt 3

This movie is Spain's offering in this year's Cine Europa. It commences with a couple having sex in the hopes of conceiving. They are Alexandra and Sergei, in their early 30s, together for 7 years and live in Barcelona. Sex, breakfast and an important work email for Alex on a lazy Sunday sets the tone for this simplistic film about a long distance relationship. 

Alex, who is British accepts a year long stint as a photographer in Los Angeles while Sergei remains in Barcelona to prepare for his teaching board exam. Soon the setting shifts to a white minimalist apartment of Alex and their shared place in Spain. They keep in touch, despite the time difference through video messaging. Updating each other about their lives and their occupations. 

The problem with long distance relationships (believe I know since I was once in one) is your mind never stops wandering and wondering. Simple things such as what the other person had for breakfast, did he go to the gym? or did he remember to water the plants? - they get highlighted not because you don't trust the other person. But you have this need to still feel like you are part of what used to be your routine as a couple. That connection to each other remains a vital part of the communication. With modern technology like high speed internet, a laptop and a computer with webcams, keeping and staying in touch is way easier in this wifi loaded era.

Naturally, when you see the other person posting pictures with new people, you can't help but wonder if it isn't just platonic. You both set a certain time for the video call and when the other person does not answer the call, you can get paranoid. Is he ok? Did he get home, safe? Is he out with someone else? It is a crazy mental exercise to stay sane when one is part of this type of relationship. 

All of the issues I mentioned above are well portrayed in 10,000 KM. Sergei and Alex have a major argument, deciding to stay away from any forms of communication for some peace of mind. Their relationship reaches its breaking point when Alex wants Sergei to join her in California. This triggers Sergei into thinking she doesn't value what he does for a living. She points out that for the longest time, she was supportive, even living in Barcelona so they can be together.

The last few minutes was vague, in some way a surprise yet not totally unexpected in any LDR. Someone has to indeed sacrifice, make a bold move and hope it works out. In this case for Alex and Sergei, I have my doubts it was the best thing to do. But that is the sarcastic me, being negative. The positive part of me, however small, would like to believe Sergei and Alex will grow old together with their kids, no matter where they decide to live and raise their family.