Full River Red

 18th Spring Film Festival

Set in the 12th century during the Song dynasty, this period drama by director Zhang Zimou can make your head spin with the numerous plot twists that a motley crew of wily and cunning characters need to navigate. 

On the eve of an important meeting between rival factions, an emissary from the Jin delegation is murdered and a letter in his possession has gone missing. Qin Hui, the frail and paranoid prime minister of Song orders his underlings and his fleet of soldiers to find the murderer and the missing letter. He wants it all solved in two hours before they set out for the meeting at dawn.

The search is headed by Sun Jun, a deputy commander of the household battalion and Zhang Da, an incompetent soldier/corporal who also happens to be Sun Jun's nephew although Zhang Da is much older. Together, the unlikely duo encounter obstacles upon hurdles as all their 'suspects' have their own hidden agenda and nothing is as it seems.

A fast paced tale of treachery, duplicity, political maneuverings replete with skillful sword fights, well choreographed stunts buoyed by the stellar performance from the entire cast. It all unfolds within the confines of a serpentine grim fortress. 

Running at almost 3 hours, the plot loses steam midway then perks up again towards a climactic ending. It works because it has the correct mixture of comedy, drama, suspense, a haunting musical score and historical references. Loyalty, intrigue, betrayal (used as a survival tactic), and patriotism all weigh in heavily in this masterpiece by Zhang Zimou.  

By the way, Full River Red is a famous poem by Yue Fei, a brave 12th century general who fought against powerful invaders. During the pivotal final scene, the poem is recited out loud by the whole battalion as a battle cry and homage to General Yue Fei. Beautifully shot with and I am guessing here, drones and wide angled camera shots. 

It is China propaganda at its finest, if you ask me yet at the same time it somehow felt appropriate. After all the wild chases, the senseless pursuits, the conniving and all the intrigues - everything just falls into its rightful place, finally!

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.

Murder on the Orient Express

Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer,

Daisy Ridley, Derek Jacobi, Penelope Cruz,

Dame Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad

"Everyone is a Suspect"

This latest remake of the Agatha Christie's novel is directed by Kenneth Branagh who I grew up watching in several films with his ex wife Emma Thompson. In this tale, he portrays the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. A role which I normally associate with the actors Peter Ustinov (in his late years) and David Suchet whom I remember as being really good characterization of Poirot. 

Murder on the Orient Express is one, if not the most famous Agatha Christie novel. The book, set in the late 1930s is a crime story with numerous characters who all become suspects in the murder that occurs on board this famous train ride. A journey that was interrupted by an avalanche which blocks the rail tracks. Poirot who happens to be a passenger on the train takes it upon himself to probe the murder, given that he is under immense pressure to solve 'the crime' lest the killer strikes again and before they reach their destination.

Kenneth Branagh takes on the gargantuan task of directing as well as essaying the main role which entails sporting the famous moustache, his witty analysis of every circumstance with his natural probing attitude. Although Branagh tends to overact with his soliloquies, his Poirot was spot on.  

The rest of the cast headed by the enigmatic Johnny Depp all blend in well together. Each of them performing their best in a sea of characters who all want to stand out. Yet they do well with the complicated dialogue which is reminiscent of the manner, English was spoken during that era.

Costume wise, they are all garbed befitting the late 1930s. The plot with its numerous twists and flashbacks can be a bit murky, trudging and clocking in 114 minutes. Certain scenes were dragging on unnecessarily while a few vital sequences passed by too quickly.  Overall, the film is buoyed by its great cast who did their best to keep us invested in the whodunit till the very end, with its big reveal folding up nicely towards the somewhat, dare I say forced conclusion.  

I remember watching the 1974 version of this film with Albert Finney as Poirot, but my short attention span memory completely blocked out who the killer was and how it all ended. Therefore I was gripped with suspense and wanted to learn who committed the crime in this version, even though Kenneth Branagh with Poirot's moustache engaging in a soliloquy ever so often can be quite distracting, I'd say!

Victoria and Abdul

Dame Judi Dench,  Ali Fazal,

Eddie Izzard

"An untold True Story of

a Queen and her best Friend"

The film begins with a disclaimer "based on true events ... mostly" so this should all put us at ease. The fact that the aging Queen Victoria, a cantankerous being in her old age suddenly regains her joie de vivre from her friendship with an Indian servant named Abdul Karim is really preposterous, come to think about it.

How in that day and age can a lowly servant develop a deep friendship with the ruler of many colonies? Even to this current time, the British monarchy is still bound with many protocols to merit a comfortable liaison with them. Even though the younger members of the monarchy seem to be more approachable, I believe they are still restricted and controlled by certain age old norms and traditions.

So anyway back to the film. We see an aged Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) who simply goes through her ceremonial tasks being terribly bored that she literally falls asleep.  Enter Abdul, a lowly prison clerk who is sent to the UK to present a ceremonial coin at the Golden Jubilee banquet for Queen Victoria, mostly because of his tall height. He was not to speak unless spoken to yet he manages to charm himself in the good graces of the Queen.  

Their interaction involves him teaching her to speak and write Urdu. He also becomes her confidante and  cheers her up with inspirational quotes when she is melancholic. It is a good, healthy platonic relationship yet naturally the staff and her family all disapprove and come up with sorts of scenarios to keep them apart.

Dame Judi Dench is a great thespian and her portrayal of Queen Victoria is spot on. Her acting is perfection.  Ali Fazal is a revelation and his role as the doe-eyed, optimistic "Munshi" (teacher) is heartwarming. Their platonic chemistry is palpable and they earn my praises for their believable and poignant performances. 

The cinematography is authentic with vast scenes of castles and the verdant English countryside. The costumes are befitting the era buoyed by a stunning set design. The plot veers towards racism and discrimination against a different culture, it was true to point as it was quite prevalent in that era. When imperialistic monarchs mastered the art of colonization.

Overall, it is an entertaining movie about an unusual friendship yet unfortunately it lacks a certain something. So much so that I suddenly miss all those wonderful  yet forlorn Ivory-Merchant movies of days gone by.

Beloved Sisters (Germany)

Cine Europa
Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

This 170 minutes long German film was its official entry for the best foreign-language category of the 2015 Oscars. A period drama/ biopic about the famous 18th century German writer/poet/ philosopher Friedrich Schiller. It focuses on the 20 year unusual menage a trois he shared with the Lengefeld sisters, Charlotte and Caroline. 

The film begins in Weimar in 1787 where Charlotte, the younger sister has been sent to live with her godmother Frau Charlotte von Stein (Goethe's paramour) in the hopes of finding a husband, preferably a wealthy one. The Lengefelds have fallen on hard times since the untimely demise of their aristocratic father. This forces Caroline to accept a marriage of convenience with Friedrich van Beulwitz to maintain their affluent lifestyle.

The sisters are quite close and even made a pact in their youth to always share everything with each other, shouting their pledge over the roaring sound of a raging waterfall in the German countryside. A pact with dire consequences which neither sister could resist nor escape easily from.

Soon enough,  Charlotte meets the struggling writer Schiller who was the toast of the literary scene based on his highly controversial novel "The Robbers." But he is basically penniless and it takes several long stretched sequences before Mama Lengefeld agrees to their union. Yet it is the more ambitious and flamboyant Caroline, trapped in a loveless marriage that pursues and manages to attract the attention of Schiller and they begin a passionate affair with the 'blessings' of her sister, Caroline.

Set in grandiose mansions located in the idyllic German countryside, the plot unfolds like a complex love triangle tale about loyalty, betrayal, and jealousy taken from the pages of a Jane Austen novel, except this was based on actual events. The eventual rise of Schiller as a literary icon during the Age of Enlightenment era was mostly inspired by his involvement with the two sisters. Both of them quite supportive in their own way of his meteoric rise amidst the backdrop of the brewing French Revolution which threatened their aristocratic existence.

I like the authenticity of the wardrobe as well as the horse drawn carriages, the use of the quill and the frequent letter writing between the characters. They also showed the innovations made in the development of the printing press industry and mentioned the sobering effect of the French Revolution as its ideals started spreading across Europe.

The characters were well developed and multi-dimensional, each of them with their unique personas, traits and characteristics. Contrasting personalities yet they are able to form good rapport and chemistry with each other's individual style.

Yet at over 3 hours long, certain sequences were too cloying like the part where the cast directly addresses the camera and read out loud their correspondences. The distracting voice-over which would appear intermittently throughout the entire film. 

Thankfully the last quarter of the long narrative became a bit more interesting as the two sisters really pour out their long suppressed sentiments about the importance of their unconventional arrangement. A dramatic shouting match added some much needed boost as the film finally winds down and draws the curtain on the very colorful life of Friedrich Schiller.

Heneral Luna

John Arcilla, Joem Bascon,

Mon Confiado, Archie Alemania

Jeffrey Quizon, Arron Villaflor

"Bayan o Sarili?"

Everyone + their aunts were raving about this history based film about one of our most valiant heroes - General Antonio Luna. My hubby suggested we go watch it as well. After all, he is a history professor and even though he already knows this chapter by heart, he wanted to see the approach that director Jerrold Tarog would use to convey to the viewing public what made Luna such an iconic figure in our colorful history.

Authentic wardrobe and cinematographic landscape, dialogue reminiscent of the era and a stable of highly believable actors buoyed the film. The first part of the film suffered in terms of editing because several scenes would rapidly shift as they tried to incorporate as many 'back stories' as possible. But it later stabilizes, so to speak and things move smoothly until the gripping dramatic conclusion. 

I did not like the scenes where they used comical tunes to convey humor. Perhaps it was done to lighten the mood but I felt it wasn't appropriate and they did it just to generate laughs. It was fascinating though to see the political machinations which occurred during the closed door cabinet meetings led by President Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado) where a clash of diverse opinions, heated arguments, hurt egos and wounded pride reigned supreme. Given that it was a very volatile period in our history, it is understandable that tempers will flair up as motives and convictions are tested and questioned.

It is a controversial film as there are numerous "murmurs" as to who really ordered the assassination of the feisty general. Yet the film doesn't seek to preach nor provide any answers and instead prefers to awaken the nationalistic and patriotic sense of the Filipinos through the heroic attitude of its main character. 

Much credit goes to John Arcilla for his larger than life portrayal of Antonio Luna. Arcilla nailed it by displaying the multiple facets of the embattled general. A well balanced mixture of subtle and subdued acting during pensive scenes yet aggressive and tenacious in very dramatically charged sequences. He embodied the true persona of General Luna, by not glamorizing him. This works as Luna was a flawed character presented as a strong willed person with a bad temper. His authoritarian ways would rub people off the wrong way and this in essence led to his brutal slaying.  

Another point that makes this film highly relevant today is that history keeps repeating itself and our nation is still beset with behemoth problems. The sad part is we may be "free" but we are still our own worst enemies. 

The Immigrant

Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix,

Jeremy Renner

There is no doubt that America is a land of immigrants. This film tried to envision the struggles the early immigrants went through after they set foot on Ellis Island, fresh from the boat, so to speak.  

It is the year 1921, two sisters from Poland, Ewa (Marion Cotillard) and Magda are in the queue to be processed. Magda is sickly (she is stricken with tuberculosis) and is immediately separated and put in quarantine. Faced with uncertainty in a foreign land, Ewa is 'taken in' by a glib talker named Bruno (Joaquin Phoenix) who promises her shelter and a job. Sadly, the job turns out to be in the flesh trade but Ewa is a brave, feisty girl so she bears the humiliation as she desperately needs the money to buy medicines for her sick sister.

"The Immigrant" is a bleak narration of the ills of society and its innocent victims. It is set during the depression years yet we all know that human trafficking is still very rampant in this day and age.  A societal menace that preys on the depraved who are stripped of their dignity and are caught in the never ending cycle of human slavery. Tragic, to say the least.

The good cast composed of Cotillard, Phoenix and Renner do their best to add some depth to their characters. Cinematography is realistic as it depicts the grim reality of the mean streets of Manhattan back in the 1920s, as well as the seedy vaudeville shows prevalent during that period. Wardrobe is also authentic as displayed through the costume pieces worn by Cotillard.

Yet there is something lacking in the plot or the way the narration unfolded which made it pretty staid and static. It failed to appeal to my emotions and as the film progressed I kept expecting it to somehow change its perspective, yet sadly it did not. I felt it didn't offer anything new to the table, this type of sob story has been done over and over again and also with more passion and conviction.

One more thing, the fact that Magda was able to get out of quarantine despite being diagnosed with tuberculosis doesn't make sense. Back in those days, there was still no cure for this severe respiratory sickness.  It seemed that it just wanted to have its happy ending  ... never mind that it wasn't believable, at all.

47 RONIN

Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada,
Ko Shibasaki, Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa,
Rinko Kikuchi

"Seize Eternity"

After my sister had surgery, she couldn't move much so we had movie marathons. Perfect time to catch up on my long list of accumulated movies to watch.

First off is this fictional tale about a 18th century historical event in Japan in which a group of "ronin" (master-less samurai) avenged the honor of their dead Lord/Master. It is strictly forbidden for a ronin to seek revenge. But this group believed that their master was set up after he was accused of assaulting a court official. They planned and waited for one year before they set off to kill the one they hold accountable for the 'injustice'.

The event itself is still widely revered in modern day Japan as annually on the 14th of December, people hold a festival at the Sengakuji temple to commemorate it.

"47 Ronin" is clearly a fictional tale as it has a Caucasian dude named Kai (Keanu Reeves) known as the 'half-breed' who joins the 47 leaderless samurai. There is also a witchcraft element to the film which sets a fantasy tone amidst the beautiful backdrop of a small mountainous district. All of the characters, except of course for Reeves are portrayed by Japanese actors who all just happen to speak English, fluently. 

Yet it is also a vividly graphic reenactment of the events that led to the revenge. Good sword play skills are displayed in the cleverly choreographed fight scenes. The costume design from the wardrobe of the samurais to the kimono worn as well as the manner of styling their hair are all authentic and reminiscent of a long gone era in Japan's rich cultural history.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Oishi, the leader of the Ronin was spot on. He has this certain quality to him which makes him perfect to be cast as a samurai. Although I have seen him in other movies in 'normal' roles and he excels in every performance. 

I, for one liked the film despite the fantasy element and the general cliches, such as having one white dude ostracized by an entire group in the beginning of the movie; then eventually proving himself to be a much welcomed part of the group. I know this concept is quite predictable in these sort of films. Hint: Tom Cruise in "The Last Samurai".

Yet I believe the triumph of good vs evil and the strong need for revenge against an injustice always make good plot lines to bank on. Never mind that the 'act of vengeance' is highly prohibited in the bushido (samurai code of honor), the 47 Ronin knew the ultimate consequence for their behavior would be to commit ritual suicide which is known as seppuku. They accepted their fate with pride, honor and dignity.

So regardless of the historical inaccuracy, "47 Ronin" was one entertainingly good Samurai movie, imho!

A ROYAL AFFAIR(DENMARK)

Cine Europa 16

Shang Cineplex, Cinema 2

From Denmark comes this period piece based on a true story which unfolds during the close of the 18th century. A young English princess marries the King of Denmark, Christian VII.  He is what we now call autistic but back in those days, they all believe he was insane. So the Court decides to hire a physician.  In comes, Johann Frederich Struensee, a German doctor who is secretly part of the Enlightenment movement - an organization of intellectuals and free thinkers.

During those ages, Denmark was an oppressive nation ruled by a conservative Parliament and the influential clergy.   Soon enough, the good doctor finds himself in the bed of the young but strong minded Queen Caroline Mathilda as well as the 'brains' behind the much ridiculed King.  But as we later find out, Struensee  pays dearly for his indiscretions - a public beheading.

The film begins with the exiled Queen writing a letter to her two children explaining to them why she had an affair with the German doctor.  Then it effortlessly moves into flashback mode as we are taken 9 years earlier. 

This drama about an illicit relationship is well executed. The costumes are authentic, the cinematography is lusciously bold and vivid and the cast portray their roles, realistically. Mads Mikkelsen who I guess is Denmark's most famous import to the film industry stars as the quiet yet charismatic doctor Struensee. It was interesting to watch his character evolve from the silent behind the scenes doctor to the powerful almost greedy enforcer of Denmark's reforms.

The story line tackles intrigues, politics, the magnetic draw of power all in the pursuit of the greater good of mankind. Although it clocks at over 2 hours, it was still fascinating to watch a good period drama about a faraway Scandinavian land which I never had the chance to visit.

THE KING'S SPEECH

Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter, Geoffrey Rush
Guy Pierce, Derek Jacobi

"It takes leadership to confront a nation's fear.
It takes friendship to conquer your own."

The film begins with Albert, the Duke of York (Colin Firth) who desperately struggles to deliver a speech at Wembley Stadium during the 1924 Empire exhibition. His stammering causes much embarrassment both for the Duke as well as his captive audience who can't bear to look at him.

After being subjected to such humiliation, Bertie (his nickname) submits to be treated by 'an expert' who not only aggravates the situation but further humiliates the already very frustrated Duke with his speech impediment.

So his ever supportive wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) arranges for him to see Lionel Logue, an unorthodox speech therapist. Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) does not know Elizabeth's true identity at first. And even after she reveals to him who she really is and who his patient will be, Lionel insists upon having Albert come to see him in person at his little crummy office.

The working relationship between Bertie and Lionel gets off to a bumpy start. As neither of them are willing to compromise what they believe in and stand steadfast in their stubborn ways. But it turns into an unlikely lifelong friendship. The film portrays how the class barriers are broken down in a time where solidarity was key with such uncertain times ahead.

Times were indeed volatile. Upon the death of King George V, the Duke of Windsor Edward (Guy Pierce) assumes the throne with much reluctance. Eventually, he abdicates his reign and steps down to be with the woman he loves, the twice divorced Mrs Wallis Simpson. So the next in line is poor Bertie. The second son of King George V, he has led a somewhat secluded life with his wife and two daughters. Now faced with ruling a vast empire and a country on the brink of war, his remarkable relationship with Lionel Logue in my opinion definitely saved the day for the monarchy.

This movie about a unique friendship was a delight to watch. It tore down the rigid walls that tend to envelop the monarchy and presented us with a very concrete and vivid look into ordinary human beings who just happen to live extraordinary complex lives as members of the royalty.

The movie was nicely edited and well executed. Its director was able to draw out every nuance and thought process from the characters, especially Firth who has the biggest challenge of conveying the inner turmoil of a man who could not verbally express what he wished. And he did a fantastic job that you can't help but cheer him on as he made great progress and was able to conquer his limitations.

An equally great actor, Geoffrey Rush as eccentric and unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue gave a superb performance. There is an equally wonderful and immensely witty performance from Helena Bonham Carter, too, as the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth I, in her heyday. Even though her role was rather short. I did however think that Guy Pierce was too young to be cast as Prince Edward but could clearly see his resemblance to the embattled Duke of Windsor.

This is certainly a great movie and truly deserves all the accolades it got and continues to receive from critics and moviegoers everywhere.

THE YOUNG VICTORIA

Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany,
MIranda Richardson, Mark Strong

"Her Country. Her Heart. Her Majesty."

Star Movies

This period piece looks at the early days of Queen Victoria. As portrayed by Emily Blunt, the film presents her life from a pampered princess, to her romance with her first cousin, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) to her eventual ascension to the throne upon the death of her uncle, King William.

Amidst the various royal intrigue and political machinations reminiscent of those turbulent years in England's rich history, the film also gives way to a sweet romantic tale between Victoria and her suitor the German Prince Albert.

Blunt’s performance is restrained and fiery, yet her character doesn't really evolve much. She goes from a strong, determined young woman to a strong, determined young queen, but she undergoes little significant growth.

Having said done, I also believe her portrayal of the young Queen Victoria propels her to a new level. Emily Blunt proves herself versatile and capable of carrying an entire film by transforming a beloved monarch from a page in history to someone who is, well, human just like the rest of us.

The rest of the cast is ably supported by talented British actors like Jim Broadbent, Mark Strong and Paul Bettany as the scheming Lord Melbourne - they all give convincing performances.

The storyline is strong and I like how it didn't delve too much into the intriguing political machinations which can be a tad boring, if you ask me. The costumes were spectacularly authentic and the cinematography was vibrant.

Oh I also like to give praise to Star Movies for including subtitles to some of their main features. It does help a lot for us viewers to have a firmer grasp on the dialogue. Well done!