Taste of Cherry (1997)

"Taste of Cherry" is an Iranian film released in 1997 and was written and directed by Abbas Kiarostami. An Iranian man drives around the dirt covered and dust ridden hills of Iran, searching for someone to bury him under a cherry tree after he has committed suicide. 

This film is nothing short of exceptional. Most of it takes place in a car driving around the same dirt covered hills in Iran. It becomes quite mesmerizing and dizzying. Yet, it consistently keeps you engaged. Once you learn the man's desire to die, you find it absolutely necessary to know why he wants this. His search, becomes your search. You find yourself in the car with him looking for people who have nothing better to do. 

This film also paints an accurate portrait of Iranian life. Even though 90% of the film is in a car, we meet characters that illustrate the hardship and struggle of Iran. The film's setting is enough of a statement on Iran. Desolate, lost, covered in dust and searching for a way out. 

What really stuck with me about this film was the main character, played by Homayoun Ershadi. His presence in every scene captivates as well as forces the audience to question. His performance is trance-like in the fact that he keeps his emotions locked up yet is still able to reflect his inner feelings through facial expressions and mannerisms. 

Now if you see this film, I imagine you will be quite confused as to what the ending means. I can't say much, but the last scene takes you out of the film completely. It takes you out so far that you will be convinced that it wasn't part of the film. Please watch it so we can discuss. This is what film is all about. 

"Taste of Cherry" is an astounding film and an excellent example of character driven story. I look forward to seeing more Iranian films. I think a film like this can show the average viewer that great films are made not only in the U.S. but all over the world. Do yourself justice and check this film out. 

Till next time. 

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120265/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rdfYL9nRI

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)

"Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" was released in 1974 and was written and directed by Rainer Werner. Fassbinder. Emmi, a German widow in the second half of her life, falls in love with a Moroccan immigrant, Ali. After they marry, the couple falls victim to racism, prejudices and find themselves isolated from society. They struggle to cope with this hoping their love can thrive and help them through. 

This is one of the most honest and simple films I have ever had the pleasure to see. It's wonderful. The love shared between Emmi and Ali is not anything that is commercialized or for show but it's genuine love. It's two people who understand and accept each other. Very powerful and heartwarming. But of course, no love can exist without obstacles. Being a Moroccan immigrant and of the working class, Ali is not accepted among Emmi's family or friends. However, Emmi loves Ali anyway. Even Ali's friends don't accept Emmi because she is German and older. Racism and Agism are the main themes here. 

Some could also see this film as a tool for German propaganda. At the time this film was released, Germany was viewed as a very hateful country especially towards outsiders. This film depicts a German woman who sees through a man's race and loves him despite it. The individual is racist but not the institution. This is present because in the film the people of power have no issue with Emmi and Ali's relationship. (e.g. landlord, police) 

But even though she loves Ali, even Emmi secedes from being entirely accepting. At points in the film, she treats Ali as if he were for show. Ali is treated as an image or a prize that Emmi has attained. He is strong and tough and these are the exterior things that people associate with him. Society sees a tool, not a man. Keep an eye out in the film for camera angle choices. Ali is constantly being filmed through doorways and framed images. Looking is a theme. Who can look at who and who is looked down upon. 

"Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" is about society and how they can take away desire. Ali falls victim to this and at the end of the film is in a destitute place. Emmi is by his side but their struggles won't quit. This film is terrific in every aspect and is beautiful. The performances are stunning and it's simplicity is awe-inspiring. Check it out. 

Till next time. 

Here's the IMDB page, along with the trailer:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071141/

Zodiac (2007)

"Zodiac" was released in 2007 and was directed by David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network). The film depicts the murders of the Zodiac killer in the late 60's into the 70's in California. A cartoonist, Robert Graysmith, becomes obsessed with the zodiac and does all he can to help the police find the killer. It becomes a personal mission for Robert to know the identity of the elusive zodiac. 

When you think of David Fincher, films such as Se7en, Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the Social Network come to mind. Now, those are all great films indeed, but for some reason Zodiac slips under the radar. It was released in march of 2007, a very quiet time for film. That could attribute to the lack of attention it received. This is the film that essentially revitalized Fincher's career. 

If you like mysteries that keep you guessing constantly and force you to become part of the investigation then this is the film for you. Zodiac is a fast paced film that really entertains as well as informs you on a dark figure known as the zodiac. The first half of the film is the police attempting and ultimately failing to bring a charge to any of the suspects. The second half is Robert Graysmith, who also wrote the book which the film is based on, taking the investigation into his own home. This alienates him from his work and his family. His obsessive drive to discover the zodiac is relentless. 

It isn't a horror film but it definitely has it's creepy moments. Towards the beginning there are some brutal murder scenes but they don't last. Zodiac has a tone to it. The film is dark and is constantly forcing you to look down alley ways for danger. You are always expecting something bad to happen. It puts you in a mood that most films can't. This is a powerful film in the fact that it forces this feeling upon you without manipulating. 

The acting is tremendous. The best performance comes from Robert Downey Jr. He is simply brillant. This may have been the film that brought his career back to life as well. After this, he began appearing in so many films. He is one of the best actors working today and this is a prime example of his excellence. 

"Zodiac" is a gem of a film and it's unfortunate that not many have seen it. I adore David Fincher's other films but this is one of his more honest works. So take the time out, pop some popcorn and watch this film. You'll be pleasantly surprised.  

Till next time.

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443706/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dWgRfb17-M

Oldboy (2003)

"Oldboy" was released in 2003 and was directed by South Korean director Chan-wook Park.  After being imprisoned for 15 years without being given any reason as to why, Dae-su Oh, is given 5 days to discover why he was held captive and seek revenge for his lost time. 

THIS FILM IS TREMENDOUS. I cannot stress that enough. It's honestly one of the greatest films I have ever seen. It's plot is brillant, the acting is flawless, the cinematography is awe-inspiring and it takes you in it's grasp from start to finish and doesn't let you go. This film defiantly resonates with you long after you've finished watching it. 

It's a mystery. The film is a puzzle that you are forced to put together along with the main character. At first it seems like a simple plot but it quickly thickens and thickens until the shocking climax. There are so many themes and motifs that flow throughout this film. I wish I could go into more detail but like I said, it's a mystery, and I wouldn't want to give anything away. Revenge is the biggest one I can name without revealing too much. 

Now, this film does warrant a slight disclaimer. It's, for lack of a better word, disturbing. The themes that are raised are controversial and it can be difficult to watch at certain points. If you've ever heard someone talk about this film, they will tell you how violent and crazy it is. Well, craziness is definitely a factor here but violence is a different story. Yes, it is violent but it is stylized violence. Chan-wook Park leaves most of it up to the imagination. 

I've seen this film many times and it never fails to leave an impact. I've also heard many people shun this film because they think it is popularized by violence and intense themes but I strongly disagree. This is a character film. Dae-su is dealing with losing his wife, daughter and 15 years of his life. Even the villain's narrative becomes a huge part of the film. The characters are what really shine here.

"Oldboy" is a film you MUST see. This film is highly regarded by critics such as Roger Ebert and even Quentin Tarantino. Despite being super controversial and stomach turning at points, I would recommend this film to anyone. To me, "Oldboy" has one of the best plots and is one of the best films of the last ten years. Go see it. 

Till next time. 

P.S. Spike Lee is currently working on a remake of this film. I'm not happy about this because why remake a film that is already flawless. It's basically just a way to americanize (just make some money) the film due to the popularity Oldboy is receiving in the U.S. Just let it be. 

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364569/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLn1y9v6yno