Of Gods and Men (2010)

I was told my patience may be tested with this film but that it was also wonderful. Some bastard lied to me about the patience bit but not the wonderful part. The fact it is based on true events during the Algerian civil war adds to the outstanding film making. It takes a close look at the lives of a group of French monks and the decisions they have to make when their lives come under threat during war. A fascinating study of their daily rituals and interaction with one another never becomes boring as tension mounts inside and outside their monastery walls. Save their bacon or stay and answer their calling? Pretty sure I'd get the hell out of there but it isn't easy imagining myself as a monk.

4.5/5

 

A Christmas Carol (2009)

This is me in about ten years

I'm a bit of a sucker for Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol and it's film adaptions. As an embryonic being I enjoyed Mickey's A Christmas Carol (1983) and gurgled compliantly as a teen to The Muppet's Christmas Carol (1994). Then there was Bill Murray in that modern, screwball yarn Scrooged (1988). Damn it that was good. Although it's waned somewhat over the years I do still get a warm glow in the belly from sentimental and gooey Christmas capers and Disney's latest addition delivers in dollop loads. Jim Carey voices Ebeneezer Scrooge in animated fashion without drawing attention to the fact it is Jim Carey. Unusual for him yes? The detail in the animation is rad. Look at old Scroogey's face above. Genius work. Originally a 3D feature there are some passages obviously intended to wow that viewing audience but watching it on bog standard 2D at home makes it seem an obvious superfluous effect. 
I could understand people not liking the characters which border on creepy at times. The humans that is, not the ghosts. Despite a strangely odd detached feeling from reality I am happy to add this film to the list of A Christmas Carol classics. That doesn't make it a classic film but it's still a nice accolade for it yes? My oath it is.
4/5

Are there any other worthy A Christmas Carol themed films I should see? Tell me!

 

Until the Light Takes Us (2008)

Some think our far northern friends in Norway behave a little peculiar at times due in part to the extreme weather conditions they live with. I don't know about all that weather mumbo jumbo but something helped spawn the carnage that is black metal in their otherwise mild-mannered culture. This doco looks a little into the music's background, the players involved in the early days and how things got seriously shit shaped. What is described as essentially an escape from mundanity does become something else when crimes are being committed such as church burning and murder. Interviews with some of the guys involved such as Varg Vikernes, who was in prison at the time of filming, and Fenriz shed an illuminating light on to what may have been swirling around in their heads at the time. There is no mention of any mind altering substances though which you have to wonder may have contributed to Vikernes' heinous murder of his bandmate. His description of the event sounds deluded despite his obvious intellectual tact. He's cold as hell about it too. As he mentions driving a knife into a skull his tone of voice resembles that which may be used to describe a wine bottle being opened. 

Interesting stuff in all but it could have definitely benefitted with a shorter running time of 60 minutes. Fans of the genre may dig on all the inane details but for someone with only a casual interest it was too much.  

Norway; I got to visit thee.

3/5

Conviction (2010)

This is like a true crime telemovie but with some classy actors and a polished production. Hilary Swank is suitably rugged yet vulnerable as the little battler trying to free her sibling from a life behind bars. Sam Rockwell is her rough-nut brother who has been locked up for the grisly slaughter of some poor young lady. Rockwell's been in some interesting movies over the years but I've always been slightly unsettled by his presence. I think with this film I'm finally onboard with him though. Super glad that's all sorted out. He's very good as a guy with a tonne of character who struggles living within the confines of the law. Melissa Leo appears as a ball busting cop. She appears in everything these days so no surprises to see her mug popping up here as well. Also I didn't realise Minnie Driver was still making movies. How you like them apples?

This is a genuinely touching story especially as it is based on reality so it's a shame it does have that telemovie feel. I also felt slightly uncomfortable with the way the passing of years was dealt with. It felt a little awkward but that's a small gripe to be honest. 
Worth seeing if you feel like some vague heart string pulling and prodding and poking.

3.5/5

Grave of the Fireflys (1988)

This lovely Japanese tale of siblings trying to survive during the midst of WW2 just about cracked my beautiful porcelain exterior. While not preaching about the horrors of war it makes it plain to see the tragedy. The animation and sound are spot on at capturing a tranquil landscape shattered by relentless hailstorms of bombs. They also capture the tender relationship of the brother and sister in their quest to stay together and stay alive. 

Director Isao Takahata is a legend of the Anime scene and was a founder of Studio Ghibli. In case you are ignorant of this sort of thing I should inform you they are the studio responsible for Spirited Away (2001) and Howls Moving Castle (2004). I hope that helped. Casting my eyes over some of his other directorial efforts a story about shape shifting racoons caught my eye. Pompoko (1994), I believe we have a date!

This is recommenced if not essential viewing at some stage of your life regardless of your feelings about animation, war or ugly truth bombs.

4/5

The Guard (2011)

Brendan Gleeson plays the eccentric character this film is named after. A copper in Galway, Ireland, he is an odd mix of conflicting characteristics and morals. An American FBI agent played by Don Cheadle has the perplexing task of trying to work with him and uncover some drug importation shenanigans.

The feckin Irish humour is harnessed to great effect and you have to sympathise with the American's bewilderment with the culture he finds himself in. The dark humour along with some melancholy moments make it a very enjoyable, rounded experience. There are a lot of little interesting side plots weaved in amongst the film that really give it a great sized girth.

You should just watch it instead of reading my stream of near incoherent ramblings. I could guff on for ages about how much I Dig Dug this film. Although I must admit it did take me a little while to adjust to the thick Irish accents that also sound like a stream of near incoherent ramblings. Worth the effort most definitely.

4/5