The Hidden Face

4 Potatoes

"The Hidden Face" (2011) by André Baiz- La Cara Ocluta is a thriller from Spain.

You know what happened and you know what is going to happen, but you don't know how it is going to end! Just a great thriller with unexpected and expected result.

You wouldn't regret watching it!


Synopsis: When his girlfriend, Bethlehem, vanishes, the handsome director of the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra despairs -- then gradually moves on. But even as he finds comfort in a new relationship, questions about Bethlehem's disappearance linger. (Netflix)



Available on DVD and Streaming

"CARLOS"

4 Potatoes

I am so excited to announce that the film, well I should say TV mini-series Golden Globe-winning "Carlos" 2010 by Olivier Assayas is finally available on streaming! It is a total 5.5 hours drama based on the story of Ilich Ramírez Sánchez aka 'Carlos the Jackal' who was the most wanted terrorist since 1970's. I recall some part of the actual attacks caused by 'Carlos' in the past, but there were more events I wasn't aware of.

The Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez who played 'Carlos' was amazing. He used his linguistic talent to the max, playing in 4 different languages fluently: Spanish, English, French, and German. WHO else can do that!!?? 

I saw the full version of this movie in theater last year when the American Cinematheque released it for one weekend. I think there was about 10 minutes intermission during the 5.5 hour movie. Personally I didn't need any intermission because the film was edited and directed so well, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.

Assyas & Ramírez at the opening night of "Carlos"

At the screening, Olivier Assayas and Édgar Ramírez introduced the film. And when the moderator asked Édgar Ramírez if there was anything he would like to add before the film starts, he simply reply "what more can I add to a 5.5 hours film?". Great sense of humor.

Totally worth 330 minutes of your life.


Synopsis: Édgar Ramírez stars as Ilich Ramírez Sánchez -- aka Carlos the Jackal -- an elusive Venezuelan terrorist who executed scores of assassination plots, abductions and bombings across Europe and the Middle East. This Golden Globe-winning biopic follows Sanchez from 1973 to 1994 as he and his cohorts wreak havoc on the Left Bank in Paris, storm OPEC headquarters in Vienna and carry out other devastating acts of politically motivated violence. 
(NETFLIX)


USA: Full version (330 mins) - Streaming Available on Netflix


*UPDATE: DVD & BD The Criterion Collection Available Sep 27th, 2011
http://www.ifcfilms.com/films/carlos

"Welcome"

4 Potatoes

I was just reading an article about the possible Palm d'Or recipient at the Cannes 2011. They think it could be the film "Le Havre" (2011) by the Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki.
The story is about the people in the port town of Le Havre, France trying to help an immigrant refugee boy from Africa cross the Channel to England.

This film has a very strong similarity to the 2009 film by Philippe Lioret "Welcome" starring Vincent Lindon. It won the Audience Award at the COLCOA 2009. It was very good film.

I remember briefly the line "The boy is trying to cross the Channel to tell the girl how much he loves her, and I can't even do that to the girl in front of me.." (it wasn't exactly that, my memory is very vague) it was very touching.

I am not sure if the new film "Le Havre" will be any better, but the story has been around and already done.

The film "Welcome" (2009) is Highly Recommended.

"Welcome" Synopsis: When authorities forbid young Kurdish refugee Bilal from crossing the English Channel to reunite with his girlfriend in England, the 17-year-old resolves to swim to his love - and finds an unlikely ally in the form of swim instructor Simon. Facing an inevitable divorce from his wife, the middle-aged teacher takes the resolute youth under his wing in this stirring, beautifully acted French drama. (NETFLIX)



"Welcome": DVD/Streaming Available

"Le Havre": US Release Date Unknown

"Quiet Chaos"

3.5 Potatoes

"Quiet Chaos" (2008) - Caos Calmo by Antonello Grimaldi is an Italian Film, starring Nanni Moretti. One day an executive and his brother save the lives of two drowning women in the ocean, he comes home and finds his wife dead. Now he has his 10 year-old daughter to take care of all by himself. Everyone tells him he is not emotional enough while he occupies himself with his daughter, his work, and everyone around him...

I liked the way it ended, and the music for the movie was good. Especially I loved the ending song "L'Amore Transparente" by Ivano Fossati.

Nanni Moretti is an amazing actor as always. AND a surprising cameo!!!!!


↓↓SPOILER ↓↓ (It is written in white so if you want to know the answer, highlight it to read)

ROMAN POLANSKI

Streaming Available on Netflix

DVD Availability Unknown