The Yellow Sea (Hwanghae / 황해)

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(Original review on new website:http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: The Yellow Sea (Hwanghae / 황해)

Year: 2010

Director: Na Hong-jin

Venue: ICA, London

Cast:

Cho Seong-ha

Jung-Woo Ha

Kim Yun-seok

Lee Chul-Min

Running time: 140 minutes

Other Info:

Preview Screening

I may or not be down with the kids but it's rarely a film makes me go OMG! Yes, Oh My God... From da Oh to da My thru to d'G...!

The Yellow Sea is one suspenseful, part-action, part-thriller (and one could even say, part-love-story) of a film.

Somewhere between essentially South Korea and mainland China we meet a guy. He, [Jung-Woo Ha] like many whom reside in this area is finding it hard to make a living. This guy has a day job, and a blood relation or two.

The main focal point of his love-within has flown a while ago to South Korea, perhaps to never return.

A proposal is put to our main character. [Our main character thus far anyway - Why? You see, by way of a segment sub-heading he is maybe the first of many who has a story to tell. The sub-heading is somewhat misleading, intentionally.]

The guy who makes the aforementioned proposal is a dodgy character. But, when you're down on your luck you'll listen to all kinds of proposals. Whatever this character's decision our story takes us to South Korea, ultimately Seoul and also Busan.

In Korea, Jung-Woo Ha's character must execute the proposal made to him. Execute is the perfect word here. It's also handy as he can potentially meet up with his love.

So, how to Exact an Execution and swiftly Exit accordingly... Hmmm... Well, this guy certainly knows how to observe, plan and stakeout as seen fit, to make this run smoothly. After all, he's not committing any crime for free! Indeed not, and although he's been promised a handful of digit-ed notes to undertake this, a couple of human digits, from a handful may also be acquired by him... Obviously... As proof that he's performed a job well done.

There is a great scene where he is judging the time a guy takes to get up to his apartment, using what he can see from outside. For example, the lights inside going on at certain times.

But what does a guy do in between planning and carrying out a deed, in a city not too familiar to him? Well, he could go on the search for the love of his life. He could make enquiries to those in Seoul.

When carrying out the intended deed things seem to be going well. Not much after this though, we have the perhaps corrupt and often inept police involved.

Then? It gets rather involved regarding whom is chasing who. Talk about good guys, bad guys and gangs. You could say the story gets messy. The quantity of bodily fluids spilt definitely IS messy. If you don't like sticky red vessel vino, then I wouldn't watch this. The same goes for knives and the like - there are plenty on show here, slicing & splicing.

Indeed, this is a very violent affair. It's not without it's humour though.

It reminded me of "I Saw The Devil" a little, in it's gore, unflinchingness and it's who-has-the-upper-hand-now element [A review can be found here: I Saw The Devil]. The few main characters will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, even if their accomplices are less willing.

Although this could be a story of a man running, because he's 'on the run' there is also even a pretty tense car chase thrown in. If you think that The Blues Brothers movie contained many a crashed car, you may want to rethink after seeing this.

The film keeps you watching whilst not getting too predictable - Any predictability is quickly eclipsed by the latest run, attack or almost continuous violence.

Yes. The Yellow Sea has elements of the Red stuff, The Blues Brothers & men with Black hearts.

A Mini Mini Movie (i.e. Trailer)

Find this Trailer and other Mini-er Movies here at:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

"The Little Yellow Sea, The Big Blue...":

[youtube=http://youtu.be/yTCwY79GQ1o]

MOTHER (Madeo / 마더) - Two Venues. One Mother.

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Mother (Madeo / 마더)

Year: 2009

Director: Bong Joon-Ho

Venue: The Korean Cultural Centre / The ICA

Cast:

Bin Won

Hye-ja Kim

Jin Goo

Jun Mi-sun

Kim Hye-Ja

Ku Jin

Won Bin

Running time: 129 minutes.

Other Info:

Selected for Cannes, Toronto and New York film festivals.

Mother... Second time around... KCC... July 2011.

Bizarrely enough, even though I have recently reminded myself of the wonderful opening of this movie (and even right up to a day or two prior to this screening), the moment surprised me a second time. I use the term 'surprised' loosely - as soon as that scene started I was reminded of it's brilliance.

In a shot - vaguely related to that opening scene - we are taken to a woman slicing what I believe to be the exact natural material featured in that first moment. [Hence 'vaguely' related].

We are soon introduced to the woman's offspring & not long after this a scene consisting of just a couple of shots, which is both a tad distasteful whilst strangely beautiful. The feeding of the offspring with some liquid is almost juxtaposed with the motion of liquid leaving his body, as if it's going straight through him.

In fact, the phrase "going straight through him" could relate to the intelligence of this young soul. Yes, he's not the brainiest kid on the block and indeed the clever gene has skipped a generation - things either pass obliviously through him or right above his head. We sympathise with, whilst laugh at him. This tells as that this movie - whatever dramatic genre it is - is to be splattered with, (no, not blood... but...) black comedic moments.

Luckily, his mother dotes over him immensely and is forever looking out for him. Never more so than in a scene upon us next... It's one in which her son is mysteriously taken away in a car - only for this car to somewhat collide with another.

There is a screech, but we can't quite make out if is one of the sound of tyres or a woman's scream. What has happened? Has it something to do with what we also witness?

What do we also witness? Well, for one, we know that someone has died, and from the evidence it doesn't look like suicide. In fact, the way that this death has been presented to the audience is by use of an image which is both shocking, haunting and daunting. Perhaps never has so much hair been used to show a life taken from us, especially in one long and still shot.

It doesn't take a genius to realise who the suspect is, and if the police guys don't tell us by their words other factors do.

Of course, as with most murders there is always someone who believes it either to not be a killing or that somebody else is the culprit. Cue a rather comical appeal, whilst the other town folk & detectives seem to be performing some kind of reconstruction, again with snigger-some results. Look out for a 'dummy' (and I don't mean the suspect!)

With any appeal comes a lawyer and is this situation any different? Well, there is indeed a well-groomed, female-loving character resembling a person of the law profession. Not only a well-characterized individual in such a bit-part but also some lovely camera-work involving this person and food. Such a lawyer is seen in a good later scene - that scene is a tad surreal, involving drinking, pretty girls & errr a karaoke microphone? Hmmm.

There are of course a similarity or two with other films (albeit not many), including the also Korean movie, Poetry. As you'll see in my review for Poetry [here: http://miniminimovie.com/2011/07/25/poetry-or-grand-madeo/] some of the story - but definitely not the style - is vaguely familiar. Not only that comparison, there is a funeral or wake scene for the departed [almost obligatory of late, in Asian films?], which the main character doth fleetingly visit, and needless to say is met with a less than warm welcome.

On the subject of comparisons, I believe parts of this film and the style of it have been labelled Hitchcockian... This is certainly true of much of the music score.

I've done well, so far of avoiding spoilers [its not easy, you know...] and I'll continue to do so as I dwell a little on one of the main plot-lines of this picture. What's that? Well, the aforementioned unfortunate death... the death of a girl. It is (of course) a tragic death, but it could also be said that this female had been living a tragic life. When moments are mentioned about the deceased's life it fills you [well, moi at least] with emotion and sympathy.

Some things are just plain 'bizarre'... You see, this being the second time of viewing "Madeo" [the first being way back as part of an UltraCulture event, at the ICA] the same highlights and moments remind me of what scenes to write about. After all this time, you'd think that my brain would be choosing alternative pieces of the film, but no... In fact, as I write these almost-bullet-points down, it's almost déjà vu & I'm convinced I've written this review before. Strange.

The latter is again true in the brilliant scene where 'Mother' has pretty much taken the investigation into her own hands and is now at an individual's home, unbeknown to that person. This scene is not only tense, it's a tad amusing and at the same time realistic & dramatic. And... How do her goings-on go unnoticed? I'm unsure, but it really works.

This wouldn't be a modern Far Eastern film without a cellphone or two. I guess that such a mobile phone, in this picture anyway can take on it's own personality and therefore become a major cog & character in the story [...'cog' being the operative word, as we half-see the components inside a cellphone]. There is a lovely moment regarding the phone and a some-would-say-geeky girl.

One of the better - and darker - interrogation scenes put to film is also included in this great movie, if only almost fleeting.

We also have nosebleeds, blood and even 'bad blood' (literally, it would appear...).

Speaking of bad blood - and murder - there is a scene in the film when fire is placed in various areas of a building, almost puncturing the space and therefore it feeling like a larger version of acupuncture. This may well be intentional as the art of acupuncture features kind of heavily in certain parts of this motion prick-ture.

The picture also makes us feel like we don't know if to laugh or cry. Perhaps never more so when the young girl is killed. Sounds bizarre? It is, I guess but it doesn't feel like it at the time. Surely a sign of good film-making.

From milk-making to film promoting. If this were one of those straight-to-DVD American films - you know the ones - it could be given tagline, "Like Mother, Like Son'. You'll have to see it to understand what I mean. If you still don't know, enquire within and message me.

Well, that's it... but lest we forget a superb scene with a bus load of 'MOTHERS'! [Crudity intended... but hardly apt]

And... Not forgetting...:

Mini Mini Movie (i.e. Trailer)

Find this Trailer and other Mini-er Movies here at:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

"Mini Mother, Mini Madeo":

[youtube=http://youtu.be/0oBwQHWeYxo]

"BOBBY FISCHER AGAINST THE WORLD" - Of-Fischer-Ali he was the best.

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

[Review working title - "Bobby Fischer Against The World... Or "I have so many reviews on the go that I'm All Fingers And... Pawns..."]

Film: Bobby Fischer Against The World

Year: 2011

Director: Liz Garbus

Venue: Tricycle Theatre & Cinema, London Cast:

Bobby Fischer

Boris Spassky

Gary Kasparov

+ Many other pawns...

Running time: 93 minutes.

Distribution

Released & Distributed in the UK by Dogwoof - details here (and more at foot of review):

http://www.Dogwoof.com

Fingers at the ready...?

We are introduced to a time of many problems in the world and much darkness. The conflicts in Ireland, Vietnam & it's war and of course, the Watergate scandal.

Another would be the Russia Vs US saga which dominated headlines around that time.

The latter would be used, both at this time in history and in this film, as an almost analogy for this future American world champion and his battle with board nemesis, and current champion Boris Spassky.

However, this wouldn't be for a while in his life, as such.

For now, let's concentrate on his childhood and upbringing. [Of course, I'll minimalise any spoiling but as with most non-fictional tales, or documentaries like this one that is more difficult to do than fiction films. Not that describing them without spoilers isn't hard. It is.]

So, this youngster... I recall him being asked at what age he started playing chess. His response was "...6". When then asked "At what age did you get serious [at it]?" young Bobby's reply was "7". It was almost taken like a joke, but deep down the world believed he was being truthful.

Bobby's upbringing wasn't easy, or at least it was not easy for Bobby later in life - when a variety of his mother's talents and controversies were being revealed. His mother knew many languages, was involved with various political situations and even an activist for all sorts. Her involvement or connection with the FBI raised many a concern and suspicion, that is for sure.

There were problems with regard to the male parent of Bobby's but I won't elaborate on that.

Strangely though - and by way of a great movie shot and close-up - at the age of 15 when Bobby was being interviewed, you could see that although a seemingly normal and probably happy kid his eyes were revealing worry... perhaps foreseeing events in his future...?

Back to the adult-come-chess-superstar, my focus was initially drawn to his collar, rather than his face. Why? Immensely large - but the style at the time. Or one of many styles of that era. He came across very calm, normal and straight-talking - not really out-going, even if his collar was!

Of course, like all good [or at least the majority of] documentaries, the story leads to a major event... and no prizes for guessing the pinnacle we were headed for. But to confirm your suspicions, indeed we are leading up to the much-publicised world championship with the aforementioned Boris Spassky.

Would this be plain sailing though? Doubtful... What would be the point of this docu? Certainly the tone early on tells us we are building suspensefully, like a chess game itself, you could analogise.

'Plagued with problems' would be the (much overused) description for what was to follow. Yes, from Fischer's stubborn-ness, almost reculsive-ness, hibernation & general elusiveness to terms not being met... and even the decision of where this tournament would take place. Incidentally, it was to be Iceland.

Even when the championship games begin, we still wonder if the players are going to turn up... Well, ok just one of the players. This has to be one of the amusing highlights of this movie, although there are many other moments.

We then have everything from so-called intrusive camera angles, paranoia of cheating or mind games and even suspected murder - murder? Yes, of two dead flies! Seriously, you need to see this to believe it. It's all rather astonishing.

Add to this the irony and possible terror that this whole match and it's build-up is almost likened to the America's simultaneous war with the Russians. Indeed, this was a real war... with real pawns.

Nonetheless, no matter what motives may be on show here, by the players or important leaders of the world at that time, we're in for a treat. The chess games are well documented here in this picture. Various title cards are used to describe the different stages, each with a chess theme to it. Not to mention ones titled The Beautiful Game and The All-Nighter.

With all this, it's hardly a surprise when we learn of these words..."Fischer is to chess what Ali is to boxing."

The music, animation and use of humour in this motion picture should also be applauded.

All in all, this is a story about a guy with so much focus on chess and chess only that he seems to grow forever embittered. We half want him to fight his inner demons in the time leading up to, and surrounding the all-important chess war-game.

A war-game or not, this film does well to show both sides of Bobby (if indeed there are two!) whilst leaving us movie-goers to witness Bobby & co tuning up to what could be called film's 'ultimate battle scenes'.

Foot Note:

Following the big tournament we are given a glimpse into Bobby's later life. Monsieur Fischer seems to move from paranoia, cult-following, bitterness and an ultimate hate for his homeland of the United States. With regard to the latter, you could say "Who would blame him?" Especially after certain events which take place.

What is interesting though is what Bobby states 'to the world' after the September 11th tragedy. It is not nice... But you half-see where he is coming from.

We are shown that Bobby is now living in Iceland [for reasons you can see in the film], the country which held his famous tournament with Boris. As ironic as this could be seen, he continues to hate the Americans... I found this strange, as he makes himself at home in Iceland, but still dresses like an American! [Denim-clad top-half and baseball cap etc].

Find this Trailer and other Min-er Movies here at:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

"Pawn Cocktail":

[youtube=http://youtu.be/5sWuhpsG2aU]

Finally...

Film Footnote - "Virally Vending"

As promised above, further details of the distributor of Villain are indeed below. However, before you rush to clickety-click-away I'd like to use this space to mention the recent mindless riots experienced here in the UK. Did you know that these riots caused hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages and loss to our favourite independent film distributors? These are, essentially... Arrow Films, Artifical Eye, The BFI, Crabtree Films, Cine-Asia, Dogwoof Films, Exposure Cinema, Eureka, Kaleidoscope Films, Left Films, Masters of Cinema, Metrodome Films, New Wave Films, Peccadillo Pictures, Revolver Entertainment, Showbox Home Entertainment, Terracotta, Third Window Films and Warp Films.

So, with the latter in mind it is even more important to spread the word virally about these unfortunate vendors. On that note I leave you with these links... all which will, in some way assist in keeping such films to be distributed here in the so-called land of milk & honey.

http://www.facebook.com/dogwoof

http://www.facebook.com/bobbyfischermovie

http://www.Twitter.com/Dogwoof

http://www.Twitter.com/BobbyFischerUK

http://www.Twitter.com/AIDED_Film

http://www.bobbyfischermovie.co.uk/

+

Many thanks & Love to all, including horses.

“THE SKIN I LIVE IN” - [The World I Live In... An Almodóvirgin!]

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: The Skin I Live In (La Piel que Habito)

Year: 2011

Director: Pedro Almodóvar

Venue: The Lexi Cinema, London

Cast

Antonio Banderas

Blanca Suarez

Elena Anaya

Marisa Paredes

Running time: 120 minutes.

Other Info:

The film is based on Thierry Jonquet's book, Tarantula.

I'd witnessed the trailer to this and it intrigued me enough to go & see it. That's the job of a trailer though, to intrigue.

This film was obviously going to be audacious but while being grandiose at the same time. Of course, this doesn't mean that it would be guaranteed good.

On entering the Lexi cinema - my first ever, and long overdue visit - I was not only intrigued by this film but also the lovely venue. It not only helps us punters see brilliant movies it also helps less-fortunate persons - more on this at the foot of the review.

Enter Antonio Banderas... Not into this picturehouse but onto the screen, in the first scenes of the movie.

Along with Robert (Antonio's character) we have a girl who is involved. Let's try to describe her... Pretty, Dark haired & Skinny - Skinny? Well, that's one way to describe her...

How are these two connected? There seems to be a strong bond or care for one another. It's difficult to tell, but it is clear who has control in this 'relationship'. Perhaps a more apt word would be chemistry - I hope I don't need to eLABorate.

The third almost central character is the mother of Robert. It's clear she would be one to continuously dote on her son. It's not clear though, whether she cares or does not care for 'the girl'.

It is fair to say that Robert's subject of interest, desire & main focus is a kept girl. Perhaps not in the traditional sense of that expression though. It's only the unfolding of this often creepy tale which reveals why she is there with him. Although, just when we feel we know what's going on we're often diverted to another aspect of the story.

Incidentally - and if you hadn't guessed from trailers or posters - the girl appears to be wearing a body stocking of sorts. Not only this, Robert explains that this subject matter (or at least a process in his professional field of work) involves a certain animal. You could indeed refer to this as pig-mentation. And yes, that hyphen is intentional. I'm a swine, I know.

There is a tale or two of Robert's family, enemies, loves & his past. The past being intertwined with all those aspects. All these past events and present ones are not only shocking, they are brilliantly executed too.

A bizarre fancy-dressed individual appears at one point and helps to push the story on a bit, of indeed it needed it. Such a character does not seem out of place here... Almost [David] Lynch-esque.

Saying the story doesn't need pushing is perhaps not entirely true... It does help to spiral our confusion and intrigue out of control even further. This is a feat much due it's credit.

Bizarreness also appears in the form of many shots, whether coincidental or intended.

Examples?

A shop is featured and an old woman appears in a window-like-hatch. I saw her and the box surrounding as a kind of Portrait Painting, like you'd see in a Good Gallery.

Then, a straw-like model is spookily being dressed or even assembled - this, through Mini Mini's eyes resembled a burn-victim previously featured in the film. This victim seems to play an integral role in the story.

Do you want another example or example-come-analogy...? Ok...

This time, the subject matter of 'pigs' springs up in this tall 'tail' [*sigh*]... Indeed, a certain person drinks water from a bucket, just like a pig and it's trough.

Finally - and hopefully not a spoiler - there is a line used, "You'll see , when the time comes..." which could almost be a nod towards a certain man and his ability or non-ability to ejaculate.

Encompass all these goings on with the feel and look of the picture as a whole, and you have the embodiment of a delicious viewing experience.

To break this deliciousness down a little:

There are first & foremost, succulent colours and sounds. The latter quality never being more prominent than when a singer is seen performing - it's almost as if it's been recorded separately, over the top of all else. Of course, recording sound separately is not uncommon... Far from it but here it seems unique & intentional.

Then we have well-thought out angles & shots. Instead of the very standard full-shot of a ballroom full of party-goers, which has been used in many a film we are shown something rather different. The characters in the foreground are not displayed fully, and then we move on into the goings-on and event in hand. Why do we not see these individuals heads? Simply, I guess due to them being irrelevant in the story. Mini Mini's opinion, of course.

To play on the word Sexy a little would be to give away perhaps more than one should about this truly dark & remarkable picture. Instead, go and see this movie and if it's still playing at the same venue, go & get Sexi at the Lexi.

A Mini Mini Moving story of the Lexi... from their own words:

The Lexi Cinema - The UK's First Social Enterprise Boutique Cinema

"100% of The Lexi’s profits go towards improving the quality of life for the people of Lynedoch Village in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Every ticket, every membership you buy, every bowl of popcorn, every glass of wine and every event you hold at The Lexi goes towards making a real difference to the lives of the families at Lynedoch."

http://thelexicinema.co.uk/

http://www.Twitter.com/TheLexiCinema

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lexi-Cinema/125411586258

And... Not forgetting...:

Mini Mini Movie (i.e. Trailer)

Find this Trailer and other Minier [ok, that's not a real word, but...] Movies here at:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

"The Film I Appear In":

[youtube=http://youtu.be/PavJUoZNT7g]

Villain - Virally Vended?

(Original review on new website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Villain (Akunin / 悪人)

Year: 2010

Director: Lee Sang-il

Venue: ICA, London

Cast

Satoshi Tsumabuki

Eri Fukatsu

Akira Emoto

Masaki Okada

Kirin Kiki

Hikari Mitsushima

Running time: 140 minutes.

Distribution

Released & Distributed in the UK by Third Window Films - details here (and more at foot of review):

http://www.thirdwindowfilms.com

Other Info:

Preview Screening

Further Info:

The film is based on Shuichi Yoshida's crime noir novel of the same name.

I'm so glad I read minimal information about this. Now comes the tricky part... Relaying minimal information whilst explaining maximal details!

OK, there's this girl (Hikari Mitsushima) who, in between being in the insurance industry spends her time eating with her girlfriends (the Americanised expression... I don't mean she's a lesbian), falling in lust with men and probably purchasing the best designer-wear around. This is not labelling her a bad girl but just one of many almost happy-go-lucky youngsters of this modern world.

Hikari's character tells her friends that she's off to meet a guy and proceeds to do so. What follows is a brilliantly executed, but brief meeting of more than one of her male... errr... acquaintances, shall we say. [Not wanting to give away too much, one of these guys is played by Satoshi Tsumabuki] Well, accidents will happen and storylines do need to unfold.

It's fair to say that one of the guys is not best pleased, not only considering the circumstances but also because he's made quite an effort to meet. There is a great use of sound at this point in the movie.

Missy follows her heart and heads off with a seemingly well-to-do male. Smiles are all round, almost. I would say that they head off into the sunset but it's night time and therefore no sun to be seen.

A sleepy-ish town in the middle of nowhere and suddenly "there's been a murder" - these are the words you'd probably here if this were somewhere in England and a North-of-England detective were involved. This murder though, may not have actually occurred in the sleepy town but definitely somewhere almost as sleepy and far away from life or cities.

Who has committed this nasty deed? Could it be one of the young male leads? Or could they both be responsible in some way? The answers to these and other questions will be answered if you go and see this film, or of course read the book... Something I've not had a chance to do yet.

We soon have obviously distraught parents of the victim. Understandably, they blame one another for this event and at times blame themselves. This said, they know that someone else is literally to blame, ultimately.

A dating site is referred to on more than one occasion in this movie. Our main suspect puts such a site to use and meets a girl... A girl who's almost the opposite to Hikari's character. We could call her niaive and homely but that's not entirely true. More innocent could be more apt. What therefore follows is a play with us, the audience. We are played with in the form of us being presented with the situation of a sweet girl meeting a guy, whom we believe to be perhaps untrustworthy and capable of anything. A grinding juxtaposition giving us a "What Will Happen?" debacle. This is nothing new in films, but it's done brilliantly throughout the remaining longer segment of the movie.

In fact, there is an almost beautiful - but uncertain - love story which is put in front of us. Will they, won't they? Did he, didn't he? ('commit the murder')... And, is this really 'love' or just an escape from the reality of situations surrounding the main male lead?... It's definitely an escape for this new female 'love-interest', if only to take her away from the seemingly mundane life she has been living.

In between the latter relationship we are shown this male's family and pieces of his past. We are also displayed the detective's, the police's and the media's progress in solving the crime. There is, of course a flashback or two but done very well, compared with many others experienced in cinema.

Essentially, this film seems to move from a murder & whodunit [even if we have more than our fair share of suspicions] to an almost Romeo & Juliet situation... All the time, never really letting us know the male lead's intention. They seem like they shouldn't be together.

There is a real heart to this story, and not to mention such a great soundtrack, acting and sublime photography.

I suppose it's the love story which ultimately stole my heart. Do I mean crimes of the heart? Well, it is titled "Villain", so you decide.

Find this Trailer and other Minier [ok, that's not a real word, but...] Movies here at:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

"Villain Video":

[youtube=http://youtu.be/6s6ELkB1LXY]

Finally...

Film Footnote - "Virally Vended"

As promised above, further details of the distributor of Villain are indeed below. However, before you rush to clickety-click-away I'd like to use this space to mention the recent mindless riots experienced here in the UK. Did you know that these riots caused hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages and loss to our favourite independent film distributors? These are, essentially... Arrow Films, Artifical Eye, The BFI, Crabtree Films, Cine-Asia, Dogwoof Films, Exposure Cinema, Eureka, Kaleidoscope Films, Left Films, Masters of Cinema, Metrodome Films, New Wave Films, Peccadillo Pictures, Revolver Entertainment, Showbox Home Entertainment, Terracotta, Third Window Films and Warp Films.

So, with the latter in mind it is even more important to spread the word virally about these unfortunate vendors. On that note I leave you with these links... all which will, in some way assist in keeping such films to be distributed here in the so-called land of milk & honey.

http://www.facebook.com/thirdwindowfilms

http://www.facebook.com/VillainTheMovie

http://www.Twitter.com/ThirdWindow

http://www.Twitter.com/VillainTheMovie

http://www.Twitter.com/AIDED_Film

Many thanks.

"SAWAKO DECIDES" - or perhaps it is really Sake Deciding

Original review on NEW website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

[Review Working Title: A Small Fish in a Small Pond]

Film: Sawako Decides (Kawa No Soko Kara Konnichiwa / 川の底からこんにちは)

Year: 2010

Director (& writer): Yuya Ishii

Venue: ICA, London

Cast:

Hikari Mitsushima

Masashi Endo

Kira Aihara

Ryo Iwamatsu

Kotaro Shiga

Running time: 112 minutes

Distribution

Released & Distributed in the UK by Third Window Films - details here (and more at foot of review):

Official Site: http://www.thirdwindowfilms.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thirdwindowfilms

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/ThirdWindow

Other Info:

Winner at 53rd Blue Ribbon Awards (Best Director)

Winner at Fantasia Film Festival (Best Film; Best Actress)

I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to describe the humour in this picture... Sometimes deadpan, dry, subtle and slapstick - but each type really works!

There is even sentimentality, alcoholism & death. Death... In a Japanese movie? Never...

Anyway, I'll remove my sarcastic head for a second or two and describe the film as best I can, spoilers aside.

A girl, Sawako (Hikari Mitsushima) is seen, having a medical procedure of some kind. Sawako, it evolves is not too bright and takes whatever life throws at her. We witness this at the beginning in her love life & her working life.

The first real comedy moments are at her workplace, where it would seem that not much work is actually undertaken and at times it's 'dull'... This is confirmed by a character or two even using that word - to great comedy effect.

Sawako is also receiving mysterious - to us - phonecalls. It's pretty obvious that this is from someone who is, or at some point was close to her. Is it an ex, family member or perhaps even a company trying to persuade her to come to work with her...? At this point, we do not know... so why should you?! ;)

The latest love (or just-for-company) interest of Sawako's brings further comedy to the story. I will just say that one of the two drinks beer a lot and the other knits clothes, whilst caring for the environment. You may be surprised which one does what, or of course... not.

Sawako, her male companion & her colleagues are not the only human beings bringing humour to this film. Another major (but tiny - literally) character is a young child. Funny, cute & to boot played by a great little actress.

Our female lead must, almost suddenly head of out-of-town in the form of an emergency of the health kind.

In doing so, she becomes a kind of 'fish' out of water. Yes, pun intended... And you'll get this pun when you see the movie.

You see, not only must Sawako get used to her new surroundings in this out-of-town place but also it means that (yet another) job must commence. A different type of work and more demanding. Is this for Sawako? Perhaps she really has no choice.

Does she adapt well, after being a fish out of water? I believe she does a little and becomes a baby 'duck' out of water, by this I mean that she, in some small way does indeed adapt but not fully at first.

Incidentally, there is moment where a duck is shown slowly bobbing it's head under the water and out again. The motion is repeated a couple of times. This reminded me of an earlier scene where Sawako is in a bath and her head is seen to splash out of the water. This said, she's not the kind to do any ‘ducking’ & diving - no, she's not known for being a risk-taker.

A fish out of water? A non-risk taker? So, how does she truly adapt? Let's put it this way... Sometimes family, and reasons linked to a 'happy home' make one try to adapt more.

Up to this point I've not mentioned much about her family, and that is essentially because they are unknown to us at the start of the film. I will say now that one member is sick, whilst another is your almost typical, whilst comedic slightly-perverted-come-randy uncle.

This family of Sawako's is not only connected by blood but also by that other life-force [for many people], alcohol. Drinking can make for an easy laugh in a movie, but here it works well and subtly. It features so much so that I wasn't sure if it was medicinal fluids stored in a featured intravenous drip, or in fact alcohol! Are they drinking beer? Are they drinking the Japanese drink, sake? If the alcohol indeed plays a part in Sawako’s life choices, chances or fate, perhaps it should be renamed “Sake Decides’.

A note on Hikari Mitsushima and her deservedly revered acting displayed in this movie. I'm no guru in all what is Japanese, nor on every film Hikari has been in but this is surely the most dress-downed that we've seen her, if not the most dowdy.

Throw in some larger than life colleagues, employee hatred & a humorous workplace anthem and you have the perfect recipe for a reason to check out this film sometime soon. If undecided before, now I hope the decision of whether to see this film has been made.

Find this Trailer and other Minier [ok, that's not a real word, but...] Movies here:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

"Small Sawako":

[youtube=http://youtu.be/kwnJpZtGhYM]

Finally...

Film Footnote - "For Sawako's Sake"

Links to Third Window Film (& similar distributors) are listed again below. However, before you rush to clickety-click-away I'd like to use this space to mention the recent mindless riots experienced here in the UK. Did you know that these riots caused hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages and loss to our favourite independent film distributors? These are, essentially... Arrow Films, Artifical Eye, The BFI, Crabtree Films, Cine-Asia, Dogwoof Films, Exposure Cinema, Eureka, Kaleidoscope Films, Left Films, Masters of Cinema, Metrodome Films, New Wave Films, Peccadillo Pictures, Revolver Entertainment, Showbox Home Entertainment, Terracotta, Third Window Films and Warp Films.

So, with the latter in mind it is even more important to spread the word virally about these unfortunate vendors. On that note I leave you with these links... all which will, in some way assist in keeping such films to be distributed here in the so-called land of milk & honey.

http://www.thirdwindowfilms.com

http://www.facebook.com/thirdwindowfilms

http://www.Twitter.com/ThirdWindow

http://www.Twitter.com/AIDED_Film

Many thanks.

"Salt of Life" - Peppered with Laughter

Original review on new website: http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Italian Man's Best Friend

Film: SALT OF LIFE (Gianni e le Donne)

UK Release Date: 12th August 2011

Year: 2011

Director: G

Bonus: Q & A with director / co-writer / actor Gianni Di Gregorio

Venue: Curzon, Mayfair

Cast:

Gianni Di Gregorio

Valeria de Franciscis Bendoni

Alfonso Santagata

Elisabetta Piccolomini

Valeria Cavalli

Alyn Prandi

Kristina Cepraga

Michelangelo Ciminale

Teresa Di Gregorio

Lilia Silvi

Gabriella Sborgi

Laura Squizzato

Silvia Squizzato

Further Info:

UK PREMIERE

Distributed by Artificial Eye

Official Site: http://www.artificial-eye.com

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/ArtificialEye

This Is No Asterix

I had a decision. A film or a farewell meal for a friend. I must add that this friend was having many a farewell do and this was almost 'just another one'.

It turned out though, that after half-cancelling my acquired place at this Premiere screening I could now in fact attend both the movie and the meal.

It was going to be tight but I knew I could do both of the events. So, I proceeded to head to the Curzon, Mayfair. It was now a case of a Cancelled and Re-Claimed prize... Indeed, would a seat be there with my name on it, or not? It was there... In fact, I was ultimately informed that I could sit anywhere inside the auditorium.

"Seen it... Seen it... Seen it..."

But until such time, I was seated in the bar and reception area of this fine establishment. I was a tad excited to see such a movie - but one I knew little about. Whilst there I witnessed many an Italian person arrive [obviously], as well as English and a fidgety old woman who appeared to have lost something. Or her mind... Bless her.

I can't say that the staff behind the bar were stupid, or clever but I'm sure I heard one of the guys tell a customer that "Salt Of Life" is an animated film. Really? Solely based on the animated poster? Silly man, although perhaps I'm also that man, as I believed him! [So much so that when the film later begun I thought it was perhaps going to transition away from live action to animation - This would then be in line both with it's movie poster and a film still, or two I'd seen previously on the Curzon website: http://www.curzoncinemas.com]

Ultimately, I placed myself in the front row of what is, incidentally the best Curzon screen I've experienced. However, this was too close really - Especially for some of the early shaky camera work. Of course, it was also great to be fully immersed in the proceedings.

A Salty Reception

This being the UK Premiere & Preview, director Gianni Di Gregorio introduced the film and explained, with the aid of a translator that he made it at a certain age when he realised women had stopped looking at him.

Without further a do, and spoiling as little as possible I'll describe this movie to you.

Here we have a middle aged man and a much older woman, clearly his mother. They appear to be speaking with a lawyer or more so probably an executor [that's the pronounciation as in law not in executing in the form of killing!]

It's clear from early on that this man is a little low and frustrated at this time in his life. Is this all there is? Whatever happened? Where has gone his ability to attract - or even attempt to attract - women? Has it dwindled so much that some kind of analogy to a motor or mechanical part is required here? Yes. This is later, and more than once reflected in such a broken down vehicle. It's fair to say that this vehicle keeps having the same problem. Hmmm...

My Kind O' Party...

So, what does a guy do in such a pickle? He surely doesn't want to become 'just one the many' old guys out there, doing the same old thing, day after day. Such a character is shown which could demonstrate this monotonousness - this character is a guy who has trousers & hat which match in colour... And so matches his dog! [In colour, I mean... It's not a trousers-and-hat-wearing dog! Come on, this film is lighthearted enough but not over the top!]

Dogs feature semi-heavily in this movie... And I'm in no way meaning the derogitory word for women (or men to come to think of it). No. We see a few different breeds of our four-legged friends. A great example of two such pets is shown not long into the story. Our protagonist is seen walking more than one such pet - much to the amusement of one girl seated behind me.

Our hero is naturally facing a midlife or latelife crisis. This is reflected greatly in many scenes, whether looking in the mirror, chatting to his best male friend, spending time with his much-demanding mother or taking a walk almost alongside a load of young female joggers.

A Walk In The Park... Or A Jog...

Cherries are used in a great filmic way. Are these suggesting popping someone's cherry, cherry-picking a fruit of his own choice, or simply indicating that he is not taking a second bite of the cherry? [...like so many other men at his age, either in the movie or in real life...]

Indeed, had this film been made a couple of decades ago it could have been named "Men on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown"...!

"What about the women?", I hear you cry. Apart from some lovely females, including twins, a party-loving youngster, and a practising soprano we have the oldies. Although, one or two of the old women in the movie could be said to resemble men, except with a tad too much make-up. Surely not just my opinion here?

Love Thy Neighbourhood...?

And what kind of modern film would this be without the mention or hint of Viagra? In fact, an almost too-brilliant-to-be-considered-coincidental moment comes along, giving a knew meaning to someone who has got 'the horn'.

Sex. Drugs. Drugs? Yes. Drugs (both sexual and recreational), a pixies tune & gambling all feature half-heavily in this sublime picture. As do images [and memories, in my case anyway] of Rome.

Just when you wonder how the film will end, and as it approaches it's modest and moderately lengthed run time, it hits you like a beautiful thunderbolt of euphoric lightning.

Up-Staged At Q & A? I Wouldn't Know... This Was Before The Film, Not After...

I couldn't stay for the Q & A [I later heard it was wonderful] with the Italian director-slash-writer-slash-star.

So, Goodbye it was to this Salty Italian classic and onwards to say Farewell to a friend (leaving for Shanghai) over a Salty Chinese meal.

Find this trailer and other Minier [ok, that's not a real word, but...] Movies here at:

http://www.youtube.com/miniminimovie

...:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/DXb0YqOxgLE]