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]