Volcano (2011)

Directed by: Rúnar Rúnarsson
Country: Iceland / Denmark

Review: “Volcano” portrays the story of Hannes, who has the soul of a fisherman but worked in a school for 37 years as a janitor. Since the day of his retirement, he experienced anxiety crisis and becomes depressive from then on. Everything seems to get old around him; even his boat won’t float anymore. Being strict by nature, he is nothing more than a sour man at the eyes of their children. His life will turn completely upside down when his wife suffers a stroke and becomes bedridden. The plot is not totally new, especially when Hannes slowly tries to reconnect with his family in times of sorrow. This fact is aggravated with the too much obvious similarities with Michael Hanekes’s “Amour”, which conveys a greater emotional depth on the matter. Nevertheless, in its slow pace, “Volcano” has its moments and is worth watching. The fact is: not having seen “Amour” might increase your chances of being surprised.

Shadow Dancer (2012)

Directed by: James Marsh
Country: Uk / Ireland

Review: James Marsh turns his attention to IRA, after two triumphant documentaries (“Man On Wire”, “Project Nim”) and the second part of “Red Riding” trilogy, where he depicted in an exemplary way the corruption of the Yorkshire police. “Shadow Dancer” tells the story of Colette (Andrea Riseborough), a militant of the IRA caught by the MI5 during an operation in London. However, officer Mac (Clive Owen), offers her a deal: to become an informant for MI5 in exchange of freedom and protection for her son. This is a methodic, slow-burning story of espionage that keeps all revelations and surprises for the end, although preserving the sufficient elements needed to keep us alert throughout the time. Betrayals, interrogations, tortures and sly behaviors make part of this cold story of vengeance. “Shadow Dancer” is not mandatory, but deserves some attention as a solid, competent and adult movie.

Not Fade Away (2012)

Directed by: David Chase
Country: USA

Review: “Not Fade away” was directed by the creator of “Sopranos”, but nothing has to do with the mob business, even with James Gandolfini present. The story, set in New Jersey, follows the endless worries of Douglas after having left his studies to dedicate himself entirely to a rock band. The film was able to seize the mood of the 60’s but never left its fluctuating pace or lukewarm ambience. It still tried to adopt a sort of rebellious attitude without success. Everything here looked so outdated, including the plot. Douglas has troubles with his parents, with his band mates, with his girlfriend, who also has troubles with her parents and has a sister with drug problems…  This is a movie of troubles and a trouble of a movie. Both definitions fit well here. Easily forgettable, “Not Fade Away” would need something less recycled to stimulate the viewer.

Beyond The Hills (2012)

Directed by: Cristian Mungiu
Country: Romania / France / Belgium

Review: Cristian Mungiu’s new feature film is a tale of obsessive love and religious mysticism. Voichita and Alina were best friends but eventually their lives went separate ways. The former sought refuge in an Orthodox convent, while the latter went to Germany to work in a bar. Years later, in Romania, they will realize that their relationship was not as before. Jealousy, faith and exorcism, are hot topics depicted here. “Beyond The Hills” is absorbing, evincing a grey temper that reminded me Bruno Dumont’s approach in “Hors Satan”, yet without being so aggressive. Skillfully framed, Mungiu showed to be consistent with a steady or moving camera, as the case demanded. The absence of music was not surprising, in a movie that doesn’t attain the immediate fascination of  “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days”, yet still shows a powerful determination and credible performances during its 150 minutes.

Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

Directed by: Peter Strickland
Country: UK

Review: “Berberian Sound Studio”, inspired on giallo (an Italian mystery genre), can’t be cataloged as a standard horror movie. I see it as a mere experiment on sound and image, without having much concern about the storyline or message to convey. The visual part was well crafted, with dim lights and different interesting shade plans of the actor Toby Jones, contributing to enhance the mystery of the story. The grotesque sounds worked well, but perhaps with an overuse of screams (there are for everyone’s tastes). The Italian language, often called romantic or sweet, has here a diabolical transformation, turning the atmosphere even more obscure. “Berberian Sound Studio”, despite of its unique conception and all the technical wonders that puts out, lacks emotion, leaving us in a state of suspension. I ended with the sensation that all the tense moments were inconsequent, making this story an inconclusive bad dream.

Back To 1942 (2012)

Directed: Xiaogang Feng
Country: China

Review: On the winter of 1942, when China was being invaded by Japan, a drought hit the province of Henan leading the people to starvation. A sensible question then arises: who should be fed in the first place, the soldiers or the people? The film partially succeeds in its purpose of revealing the drama of the refugees, as well as the impassivity and disregard of the Chiang Kai-shek government. Corruption was a constant, while religion is present in a small dose, with the converting attempts and faith dilemmas becoming the weakest moments of the plot. Adrien Brody plays a small part, hardly memorable, as a journalist from Times Magazine. Photography stood out, in a 145-minute high-budget production that would have gained with some trimming. Even flawed, Feng’s new historical film was far more interesting than “The Flowers of War” or “The Children of Huang Shi”.

Stopped On Track (2011)

Directed by: Andreas Dresen
Country: Germany / France

Review: "Stopped on Track” is painful to watch. The opening scene seemed so real that did hurt, when Frank in the company of his wife, receives the news that he has only a few months to live due to a malign brain tumor. Their children took this fact with a sort of lightness at first. A curious fact, which I believe to be normal considering their age. The actors' commitment to their roles was noteworthy, with the expressions on their faces showing exactly the affliction of their souls.  The movie is not only about how Frank deals with his anger, frustration and fear; it’s also about how his family will change throughout the time. A film about cancer will never be easy to watch, having associated to itself an imminent risk of falling in well-known dramatic scenes. “Stopped On Track” was too honest to fall in that state, being able to depict every moment with a great sense of reality.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Country: UK

Review: Martin McDonagh shows creativity in “Seven Psychopaths”, as he had already done in 2008's “In Bruges”. Colin Farrell joins him once again, playing an alcoholic screenwriter struggling to get fresh ideas for a movie about psychopaths. This film is nothing more than an insolent mockery about old gangster movies with all those flashy explosions and unexpected shootings. A funny absurdity is present in almost every character and situation. Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson and Tom Waits, helped to maintain the spirit of craziness alive by playing compellingly some of the psychos, in a movie whose structure may seem confusing at first, to become better defined as the story progresses. “Seven Psychopaths” is violent and sometimes disorderly in its storytelling, but on the other hand, provides constant surprises and some intelligent jokes. An imaginative action-comedy blend.

West Of Memphis (2012)

Directed by: Amy Berg
Country: USA / New Zealand

Review: "West of Memphis" is the fourth documentary about the 1993 case known as West Memphis Three, on which three teenagers remained more than 18 years in prison, after being convicted for the murder of three 8-year-old kids in Arkansas. The victim's bodies were found in a ditch, exhibiting sexual mutilation and several wounds. The prosecution assumed that the crime was perpetrated as part of a satanic ritual. However, further DNA tests and investigations pointed to another suspect. This case attracted the attention of many people, who claimed for justice, including several celebrities. "West of Memphis" is dense and long, but thoroughly guides you to the fundamental circumstances of this harrowing murder case. Having been produced by Peter Jackson and Damien Echols (one of the wrongly accused), this film also depicts a special love story, involving the latter and Lorri Davis, who he met after his conviction.

Stormland (2011)

Directed by: Marteinn Thorsson
Country: Iceland

Review: “Stormland”, adapted from a novel by Hallgrímur Helgason, opens with a hostage crisis scene, which is suddenly discontinued to step into the kidnapper’s past. Bodvar is a teacher, a writer, a poet and a blogger. Clearly a misfit, nothing seems to go right in his life. Disillusioned with the world, he finds solace in writing for his own blog entitled "Stormland", where he discharges his anger against consumerism, bankers’ power and rotten societies. A slight but incisive humor combines with the soreness of Bodvar’s fate, whereas love, seen as last hope, will be the culmination of his alienation. Darri Ólafsson’s performance was prominent, playing a well-intentioned man that suddenly breaks down when facing simultaneous problems. Then, we realize why Nietzsche’s quote “The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly”, became so meaningful to him.

Keep The Lights On (2012)

Directed by: Ira Sachs
Country: USA

Review: “Keep The Lights On” seemed to bring homosexuality to forefront, yet the prevailing aspect here is substance addiction and the way it slowly ruin happiness. Erik is a filmmaker who has living under pressure for nine years, due to the frequent disappearances of his boyfriend Paul, a lawyer who’s addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex. The movie focuses on Erik’s efforts to have the situation under control, while tries to give the best support to his lover. Occasional betrayals from each one of them were intercalated with the recurrent ruptures and restarts, highlighting the sensations of mistrust and uncertainty. Despite the pouting and tantrums that mark this relationship, Sachs manages to lead the movie in a right way through a simple and practical direction. 

Anna Karenina (2012)

Directed by: Joe Wright
Country: UK

Review: This new cinematographic version of “Anna Karenina”, the 1877’s novel immortalized by Leo Tolstoy, was adapted by Tom Stoppard and directed by Joe Wright. Just as in his former period movies, “Atonement” and “Pride & Prejudice”, Wright picked up Keira Knightley as star. Playing Karenina’s role in a charming way, she was almost alone in a cast that didn’t impress. The movie starts with a comical posture, somewhat frivolous, and soon goes through a theatrical approach that wasn't favorable. Frequently insipid, its most lively moment was a horse race. As for the remaining time, the movie spread melancholy through the waving hand fans and occasional sighs coming from the ballrooms. Notwithstanding the confident attitude and haughty pose adopted, “Anna Karenina” kept a distance and failed to get me out from a state of numbness.

The Sessions (2012)

Directed by: Ben Lewin
Country: USA

Review: “The Sessions” is an independent drama based on Mark O’Brien’s essay “On Seeing a Sex Surrogate”. Mark contracted polio in 1955 and got paralyzed for the rest of his days, a fact that didn't prevent him from graduate and become a poet. The plot is centered in his decision of losing virginity, when he was 38. For that, he will count with a sex therapist, but nothing will be done before consulting his adviser and friend, Father Brendan. This priest, who looked more like a hippie or a veteran rock star, could serve as a good example on showing how to approach such a delicate theme as sex, with wisdom and good sense. At some point, I found myself impatient, hoping that Mark could achieve rapidly his goal. John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and William H.Macy were convincing in “The Sessions”, a gentle, sensitive and humorous film that was able to escape to sentimental excesses by adopting a positive and straightforward attitude.

Lines Of Wellington (2012)

Directed by: Valeria Sarmiento
Country: Portugal / France

Review: “Lines of Wellington” was prepared by Chilean Raul Ruiz to be finished by his widow, Valeria Sarmiento. The movie focuses on the third French invasion of Portugal in 1810, under Napoleon orders. The writing credits belong to Carlos Soboga, who also wrote the screenplay for the charming “Mysteries of Lisbon". In fact, there is no possible comparison between these two movies, except when it comes to cinematography, magnificently handled by Andre Szankowski. “Lines Of Wellington” can’t hide gaps in its narrative, becoming dispersed in its innumerous details and characters. Despite of giving a perception of the period in cause, the absence of a concrete main character, withdrew the possibility to create emotion or giving us some motive to care about. This is a movie of detailed historical facts that needed a greater dose of vitality and focus to stand out. I wonder how it would be if directed by Raul Ruiz.

The Exchange (2011)

Directed by: Eran Kolirin
Country: Israel

Review: After the much appreciated “The Band’s Visit” (2007), Eran Kolirin embarks in a completely different reality. “The Exchange” is an intriguing story about a man’s obsession, which emerged unexpectedly one day when he had to break his routine, returning home from work in the middle of the afternoon. Some voyeurism, weird behaviors and possessive attitudes toward his wife, reinforced the idea of an insecure, suspicious and troubled man, who will find in a neighbor the perfect companion. Rotem Keinan’s performance was convincing, showing the interior struggle of someone who's willing to break the “rules”. The main issue with this film was that everything seemed so intriguing that I got used to it after a while, making me lose some sensibility for certain details. With a daring plot, “The Exchange” isn’t perfect but is unquestionably disconcerting.

War Witch (2012)

Directed by: Kim Nguyen
Country: Canada

Review: “War Witch” covers a strong subject, using raw images and a well-organized structure. Komona, a pregnant girl of 14-years-old, tells her own story. Forced to join the rebel army at 12, she was submitted to several rites to suppress feelings or emotion, including the assassination of her parents and hard beatings every time she started to cry. Luckily, she became a protected “war witch”, after having developed some extra-sensitivity to feel the enemies, due to a drug that they called “magical sap”. But not everything was so gloomy. “War Witch” also uncovers a genuine love story, and proves that even in extremely harsh conditions and savage circumstances there are good souls who might help you out. The time expended with these positive aspects helped to soothe the weight of a disturbing and sad reality, more and more common in African soils. Rachel Mwanza was considered best actress at Berlin and Tribeca Film Festivals.

Les Miserables (2012)

Directed by: Tom Hooper
Country: UK

Review: Victor Hugo’s magnificent literary work, “Les Miserables”, is once more adapted into cinema, but this time as a musical drama. Directed by the talented Tom Hooper (“The Damned United”, “The King’s Speech”), this big production didn’t have practically any impact on me. The musical side simply didn’t work, with most of the songs being presented in the same melancholic mood, while the emotions didn’t surfaced, remaining hidden behind the exacerbated revolutionary chants or the deep laments of love and regret. From the entire cast, only Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter excelled, with the latter bringing into my mind Tim Burton’s dark musical “Sweeney Todd”. Regarding the outer scenarios, I wonder why these high-budget films tend to adopt an artificial appearance, looking more like paintings rather than reality. “Les Miserables” aimed too high and turned out on another unnecessary film.

The Impossible (2012)

Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Country: Spain

Review: “The Impossible” was inspired on the real events lived by a family, during the catastrophic tsunami that has devastated Thailand in 2004. The images are absolutely impressive, showing chaotic landscapes and the tribulations lived by those who were hurt or looking for their families. Although visually appealing, the movie adopted a questionable approach. When mother and son entered the hospital, they didn’t show any concern with the whereabouts of the rest of the family. They didn’t even mentioned them. I found this particularly strange. With flair for the dramatic side, “The Impossible” increases the viewer’s despair with a sentimental soundtrack and evinces some staged situations, hoping to touch your heart and impress your eyes. Bayona's direction, clearly aiming for massive audiences, reduced the chances of creating a more effective film from this particular drama.

Rurouni Kenshin (2012)

Directed by: Keishi Ohtomo
Country: Japan

Review: Adapted from a popular Manga series, what we foresaw in “Rurouni Kenshin” was provided, yet in an uneven manner. The movie tells the adventures of a former assassin who seeks redemption in the beginning of Meiji period. He became a wandering swordsman, known for using a reverse sword to protect people. This new way of life will be challenged, when a wealthy opium merchant gets in his way. A well composed cinematography contrasts with a not so impressive story, where swords and machine guns are mixed. The fights put the energy that was supposed to, yet sometimes look too cartoonish, while the characterization produced a weird effect with the heroes seeming teen-warriors and the villains eccentric. Far from the best samurai movies, “Rurouni Kenshin” can be watchable, but just if we look into it as an animated entertainment.

Searching For Sugar Man (2012)

Directed by: Malik Bendjelloul
Country: UK / Sweden

Review: This documentary depicts an incredible story about an American musician who lived all his life in the shadow, while his records were sold at a fast pace in South Africa, during several years. The movie begins with all the mysteries involving Rodriguez, a man who nobody knew much about. Appearing and disappearing like a ghost, this composer from Detroit was a complete failure in the US, despite the meaningful lyrics and an interesting acoustic sound. Being an inspiration to South African people during the apartheid, in a time where any kind of art referring drugs or sex were banned by censorship, Rodriguez aroused curiosity among several followers of his music. An investigation was started, leading to unbelievable conclusions. “Searching For Sugar Man” is one of the best documentaries of 2012, making justice to a humble and talented artist.