FILM OF THE WEEK
RENTAL FAMILY
Since his Oscar winning triumph in THE WHALE, the revival of Brendan Fraser’s career continues even further with this charming comedy written and directed by Hikari. She sets the action in modern-day Tokyo and follows the story of Philip Vanderploeg, an American actor struggling to make ends meet in a very competitive field and in a foreign country. In similar fashion to Dustin Hoffman’s Michael Dorsey in TOOTSIE, Philip is also prepared to do any job on offer but his latest gig defies all expectations. Philip is so desperate for a job that he accepts to work for an agency called “rental family” and play stand-in roles for strangers – at funerals, weddings even playing a father at a school interview…
It is a fun premise, not dissimilar to Yorgos Lanthimos’ ALPS, but that was a much darker affair. Werner Herzog also exploited similar themes in his 2019 documentary FAMILY, ROMANCE, LLC. Still, the story feels fresh and is performed with such gusto by Fraser and the eclectic Japanese cast that its charm is irresistible. This intelligent project is well balanced with fine touches of dark comedy along with genuinely moving scenes where the protagonist is forced by circumstances to revalue his whole existence and consider navigating a different life plan. A likeable film worth seeing!
THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB
This is urgent filmmaking of the best kind, written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, who sets the action of her powerful film on January 29th in 2024. Gaza is under fire and Red Crescent volunteers struggle to cope with the increasing number of casualties especially when they receive a distressing emergency call from a woman trapped in a car along with a 6-year-old girl. But suddenly the woman is shot dead and the little girl, whose name is Hind Rajab, picks up the phone and pleads for help…
Hania uses the real voice of Hind, while actors are playing the Red Crescent volunteers who are stuck in a room and struggle to rescue as many civilians as possible. The whole action takes place in one static location in similar fashion to the brilliant Danish film THE GUILTY, which was remade by Hollywood with Jake Gylenhaal. The only difference is that this is all real and is truly horrifying. It is your duty to see this compelling and essential film!
GIANT
This engaging boxing drama is based on true events and is written and directed by Rowan Athale, who opens the film in Sheffield during the eighties. He brings vividly to life the story of Prince Naseem Hamed (Amir El-Mastry), a son of Yemeni immigrants, who, from a young age, is taken under the wing of veteran boxing trainer Brendan Ingle (Pierce Brosnan). Nassem is a confident young man and a gifted boxer that reaches international success in the boxing ring thanks to his loyal coach…
Brosnan delivers his best performance in ages while El-Mastry makes a persuasive boxing champion. It is an inspiring story and is efficiently directed by Athale despite the busy, over orchestrated score and by his brother Neil. Unsurprising, it is produced by Sylvester Stallone, even though this is not an extension to the ROCKY franchise.
STATE OF STATELESSNESS
This lyrical film is directed by Tibetan filmmakers living in exile in India, America and Vietnam. It includes fours short segments: “Where the River Ends” is a charming film about a Tibetan father in Vietnam, who is sharing stories with his small daughter about the Mekong River, which starts its journey in his homeland. “Bardo: In-between” is a touching story about two estranged sisters who come together for their mother’ cremation. “A Little Cloud” follows the story of Sonam, an easy-going man, who welcomes an old school friend from America despite his grieving wife’s reluctance. In “At the End, the Rain Stops” a young son travels from America to his deceased father’s home in Dharamshala, but his trip unexpectedly turns out to be a journey of self-discovery.
These carefully thought-out tales from the Tibetan Diaspora celebrate most effectively the undying spirit of its people.
STEVE
Cillian Murphy delivers an honourable performance as the eponymous hero under Tim Mielants’ sharp direction. The time is the mid-90s and the action take place during one fateful day where the future of a reform school and its headteacher Steve are on the brink of collapse. There are many troubled teenagers in the school including Shy (Jay Lycurgo), a fragile young man struggling to feel a sense of optimism for the future while trying to exercise the demons from his past…
Max Porter has adapted his own novel “Shy” and creates a very persuasive world perfectly complimented by Mielants’ wise decision to use handheld camera movements which add to its authenticity. The acting is excellent – Murthy is as reliable as ever and leads a promising ensemble of young actors. (Netflix)
THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND
This charming feel-good comedy follows the story of Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner, who dreams of reuniting his favourite musicians McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) for one more time. Charles lives all alone on a remote island, but the real problem is that the celebrated music duo hasn’t spoken to each other since their breakup. Still, they miraculously accept his offer…
It is brilliantly written by Basden and Key, and it is genuinely funny with endearing performances. It was originally made as an award-winning short film with only two characters back in 2007 under the title THE ONE AND ONLY HERB MCGWYER PLAYS WALLIS ISLAND. It works brilliantly as a feature, and the classy presence of Mulligan pays dividends.
Any feedback is welcome: georgesavvides@hotmail.co.uk