Film Reviews

FILM OF THE WEEK
THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE

This beautifully observed project marks the remarkable feature film debut of Iraqi writer/director Hasan Hadi. He sets the action of his engaging film in Iraq during the 1990’s at the time when Saddam Hussein was at the peak of his powers. He demanded that every school in the country should prepare a cake for his birthday and this year 9-year-old Lamia’s is chosen to provide the cake despite her valiant efforts to avoid it. She lives with her old grandmother who struggles to provide for them thanks to the war and the food shortages but Lamia has no choice but to find the ingredients and make the dreaded cake… Lamia’s journey across the town and its market and her determination to fulfil her assignment brings to mind the charming 1995 Iranian film THE WHITE BALOON by Jafar Panahi, which follows the story of a little girl struggling to find the money her mother gave her so that she can buy a goldfish. That was one of Panahi’s early films and in similar fashion Hadi demonstrates his skill by telling a powerful story with deceptively simple ingredients. The whole action is experienced through the innocent eyes of a young girl, where it is difficult to know whom to trust particularly the thinly sketched and creepy male characters. He also paints an accurate portrait of a corrupt society controlled by an even more corrupt status quo. Give yourself a treat and see this excellent film.
LITTLE AMELIE

This wonderful hand drawn animated feature is adapted from the memoir “The Character of Rain” by Amelie Nothomb, one of Belgium’s most popular writers. The story follows two and a half year old Amelie, a curious child who wants to know everything especially now that her family has moved to post-war Japan. She relishes their idyllic life and loves this exotic country particularly Nishio-san her family’s housekeeper…It is sensitively directed by Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, who spent seven years making this lovely film. They bring their unique, distinct visual style and the final result is a cross between a Studio Ghibli classic, but told with a European sensibility. LITTLE AMELIE is a real charmer which will bring a lot of pleasure to the whole family. See it on the big screen!
MY FATHER’S SHADOW

This semi-autobiographical tale is directed and co-written by Akinola Davies Jr. who sets the action of his gripping film in one day during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. An estranged father and his two young sons are forced by circumstances to travel to Lagos. It is a journey of discovery but the increasing political unrest threatens to tear them apart…It is brilliantly written by Wale Davies and is superbly photographed by Jermaine Edwards against a beautiful yet harsh landscape. The acting is of the highest order- Sope Dirisu is a strong presence as the philanderer father while newcomers Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo make a strong impression by bringing authenticity as the young brothers. A lot of fresh talent is displayed here behind and in front of the camera and full of promise.
IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY

Amy Berg’s well researched documentary examines the life and career of Jeff Buckley, the incredible young artist who, after the release of his celebrated debut album “Grace”, suddenly dies at the age of 30. His unexpected death shocked the world and the music scene of the 90’s is left with a big gap that was never replaced. There have been many versions of Leonard Cohen’s phenomenal song “Hallelujah” but Jeff Buckley’s rendition still remains one of the best. Berg uses some rarely seen archive material and shares interviews with Buckley’s mother Mary Guiber as well as with his former partners Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser. A fine portrait of an enigmatic, multi-talented but ultimately tragic figure!
KAPODISTRIAS

Yiannis Smaragdis’ epic drama is rapidly becoming one of the most successful Greek films ever made breaking records all over Greece and Cyprus despite hostile reviews. Smaragdis is well known for bringing to the screen stories of real life personalities like KAVAFIS, EL GRECO and KAZANTZAKIS. Here he explores the life and work of Ioannis Kapodistrias (Antonis Myriagos), who in 1918 was Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs after the Napoleonic Wars. Kapodistrias, along with a few other Greeks living abroad, was responsible for lighting the fire for the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman’s in 1821 and soon after became the first Governor of Greece…The film has strong religious undertones and boasts strong production values as well as stunning locations. The early part of the film is shot in Romania and most of the dialogue is in English which feels a bit awkward as the thinly developed script lacks subtlety and depth. Finbar Lynch is usually a good and reliable actor but you couldn’t tell from this –his interpretation of the German Chancellor Clemens von Metternich is verging on the stereotypical. Myriagos is a strong presence as the eponymous hero and inhabits the role even more successfully towards the end of the film. See it if you get the chance and join in the discussion.
THE NEW YORKER AT 100

This superior documentary celebrates 100 years of The New Yorker, one of the most influential magazines across the world. Julianne Moore lends her voice for the narration, while many writers and editors provide their own personal anecdotes about the magazine’s long history. Their award winning reportage and stories like “Hiroshima” were highly influential and life changing across the world. It is immensely enjoyable and illuminating! (Netflix)
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