Kiss the Sky (1998)

June 24, 2013February 21, 2022 Emma1 Comment

NOTE: This film is intended for mature audiences (MPAA rating: R – Restricted for audiences under the age of 17).

I learned about this little-known film (on Amazon) when I was searching for William Petersen’s DVDs. He’s best known for his work on the CBS hit drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. I saw him first in Young Guns II. Petersen starred in Manhunter (1986); in To Live and Die in L.A. (1985), he worked with noted director Michael Mann. Why didn’t he become a big star back then? He turned down lead roles in Platoon, Goodfellas, and Heat so that he could be near his kids.

Jeff (William Petersen) and Marty (Gary Cole)

Jeff, an architect (Petersen) and Marty (Gary Cole), a lawyer, are lifelong friends from L.A. They’re both going through a mid-life crisis, feeling discontent w/ their careers (though very lucrative) and marriages. Both also have children. “The American Dream” has left them feeling empty. Jeff was in an institution a while back, but is now worried for Marty’s sanity. Marty, who studied Eastern Philosophy as an undergrad, is taking anti-depressants. Jeff decides that they should have an adventure (like in their 20s). He convinces Marty’s wife, Beth, to let him go.

The two men head to the city of Manila in the Philippines, then eventually to a stunning secluded island. They meet a young Australian woman, Andy (Sheryl Lee), and a Dutchman living as a Buddhist monk, Kosen (Terence Stamp). But even in “paradise,” they can’t escape themselves or their problems!

Don’t read more, unless you want to know more details from, and analysis of, this film. Comments in blue come from IMDB users.

In Manila, the men check out a manufacturing plant. Then they party- indulging in wine, women, and… opium (whoa!) While lying in the opium den, they hear about a very special island from an older Filipino man. Notice how the director had them keep their heads very close together? (Someone commented that this film is an early “bromance.”) The two pals function more like brothers. Jeff is charming, confident, and a fast-talker. (His wife, Frannie, knows he’s a player. He flirts openly with women.) Marty is a straight-arrow; he never cheated on his wife in 20+ years.

The seduction conversation between Sheryl Lee and William Petersen has some of the best dialogue I’ve ever heard.

When Ilsa and Andy arrive at the resort, the men notice Ilsa first. (After all, she’s Swedish and wearing a skimpy dress.) At dinner, it’s obvious that Jeff is intrigued more by Andy. She’s intelligent (went to Oxford and works in publishing in London), attractive (but not in a cheap/obvious fashion), and gives off that mysterious vibe. He follows her to the night markets and they have a very interesting conversation. Poor Marty is stuck with Ilsa, who complains all night long.

Jeff purposely guarded against falling too deeply for Andy. He wanted to leave after their first night together because he saw in her the type of woman he could fall for. The thing that attracted her to Jeff was his ability to detach himself. She could see decency in him, but another part of him proved to be a challenge to her. He tapped into that part of a woman that wants the unattainable.

After Jeff leaves, Andy gets to know more about Marty. He’s a good listener, unlike his buddy. Jeff gives snappy retorts instead. When Jeff returns, he’s surprised (and a bit angered) to know that they got together. Then, he thinks up a solution- they can both share Andy! She agrees to this unique arrangement, seeing it as another adventure. The threesome frolic on the beach and swim in the gorgeous blue ocean. Eventually, they are joined by one of her old loves, Kosen, who has been living 30 years as a Buddhist monk. He’s composed, wise, yet humble.

This film showed how women gravitate towards Alpha males like Jeff, while though she had affection for Marty, she wasn’t drawn to him the same way… it really rang true to me regarding relationships between men and women, expectations, how we communicate (or don’t communicate).

Jeff gets an idea to build a type of getaway on the island- a haven where people can just be themselves. They decide to cut ties with their families; Marty provides the cash ($200,000). The local people think this is a crazy idea, but they work on it for one month. Frannie (Patricia Charbonneau) air mails an order of separation to Jeff. He’s quite affected to see the letters and photos of his two daughters.

Andy gets very hurt/angry after Jeff has a one-night stand with a Filipino photographer. In the pivotal scene, Andy and Jeff have a huge falling out. By this point, we know that Marty has fallen in love with Andy. But she’s in love with Jeff! Andy didn’t want to get so deeply involved, she admits in tears. She goes back to London.

We have to wonder: Did Jeff truly love Andy? Andy is only 29 and has much more of life to live; she’s not in the same situation as these middle-aged men (w/ a lot of baggage). Neither of them would’ve been right for her, anyway.

The monsoons come early- everything comes crashing down! Jeff, who’s been living at the construction site, is devastated. Then, he makes a decision that will surprise the audience.

The character of Jeff, who never finishes anything, always full of doubts, is very human.

I was surprised to see that Marty was the one who went with Kosen to the monastery. He walked away from his family, just as Buddha did as a young prince. Cole proved that he’s not just a one-note actor, like in some of his other films. Jeff chose to go back to his family, but the last scene showed that he was always going to be conflicted about wanting something different. Jeff was a multi-faceted character, not a clichéd jerk. Petersen’s acting is subtle, but it draws the viewer in!

The Great Gatsby (2013)

June 6, 2013July 1, 2013 EmmaLeave a comment

Gatsby's mansion on Long Island (as imagined by director Baz Luhrmann) — Gatsby’s mansion on Long Island (as imagined by director Baz Luhrmann)

Most critics say that The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a nearly un-filmable book. You can’t translate the words (loved by many readers of all ages) into a typical movie. Onscreen, Gatsby’s dialogue is stilted and comes off as fake. (It’s supposed to be like that, as he’s playing a role he wasn’t born into. Jay Gatz’s roots are very humble.)

Nick (Tobey Maguire), a bit younger and more naïve than the other character, is drawn into Gatsby’s world of glittering parties, beautiful/famous women, and freely flowing alcohol. After WWI (“The Roaring 20s”), Nick wants to be a writer, but ends up taking a job on Wall Street (stockbroker). He rents a little cottage beside Gatsby’s opulent mansion and wonders what’s going on inside. Finally, he gets to meet Jay Gatsby, who has a strong/emotional connection to his cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan).

Gatsby waits nervously for Daisy's arrival at tea. — Gatsby waits nervously for Daisy’s arrival at tea

As readers know, everything Gatsby has done has been to be worthy in the eyes of Daisy, who hails from one of the “old families” of Kentucky. They met several years ago, when Gatsby’s roots were hidden under his soldier’s uniform (“a great equalizer”). She’s now married to a former polo player from old money, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). However, Tom is cheating on her with Myrtle Wilson (Isla Fisher), the wife of his mechanic.

Not even a box-office powerhouse like Leonardo DiCaprio can save this film! It’s too much- too bright/colorful, noisy, and doesn’t really go anywhere. “It looked like Disney Land- cartoonish,” one viewer commented after the screening. Maguire does what he can with what he’s given. Edgerton makes Tom a blowhard and jerk (as needed), but it’s pretty much a one-note performance. Mulligan’s talents are wasted here; she has zero chemistry with DiCaprio. For those who came to see Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan- he doesn’t have much to do, but looks cool in those period outfits.

Daisy sees Gatsby's house for the first time. — Daisy sees Gatsby’s house for the first time.

The director’s vision comes across (very obviously), but it’s style over substance. The disjointed (modern) music may be the biggest flaw of all! Laughs were elicited by the audience at some un-funny moments, I recall. I was wondering: Where is this all going? Some of my friends loved the book, so they may re-read it. There are so many themes to explore in this little story, but I fear this film won’t inspire the younger generation to look into the book. If you want to see Luhrmann’s best film, check out his debut work- Strictly Ballroom.

Indonesian Mini Film Festival (March 25-27)

March 29, 2013June 25, 2013 EmmaLeave a comment

Introduction

About 400 films are made in the U.S. each year. Even more (600) are made in India. But, did you know that about 100 films are made in Indonesia each year? The Indonesian ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Dino Patti Jalal, and his wife were joined by the Singaporean ambassador’s wife, actor Nicholas Saputra (star of Joni’s Promise), and members of his staff during the first film showing. Recently, Dr. Jalal met with Hollywood director Michael Mann, who will be shooting his film, The Philosopher, in Jakarta. The film’s lead actor will be Aussie actor, Chris Hemsworth.

Lovely Man (2011)

Screeshot from the Indonesian drama, Lovely Man — A daughter gets to know her absentee father for one night

This is a 75 minute film, but it packs some big punches. (It won many awards in Asia.) It focuses on the relationship between a transvestite streetwalker in Jakarta and a small-town/devout Muslim teen, who just happen to be father and daughter. Without telling her mother, Cahaya (Raihaanun), travels by train to see the father who left home many years back. Cahaya is dressed conservatively and wears a white hijab (headscarf). When she gets off the train, she stops at a mosque to wash and pray. She’s amazed by the sights and sounds of the big city, as she goes in search of her father’s address. (This film uses shadow and lights very well.) At the side of a bridge, she talks to some women (who are obviously streetwalkers). She meets Ipuy (Donny Damara)- dressed in long wig, sparkly red dress, and high heels (reminiscent of some of the characters in the films of Pedro Almodovar). Needless to say, they are both shocked.

Ipuy wants nothing to do with Cahaya- his life is tough enough as it is. Most people look at him with disgust and treat him unfairly. What would a hijabi like her know about someone like him? (Eventually, Cahaya takes off her hijab, to make her father more comfortable.) She’s carrying a secret, which is giving her much worry. Cahaya exclaims that she needs a father to talk to about important matters. What she doesn’t know is that some gangsters are after Ipuy for stealing a lot of cash.

Joni’s Promise (2005)

This funny, light-hearted film is considered to be “one of the first comedies made in Indonesia.” (It reminded me of a French comedy.) A 22 year-old man, Joni (Nicholas Saputra) delivers film reels- a job he likes and considers to be quite important. One afternoon, she sees a very pretty girl standing in line at the theater, but he’s too nervous to talk to her. We learn that she’s with her boyfriend (an entitled rich kid). She gets fed up with her guy, so she goes out. She notices Joni’s good nature and they have a chat. She doesn’t get her name or get give his out. The girl says that they can talk more of he gets done with his deliveries on time. Joni is happy with that- he’s never had a girlfriend yet. Joni’s motorbike gets stolen, he witnesses childbirth, gets a walk-on role in a film, plays the drums, and meets a mysterious artist. Can he make it back to the theater to have his first date?

The Dancer (2011)

This is a full-length historical drama based on a trilogy of novels. The story focuses on the love between two young people in the village of Dukuh Paruk in Java. As a small child, the parents of Srintil are killed by some fellow villagers, who believed that they were poisoning food. The ronngeng (village dancer) also died- she ate the food.

The teenaged Srintil (Prisia Nasution) and Rasus (Oka Antara) love each other deeply, though they are poor, illiterate, and don’t have many prospects. Rasus works in the rice paddy fields, like the other young men. However, Srintil thinks that she may have the spirit and the talent to become ronggeng. Her grandfather champions her cause, even though they are first met with doubt and derision. The local dance master won’t come to see Srintil perform.

Srintil goes through various rituals to become ronggeng

Rasus has a little dagger-like object which belonged to the former ronggeng. After he presents it to Srintil, everyone proclaims her to be the next ronngeng. She will not only dance , but belong to the village. Her virginity will be sold to the highest bidder- a fact that greatly upsets Rasus. (The elderly blind drummer is the only older person who senses what is going on with the couple.) Rasus runs away to the nearest town, then meets with a military commander (who thinks he could one day become a “loyal” soldier).

Srintil realizes that Rasus has joined the military

Srintil has to go through various rituals, aided by the dance master’s wife. Men bring goats, cows, and money to present to her grandfather and teacher. Before the “deflowering” ceremony, Rasus returns and they sneak off together. Later that night, Srintil pushes him away, explaining that she can’t run away with him forever. (We know that she has status and money in her community now.)

Srintil shines as a dancer (but not in her personal life)

While Srintil adapts to the lifestyle of a dancer, Rasus adapts to that of a soldier. His superiors look on him well and he finally learns to read. He crosses paths with Srintil on very few occasions. They only spend one more night together, but their lives must always be separate. When Srintil urges him to come back to the village and offers money to start his own business, Rasus refuses (too proud).

A (Communist) man from the city comes to talk to the villagers, but they only want more food, and don’t grasp what allegiance to his ideas truly mean. (In fact, 1965-1966 was a very bloody year was Indonesia’s history. Many people, who were thought to be Communist or sympathizers, were killed by the military.) This man also wants Srintil and village musicians to perform at his rallies.

Rasus and Srintil meet after the1965 war — Rasus and Srintil meet after the 1965 war

This film is very powerful! It won the 2011 Best Picture award in Indonesia and was submitted for a Foreign Film Academy Award. It just draws you in with it’s setting, characters, and values (which are quite different from those of urbanized, modern Indonesia). The love story starts out very gently and innocently, then we see the darker aspects (depression, frustration, etc.)- this pair must stay apart because of Srintil’s chosen path. Being a village dancer was being above others- connected to the gods (ancestors.)

The Company Men (2010)

March 7, 2013June 25, 2013 EmmaLeave a comment

This is a slice-of-life indie film (set in the mid-sized city of Gloucester, MA) centering on several executives working for GTX, a fictional manufacturing company that has had some heavy lay-offs. It was written/directed by John Wells (ER, Mildred Pierce, The West Wing, etc.); Maria Bello (also from ER) has a role in the film as a shrewd businesswoman. Though it focuses on white, upper-middle class men, I could relate to it on several levels.

Discussion of lay-offs in the boardroom — Glen McClary (Tommy Lee Jones), Sally Wilcox (Maria Bello), and others discuss lay-offs

Old friends James Salinger (Craig T. Nelson) and Glen McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) have built GTX from the ground-up, but Salinger, the president, wants to trim costs in order to raise profits. McClary feels like he’s going about it the wrong way; he also feels guilty for benefitting from the rise in company stock. Sally Wilcox (Bello) handles the lay-offs, which come as a shock to Robert Walker (Ben Affleck), a top sales exec (w/ MBA) who’s worked for the company for 13 years (all of his career).

Bobby and Maggie — Bobby (Ben Affleck) & his wife Maggie (Rosemarie DeWitt)

Bobby drives a Porshe, lives in a beautiful house (beside a golf course), and has a lovely family. However, he’s reluctant to share the bad news with his family (including parents), or rely on them for support. Bobby thinks that he can get a job right away, but turns out to be wrong (you’ve been there). Bobby’s understanding wife, Maggie (Rosemarie DeWitt), goes back to work as a nurse. She urges him to cut back on costs, but he exclaims: “I need to look successful!” When you don’t have a job, you feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and- perhaps this is more so for males- useless.

Tommy Lee Jones as Gene McClary and Chris Cooper as Phil Woodward — Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) & Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper)

Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper, one of my favorite character actors) is let go in the second round of lay-offs; he takes it very hard. He worked his way up from the factory floor (where he installed parts on ships) and is pushing 60. One of his daughters is in college (Brown, no less) and the other is eager for her school’s senior trip to Italy. His wife suffers from headaches and doesn’t seem like much of a helpmeet. Phil tells Gene: “My life ended and nobody noticed.”

Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner) and Bobby (Ben Affleck) — Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner) & Bobby

When his brother-in-law Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner, in a low-key but pivotal role) offers Bobby a job with his small carpentary business, Bobby quickly rebuffs him. That’s not the type of work he sees himself doing (been there, too). After a few months of disappointment, Maggie reminds him that they can’t pay the mortgage. Bobby has to swallow his pride and make some uncomfortable decisions.

What drew me to this film is it’s ensemble cast. I thought Cooper, DeWitt, and Jones performed their roles especially well. Affleck and DeWitt have good chemistry in their scenes. Most of the situations are very relateable. Bobby is still a lucky guy, even without the trappings of success.

The Hobbit (2012)

January 7, 2013October 2, 2013 Emma1 Comment

Thorin: [singing] Far over the misty mountains cold / To dungeons deep and caverns old
Dwarves: [singing] The pines were roaring on the height / The winds were moaning in the night / The fire was red, it flame spread / The trees like torches blazed with light…

The Hobbit poster featuring Richard Armitage and Martin Freeman

Well, I can honestly say this was the most anticipated film for me in 2012. I saw it with my mom and little brother on New Year’s day (in Fishers, IN). We saw the 2D, since none of us are fans of 3D. Mom and I were most excited to see one of our favorite (British) actors, Richard Armitage, on the big screen for the first time. The eyes and the voice are the same!

Thorin: Loyalty, honor, a willing heart, I can ask no more than that.

Bilbo Baggins: I have… I have never used a sword in my life.
Gandalf: And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one.

We had seen Martin Freeman in the Sherlock series (BBC) and earlier in Love Actually, and thought he was a very fine actor as well. (That Brit rom com is one of my little sister’s favorites.)

Lee Pace plays Thranduil, Legolas’ father, in two brief (yet crucial) moments in the film. Unlike most of the cast, he’s an American.

Legolas (Orlando Bloom) will appear in the later films (so no worries, teen gals)! There will also be a new (human) character, played by Luke Evans.

FYI: Martin’s co-star in Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch, will provide voices for two characters in the later movies. I thought he’d be good as an elf. Elijah Wood is back, as are Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis (Gollum; second unit director), and the much beloved Gandalf, Ian McKellan.

In the introduction to the story, we see old Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm) and his young nephew/heir Frodo (Wood), in their cozy home in Hobbiton. (For this prequel to The Lord of the Rings, Elijah’s 30 year old face was de-aged using computer technology.) Bilbo is planning his birthday party and also putting the finishing touches on his memoirs. He thinks back (60 years), and we transition from Holm to Freeman smoking a pipe outside Bag End. The wizard dressed all in gray, Gandalf, comes to his door and mentions an adventure. “No! We don’t want any adventures here!” Bilbo exclaims.

Gandalf: Home is now behind you. The world is ahead.

In time, the reluctant hobbit meets 13 dwarves (some young/inexperienced, some battle-hardened), who are on a quest “to claim their long forgotten gold” and their homeland, which was taken over by the dragon Smaug. The group are lead by a displaced king, Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage).

These dwarves are nothing like Snow White’s friends- they love to drink (like hobbits), fight (get better with age), have a lot of pride, and are secretive in nature. We learn why dwarves distrust the elves. In this film, they uncover some elvish weapons, which they quickly adapt to using. Bilbo finds a little sword, too.

Fans of the Irish TV series Ballykissangel may recognize one dwarf, Bofur (James Nesbitt). From 1996-1998, the Belfast-based actor played Leo, the big city journalist. Bofur likes to have fun!

Fili (Dean O’Gorman) and Kili (Aidan Turner) have been termed the “hot dwarves,” which Turner said makes him “cringe a little.” LOL! Since they are young dwarves, they are eager to see some fighting and contribute as much as they can.

Galadriel: Why the Hafling?
Gandalf: Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? That’s because I am afraid and it gives me courage.

Cate’s part is not big, but she looks more beautiful than ever as Galadriel (The Lady of Light)! She has a different sort of crown and a cool dress (with a long train, of course).

The company go to Rivendell, where Elrond (Hugo Weaving) helps the company by reading ancient dwarvish on a very important map.

Orcs and trolls are different in The Hobbit than in the trilogy. They are more developed; they also look different.

One of the toughest orcs is now a dwarf- Jed Brophy (a New Zealand actor and skilled stuntman) plays Nori. Even his eyebrows are braided!

Bilbo Baggins: Why don’t we have a game of riddles and if I win, you show me the way out of here?
Gollum: And if he loses? What then? Well if he loses precious then we eats it! If Baggins loses we eats it whole!
Bilbo Baggins: Fair enough.

We find out how Bilbo got the ring. He and Gollum have a battle of riddles in a cave. Well, don’t want to give too much info…

The music (composed again by Howard Shore) is even better than in the trilogy. The Misty Mountains song is sung by Richard and the company of dwarves- very cool! The (New Zealand) scenery, along with the special effects, are stunning. The acting is quite fine, especially from McKellan, Armitage (creating a natural leader/heroic), and Freeman (who makes the perfect hobbit).

Knightleyemma

Film reviews & more from a Bangladeshi-American/female lens

Tag: Friendship

Kiss the Sky (1998)

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Indonesian Mini Film Festival (March 25-27)

The Company Men (2010)

The Hobbit (2012)

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