Tag: History

“Eden” (2024) starring Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Bruhl, & Sydney Sweeney

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Based on a factual account of a group of outsiders who settle on a remote island only to discover their greatest threat isn’t the brutal climate or deadly wildlife, but each other. -Synopsis

Ritter: Do not be fooled by our success, Herr Wittmer. No one else has been able to survive, because life here is gruesome, frustrating. Failure is inevitable.

The film is based on the true story of European settlers on Floreana Island in the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) a few years before WWII. Freidrich Ritter (Jude Law) and his life partner, Dore Strauch (Vanessa Kirby), have spent 2 yrs. living alone on a remote island. FYI: Production took place primarily in Queensland, Australia. Friedrich focuses on writing his manifesto, while Dore resolves to cure her M.S. via meditation. One day, they’re joined by the eager/earnest Wittmer family: Heinz (Daniel Bruhl), his pre-teen son Harry, and his much younger 2nd wife, Margret (Sydney Sweeney). Shortly after arriving, Margret learns she is pregnant; the Wittmers (much to the chagrin of their neighbors) become capable farmers. This small community grows again when a young woman, Eloise (Ana de Armas), arrives w/ her two lovers: Robert (Toby Wallace) and Rudolph (Felix Kammerer), along w/ their Ecuadorian servant. Eloise (called Baroness) is vain, pretentious, and lives a hedonistic lifestyle. She also has a plan to build a lavish hotel on this land!

A cohesive theme gets marooned in Eden’s melodramatic dramatization of a colorful true story, but it does provide a starry cast and salacious thrills as compensation. -Rotten Tomatoes

This (hot mess) of a film (directed by Ron Howard- a former Oscar winner) had its world premiere at TIFF in Fall 2024; it had mixed reviews among critics. It sounds V intriguing on paper, BUT is uneven/ineffective in execution. We find two age-gap relationships, which is NOT rare for bougie societies of 1930s Europe. Law and Kirby make a hot pair, BUT their (sometimes) steamy scenes come off under-developed. (Some critics were surprised by how Howard tackled sensuality; he is NOT known for that.) Each actor performs as if he/she is in their own movie! I felt that Bruhl understood/portrayed his character well. De Armas’ character is annoying/unlikeable; the role was written as one-note. As for clueless/sad-eyed Sweeney, she puts on a weird accent and has an extensive birthing scene; I’m mystified by how casting agents/men find her appealing.

Spoiler-Free Review: “Sinners” (2025)

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From Ryan Coogler-director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”-and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.” Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. -Synopsis (Warner Bros.)

I think it’s his greatest acting challenge yet. I say that having been there to see him level up each time. Fruitvale (Station) was his first time in a movie. -Ryan Coogler re: Michael B. Jordan

I got a free pass to a pre-screening of Sinners at my (local/Regal IMAX) theater in April 2025. The theater was packed; it reminded me of the excitement during the “Barbenheimer” era! As I guessed, this was a must-see/mulit-layered movie. Check it out soon (Netflix)!

The writer/director, Ryan Coogler, said that his biggest influences were  Salem’s Lot (1979), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and The Faculty (1998). Another inspo was an ep of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone (1959). The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank (in S3) centers on a young man from a small Midwestern town who returns to life at his own funeral. This shocks his loved ones and pastor. Despite their trepidation, the townspeople call it a miracle, until rumors swirl re: minor (yet noticeable) shifts in Jeff’s behavior.

The newcomer (breakout star) of the film, Miles Caton (Sammie), learned to play the resonator blues guitar to prep for his role. He recently turned 21, started out as singer, yet is a natural at acting. Just a breath of fresh air (in this time of nepo babies)! Jack O’Connell (Remmick) sings and dances; he is Irish and always wanted to jig in a movie. The large scoring orchestra has a number of talented musicians.

He was just in the dark–like he didn’t turn his lights on. Something about that was, like, so intriguing. This kid looked like he was in his basement, like in between homework assignments. But he had this voice–a once-in-a-lifetime voice. -Ryan Coogler on Miles Caton

Documentary filmmaker, Dolly Li, noted that Coogler’s father-in-law had Chinese Delta ancestors, like the Chows: Grace (Li Jun Li- recently seen in Babylon) and Bo (Yao- a Chinese-Singaporean actor). Sinners was set in Clarksdale during the Jim Crow era (the height of Chinese grocery stores’ popularity in the region). Li is listed in the end credits as a consultant.

[1] The acting across the board is full of nuance, expression, and authenticity.

[2] There’s a dark humour running beneath it all, and the music is incredible – bluesy, moody, full of soul. It’s a film that takes risks with tone and style, but it all comes together. Vicious, vibey, and unlike anything else in the genre.

[3] What separates (and elevates) this film from your standard supernatural horror flick is the fact that the director chose to spend more time in the first act developing our and exploring our characters.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “Nuremberg” (2025) starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, & Leo Woodall

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JUDGEMENT IS COMING. -Tagline

Hermann Göring: Just because someone is your ally, does not mean they are on your side.

In mid-1945, France, the Soviet Union, the UK, and the US convened a joint tribunal in Nuremberg (occupied Germany) w/ the Nuremberg Charter as its legal instrument. The charter upended the traditional view of international law by holding individuals, rather than states, responsible for breaches. Btwn November 20, 1945 and October 1,1946, the International Military Tribunal (IMT) tried 22 of the most important surviving Nazis leaders (in political, military, and economic spheres), as well as 6 German orgs. The charges were crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The purpose of the trial was NOT just to convict the defendants, but also to assemble irrefutable evidence of Nazi crimes, offer a history lesson to the Germans, and delegitimize their elite.

Dr. Douglas Kelley: I’m curious what the attraction was. There’s a failed painter, not a very good soldier, yet he was worshipped and revered.

Hermann Göring: He made us feel German again.

Dr. Kelley: How?

Göring: First of all, I had seen Germany crushed. And along comes a man who says “We can reclaim our former glory.” Would you not follow a man like this?

Dr. Kelley: Depends what else you were willing to do.

On THURS (last NOV 7th), I was among the early viewers of this historical drama written/directed by James Vanderbilt. I’d never hear of this filmmaker before; he was one of the screenwriters of Scream (2022) and Zodiac (2007). After seeing several promos and teaser trailers (on IG), I was V curious. FYI: I was a History minor in undergrad. There are several films/series re: the Nuremberg trials, BUT I haven’t watched them yet. I’d assumed that this story would be focused on the law, BUT it is told from a psychological (mental health) perspective. Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) wrote the book 22 Cells in Nuremberg which detailed his personal accounts of interactions w/ Nuremberg trial persons. The final chapter details how he could see the events of pre-WWII Germany occurring in (modern day) U.S.

Justice Robert H. Jackson: We are able to do away with domestic tyranny only when we make all men answerable to the law, so that it can never happen again.

As one critic wrote on Letterboxd: “This movie couldn’t be more timely!” I suggest that ppl check it out (at least on streaming, IF unable to see in theaters). As I was at a matinee on a weekday, there were only a handful of ppl in my audience. I was moved and learned some things also! Justice Jackson (Michael Shannon) took leave from his day job (SCOTUS) to be lead prosecutor in the trials. After WWII, popular opinion (among Allies) was that captured Nazis should be hanged w/o trial. Russell Crowe is in his villain era, and it works for him!

[1] The “cat and mouse” relationship between Malek and Crowe is ever changing and complex. Very timeless story of the ascent of evil rings very true today. 

[2] This really worked for me. It felt electric, which seems crazy for the subject matter. It had a palpable energy, and so stylish.

[3] Overall a great cast, but for me the other standout was Woodall, the translator for the doctor. I wish younger people would see it including in high school, but I doubt they ever will in the US.

Parallels with 2025 events in the USA are very real plus now anti-semitism is worldwide.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The History of Sound” (2025) starring Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor

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Lionel Worthing (Irish actor Paul Mescal) is a music prodigy from a humble Kentucky farming family who is able to visualize sound. Orphaned in adolescence, David White (British actor Josh O’Connor) is from a privileged background under his uncle’s guardianship in Newport, RI. Both become students at a music conservatory in Boston and meet at a bar in 1917. Their shared love of folk music brings them together; that bond soon becomes romantic. While the Great War (WWI) separates them, they’re brought back post-war when David (a researcher at an Augusta, Maine college) asks Lionel to accompany him on a trip to collect folk songs. Chris Cooper (the older version of Lionel) narrates the audiobook version of the short story on which the film is based.

Lionel: What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?

The film was announced in October 2021, but due to challenges in aligning schedules of director Oliver Hermanus (who hails from South Africa and is a queer man of color), Mescal, and O’Connor, filming didn’t begin until FEB 2024. Mescal is one of the EPs, which marks the 1st time he has received a producing credit on a film. Mescal and O’Connor became close friends during the pandemic; both young actors shared the experience of becoming famous at the same time. Mescal co-starred in Normal People; O’Connor played Prince Charles in The Crown (S3 & S4). I was excited for this movie (being a fan of its leads), BUT was also somewhat hesitant. I was NOT a fan of the 2024 miniseries (Mary and George) that Hermanus directed. Though the story is centered around Lionel, David is the more interesting character. O’Connor’s gazes, micro-expressions, and (variety) of smiles draw the audience in. No wonder Lionel was under his spell and wanted to follow him wherever he went! The American accents are flawless and the singing was quite good, too.

[1] My favorite scenes were when Paul and Josh were together. They’re both great actors in my opinion, had amazing chemistry. I just wish we had gotten more! Having these two as your lead actors, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps my expectations were too high. That said, I loved the beginning and the last 30 minutes. Another positive is that it’s a beautiful film, with gorgeous shots!

[2] A love story is at the core of director Oliver Hermanus’ slow-moving 2025 period drama, but his introspective approach doesn’t generate enough heat to make it palpable beyond what is portrayed onscreen.

[3] The movie looks gorgeous. The American scenes in particular are reminiscent of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Art decoration and cinematography are beautifully detailed. The music is all based on American folk songs wonderfully augmented by evocative music composed by cellist Oliver Coates. […]

This movie is probably not for everybody, but those interested in folk music and American history will find it rewarding. I was tempted to add “gay studies,” but I think that would be somewhat misleading. That is, however, the central issue, even though it never takes center stage. I think that’s what makes the film so haunting.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Border Incident” (1949) starring Ricardo Montalban & George Murphy

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The Bracero Program (1942-1964) was a series of agreements btwn Mexico and the US that allowed millions of Mexican men to work (legally) in the U.S. on short-term agricultural/railroad contracts. It was created to address labor shortages during WWII; it was the largest guest worker program in U.S. history. However, braceros often faced exploitation (promised wages, housing, and working conditions NOT met by growers). This movie (available on Amazon Prime video) centers on federal agents trying to protect Mexican braceros (someone who works w/ their arms/hands) from being robbed/killed along the U.S.-Mexico border. Pablo Rodriguez (Ricardo Montalban; aged 29 and looking FAB in 1st MGM lead role) teams up w/ FBI agent, Jack Bearnes (George Murphy) to tackle illegal immigrant smuggling. This is one of the few roles where Montalban played a Mexican (his real ancestry)! Pablo goes undercover as a bracero; Jack poses as a criminal (who smuggles work permits). There is a documentary feel in the framing (beginning and end) scenes. This movie (filmed mostly on location: Mexicali, Mexico; Calexico and El Centro, CA) is a blend of noir and Western.

Border Incident (a courageous movie for its day) was directed by Anthony Mann (before his iconic Westerns starring James Stewart). The budget needed ($650K) would’ve been TOO high for the “Poverty Row” studios he’d toiled in for 7 yrs. Mann was invited to MGM studios, which was headed by Dore Schary, a liberal/Democrat committed to making meaningful movies. Schary had been a playwright, director, and producer (for the stage), before transitioning to screenwriter and producer of moving pictures. Mann was apolitical; his main focus was making quality films. The director insisted that his frequent collaborator, John Alton, be hired on as DP/cinematographer. Fans of noir consider Alton to be a master of B&W photography; as Eddie Muller (TCM) noted, he somehow made the (wide open) spaces of the desert look claustrophobic!

There is no femme fatale (as this is a world populated by men); instead, we meet a bevy of baddies of different looks and (unhinged) personalities! Rancher Howard Plakson is played by Howard Da Silva; noir-istas may recognize him from The Blue Dahlia (1944) and They Live by Night (1948). Alfonso Bedoya plays “Cuchillo” (knife); he was the Mexican bandit “Gold Hat” in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948). He famously told Bogie: “We don’t need no stinking badges!” Zopilote is played by Howard Moss, a Shakespearean stage actor who had played many “ethnic” roles (due to his ambiguous looks). Mann creates tension and does NOT shy away from depicting racism and violence (based on real cases from the INS).

[1] If you’ve only known Mr. Montalban as Mr. Roarke on “Fantasy Island” or as Khan on the “Star Trek” episode “Space Seed” not to mention “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” you’ll probably be wonderfully surprised by his heroic role here.

[2] The pic is often vicious, sadistic even, landing violent scenes in the conscious that refuse to move until it’s all over and the screen goes blank. Suspense is never far away in Border Incident, with a mostly on form cast… bringing the material to life as the dream team cloak it all in pictorial assertiveness.

[3] John Alton’s photography is worth seeing alone, even without the sound it’s so good, not that you would want to avoid the fantastic score by Andre Previn. And the direction by Anthony Mann at the peak of his intensity is sharp and beautifully controlled.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews