The Cinema Hold Up (2011)

The Cinema Hold Up (2011) directed by Iria Gomez Concheiro takes place in Mexico where a couple teenagers feel that taking part in a crime is fun. These teens have no sense of direction when it comes to life and do nothing to fix it. They are often seen smoking pot, and roaming the streets. One day when they get thrown out of a local movie theater the troubled teens decide that they are going to rob the theater.  In order for the kids to pull off a successful robbery they must scout the theater to know the schematics of the building. The teens are successful in their crime leaving behind no evidence. The once poor kids that roamed the neighborhood looking for money become rich.

                This film is to show audiences what life was like in Mexico. It was an accurate depiction of he type of crimes that are committed in everyday like. Gomez also showed audiences the poverty that exists in the country and how that can lead to a life of crime and drug use.  Another element that was shown in the film is the corruption that exists within the Mexican police departments. For example in the scene when the police catches the kids with a spray paint can, the two officers ask to be bought off. With the kids having no money, the police officers gave up and just let the go. This is a clear example of bribery, this shows audiences that crime is not taken serious and that there is no authority.

            I did not really enjoy Iria Gomez Concheiro's The Cinema Hold Up. The reason being is that I felt the story took way to long to develop.  For example for the entire film it took Gomez a while to explain what exactly was going on.  The robbery was mentioned in the beginning of the film and then the plot went all over the place before it was put back on track in the middle of the film. I felt that the characters in the film were not believable at all the acting was weak. Every scene in the film seemed long, every line I felt sounded rehearsed, and the chemistry between the characters is non existent. The best part in my mind, of the film was the entire robbery sequence. I enjoyed the way it was shot and that it built tension. In particular the one shot that I enjoyed was the one when we saw the cigarette fall on to the floor and the audience sees the boys foot come into the shot and step on it. This shot was used twice in the film and it was a sign that something bad was going to happen. This movie was a complete roller coaster ride that made me confused and left hanging at the end. I would give this a 4 out of 10 stars.

                

Central Station (1998)

            The film Central Station also known as Central do Brasil (1998) is directed by Walter Salles and it tells a story about a former schoolteacher named Dora who supports herself by taking dictation from illiterate people who want to write letters to their families.  Dora pockets the money without even mailing out the envelopes. One day a nine-year-old boy named Josue is left alone because his mother was suddenly killed in a terrible bus accident in which the boy wittnessed.  Dora unwillingly takes the boy in to try and help him. They both then embark on a journey to search for the boys long lost father. This journey gives Dora a second chance to redeem her personality and help get her life back on track.

            The main theme that comes out of this story is strongly related with the treatment of religion. The beliefs that filter the culture and people are shown within Salles’ picture. This film gives audiences around the world what life was like in Brazil back in 1998. Everywhere the camera looks there are symbols of religion spread throughout the area in which the two characters life in. This story is about the two characters going on a pilgrimage. Even through they do not know it this is evident. for example Dora is getting a second chance by helping the boy which ultimately makes her into a better person.

            In my opinion Salles did a fantastic job in directing this film. The character development throughout this movie was unbelievable. Dora for example was hated from the beginning but then she got close to the boy as the journey went on which the character started to be respected.  Next the camera angles that were used throughout the film were very interesting and different. For example the point of view shots when the boy and the woman are looking into a small box at a picture. For audiences to know that it is a point a view shot the camera shakes just a bit to give it that human element.  Finally the story really hit it home for me because the plot was sad and the actors help make this plot more believable to audiences. I found myself rooting for the boy to find his father. The writing and the directing really help shape the story and made it very enjoyable to watch. Salles did an excellent job in moving the story along. 

Bombay (1995)

The film Bombay (1995) directed by Mani Ratnam follows two characters Mishra Narayan and Shaila Bano who are in love and want to marry. The only problem is that Shekhar is a Hindu and Shaila is a Muslim. But their is a big problem that is the center point around this film. In India the Muslim and Hindu faiths are not on good terms with each other both religions despise each other. because of this conflict the couple run away to get married in a place that is willing to accept their marriage, Bombay. On December 6, 1992 a couple years after their marriage they have two boys who are now in the middle of religious riots that were forming everywhere between the Muslim and Hindu religions, including Bombay. During the riots Shaila and Shekhar are fighting for the safety of their children as well as their loved ones back home.  

            The message that surrounds this story is a religious one.  It shows audiences how life was like back in the 1990s in India. The battle between these two beliefs opened audience’s eyes all over the world. A theme that was carried throughout the entire film was love. this film showed that love is such a strong bond and not even violence or threats can break it. 

            When I saw this film Bombay (1995) I was shocked on what I saw. This film depicted the hated relationship between the Hindu and the Muslims. There were several elements that I took noticed too when viewing this movie. First was the style. This was a Bollywood movie, which means that in several parts of the film the characters would break and go into a musical number. This type of style is very interesting. I have never seen it before and I felt that the musical scores were great and kept audiences like myself entertained. The next that I took liking too was the camera angles.  The musical scenes had some great shots, for example in several scenes the camera would glide over the actors, which gave a new perspective to audiences everywhere. Finally this last thing that I enjoy in this film was both the character development and the acting. For a film to be successful it must have both good acting and a believable storyline and I feel that this film executed that. I really enjoyed this movie and I would definitely recommend it.

The Wedding Banquet (1993)

Jason Leavy

International Film

Professor Tung

10/10/13

                                       The Wedding Banquet (1993)

            The Wedding Banquet (1993) directed by Ang Lee, is a film about a man named Wai-Tung Gao who is often nagged by both his parents to get married because they are both getting older and the father is very sick.  Wai-Tung is hiding from his parents that he is gay because he feels that they would be highly disappointed. So throughout the duration of this film Wai-Tung and his lover Simon set up a fake wedding with a woman who is trying to get her green card in order to please the parents. Things start to get out of control and little by little what seemed to be such a good idea takes a turn for the worse.

            This film focus on three main cultural references the first is the though on gay relationships in the Taiwan culture. First Ang Lee wanted audiences to see the positives in gay marriage and how it can be view throughout the civilization. For example the relationship between the two men in the film was very strong indicating a bond that would be unbreakable. Next Lee shows the many traditions that take place in a Taiwan wedding. The wedding scene in the movie show great examples of what the occasion is all about. Finally the last was how strong a Taiwan family is. For example in the film the father found out in the end that his son was gay but he was very supportive. Although he was very surprised, he welcomed Simon and told him that he would treat him like family.

         The Wedding Banquet (1993) reminded me of a movie called The Birdcage  (1996), the reason being is the story. I felt that both of these plots had a similar motive, which was to show the positives of gay marriage, and both of these films did a wonderful job with coming up with a fun and entertaining script. The Birdcage (1996) it also tells a story about two gay couples trying to cover up their true identities in order to please the soon to be daughter-in laws parents.  The Wedding Banquet (1993) had so many interesting camera angles. For example during the wedding sequence in the film Lee did a lot wide dollies, which related to the audiences the fun and excitement.   The color in the film was very warm which indicates a cozy and relaxing feel. Finally I felt that this film was very funny at points. The writing throughout the film kept audiences, like myself interested till the very end. I enjoy this film a lot and I would definitely recommended to others.