Hi all! We start traveling tomorrow so this might be the last movie reviews for a few weeks. If all goes well, we may see a few movies in the UK but that will be toward the end of our trip in March.
We will plan travel posts as time and connectivity permit.
Cheers! J&J
A Fantastic Woman
This film from Chile is Oscar nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. Unfortunately, its late release means there will only be a small number of movie goers that will see it before the Oscar ceremony next month.
This film ‘peels the onion’ on the transgender topic in so many ways it is hard to decide where to begin. Written and Directed by Sebastian Lelio, there is grief, prejudice, defiance, hostility, mourning and ultimately, redemption.
Chilean actor Daniela Vega is featured as the transgender Marina Videl. Francisco Reyes plays the love interest. Luis Gnecco plays the brother. Spanish actress Aline Kuppenheim plays the ex-wife. Another 30, mostly Chilean, actors round out the cast.
This film is rated R for language, sexual content, nudity and a disturbing assault. It is not appropriate for young children. Its genre is listed as Art House & International, Drama. The run time is 1 hour, 44 minutes. Spanish with English subtitles.
Rating 
Faces Places
This film is nominated for Best Documentary. It is exceptional and will be our pick in this category. It has been nominated and won in dozens of festivals and industry organizations around the world.
Written and Directed by photographer/muralist JR and Director Agnes Varda. There is a cast of over 20 contributors as themselves and a small army of production staff.
It is the journey through rural France and the creation of dozens of giant murals on dozens of venues. It is extraordinary, visually amazing and spiritually uplifting.
This film is rated PG. The genre is listed as Art House & International, Documentary with a run time of 90 minutes. French with English subtitles. DO NOT miss this one. It is an instant classic.
Rating
Peter Rabbit
This film is loosely based on the Beatrix Potter’s classic children’s book with a couple of big exceptions. There was quite a public stir from parents with children’s food allergies. Others disapproved of Peter Rabbit’s lack of clothes.
That said, in general, the story is marginally funny, occasionally clever, and somewhat charming. Rose Byrne plays the neighbor, Domhnall Gleeson is hilarious as the boyfriend. James Corden plays the voice of Peter. Margot Robbie is Flopsy, Elizabeth Debicki is Mopsy and Daisy Ridley is Cottontail.
This movie is rated PG for some rude humor and action. The genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Animation and Comedy. The running time is 1 hour, 40 minutes. The animation is the highlight.
Rating 