Month: January 2022

Movie 1: Wolf

This film was released in December 2021. It’s a horror film that is rated R for Nudity, Language, Sexuality and Abusive Behavior. It’s an odd premise where young adults with personality disorders project animal like behavior. It’s pretty grisly. Thank goodness it only runs for 90 minutes. That said some critics are calling it a timeless classic. We suggest do not waist your time.

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Movie 2: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

Here’s something worthy of watching! It’s a Drama/Adventure with a run time just under two hours. It’s a 2020 film release. It’s set in a remote Bhutanese school. It’s a charming story about a dream to visit Australia. Yes a bit odd but the drop dead gorgeous Himalayas settings are fabulous. Dzongkha (Bhutan) with English subtitles.

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Movie 3: Belle

Here is an intriguing animation film from Japan. Much to our surprise it’s rated PG but be aware the content varies from Adventure, Anime, Fantasy, Romance to a Musical. Surprisingly enough it is based on the Beauty and the Beast Fairy Tale. Run time is 1 hour, 31 minutes. Japanese with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: The 355

Wow! Looking for a great movie to watch?! Check out this Action Thriller with a dose of Mystery. It’s got a great cast of women actors and an intriguing plot. Know the production includes strong violence and strong language. There’s plenty of intrigue and surprise, including all the right ingredients a fierce female spy thriller should have.

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Movie 2: Parallel Mothers

This film by Pedro Almodovar is a unique drama featuring two strong female characters played by Penelope Cruz and Rossy de Palma who both deliver impressive performances. It’s an interesting screenplay with two concurrent themes and plots. Spanish with English titles.

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Movie 3: Munich the Edge of War

Here is a fascinating film. It’s a Historical Drama set in 1938 when Hitler is about to attack Czechoslovakia. It’s not a perfectly accurate picture of WWII events but it is a pretty riveting rendition of what real events may have been like. Jeremy Irons is excellent as Neville Chamberlain. Currently in theatres and Netflix.

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Movie 1: Crooked House

Originally released in 2017, this Agatha Christie Mystery/Drama/Thriller is already a classic. It’s rated PG-13 for Sexual Content and Thematic Material. It’s a throw back to other mystery/drama films with lots of “who dunnit” moments. If you like Agatha Christie, you will enjoy this film. Run time is just under 2 hours. NETFLIX.

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Movie 2: The Angel

Another Mystery, Thriller, Drama from Netflix earns high marks from viewers and critics a like. It’s based on true events in the 1970s between Egypt and Israel. This was a fascinating peek into the Mideast conflict. English with some Arabic and English subtitles.

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Movie 3: The Zookeeper’s Wife

It’s listed as a War/Drama set in 1939 Nazi occupied Warsaw Poland. Arguably one of the best WWII films to date. Add a wartime ghetto, numerous characters, a powerful resistance and the survival of the local zoo. A not to be missed Netflix film!

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Note:  All movies below can be found on Netflix.

Movie 1: Operation Hyacinth

This is considered a neo-masterpiece with exceptional writing and cinematography. It’s set in the 1980’s under Poland’s communist regime where the Secret Police rounded up homosexuals to torture, imprison or blackmail. Based on true events. Original is in Polish; we watched the dubbed English version.

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Movie 2: Official Secrets

(We first reviewed this film in September 2019.) This film is based on true events from the Bush and Blair administration. The US and British Intelligence ensnare UN Security Council members with blackmail to approve the invasion of Iraq.

It’s masterful film making and a reminder of a dark chapter in global events. Keira Knightley is superb.

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Movie 3: Yara

This Italian film is based on a true kidnapping story that gripped the nation. It’s not easy to watch but well worth the time. It’s intriguing, heart breaking and sometimes difficult viewing. It’s listed as a crime drama. Italian with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: The Tragedy of MacBeth

This is an exceptional film about one of the most spectacular plays Shakespeare ever created, Macbeth! That said, an understanding of its story, themes and characters will enhance audience experiences. The cast is expansive with Denzel Washington as Macbeth, Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth, Corey Hawkins as Macduff and so on… It’s listed as a Drama/Thriller with a run time of 1 hour, 40 minutes. The black and white cinematography, sets and costumes are stunning!

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Movie 2: Sing 2

In the mood for something a bit lighter?!? This computer-animated musical comedy is the sequel to the 2016 hit. Animated character Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) the All-Star host manages to attract the most talented guest acts to perform for a world wide audience. It’s a PG Comedy/Musical running just under 2 hours!

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Movie 3: G Storm

Just released Thriller/Action/Mystery from Hong Kong. A smuggling case accidentally overlaps into a murder mystery. Think of it as a Chinese version of CSI. Cantonese with English subtitles.

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