April 30, 2014 - "Barbara" (2012)

Barbara, 2012
Director: Christian Petzold
Origin: Germany
Language: German
Running time: 105 min

In 1980 East Germany, Barbara, a doctor, is reassigned to a small rural hospital as punishment for trying to find work in the West. Biding time until her lover can help her defect, Barbara begins to suspect that her new boss knows of her plans. (from Netflix.com)

Winner of the 2012 Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival.




MPAA rating: Rated PG-13 for some sexual material, thematic elements and smoking
Watch the trailer on YouTube.

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Review of last week's film ("Computer Chess", three stars)
Steven says: Film Comment says this about the film: "a series of touchingly rhapsodic variations on communion and aloneness, desire and repression, control and chaos." That may be true. It is also one strange film that leaves the viewer questioning seemingly random scenes and wondering if the filmmaker was trying to make a deeper, philosophical film. It's a good exploration of what's important to people, and it definitely will lead to interesting discussions.

April 23, 2013 - "Computer Chess" (2013)

Computer Chess, 2013
Director: Andrew Bujalski
Origin: USA
Language: English
Running time: 92 min

This comedic period piece set before PCs became commonplace centers on a 1980s chess tournament in which human competitors get their first crack at testing their skills against a machine. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $101,218
Watch the trailer on IMDB.

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Review of last week's film ("Applause", three stars)
Steven says: Paprika Steen does a nice job of handling the character of Thea, from onstage "Martha" to rock-bottom alcoholic to manipulative ex-wife. Recovery is never easy, and family estrangement can only make it harder.I wanted Thea to redeem herself, but by the end I realized it may not be possible.

April 16, 2014 - "Applause" (2009)

Applause, 2009
Director: Martin Zandvliet
Origin: Denmark
Language: Danish
Running time: 85 min

After a long stint in rehab, legendary actress Thea Barfoed seeks to reconnect with her two young sons in this drama from Denmark. Now, the headstrong Thea must prove to her ex-husband, Christian -- and to herself -- that she's truly reformed. (from Netflix.com)

MPAA rating: Rated R for language
Watch the trailer on IMDB.

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Review of last week's film (Blancanieves, 5 stars)
Steven says: Blancanieves is unexpected and enchanting. This beautifully rendered black and white film makes you listen to the music, see the entire screen and feel the impact of great cinematography. Who needs dialogue when the visuals tell the story so well? A creative treat.

April 9, 2014 - "Blancanieves" (2012)

Blancanieves, 2012
Director: Pablo Berger
Origin: Spain | France | Belgium
Language: Spanish
Running time: 104 min

Shot in black and white and without dialogue, this unusual take on "Snow White" follows the young daughter of a matador who finds fame after escaping the clutches of her evil stepmother to join a band of bullfighting dwarves. (from Netflix.com)

MPAA rating: Rated PG-13 for some violent content and sexuality
U.S. box office: $218,845
Watch the trailer on IMDB.

April 2, 2014 - "The Kings of Summer" (2013)

The Kings of Summer, 2013
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Origin: USA
Language: English
Running time: 95 min

Chafing under his widowed father's control, Joe Toy invites a friend and an offbeat new kid to help him build his own house in the nearby woods. Now that the trio is finally free from parents and responsibility, what's next? (from Netflix.com)

MPAA rating: Rated R for language and some teen drinking
U.S. box office: $1,290,312
Watch the trailer on IMDB.