March 12, 2014 - "A Simple Life" (2011)

A Simple Life, 2011

Director: Ann Hui
Origin: Hong Kong
Languages: Cantonese | English | Mandarin
Running time: 118 min

After working for the Leung family for decades, a servant still takes care of filmmaker Roger Leung -- but when she falls sick, the tables are turned as Roger looks after her in this heartwarming tale inspired by a true story. (from Netflix.com)

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

---

Review of last week's film (Broken, 4 stars)
Steve says: Don't let the trailer fool you. This seemingly innocent film quickly sucks you in and then puts your emotions through the wringer. Artfully pieced together, "Broken" explores three very different families and how they deal (or not) with adversities. You'll root for Eloise Laurence as Skunk from start to finish.

March 5, 2014 - "Broken" (2012)

Netflix surprised us and sent us the March 12 film for March 5.

So, on March 5, we will watch "Broken", from 2012.

Director: Rufus Norris
Origin: UK
Language: English
Running time: 91 min

In this poignant coming-of-age tale, Skunk, a precocious and diabetic 11-year-old, lives happily with her brother and widower father in a suburban English neighborhood until an act of violence initiates her into the often-baffling world of adulthood. (from Netflix.com)

Watch the trailer on IMDB.

March 5, 2014 - "A Simple Life" (2011)

A Simple Life, 2011

Director: Ann Hui
Origin: Hong Kong
Languages: Cantonese | English | Mandarin
Running time: 118 min

After working for the Leung family for decades, a servant still takes care of filmmaker Roger Leung -- but when she falls sick, the tables are turned as Roger looks after her in this heartwarming tale inspired by a true story. (from Netflix.com)

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

---

Review of last week's film (Hannah Arendt, 4 stars)
Steve says: Don't watch this by yourself. Watch it with a group of friends and then discuss the philosophy of the "banality of evil" afterward. The movie is a good history lesson, a good philosophy lesson, and a reminder of our constant need for vigilance. Favorite line: "To try to understand is not the same thing as forgiveness."

February 26, 2014 - "Hannah Arendt" (2012)

There is no screening on Wednesday, February 19.


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Hannah Arendt, 2012
Director: Margarethe von Trotta
Origin: Germany | Luxembourg | France
Languages: German | French | English | Hebrew | Latin
Running time: 113 min

After fleeing Nazi Germany for the United States, a Jewish-German philosopher accepts an assignment from the New Yorker to cover the trial of an infamous war criminal, resulting in an article that ignites controversy all over the world. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $714,442
Watch the trailer on IMDB.

---
Review of the Feb. 12 film (Moscow, Belgium -- stars)
Steven says: Life is messy, and "normal" is something everyone wants but rarely gets. No one knows that more than Matty, the main character of Moscow, Belgium (instead of the Belgian title -- Collision in Belgium -- which is way better). She's been living her life according to a 20-year-old dream and ends up unhappy because of it. The characters and situations are real and complicated, which make for a strong plot and a more convincing story.

February 12, 2014 - "Moscow, Belgium" (2008)

We searched for something a little lighthearted and romantic for our pre-Valentine's Day showing. We hope this fits the bill . . .

Moscow, Belgium, 2008
Director: Christophe Van Rompaey
Origin: Belgium
Languages: Flemish | Dutch
Running time: 102 min

After a fateful fender bender brings them together, Matty, a middle-aged mother of three with a wandering husband, decides to take a chance on Johnny, a handsome 29-year-old who falls for her. (Netfix.com)

Watch the trailer on IMDB.

Feb. 5 Screening Cancelled

Purdue officials announced that all university operations and classes for the remainder of Wednesday (Feb. 5) have been suspended and non-essential personnel are not required to report for campus duty.

Following suit, we are canceling tonight's screening of "Museum Hours" for Cinematheque for All. We will likely screen it during the Summer 2014 season so that we can remain on schedule for the remainder of the Spring 2014 season.

Stay safe and warm everyone.

Steve

February 5, 2014 - "Museum Hours" (2012)

Museum Hours, 2012
Director: Jem Cohen
Origin: Austria | USA
Languages: German | English
Running time: 107 min

When Anne arrives in Vienna to visit an ailing relative, she takes refuge in the Kunsthistorisches Museum and befriends Johann, a guard. Director Jem Cohen blends fiction and documentary in this meditation on how art and the world shape each other. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $83,725
Watch the trailer on IMDB.

---
Review of last week's film (The Makioka Sisters, 3 stars)
Steven says: Comparisons to Jane Austen stories or Downton Abbey are not far off for this 1983 Japanese melodrama. Appearances are everything to this family, though the changing cultural (and war) landscape in 1938 helps them see things from a different perspective.