The Best Films of the 2000s and more.
Posts tagged Cross Cultures
Chocolat (2000)
Jul 11th
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Alfred Molina, Johnny Depp
Director: Lasse Hallström
Country: USA
Genre: Romance, Drama
One of the most delightful films of the 2000s.
It might be the butt of many jokes, but Chocolat is quite the delightful film. It’s a look at what might happen if you let go of inhibitions and indulge once in awhile. Lasse Hallström has had an interesting career as a director with a number of memorable dramas (and forgettable ones too,) and he brings along his expertise in telling a compelling story. Juliette Binoche stars as a woman who opens up a chocolate shop in a very religious town amidst Lent. Binoche’s strong independence and sexuality are perfectly suited for the role in which she was nominated for an Oscar. The rest of the cast including Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin, Peter Stormare and Johnny Depp are perfect. What’s best about Chocolat is that, while it’s certainly very rich, doesn’t overstay its welcome – leaving the audience haunted by its delicious flavors. And if you don’t want a hot chocolate after this movie, you might want to get your taste buds checked.
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Dec 9th
Starring: Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya
Director: Clint Eastwood
Country: USA, Japan
Genre: War, Drama
You scream. I scream. We all scream when we’re being shot at.
This companion piece to Eastwood’s lackluster Flags of Our Fathers is far superior in every way. Letters from Iwo Jima is an incredible story, and quite an unconventional one for an American director to tell. It follows Japanese soldiers during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Like any great war film it shows that the men on both sides are equal in both their savagery and humanity. It lacks a strong anti-war theme, but doesn’t become overly patriotic either. It’s this balance of subject matter that really make the film effecting. The unbiased point of view allows for the viewer to project their own feelings or fears on war and patriotism.
Kinamand (2005)
Oct 16th
Starring: Bjarne Henriksen, Vivian Wu
Director: Henrik Ruben Genz
Country: Denmark
Genre: Foreign, Drama
This Danish film revolves around a plumber whose marriage has just fallen apart, and who can’t seem to remember the passion in his life. His life changes when the owner of a Chinese restaurant that he frequents asks him to marry his sister. Kinamand is simple. It is a short-and-sweet story with straightforward character arcs and a story that doesn’t deviate much from its subject. This allows for some very quiet, but effective performances from its actors as well as some beautifully unobtrusive directing. It plays off a lot like an Alexander Payne film, though not focused as much on humor as it is on a hopeful outlook. It’s a very understated film that I don’t think many people would seek out on their own… but they should.
