Mammoth

Mammoth was colossal; no pun intended. This 2009 Swedish film (another good one) was set in New York City, with actors Michelle Williams and Gael Garcia Bernal as the main characters of this tale. Although it ran at a much slower than usual pace, even by foreign film standards; I found it extremely easy connecting with it. Mammoth completely resonated with me; and I understood completely what the characters were going through. I don't remember the music/soundtrack very much, expect for perhaps 1 or 2 songs, and that lets you know that if a film can leave a lasting impression, even without compelling music, then it's a pretty darn good film. And this pretty darn good film made it to Jair's list of top favourite movies, yes sireee!

I loved the smooth transitions, and lovely cinematography throughout the film, which clearly painted a picture of the lifestyle each character, came from. I enjoyed also the gritty truth the writer and director Lukas Moodyssoon portrayed of different parts of the world; specifically of Thailand, because although it is alive with much beauty and simplicity, it can also be a sad, dark and lost society for people who enjoy paying pittances for pleasure, or in some cases abuses and uses for free. The acting by Jan David G.Nicdao who played Salvador was beyond exceptional and heart-warming and I found myself finding difficulty at holding back my tears.

What I disliked greatly however, was (and I know many male readers are shaking their heads now), the fact that Leo played by Gael Garcia Bernal, knew he was married and the sanctity it held and knew he had a child to top it off, to willingly cheat on his wife and family in Thailand, because the girl who couldn't even hold a proper conversation but just giggled and wanted to show him 'fun' was reason enough for him to forget all his morals, even without the a-a-a-al-alcohol! I also found it hilarious that Leo again was even considered a New Yorker for this role, because of his absolutely thick Spanish accent. I didn't feel as though Ellen played by Michelle Williams and Gael Garcia Bernal had a good connection or chemistry. It felt strained and not real to me, but I suppose to a Swede writer/director his accent was close enough to an American and his connection with his Thai mistress compelling enough to outweigh his wives' relationship.

I found that the underlying message and or questions of this film were: Who belongs here? Do you ever belong here? What will you sacrifice for the sake of a so-called better life? What is more important, money, fame, or the presence among those you love and who love you? All that glitters is not gold, and if you get that gold, will it indeed make you happy? How can you betray or forget about someone because you're put in different circumstances or environments? Who are your real friends? The debates and conversations based on this film are endless and the fact that it was able to evoke such strong emotions is why this film Mammoth was phenomenal! J

Lat Den Ratte Komma In

I've always been fond of foreign films; being a foreigner myself and also because I find the storylines irresistable. I've always enjoyed French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese films, but lately I've been getting my fill on Swedish films. And goodness, are they exquisitely delightful!

Let the Right One In; was a tense and mesmerizing film, and not just because it happened to be a vampire tale, but because it had much more underlying profundity within its tale. It was about companionship, trust, love and about being there when the other needs you most. About living your life the best way you can despite daunting circumstances.

Kare Hederbrant and Lina Leandersson, the two main actors in this film did a phenomenal job at portraying the pain one would withstand, when they don't fit in, are bullied, or aren't given the attention they deserve by loved ones. Their chemisty, sincerity and overall performance was simply beautiful. This goes to show again that you don't need to be Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt or any other Hollywood actor to deliver extraordinary work.

This 2009 film was written by John Ajvide Lindqvist and directed by Tomas Alfredson, and together I am ecstatic to say that they developed a wonderfully exotic and ancient tale with a modern twist. It is by watching films like this that inspire me so much and remind me that I am alive with purpose for doing also the same. For despite critisms and phony people whom most times don't mean you well, there is still hope. For what is life, if there isn't any hope?

I was fond of the way this film was thrilling, at just the right points, and although blood spattered at times, it made sense throughout the movie. I also enjoy again the realness of it, opposed to beauitful, shiny and perfect, it had grittiness and true confidence in not winning an award for Best Wardrobe.

I loved how Eli played by Lina Leandersson, left Oskar, played by Kare Hedebrant, many lovely letters , something I admire greatly, as writing and expressing yourself through words in general is a slowly dying art. She said: To flee is life, to linger is death, Love Eli. The close-shot camera angles certainly captured the children's longing and love for each other , and the icy, wistful snowy mountains were a cinematic playground! The soundtrack was certainly a distinctive and ineffable melodic score by Johan Soderqvist.

I found the title of the film also indescribably faultless because in life you should be careful whom you let know and share all of you. There are many you can smile with, you can share with, you can give love to; but only 'the right one' will be the one worthy to have all of your heart and secrets. Only 'the right one' is worthy to feel the intoxicating and blinding light and warmth of your inner sanctum; that which is guarded by the gentle and innocent being who lives inside of you...

** Ahhh...rare cinematic delight -- Go Sweden! :))