Canada 2007, directed by Yung Chang, 93 mins, rated M
Life aboard a luxury cruise boat travelling up the Yangtze is a microcosm of life in contemporary China. This multi-award-winning documentary is directed with insight, flair and compassion as many facets of the modern Chinese experience are depicted.
Sweden 2008, directed by Tomas Alfredson, 115 mins, rated MA.
This teen vampire movie is both creepy and extraordinarily resonant. Alongside the grisly, bloody murders, a sweet, non-sexual relationship develops hesitantly between two young social outcasts (one of whom is the vampire!), which is treated with emotional delicacy and originality. A hit on the international film festival circuit.
Germany 2008, directed by Uli Edel, 150 mins, rated MA 15+
This Bavarian Film Award winner (Best Production, 2009) portrays the activities of the most famous revolutionary group in post-war Germany, the Red Army Faction, aka the Baader-Meinhof Group, as they set out to battle society’s perceived slide toward fascism. But is RAF’s alleged fight for democracy really justified? A worthy 2009 Oscar Nominee.
Italy 2007, directed by Silvio Soldini, 115 mins, rated M
The latest film by Silvio (Bread and Tulips) Soldini explores what can happen when the bottom drops out of a respectable, middle-aged couple's world and they enter a downward spiral, occasioned by unemployment and the loss of their home.. Will their marriage survive the collapse of their affluent lifestyle? Won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress: David Di Donatello (2008)
India 2007, directed by Aamir Khan, 165 mins, rated PG.
Bollywood superstar, Aamir Khan, turns director and also appears in this moving cinematic experience about an 8-year-old dyslexic boy who, against all odds, manages to overcome his learning difficulties with the help of an understanding teacher. Should be seen by all teachers and parents! Another Bollywood plus triumph!
Mexico 2007, directed by Carlos Reygadas, 135 mins, rated M
A husband and father of seven is faced with a personal and religious crisis when he falls for another woman in Northern Mexico's Mennonite community. The film contains stunning cinematography in the massive spaces of Chihuahua, including one of the most talked-about and beautiful opening long shots ever filmed, as dawn breaks on the family farm.
Japan 2007, directed by Yôjirô Takita, 130 mins, rated M
As Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki) loses his job as a professional Tokyo cellist, he returns to his rural hometown to seek employment. Hoping to become a travel agent, he responds to an ad which seeks someone to assist with ‘departures’, but what awaits him is a position as an undertaker. Winner of 30 international awards, incl. the 2009 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
