The Emerging Foreign Cinema Grabs Major Attention

By Abia Gill

Iranian Cinema - Movie Review

Under the Shadow (2016)

·         Director: Babak Anvari

·         Writer: Babak Anvari

·         Stars: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi

Mother (Shideh) played by Iranian actress Narges Rashidi and daughter (Dorsa) played by Avin Manshadi struggle through the post war traumatic era where some unusual things start to happen with them. Shideh's husband Iraj played by Iranian actor Bobby Naderi has to go as a result of an occupational transfer to another place. While the wife and daughter behind, face the paranormal activities back home.  The movie is a true depiction of a post revolution and war era (Tehran, 1988) where bombings and air strikes are at peak. Meanwhile they bring something with them. 

The actors Narges Rashidi and Avin Manshadi have acted so well in the movie that at some points it gave us the real feel of a true horror flick. The special effects and the cinematography skills of the Iranian cinema can make the viewer sense the authentic experience of a scary movie.

"I think it brought something with it".

"They travel on the wind".

"They always know how to find you".

Danish Cinema - Movie Review

The Hunt (2012)

·         Director: Thomas Vinterberg

·         Writers: Tobias Lindholm (screenplay), Thomas Vinterberg (screenplay)

·         Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp

"I believe in the children, Lucas!"

"I know my little girl. She doesn't lie."

Mads Mikkelsen, the brilliant Danish actor has caught up our attention in this Danish drama movie where he plays a Kindergarten teacher who is abused for a false allegation leaving him disgraced around the town. His life turns upside down with this incident that is caused within his own circle of friends. The name of Mikkelsen's character is Lucas who struggles his life through an unlucky occurrence that turns his life into a living hell. Lucas loses everything he owns but finds his way back to them finally.

Lucas's best friend's six years old daughter unintentionally accuses him for having an unethical behavior with the child. This turns out to be an outburst around the entire town that ruins Lucas's reputation for a long period. What happens is that ofcourse everyone in the school and at home believes in what the little kid has said about Lucas. But it was fairly not even a single inch true. And in the end when the child realizes that things are getting worse she confesses to her parents that she had lied.

The movie portrays a lesson that even the slightest mistakes can make big differences in life no matter who caused them. But in the end the truth always wins.

Spanish Cinema - Movie Review

Ma ma (2015)

·         Director: Julio Medem

·         Writer: Julio Medem

·         Stars: Penélope Cruz, Luis Tosar, Asier Etxeandia

"We'll do this without tears. Just help me to be strong".

I'm sure of one thing, the soul never dies."

Penélope Cruz made us fall in love with her acting all over again after watching this Spanish flick called Ma Ma. The theme of the movie completely revolves around love and care (of a family). Magda (Penélope Cruz) suffers from cancer and dies fighting the fatal disease. But she lives her life to the fullest with all the love and care from his 2nd husband and son.

"There is such a lovely performance here from Penélope Cruz: rich, intelligent, generous – her best since Almodóvar’s Volver. Without Cruz, this movie might not have added up to as much. But with her vivid presence, it shimmers and throbs. Writer-director Julio Medem has created a very emotional drama".

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky 2009

·         French Cinema

·         Director: Jan Kouen

·         Writer & Screen play: Chris Greenhalgh

·         Stars: Anna Mouglalis, Mads Mikkelsen

When Coco tried to democratize the women’s fashion and musical taste in French history. Coco was inclined towards a wealthy and handsome boy Capel but due to her work load she had to concentrate on her clothing line. With the advent of Russian Revolution there was a poor refugee who tried to make an ends meet and was living in Paris. The man named Igor Stravinsky was introduced to Coco by Diaghilev. After meeting Igor Coco fell in love with him, however she invited Igor with his entire family, including his four kids and wife living under one roof. The love and compassionate feelings between Coco and Igor was ignite.

Dialogues:

When Coco made an entry a get together after the funeral accompanied by Diaghilev , he introduced Coco to Igor and other fellows aswell, Igor was star struck with her appearance and glam and started to probe about her.

“Allow me to introduce, Gabrielle Chanel.. Igor Stravinsky: Said Diaghilev,”

I see your name everywhere; Igor,

Delighted, Gabrielle,

She makes even grief seem chic, Diaghilev,”

When Igor tells Coco about her job, while they were close enough to discuss each other’s issues.

“You’re not an artist Coco, You’re a shopkeeper, Igor,

Departures; The Gift of Last Memories – Okuribito 2008

·         Japanese Cinema

·         Director: Yojiro Takita

·         Writer & Screenplay: Kundo Koyama

A devoted cellist affiliated with an orchestra, was dissolved for some reasons and this young man Daigo Kobayashi had to find a job to meet the ends need for his wife, so he started his journey in search for some job and was struck to an advertisement of a travel agency called “Departures”, however on knowing the job description it was something very peculiar for him, it was a job for ‘Nokanshi’ or ‘Encoffineer’ who prepares the dead bodies for burial. Daigo’s wife did not like the job but he was inclined towards his work solemnly and started to take pride in the job , he considered himself as a mediator or a go-between life and death , as he prepares the dead to enter in a new world.

Dialogues:

When Daigo’s wife Mika found out what exactly her husband’s job is she literally despises the fact that he is an encoffineer, while Daigo defends his stance for embracing such job.

“I just want you to have a normal job, Mika,

What’s normal? Everyone dies, I’ll eventually die , and so will you ,

Death itself is normal. Daigo,

“I don’t care about the philosophy of it! Just quite the job now,Mika