Ten Canoes (Rolf de Heer and Peter Djigiir, 2006)
Undoubtedly you won't find any other film from last year that is as bizarre as Ten Canoes, a story revolving a tribe of Australian aborigins many, many years ago. Bear in mind, this film is NOT what you would expect considering that somewhat 'misleading' short synopsis. This is no documentary nor another heavy 'socio-political conscious' drama about these aborigins. Instead it is a charmingly funny fable, told in a unique flair that not only made the film accessible, but also complements the 'quirkiness' of the film itself. These "gibberish"-speaking, naked aboriginals are very much identifiable, complete with their own distinct characteristics that are similar to your average individuals. Unlike Apocalypto which more or less depicts natives as some sort of savage "aliens", Ten Canoes *takes* the viewer into their world with a nostalgic atmosphere, also showing that time doesnt change human behaviors as much as we would expect. They exhibit the same feelings as ours(jealousy, anger, desire, happy, sad, etc), do things that are as common as our lifestyle now and even talk dirty to one another. Added with the constantly humorous narration, their world and their story turned out to be not so 'other-worldly' after all. Truly a one of a kind viewing experience.
Verdict: 4/5
Water (Deepa Mehta, 2005/2006)
One of the nominated films in the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and also a part of the "Elements Trilogy" (I havent seen the others). Deepa Mehta's controversial film is a social criticism on the Hindu customs in India that closet widows in holy ashrams, which basically alienating them from "higher" society. Controversies aside, for me Water is a refreshment over the standard typical 'Hindustan' film offerings; meaning no musical numbers and melodrama in sight. Deepa Mehta weaves the story with feminist sensitivity (befitting the issue it raises), and although clearly she intends to make a sociopolitical statement, she never forgets the importance of a good story told with art. The film is rich with lyrical imageries, and also boasts a great cast. Particularly the gorgeous Lisa Ray as Kalyani. The 'message' is overbearing at times, but it never really gets in the way of the story itself as the film slowly builds itself into an ultimately moving tragedy.
Verdict: 3.5/5
Undoubtedly you won't find any other film from last year that is as bizarre as Ten Canoes, a story revolving a tribe of Australian aborigins many, many years ago. Bear in mind, this film is NOT what you would expect considering that somewhat 'misleading' short synopsis. This is no documentary nor another heavy 'socio-political conscious' drama about these aborigins. Instead it is a charmingly funny fable, told in a unique flair that not only made the film accessible, but also complements the 'quirkiness' of the film itself. These "gibberish"-speaking, naked aboriginals are very much identifiable, complete with their own distinct characteristics that are similar to your average individuals. Unlike Apocalypto which more or less depicts natives as some sort of savage "aliens", Ten Canoes *takes* the viewer into their world with a nostalgic atmosphere, also showing that time doesnt change human behaviors as much as we would expect. They exhibit the same feelings as ours(jealousy, anger, desire, happy, sad, etc), do things that are as common as our lifestyle now and even talk dirty to one another. Added with the constantly humorous narration, their world and their story turned out to be not so 'other-worldly' after all. Truly a one of a kind viewing experience.
Verdict: 4/5
Water (Deepa Mehta, 2005/2006)
One of the nominated films in the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and also a part of the "Elements Trilogy" (I havent seen the others). Deepa Mehta's controversial film is a social criticism on the Hindu customs in India that closet widows in holy ashrams, which basically alienating them from "higher" society. Controversies aside, for me Water is a refreshment over the standard typical 'Hindustan' film offerings; meaning no musical numbers and melodrama in sight. Deepa Mehta weaves the story with feminist sensitivity (befitting the issue it raises), and although clearly she intends to make a sociopolitical statement, she never forgets the importance of a good story told with art. The film is rich with lyrical imageries, and also boasts a great cast. Particularly the gorgeous Lisa Ray as Kalyani. The 'message' is overbearing at times, but it never really gets in the way of the story itself as the film slowly builds itself into an ultimately moving tragedy.
Verdict: 3.5/5
2 comments:
mana ko tgk ten canoes ni? cam besh je
download(cam biasa)
memang besh pun. 'Apocalypto' versi 'humble'.
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