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

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2006

10. Gubra (Yasmin Ahmad)
Honestly, I don't get all the hate towards this film. I honestly don't. When other local films are portraying devout muslims(berserban, berjubah, etc) as terrorists or extremists, nobody said a thing (I'm looking at youse Misi 1511, Perempuan Melayu Terakhir, Berlari Ke Langit, Syaitan, etc). When in come a Bilal whose *only* fault is petting a dog (And also according to many for befriending a prostitute), all hell breaks loose. And about the so-called "ideology"? "Get a grip on r.e.a.l.i.t.y.", that's all I'm saying. Anyway Gubra is far from a flawless film, but its merits are enough for me to put it on the list.

9. The Prestige (Christopher Nolan)
A terrifically entertaining movie, and substantially superior than its "competition" The Illusionist. The rather 'messy' third act doesn't detract from the overall excitement. And Nolan is a genius in conjuring up a movie about magic, that is a magic trick all on its own.

8. The Departed (Martin Scorsese)
Martin Scorsese's remake of Infernal Affairs really improved a lot on subsequent viewings. Now I really think that it's a little better than IA due to its details, depth and character-driven plot. And the script(dialogues) is the best 2006 has to offer(or even the best since a few years). Highly entertaining, and highly rewatchable. Scorsese's most accessable film to date.

7. United 93 (Paul Greengrass)
Contrary to pre-assumptions, for me United 93 is an unbiased, unjudgmental, and unsentimentalized account of the tragedy that befell flight 93 in 9/11. And I respect this kind of filmmaking, especially for a film that could easily be pro-American. If anything the movie criticizes the American government itself. Both the passengers and the terrorists are portrayed as "humans", not cut-and-dry heroes and villains. And I accept the film as a half-fact, half-fictional account of that day. It's possible that everything that transpires "inside" the plane are not accurate, but it's also a possibility that it is. Probably there are no 'terrorists' at all. These are all assumptions. And I accept this one as one of the possibilities. The movie's a thoroughly engrossing watch, and it deserves to be on the list for that final, heartwrenching crash sequence.

6. The Road To Guantanamo (Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross)
Easily one of, if not the most important film of the year. This docu-drama follows the experiences of three British Muslims who are mistakenly captured in Afghanistan, and transported to the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison. Michael Winterbottom is probably the most versatile filmmaker, with films of various genres under his belt.

5. The Proposition (John Hillcoat)
I never really liked the Western genre before this. Now I do. The Proposition is *far more* than just another take on the tired ol' genre. It's as brutal and unflinching as the best of Sam Peckinpah or Sergio Leone, but defies tradition and revitalizes the genre to new heights. Ironically this 'Western' film is not even set in the good ol' Texas, it's set in the Australian outback.

4. Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan (Larry Charles)
The.Funniest.Shit.I.Have.Seen.In.Years.

As Borat Sagdyiev would say, "Very Niiice!"

3. Volver (Pedro Almodovar)
Pedro Almodovar, Penelope Cruz, and Carmen Maura are back together again. And the result is quite obvious.

2. Pan's Labyrinth @ El Laberinto Del Fauno (Guillermo Del Toro)
One of the best fantasy films ever. Forget Harry Potter or even Lord Of The Rings. *This* is what "fantasy" is all about. Highly imaginative creations that you have *never* seen before. It's an adult-oriented film, but never forgets its 'childlike' roots.

1. Children Of Men (Alfonso Cuaron)
A resounding accomplishment in almost every regard. Maybe it's even the best film since 2 or 3 years ago, if I may be so bold. My jaw dropped from start to finish of sheer amazement. And I only watched the movie on my PC. Imagine if I were to watch it on the big screen. haihh

Honorable Mentions: Inside Man, Little Miss Sunshine, A Scanner Darkly, A Prairie Home Companion, Thank You For Smoking, Half Nelson, L'Enfant, Casino Royale, Brick, Three Times, Happy Feet, Dave Chappelle's Block Party, 13: Tzameti, Cinta

Most Disappointing Films (not worst): Miami Vice, Superman Returns, Babel, The Queen, Little Children, X-Men 3, Cars

Worst Films: Pirates Of The Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest, The Da Vinci Code, Dragon Tiger Gate, Flags Of Our Fathers, Nana Tanjung (yeah I DID watch it. About 15 minutes of it. Probably even the most painful experience of the year.)

Need To See: Letters From Iwo Jima, The Fountain, Inland Empire, Perfume, The Last King Of Scotland

Inconscientes

APOCALYPTO (Mel Gibson, 2006)


Lemme get this off of my chest first: Mel Gibson is one sick, *sadistic* dude. There's something wrong with the guy. It's like with every subsequent movie(or even every scene!), he tries to top off the other with the ultimate ultraviolence. Constantly seemed to be trying to prove to himself how 'far' he would go, creating creative ways to kill off the characters in his film. And I do feel his 'enjoyment' in doing so. But I give credit to him where it's due: there's never a dull moment in Apocalypto. Yeah sure the story is almost non-evident, and it's basically an Action/Chase movie set during the Mayan Civilization, but what the hell if it's darn entertaining ain't it? That is, if you can stomach the insane amount of decapitations, impalements, torn limbs, and such. I know I do. Well, maybe there *is* something wrong with me too, after all.

Verdict: 3.5/5

BLOOD DIAMOND (Edward Zwick, 2006)


This is definitely Leo DiCaprio's year. Giving exceptional performance to both his movies, The Departed and Blood Diamond. His intensity in The Departed contribute greatly to what is already a very good film. But this is not the case for Blood Diamond. Sadly, the film failed *despite* the great acting. Zwick seems to be paying too much attention in preaching and history lessons than telling a worthwhile story. Don't get me wrong, I *do* care and sympathize for the sufferings in Africa. But seriously, half of the movie is spent on lectures on political-correctness, without giving me much motivation story-wise to keep paying attention. As far as this type of sociopolitical movie goes, there are definitely better ones out there. i.e The Constant Gardener and Hotel Rwanda. I can't commend much on the action part too, because they're nothing extraordinary. Just some stuff blown up real good and that's that. Only the performances of Dicaprio and Hounsou that are keeping me riveted. However, I'll be generous because even though it's a relatively bad film, it's done with the right intentions.

Verdict: 2.5/5

Volver Song

I am frightened of the meeting
With the past that is returning
To confront my life all over.
I am frightened of the nighttimes
When my dreams are linked and fleeting
And old mem’ries come to stay.
And yet the trav’ler who’s fleeing
Sooner or later must stop on the way…
And though oblivion, which destroys all being,
Has killed my old hopes, ripping them apart,
Yet I keep hidden a humble hopeful glimmer
That is the only fortune there is in my heart.

Return… with my forehead all wrinkled,
My temples turned silver by time’s falling snow…
To feel… that one’s life is a twinkle,
Twenty years hardly reckon,
And two fevered eyes beckon,
In shadows forestall you
And seek you and call you.
To live… with the soul firmly clinging
To one sweet remembrance
That makes me weep so.

Waltz

Just thought I'd share a scene from Richard Linklater's Before Sunset. One of my favorite movies ever. And this scene in particular, is also one of my favorite scenes ever.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

EL LABERINTO DEL FAUNO @ PAN'S LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toro, 2006)

Bagi aku filem ni adalah filem 'masterpiece' Guillermo Del Toro. Inilah filem yang betul-betul melonjakkan namanya dalam A-list pengarah filem. Cantuman elemen realiti dan 'dark fantasy' yang sangat baik, seangkatan dengan filem awalnya The Devil's Backbone. Walaupun aku anggap The Devil's Backbone hanya biasa-biasa saja, Pan's Labyrinth bertindak sebagai 'pelengkap' kepada tema filem itu(iaitu tentang kekejaman dunia dari perspektif seorang kanak-kanak), dan juga sebagai persembahan sempurna 'jiwa artistik' atau trademark Del Toro: Dengan ton filemnya yang gelap, ganas, serta imaginasi yang unik dan 'grotesque'. Tapi hasil imaginasi Del Toro tidaklah terasa 'superficial/cartoonish' macam imaginasi Tim Burton. Walaupun sang protagonis adalah kanak-kanak dan plot utamanya bercorak 'fairy tale', tapi memang, filem ini sesuai untuk orang dewasa sahaja. Kalau budak-budak tengok mungkin akan ada 'nightmare' malam-malam (terutamanya babak yang melibatkan 'child-eating monster' yang matanya kat tapak tangan). Aku boleh bayangkan kalau aku kecik-kecik tengok kompem tak boleh tidur.

Kesimpulannya filem ini aku gelar sebagai 'the definitive Del Toro movie'. Dari filem genre horror Cronos, kepada filem superhero Hellboy. Cebisan-cebisan elemen dari filem-filem terdahulunya direncahkan dengan sempurna dalam Pan's Labyrinth. Antara filem fantasi(atau separa fantasi?) terhebat pernah aku tonton.

Verdict: 4.5/5

P/S: ...baru saja aku rasa filem-filem tahun 2006 ni macam hampeh. Nampak gayanya tidak...heh

No children. No future. No hope

CHILDREN OF MEN (Alfonso Cuaron, 2006)

First, the trailer doesn't do justice to this one heck of a film.

Set in a dystopian future when no child has been born for 18 years for unknown reasons. Humankind are facing a risk of its own extinction, resulting to the crumbling of societies and nations falling into anarchy. The surviving populations are forced to migrate to fellow wealthy countries, in hope to seek refuge. In London, a woman bears the sole hope for the human survival.

Right off the bat, Children Of Men is an astounding technical virtuosity. From the detailed set pieces, cinematography to the expertly choreographed thriller scenes. It's just astonishing to look at. Combined with Alfonso Cuaron's (Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, Y Tu Mama Tambien) exceptional directorial skills, this sci-fi thriller is just gripping from start to end. The introduction scene explains it well enough already. And I'll be damned if anyone wasn't caught off guard with the 'surprise' in that scene. Cuaron captures the chaotic dystopian vision really well by sticking to a more 'realistic' and gritty feel; being not too 'futuristic'(flying cars, etc), with minimal CGI effects to accompany it. It's technically a marvel that I couldn't help but strike the question: "How did they do that?". The mood and atmosphere is all around depressing befitting the apocalyptic world, but Cuaron manages to insert little touches of dry humor in the film to balance it.

Amazingly, despite the film being set in the future, one would experience a sense of deja vu as the story progresses. The holocaust, dictatorship, revolusionists, terrorism, etc. Much of it is a depiction of the current state of the world. To an extent that some of the images could may well be taken off straight from the news. Conclusively the film acts as a metaphor to the consequences of our current actions, the destruction that we would bring to our future generation, our children. Where in this case, there would be no children at all. The Muslims and immigrants are discriminated, and kept in a prison-like refugee camp under the oppressive regime; much like the World War II holocaust. Revolutionist marches, terrorist attacks, bombings, and military raids add to the chaos that engulf this horrific, haunting end-of-the-world vision. It's ironic that despite facing extinction, human beings still continue to strive on violence and killing each other.

The reason for this 'infertility' phenomenon however, is never actually explained throughout the movie, but it didn't detract anything as far as the story and narrative themes are concerned. Instead of presenting a 'large scale' scope, Cuaron centers the film's plot; revolving around the main protagonist, Theo (Clive Owen), and his unexpected journey in helping the child-bearer to safety. Almost all the events that occur, the going-ons of this dystopian world, are kept in the background. Some would criticize this choice, that it results to underdevelopment. But to me, this is what makes the movie superior than most of its kind; particularly the recent V For Vendetta which has basically similar social commentary elements. Unlike the latter, Children Of Men doesn't resort to bludgeoning our heads with its liberalistic preachings. Instead, the 'realization', subtly but effectively builds up through visual means, making us learn and feel for ourselves the point that the film is getting across. The movie puts us right in the middle of it all, and the familiar events that transpire made it all the more relatable to us now. I was emotionally invested without the movie forcing us to. And the thought that this chaotic world would probably come close to happening considering the current predicament, is terrifying.


Performance-wise, there is nothing much to shout about, or anything to complain either. The stand-out performance would be Michael Caine as Jasper, an ageing hippie. I first thought that Clive Owen was 'droning' a little bit earlier on in the film, although that probably fits his character as a world-weary, cynical bureucrat. However, as the story progresses and his character is plunged into more complex circumstances, we'd get to see the different dimensions of the character: an everyman whose unwittingly burdened with the responsibilty of protecting humankind's only hope. This may be typical for some, but the strengths of the film is not much about characters (as do 2001: A Space Odyssey isn't about a character). It's the idea that is stunningly original, and the equally excellent execution that made this film as spectacular as it is.

With that said, I regard Children Of Men to be the best film of the year. It would be kinda hard for any other film to top it off. And it would feel right at home standing alongside such sci-fi/dystopian classics as A Clockwork Orange and Blade Runner.


My Verdict: 4.5/5