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Reviews
The Breath (2023)
Post war trauma is the real war
Post-war trauma is real! Wars have always resulted in physical as well as mental torture for people, especially those who are kept as prisoners. Years after years, the physical destruction may be regained but what about the trauma that imprints its footmark on the people's mind? When people turn to other people, nature can not intervene in the war. So what about a man communicating and complaining to nature about his family's loss and depression about his mind? A person who returns to his village 28 years after the war ends but finds a complete home. A home without family. It kills his inner self as his mind suffers from illness. Breath (2023) deals with the post-war depression of Bakhtiyar due to remaining captive for two years. Upon returning to his village he recalls the memories of his family while talking to Mother Nature. A beautiful yet painful story portrays the protagonist Hadji Gadir Vusal as Bakhtiyar who beautifully summits his soul into the film character. The beginning of the film creates suspense when Bakhtiyar walks into a cold village aimlessly avoiding taking a lift from a stranger. His character is an abundant manipulation of the tortures he suffered from in the war era. Recalling the memories he had with his family, Bakhtiyar feels so empty while communicating with trees, stones, water and snow. Just as these objects are real humans. Such an epic representation of his emptiness and mental trauma while he talks to non-animated yet animated natural things. Not any human but a breathing tree and water as they'd witnessed the devastation of his village as well as Bakhtiyar's mental destruction. Even though the village got its freedom from the enemies yet Bakhtiyar's trauma became permanent. Directed by Elmar Bayramov who is famous for his short film direction. The direction incorporates several mise en scene features, the rustle of leaves, the plip of raindrops and the sound of shoes running in the world of dismay and doom. The focus of the camera highlights the naturally captured scenes in severe weather. Even the viewers can find themselves under the influence of the motive of the direction. They can feel pity and emotions while observing the most critical scenes of the film. The sense of empathy created by the filmmakers equally attracts the viewers. Although the film is directed in Azerbaijan, it appeals to the aesthetic sense of the viewers not specifically but worldwide. The plot does not merely fulfil the film's construction, it has an emotional appeal towards its audience. By representing the true tale of Bakhtiyar's struggle with his mental health, the audience will relate his story to the people suffering in real. The narrative structure of the film includes non-linear order in the direction. The plot construction does not follow the traditional feature of storytelling. Instead, it focuses on the memories of Bakhtiyar before the war in animated form. This technique of incorporating animation into this non-animated drama movie is mind-boggling. Suddenly the shift of the main plot distracts the attention of the spectators to the world of animation where they can find Bakhtiyar before his years of captivation. There is no doubt in saying that Breath (2023) has a characteristic of a live-action movie where animation contributes to the story's belief. The animated feature has abundantly served its extended purpose in plot construction. Talking about the mise en scene of the film, as a short film, the direction spots the light of the camera while filming near and remote things. The emphasis of the camera grabs the attention of the viewers while focusing on the objects. The close shots of the objects as Bakhtiyar talks to the stones and water. It will take your time to let you understand the plot, no speculations. The shot composition of the camera highlights the objects such as the blue eyes of Bakhtiyar telling his painful memories. Symbolism is another distinguished trait of the film plot. The camera focuses on the eyes of the protagonist the poster of the film highlights the eye. The eye symbolizes the painful tale of Bakhtiyar when he was captured while his family was tortured or killed by the criminals. The dog he sets free while unchaining him symbolizes that he knows the true meaning of freedom. Even he did not consider his life being threatened by the dog who could bite or attack him. By unchaining him he gave the message of freedom while he remained chained in his mind. Usually, short films fix a single idea in the story construction but Breath (2023) inculcated various ideas behind the main plot. The ideas of freedom, mental trauma and emptiness are the sub-themes of the movie. As action goes side by side, certain motions captured by the camera balance the action. In some scenes, the protagonist just walks and says nothing. His silence adds drama to the action. The silence he owns in some scenes has a powerful message about his mental struggle. If the audience speculates about his lack of actions performed in the film, his silence is the core action. In the entire film, the monologue is performed which empowers his character. His communication with the trees, sand and water seems like he is communicating with the real being. When it comes to monologue in the film, the delivery has to be powerful enough to concentrate the audience. Due to the attention of a single person, monologue delivery is not only full of emotions but entertains the audience. The strategy behind filming the scenes is to give it a natural touch as the audience can find themselves very close to the character. A person returns to his homeland not in peace but facing another war which is going on in his mind. A prisoner who lost everything in his struggle to survive. A father and son who will not see his family again. The war has not ended yet! This film gives a powerful message through the real story of Bakhtiyar who remained in trauma after the end of the war.
Flesh Peddler (2022)
Be your own boss!
This short film has a great message for its viewers. Never be shy when you are determined to do any work. Holly struggled to defend her job as well as confident enough to get over anybody who would cross her way. I saw this movie at the Los Angeles Film Festival and it is mind-boggling. As a lead protagonist, Holly plays the role of an ambitious girl who is sensible in what she is doing. With the help of her friend, she decides to transform her job into her own business.
Overall the plot idea is remarkable serving the hardwork of the direction. Jacquie Valasco has indeed given her whole effort to directing the plot. She highlights that this society is a variety of people who will always pull your leg whatever you do, which means you opt! It is you who will decide for yourself. There is no shame in any business. Be your own boss.
The Fortunate Sons (2023)
Suspense yet action-oriented animation
An animation yet suspense-based production named The Fortunate Sons is an exquisite piece. Nolan, Johnson and Gary set on a mission but get themselves trapped with a restaurant owner Quang. The most important feature of the film includes animated scenes particularly focusing on major actions such as gun firing. The voiceover behind the action is entirely matching the pace of the animation. The selection of dialogues stands with the motion performed by the actors. No doubt, Calamari and Techshadowzz produced an interesting animation but certain elements of animation are yet to be worked on. Although music, action and timing can be seen. The movements of characters or subjects have to be balanced in the course of action. Overall the script is occupying. Waiting to see the climax of this animation.
Clinic (2023)
A harsh truth behind BBL and aesthetic surgeries
In light of this film, aesthetic procedures are not merely an attraction for women especially focusing on their beauty standards. These procedures result from society's demands and the females who mostly suffer from a lack of self-love. The protagonist Lisa becomes the victim of BBL surgery due to the enforcement of her colleagues to make more money from her profession as a dancer. However, her friend forced her not to go for it due to lame social standards and fake social media. Her constant fear of being bullied throughout her childhood targeted her love for her body. Even when she went to the clinic involved in illegal cosmetic surgeries, certain women were also dragged into the pot of fake beauty fantasies. The film has given a crystal-clear message to the women who are following fake beauty standards by persistent damaging their bodies for survival in the mock-up society. These cosmetic procedures are not only mangling their bodies but also the virtue of individual self-love is suppressed by society. Lisa was survived by her friend who was against these surgeries but what about the other women in our society who have completely fallen into this dupe standard by forgetting the value of their bodies?
Target List (2023)
Suspense, terror with comic relief! Target List impressively engaged the spectators in holding suspense at its peak.
When it comes to action and suspense, comedy is mostly not expected in a suspenseful atmosphere. MJ Palo worked hard in creating tension throughout the movie plot with the help of two main protagonists i.e., Dr Donna Sawyer and Dr Clyde Daniel. Target List by its name gives a fearful impression even by its trailer. The story of two naïve researchers who were occupied in their life in proposing a new technological treatment for cancer patients. Until their fellows are targeted and killed one by one by a group of the big pharma company. Escaping for their life, Dr Sawyer and Daniel get themselves into some amusing yet diverting situations every time. The scenes of capturing the killer in the motel and Dr Sawyer's gunshot at the ceiling give some amusing relief to the audience. The arguments between Dr Sawyer and Dr Daniel are also comical even though they know how critical condition they are facing without doing anything. Fearful of being killed by the hired shooter and framed illegally by the company for killing their fellows is a grand output of the direction. The direction involved not only tense scenes but some emotional scenes where Dr Sawyer recalls her dead daughter also involve the audience's attention. An unexpected master planner behind the assassinations, his agenda in framing them both builds a strong storyline until the suspect is revealed. If we say that mixing different sub-genres into the film plot like action, humour and apprehension builds a strong narrative. That is achieved by the filmmakers by fulfilling the aesthetic value of the cinematography. The dialogue realization by the cast is up to the mark as each character knows how to put effort into performance. The use of the latest technological gadgets like mobile phones and laboratory set-ups and technology used in cancer treatment is easily identifiable by the audience. Of course, the film has infused modern technological build-up in different scenes. When the film reaches its climax, Dr Sawyer and Daniel live guilt-free although they have lost their colleagues. But the truth that their colleague was engaged in earning money is the actual opening of Pandora's box. But survival in society without any crime or allegation remained valuable to them in the end. They deserved it and mostly earned it! The direction splendidly grasped the attention of the audience till the very end of the story and that is the hallmark of any film direction.
Abandoned Dead (2015)
A first-rate tale of horror and suspense, a well crafted screenplay.
Did you ever think of someone coming behind you? Someone dead! It may be scary. But when a series of dead people come again and again behind you, really creepy! Mark W. Curran has written the screenplay and direction of 'Abandoned dead' which consists of horror and suspense as the main event. The young security guard is appointed in an abandoned clinic alone as her night shift. By opening every door, the viewers can see some supernatural activity waiting for her. The background aroma adds a horrific atmosphere around her. I don't think she can save her life now! The upcoming scenes are so terrifying even for the audience. Meanwhile, busy with her shift, every time someone is calling for her. These psychic activities like light off, glass smashing and bell ringing frighten her. A voice comes calling her. She is so scared searching for the the person calling her. What a mind play of the direction! On the other side, she recalls her childhood. A haunting memory in an abandoned and dreadful place. Even the toy doll has been used as a tool for terrifying which is working certainly. Across the board, this film startles the audience. Their sympathy goes with Rachel who dares to come alone in this abandoned place. Nice job Rachel. And the mind-blowing idea behind the movie!
American Mafia: The Rise and Fall of Organized Crime in Las Vegas (2021)
A masterfully crafted piece of modern mobster drama and crime about Las Vegas
This documentary is a mindboggling tale of Mobs, crime and bloodshed set in the streets of Las Vegas. A great effort in telling the story of the American mafia movement in Las Vegas. Especially the narrator's effort and the vintage photography included in this 90 minutes of direction. The portrayal of crime and corruption was witnessed once and is now a part of a documentary. Real crime incidents have been shaped so well. Every era has its peak and end which is marvellously covered in this short and full packaged 90 minutes tale. Narrated and directed by Mark Curran makes this documentary a highly recommended one to watch.
Everything is Upstream (2018)
A true depiction of dreams through film
The movie is based on the true depiction of dreams directed by Ponderrada back in 2016. Ponferrada interviewed some Buddhist practitioners by discussing their dreams around the world. One can imagine that making a movie is a tough job which have been glimpsed through this short movie. The struggle to take lots of interviews and then focusing on some dreams. It leaves an impressively animated stamp on the mind of viewers as mind capture the images of someone's dream in their mind. No one can understand the visualization of someone's dream as long as it's being viewed on-screen as a film. The dreams of five Monks are described visually one by one who are themselves narrating their dream. The most important thing is the splendid visual comeback of their dreams when telling the world. What I found unique is their dream description and then they know what's the interpretation of their dreams.
As we know that true dream can't be easily pictured, audience must have surprised by the peak moment of Monks' dreams which is skillfully added in direction. The opening scene of the movie is creating suspense when a child runs for his life facing the hope to survive from hordes. The second dream is told by Luang Pao when he is on a boat find himself flying in the sky with a boat. Later he tells what his dream is actually connected to the reality when he saved some people in real life. Meanwhile, the next story fantastically takes the attention of viewers with a scene of a prison. What a splendid combo of black and white pointing to the darkness in the dream. This footage is awakening the want of being free and hope to live again. Then the movie moves toward the suspenseful part when another Monk finds three things in a vivid dream and interpreting its essence. Such a remarkable true depiction of the dreams in the movie forcing the viewers to speculate its depth in real term. Lastly the most heart touching scene when a child is born and dead in the dream. When a mother is awakened, she knows that she's still childless. The direction has manifested that when there's some dismay; there comes hope.
Everything is upstream skilfully constructed and explored the unique perspectives of dreams. Not only visually stimulating, the movie has succeeded faithfully in its description of the plotline.
Hoodman (2021)
Highly recommended suspenseful low-budget film
Hoodman is a suspenseful and fun horror-crime thriller that kept me guessing. I loved the urban legend story. I love lower budget movies so if you are looking for a studio-quality movie you will be disappointed. But if you like lower budget fare, you will be entertained.