travelman-1 Reviews

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Beyond the beautiful cinematography is the finding of life's purpose for two friends.

[7 October 2004]

This film about the young Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his buddy Alberto Granado may inspire people to commit to do something that matters at some point in their lives. From a privileged background in Buenos Aires, both buddies set out on a fun trek-adventure. Through meetings with the poor and sick of various countries of South America,Che's future life as a revolutionary in Cuba is formed. The cinematography is stunning, varying from the desolate Atacama desert to the awesome Machu Picchu to the jungle of the Amazon basin. All the encounters with various poor and hopeless people at some points seemed a bit too slick and not genuine. However, it did portray the then(1950s) and present gap in standard of living among the peoples of that continent, especially divided along the lines of indigenous versus European backgrounds. The leper colony sequence seemed dragged out somewhat but it showed Che's commitment to a cause in which he believed. The shot of Alberto as an old man today living in Havana was a great parting shot before the credits. All in all, the film was entertaining and an interesting insight into a man whose memory is revered in today's Cuba.

His Brother (2003)

A slow film with excellent acting by the two main characters.

[7/10 · 3 October 2004]

I saw Son Frere recently in Montreal in the original French (no subtitles). It certainly was a "brooding" dark film that really concentrated on closeups and detail in the European tradition. For me, the changes in time and settings did not take away from the relationship theme of the two brothers and their gradual reconciliation. I thought the detailed hospital scenes were a bit long but very realistic, though sombre. Ironically, I did not find the film depressing as it gave hope that something good comes in times of crisis. I will remember the film more for the two main actors, who I think were very well cast in these roles. It was more like watching a play or "the real thing" with long moments of silence or little spoken to reflect. Not a film that may have "mass appeal" but worthwhile seeing and memorable.

Brides (2004)

An entertaining film based on an interesting immigrant experience.

[6/10 · 2 October 2004]

I saw this film which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival this September. The film was spoken in both Greek and English (by the appropriate characters). The director Pantelas Voulgaris and at least one of the principal actors, Jason Lewis were in attendance in the row in front of mine. The plot centered on an immigrant "mail-order bride" from Greece sailing to America to be wed to a Greek husband along with other young women from her country and other European brides. She meets an American photographer on board, played by Jason Lewis. While I thought the premise was different and interesting, the film lagged in parts and the chemistry did not seem to be there between the principals. There were some good supporting cast performances and it did manage to hold the interest. All in all, just entertaining but not memorable.

Innocent Voices (2004)

A film that you will remember for a long time.

[10/10 · 19 September 2004]

I just saw this film (World Premiere)the final day of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 18. It is in Spanish with English subtitles. The film, set in El Salvador during the years of civil war in the '80s, is told through the voice and eyes of 11-year old Chava. He lives with his mother, two brothers and a sister in a cardboard-house in a village, and at age 12 will be 'eligible' to be taken into the "ejercito" (army). The acting is superb-both principals and supporting cast- as is the directing and pacing. This film will leave you moved both to tears and to admiration for the human spirit. Though the two hours seemed to pass in minutes, thinking about this film will last for many years. I really felt I was present "on the set". Both the director(Luis Mandoki) and the screenplay writer(Oscar Torres, who was the boy in the film) were present for an emotional and uplifting Q&A. I could only give this film a 10 and hope it will be distributed in as many countries as possible.