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By Roger Costa
BRIGHTON 4th
Set in the vibrant and bohemian Georgian/Russian section of Brooklyn, this riveting, often funny and thoughtful dramedy explores the relationship between father and son, both dealing with the troubles of their mutual addiction to gambling. As they run against time to pay the Mafia what’s due, the film is brilliantly invaded by a clan of eccentrics, sharing a common rooming-house, where they support each other with their virtues and compassion, creating a memorable sense of community and humanitarian values. Sensitive, perceptive and unique, director Levan Koguashvili’s third feature is a precise and sincere look at the immigrant condition, their battles, sacrifices, hard working and loneliness, as they seek the rewards of the American Dream.
(Kino Lorber. 1/28. Village East Cinema.)
LA SOGA: SALVATION
It’s been a decade since Manny Perez investigated his own life and exposed the lawless, corruptive government of Dominican Republic with the incendiary first part of the bloody saga of the complex assassin. Now, he makes his directorial debut with the much-awaited sequel, demonstrating efficiency and high potential behind the camera. The writer-producer-actor and director infuses sharp socio-political commentary to the action-packed material, crafting an overall satisfying and entertaining fantasy that mirrors contemporary issues with its unrealistic, yet electrifying fight scenes.
Doing his best to avoid the dangerous underworld and erase his past as the infamously brutal and feared governmental assassin, Luisito is haunted by his own principles and new motivations when his wife is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries led by a revengeful femme fatale. He goes on a hunt for those criminals, in order to rescue his extremely-tortured wife, while trying to hide his identity from other parts as well. Using great cinematography, impressive editing and music, Perez fully displays the brutality and cruelty of the situation, giving audiences exactly what one expects from such an action flick: promptly delivered, exciting, explosive bloody battles. And those are constantly burning through the screen in this sequel of the Latino-Anti-hero saga.
A wild, absurd fun-ride that feels like a blend of Scorsese, Haneke and Tarantino, it is an uncompromising and satisfyingly entertaining action film with a coherent political backdrop.
(Screen Media. 1/28. Cinema Village.)
FUTURA
Three of the most committed contemporary Italian filmmakers unify their forces and talents to achieve an important and definitive portrait of their homeland, a real, unique and timely report on its youth and what they expect for the days ahead. Directors Pietro Marcello (Martin Eden), Francesco Munzi (Black Souls), and Alice Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro) get exclusive access to the routine lives of several teens and young adults throughout the countryside and the small seaside villages, documenting their perspectives, dreams, fears, motivations and anxieties- all based on the fact that soon they will reach maturity and they lack hope, support and opportunities. The cameras go inside educational programs, where they witness the hidden talent of some of these kids in different areas, ranging from beauticians to athletes. With an intimate approach seen through their lenses filled with tenderness and empathy, the testimonies feel free and honest, as they display a peaceful, settled, yet horrifying account of their lives. They are talented and determined to reach success in the fields they’re being instructed, though it might fade away within the years, as most of them move on to other interests, due to the rules of human survival. Some are shy about it, some never wants to leave their humble, never-changing communities, while others dream bigger and simply face the harsh reality around them with optimism. Conceived before and during the Pandemic, it is a powerful portrait of this generation’s affairs and interests reflected on a country’s search for perspective. (Grasshopper Film. 1/28. Metrograph.)
LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM
Bhutan’s shortlisted Oscar entry takes the audience to a marvelous, spiritual and self-awareness journey through the intensity of the Bhutanese landscapes. An aspiring musician, trying to escape the country’s duties, hopes to migrate to Australia, when he’s assigned as a teacher at the remotest school in the world. A life-changing experience ensues, as he connects with the local children, learning of the essentials in life, including exploring his own culture and history- both constantly ignored by his westernized perspective. Humble, uplifting and utterly humane, director Pawo Choyning Dorji masterly crafts a lyrical and unique ode to the meaning of life.
(Samuel Goldwyn Films. 1/26. IFC Center.)
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