By 
By Roger Costa
CHILE ’76
Do guilt and resentment play an important part in life’s endurance as much as joy and hope do? Whatever the answer is, the fact is that, all of the above walk side by side through any personal journey. These are some of the moral, social and political questions brought up by Chilean actress-turned-director Manuela Martelli in her transfixing, efficient slowburn debut drama. Set during the early years of the Pinochet regime, it follows the emotional impacts of Carmen, a wealthy woman who becomes involved in the violent battle between civilians and the oppressive government. She bonds with a priest to hide and take care of a wounded rebel, putting her status and family at risk. Nominated for the Golden Camera in Cannes, Martelli builds up the narrative as a suspenseful, unpredictable political statement about compassion, prudence and the importance of humanitarian values during wartime. With the camera firmly focused on Carmen’s thrilling and dangerous trajectory going back and forward with her family duties, her charity activities, the relaxing moments when she spends time with her grandchildren, and the escapes to keep the clandestine process of healing the government’s most wanted men, the director conducts the narrative with a strong sense of female empowerment, paving the way for an instant classic, anchored by a notably courageous and remarkable performance by Aline Küppenheim as the heroine. Gripping and atmospheric, it is a great start for another emerging, precious talent hailing from Chile.
(Kino Lorber. 5/5. Film at Lincoln Center.)
THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS
Directors (and real-life partners) Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch’s Cannes Jury Prize Winner is one of the most visually stunning films you will ever see. The reason is its settings: the profoundly splendorous landscape and sights of the Italian Alps and the Himalayas serve as the center stage for the self-discovery journey of two men from childhood into adulthood and all the incredible moments they share together or apart. Pietro is the city, educated boy who comes from Torino to spend summer at the mountains. There, he meets Bruno a very-connected-to-the mountains orphan living with his uncle. They form a special, unique and strong bond that will last a lifetime and traverse many obstacles and challenges just like life itself. Beautifully observed and meticulously crafted, the directors extract sensibility, honesty and vigor from every frame, every period of time, every aspect related to the message about the co-dependence between men and nature. It is a powerful, deeply reflective and truthful study on human relationships, respect, love, family, and those we actually choose to be our family. When Pietro’s parents try to persuade Bruno to go to the city’s school, their friendship falls apart and they go separate ways. The constant misunderstandings between parents and children go on for years, and become a key element in the narative: Pietro’s father is obsessed with climbing the snowy mountains and takes him and Bruno on risky, adventurous, chilling hikings. Pietro has always been pushed by his father, despite his inability to maintain balance and breathing control. We never see Bruno’s father but we learn a lot about his horrible personality and equal decisions. Both boys carry different personalities, and some resemblence of their parents: Pietro is concentrated, silent but he knows much more than anyone can expect; while Bruno’s intense behavior is increasingly out of control, moved by instincts. He defines himself as “half man, half animal, half tree”. Punctuated by their differences and their reunion as adults, when they decide building a house in the wilderness, and culminating on their love experiences (Pietro travels to the Himalayas where he meets a local; Bruno falls in love with one of his buddy’s former lover), the directors conceived an incredible adventure, an epic saga about friendship, a richly spiritualized and humanistic drama that celebrates the amazing experience of existence. Bravo!
(Sideshow/Janus Films. 5/5. Angelika Fim Center.)
YOU CAN LIVE FOREVER
A convincingly performed and provocative Queer story centered in the strict religious world of the Jeovah Witnesses in the 90’s, writers-directors Mark Slutsky and Sarah Watts makes a lovely statement about finding your voice, your place and your soulmate when you least expect. Running away from her dysfunctional mother, lesbian teen Jaime tries to “re-educate” herself among the religious community but inevitably falls hard for a gorgeous devotee. Their forbidden romance will defy the principles and put at serious risk their reputation, but love is pulsating over these girls and they will embark on a life-changing evolution. Raved at many festivals, including Tribeca, Outfest and Palm Springs, the actors are fantastic and their chemistry sparkle. The screenplay is fresh and never offends neither religion nor sexual orientation, making it a lovely, smart and satisfying look at a young lesbian’s identity crisis and clash with the doctrines.
(Good Deed Entertainment. 5/5. Village East Cinema and On Demand.)
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
For the last two decades, the romcom genre has been struggling to get back on its feet, and to find empathy among modern audiences. Fans of romantic comedies will find hope with director Shekhar Kapur’s charming film, a funny and very elegant take on arranged marriage and cultural clashes. Acclaimed for his period pieces, including “Elizabeth” and “The Four Feathers”, Kapur steps for the first time into this unpredictable and very risky field, making the best of it and offering audiences a pleasant, smart and highly emotional primetime in the movies. Lily James is fabulous as a filmmaker who goes on a journey to document her childhood friend’s arranged marriage and decisive encounters. As she explores his Pakistani traditions, culture and ancestry values, she is confronted by her own lonely and unsettled condition, constantly stumbling upon disastrous relationships. We know where this is going, but the way it is told and executed makes it feel fresh and irresistible. Oscar winner actress Emma Thompson also rounds the cast, providing hilarious, goofy moments as the mother of James’ character. Very efficient and carrying favorable influences from “Love Actually” and the world of Nora Ephron, this will indeed make you believe in love again.
(Shout Studios. 5/5. Regal Union Square, AMC Jersey Garden, AMC Empire, Village East Cinemas.)
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